Be An IAS \ By An IAS NOTHING BEYOND IT PART-1: 1st to 14th FEBRUARY 2021
Bimonthly Comprehensive Current Affairs Magazine INCLUDES
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India’s Science Policy Security World Monitor Watch Scan BE N BY IAS www.beandbyias.com Add-1: 32/5, LGF, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi-110060 Add-2: 4, East Park Road, Near New Rohtak Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005 Add-3: 821, Sector- 15, Part-II Gurgaon-122001 Email Id: [email protected] I Ph. No. 9958274810, 9958826967 DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln No one else can create your future for you other than yourself. For being focused and not just groping in the dark you need a teacher, mentor, guide and motivator, who would not only prepare you for this challenge with his own example of success and experience of unique nature having conquered the summit in his first and the only attempt in perhaps one of the most difficult examination in the country. That is precisely we at BE N BY IAS, with the most personal and meaningful message “Be an IAS /By an IAS”, are striving to provide every aspirant an opportunity to get taught, trained and prepared for accomplishing this herculean task in the shortest possible time with highest standards of quality inputs. However this can be made possible by none other than the aspirants themselves with the devotion, hard work and a strong zeal for accomplishing the achievable. One can get ‘coaching’ from umpteen number of good teachers but the difference is made when they can get moulded through structured guidance by someone with years of real success and experience and becoming a role model himself. My own journey: It was through the dint of hard work and by leaving no stone unturned that I was able to come out successfully in various competitive examinations one after another ultimately leading to my joining the coveted IAS by securing 89th Rank in my one and the only attempt: These selections step by step not only prepared me in acquiring the necessary skills but being apt in techniques of successfully handling various competitive examinations over a period of time. These successes never diminished my quest for pursuit of excellence and learning due to which I continued to pursue the academics even while serving in the IAS. My academic achievements as listed below are perhaps many would find difficult to match in the civil services even. M.A. (Public Administration) from Panjab University in 1983 Master of Marketing Management (MMM) from Pondicherry University in 1999 Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in 2008 Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Delhi University in 2012 Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and IPR Laws from Indian Law Institute (ILI) in 2015 Master of Business Laws (MBL) from National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in 2016 Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Writing and Contract Drafting from Gujarat National Law University in 2018 International Civil / Commercial Mediator with accreditations from Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), Civil Mediation Council (CMC) UK and ADR ODR International, UK International Accredited Negotiator with ADR ODR International, UK Certifications in IPR Laws and Cyber Laws from ILI and in International Taxation from Charlotte Law School, USA. In a career spanning almost 40 years the system has given me plethora of experience and academic strength which I now desire to share with my perspective students who aspire to get into my shoes by being their mentor, guide, role model and teacher. Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” – Buddha I would never like to see the aspirants keep on waiting for tomorrow to get onto the path of success and would rather be honored to give my country as many excellent civil servants as I can during my lifetime through my motivation and guidance. So wake up and take a call by truly following this beautiful message: Arise, awake, and, stop not till the goal is reached. - Swami Vivekananda Jai Hind !! Jasbir Singh Bajaj I.A.S.(V.R.S.) Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
CONTENT
GENERAL STUDIES-I 3.4 Ladakh Crisis-‘India, China Agree to Return to Pre-April 2020 Positions’….…………………...29 1. History…………………………………..……3 3.5 US Welcomes India’s Emergence As A Leading 1.1 125th Anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Global Power and Net Security Provider……....30 Bharata’………………………………………….3 1.2 Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations…………..4 Editorial…………………………………..…….31 1.3 Assam Chah Bagichar Dhan Puraskar Mela 3.6 Lanka scraps India port deal-East Container Scheme…………………………………………..5 Terminal (ECT)………………………….……..31 3.7 India USA Relations-Role of Leaders-From 2. Society……………………………………..…5 Truman To Trump….…………………………..33 2.1 National Polio Immunization Drive Begins Across 3.8 India’s Myanmar Dilemma….………………....35 the Country………………………………………5 2.2 World Bank's Stars Project For Education……....7 RSTV-The Big Picture……………………….37 Editorial…………………………………………………7 3.9 G7 and India….………………………………...37 2.3 Building a robust healthcare system…………….7 RSTV-India’s World…………………………..38 2.4 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana - 3.10 India's Engagement with Africa………………..38 beneficiaries cross 1.75 crore……………………9 GENERAL STUDIES-III GENERAL STUDIES-II 1. Economic Development………………..41 1. Polity and Constitution………………..10 1.1 GST Revenue collection for January 2021 almost 1.1 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties Doubles touches ₹1.20 lakh crore…………………….…41 In 9 Years………………………………………..10 1.2 Budget 2021: Top 10 takeaways from Nirmala 1.2 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-2.2 Percent Sitharaman’s speech……………………...…….42 Cases Ended In Conviction………………….…..10 1.3 Singapore Arbitration: Amazon Wins Relief as 1.3 Judicial Appointement-Deadlock In Collegium HC Stays Future-Reliance Deal….…….…..43 System…………………………………………...11 1.4 TRAI regulations - To curb unsolic ited 1.4 T he Medical Termination of Pregnancy commercial communications….…………..43 (Amendment) Bill, 2020………………………...12 1.5 34.46 % Hike In Capital Expenditure-Huge Editorial..…………………………………….…13 Multiplier Effect….………………………….....46 1.5 The Farmer’s Right To Protest………………....13 1.6 Rs. 16000 Crore for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for 2021-22….……………...47 1.6 Journalism-Freedom of Press and Speech……..15 1.7 Government Securities (G-Sec) For Retail 1.7 Parliamentary Scrutiny- Constitutionality of The Investor….……………………………………...48 Law……………………………………………..16 1.8 New Labour Codes: Labour Law Reforms….…49 2. Governance…………………………..…….18 1.9 Govt. To clarify E-Commerce FDI Rules…..….50 2.1 Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) (JJMU) to help revive 1.10 Major Ports Authorities Bill 2020 Passed In Rajya urban waterbodies………………………….…..18 Sabha………………………………………..….51 2.2 16-Digit Unicode For Land Plots In Uttar 1.11 Amazon-Future Group Case-Amazon Moves Pradesh……………………………….………...19 Supreme Court……………………………...….52 2.3 TIFAC’s Saksham (Shramik Shakti Manch)- To 1.12 TIFAC’s Seaweed Mission For Commercial Connect Labourers To Msmes…………..……..20 Farming of Seaweeds……………………….….53 2.4 Corruption Perception Index 2020……………..21 1.13 Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) 2.5 Gobardhan Scheme………………………...…..21 Scheme……………………………………...….54 2.6 Mission Innovation 2.0………………….……..22 1.14 NITI Aayog study to track economic impact of RSTV-The Big Picture……………………….23 green verdicts….……………………………….54 2.7 Budget 2021: Green Energy Highlights..………23 1.15 Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project….………...55 3. International Relations…………………...25 1.16 National Hydrogen Energy Mission………..….55 3.1 UN Security Council to hold emergency meet Editorial…………………………………………56 over Myanmar coup….…………………….…..25 1.17 A Vehicle Scrapping Policy….………………...56 3.2 U.S. extends New START nuclear treaty with 1.18 Union Budget on health, infrastructure, Russia….…………………………………...…..27 privatisation, but lack of income support 3.3 International Criminal Court convicts Ugandan continues…………………………………....….57 commander for war crimes….………………....28 1.19 It’s Goodbye To Fiscal Orthodoxy………....….58 YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 1 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
RSTV-The Big Picture……………………….61 3.3 Dept of Telecom Delays 5G Trials In India……81 1.20 RBI Monetary Policy Review…………...….….61 3.4 Kapila' For Patent Awareness………………….82 1.21 Bare Necessities Index….……………………...63 3.5 Mission Hope: United Arab Emirates Spacecraft 2. Environment and Bio-diversity………66 Enters Orbit Around Mars…………………..….83 2.1 Delhi cabinet gives nod to restore more than 400 3.6 What is Einsteinium?...... ….….84 hectares of Central Ridge….…………………...68 3.7 Hunter Syndrome: MPS II….………………….85 2.2 Denmark’s artificial energy island project……..68 RSTV-Science Monitor………………………85 2.3 Uttarakhand Glacial Lake Burst or Avalanche...68 3.8 Allocation in UNION BUDGET-2021-22…..…86 2.4 51st Tiger Reserve-Srivilliputhur–Megamalai 3.9 IIT Kanpur Software for Autism Detection……86 Tiger Reserve……………………………….….69 3.10 Aero India Show 2021……………………...….87 2.5 World’s Smallest Reptile…………………...….71 3.11 Science Express….……………………………..87 2.6 Furnace Oil From Titanium Factory Spills Into Sea…………………………………………..….72 3.12 Padma Awards 2021- Science & Technology…88 2.7 Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance….…………73 3.13 ASTROSAT-IIA-NGC 2808-rare hot UV bright stars….………………………………………....89 2.8 World Sustainable Development Summit 2021...... 73 3.14 IIT MADRAS- role of Chloride rich PM2.5 in visibility reduction….………………………….90 2.9 Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary………..….74 3.15 Science Express….……………………………..91 2.10 India's First Centre For Wetland Conservation And Management…………………………...….74 RSTV-The Big Picture……………………....92 RSTV-Policy Watch…………………………..75 3.16 Prarambh: Opportunity for Startups….………...92 2.11 India’s Arctic Policy….………………………..75 4. Security……………………………………..94 3. Science & Technology………………....78 4.1 HAL gets contract for 83 LCAs in ₹48,000 cr. 3.1 Stardust 1.0, the first rocket to run on biofuel....78 deal….………………………………………….94 3.2 Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio RSTV-Security Scan………………………….96 telescope….…………………………………….80 4.2 Decoding Defence Budget 2021….……………96
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General Studies-I 1 History
1.1 125th Anniversary celebrations of ‘Prabuddha Bharata’
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 125th anniversary celebrations of the ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ journal on Sunday, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) which also said that the event was being organised by the Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati in Uttarakhand.
About ‘Prabuddha Bharata’
‘Prabuddha Bharata’ is a special journal, closely associated with Swami Vivekananda himself.
'Prabuddha Bharata' is a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Order which was started by Swami Vivekananda.
Publication since: It has been in publication since 1896 and carries articles on social sciences and humanities comprising
o Historical, o Psychological, o Cultural and o Social sciences themes. Started by: It was started by none other than Swami Vivekananda back in 1896. That too, at the young age of thirty three. It is among the longest running English journals of the country.
Message of India’s ancient spiritual wisdom: Prabuddha Bharata' is regarded as a significant medium for spreading the message of India’s ancient spiritual wisdom.
Publication Location: It was initially published in Chennai for two years after which the publication operation was shifted to Almora town of Uttarakhand.
o The place of publication was again moved in April 1899 to the Advaita Ashrama and the journal has been publishing from there ever since.
Associated Prominent People: Several prominent people such as following have contributed their writings towards the journal in the fields of history, psychology, social issues, Indian culture etc.
o Bal Gangadhar Tilak, o Sri Aurobindo, o Netaji Subhas Chandra o Sister Nivedita and o Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Archives availablity: A release from the PMO stated that the Advaita Ashrama was working towards making the entire ‘Prabuddha Bharata’ archives available online on its website.
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ADVAITA ASHRAMA: Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, is a branch of the Ramakrishna Math. Established: Founded on 19 March 1899 at the behest of Vivekananda, By: His disciples James Henry Sevier, and Charlotte Sevier. Function: Today it publish es the original writings of Vivekananda. No Idol Worship: As an ashram dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta, no images or idols are worshipped there, not even of Ramakrishna; and no images were kept in the premises according to the Ashram ideals set by Vivekananda. 1.2 Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will inaugurate a series of events that the Uttar Pradesh government has planned throughout the year to mark the centenary of the Chauri Chaura incident, which took place on February 4, 1922.
Centenary of the chauri chaura: The state administration claimed that till now the history of Chauri Chaura had not been celebrated as it should have been. PM Modi will kick off the year-long celebrations via video- conferencing. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the celebrations in Gorakhpur. The state government has prepared a specialised logo for the year-long festivities, and plans to use it on all government official letterheads over the next year. Mass recitation of “Vande Mataram: The Adityanath administration has also announced a mass recitation of “Vande Mataram” on February 4 in an attempt to create a record. Government programmes: Special theme song: It has also been prepared for the occasion. The song, written by Virendra Vatsa, will be played at different events throughout the year. o Vatsa had also written the theme song for the tableau of Uttar Pradesh at the Republic Day parade in Delhi that won the first prize. Beautification of memorials of martyrs: The government has also decided to undertake beautification of memorials of martyrs, and felicitate their families. Prabhat Pheris: The administration will also organise “Prabhat Pheris” across the state in the morning as part of which, groups will go around singing songs of the bravery of the Chauri-Chaura martyrs. The government has decided to organise a “Murti Shivir [idol camp]” at state Lalit Kala Academi for artisans. Cleanliness drive: Apart from all this, the government has decided to hold a special cleanliness drive to mark the occasion. Way Forward: Education Syllabus: CM Adityanath has asked the Department of Education to ensure that the Chauri Chaura incident is properly included in the syllabus of secondary government schools and instruct schools to organise events such as debates, poetry recitation, slogan competitions, quizzes, poster and drawing competitions on the theme throughout the year. Student Tourism: The department has also been asked to arrange the visit of students of all schools to Chauri Chaura and talk to them about the stories of the martyrs. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 4 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Chauri Chaura Incident: Date: On 5 February 1922 Incident: During Non-cooperation movement, people clashed with police. Death: Of about 22 policemen and 3 civilians Location: At Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district in the United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh). Non-Cooperation Movement: Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi had launched the non- cooperation movement on 1st August 1920. The incident in Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur district marked the end of Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement against the British colonial rule. 1.3 Assam Chah Bagichar Dhan Puraskar Mela Scheme Context: The third phase of Chah Bagicha Dhan Puraskar mela held in Guwahati on February 6, 2021.
Background: This scheme was started by the Assam government in the year 2017- 18. Key Highlights of the scheme: Objective: To encourage people to open bank accounts in tea garden areas. Benefits to the citizens: Payment of incentive to the ‘Tea garden workers’ whose bank accounts were opened: o After demonetization (November 8, 2016): Incentive of Rs 2500 is provided to their bank account. o Before demonetization: Given a total amount of Rs. 5000 in 1st instalment and Rs 2500 in 2nd. Eligibility: o Residents of Assam and who work on tea gardens. o Women belonging to BPL category. Tea production in India Consumption: India is one of the world’s largest consumers of tea, with about three-fourths of the country’s total produce consumed locally. Export: India stands fourth in terms of tea export after Kenya (including neighbouring African countries), China and Sri Lanka. Production: As of 2019, India was the second largest tea producer in the world with production of 1,339.70 million kgs. o Estimated production (January 2020 to February 2020): 30.54 million kgs. Main tea-growing regions: Northeast (including Assam), North Bengal (Darjeeling district and the Dooars region), Nilgiris in south India and Tarai along the foothills of the Himalayas.
General Studies-I 2 Society
2.1 National Polio Immunization Drive Begins Across the Country Context: President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the National Polio Immunisation Day for 2021 by administering polio drops to children less than five years old at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 30th January 2021.
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News in details: Polio Immunization so far: Polio National Immunization Day, also known as ‘’Polio Ravivar”. As per provisional report on day one, close to 89 lakh children (as per provisional data) under five years across the country were given polio drops today. o Vaccinations were conducted at close to 7 lakh booths which were staffed with around 12 lakh vaccinators and 1.8 lakh supervisors. House-to-house surveillance: The booth activity will be followed by house-to-house surveillance (mop-up rounds) over the next two to five days to identify and vaccinate children who missed getting vaccinated at the booths. Vaccination teams at every place: have also been deployed at bus terminals, railway stations, airports and ferry crossing to vaccinate children in transit to ensure no child misses the life-saving dose. Safety during Pandemic: All measures have been taken to ensure safety during the times of the pandemic by maintaining COVID-19 appropriate practices. Polio-free status: Dr Harsh Vardhan said,“Maintaining a polio-free status for 10 years is a huge accomplishment in the history of public health in India.” o He also highlighted government efforts and actions to strengthen routine immunization to ensure that no child suffers from a vaccine-preventable disease. Status of polio in india: Polio Free from 2011: India has been free of polio for a decade, with the last case of wild poliovirus reported on 13th January 2011. Prevent re-entry from neighbours: The country, however, continues to remain vigilant to prevent re-entry of the poliovirus into the country from neighbouring countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where wild poliovirus continues to cause disease. Nationwide Immunization: every year to maintain population immunity against wild poliovirus and to sustain its polio free status, India conducts for polio: 1. One nationwide NID and 2. Two Sub-National Immunization Day (SNIDs)
NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION DAY: On 30th Jan 2021, India observed National Vaccination day, also known as Immunization day. In 1995 first dose of Oral Polio vaccine was given in India. Pulse Polio Campaign: To eradicate polio from the country launched by the government. Under this extensive drive, 2 drops of Oral Polio Vaccine was given to all children younger than 5 years of age. The last reported case of polio in India was in West Bengal in January. In 2014, India was declared polio-free.
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POLIO: Definition: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children.” Transmission: By person-to-person, spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine Impact: Invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. Cure: No cure for polio, it can only be prevented by immunization.
2.2 World Bank's Stars Project For Education Context: Ministry of Education, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), and World Bank have signed an agreement for the financial support worth Rs 5718 crore towards the implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project.
Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results For States (Stars) Project: It would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Implemented by: Ministry of Education. Aim: To improve the quality and governance of school education in six Indian states. Six states are- Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan. Benefit: Some 250 million students (between the age of 6 and 17) in 1.5 million schools, and over 10 million teachers will benefit from the program. Major Components: PARAKH: Establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a National Assessment Centre. Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC): To help the government respond to situations leading to loss of learning such as school closures/infrastructure damages.
EDITORIAL
2.3 Building a robust healthcare system Context: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been vociferous demands to strengthen the country’s public health system.
But Once the present crisis is over, however, public health will go into oblivion, as usual. Governments are already behaving as if things are fine and enough has been done on the health front. Not surprisingly, the efficacy of the public health system varies widely across the country since it is a State subject. Health Parameters: How good a public health system is can easily be judged just by looking at certain health parameters such as o Infant Mortality Rate, o Maternal Mortality Ratio and o Total Fertility Rate For which annual surveys are conducted through the Sample Registration System.
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Poor health Indicators: Sustainable Development Goals-3: With the numbers given in the chart, it is doubtful whether India will be able to achieve Goal 3 (good health and well-being) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Millennium Development Goals: India failed to achieve the earlier Millennium Development Goals because of the poor performance of the northern States. o It is surprising that the Government of India does not hold them responsible and accountable for poor performance but is satisfied with the average. Equally surprising and disappointing is that these State governments themselves are indifferent to their poor performance. Health as State subject: Since health is a State subject, the primary onus lies with the State governments. Each State government must focus on public health and aim to improve the health indicators mentioned above. o It is disappointing that some of the States have skewed priorities such as cow protection and ‘love jihad’. More mothers are perhaps dying for want of care than cows. Health the highest priority: Are these governments not concerned? Unless they give health the highest priority, rapid improvement is not possible. o Instead of talking in generalities, they must start looking at numbers. To start with, the above parameters are good enough. Their close monitoring at the highest level may improve things. Vital health parameters: These data are revealing. The northern States are performing very poorly in these vital health parameters. o In Madhya Pradesh, the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births is as high as 48 compared to seven in Kerala. o In U.P. the Maternal Mortality Ratio is 197 compared to Kerala’s 42 and Tamil Nadu’s 63. The percentage of deliveries by untrained personnel is very high in Bihar, 190 times that of Kerala. Total Fertility Rate: Another vital parameter that has an impact on poverty, Total Fertility Rate, is very high in Bihar (3.2) against the stabilisation rate of 2.1. Tamil Nadu and Kerala Model: have done so well that their population will decline over the years. This has been made possible thanks to the effective Maternal and Child Health and Family Welfare services provided by these States. Comparable to the poorest countries: Some of these States are performing so poorly that they are comparable to the poorest countries in the world, pulling down the average for India. o The Government of India is just looking at the averages which are somewhat reasonable thanks to the excellent performance of well-governed States. Tamil Nadu’s Example: Enlightened political leadership: How did the southern States achieve this? It is because of enlightened political leadership which was interested in the health and well-being of the people. I vividly remember the family planning drives and innumerable camps organised to eradicate cataract in the 1970s. Healthy competition among the districts: The district administration was spearheading these health initiatives because of the government’s focus and drive. The government encouraged a healthy competition among the districts by giving prizes to the well-performing ones. Family planning drives: By the 1990s, family planning drives were no more necessary, and all that was needed was some fine-tuning of the Maternal and Child Health programme. The result is that the Total Fertility Rate of Tamil Nadu is among the lowest in the country (1.6) comparable to that of Germany (1.57) and Japan (1.43). Public and preventive health structure: In addition to a clear focus by the political executive, Tamil Nadu has the advantage of a public and preventive health structure. A good administrative structure could therefore deliver to the demands of the political executive, benefiting the people of the State. Empowered Action Group States: The governments — both at the Centre and the Empowered Action Group States — should realise that public health and preventive care is a priority and take steps to bring these States on a par with the southern States. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 8 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Giving Health Importance: Invest in human capital: Unless we invest in human capital, FDI will not help. It will only increase the wealth of the already wealthy and accentuate income disparity. Co-operative Federalism: Investing in health and education is the primary responsibility of any government. It is time the governments — both at the Centre and States — gave health its due importance. Piecemeal schemes: Announcing piecemeal schemes may help to get publicity but will not make a lasting improvement. Improving health of such a large population requires concerted efforts over years. The southern States started early and are enjoying the benefits, but they can still do more to reach the level of developed countries. Empowered Action Group States: It must start in earnest at least now. There are no short cuts; only persistent and focused efforts at the highest level of government will improve preventive care and primary healthcare. 2.4 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana-beneficiaries cross 1.75 crore
Context: The government’s maternity benefit scheme, or Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, has crossed 1.75 crore eligible women till financial year 2020, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday.
News in details: Funding Disbursed: o A total sum of ₹5,931.95 crore was paid to 1.75 crore eligible beneficiaries between financial year 2018 and 2020. o Apart from that, ₹2,063.70 crore was disbursed in the current fiscal to 65.12 lakh women, Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani informed the Rajya Sabha. Government Target: According to the government’s initial estimate, it aimed to reach 51.7 lakh women per year through the scheme. o However, disaggregated data on how many of these were unique beneficiaries, and how many were those receiving different instalments of the scheme was not provided.
PRADHAN MANTRI MATRU VANDANA YOJANA (PMMVY): Eligible: Pregnant women and lactating mothers Cash Incentive: ₹5,000 on the birth of their first child in three instalments, after fulfilling certain conditionalities. Objective: o To help expectant mothers meet enhanced nutritional requirements as well as o To partially compensate them for wage loss during their pregnancy. Started from: Announced on December 31, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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General Studies-II 1 Polity and Constitution
1.1 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties Doubles In 9 Years
Context: The number of registered unrecognised political parties has increased two-fold from 2010 to 2019. From 1,112 such parties in 2010, the number of unrecognised registered parties has increased to 2,301 in 2019. Of the total 2,301, only 78 registered unrecognised political parties or 3.39 % parties in 2018-19 and 82 or 3.56 percent in 2017-18 submitted their contribution details so far to the Election Commission.
Association For Democratic Reforms (ADR) Analysis: Total Funding Received: These registered unrecognised parties received `90.05 crore in 2017-18 and 2018-19 from 12,998 donors. Highest Donation: Apna Desh Party of Uttar Pradesh declared the highest donations for both financial years combined of `65.63 crore (4300 donations) or 72.88% of the total declared donations by unrecognized parties Total Political Parties in India: By 15th March, 2019, there are a total of 2,360 political parties registered with the Commission. o 2,301 or 97.50% of registered political parties are unrecognised parties. Two fold increase in registered unrecognised political parties: The number of registered unrecognised political parties has increased two fold in the last 10 years. o From 1112 parties in 2010, the number has spiked to 2,301 in 2019. Number of such parties increases disproportionately during the year of Parliamentary elections especially. Between 2018 and 2019, it increased by over 9.8% while between 2013 and 2014, it increased by 18 percent. State wise distribution: Of the total of 2,301 registered unrecognised parties, 653 parties or 28.38% belong to Uttar Pradesh, followed by 291 parties or 12.65% from Delhi and 184 or 8% from Tamil Nadu. State wise funding: A total of Rs 54.206 cr (3511 donations) was donated to the unrecognised parties from Gujarat, followed by Rs 12.239 cr (6526 donations) from Maharashtra and `3.294 cr (179 donations) from Uttar Pradesh. 1.2 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-2.2 Percent Cases Ended In Conviction
Context: Only 2.2 % of cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act between the years 2016 and 2019 ended in convictions by court as said by Home Ministry in the Rajya Sabha.
News In Details: Total No. of Persons arrested: As per the 2019 Crime in India Report compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau, the total number of persons arrested under the Act in 2019 is 1,948. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 10 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Arrest v. Conviction: “Further, the total number of the persons arrested and the persons convicted in the years from 2016 to 2019 under the UAPA in the country are 5,922 and 132, respectively. No data segregation: The NCRB does not maintain this data on the basis of religion, race, caste or gender,” the Minister stated. Sedition case: In the year 2019, as many as 96 persons were arrested for sedition (Section 194A IPC). o But only two were convicted and o 29 persons were acquitted. o Charge sheet was filed in 40 cases the same year.
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT: Aim: Effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India. Unlawful activity: Action by an individual or association intended to disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India. Highest punishments: Death penalty and life imprisonment Under UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. 2004 amendment: It added “terrorist act" to the list of offences. 2019 Amendment: Can designate individuals as terrorists. 1.3 Judicial Appointement-Deadlock In Collegium System
Context: With just over a month left in his 14-month tenure as Chief Justice of India, the Justice S A Bobde-led collegium is yet to make its first recommendation of a judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court since November 2019.
News In Details: Last Precedent: The last time a CJI retired without a single appointment to the SC was in 2015 during the tenure of CJI H L Dattu. o There was an unprecedented stand-off between the judiciary and the government over the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). Issues: The stalemate in the collegium comes even as the process of appointment of at least six SC judges is due. Short of judges Strength: The apex court is short of four judges while two retirements — of CJI Bobde and Justice Indu Malhotra — are due in the next two months. Additionally, Justices Ashok Bhushan, Rohinton Nariman and Navin Sinha will retire this year. Point of contention in appointment: Justice Kureshi’s appointment as CJ of Tripura was also a point of contention for the then SC collegium headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 11 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Reversal in recommendation: In September 2019, the SC court collegium had reversed its May 2019 recommendation appointing Justice Kureshi as CJ of Madhya Pradesh High Court after the government sent the file back for reconsideration and instead recommended him for the position of Chief Justice of Tripura. “Communication and material”: Without citing reasons, the collegium said that its reconsideration was based on the “communication and material” placed by the Department of Justice. Reason For Delay In Appointment: Lack of consensus in the collegium: One reason is the lack of consensus in the collegium – comprising CJI Bobde and Justices NV Ramana, Rohinton Nariman, U U Lalit and AM Khanwilkar – on recommending Justice Akil Kureshi, Chief Justice of Tripura High Court, to the apex court. Gujarat HC judge appointment issue: o Even in November 2018, when the post of CJ of the Gujarat High Court fell vacant, Justice Kureshi, who was then the seniormost judge of the High Court, was to take charge as acting Chief Justice of Gujarat HC as per convention. o However, the government named Justice AS Dave, who was then the second most senior judge in the Gujarat High Court after Kureshi, as acting Chief Justice and, instead, transferred Justice Kureshi to Bombay High Court as its fifth most-senior judge. o This unusual situation would have led to Justice Kureshi being a judge in Gujarat HC until he took office in Bombay HC while his junior would be acting CJ. However, this, too, was reversed when the Gujarat HC Bar launched a protest and moved the SC. Appointment During CJI Tenure: CJI Bobde: He inherited just one vacancy, that of former CJI Ranjan Gogoi, against the total strength of 34 judges when he took over. However, three judges have retired since leaving the SC with 30 judges. CJI Ranjan Gogoi: Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi inherited seven vacancies when he took office but 14 judges were appointed and 146 high court appointments were made during his tenure. CJI Dipak Misra: Who preceded Gogoi, saw four SC appointments and 81 appointments to high courts. 1.4 The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Context: Recently, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which seeks to amend the MTP Act, 1971, was passed in Lok Sabha recently.
Features of The Bill: Time Period: The Bill increases the time period within which abortion may be carried out. It seeks to extend the upper limit for permitting abortions from 20 weeks to 24 under special circumstances. Termination due to failure of contraceptive method or device: Under the 1971 Act a pregnancy may be terminated up to 20 weeks by a married woman in the case of failure of contraceptive method or device. o The Bill allows unmarried women to also terminate a pregnancy for this reason. Medical Boards: All state and union territory governments will constitute a Medical Board. The Board will decide if a pregnancy may be terminated after 24 weeks due to substantial foetal abnormalities.
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Privacy: A registered medical practitioner may only reveal the details of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated to a person authorised by law. o Violation is punishable with imprisonment up to a year, a fine, or both.
EDITORIAL
1.5 The Farmer’s Right To Protest
Context: Attempts to restrict farmers’ peaceful agitation violate promise made to citizens by framers of our Constitution. The Constitution bench of the Supreme Court in 'Himmat Lal K Shah' (1973) affirmatively declared, ‘…the state cannot by law abridge or take away the right of assembly by prohibiting assembly on every public street or public place.’
Farmers Protest Against Three Farm Laws: Farmer leaders, who have spearheaded a peaceful satyagraha for over 60 days, are now sought to be implicated in criminal cases without any reason. Surprisingly, Delhi Police refused to take any action against political leaders of the ruling party who had made extremely provocative statements in February 2020, which actually resulted in hatred, violence and loss of lives. 26th Jan Violence: The violence that erupted on January 26 was shameful. Those “responsible” must be dealt with but those who had nothing to do with it must be spared. The police cannot absolve itself of its failures in protecting the Red Fort. One can only hope that the police and, especially the judiciary, the subordinate judiciary, will see through this game to catch the culprits and not the innocents. Right To Protest: Protection And Significance: Fundamental Rights Committee in C.A.: On December 1 and 2, 1948, the Constituent Assembly debated the report of the Fundamental Rights Committee. o K M Munshi made a profound statement: “As a matter of fact, the essence of democracy is criticism of the government.” ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS chaired by Sardar Patel: o We attach great importance in making these rights justiciable…” and thus was born Article 32, the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights. Fundamental Right: The Constitution of India confers upon all citizens fundamental rights, including the o Right to freedom of speech and expression o Right to assemble peaceably and without arms o Right to move freely throughout the territory of India. Article 21 of life and personal liberty: The Supreme Court interpreted “personal liberty” as a compendious term to include all varieties of rights which go to make up “personal liberties” of men. o “The words, ‘personal liberty’ must be interpreted in a reasonable manner and to be attributed that sense which would promote and achieve objectives of the framers.” Himmat Lal K Shah Case 1973: Supreme Court in Himmat Lal K Shah (1973) affirmatively declared, “…the state cannot by law abridge or take away the right of assembly by prohibiting assembly on public street or public place.
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No unreasonable restrictions: In Himmat Shah case only, the court held that the state can only make regulations in aid of the right of assembly of each citizen and can only impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order” o But “state cannot impose unreasonable restrictions. It must be kept in mind that Article 19(1)(b), read with Article 13, protects citizens against state action.” Citizens’ right to meet face to face: Justice Mathew, in a powerful concurring opinion, said, “Freedom of assembly is an essential element of any democratic system. At the root of this concept lies the citizens’ right to meet face to face with others for the discussion of their ideas and problems — o Religious, o Political, o Economic or o Social.” “There is a fundamental right to hold a public meeting in public streets” and that right cannot be taken away under an unguided discretion. Article 141-Law declared by Supreme Court: This is the law. Under Article 141, all authorities, civil and judicial, are expected to act in aid of the Supreme Court — that is to say, they are bound to follow this law. Issues and Challenges In Protests: Reasonable restrictions: True, these rights are subject to any law imposing “reasonable restrictions”, inter-alia in the interest of o Sovereignty and integrity of India o Security of state o Public order or o Incitement to offence Approach of the Central and State governments: Not only are they flouting the Constitution but they are also disobeying the Supreme Court by not allowing farmers to assemble peaceably, to move freely and to speak freely. Executive Overreach: Fundamental rights are a gift of the framers of the Constitution to citizens and no one, including the Parliament and judiciary, much less the executive, has the right to limit them or take them away. Criticism leads into Arrest: K.T.Shah that any time the slightest difference of opinion likely to be caused by any individual, leads to imprison or arrest or detain such a person without charge or trial.” Way Forward: Justice Mathew in Himmat Shah case held, “Public meeting in open spaces and public streets forms part of the tradition of our national life.” He declared: “The conferment of a fundamental right of public assembly would have been an exercise in futility if the government legally close all places where alone only vast majority of people could exercise the right.” Prof. K T Shah, speaking in the Constituent Assembly, had warned us, “The liberty of the person ever since the consciousness of civil liberties has come upon the people, has been the main battleground of autocrats and those fighting against them… Sardar Ujjal Singh in the Constituent Assembly, “The Sikhs have a burning passion for freedom. No single community in the history of India has struggled so long and so hard as the Sikhs have done to drive away foreign hordes from this land.” B R Ambedkar: Fearing the future, had said, “Our difficulty is how to make the heterogeneous mass that we have today take a decision in common and march on the way which leads us to Unity.” Edmund Burke on conciliation with America: “First, sir, permit me to observe that the use of force alone is but temporary. It may subdue for a moment, but it does not remove the necessity of subduing again; and a nation is not governed which is perpetually to be conquered…”. Let us hope that the sovereign powers are exercised with wisdom because, according to Dr Ambedkar, “there is no other way that can lead us to Unity”. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 14 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
1.6 Journalism-Freedom of Press and Speech
Context: During Farm protest, rioting in India’s capital city on Republic was a new low in unravelling political concord. Within days of that trauma, Active efforts to deter critical reporting were by then under way. Nine senior journalists (including Chief editor of the Wire) were charged under the law of sedition, for reporting the ambiguous circumstances of the sole fatality in the riots.
Media Clampdown/Challenges: Media credentials: A young freelance journalist (Mandip Poonia) was arrested and charged with lacking appropriate media credentials. Even as he was granted bail, in a rare exception to what is becoming the general rule of denial. Only Credential Media allowed: Home Ministry decreed that only journalists with press credentials granted by the central government could legitimately report on the farmers’ agitation. Executive Block on free journalism on twitter: A number of social media pages run by newspapers and websites were blocked by executive order. Deaf to critics voices: The tragedy of a government that remains deaf to the anxieties of a significant section of Indian citizens was transformed into farce. Machines of propaganda: When formidable machines of propaganda were mobilised on February 3, to push back against two inconsequential Twitter posts, by a music artiste from the United States and an environmental campaigner from Sweden. Imperfections Made Worse: Violate Three rights of A-19: Events since Republic Day constitute an unprecedented assault on three of the “rights to freedom” granted under Article 19 of the Constitution: o Free speech o Free movement, and o Peaceful assembly Sedition Charges In India: In matters of sedition, the first impulse of the judiciary in the afterglow of the Republic’s emergence, was to strike the law down. Article 13 of the Constitution annulled every law that was inconsistent with the fundamental rights chapter and the Patna High Court was on solid ground when it held the sedition clause in criminal law unconstitutional. Reinstated by Supreme Court: A few years later, in a milieu more sensitive to possibilities of disorder, the Supreme Court reinstated the law, but held it applicable only to “activities as would be intended … to create disorder or disturbance of public peace by resort to violence”. Times of India Case 2012: In 2012, the Gujarat High Court upheld this precedent in a matter involving the country’s largest English language newspaper, The Times of India, after sedition charges brought by the Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad city. o It also added that the Constitution protected strong commentary on “measures or acts of the Government, or its agencies, so as to ameliorate the condition of the people or to secure the cancellation or alteration of those acts by lawful means”. State’s New Weapon Play-safe attitude: The nine journalists charged after the violence at the Red Fort have been spared arrest, but that possibility will hang heavy over their practice for years, potentially inducing a “play-safe attitude”. Hathras Case: Siddique Kappan of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists, was arrested by the police while on his way to Hathras early in October. He was charged with sedition and other offences, and the statutes invoked, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, could potentially result in indefinite detention.
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Angle of Religion Munawar Faruqui Case: Politics of religious offence constitute another clear threat to freedom of speech and expression. The arrest of a stand-up comic, Munawar Faruqui, denied bail in successive hearings by Madhya Pradesh High Court. He finally was granted bail after over a month in detention, by the Supreme Court. S. Rangarajan versus Jagjivan Ram case 1989: The Supreme Court declined to embrace a doctrine of censorship. The benchmark for judging the potential for offence had to be a “reasonable” person and not someone of “weak and vacillating” mind. TV serial, Tandav Case: Yet producers and cast face charges despite multiple apologies, the Court has now chosen to underline the conditional nature of the free speech right. o An actor seeking exemption from arrest because he was only a paid professional, was told that he should not “play a role which hurts religious sentiments”. Another Blow Right to freedom of movement: In the matter of regulating the right to freedom of movement, the Supreme Court has encountered unanticipated turbulence. Last year, while hearing a petition seeking the dispersal of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh area, the Court ruled that expressions of dissent should take place in “designated places only”. Problem solver in Farm protest: When called upon to apply the same principle to ongoing farmers’ protests, the Court baulked. Hesitant about that, the Court sought to play problem solver, nominating a team of mediators to find the solution the government had set its face against. Asymmetry in the application of the law: When charges are brought against partisans of the ruling party is another feature, widely commented on. o While hearing a recent matter involving hate speech, the Chief Justice of India observed that the Court is trying to discourage litigation under Article 32, which enables any citizen to invoke the writ jurisdiction of the higher judiciary when fundamental rights are threatened. Conclusion: This ambivalence towards an article that B.R. Ambedkar called the “heart and soul of the Constitution”, and the curious judicial deference to the political executive, are central parts of the story of how precarious the rights to freedom are today. 1.7 Parliamentary Scrutiny- Constitutionality of The Law
Context: The Supreme Court’s order on keeping the farm laws in abeyance crosses the line of separation between the legislature and judiciary. In this context, Pratap Bhanu Mehta wrote that the order is “terrible constitutional precedent, bereft of judgment”.
Background: Justice Harlan Stone Case study of USA: Supreme Court struck down a federal law on Agriculture. Dissenting from the majority, Justice Harlan Stone (later chief justice) referring to the judiciary wrote, “the only check upon our own exercise of power is our own sense of self-restraint”. o His words should make our apex court reflect on its order.
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Need of better parliamentary scrutiny: Introspection in Parliament: The Supreme court stay order should also trigger introspection in Parliament. Since 2019, the constitutionality of statutes passed by it, has been challenged before the SC. 1. Abrogation of Article 370, 2. Citizenship Amendment Act and recently 3. Three farm laws o The highest law-making body should be asking itself whether it rigorously scrutinises the constitutionality of bills. Parliamentary Mechanisms For Checking Constitutionality of Bill: Three mechanisms: Parliament has three mechanisms for examining whether a government bill adheres to constitutional principles. 1. Legislative competence in Parliament: Any member of the Parliament can oppose the introduction of a bill by stating that it initiates legislation outside the legislative competence of the Parliament. o There is limited debate, and the house in which the bill is getting introduced does not delve into constitutional niceties. o MPs also get an opportunity to discuss a bill’s constitutionality while debating it in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. o But on both these occasions, the strength of the argument does not determine the legislative outcome. o The Parliament’s decision depends on the numbers that the treasury and opposition benches command on the house floor. o So, when the treasury benches have the numbers, the government faces no difficulty getting its legislative proposals through Parliament. 2. Parliamentary committee: The real opportunity for probing a bill’s constitutionality arises when a parliamentary committee is examining it. o Land acquisition bill 2011: Committee was concerned about the bill infringing upon the state governments’ power. o Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016: Joint committee explicitly asked the government whether the bill would violate the spirit of Articles 14 and Articles 25 of the Constitution. o On both these occasions, the law ministry testified that the government’s legislative proposal would stand up to constitutional scrutiny. Advantage of Parliamentary Committee: o Constitutional expertise: It draws constitutional expertise outside of the law ministry. o NJAC Bill: During National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2013, it invited legal luminaries like Fali Nariman and Ashok Desai to share their insights with the committee.
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o Citizenship Amendment Bill: Subhash Kashyap pointed out that the bill’s provisions may not be as per the Constitution. The government has also fielded the attorney general to appear before parliamentary committees. o Advice of Attorney General: Attorney General Goolam Vahanvati appeared before the Rajya Sabha select committee examining the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill 2011 and the 2013 Judicial Appointments Bill. Flaw in Parliamentary Committee: o Government bills do not automatically go to committees for examination. o Ministers get an option to refer their bill to a select committee. They often don’t exercise this option and request the presiding officers to not send the bill to a ministry specific departmentally related committee. o By not referring the three farm bills to a committee, our legislature lost an opportunity for examining their constitutionality. 3. Legal vetting and inter-ministerial consultations: Before passing the legislative baton to the Parliament, the government puts its bills through legal vetting and inter-ministerial consultations. o Then, it is the responsibility of the legislature to satisfy itself that the legislation before it is constitutional. o Lack of robust scrutiny processes weakens its image as the highest legislative institution and encourages judicial encroachment on its powers. o After all, lawmaking should not be a mechanical stamping of the government’s legislative proposals but their careful examination by the Parliament. Way Forward and Conclusion: Sweden Model of Parliamentary Committee: Countries like Sweden and Finland pass their bills through two parliamentary committees. (a) One committee looks at the technical aspects of a proposed law, and (b) Specialised committee focuses on a bill’s constitutional validity.
General Studies-II 2 Governance
2.1 Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) (JJMU) to help revive urban waterbodies Context: The urban water supply mission announced in the Budget on Monday will include rejuvenation of waterbodies and 20% of supply from reused water, the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.
Jal jeevan mission urban: It was launched in Union Budget 2021-22. Aim: To bring safe water to 2.86 crore households through tap connection. This in line with the Centre’s rural water supply project launched in 2019. Fund: Rs 50,011 crore Target year: 2024. The mission is the country’s 12th attempt to connect every household with tap water. India has failed miserably to fulfil its past promises around this objective. Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural) has been able to cover only around 34 % of the targeted households (65.5 million) in rural India, YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 18 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Significance of JJMU: Lack of urban household tap connections: Ministry said there was an estimated gap of 2.68 crore urban household tap connections. o Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) (JJMU) would seek to bridge this gap o In all 4,378 statutory towns. AMRUT Scheme and Sewer Connections: The JJMU would also aim to bridge the gap of 2.64 crore sewer connections in the 500 cities under the existing Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Rejuvenation of water bodies: The mission would include rejuvenation of water bodies to o Boost the sustainable freshwater supply and o Creation of green spaces. Circular economy of water: “JJM(U) will promote circular economy of water through development of city water balance plan for each city focusing on o Recycle/reuse of treated sewage, o Rejuvenation of water bodies and o Water conservation.” Total expenditure: The total expenditure on the mission would be ₹2.87 lakh crore over five years. 15th Finance On ULBs: Increased funds to urban local bodies: Apart from the Budget announcements, the Ministry said there had been an increase in the funds to urban local bodies as per the 15th Finance Commission’s report. o 78% increase, from ₹87,143 crore in the 14th Finance Commission o To ₹1,55,628 crore in the 15th Finance Commission’s period. 2.2 16-Digit Unicode For Land Plots In Uttar Pradesh
Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new system under which every piece of land in the state will be assigned a 16-digit unique code Aim: To prevent fraud and cheating in sale and purchase of land.
16-Digit Unicode For Land: Transparent for All: People will now be able to “access all details of any piece of land across the state with a single click from a computer”. Include information: The 14-digit code will have details o Based on the population for the village, and the code will also have o Land division details and also the o Category of land. The first six digits will be based on the population of the land, while the next 4 digits will determine the unique identity of the land. The digits from 11 to 14 will be the number of the division of the land. The last 2 digits will have the details of the category, through which, the agricultural, residential and commercial land will be identified. Significance: “The unique code will help officials identify and stop fraudulent transactions of land. Old and new Owners: In the database, along with old owners the new owners will also be identified and fed into the database,” said the spokesperson. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 19 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Game-changer: Calling the move a “game-changer” in terms of preventing fraud in land sale and purchase. Land Dispute: The state witnesses several disputes in terms of ancestral land and in land transactions. Work in Progress: The survey for the database has already been started in the 75 districts in the state.” Government Machineries: “The Revenue and Agriculture department will carry out the exercise to mark the land in state. The work of marking the disputed plots in the computerised management system is being done by the revenue courts.” Other State’s Scheme: SWAMITVA: SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India. o It aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): The main aims of DILRMP are to usher in a system of updated land records, automated and automatic mutation, integration between textual and spatial records, inter-connectivity between revenue and registration, to replace the present deeds registration. State Governments Initiative: Bhoomi project: It was undertaken and developed by the State Government of Karnataka. It was done so in order to computerize all the records of the land in Karnataka. Bhudhaar: This is an initiative of by Andhra Pradesh. Under this each land parcel will be given an 11-digit Bhudhaar number. It will help in easy identification of the details of the land parcel. Mahabhulekh: It is initiative of Maharashtra government to issue digitally signed 7/12 and land record. 2.3 TIFAC’s Saksham (Shramik Shakti Manch)- To Connect Labourers To MSMEs
Context: Recently, the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has launched its initiative namely, ‘SAKSHAM (Shramik Shakti Manch)’.
Saksham (Shramik Shakti Manch): • It is a dynamic job portal for mapping the skills of Shramiks vis-à-vis requirements of MSMEs. • It directly connect Shramiks with MSMEs and facilitate placement of 10 lakh blue-collar jobs. • It will connect labourers to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their native places via WhatsApp. • Sending a 'Hi' on WhatsApp will enable labourers to find jobs matching their skills with the help of an artificial-intelligence-driven chatbot. • The SAKSHAM job portal will help eliminate middlemen/labour contractor as well as help identification of skill proficiency level and development of Skill Cards for Shramiks. • The portal with the demand and supply data uses algorithm and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, for geo spatial information on demand and availability of Shramiks. Key Features of Saksham: • A dynamic job portal - opportunity for Shramiks and MSMEs • Facilitate creation of 10 lakh blue collar jobs • Direct connect between Shramiks and MSMEs, no middleman in between • Minimise migration of Shramiks – job opportunity in proximate MSMEs
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TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION, FORECASTING AND ASSESSMENT COUNCIL (TIFAC): • TIFAC is an autonomous organization set up in 1988 under the Department of Science & Technology. • As per the recommendation of Technology Policy Implementation Committee (TPIC) in 1985, Cabinet approved the formation of TIFAC in mid-1986. • It was formed as a registered Society in February, 1988 under the Department of Science and Technology as an autonomous body. • It was mandated to assess the state-of-art of technology and set directions for future technological development in India in important socio-economic sectors.
2.4 Corruption Perception Index 2020
Context: Recently, the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International.
Key Findings:
Top: Denmark and New Zealand Bottom: Somalia and South Sudan Global Level: Key economies in Asia: India, Indonesia and Bangladesh experienced slow progress in anti-corruption efforts. China- 78th
Slipped six places to 86th among 180 countries 80th position out of 180 countries in 2019. Indian Scenario: Score: 40 India’s score is below the average score of the Asia-Pacific region (31 countries) and global average.
CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX: It is prepared and released by Transparency International. The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople. Scale of: It uses a scale of zero to 100 o Zero is highly corrupt and o 100 is very clean. Like previous years, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 on this year's CPI, with an average score of just 43. The data shows that despite some progress, most countries still fail to tackle corruption effectively.
2.5 Gobardhan Scheme
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched a unified portal on the government’s ‘Gobardhan’ scheme. It is aimed at managing cattle and biodegradable waste and also help enhance farmers' income.
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About The Scheme: Aim: To support villages in effectively manage their cattle and biodegradable waste. Inter-ministerial coordination: With various Departments/Ministries for smooth implementation of Biogas schemes/initiatives Implemented by: Jal Shakti Ministry under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBMG). Significance: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation supports every district with technical assistance and financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh per district to achieve o Safe management of cattle and biodegradable waste, o Help villages convert their wealth, o Improve environmental sanitation and curb vector-borne diseases Information tool: It will provide information related to the scheme and assistance provided towards it by other ministries such as petroleum, agriculture, animal husbandry etc. It will provide farmers an alternative income of at least Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years. 2.6 Mission Innovation 2.0
Context: The Union Minister of Science & Technology addressed the Mission Innovation (MI) to mark the beginning of phase-2 of the mission or Mission Innovation 2.0.
Key Points: Objective: To reflect on progress, set the scene for the discussions towards an ambitious next phase of Mission Innovation. The Minister lauded Mission Innovation’s contribution to accelerating clean energy innovation and emphasized Mission Innovation’s role in mobilizing greater public and private investments, partnerships to move the innovation needle. The Minister underlined the importance of collaborative scientific efforts to realize the vision of an affordable and reliable clean energy system. About Mission Innovation: It was announced on 30th November 2015, on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Agreement to undertake ambitious measures to combat climate change. Major Objectives: Enhance the public sector investment to a substantial level Increased private sector engagement and investment Increase international collaboration Raising awareness of the transformational potential of innovation Members: It is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Union to accelerate global clean energy innovation dramatically. Participating countries have committed to double their governments’ clean energy research and development investments over five years.
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Innovation Challenges (IC): Mission Innovation has identified eight (8) Innovation Challenges: o IC1 – smart grids o IC2 – Off-grid access to electricity o IC3 – Carbon capture o IC4 – Sustainable bio-fuels o IC5 – Converting sunlight o IC6 – Clean energy materials o IC7 – Affordable cooling and heating of buildings o IC8 – Renewable and clean hydrogen
THE BIG PICTURE
2.7 Budget 2021: Green Energy Highlights
Context: Budget 2021 has proposed the launch of Hydrogen Energy Mission in this fiscal year.
Background: According to the report, compiled by The Energy and Resources Institute, "green hydrogen will become the most competitive route for hydrogen production by around 2030". Currently, 30 research projects in India are supported under the hydrogen and fuel cell programme of the Department of Science and Technology.
Summary of the Debate
Hydrogen Energy Mission It aims to reduce petroleum use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution, and contribute to more diverse and efficient energy infrastructure. Hydrogen to be generated from green sources. The scheme will provide assistance to DISCOMS for infrastructure creation, including pre-paid smart metering and feeder separation, upgradation of infrastructure, etc. Significance of the Mission: Hydrogen is a clean fuel for the future, it can act as an energy storage option, which would be essential to meet intermittencies (of renewable energy) in the future. The western countries, the European countries have already a hydrogen mission in place. There have been many greenish initiatives and with the infusion of money into power sector, renewable energy even the voluntary scrapping policy will help in uptake of electric vehicles in India. This mission would decarbonise heavy industries. Green hydrogen energy is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions. Green hydrogen, produced with renewable electricity, is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Hydrogen from renewable sources can play a critical role in heavy-duty, long-distance transport. The use of hydrogen can reduce the CO2 related emissions.
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India and clean energy: Installed Capacity: India is the third largest solar installed capacity in the world and fourth largest renewable energy installed capacity country in the world. Hydrogen Production: Today there is about six tons of hydrogen is produced in the country and our estimate is that by 2050 it will it will go up at least by five times. Solar mission: In 2014-15, the government enhanced target of solar mission from 20 megawatt to 20 gigahertz to 100 gigawatts plus a total renewable electricity generation capacity to 175 gigawatts by 2022. Paris commitment: In Paris commitment for international carbon and climate change negotiations 2015-16, India decided to have almost 40 percent of renewables in power generation. In 2020: India is already around 91 gigawatts out of which 38 is wind and 34 gigawatts is solar. Renewable target: For 2030 was announced to for 450 gigawatts. Solar manufacturing hub: India has approximately two to three gigawatt of solar manufacturing solar PV module manufacturing capacity today, India aims to be the solar manufacturing hub of the world so it has different partnerships ongoing with public and private stakeholders. PLI scheme: To boost solar manufacturing in India. Electric mobility plans: More than 11 states in India now have rolled out their own electric mobility plans and they're focusing not only on manufacturing and job creation but also in demand creation. In two-wheeler segment: The entry barriers have really come down and partnerships and international alliances are happening. Startups: Partnering with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) with international partners and wanting to set up manufacturing base or use existing capacity. Other initiatives from the green perspective (in Budget 2021): Scrappage policy for individuals with 20 years and for commercial vehicles with 15 years. Private Financing: For the first time we heard about private financing of Rs 20,000 crores for 20, 000 buses and innovative financing with public private partnerships that would really revolutionize the way public transportation system and bus systems would move in India and of course the metro itself was talked about this support in Chennai and Bangalore and Nasik and couple of other cities. Hydrogen as a fuel: Currently, hydrogen is around six to eight dollar per kg production cost. Hydrogen as a storage device as a storage media can itself be a big economy and that's why countries across the world Japan, Australia they are banking on hydrogen as a future energy media. According to a report titled “The Potential Role of Hydrogen in India – Harnessing the Hype” by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) released in December last year, demand for hydrogen could increase by at least 5- fold by 2050, continuing to grow in the second half of the century in India. Demand for hydrogen is at around 6 metric tonne (MT) per annum, mainly from industry sectors, such as fertilizers and refineries. This can increase to around 28 MT by 2050 mainly due to cost reductions in key technologies and a push to reduce carbon footprint. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 24 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Right now, hydrogen is a by-product of some refinery processes and also used in fertilizers, but in the context of renewable energy hydrogen has a certain role to play: It can be used as a carrier As a fuel comes storage like petrol or diesel It can also be used directly as a fuel Hydrogen for large scale or long-distance transport is one very big possibility. It can be railways, it can be large shipping or even it can be buses or trucks where road transport is through hydrogen vehicles, because electric vehicles have their own limitations. In terms of driving a car, one kg of hydrogen would really give close to 100 kilometers in cities, but it would take maybe seven to eight litres of petrol for the same distance. Way Forward: Domestic manufacturing capacity: Some of the measures that would further enhance investment to renewable energy in India is increasing the domestic manufacturing capacity in India whether it is the PLI Scheme for manufacturing solar panels and through this budget the PLI Scheme has been extended to the ACC (Advanced Chemical Cells) as well in the auto sector. Global value chain: India should definitely look into becoming part of the global value chain for hydrogen itself and there's much more that India could do, for example, from manufacturing these stacks and the electrolyzers; for the storage, the pipelines and the tanks. Mobility: Moving for long distance whether it is urban freight movement between cities and states and also for the passenger movement that's a very promising initiative to really look at this. Energy security: Hydrogen is one of the alternatives that India needs to consider from its energy security perspective. Customs duty: Increasing the customs duty on solar panels will actually uh incentivize domestic players in India to set up manufacturing of solar panels and the entire and making the entire supply chain robust. Awareness: Driving the awareness with customers and consumers would be really critical because we really need kind of push the citizens to know really become more sensitive to environment. Capacity building: It is not only awareness but also building capacity of the industries so that you have manufacturing in place, you have skill job created a skill council of green jobs. R & D: There is a good spending on research development and technology adaptation because that is one area where India has lost earlier in solar photovoltaics and now, we should not lose that aspect in hydrogen and new technologies especially electric vehicles, new battery technologies, etc. Green labelling: with respect to particularly consumer awareness for example green labelling of products needs to be in place so that consumers are aware that. For example, in the western world a lot of fair trade happens, even in India we do have but green labelling of products is something that would that is one of the steps to incentivize consumers.
General Studies-II 3 International Relations
3.1 UN Security Council to hold emergency meet over Myanmar coup Context: Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward is this month’s council president and said Monday that the council will look at “a range of measures” to Uphold the Nov. 8 presidential election won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party and Secure the release of the Nobel peace laureate and other leaders arrested by the military.
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MYANMAR COUP: Bloodless military coup in myanmar: Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi was detained, along with her ally President Win Myint, and other senior leaders early on Monday, 1 February, following a military coup in the country. Myanmar's military seized power on Monday in a bloodless coup, detaining democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other top politicians -- sparking an international outcry. Landslide Victory by NLDP: Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won November elections in a landslide. o but the military now claims those polls were tainted by fraud. Suu Kyi's Party v. Military backed party: The NLD, in fact, pulled off a better performance than it did in 2015, while the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the NLD’s primary Opposition, fared rather poorly. One Voice of International Community: UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: "What is important is that the international community speak with one voice." United nations reaction: Serious blow to democratic reforms: The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Tuesday on the military coup in Myanmar, which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called “a serious blow to democratic reforms” in the Southeast Asian nation. UN Sanctions: Woodward says “at the moment, we don’t have specific ideas on measures.” At the U.N., that often means sanctions. No information about Leaders: U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric says the world body has been unable to contact officials in the capital and has no information on those being held. Military action v Rohingya Crisis: Dujarric said the U.N. fears the military action “may make the situation worse” for: o Estimated 600,000 Rohingya that remain in northern Rakhine state, o Including 120,000 people “who are effectively confined to camps.”
AUNG SAN SUU KYI: Suu Kyi came to power as state councilor in 2016 after the country’s first fully democratic vote in decades. Her ascension to leadership was seen as a critical moment in the transition of Myanmar to democracy from military dictatorship. Suu Kyi is the daughter of the country’s independence hero General Aung San. She spent more than 15 years under house arrest. Her time in detention made her an international icon, and she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
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UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL: The Security Council is one of the UN’s six main organs, and is aimed at maintaining international peace and security. The UNSC has 15 member and five of them — US, UK, Russia, China and France — are permanent members, who have veto rights. Non-permanent members: The ten elected or non- permanent members have a tenure of two years. o At present, the non-permanent members are Estonia, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Niger, Norway, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. o They do not have veto rights. o Critics call them a toothless grouping because they cannot assert their will on any matter of international concern, merely persuade or dissuade other member states from acting in a certain way.
3.2 U.S. extends New START nuclear treaty with Russia
Context: U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration on Wednesday extended the New START nuclear treaty with Russia by five years, saying it hoped to prevent an arms race despite rising tensions with Moscow.
News in details: One day before the treaty was set to expire, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was extending New START by the maximum allowed time of five years. President Biden pledged to keep the American people safe from nuclear threats by restoring U.S. leadership on o Arms control and o Non-proliferation. Effective arms control: “The United States is committed to effective arms control that enhances stability, transparency and predictability while reducing the risks of costly, dangerous arms races.” Putin Signs: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed off on legislation extending the accord on Friday, meaning that the treaty — signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2010 — will run until February 5, 2026. Ceiling to N-Warheads: The last remaining arms reduction pact between the former Cold War rivals, New START caps to 1,550 the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by Moscow and Washington. China’s arsenal: Former President Donald Trump’s administration tore up previous agreements with Moscow and unsuccessfully sought to expand New START to cover China. Mr. Blinken said the U.S. would use the coming five years to pursue diplomacy that addresses “all” of Russia’s nuclear weapons and to “reduce the dangers from China’s modern and growing nuclear arsenal”.
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New Start Nuclear Treaty: It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and the Russia. It entered into force on in 2011. It is a successor to the START framework of 1991. It was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. It was set to expire on February 5 , 2021, as the Trump administration had refused to approve the extension. It is the last remaining arms control treaty between the two nations.
3.3 International Criminal Court convicts Ugandan commander for war crimes
Context: The International Criminal Court on Thursday convicted Dominic Ongwen, a Ugandan child soldier-turned- Lord’s Resistance Army commander of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
What was the issue? Ongwen ordered attacks on refugee camps and waged a bloody campaign in four African nations. His aim was to set up a state based on the Bible’s Ten Commandments. He killed more than 1,00,000 people and abducted 60,000 children ICC Case Details: Reign of terror: Dominic Ongwen, 45, was found guilty of 61 charges over a reign of terror in the early 2000s, including the first conviction by the ICC for the crime of forced pregnancy. o “His guilt has been established beyond any reasonable doubt.” White Ant: Ongwen, nicknamed “White Ant”, was convicted of charges including murder, rape, sexual enslavement and the conscription of child soldiers. o He denied all the charges. Landmark judgement: Human Rights Watch said the case was a landmark in achieving justice for victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Ongwen is the first LRA leader to be tried before the ICC, and the first to be convicted for LRA crimes anywhere in the world. Lord’s Resistance Army: The LRA was founded three decades ago by former Catholic altar boy and self-styled prophet Kony, who launched a bloody rebellion in northern Uganda against President Yoweri Museveni. The United Nations says the LRA killed more than 1,00,000 people and abducted 60,000 children in a campaign of violence that spread to three other African nations — 1. Sudan, 2. Democratic Republic of Congo and 3. Central African Republic. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 28 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT: It is a court of last resort for the prosecution of serious international crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court Treaty: Its treaty, the Rome Statute, was adopted in July 1998. HQ: Hague, Netherlands. Composition: Presided over by a president and two vice-presidents Term/Tenure: Three-year terms. Function: ICC investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: 1. Genocide, 2. War crimes, 3. Crimes against humanity and 4. Crime of aggression. 3.4 Ladakh Crisis-‘India, China Agree to Return to Pre-April 2020 Positions’
Context: China and India have agreed to return to the pre-April 2020 positions in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to the latest disengagement plan being implemented on the ground.
Background: India and China have been engaged in a face-off in various pockets in eastern Ladakh since April last year after China stopped Indian patrols in the Finger area of Pangong Tso. Finger 4: The troops have not been able to patrol beyond Finger 4 since the last week of April 2020 after China had ingressed about 8 km. Earlier, the troops could patrol up to Finger 8. Other Conflict Area: The other areas where the buildup continues are the o Depsang plains, o Galwan, o Gogra-Hot Springs and o South bank of Pangong. News In Details: India v. China: The agreement effectively means that China will vacate the Finger area on the north bank of Pangong Tso (lake). o India will have to climb down from the advantageous position it has taken on the southern side of the lake. Depsang and Charding Ninglung Nallah (CNN) junction in Demchok sector are not part of the current disengagement plan and will be discussed in the next meeting. Consensus on ninth round talks: The official said efforts to implement the consensus reached after the ninth round of the Corps Commander level talks on January 24 have picked up in the past two days. Pre-April 2020 status: “The ground commanders are meeting twice a day and we are hopeful of achieving a pre- April 2020 status in all sectors.”
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o Reduction of troops will be visible on the ground in the next two or three days. Approved by the Government: “After the Corps Commanders meeting, the disengagement plan was approved by the government. Simultaneous withdrawal: There will be simultaneous withdrawal on both the banks of Pangong Tso. In the north bank, India will move back to DS Post where the troops had earlier started their patrols. Dismantling Camps Not only troops but mechanised armoured elements and temporary structures, such as tents and camps, will also be removed. The Southern bank, where Indian troops are in a dominant position since August 2020, is a big pressure point for the Chinese.”
ANGONG TSO: In the Ladakhi language, Pangong means extensive concavity, and Tso is lake in Tibetan. Pangong Tso is a long narrow, deep, endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at a height of more than 14,000 ft in the Ladakh Himalayas. The western end of Pangong Tso lies 54 km to the southeast of Leh. The brackish water lake freezes over in winter, and becomes ideal for ice skating and polo. It is not a part of the Indus river basin area. It has a land-locked basin separated from the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge, An Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake as it lies on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. The lake is in the process of being identified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. This will be the first trans-boundary wetland in South Asia under the convention.
3.5 US Welcomes India’s Emergence As A Leading Global Power and Net Security Provider
Context: "India is one of the most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region to us. We welcome India's emergence as a leading global power and its role as a net security provider in the region," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is both broad as well as multi-faceted.
Summary of The Talk: Jaishankar-Blinken Talk: Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar. The two leaders reaffirm the strength of the US-India partnership. Myanmar Coup: Blinken expressed concern over the military coup and the importance of rule of law and the democratic process in Myanmar. Regional developments: They also discussed regional developments, including the value of US-India cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. “Both sides look forward to expanded regional cooperation, including through the Quad, and to address the challenges of COVID and climate change.”
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Cooperation On A Wide Range of Issues: India and the US, cooperate on a wide range of, including 1. Diplomatic issues 2. Security issues 3. Defence, 4. Non-proliferation, 5. Regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, 6. Counterterrorism, 7. Peacekeeping, 8. Environment, 9. Space 10. Oceans. 11. Health, 12. Education, 13. Technology and 14. Agriculture, Significance of Relation: India as UNSC Member: “We also work closely in international organisations, and we welcome India joining the Security Council in last month of this year for a two-year term.” USA largest trading partner: The United States also remains India’s largest and most important trading partner, with total bilateral trade increasing to USD146 billion in 2019. Source of FDI: US companies, of course, are a large source of India’s foreign direct investment, he said. People-to-people ties: It is broad and important. “Across this country, nearly four million Indian Americans call the United States home, contributing in their communities and proudly serving their country in uniform.” EDITORIAL 3.6 Lanka scraps India port deal-East Container Terminal (ECT)
Context: IN A SETBACK for India, the Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka, which is facing the threat of nationwide agitations against port privatisation, has cancelled the Port deal. It was an agreement signed by the previous regime in 2019 for India and Japan to develop the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT) at Colombo port with Adani Group as an investor.
Agreement For Strategic East Container Terminal: Agreement: Signed in May 2019, to jointly develop the strategic terminal with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) holding a 51% stake and India and Japan holding 49% together. The Adani Group from India, along with Japanese companies, was to invest in the project expected to cost up to $700 million, as per official estimates. Why Scrapped Deal: Three High level Cabinet Meetings: The three high-level meetings follow the Sri Lankan government’s cabinet decision, in the wake of raging protests by port workers’ unions opposed to foreign investment in the facility. Protest by 23 trade unions: At the Colombo port, backed by over 220 unions across the country, announced an agitation against the project being given to “foreign” companies. o When President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured the protesters that only 49 per cent stake was being given, they cited his own poll manifesto that found fault with the 2019 agreement.
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Threat to Political stability of Government: “The President stood by the agreement until the last moment but the support gained by port trade unionists was posing a threat to his position as aggressive nationalists and civil society groups extended support to the port workers. India-Japan and Sri Lanka: Second Setback: This is the second instance of Sri Lanka reversing an agreement on a large infrastructure project involving Japan. First Setback: When Sri Lankan government scrapped the $1.5 billion, Japan-funded Light Rail Transit system last year. Adhere to Commitments: The thrust of the Indian envoy’s message to the Sri Lankan leadership, sources said, was that Colombo must adhere to its commitments in the tripartite agreement. Priority project for India: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had tagged the ECT as a priority project for India during his visit to Colombo last month. Japan's reaction: Two days after Sri Lanka decided to scrap a 2019 agreement with India and Japan for operating the East Coast Terminal (ECT), Japan says the decision was “unilateral and regrettable”. Importance For India: Security reason: The ECT project was considered important for India, mainly for security reasons. o As the China holds 85 per cent stake in the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) o Which is near the ECT. Commercial reason: Over 70 % of business at Colombo port is from ships in transit to the Indian coast, making it important for Sri Lanka, too. Incidentally, the Adani Group is also building a transhipment port at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, which is being developed primarily to wean away India-bound trans-shipment traffic from Colombo. Consequences and Reactions: Alarm in India and Japan: The development has sparked alarm in India and Japan, according to diplomatic sources, who said Sri Lanka had neither conveyed its decision, nor offered the alternative proposal to either of the partners. Funding issue for Sri Lanka: Asked how Sri Lanka would mobilise funds to develop the SLPA, especially after the economic impact of the pandemic. o Udaya Gammanpila, a Cabinet spokesman, on Tuesday said, “SLPA is going to use its own funds, as well as borrow money from local commercial banks.” Alternative-West Container Terminal: Sensitive diplomatic issue: On whether Sri Lanka had discussed the option of developing the West Container Terminal with India, he said, “This is a sensitive diplomatic issue. Sri Lanka is always keen to maintain cordial diplomatic ties with India. Reconciliatory move as offer of WCT: Sri Lanka has offered India another undertaking to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) at the same facility on a Public Private Partnership model along with Japan.
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India not interested: Sri Lankan officials acknowledged that India is not keen on an alternate arrangement and views the decision as “unilateral”. The Indian High Commission in Colombo has called on “all sides” to “abide by the existing understandings and commitment”. East Container Terminal vs West Container Terminal:
East container terminal West container terminal
It is in its first stage and awaits upgrade. Exists merely as a proposal, with no infrastructure yet
450-metre-long quay wall and water depth of 18 Not smaller in size or depth compared to the metres East Terminal.
Can accommodate large vessels Can accommodate large vessels
Public Private Partnership model
51% to developers (India-Japan) 85 per cent stake to the developers 3.7 India USA Relations-Role of Leaders-From Truman To Trump
Context: Meenakshi Ahamed has written a book on the relationship between India and the US. Book Name: “A Matter of Trust, India-US relations from Truman to Trump”. It is an account of the twists and turns in the road travelled by the leaders of the two countries over 75 years.
Hard Times” and “Great Expectations”: Different leaders across decades: The road from Truman to Trump has passed through the presidencies of many leaders. It has not been a straight road and at times it has reversed direction. It has met many obstacles and it has often been marked by the signpost, “Hard Times”. “Great Expectations” have, however, enabled the travellers to find a bypass. Personal View of US President on India: Not surprisingly, every US president has come to office with a personal view on India. These views have seldom reflected a deep understanding of India’s history, culture or even politics. o They have reflected personal proclivities, prejudice and experience. o But once in the Oval Office, and even though overlaid by domestic priorities and expert advice, these views have often had a subliminal and at times, unintended influence on policy. Evolution of India-USA Relation and Role of Leaders: 1. Truman-Nehru: Truman saw India as a “distant country with no direct bearing on US political interests”. He made no effort to develop a relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru. o Focus: Reconstruction of post-War Europe. 2. Eisenhower- Nehru: On the other hand, was more empathetic, perhaps because of appreciation of the role played by Indian soldiers during the Great war. o But he was straitjacketed somewhat by the “moralising religiosity” of his Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, who did not understand nationalism and thought that Nehru’s policy of non-alignment was a “moral betrayal”. 3. VP Richard Nixon-Nehru: He was also more at home in the company of the “hail fellow well met”. He preferred Pakistani leadership than the harder-edged intellectualism of Nehru. o America forced a military alliance with Pakistan during this Presidency. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 33 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
4. J.F. Kennedy-Nehru: He endeavoured to correct this hyphenated imbalance and appointed the pro-India, Harvard professor, John Kenneth Galbraith as ambassador to India and sent his wife, Jackie, to charm the Indian leadership. o These initiatives did bear results — economic aid and military support picked up appreciably during this period. o But then there was the assassination. 5. Johnson- Indira Gandhi: He believed in “tough love” and “self-help” and was obsessively niggardly about food aid to India. o These personal antipathies carried over and deepened under the Nixon presidency. 6. Richard Nixon-Indira Gandhi: Encouraged by Kissinger, Nixon labelled Indira Gandhi a “warmonger” bent on slicing Pakistan o Whilst Mrs. Gandhi regarded Nixon as an accomplice in the Bangladesh genocide. o Whatever residual goodwill may have existed, evaporated completely during this presidency. 7. Jimmy Carter-Indira Gandhi: US-India relations started to turn around under Carter. He received positive press by not stopping over in Pakistan during state visit to India. 8. Ronald Reagan-Rajiv Gandhi: Reagan had no particular interest in India — his focus was on combating the evil empire of communism. o But he liked Rajiv Gandhi and so cast a benevolent eye on the request for spare parts for the Tarapur nuclear energy plant. 9. George H. W. Bush- He knew more about India than any of his predecessors because of his past experience as an Ambassador to China and CIA director. o He appreciated the consequential impact of a conflict on the Subcontinent. o He broke with past US policy to take an explicitly pro-India stand on the India-Pakistan issue. o He told Pakistan that in the event of a war in the Subcontinent, America would withdraw all assistance to it. 10. Bill Clinton-A.B. Vajpayee: He recognised India’s economic potential and built on these strengthened foundations. o Despite Pokhran 2 (which triggered sanctions), Clinton used his presidential heft to get Pakistan to pull back from Kargil. 11. Junior Bush-Manmohan Singh: The junior Bush transformed relations to a higher strategic platform by pushing the civil nuclear deal through Congress. 12. President Obama-Manmohan Singh & Narendra Modi: When he was Senator, was critical of this deal (as was Senator Biden) but as President. o After an avoidable (and probably unintended) “insult”, when he failed to mention India during a speech in Japan about the emergent powers in Asia. o He acknowledged India’s pivotal role in countering China and reoriented US policy accordingly. Whilst he respected Manmohan Singh for his intellect and moral character, he saw Singh as a shackled leader. 13. Trump-N. Modi: Trump saw India through his narcissistic prism, but he received some credit for cancelling $300 million of military aid to Pakistan. Structural Convergence: The US and India are structurally bound. They have common democratic values. They have convergent geopolitical, economic and strategic interests. Conclusion: The personal predilections of presidents and prime ministers can weaken the bond but not rupture them totally. The fact is that none of these leaders took to each other. None developed a personal connect and yet, the ties did improve, albeit episodically.
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That said, individuals do matter. The pace of the further development of relations will depend crucially on the quality, knowledge and influence of the people that President Biden appoints to his India desk. 3.8 India’s Myanmar Dilemma
Context: The recent military coup has undone the comfortable space New Delhi’s Myanmar policy occupied for close to a decade Struggle for Power: The long-lingering power struggle in Myanmar has finally ended, and the Myanmar junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, has won the struggle, dashing decade-long hopes for a truly democratic Myanmar. Sandwiched b/w India-China: The future of Myanmar’s democracy is uncertain, but the country, sandwiched between two powerful states competing for power and influence, is certain to be a key piece in the region’s geopolitics.
Military Coup and Geopolitics: Choices of outside powers: If Myanmar’s democracy prior to the February 2021 coup was inadequate and intolerant towards minorities, its political future will be a lot more complicated, making the choices of outside powers far more constrained. Sanctions from the West: Strong reactions and the threat of sanctions from the United States and the West in the wake of the recent coup could lead to unique political realignments in Myanmar. Syu kyi as poster Girl for democracy: Despite bloody crackdown against the Rohingya in 2017, recent coup have brought her right back into the centre of the international community’s political calculations in Myanmar. o She will now be the poster girl for the international campaign to restore democracy in Myanmar. ICJ Case: the case against Myanmar’s conduct during her government’s tenure at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will most likely be put on the backburner. The China Factor: Beneficial to Junta: This is a coup that seems to suit no one except the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar. Short term Loss to China, India and World: In the short run, the coup stands to hurt the interests of China, India and even the rest of the international community, all of whom were able to do business with Myanmar in their own unique ways. Tatmadaw tilt to China: International community’s sharp reactions will likely force the Tatmadaw to turn to China. o Even though international sanctions are unlikely to have a major impact on the country’s largely inward- looking junta. o It would still expect Beijing to give them political and diplomatic support both within the region and globally. Economic complication: For China, the coup has complicated its larger regional economic plans in Myanmar, at least for the time being. o Beijing has recently been cultivating Ms. Suu Kyi, who was keen on a strong relationship with China given the growing criticism she was facing from the West.
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West v. China on Junta: China has every reason to go easy on the junta and offer them support in return for increasing the Chinese footprint in the country. o On its part, the Tatmadaw, which has traditionally not been an ardent fan of Beijing, would have to change its tune. o While China’s choices are straightforward, it is far more complicated for others, especially India. New Delhi’s Quandary: Most challenging dilemma: New Delhi faces the most challenging dilemma on how to respond to the military coup in Myanmar. The dual power centres of the military and the civilian government that existed in Myanmar until recently, suited New Delhi quite well. Comfortable Space: Until recently, New Delhi’s Myanmar policy was not shaped by a difficult choice between norms and interests: neither was Ms. Suu Kyi’s political experiment without its faults nor were India’s national interests hurt by the Tatmadaw. Uncomfortable space: While India’s national interests, under the new circumstances, would clearly lie in dealing with whoever is in power in Myanmar. o India would find it difficult to openly support the junta given the strong western and American stance. Offend the junta: On the other hand, it can ill-afford to offend the junta by actively seeking a restoration of democracy. o Being a close neighbour with clear strategic interests in Myanmar, offending the junta would be counter- productive. Suu Kyi v. Junta: While Ms. Suu Kyi was getting cozy with Beijing, it was the Myanmar military that had been more circumspect, to Delhi’s delight of course. With Ms. Suu Kyi in detention, Beijing will focus its energies on wooing the Generals. MEA S. Jaishankar: “We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld. We are monitoring the situation closely” — is definitely in favour of restoring democracy, Cooperation, Rohingya Issue: China factor: While a friendless Myanmar junta getting closer to China is a real worry for New Delhi, there are other concerns too. Insurgencies in N-E: Myanmar’s military played a helpful role in helping New Delhi contain the north-eastern insurgencies by allowing Indian military to pursue insurgents across the border into Myanmar. o Coordinated action and intelligence sharing between the two forces have in the recent past been instrumental in beating back the insurgent groups in the northeast. Rohingya Issue: Equally important is the issue of providing succour to the Rohingya in the wake of the military coup in Myanmar. o Unless the military decides to engage in a peace process. Way Forward: India’s response: Given its high-stakes in Myanmar, New Delhi would need to be nimble-footed and creative in its responses with well-thought-out strategic choices taking precedence over knee-jerk reactions. India’s support for the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar is unlikely to return; this is particularly because the nature of the regional geopolitics has changed thanks to the arrival of China on the scene. New Delhi’s new Myanmar policy will therefore be a function of interests rather than norms. In the meantime, the focus must be on improving trade, connectivity, and security links between the two sides.
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THE BIG PICTURE
3.9 G7 and India
Context: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the G7 summit as he confirmed details on Sunday for the high-level meeting to be presided over by Britain in the coastal region of Cornwall between June 11 and 13.
Background: Johnson had extended an invitation to Modi during a phone call last year when India was chosen alongside South Korea and Australia as guest countries of the multilateral summit. The invitation was made formal on Sunday. Johnson also reiterated his plan to visit India ahead of the G7 summit, after a scheduled visit for Republic Day this month was called off due to the coronavirus crisis. The Group of Seven or G7 – which is made up of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US – is dubbed as an open forum where the world’s most influential and open societies are brought together for close- knit discussions, with the pandemic likely to dominate this year’s talks.
Summary of the Debate
G-7 or ‘Group of Seven’: It is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 1975 by the top economies of the time as an informal forum to discuss pressing world issues. Canada joined the group in 1976, and the European Union began attending in 1977. Members of the G-7- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and USA. The G-7 was known as the ‘G-8’ for several years after the original seven were joined by Russia in 1997. The Group returned to being called G-7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. Britain’s interest in India: Covid crisis: One of the pressing reasons is covid crisis and Britain is reeling from the crisis, it had 88,000 deaths, the highest number in Europe from that crisis. AstraZeneca vaccine and KOVISHIELD vaccine being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and this is result of friendly cooperation and India will supply this to Britain and other countries at affordable rates. Britain’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific: After Britain left the European Union and after the European Union had its own investment agreement with China recently, despite US displeasure. So, Britain does not want to be left out on both counts, it’s neither in the EU nor is it pivoting to the Indo-Pacific. Group of democracy (D10): There was also a report that G7 should become D10. The share of the G7 in the world GDP has precipitously declined to 40 percent with the rise of Asia. So, Britain wants more partners in Asia. Trade: Britain are looking increasingly to the US for the bilateral trade and they will have to come to India because they are looking for big markets and India comes on top for them due to the colonial legacy, the commonwealth linkage, the English language, ease with which, the investor can come in and go out.
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Rise of China: Britain is worried about the excessive Chinese penetration into the European Union and Britain were warning against it, but the Germans want Chinese market for its automobile industries. Geopolitical Challenges: Today, the geopolitical problem entering the field which is China. There is no consensus even among the developed world, even the western world as how to respond. Chinese have repeatedly denounced Quad, they have been concerned about formulations of the D10 or the G7 plus the Quad. The USA and Britain within the G7 wants to create and reshape G7 into counters to China. However, there is no consensus within the G7. Germany and Italy were unhappy at the idea of D10, because they feared that China would perceive this as an Anti-China move. A large number of countries in Africa, Middle east, Eastern Europe have made it very clear that they still believe that China is a central economic and political partner. Way Forward: It is strategically better for India to form a coalition to manage the hegemonic rise of China. India should come up with some concrete proposals for cooperative projects in the Indo-Pacific. The US had announced last year that India could also join the blue dot network that they already have for certification of infrastructure projects but more than certification, India need financing. India has to realize that G7 is basically an organization in decline. So, to some degree while the D10 is a way to help revamp it, India needs to be open to the idea that even within the G7, there are probably only three countries who are actually have a geopolitical interest that is similar to India. India needs to take this forward in a pragmatic way rather than in an ideological or evangelical way that means, India don’t have to go too hard on the D10, because we might be leaving out some other countries who are not formal democracies, for example, middle east countries.
INDIA’S WORLD
3.10 India's Engagement with Africa
Context: Speaking at the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on “Challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts" especially in the African context Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said sought to place in context the instability faced by many African countries and underlined the importance of the role of national governments in ensuring peace and stability in their countries.
Background: India and Africa have a long and rich history of interaction marked by cultural, economic and political exchanges based on the principle of south cooperation. Africa is world’s second largest continent both in terms of land and population with 55 countries which account for about 15 percent of world’s population. In the recent years a number of steps have been taken to further strengthen these relations.
Summary of the Debate
India and Africa: Trade: India’s trade with Africa has grown from 5.3 billion in 2001 to 62 billion in 2018. India’s is now Africa’s third largest trading partner accounting for 6.4 percent of African total trade but China has surpassed USA and it is Africa’s largest trading partner. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 38 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Grants in Aid: Africa is the second-largest recipient (after South Asia) of Indian overseas assistance with Lines of Credit (LOC) worth nearly $10 billion (nearly 40% of the total LOC globally) spread over 100 projects in 41 countries. Health: India sent number of missions in terms of supply to the African countries to deal with covid crisis. African countries have also acknowledged India’s role in supporting the health concerns within Africa in current times. Investment: There are large Indian investments in gas field, ports, infrastructure and in return India gets energy. Commonalities: India and Africa shared a lot of cultural commonalities. Security Cooperation: India have taken part in largest number of missions and also had maximum number of casualties in Africa. Capacity Building: Whether it is in the sphere of strategic and political dialogue or it is in the sphere of economic development cooperation or in functional and human resource development cooperation, India has heard Africa and has worked with them closely ever since opposing apartheid to seeking their place in International organizations including in the UNSC. South-South cooperation: India and African countries have cooperation. Africa's importance to India: More visit: There has been a focus on Africa in recent years and this focus is very visible that there has been high level of visits to the African countries which was not happening earlier. Economic potential: African countries have a lot of economic potential, just before the covid times, the African countries were one among the top five fastest growing economies in the world. Growth pool: Africa is no longer the dark continent, it is the continent which is the growth pool of the world which has a number of innovations coming out it. Resources: In African countries, there are abundance of mineral resources, abundance of the human resources, very good geographical location, all the sea lanes of communication passing through nearby. Agenda 2063: It is one of the plans which come out from Africa which talks of various priorities whether development, whether it’s security or human resource development. UNSC: Whether it is in the sphere of strategic and political dialogue or it is in the sphere of economic development cooperation or in functional and human resource development cooperation, India has heard Africa and has worked with them closely ever since opposing apartheid to seeking their place in International organizations including in the UNSC. How to build counter-terrorism ties between India and Africa: Military training: The African military officers are coming in India and doing training. Training academies: There are training academies of India in number of African countries. Counter insurgency: African officers are coming for basic technical courses for the counter insurgency and counter terror operations in India. Peacekeeping missions: In this peacekeeping missions, Indian contingents have performed better. For instance, the mission of Indian women contingent in Liberia have been the most successful missions of United Nation. Aatmnirbhar Bharat: The way India improved the defense production, India could be selling a fair amount of low technological equipment certainly at much lower price.
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Way Forward: De-emotionalize policy: We need to de-emotionalize India’s Africa policy because we tend to get very emotional with our past. UNSC reform: There is a need for the reformation of UNSC and this is a common agenda between India as well as the African continent and South Africa is one of the major contenders. Terrorism: Another angle where India needs to collaborate there is, the question of terrorism and the non-state actors, these are common challenges. Economic engagement: A new wave of FDI led economic engagement is required. Investment: India should support the private sector to invest more in Africa and with the Africa continental, free trade area coming in to force this year, a more regional markets will come into place. o So, whereas, earlier African producers were looking at European markets for export, today, they can turn inwards and look introvertedly at regional markets in which India can play a much bigger role with them. Larger reach: India has got now outreach to over 40 African countries. So, India needs to focus on its projects in Africa and make sure its quality further improves. Skill: Skill enhancement are other areas which are of priority for India and Africa. Maritime security: Equally important for both the countries.
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General Studies-III 1 Economic Development
1.1 GST Revenue collection for January 2021 almost touches ₹1.20 lakh crore
Context: The revenues for the month of January 2021 are 8% higher than the GST revenues of Jan 2020, which in itself was more than ₹1.1 lakh crore.
GST revenue collection: Highest monthly tax collection: Recording the highest monthly tax collection, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collection for January 2021 has touched nearly ₹1.20 lakh crore. o The tax collection is higher than the December 2020 record set in the last round, which witnessed an unexpected rise of 11.6 per cent. Distribution of GST: The gross GST revenue collected is ₹1,19,847 crore of which 1. CGST is ₹21,923 crore, 2. SGST is ₹29,014 crore, 3. IGST is ₹60,288 crore (including ₹27,424 crore collected on import of goods) and 4. Cess is ₹8,622 crore (including ₹883 crore collected on import of goods) Import revenue grows: Marking an upward trend in trade: o Revenues from import of goods were 16% higher and o Revenues from domestic transactions, including import of services, are 6% higher than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year. Highest since the introduction of GST: Highest since the introduction of GST, the revenue has almost touched the ₹1.2 lakh crore mark, exceeding last month’s record collection of ₹1.15 lakh crore. Significance: Clear indicators of rapid economic recovery: GST revenues above ₹1 lakh crore for a stretch of last four months and a steep increasing trend over this period are clear indicators of rapid economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. Factors for rise in GST revenues: Following have contributed to the steady increase in tax revenue over the last few months. o Closer monitoring against fake-billing, o Deep data analytics using data from multiple sources including GST, o Income-tax and customs IT systems and effective tax administration GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST): It was launched on 1st July 2017. It is a o Multi-stage, That is levied on every value o Comprehensive, addition. o Destination-based tax YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 41 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Four slabs: of 5, 12, 18, and 28 percent. Exempted Products: Levied on every product except o Petroleum, o Alcohol, o Tobacco, and o Stamp duty on real estate It has been established by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. 1.2 Budget 2021: Top 10 takeaways from Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech
Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 01st Feb, announced various measures in her third Budget for the financial year 2021-’22 to revive the economy hit by the coronavirus pandemic. As expected, the health sector was given the attention it deserved. Most of her Budget speech was focused on the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to make India self-reliant.
Key takeaways from the budget: 1. Health sector: Allocation to the healthcare sector jumped 137% to Rs 2,23,846 crore as compared to last year’s Rs 94,452 crore. o Out of this, Rs 35,000 crore has been allocated for developing coronavirus vaccines. 2. Expenditure Budget: The capital expenditure also saw a jump of about 34% to Rs 5.54 lakh crore in comparision to the revised estimate of Rs 4.12 lakh crore in 2020-’21 financial year. 3. Taxation: While Sitharaman did not provide any tax relief for the general public, who had suffered because of the coronavirus pandemic. o She announced that citizens above the age of 75 will be exempted from filing income tax returns. o Under the proposal, senior citizens who depend only on pension will no longer have to file I-T returns. 4. Disinvestment: The Centre announced that two Public Sector Undertaking banks and one general insurance firm will be privatised this year. o Without announcing the names of the institutions concerned, Sitharaman said that idle assets will not contribute to “Atmanirbhar Bharat” or self-reliant India. 5. Banks recapitalistion: The government allocated Rs 20,000 crore for recapitalisation of public sector banks. 6. Infrastructure: Sitharaman announced special infrastructure projects for election-bound states of Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Various opposition leaders have criticised the move. 7. National Infrastructure Pipeline: Sitharaman expanded the National Infrastructure Pipeline to cover 7,400 projects by 2025. Development finance institution: She also announced the setting up of a development finance institution, which has been named the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development. 8. Foreign Direct Investment: The government has proposed raising of Foreign Direct Investment limit in insurance sector from 49% to 74%. 9. Agriculture credit: The government allocated Rs 16.50 lakh crore for agriculture-related credit schemes. Sitharaman also assured that the procurement of produce by the government under the Minimum Support Price will continue at a steady pace. 10. Fiscal deficit: The fiscal deficit has been pegged at 9.5% of the Gross Domestic Product for the current financial year. o For the financial year of 2021-’22, the central government estimated a fiscal deficit of 6.8% of the GDP, Sitharaman said while presenting the Budget.
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1.3 Singapore Arbitration: Amazon Wins Relief As HC Stays Future-Reliance Deal
Context: ‘Order of Singapore arbitration centre enforceable in India’ The Delhi High Court on Tuesday provided interim relief to e-commerce major Amazon by directing Future Retail Limited (FRL) to maintain status quo with regard to transfer of its retail assets to Reliance Retail.
Delhi Court’s Judgement: Two judge bench: Jurisdiction of Arbitration: Justice J.R. Midha also said he was of the prima facie view that an order of the emergency arbitrator (EA) at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) restraining FRL from taking any steps to transfer its retail assets was enforceable in India. “This court is of the prima facie view that the emergency arbitrator has rightly proceeded against respondent number 2 (FRL). The order dated October 25 is enforceable under Section 17(2) under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, the same manner as an order of this court,” Justice Midha said in an interim order. Single judge bench: On 21 December, a single-judge bench of the Delhi high court allowed the deal to go through, subject to regulatory approvals. The order upheld the Singapore ruling and declined Future’s plea to stop Amazon from approaching regulators to bar the Reliance-Future deal. The basis of the interim award of the emergency arbitrator has been superseded by the judgement dated 21 December, passed by the learned single judge, Justice Mukta Gupta. Amazon v. Future industries: Reliance & Future Deal v. Amazon: In its petition, Amazon alleged that the ₹24,713 crore deal with Reliance Industries violates its investment agreement with Future Group. o It barred the company from selling its assets to Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate among other specified entities. Amazon Petition: Amazon had approached the Delhi court on 25 January with a plea seeking detention of Future Group founders, including its promoter Kishore Biyani, and seizure of their assets for violating the tribunal order. Significant victory for Amazon: The court’s observation that the Singapore tribunal order is enforceable in India is a significant victory for the American e-commerce giant, controlled by billionaire Jeff Bezos. Singapore tribunal order: The tribunal passed an interim order favouring Amazon in October, barring Future Retail from taking any steps to sell or encumber its assets. Biyani’s Future Group: It needs to complete the deal without delay to prevent a possible bankruptcy, has been caught in the fight between two of the world’s wealthiest men. India’s Retail & E-commerce Market: At stake is India’s retail market: At stake is control of India’s retail market, estimated to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, amid a surge in online shopping. Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart together control over 80% of the Indian e-commerce market and have been competing to make inroads into the traditional retail market in India.
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Other regulators in the scene: The Competition Commission of India had approved the deal in November, and the Securities Exchange Board of India gave its conditional nod last month. Future Retail has already approached the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai, for approval of the deal.
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE: It is a not-for-profit international arbitration organisation. Based: In Singapore Function: It administers arbitrations under o Its own rules of arbitration and o The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules.
THE SINGAPORE CONVENTION ON MEDIATION Context: o Recently, The Singapore Convention on Mediation came into force. o The convention will provide a more effective way of enforcing mediated settlements of corporate disputes involving o businesses in India and other countries that are signatories to the Convention. About the convention: o The convention is also known as the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. o This is the first UN treaty to be named after Singapore. o Singapore had worked with the UN Commission on International Trade Law, other UN member states, and nongovernmental organizations for the Convention. o As on September 1, the Convention has 53 signatories, including India, China, and the U.S.
1.4 TRAI regulations- To curb unsolicited commercial communications
Context: The Delhi High Court ordered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ensure “complete and strict” implementation of the regulation issued by it in 2018 for curbing unsolicited commercial communications (UCC).
News in details: Court also directed the telecom service providers (TSPs) to ensure strict compliance with the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preferences Regulations (TCCCPR) 2018 issued by TRAI o Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), o Reliance Jio, o Airtel and o Vodafone, Plea by Paytm: The court’s direction came while disposing of a plea by One97 Communications Ltd, which runs Paytm.
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Defrauded by phishing: It claimed that millions of its customers have been defrauded by the phishing activities over the mobile networks and the failure of the telecom companies to prevent the same has “caused financial and reputational loss”. HC Order: “We expect TRAI to strictly implement the regulations and in case of any violation, action would be initiated in accordance with the regulations.” Violation of obligations under TCCCPR 2018: Paytm had, in its plea, alleged that telecom operators are not blocking those who are defrauding its customers by “phishing” activities over various mobile networks. Paytm had contended that the telecom majors are violating their obligations under the TCCCPR 2018, to curb problem of unsolicited commercial communications Obligation: Under the regulations, the telecom companies are required to verify purported telemarketers seeking registration (called registered telemarketers or RTMs) with them before o Granting access to their customer data and o Also take action immediately against all fraudulent RTMS. It contended that the Telco’s “failure” to undertake proper verification prior to such registration enables fraudulent telemarketers to carry out phishing activities. UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS (UCC): UCC stands for “Unsolicited Commercial Communication”. It means any Commercial Communication which a subscriber opts not to receive. It does not include: o Any transactional message or o Any message transmitted on the directions of Central Government or State Government or agencies authorized by it. “Commercial Communication”: It means any message, voice or SMS, made through telecommunications service, which is transmitted for the purpose of informing or soliciting or promotion of any commercial transaction in relation to goods, investment or services. “Telemarketer: It means a person or legal entity engaged in the activity of transmission of commercial communications. TELECOM COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS CUSTOMER PREFERENCES REGULATIONS (TCCCPR) 2018 It seeks to curb the problem of 1. Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or 2. spam calls and 3. spam messages. Registration of Telemarketer: Companies will have to register themselves for commercial SMS and calls. This will help the regulator to regulate the fraud companies. The salient features of the regulation: o Adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology (or blockchain) as the RegTech to ensure regulatory compliance while allowing innovation in the market. o Co-regulation: Telecom Service Providers/ Access Providers establish and arrange the framework, which is legally backed by regulation. o Enabling compliance: Through innovation in technology solutions that are demonstrated in a regulatory sandbox. o Enhanced controls and new options for all entities to perform their functions and to carry on their businesses efficiently
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1.5 34.46 % Hike In Capital Expenditure-Huge Multiplier Effect Context: Working with a “constrained resource envelope” in the aftermath of the Covid-19, the government essentially had to make a choice between two policy options: 1. Handouts or 2. Capital expenditure. o “Government chose capex,”
High Capital Expenditure: The 34.46 % hike in capital expenditure in 2021-22 over the Budget Estimate of 2020-21, to be utilised mostly on infrastructure sectors including rail and roads, will have a o Huge multiplier effect, o Boost investment, o Generate jobs and o Improve incomes. Handouts: In handouts, it would reach the hands of people immediately. For instance, in Jan Dhan, the propensity to save was high. So, if you release one rupee, people may save for a rainy day.” Capital expenditure: Instead, the government was of the view that if money was spent in infrastructure, the high multiplier effect would help. Advantage of High Capex: Multiplier Effect: Studies of RBI and NIPFP show the multiplier to be in the 2.5-4.2 range for government capital expenditure. Advantage: o This will trigger growth, starting a virtuous cycle which will then crowd in private spending and private expenditure. o With one rupee of capital we could hopefully generate 2.5 rupees of demand,” Safety nets continued: MGNREGA and PDS are still in place. Further, It will be funded adequately if more money is required. Rural employment: For rural employment guarantee scheme like MNREGS, the government was open to increasing funds. “It’s a demand based scheme. So by its nature, it’s a demand. If required, we will provide more for it,” he said. Challenges: Delaying fiscal consolidation: With the spending push, the government has delayed the glide path for fiscal consolidation, aiming to cap it at 4.5 % of the GDP by 2025-26. o For next fiscal, it has been pegged at 6.8 % of the GDP. Migrant workers: The government is also working towards changing the system for reaching out to migrant workers, the worst affected during the pandemic. 11 states had finished work for One Nation, One Ration. For Unskilled and semi-skilled workers: Government is trying to reach the target group of unskilled and semi- skilled workers through increased government expenditure in the construction sector. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE: It is used to create assets or to reduce liabilities. It consists of: 1. The long-term investments by the government on creating assets such as roads and hospitals, and 2. The money given by the government in the form of loans to states or repayment of its borrowings.
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1.6 Rs. 16000 Crore for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for 2021-22 Context: Government of India has allocated Rs 16000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY)for the fiscal year 2021-22. Today, PMFBY is globally the largest crop insurance scheme in terms of farmer participation and 3rd largest in terms of premium. Over 5.5 crore farmer applications are received on year-on-year basis.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Started from: 5 years ago, on 13th January 2016 Covers: It extends coverage for the entire cropping cycle from pre-sowing to post-harvest including coverage for losses arising out of o Prevented sowing and o Mid-season adversities. Continuous Restructuring: Ministry of Agriculture has worked extensively towards revamping PMFBY scheme by relooking at the structural, logistical, and other challenges. Completely Voluntary: The scheme was made completely voluntary for farmers post its revamp in 2020. Premium: o 2% for Kharif crops. o 1.5% for Rabi crops. o 5% for commercial and horticultural crops. Key Features of the Scheme: o Integration of land records with the PMFBY portal, o Crop Insurance mobile-app for easy enrollment of farmers and o Usage of technology such as, . Satellite imagery . Remote-sensing technology, . Drones, . Artificial intelligence and . Machine learning to assess crop losses are some of the key features of the scheme. Significance: 1. Comprehensive risk solution: The scheme was conceived as a milestone initiative to provide a comprehensive risk solution at the lowest uniform premium across the country for farmers. 2. Largest crop insurance scheme in World: Today, PMFBY is globally the largest crop insurance scheme in terms of farmer participation and 3rd largest in terms of premium. 3. Easy for Farmers: The scheme has made it easier for the farmer to report crop loss within 72 hours of occurrence of any event through the Crop Insurance App, CSC Centre or the nearest agriculture officer. 4. Digitalised: Claim benefit is then provided electronically into the bank accounts of eligible farmer. 5. Cover most Small and Marginal Farmers: As of now. out of total farmers enrolled under PMFBY, 84% are small and marginal farmers. Thus, financial assistance is provided to most vulnerable farmers. 6. AatmaNirbhar Bharat: The government's aim is to resolve structural, logistical, and other challenges, and expand the benefit of PMFBY to all farmers for a #AatmaNirbharBharat. 7. To boost the safety of farmers' crops
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8. To ensure maximum benefit of crop insurance reaches to farmers. 9. Shows Government's commitment towards growth of agriculture sector in the country. 1.7 Government Securities (G-Sec) For Retail Investor Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday (February 5) that it will give small investors direct access to its government securities trading platform. Retail investors can directly open their gilt accounts with RBI, and trade in government securities. The Governor of RBI, Shaktikanta Das, described this as a “major structural reform.”
Government Securities, Or G-Secs: These are debt instruments issued by the government to borrow money. The two key categories: 1. Treasury bills – short-term instruments which mature in 91 days, 182 days, or 364 days, and 2. Dated securities – long-term instruments, which mature anywhere between 5 years and 40 years. But Can’t Retail Investors Already Invest In G-Secs? Indirect Investment: Small investors can invest indirectly in G-Secs by buying mutual funds or through certain policies issued by life insurance firms. Direct Investment: To encourage direct investment, the government and RBI have taken several steps in recent years. o Retail investors are allowed to place non-competitive bids in auctions of government bonds through their demat accounts. o Stock exchanges act as aggregators and facilitators of retail bids. Need For Small Investors To Give Direct Access: Dominated by institutional investors: The G-Sec market is dominated by institutional investors such as banks, mutual funds, and insurance companies. These entities trade in lot sizes of Rs 5 crore or more. Crunch of Liquidity in secondary market: So, there is no liquidity in the secondary market for small investors who would want to trade in smaller lot sizes. o In other words, there is no easy way for them to exit their investments. Earlier Attempt: “ To popularise g-secs among retail investors o NSE GoBid app or retail debt market (RDM) segment at the Exchange. What Will The Current Proposal Do? RBI’s intention is to make the whole process of g-sec trading smoother for small investors. By allowing people to open accounts in RBI’s e-kuber system, it is hoping to create a market of small investors who will invest in these instruments. Why Is The Government and RBI Keen To Push G-Secs To Retail Investors? The RBI is the debt manager for the government. In the forthcoming financial year, the government plans to borrow Rs 12 lakh crore from the market. When the government demands so much money, the price of money (i.e., the interest rate) will move up. It is in the government’s and RBI’s interest to bring this down. That can happen by broadening the base of investors and making it easier for them to buy g-secs. They are generally considered the safest form of investment because they are backed by the government. So, the risk of default is almost nil. However, they are not completely risk free, since they are subject to fluctuations in interest rates. Bank fixed deposits, on the other hand, are guaranteed only to the extent of Rs 5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). 1.8 New Labour Codes: Labour Law Reforms YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 48 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Context: The Ministry of Labour and Employment is likely to complete the process to finalise the rules for four labour codes soon. The proposed labour codes could provide companies with the flexibility of four working days in a week.
Proposed Features/Rules In Labour Code: Limit of 48 hours: The working hours limit of 48 hours for a week will remain sacrosanct. Consultation with States: A simultaneous exercise of consultations with states has also taken place. State’s own Labour Code: States/UT of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and J&K also expected to formulate their draft rules for state-level labour codes within a week. Free medical check-ups: The Government also proposes to provide free medical check-ups to workers through the Employees State Insurance Corporation. 48-hour weekly working hours: working days could come down below five. o If it is four, then you have to provide three paid holidays. o If it has to be a seven day week, then it has to be divided into 4 or 5 or 6 working days,” Chandra said. The 48-hour weekly working hours limit will remain. “It is sacrosanct,” Web portal for Workers: The Ministry is also progressing to roll out a web portal by June 2021 for registration and other facilities of workers in the unorganised sector, including o Gig and workers o Platform workers and o Migrant workers. Enforcement of Codes: This ministry would soon be in a position to bring into force the four Codes, viz., Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) and Social Security Codes.” Amalgamating 44 central Labour Laws: The Labour Ministry had envisaged implementing the four labour codes from April 1 this year in one go. The ministry is in the final leg of amalgamating 44 central labour laws into four broad codes on o Wages, o Industrial relations, YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 49 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
o Social security and o Osh. New Labour Surveys: The Labour Bureau has also started work on four new surveys for o Migrant workers, o Domestic workers, o Employment generated by Professionals and Transport Sector. The Bureau will also commission ‘All India Establishment based Employment Survey.’ 1.9 Govt. To clarify E-Commerce FDI Rules
Context: The Centre plans to issue a clarification on the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy for the e-commerce sector in the wake of investigations into some foreign players’ operations following complaints about malpractices.
News In Details: Online marketplaces: The government had sought information from the online marketplaces as part of a probe into ‘certain complaints from consumers and small retailers. E-Com as Service Provider only: Stressing that e-commerce platforms could only act as a service provider, the minister warned players ‘who break the law’ that they would have to correct their business practices at the earliest. ‘Agnostic Platform’: True spirit of the law: “Government is also considering certain clarifications to ensure that the e-commerce sector works in the true spirit of the law, of the rules that have been laid down.” o However. the e-commerce policy per se would, however, not be changed. Agnostic platform: E-commerce is supposed to provide an agnostic platform so that buyers and sellers can trade with each other. Concerns: The platform should not become a part of the trading transaction. Neither should it be funding it or having algorithms that give preference to one or the other. They should neither be promoting their own products, but provide all data required to make a rational choice and the choice should be the free choice of the consumers.” Way Forward: “We believe that buyers and sellers should be given an opportunity to trade with each other; the platform is only a service provider,” the minister said. “And those who break that law will certainly have to respond to our concerns and correct their business practices at the earliest,” he added.
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E-commerce in India: E-Commerce: E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the internet. These business transactions occur either as 1. Business-to-business (B2B), 2. Business-to-consumer (B2C), 3. Consumer-to-consumer or 4. Consumer-to-business.’ Types of E-Commerce: 1. Inventory base model of e-commerce 2. Marketplace base model of e-commerce 3. The hybrid model of inventory based and marketplace model.
Marketplace model Inventory-based model
Here the e-commerce firm simply acts as a Here the inventory of goods sold on the portal is platform that connects buyers and sellers. owned or controlled by the e-commerce company.
FDI is allowed FDI is not allowed
1.10 Major Ports Authorities Bill 2020 Passed In Rajya Sabha
Context: Parliament Wednesday saw the first instance of division voting in times of the pandemic, with Major Ports Authorities Bill 2020 passed in Rajya Sabha as members voted through slips in view of social distancing norms in place.
News In Details: The Bill was passed with 88 votes for and 44 against. Division voting: The idea of holding division voting at a time when electronic voting is not an option as members are not sitting at designated places initially caused some confusion. Union Minister Piyush Goyal then requested that all members of Rajya Sabha be allowed to come to the House chamber for the voting, but then Secretary General Desh Deepak Verma announced that voting will take place through slips. Features of The Port Bill: Regulation of major ports: The Bill provides for regulation of major ports. It will replace the Major Port Trusts Act of 1963. Major Port Authority: A board of Major Port Authority for each major port will replace the current port trusts. Autonomy to Ports: In the new Bill, the government has “brought in a provision that will allow ports to take their own decisions”. Tariffs: To change tariffs, the ports have to now approach the ministry. “In the port sector in the last six years, we have doubled the profit. Profit has increased, liabilities have come down. For modernisation, 300 projects are ongoing,” Competitive Edge: Countering the Opposition charge that the Bill is aimed at privatising ports, Mandaviya said, “This Bill is not to privatise any port, but it is to ensure that our ports can properly compete with private ports.” YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 51 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Criticism: Opposition parties Congress, the Left parties, DMK, Trinamool Congress, RJD and the SP opposed the legislation and BJD and YSRCP supported it. Affect states’ rights: Many Opposition members said the legislation would adversely affect states’ rights. Crony Capitalism: “First the airports were given to a friend… now sea ports… hope this Bill has not been brought to hand over ports to a friend.” Singapore model of corporatisation: “This Bill is nothing but a retraction of the Singapore model… When there was hue and cry that there cannot be privatisation of ports, it adopted a policy of so-called corporatisation. Thereafter, it ultimately privatised its ports. So, corporatisation is the first step. The next in the offing is privatisation.” 1.11 Amazon-Future Group Case-Amazon Moves Supreme Court
Context: E-commerce major Amazon moved the Supreme Court to stay the operation of a Delhi High Court order of February 8, which had revoked an earlier direction to Future Group to maintain status quo on the sale of its retail assets to Reliance Industries.
News In Details: o Arbitrary and illegal: Amazon said the February 8 order was ‘ex-facie arbitrary and illegal’. o The order was passed by a Division Bench of the High Court on an appeal filed by Future Retail Limited (FRL). Latest HC order v. Single judge bench order: It had countermanded a Single Judge of the High Court order, which had directed FRL to maintain status quo on the deal with Reliance pending a final order. Criticism: Amazon’s response: Single Judge order to maintain status quo was directed for the limited purpose of protecting the substratum of the dispute till a detailed order was issued. However, the High Court, instead of waiting for a detailed order, has issued the interim order staying implementation Single Judge order without giving any reasons.” Amazon urged the apex court to protect its interests by granting an ex parte stay on the deal between FRL and Reliance. The U.S. firm said the court should intervene to protect its rights as the “balance of convenience” was in its favour. Against Arbitration act: Amazon argued that an appeal, as preferred by FRL against the Single Judge’s order, was barred under Section 17(2) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Amazon v. Future Industries: Reliance & Future Deal v. Amazon: In its petition, Amazon alleged that the ₹24,713 crore deal with Reliance Industries violates its investment agreement with Future Group. o It barred the company from selling its assets to Mukesh Ambani’s conglomerate among other specified entities. Amazon Petition: Amazon had approached the Delhi court on 25 January with a plea seeking detention of Future Group founders, including its promoter Kishore Biyani, and seizure of their assets for violating the tribunal order.
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Singapore Tribunal Order: Significant victory for Amazon: The court’s observation that the Singapore tribunal order is enforceable in India is a significant victory for the American e-commerce giant, controlled by billionaire Jeff Bezos. Singapore tribunal order: The tribunal passed an interim order favouring Amazon in October, barring Future Retail from taking any steps to sell or encumber its assets. 1.12 TIFAC’s Seaweed Mission For Commercial Farming of Seaweeds
Context: Recently Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) launched Seaweed Mission for commercial farming of seaweeds and its processing for value addition towards boosting national economy. It was launched on the occasion of the 34th Foundation Day celebrations yesterday.
Seaweed Mission: Why: Out of the global seaweed production of ~ 32 million tons fresh weight valued around 12 billion US dollars. o China produces ~57 %, o Indonesia ~28% o India ~0.01-0.02%. South-East Asian countries: Despite several advantages, commercial seaweeds cultivation has not been taken place in the country at an appropriate scale, as being practiced in South- East Asian countries. The Mission envisages the following activities: o Establishing model demonstration farms over one hectare for cultivation of economically important seaweeds in nearshore and onshore along the Indian coast o Kappaphycus all over Indian coast o Gracilaria dura in Gujarat o Gracilariaverrucosa in Chilka lake (Odhisa) o Ulva linza or Ulva proliferainChilka lake (Odhisa) o Ulva lactuca or Ulva fasciata or Ulva indica all over India coast Proposed Demonstration Sites: Gujarat / Tamil Nadu / Andhara Pradesh / Odisha / Karnataka Significance: By an estimate, if cultivation is done in ≈10 million hectares or 5% of the EEZ area of India, it will lead to: Employment to ~ 50 million people; Set up new seaweed industry; Contribute to national gdp; Ocean productivity; Abates algal blooms, Sequesters millions of tons co2; Healthier ocean; Bio-ethanol of 6.6 billion litres YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 53 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION, FORECASTING AND ASSESSMENT COUNCIL (TIFAC): • TIFAC is an autonomous organization set up in 1988 under the Department of Science & Technology. • As per the recommendation of Technology Policy Implementation Committee (TPIC) in 1985, Cabinet approved the formation of TIFAC in mid-1986. • It was formed as a registered Society in February, 1988 under the Department of Science and Technology as an autonomous body. • It was mandated to assess the state-of-art of technology and set directions for future technological development in India in important socio-economic sectors.
1.13 Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) Scheme Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget 2021-22 announced that a scheme of mega investment textile parks will be launched in addition to the PLI scheme.
About The Scheme: Aim: o To double the textile industry size to USD 300 billion by 2025-26. o To make textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments, boost employment generation and exports. Key Features: o There is a plan to establish Seven textile parks over three years. o These textile parks will have a world-class infrastructure. o It will be set up over 1,000 acres of land with plug-and-play facilities. Significance: Emphasis on state-of-the-art infrastructure through MITRA will give our domestic manufacturers a level-playing field in the international textiles market. It will pave the way for India to become a global champion of textiles exports across all segments” (MITRA) will be a game changer for the Indian Textiles Industry. Along with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, MITRA will lead to increased investments and enhanced employment opportunities. 1.14 NITI Aayog study to track economic impact of green verdicts Context: NITI Aayog has commissioned a study to examine the unintended economic consequences of judicial decisions that have hindered and stalled projects on environmental grounds.
About the study: Funding: Completely funded by the NITI Aayog. Objective: A narrative building for sensitising the judiciary on the economic impact of their decisions. Use of the finding: It will be used as a training input for judges of commercial courts, NGT, HCs, SC. Responsible body: The study is to be undertaken by Jaipur-headquartered CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society) Centre for Competition, Investment, and Economic Regulation. It also has an international presence. Focus of the study: CUTS International has been asked to study the economic impact of five different decisions by the SC and the NGT which have either stalled or completely stopped projects in various parts of the country. It will be done by interviewing people who’ve been affected by the closure of the projects, environmental campaigners, experts and assessing the business impact of closure.
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The five projects to be analyzed include: Construction of an airport in Mopa, Goa. Ending of iron ore mining in Goa. Shutting down of the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Decision by the NGT involving sand mining in the Delhi National Capital Regions. Stopping of construction activities in the National Capital Region. 1.15 Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project
Context: Gail completes Rs 2,433 crore pipeline project in West Bengal.
About the Project: The 348-kilometer pipeline from Dobhi in Bihar to Durgapur in West Bengal is part of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project. Objective: To take environment-friendly natural gas to India's eastern parts which hereto was left untouched by the benefits of gas-based economy. The massive project connects the end point of legacy gas pipelines at Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh to eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. o UP gets the gas line of length 338 km. o Bihar will get about 441 km long line. o Jharkhand gets 500 km long line. o West Bengal will have the pipe line of length 542 km. o Odisha gets benefited by 718 km pipeline. 1.16 National Hydrogen Energy Mission Context: One of the major initiatives for the clean energy sector that the government announced in the Union Budget 2021, was the plan to launch a National Hydrogen Mission.
News In Details: Though the plan was lined up, the Budget did not specify the details of the scheme and what India’s ambitions were towards it. The finance minister highlighted the National Hydrogen Energy Mission has been set up in 2021-22 for generating hydrogen from green power sources. To give a further boost to the non-conventional energy sector, I propose to provide an additional capital infusion of Rs 1,000 crore to Solar Energy Corporation of India and Rs 1,500 crore to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency.” She said “Prime Minister, while speaking at the 3rd RE-Invest Conference in November 2020. Key Details of Scheme: Aims: The National Hydrogen Energy Mission aims to reduce petroleum use, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution, and contribute to more diverse and efficient energy infrastructure. The aim is to develop India into a global hub for manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cells technologies across the value chain. The proposed National Hydrogen Energy Mission would aim to lay down Government of India’s vision, intent and direction for hydrogen energy and suggest strategy and approaches for realising the vision.
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The Mission would put forward specific strategy for the short term (4 years), and broad strokes principles for long term (10 years and beyond). Toward this end, a framework to support manufacturing via suitable incentives and facilitation aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will be developed.
EDITORIAL
1.17 A Vehicle Scrapping Policy Context: About A crore old vehicles, currently in circulation, will go off the roads as the Centre on Monday announced a voluntary vehicle scrapping policy in the Budget.
About Vehicle Scrapping Policy: Following vehicles will have to undergo fitness tests in automated vehicle fitness testing centres. 1. Personal vehicles: Older than 20 years and 2. Commercial vehicles: Older than 15 years New Policy Soon: Following the announcement, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said his ministry would be issuing the policy in the next 15 days. No to “end-of-life” age bracket: Sources said there may not be an “end-of-life” age bracket for vehicles as such but through a series of incentives and disincentives. Automated fitness centres: The policy will make vehicle owners carry out fitness testing at automated fitness centres to be set up by states and also by private players. o The vehicles that fail the fitness test will be “grounded” Certificate of scrapping: Under the policy, anyone scrapping an old vehicle will get a certificate of scrapping. o Using that he might get a discount of up to 5 % on new vehicle. o Certificate will be more useful in terms of availing a vehicle loan on easier terms for commercial vehicles. Old Motor Vehicles in India: As per the ministry’s data, o 51 lakh light motor vehicles in India are older than 20 years o 34 lakhs are older than 15 years o 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles are older than 15 years and without a valid fitness certificate Advantage of Such Policy: Top automobile manufacturer: “Riding on this policy, India will become the number one automobile manufacturer in the world in the next five years. o We are fine-tuning som e parts of the policy before rolling it out,” Gadkari said the Centre has made it clear that the scrapping of polluting, unfit vehicles would be mandatory in the phase-out ecosystem. Advantage: This will help in o Encouraging fuel efficient vehicles, o Environment friendly vehicles,
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o Reducing vehicular pollution and o Reducing oil import bill Boost to Economy, demand and Jobs: Those who scrap their vehicles will surely buy new ones. That will: o Boost demand, o Create around 35,000 jobs o Take the size of the automobile industry to around Rs 6 lakh crore from the current Rs 4.5 lakh crore” o This will also entail an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the auto sector and setting up of the scrapping industry. Win-win policy: “New vehicles are more fuel efficient, which in turn will save on the country’s crude import bill. Besides, older vehicles pollute 10-12 times more than new vehicles. So this is a win-win policy,” N. Gadkari said. 1.18 Union Budget on health, infrastructure, privatisation, but lack of income support continues
Context: India’s GDP plunged 25 % in the second quarter of 2020 and grew 21.5 % in the third quarter of the same fiscal year. Indeed, the economy is likely to have grown another 10.5 % in the fourth and is expected to deliver a growth rate of negative 6.5 per cent for the full fiscal year and then rise by 13.5 per cent in FY 2022. These full-year growth numbers are higher than the forecasts of both o The government and o The market consensus.
Basis of Optimism of Economic Recovery and Growth: Infection v. mobility: By accident or design, India has managed to break the link between infection and mobility. The exact reasons are contested, but if the vaccination rollout proceeds as anticipated, then mobility should normalise by mid-year without threatening a new wave of COVID-19 infections. Government’s fiscal stance: Recent shift in the government’s fiscal stance. After delaying for nearly six months, the government began to speed up spending in September. It is unfortunate that the government waited until tax revenue began to recover to ease its purse strings. Live within one’s means: While the adage “live within one’s means” is good advice for individuals and governments alike, it is intended mostly as a medium-term principle. Objective of macroeconomic policy: Instead, a key objective of macroeconomic policy is to provide countercyclical support to an economy to dampen volatility in the short run. Strengthen the recovery in FY2022: Increasing spending when revenue is rising (presumably, because an economy is also growing) accentuates — rather than dampens — economic volatility. Be that as it may, the boost from government spending was expected to be a key support to strengthen the recovery in FY2022. Simplified The Budgetary Choices: With the economy recovering and equity market surging, taxes and privatisation would reasonably be expected to rise. The revenue increase could be used to reduce the deficit while keeping spending broadly at its current share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This would allow spending to grow 17-18 per cent, in line with the nominal GDP. The choice really boiled down to where to spend. Prudence dictated mostly on income support and infrastructure, particularly on public health.
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Budget Broadly Meet Ends: Deficit at 9.5 % of GDP: In the event, the Budget broadly met these ends, with one notable exception. For this year, the Budget pegged the deficit at 9.5 % of GDP, much higher than o Market estimates-7 % and o 5 % rise over the previous year. Funding food procurement: Instead of funding food procurement through off-balance-sheet borrowing by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), as has been the case in the last few years, this year’s Budget has rightly brought some of that spending back on its accounts. o Excluding subsidies and interest payments, the increase in the deficit is just 2 percentage points of GDP. Lower subsidies and higher privatisation: The Budget target a deficit of 6.8 % of GDP for FY 2022. Much of the heavy lifting in the 2.7 % points of GDP reduction is done by lower subsidies and higher privatisation. o Excluding subsidies and interest payments, the Budget targets a reduction of 0.5 percentage points of GDP in overall spending o With capital expenditure rising only 0.2 percentage points of GDP. Infrastructure Push: In the details, while there is a welcome emphasis on o Public health, o On improving the financing of infrastructure projects, o Privatising banks and o Privatising insurance companies o Glaring omission: is the continued lack of income support. Why Income Support Needed: Imbalances in the economy: Underlying the strong headline recovery in growth, imbalances in the economy have widened significantly. o Scarring in the labour market is extensive (private surveys point to a staggering 18 million job losses) o Damage to household and SME balance sheets substantial o Profits of listed companies rose 30 % in the third quarter of FY20, according to the RBI o Disproportionately large decline in household and SME income o Banks turn risk-averse and do not extend credit exactly when the recovery is expected to gather strength once mobility fully normalises Steps to reduce burden: o Debt moratorium and o Other regulatory forbearances have concealed the extent of the damage, o But these measures simply postpone the eventual reckoning. o A key risk is that not only is medium-term growth impaired because of the scarring, but also that. Conclusion: While the Budget is constructive and has helped to allay fears of excessive fiscal tightening, it did not go far enough to mitigate the tail risk that the current economic recovery does not turn into a “dead cat bounce”. 1.19 It’s Goodbye To Fiscal Orthodoxy Context: Budget 2021 is a departure from a key tenet of the Washington Consensus — macroeconomic stability Enough of fiscal orthodoxy. Spend like there is no tomorrow. That is what the Narendra Modi government’s Budget for 2021-22 seems to signal with its fiscal deficit at o 9.5% of GDP for FY21 and o 6.8% in FY22.
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A Mix In Fiscal Stance: Departure from market orthodoxy: The change in fiscal stance is part of a selective departure from market orthodoxy that has marked the government’s economic policy in the last few years. o The government has increased duties on some imports in order to protect and foster domestic industry. Performance-linked incentives: It has introduced performance-linked incentives for designated sectors, something that goes counter to market economics. o The government is, however, happy to adhere to other elements of market orthodoxy, such as privatisation and a greater role for foreign direct investment (FDI). Shift in fiscal thinking: To comprehend the shift in fiscal thinking, you only need to compare one document in the Budget with that of previous years. Fiscal consolidation path: The idea was to show that the economy was moving along a fiscal consolidation path, with a fiscal deficit of 3% of GDP as the eventual target. Missing projections: In this year’s Budget, the yearly projections are missing. All we have is a commitment in the Finance Minister’s speech to lower the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26. FRBM Act-2003: For well over a decade-and-a-half, we have kept up the pretence of attaining the deficit targets set out in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act (2003). o New amendment: In this Budget, the Finance Minister has promised to introduce an amendment to the FRBM Act to formalise the new targets. Moving Away From Framework: Away from Washington Consensus: The Budget thus marks an important departure from one of the key tenets of the Washington Consensus, the framework for market-oriented economics which has dominated policy making in most parts of the world. o ‘Macroeconomic stability’ is central to the Consensus. ‘Macroeconomic stability’ means that government budgets need to be broadly in balance so that borrowings to finance the deficit are kept to the minimum. ‘Austerity’ became something of a mantra. It has been bitterly contested in recent years, especially in Europe, but austerity won the day until the COVID-19 crisis struck. The Economic Survey that preceded the Budget laid the groundwork for a departure from a rigid adherence to fiscal consolidation. Economist Olivier Blanchard: ES has a quote from, “If the interest rate paid by the government is less than the growth rate, then the intertemporal budget constraint facing the government no longer binds.” “Intertemporal budget constraint”: It means that any debt outstanding today must be offset by future primary surpluses. Blanchard was saying that this is not true if the Interest Rate-Growth Differential (IRGD), the difference between the interest rate and growth rate, becomes negative. o In the advanced economies, as interest rates have turned negative. o Blanchard’s condition has been met. o So governments there do not have to worry that deficits will render public debt unsustainable.
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‘Spend More’: IMF & WB: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, both flag-bearers of the Washington Consensus, have been urging a departure from fiscal orthodoxy in the wake of the pandemic. o Both these institutions used to be wary of any increase in the public debt to GDP ratio beyond 100%. Today, they are urging the advanced economies to spend more by running up deficits even when the debt to GDP ratio is poised to rise to 125% by the end of 2021. The Economic Survey argues that in India, the growth rate is higher than the interest rate most of the time. So, the conventional restraints on fiscal policy need to be questioned, especially when there is a serious contraction of the sort the Indian economy faced in 2020-21. Expansionary fiscal policy: It says that, in the current situation, expansionary fiscal policy will boost growth and cause debt to GDP ratios to be lower, not higher. o Given India’s growth potential, we do not have to worry about debt sustainability until 2030. Indian fiscal policy has adhered to orthodoxy even during a downturn, such as the one we faced in the years preceding the pandemic. Rating agencies: An important consideration was the fear that the rating agencies would downgrade India if total public debt crossed, say, 10%-11% of GDP. o That is a risk that cannot be wished away unless the rating agencies have decided to toe the IMF-World Bank line on fiscal deficits. Key Concerns: Inflation: Another concern is that a large fiscal deficit can fuel a rise in inflation. It is more than likely that a change in the fiscal consolidation targets will require a change in the inflation target of 4% set for the Reserve Bank of India. Tax to GDP ratio: With the tax to GDP ratio not rising as expected, the sale of public assets has become crucial to reduction in fiscal deficits in the years ahead. High-risk strategy: This is a high-risk strategy. For years now, revenues from disinvestment have fallen short of targets. The sale of Air India, which was begun in 2018, is still dragging on. Selling public assets: We need to face up to an important reality: large-scale privatisation is not easily accomplished in India. Selling public assets cheap is politically contentious. Favouring certain industrial houses: There will be allegations of favouring certain industrial houses. Public sector unions are a vital political constituency. Privatisation of banks raises concerns about financial stability. Job losses from privatisation are bound to evoke a backlash. Privatisation Means FDI: Large-scale privatisation: Moreover, large-scale privatisation almost always involves substantial FDI. o In South East Asia and Eastern Europe, privatisation of banks meant a large rise in foreign presence in the domestic economies. Atmanirbhar Bharat connotes greater self-reliance and stronger Indian companies. How does the government reconcile a rise in FDI with Atmanirbhar Bharat? Political economy: If the nation’s political economy came in the way of our meeting the FRBM targets, it is also likely to pose an obstacle to large-scale privatisation. A departure from fiscal orthodoxy is welcome. But the government needs to think of ways to make it more sustainable.
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THE BIG PICTURE
1.20 RBI Monetary Policy Review
Context: RBI announced monetary policy review on Friday.
Background: This will be the first meeting of the six-member MPC after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented Budget 2021 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the previous policy review meeting, the central bank left the key lending rate unchanged at four per cent.
Summary of the Debate
Key Highlights of the Policy: RBI kept the Repo rate unchanged at 4.00%. The Reverse Repo rate remained unchanged at 3.35%. Bank rate and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) remain unchanged at 4.25%. CRR is maintained at 3% of NDTL. Key takeaways from the Policy: It has addressed the critical question of Government of India borrowing of 12 lakh crore next year with a noble scheme by which retail investor can tap in to the government bond market. Earlier these schemes were announced through indirect methods but now India joins the countries like UK, Brazil, Hungry to have direct route for retail investor to tap in to the government bond market. This is essentially aim at making sure that the government’s borrowing program does not face any hurdles. The RBI has taken the advance sets of measures: o By allowing retail investors to get into the government bond market. o To allow banks to keep their government bonds under Held to Maturity segment. In other words, they don’t have to report the Mark-to-market losses every quarter end, depending on the bond fluctuation market. This is what, the banks were slightly worried. Therefore, the attractiveness of the government’s bond has been kept intact.
Mark-to-market losses
Mark-to-market losses are losses in an asset's value caused solely by a decline in market price. Mark-to-market is designed to provide the current market value of a company's assets by comparing the value of the assets to the asset's value under current market conditions. Many assets fluctuate in value, and periodically, corporations must revalue their assets given the changing market conditions. Examples of these assets that have market-based prices include stocks, bonds, residential homes, and commercial real estate.
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Held to Maturity
Held to Maturity securities are the debt securities acquired with the intent to keep it until maturity. This type of security is recorded as an amortized cost on the financial statements of a company and is usually recorded in the form of the debt security with a particular maturity date. The temporary price changes are not reported in the corporate accounting statements, however, interest income is reported in the income statement.
Why Bonds are expected to be rise? World over, people in large have no confidence in the central bank than the government per se because the government bond can be liquidated through Seigniorage money (It is the difference between the face value of a currency note or coin, and its actual production cost), which not normally does by central bank. People do have the liquidity in terms of parking, raising this money would not be difficulty, given that people are not investing excessively in other assets like the real estate or the gold, which they have been doing in the past. So, they are looking at stable investment avenue. Important components of unchanging rate: Economy is expected to get in to rebound in to this quarter or next, given that the vaccine is out, the fear factor in the people will reduce and they would like to get back to business in a more active manner. So, given that the credit offtake is expected to take place, if the rates kept on lower. The randomly changing rate policy becomes complicated not only for banks, but even in terms of the investors looking on it for long term perspective. How Monetary Policy is going to help different sectors? Government: This policy of RBI fits in very well with the Budget projection that were made by Finance Minister. Borrowers: By keeping the rates unchanged i.e., 4 percent repo rate, it gives clear signal to borrowers that they can continue to borrow at a lower rate and this will help the sectors like real estate and auto sector. In auto sector, today, most of the purchases are made by taking loans. NBFCs: RBI has decided to allow banks to extend credits to NBFCs under the targeted long term operation scheme, it will ensure that banks are able to lend to NBFCs in a much more orderly fashion. MSMEs: They have got a new scheme to provide incentive to banks to lend money to MSMEs. Those MSMEs which have not taken any loans up to 1st January, 2021, by this scheme, banks can extend credits to the MSMEs. Possibilities of achieving the projected growth: The growth projection that has been made by RBI are more conservative than the projection made by government or IMF. The IMF projection is 11 percent, the government projection is 11 percent, the RBI projection is 10.5 percent in the Financial Year 2021-22. India has in place two major vaccines which can be supply to a large chunk of the world. India has potential to export and it will gain better equity in the mindset of the people at larger on the globe which will actually build on the equity of this country and ultimately lead to prosperity in terms of export. The impetus we are expected to get from the different sectors of the industries which have not been performing but have certainly given a rebounding fact in the last 4-5 months leading to GST revolutionary collection. The potential of the country both in terms of creation of job, in terms of employment, we have much higher position almost in the tune of about 15 to 16 percent. In India, we have a parallel economy which is almost strong as the normal economy, so that gives indirect impetus to economy framework.
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Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
MPC is a six-member committee constituted by the Central Government (Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934). The MPC determines the policy interest rate (repo rate) required to achieve the inflation target (4%). The MPC is required to meet at least four times a year. The quorum for the meeting of the MPC is four members. The resolution adopted by the MPC is published after the conclusion of every meeting of the MPC. Once in every six months, the Reserve Bank is required to publish a document called the Monetary Policy Report to explain: o The sources of inflation o The forecast of inflation for 6-18 months ahead. Composition of MPC: The committee will have six members. Of the six members, the government will nominate three. No government official will be nominated to the MPC. The other three members would be from the RBI with the governor being the ex-officio chairperson. Deputy governor of RBI in charge of the monetary policy will be a member, as also an executive director of the central bank. Each member of the MPC has one vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Governor has a second or casting vote. Term: Members of the MPC will be appointed for a period of four years and shall not be eligible for reappointment.
1.21 Bare Necessities Index
Context: Economic Survey 2020-21 constructs a Bare Necessities Index (BNI) at the rural, urban and all India level.
Background: In 2018, access to bare necessities was the highest in states such as Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, and lowest in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tripura. In terms of urban-rural divide, all states barring Delhi, Punjab, Goa, Kerala, and Sikkim had medium or low access to bare necessities in their rural areas. In 2012, only rural Delhi had high access to bare necessities. Summary of the Debate
About Bare Necessities Index: This BNI uses 26 indicators on five dimensions of basic necessities: o Water o Sanitation o Housing o Micro-environment o Other facilities
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The index has been created for all states based on data collected by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in 2012 and 2018. The index classifies areas on three levels of access — high, medium, low — to bare necessities. The index has a range of 0 to 1 where 1 represents the best access to the basic necessities. Key Takeaways: The earlier chapter discussion which the survey does which is on the o Relationship between economic growth o Poverty reduction o Income distribution Inequalities in access to bare necessities like drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and housing conditions continue to exist between urban and rural India despite widespread improvements in each of these aspects. The BNI builds on the idea of Thalinomics in the Economic Survey for 2019-20, through which it had sought to examine the access to food in the country. The Survey has underlined the need to focus on reducing variations in the access to bare necessities across states, between rural and urban areas, and between income groups. These indices are useful as a summary measure, if we want to compare one state performance over time or comparing one state with another state or other state. They provide a summary and draw attention when somebody is performing very well or badly etc. Such an index is highly very useful to draw attention to things which should receive more attention. What has been done to provide these bare necessities? Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen: Objective: Providing a pucca house, with basic amenities, to all houseless householder and those households living in kutcha and dilapidated house, by 2022. Target: Construction of 2.95 crore houses with all basic amenities by the year 2022. Beneficiaries: People belonging to SCs/STs, freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST categories, widows or next- of-kin of defence personnel killed in action, ex-servicemen and retired members of the paramilitary forces, Disabled persons and Minorities. Selection of Beneficiaries: Based on housing deprivation parameters of Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011. Cost sharing: Between Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States. NITI Aayog sustainable development goals index: The SDG India Index was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute and United Nations in India. It tracks progress of all States and UTs on 100 indicators drawn from the MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework (NIF). Saubhagya Yojana: The scheme was launched in September 2017 with a target to electrify all households by December 2018. Swachh Bharat Mission: It was launched on 2nd October, 2014 to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to focus on sanitation.
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Objective: Eliminating open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets and establishing an accountable mechanism of monitoring toilet use. Implemented by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. How to reduce the variation in across social groupings to access the bare necessities? Youth demand: Youth demanding for home schooling, for work from home the equality feeling also, most of the people can afford phones, those who can't afford phones are in a very deprived situation. Upliftment: They want a little more uplift they want things in the electronics world, they want to catch up, they want access to knowledge. Employment: There's no point giving a scholarship, food, water to students in far-off places who can't afford it, also those who have not got the income to get these things on their own. Special treatments: Public distribution may be one of the things, government can consider to really give them a chance. Skills: They should get skills by which they're able to access knowledge they find out what others are doing. Equal access to education: One of the easiest ways is to target the younger generation of school going generation. Chief Economic Advisor has also said that the private health sector has been lagging not doing well we have to go to the government sector and improve it. Access to internet: If 50 percent of the youth living somewhere in some remote area, rural area do not have access to internet that's going to be a huge inequality not just for education but for health. There's going to be e- medicine, startups, education e-skilling, e-governance so without access to the internet it's going to be a source of huge inequality. Bare necessities becoming a lot wider than just Roti Kapda and Makan: One should remember that earlier we used to call them basic needs now we are calling them bare necessities. The lockdown completely exempted essential goods and services. But essential goods and services included electricity, tv and telecommunication, it included telephones etc. Government must provide public goods and services, because these have been relatively neglected. There are tons of world bank reports from past three decades which show that India’s focus on public goods, because the rich can always substitute these goods by very expensive methods. But by definition public goods are very expensive to provide individually, so it's impossible for the poor to do so. Access to internet now is a is absolutely essential for equality. So, in the remote areas connecting every district headquarters now with BharatNet is being expanded to every village. Way Forward: Environmental Enteropathy: Public health means sewage and sanitation, many people don't need know this but there's something called environmental enteropathy which goes through the sewage system and infects people's ability to absorb nutrition. This stunting we keep saying is due to lack of nutrition is not that they don't eat anything is that they cannot absorb it. o Sewage and sanitation is critical health education, a school a primary school in the US they teach you about germs about cleanliness India have to do it during the pandemic. Traditional Focus: There are many areas of traditional which should not be neglected. There is need to go with the traditional focus on the traditional keeping in view the fact that there's a large chunk which is still fighting for basic necessities and then also include ideas like smartphones to bridge the digital divide. Access to essential services: The pandemic has given us new challenges and those challenges like you know access to internet, access to smartphones access to education tele medicine, so those are aspects which need to be included and focused upon. Coverage: There's a large part of the population which is still struggling for bare necessities so it is very important to measure that whether these programs that the government is running are reaching them.
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Upgradation: Every block hospital or mandal hospital should be upgraded. Integration of schemes: This poverty elevation scheme was between 250 to 300 different central and state government schemes at the district level. These must be integrated both at the centra land the state level and between the two.
General Studies-III 2 Environment and Bio-diversity
2.1 Delhi cabinet gives nod to restore more than 400 hectares of Central Ridge
Context: The Delhi cabinet Monday approved a plan to restore over 400 hectares of the Central Ridge, that is currently covered by an invasive tree species planted by the British in the 1930s.
Aim of the project: Create indigenous Forest: The five-year revival plan intends to turn the ridge into a full-grown forest with indigenous plants and trees that will provide a recreational space for people in the heart of the city, forest department officials said. Prosopis juliflora: The plan would be made possible with the removal of the vilayati kikar tree, or Prosopis juliflora, which allows no other species to thrive due to its weed-like properties — fast growth in arid conditions, depleting ground water and killing any competition. Stages of project: Head of the Project: Delhi University professor C R Babu of the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE) will head the project with his team. First Stage of Plan: In the first stage, his team is planning to create a three-layer forest in 100 hectares of area along Sardar Patel Marg, which houses a number of five star hotels and foreign embassies. Planting native tree and plant: This would involve planting a variety of native tree and plant species that will replace the vilayati kikar. The tree cannot be removed completely as the ridge is a notified reserved forest and, Therefore, the plan is to remove a few branches to open space for sunlight to pass through. Native tree saplings and climbers will then be planted Which will grow and cover the canopy of the vilayati kikar, causing it to slowly die. Challenges and significances: CHALLENGES: The challenge before us is to restore this 400-odd hectares, which is fragmented as it is crisscrossed by roads, and at the same time provide a recreational space that will add to the city’s aesthetics.” Nature of Aravallis: Delhi Govt. want to preserve the nature of the Aravallis and convert the Central Ridge into a unique place for everyone that is better than the Central Park in New York.” Bird and wildlife: This conversion of the Ridge would invite more bird species and wildlife to return to it, including jackals and hyenas — whose sightings have gradually reduced.
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CENTRAL RIDGE/ DELHI RIDGE: Delhi Ridge, sometimes simply called The Ridge, is a ridge in the National Capital Territory of Delhi in India. Wildlife Corridor: It lies in the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor. The ridge is a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, some 1.5 billion years old (compared to just 50 million for the Himalaya). The ridge consists of quartzite rocks. Extension: From the Southeast at Tughlaqabad and tapering off in the north near Wazirabad on the west bank of the river Yamuna, covering a distance of about 35 kilometres. Green Lungs: The Delhi Ridge acts as the green lungs for the city and protects Delhi from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west. Most bird-rich capital: It is also responsible for earning Delhi the tag of the world's second most bird-rich capital city, after Kenya's Nairobi.
VILAYATI KIKAR TREE, OR PROSOPIS JULIFLORA: Prosopis Juliflora is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae commonly known as Seemai Karuvelam. Native: Mexico, South America and the Caribbean. Introduced in India: By British during colonial times. ISSUES: o Causes stomach poisoning in livestock o Permanent impairment of its ability to digest cellulose. o Causes drying up of water bodies and ground water o Cannot even shelter birds as it produces less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. o Causes land erosion due to the loss of the grasslands that are habitats for native plants and animals.
RESERVED FOREST: Indian Forest Act of 1878 classified the forests into three – 1. Reserved forests, 2. Protected forests and 3. Village forests. Level of protection: Reserved forests > Prostected forests > Village forests Reserve forests are the most restricted forests and are constituted by the State Government on any forest land or wasteland which is the property of the Government. In reserved forests, local people are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a Forest Officer in the course of the settlement.
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2.2 Denmark’s artificial energy island project
Context: The Danish government on Thursday approved a plan to build an artificial island in the North Sea as part of its effort to switch to green energy. The project is being called the largest construction project to be undertaken in Denmark’s history with an estimated cost of DKK 210 billion.
Energy Island In Denmark: Energy island: An energy island is based on a platform that serves as a hub for electricity generation from surrounding offshore wind farms. Purpose: The idea is to connect and distribute power between Denmark and neighbouring countries. o The artificial island: Its primary purpose is to provide large-scale offshore wind power. Agreement with Countries: Denmark has already entered into agreements with the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium to begin the joint analysis of connections in the energy island. Denmark wants to become the first country in the world to begin working on such energy islands with a total capacity of about 5 GW offshore winds. Timeline: The construction of both islands is expected to be complete by 2030. Idea of Energy Island: In June 2020, the Danish Parliament decided to initiate the construction of two energy islands, which will export power to mainland Denmark and neighbouring countries. Location: One in North Sea and the second in the Baltic Sea. EU announcement to Switch to Renewables: To transform its electricity system o To rely mostly on renewables within a decade and o To increase its offshore wind energy capacity By over 25-fold By the year 2050. DENMARK: NORTH SEA: BALTIC SEA:
2.3 Uttarakhand Glacial Lake Burst or Avalanche
Context: A glacial lake burst, a cloud burst or an avalanche, the effects of climate change or' development-Scientists are not sure what caused the sudden water surge near Chamoli in Uttarakhand on Sunday morning, which briefly raised fears of a repeat of the 2013 disaster in the state.
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Incident Details: A glacier break in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district triggered huge flooding on Sunday followed by the evacuation of thousands - living near Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers - to safety. The flooding damaged nearby Rishiganga and NTPC power plants. Officials said over 100 labourers working in the power plant are feared dead. Five NDRF teams - one from Dehradun and four from Delhi - have been mobilised for the rescue operation. The Army has committed six columns, each with 100 soldiers. In addition, one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and two Cheetah helicopters are also operating. Reason For Flooding Due To Glacial Lake Breach: Glacial lake outburst flood: Being most talked about was what glaciologists like to call a GLOF, or glacial lake outburst flood. It is a reference to flooding caused downstream due to a breach in a glacial lake. Retreating glaciers, like several in the Himalayas, usually result in the formation of lakes at their tips, called proglacial lakes, often bound only by sediments and boulders. Breach of Lake: If the boundaries of these lakes are breached, it can lead to large amounts of water rushing down to nearby streams and rivers, gathering momentum on the way by picking up sediments, rocks and other material, and resulting in flooding downstream. Intensity: It depends on the size of the proglacial lake that burst, and location. Sudden Surprise: Timing: The surprise is also because of timing — a possible reason for the sudden rush of water, like a cloudburst, is not expected at this time of the year. Rare event: “Cloudburst would be a rare event during this time of the year. It does look like a GLOF event right now.” Makeshift dam-like situation: “It is possible that an avalanche or a landslide created an obstruction in the flow of the river or streams in the upper mountains, resulting in a makeshift dam-like situation. o When the pressure of the flowing water became large, the dam probably gave away, leading to a sudden gush of water. Climate change: Then there are also issues to consider, like climate change or disproportionate construction in a fragile ecosystem, which were supposed to have contributed significantly to the 2013 disaster as well. 2.4 51st Tiger Reserve-Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve
Context: Following the Centre’s approval, Tamil Nadu government passed an order on Monday for creating o Fifth tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu and o 51st in the country.
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Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve: The Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve will span the forests of Megamalai wildlife sanctuary and Srivilliputhur grizzled squirrel wildlife sanctuary spread across the districts of Theni, Virudhunagar and Madurai. The reserve spread in 1 lakh-hectare area is home to 63 mammal species and 323 bird species. NTCA: Last Wednesday, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conveyed the approval to the Tamil Nadu government. The last tiger reserve was notified six years ago in Arunachal Pradesh, Kamlang. Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across the districts of Theni and Madurai (Highwavys mountains and Cardamom Hills) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary lies along Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve. This would enable Central assistance to the state under the on-going Centrally-sponsored scheme of Project Tiger. Significane: 1. Umbrella species: Tiger is an ecosystem umbrella species and survival and growth of several of the co- predators and other species could be directly correlated to the growth of tiger. 2. Exchange of genes: Tiger disperses in large areas and such dispersals are important for the exchange of genes. This process was essential for long-term population growth of the big cat. 3. Better tiger conservation: It has been a long-pending demand and will give a boost to tiger conservation in the State. 4. Habitat and Breeding home: Tigers from Periyar Tiger Reserve and Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) regions can find significant habitats and breeding home ranges in Srivilliputhur and Megamalai hilly tracts. 5. Rejuvenation of the Vaigai River: The new tiger reserve will not only help in wildlife protection but will also result in the rejuvenation of the Vaigai River by protecting the river’s origins in these forests.
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NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA): It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Established: In 2005, on the recommendations of Tiger Task Force constituted by the Prime Minister of India Objective: Protecting the tigers It was established under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Function: The Authority lays down standards, guidelines for tiger conservation in o Tiger Reserves o National Parks and o Wildlife Sanctuaries.
PROJECT TIGER: Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It provides central assistance to the tiger States for tiger conservation in designated tiger reserves. Tiger reserves are governed by the Project Tiger (1973). It is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Aim: To Protect tigers from extinction by ensuring a viable population in their natural habitats. 2.5 World’s Smallest Reptile Context: A chameleon discovered in the island country of Madagascar may be the world’s smallest adult reptile.
News In Details: Name: The team found one male and one female of the species, named Brookesia nana, during an expedition in 2012. Length: The male has a length (snout to vent) of 13.5 mm and a total length of 21.6 mm when the tail is included. For context, a six-inch ruler (150 mm) would accommodate almost seven of these males in a row, tails outstretched. The female is slightly longer at 28.9 mm. 2nd Smallest: Previously, the chameleon species Brookesia micra was thought to be the smallest. The average length of adults of this species is 16 mm (29 mm with tail), while the smallest adult male has been recorded at 15.3 mm. Reptiles In The World: Reptiles come in a wide size range. o The longest, the reticulated python, at 6.25 m is almost as long as 289 Brookesia nanas. o The gharial is more than 200 Brookesia nanas long, o while the king cobra can measure up to nearly 180 Brookesia nanas. On the smaller size, the gecko Sphaerodactylus ariasae of the Caribbean is almost as small as the Brookesia micra, or about 20-25% longer than the Brookesia nana.
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Madagascar-home to tiny lizards: Madagascar is home to tiny lizards and also the smallest species of snakes. Reason: One possible reason for such small species is the so-called “island effect” that causes species on small islands to get smaller. But the study authors note that the new chameleon occurs in a rainforest and so this tiny new chameleon violates the pattern of the smallest species being found on small islands. That suggests that something else is allowing/causing these chameleons to miniaturise,” study co-author Dr Mark D Scherz wrote in a blog. Threat of extinction: Scientists believe the species might be threatened by extinction because of habitat degradation. 2.6 Furnace Oil From Titanium Factory Spills Into Sea
Context: An emergency clean-up was launched along the coast to mitigate the fallout of furnace oil leak into the sea from the Kerala government undertaking Travancore Titanium Products Ltd. (TTP) at Kochuveli, near the State capital. The leakage occurred around 7 a.m., but it went unnoticed at the time. The oil spilled out into a drain that opens out into the nearby beach, contaminating the beach and coastal waters.
Oil Spills: 5000 litres oil Spills: Officials put the spillage, caused by a rupture in a pipeline carrying the oil, at roughly 5,000 litres. Closed for Public and Tourists: The district administration declared the coastal stretches along Shanghumughom, Vettucaud and Veli off-limits to the public and tourists for two days. Fishing Banned Fishing activities along these regions also stand banned as a precautionary measure. Local outrage: Locals, largely comprising the fishing community, expressed outrage over the oil leak, blaming the TTP for negligence. The leak was promptly plugged once the alarm was raised around 8 a.m., TTP officials said. Impact: They alleged that the oil leak would have a prolonged impact on marine resources, and consequently, their livelihood. Probe Ordered: Under control: Officials visited TTP and the affected coastal stretch, said the situation was under control. Investigation by PCB: Investigation to be taken place by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB). Internal Investigation: TTP too ordered an internal investigation. A preliminary survey revealed that the oil spill was largely confined to near-shore waters and the beach. Possible Actions: Top soil removal: As a troubleshooting measure, the top soil along the affected stretch of coast would be removed. Monitoring: The Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation using a ship and a Dornier aircraft.
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2.7 Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance
Context: The Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance will be starting a worldwide month-long campaign to raise awareness for conservation of fishing cats. The highly elusive fishing cat, a lesser-known feline species, is facing several threats due to its depleting habitat.
About Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance: The Fishing Cat Conservation Alliance is a team of conservationists, researchers and enthusiasts across the world. Aims: It is working to achieve a single dream — a world with functioning floodplains and coastal ecosystems that ensure survival of the fishing cat and all species with which it shares a home. It supports the conservation of fishing cats and their natural habitats within their geographical range in South and South East Asia.
FISHING CAT: The fishing cat, Prionailurus viverrinus, is a highly elusive wild cat species. Region: South and Southeast Asia. Habitat: It is found primarily in wetland and mangrove ecosystems. Unlike most felines, fishing cats love water and are known for their expert hunting skills in aquatic habitats. Found in: Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bangladesh, Chilika lagoon, Coringa, and Krishna mangroves in Andhra Pradesh. Conservation Status: 1. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. 2. CITES: Appendix II 3. Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
2.8 World Sustainable Development Summit 2021
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021 on 10th February.
News In Details: The 20th edition of The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI) flagship event, the World Sustainable Development Summit, will be held online from February 10 to February 12. Theme: 'Redefining our common future: Safe and secure environment for all'. Different Stakeholders: In the fight against climate change, It will bring together a wide number of o Governments, o Business leaders, o Academicians, o Climate scientists, o Youth, and the o Civil society
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Key Partners: India's Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of Earth Sciences are key partners of the Summit. Global South to UN: The Summit intends to carry forward these vital discussions from the Global South to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow. Range of topics discussed: Energy and industry transition, adaptation and resilience, nature-based solutions, climate finance, circular economy, clean oceans and air pollution.
WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT: It is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It was earlier known as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit which was initiated in 2001. It has become a focal point for global leaders and practitioners to congregate at a single platform to discuss and deliberate over climatic issues of universal importance.
THE ENERGY AND RESOURCES INSTITUTE (TERI): It is a leading think tank for sustainable development of India and the Global South. Established: TERI was established in 1974 as an information centre on energy issues. HQ: New Delhi
2.9 Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Context: Over a lakh migratory water birds arrived at the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh in Winter 2020-21.
About Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary: It is also known as Pong Dam Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake. It was created in 1975, in honor of Maharana Pratap, by building the highest earthfill dam in India on the Beas River in the wetland zone of the Siwalik Hills of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983. The lake was declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002. Vegetation: The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests, which shelters a great number of Indian Wildlife animals. Flora: Eucalyptus, acacia, jamun, shisham, mango, mulberry, ficus, kachnar, amla and prunus. Fauna: Barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai, leopards and oriental small-clawed otters. River: The lake is fed by Beas River and its numerous perennial tributaries such as Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner. 2.10 India's First Centre For Wetland Conservation And Management
Context: On the occasion of the World Wetland Day and as a part of its commitment towards conservation, restoration and management of India’s wetlands, the Government announced the establishment of a Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM).
Centre For Wetland Conservation and Management It is India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management. It has been established at the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, an institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 74 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
Key Functions of The Centre: It will help in building partnerships and networks with relevant national and international agencies. Center will serve as a knowledge hub. It enables exchange between State/ UT Wetland Authorities, wetland users, managers, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners. Moreover, it will assist the national and State/ UT Governments in the design and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks for conservation. Significance: India has nearly 4.6% of its land as wetlands, covering an area of 15.26 million hectares and has 42 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 1.08 million hectares. The year 2021 also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day. World Wetland Day: It is celebrated on 2 February. On 2 February 1971, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran. Theme 2021: ‘Wetlands and Water’.
POLICY WATCH
2.11 India’s Arctic Policy Context: Recently, India drafted a new Arctic policy that aims at expanding scientific research, sustainable tourism and exploration of mineral oil and gas in the Arctic region. A first-of-a-kind initiative, the policy has been put out for comments from the public. It articulates India’s desire to push the frontiers of science forward.
Background: India already has a research station in the Arctic, Himadri, for the research work. India received the ‘Observer’ country status in the Arctic Council for the first time in 2013 and is one among the 13 countries across the world, including China, to have that position. The status was renewed in 2018.
Summary of the Debate
Key Highlights of the Policy: Nodal Agency: o India has designated Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to lead scientific research and act as a nodal body to coordinate among various scientific bodies to promote domestic scientific research capacities in the Arctic. Objectives: o Planning: Arctic related programmes for mineral/oil and gas exploration in petroleum research institutes. o Promoting Scientific Study of Arctic: Orient the curriculum on earth sciences, biological sciences, geosciences, climate change and space related programmes with Arctic imperatives in Indian Universities. o Encouraging tourism: By building specialised capacities and awareness by engaging with Arctic enterprises.
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5 Pillars of India’s Arctic policy: o Scientific research o Economics and human development o Connectivity o Global governance and international cooperation o Development of Indian human resource capabilities Key Features of India’s Arctic Mission: o Assisting global efforts to increase understanding of Arctic region. o Help sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation. o Strengthening efforts against global warming. o Harmonise research on Polar and Himalayan regions. Focus Area: o Science and Research. o Economic and human development. o Transportation and connectivity. o Governance and International cooperation. o National capacity building. About Arctic: A polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of Alaska (United States), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Land within the Arctic region has seasonally varying snow and ice cover. The Antarctica is the global commons while the Arctic is not except for the areas which are not belonging to anybody. There is Antarctica treaty but there is no overarching treaty covering the Arctic. Role of Russia in Arctic: o The dominant part at the moment is Russia. It has 24,000 kms of Arctic coastline. o 50 percent of the population falling in the Arctic region falls in Russia. o It has come out in 2020 with very a very detailed Arctic Strategic Policy. o It aims to take the advantage of the opening of the Northern Sea route by developing its port, by charging countries who travelling through it. Because it regards the northern sea route as falling within its territorial waters and this is not position that has been taken by USA, so there is a conflict opening up there. o Russia is keen to develop the entire northern front of Russia on the basis of this route. India’s involvement in Arctic: India has been doing a lot of work both on atmospheric ocean and graphic and also bio geochemistry. India’s engagement in Arctic began in February 1920 when it signed the 'Svalbard Treaty' in Paris. Its polar research experience began in 1981 when the first scientific expedition to Antarctica was undertaken. India’s first expedition to Arctic in 2007.
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In Norway, India set up a research station in Svalbard in 2008. Canada has allowed India to establish some kind of instruments and research facilities in Canada. Sweden, Russia and other countries are coming forward to work closely with India on Arctic. In Artic Council, India engaged in terms of many scientific activities, they have different scientific working groups. India is taking lots of research projects in three working groups that is: o Arctic contaminates action program, o Arctic monitoring and assessment program o Conservation of Arctic flora and fauna program. Importance of Arctic region: Climate: o It controls the climate as it is one of the three poles-Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayas. o Indian monsoon has very good relationship within arctic climate variability. Anything changes in the arctic climate can really influence Indian monsoon. o Understanding the arctic climate and arctic climate variability will give some clues about how Himalaya’s climate is doing. Connectivity: o India’s climate model clearly says that by 2050, in summer, Arctic sea will be without any sea ice. So, Arctic sea will be completely open for ship rout so that the transportation connectivity will improve by 2050. Therefore, there are lots of opportunities for all of us. o Once the Arctic route opens up which was expected by 2050 by given models, then it will cut the distance from Europe (Rotterdam) to Japan (Yokohama) by 40 percent. Economic: o Arctic region is resource rich. It has about 22 percent of the underground unexplored energy deposits of the world that is oil and gas. o It has 25 percent of the world’s rare earths and mostly in Greenland. Issues: Research Work: o India does not have an optic ship which can go to Arctic. o Observer status that India have is not forever, this has to be renewed every few years and it has to be renewed by showing the work that India have done in those years. Climate: o Any change in arctic region can have a large impact through the middle latitude region especially Europe and Russia. o Through Middle latitude wave guide, the weather systems can really influence Indian region. o Arctic sea ice is melting because of global warming, it’s almost melting about 12 percentage per decade and that can have extreme weather events over India, for example: warming of Indian Ocean. Biodiversity aspects: o This region is reach in biodiversity and the biodiversity species are under threat and this is going to impact species all over the world.
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Strategic importance: o There are countries which have long coastlines and have continental shelves and Exclusive Economic Zones in the Arctic and they have claims. So, this complicates the strategic competition for resources. o China is into the game in a very big way and whatever China gains or does inevitable changes the strategic equations with India. o China is working with Russia. China is investing very heavily in ports, energy, underwater infrastructure, research, exploring mineral deposits. Way Ahead for India: Capacity Development: We need to engage more scientists within our institutions in India. Partner countries: India has a good cooperative relation with all the countries including with the USA as well as with Russia. So, India has a potential to invest its resources, its people, its expertise, its professionals, its scientists on both sides. Reaching indigenous groups: India has strength in dealing and making relationships with the indigenous people of the area. There are 40 different groups of indigenous people living in the Arctic region who are very sensitive about the changes in their habitat, in their environment, in their normal economic activities. At the same time, they want to be involved in whatever development is taking place. More engagement: India should really send more people and also the expansion from Norway, we need to expand the activities to Canada, Sweden also. Technology: India needs to connect the Arctic in a better way using digital technology and ISRO had a plan to set up their Satellite Receiving Stations in Arctic. Cooperation: India has to make its presence felt. India is a country with research facilities and capabilities. We need to get involve by the Energy, by the Defense Ministries, by the Commerce Ministries, by the Shipping Ministries and Environment Ministries. Investment: India needs to participate as it can in investments that are done in Russia and in other countries and see what benefits India can derive out of it. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research It was established as an autonomous Research and Development Institution of the Ministry of Earth Sciences on the 25th May 1998. It is located in Goa. Earlier known as National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), NCPOR is India’s premier R&D institution responsible for the country’s research activities in the Polar and Southern Ocean realms. It is the nodal agency for planning, promotion, coordination and execution of the entire gamut of polar and Southern Ocean scientific research in the country as well as for the associated logistics activities. It is responsible for administering the Indian Antarctic Program and maintains the Indian government’s Antarctic research station, Maitri. It operates the Himadri Arctic research station in Spitsbergen, Norway. It also manages the Oceanic Research Vessel ORV Sagar Kanya, the flagship of India’s fleet of oceanographic study vessels.
General Studies-III 3 Science & Technology
3.1 Stardust 1.0, the first rocket to run on biofuel Context: On January 31, Stardust 1.0 was launched from Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US, a former military base, becoming the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel, which is non-toxic for the environment as opposed to traditionally used rocket fuels.
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Stardust 1.0: Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads. The rocket is 20 feet tall and has a mass of roughly 250 kg. Payload: The rocket can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg and during its first launch carried three payloads. The payloads included a cubesat prototype built by highschool students, a metal alloy designed to lessen vibrations. Made by bluShift: The rocket is manufactured by bluShift, an aerospace company based in Maine that is developing rockets that are powered by bio-derived fuels. o Stardust 1.0 is being developed by the company since 2014 when the company was founded by its CEO Sascha Deri. Advantage: 1. To help launch small satellites called cubesats into space in a relatively cheaper way than using traditional rocket fuel 2. Less toxic for the environment. 3. Easier and cheaper access to space to lay people 4. To make access to space cost-effective for purposes of Academic research, Corporate technology development and Entrepreneurial ventures among others. 5. Easier access to space to not only experienced researchers but also to students who are part of educational institutions Other Space company: Blue Origin: There are other companies working towards making access to space easier. One of them is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s space company called Blue Origin. Last year in October, the company tested a rocket system called New Shephard. Space Tourism: The rocket system is meant to take tourists to space eventually and offers flights to space over 100 km above Earth and accommodation for payloads. Such efforts are a part of a growing number of commercial space companies that are working to provide Virgin Galactic: Founded by British entrepreneur Richard Branson called Virgin Galactic signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in June 2020. To encourage commercial participation in orbital human spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) and help in the development of a Low Earth Orbit economy. What is biofuel? Biofuels are obtained from biomass, which can be converted directly into liquid fuels that can be used as transportation fuels. Two most common kinds of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel and they both represent the first generation of biofuel technology. Ethanol, for instance, is renewable and made from different kinds of plant materials. Biodiesel on the other hand is produced by combining alcohol with new and used vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled cooking grease.
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3.2 Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio telescope
Context: On Thursday, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) Council held its maiden meeting and approved the establishment of the world’s largest radio telescope.
What are radio telescopes? Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes can detect invisible gas and, therefore, they can reveal areas of space that may be obscured by cosmic dust. First radio signals: Significantly, since the first radio signals were detected by physicist Karl Jansky in the 1930s, astronomers have used radio telescopes to detect radio waves emitted by different objects in the universe and explore it. Since World War-2: According to NASA, the field of radio astronomy evolved after World War II and became one of the most important tools for making astronomical observations since. The Arecibo telescope: In Puerto Rico, which was the second- largest single-dish radio telescope in the world, collapsed in December 2020. The telescope was built in 1963 and because of its powerful radar, scientists employed it to observe planets, asteroids and the ionosphere, making several discoveries including o Finding prebiotic molecules in distant galaxies, o The first exoplanets, and o The first-millisecond pulsar. Significance about the ska telescope: largest in the world: The telescope, proposed to be the largest radio telescope in the world. Location: It will be located in Africa and Australia in Southern Hemisphere, whose operation, maintenance and construction will be overseen by SKAO. Timeline and fund: The completion is expected to take nearly a decade at a cost of over £1.8 billion. Application: o beginning of the universe, o how and when the first stars were born, o life-cycle of a galaxy, o exploring the possibility of detecting technologically-active civilisations elsewhere in our galaxy o Understanding where gravitational waves come from Methodology: By measuring neutral hydrogen over cosmic time, accurately timing the signals from pulsars in the Milky Way, and detecting millions of galaxies out to high redshifts.
SQUARE KILOMETRE ARRAY OBSERVATORY (SKAO) COUNCIL: SKAO is a new intergovernmental organisation. It is dedicated to radio astronomy. HQ: UK. Members: At the moment, organisations from ten countries are a part of the SKAO. These include Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK.
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3.3 Dept of Telecom Delays 5G Trials In India
Context: Parliamentary Panel Slammed the government for its ‘laid-back approach’ and delay in conducting 5G trials. o It has said that sufficient preparatory work had not been undertaken for introducing 5G services in India o Country was likely to witness only partial deployment by 2021-end or early 2022.
News In Details: Missing the 5G Bus: Committee, headed by Shashi Tharoor, added it was very likely that after missing the 2G, 3G and 4G buses, India was going to miss out on 5G opportunities. o Unless time-bound action was taken in areas where governmental intervention was required. Reasons for delay: Following are some factors coming in the way of a 5G services roll-out in India. 1. Inadequate availability of spectrum, 2. High spectrum prices, 3. Poor development of use cases, 4. Low status of fiberisation, 5. Non-uniform right-of-way issues and 6. Deficient backhaul capacity Suggestions: The committee recommends that spectrum auction including auctioning of 3300 MHz to 3600 MHz be conducted at the earliest.” o DoT had assured that the said spectrum would be auctioned in the next six months or so. Telcom ahead than DOT: The committee noted that Telcos had submitted 5G trial applications in January, 2020 but that till date, guidelines for trials had not been made clear and there was no set date for commencement of trials. Government Allowed: “It is really disturbing to note that 5G trials have not yet been permitted. while in February, 2020, that the government has allowed all applications for 5G trials in limited areas and for limited time to test potential 5G India-specific use cases.” Way Forward: “By end of year 2021 or beginning of 2022, there will be some roll-out in India for some specific uses, because 4G should continue in India for at least another 5-6 years. Sufficient preparatory work has not been undertaken for launching 5G services in India.” Issue of allocating the right amount of spectrum as demanded by the industry needed to be addressed if India were to realise the benefits of 5G. “The committee recommends that for identification of adequate spectrum for 5G services the DoT needs to have fruitful deliberation with the o Department of Space and o Ministry of Defence The panel found fundamental differences between the versions of telcos and TRAI on fixing of spectrum prices and urged a review of the spectrum-pricing policy. 5G technology: 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks. 5G mainly works in 3 bands all of which have their own uses as well as limitations:
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1. Low band, 2. Mid band and 3. High frequency spectrum —
Low band spectrum Great promise in terms of coverage and speed of internet and data exchange Limitation: Maximum speed is limited to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second). Hence useful for Mass use/Commercial use Not optimal for: Specialised needs of the industry if needed very high speed
Mid band spectrum Offers higher speeds compared than Low band Limitations: In terms of coverage area and penetration of signals. Optimal for: Specialised needs of the industry if needed very high speed, for building captive networks
High frequency spectrum Offers the highest speed of all the three bands Limitations: Extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength Tested: Speed as high as 20 Gbps while in 4G: Maximum speed is 1Gbps
3.4 Kapila' For Patent Awareness
Context: The Government has launched a campaign namely Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) for o Intellectual property literacy and o Creating patent awareness
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education Objective: o Creating awareness regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), o Enabling of IP protection of inventions originating from faculty and students of HEIs, o Development of Credit Course on IPR, o Training program on IPR for faculty and students of HEIs and sensitization and development of vibrant IP filing system. It was launched on 89th birth anniversary of former President and Scientist Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
INDIA AND IPRS National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016: It was adopted in 2016 as a vision document to guide future development of IPRs in the country. Theme: “Creative India; Innovative India”. Seven objectives of IPR Policy: 1. IPR Awareness: To create public awareness about the economic, social and cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society.
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2. Generation of IPRs: To stimulate the generation of IPRs. 3. Legal and Legislative Framework: To have strong and effective IPR laws, which balance the interests of rights owners with larger public interest. 4. Administration and Management: To modernize and strengthen service-oriented IPR administration. 5. Commercialization of IPRs: Get value for IPRs through commercialization. 6. Enforcement and Adjudication: To strengthen the enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms for combating IPR infringements. 7. Human Capital Development: To strengthen and expand human resources, institutions and capacities for teaching, training, research and skill building in IPRs.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMERS FOR IPRS: 1. Paris Convention for Industrial Property, 1883 – Since it deals only with Industrial property, it covered only Patents and Trademarks. It was among first treaties to recognize various principles of international trade like National Treatment, Right of Priority, Common rules etc. 2. Bern convention for literary and artistic works, 1886 – It provided for copyright system. It doesn’t provide for any formality to claim protection. Protection is automatically accorded to any creation, provided work is original. 3. Madrid Agreement, 1881 – Governs the international recognition of trademarks. Made international fillings easy and cheap. 4. Patent co-operation treaty, 1970 – Protection in different countries by single application. It was open for all parties to Paris convention. 5. Budapest Treaty of 1980 – It made possible patenting for micro-organisms. 6. Trademark Law Treaty, 1994 – Harmonized administrative procedures and introduced ‘service marks’ in ambit of trade marks. Earlier trademarks were accorded only to goods. 7. The Hague agreement: concerning the International Deposit of ‘Industrial Design’ 1925 – It created International Design Bureau of WIPO. 8. International Union for protection of new varieties of plants, 1961 – This provides breeders and farmers right to new plant varieties.
3.5 Mission Hope: United Arab Emirates Spacecraft Enters Orbit Around Mars
Context: A spacecraft from the United Arab Emirates swung into orbit around Mars on Tuesday in a triumph for the Arab world's first interplanetary mission.
News In Details: Unmanned craft, called Amal, Arabic for Hope, had reached the end of its nearly seven-month, 300-million-mile journey and had begun circling the red planet, where it will gather detailed data on Mars’ atmosphere. To a standing ovation, a visibly relieved Omran Sharaf, the mission’s director, declared, “To the people of the UAE and Arab and Islamic nations, we announce the success of the UAE reaching Mars.”
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League of five space agencies: Amal’s arrival puts the UAE in a league of just five space agencies in history that have pulled off a functioning Mars mission. About 60% of all Mars missions have ended in failure, crashing, burning up or otherwise falling short in a testament to the complexity of interplanetary travel and the difficulty of making a descent through Mars’ thin atmosphere. Other Mission In Pipeline: Two more in row: Unmanned spacecraft from the U.S. and China are following close behind, set to arrive at Mars over the next several days. o All three missions were launched in July. o Why: To take advantage of the close alignment of Earth and Mars. USA’s Perseverance: A rover from the U.S. named Perseverance is set to join the crowd next week, aiming for a landing Feb. 18. o Aim: To bring Mars rocks back to Earth to examine microscopic life. China: A combination orbiter and lander from China is scheduled to reach the planet on Wednesday. o Aim: To look for signs of ancient life. If it pulls this off, China will become only the second country to land successfully on Mars. The U.S. has done it eight times, the first almost 45 years ago. A NASA rover and lander are still working on the surface.
UAE’S HOPE MISSION TO MARS: It is the first interplanetary mission for the Arab World. It is a Mars orbiter spacecraft, which will study the thin atmosphere of Mars. Announced: In 2015 Launched: In 2016 It was launched from Tanegashima Island in Japan. Aim: Creating mankind’s first integrated model of the Red planet’s (Mars) atmosphere. Commemorate: To reach Mars in February 2021 (50th anniversary of UAE’s founding). Cost: USD 200 million Three Scientific Instruments attached: 1. Emirates eXploration Imager (EXI): A high-resolution camera. 2. Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS): A far-UV imaging spectrograph. 3. Emirates Mars InfraRed Spectrometer (EMIRS): It will examine temperature profiles, ice, water vapor and dust in the atmosphere of Mars. 3.6 What is Einsteinium?
Context: With a new study published in the journal Nature last week, for the first time, researchers have been able to characterise some of the properties of the element.
Background: According to a podcast run by Chemistry World, the discovery of the element was not revealed for at least three years and it was first suggested that the element be named after Einstein in the Physical Review in 1955.
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About Einsteinium: The element was named after the German- born physicist Albert Einstein. This isotope was identified in December 1952 by Albert Ghiorso and coworkers at Berkeley, California, in debris taken from the first thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) explosion, “Mike,” in the South Pacific. It cannot be found in nature and needs to be manufactured using very precise and intense processes. Einsteinium (as the isotope einsteinium-253) was first produced by intense neutron irradiation of uranium-238 during the detonation of nuclear weapons. Properties of the element: The most common isotope of the element, einsteinium 253 has a half-life of 20 days. It is difficult to create and is highly radioactive. Einsteinium-254 is one of the more stable isotopes of the element that has a half-life of 276 days. The element is not visible to the naked eye. After discovery, it took over nine years to manufacture enough of it so that it could be seen with the naked eye. 3.7 Hunter Syndrome: MPS II: Context: Two brothers suffering from Mucopolysaccharidosis II or MPS II (Hunter Syndrome, Attenuated Type) have approached the Delhi High Court seeking direction to the Centre and AIIMS to provide them free treatment.
About Hunter Syndrome: Hunter syndrome is also known as MPS II. Hunter syndrome is a very rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by a missing or malfunctioning enzyme. In Hunter syndrome, the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase. This enzyme's job is to break down certain complex molecules, and This enzyme is needed to break-down complex sugars, known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), produced in the body. Without enough of this enzyme, the molecules build up in harmful amounts. Hunter syndrome is far more common in boys. Girls are generally unaffected carriers of this condition. In a family with more than one affected individual, the mother of the affected males must be a carrier. When a carrier female has a child, there is a 25% (1 in 4) chance that she will have an affected son. Symptoms: It is characterized by distinctive facial features, a large head, enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), hearing loss, etc. Cure: There's no cure for Hunter syndrome. Treatment involves managing symptoms and complications.
SCIENCE MONITOR
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3.8 Allocation in UNION BUDGET-2021-22
Context: Union Budget for the financial year 2021-22 was presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1st. This year, in view of the covid-19 pandemic, capacity building in the health sector has been given a big place in the Union Budget. Apart from this, several allocations have been made under different heads to strengthen S&T growth in the country.
About the allocation: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman presented her third budget in Parliament on February 1st. This was also the first ever paperless digital budget of India. Under the proposed budget of about Rs 34,83,236 crore, provisions have been made to strengthen various sectors in the country. Including those, that have played a key role in combating the pandemic through their research, development and innovation. In the proposed budget, the Ministry of S&T has been allocated budget of Rs 14,793.66 crore. Displaying an increase of about 20 percent from the current fiscal. o DST has been allocated a budget of Rs 6,067.39 crore. o Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been given Rs 3,052.37 crore. o Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has received a share of Rs 5,224.27 crore. o The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has been allocated Rs 1897.13 crore. To accelerate science and technology development in country, the Union Budget 2021-22 has made allocations under several heads. This also includes an assistance of RS 1488 crore to the autonomous body that fall under DST. Apart from this, an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore spread over 5 years has been proposed for the creation of the National Research Foundation, which will strengthen the overall research ecosystem in the country. The Department of Space has been allocated a sum of Rs 13, 949.9 crore. Space Mission planned for this year includes PSLV-CS51 launch, that will be executed by the newly formed New Space India Ltd. (NSIL) and the first unmanned launch of the Gaganyaan Mission slated for December 2021. To strengthen India’s Blue Economy Mission, a provision of Rs 4000 crore for over 5 years has been made for the deep ocean mission, which will cover the deep ocean survey exploration and projects for the conservation of deep-sea biodiversity. The Budget outlay for health and well being is Rs 2,23,846 crore, denoting an increase of 137 percent as against the earlier allocation. A provision of Rs 35,000 crore has been made for covid-19 vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccine will also be rolled out across the country to reduce child mortality. 3.9 IIT Kanpur Software for Autism Detection
Context: Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins in early childhood. The disorder in incurable and early diagnosis can help in introducing right intervention to live with this condition. Now, researchers at IIT, Kanpur have developed a machine learning based software which can be used by parents to check early sign of autism in their children.
About the software: Autism refers to a host of complex neurodevelopment disorders that effect the overall cognitive, emotional, social as well as physical development of the child. According to experts, sign of this condition appears much before the age of 3, but it goes undetected in many cases. YouTube: https://bit.ly/2CX1KHP www.beandbyias.com 86 Telegram: https://t.me/beandbyias Facebook: https://bit.ly/3fvVNQg
If the disorder is detected at right age, then it becomes a lot easier to train the child for day-to-day activities. Therefore, scientists from IIT Kanpur developed a software that can identify the possibility of autism at an early age. Researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Humanity and Social Sciences at IIT Kanpur studied the behaviour of 3 to 7 years old children and designed a model software. Parents can upload video of their child in the software and the software analyses various muscle movements of the child to identify the possibility of autism. Though, autism cannot be cured yet, early detection can help in introducing appropriate intervention in the right time. Therefore, the software developed by IIT Kanpur is an important step in this direction. 3.10 Aero India Show 2021
Context: The 13th edition of Aero India International Air show concluded on the 5th of February. The biennial event is organised at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bengaluru. This year, the event was inaugurated on the 3rd of February by the Dfence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also released the DRDO export compendium. Apart from displaying the vast potential of India and related sector, the event also made news for being the world’s first hybrid aero space show as it had physical as well as virtual elements.a
About the show: On the first day of the show, GoI formally shield the Rs 48,000 crore deal to procure 88 LCA Tejas from the state-run aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), making it the biggest ever defence procurement program. With this deal, the strength of the IAF will also increase manifold. This year more than 600 exhibitors participated in the event and among them about 80 represented other countries. During the air show, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and Sarang helicopter team hit the sky together. Apart from this, Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter also demonstrated its strength. The event showcased the growth of defence and aerospace technology in Indian Armed Services. The DRDO also exhibited high level of indigenous content in defence forces. The first India aero show was organised in 1996 by the Ministry of Defence to give the global platform to aerospace and defence industries. Over the years, the show has become Asia’s largest defence and aerospace show. 3.11 Science Express 1. NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Mike Hopkins conduct spacewalk: o On February 1st, NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover Jr. conducted a spacewalk to complete the battery upgradation project of the International Space Station. This project was started 4 years ago. After making the initial preparation, both the astronauts exited the quest airlock at 7 in the morning according to the International standard time. o During this spacewalk the astronauts installed the lithium-ion battery adapter plates and also upgraded3 external cameras. The entire operation was completed within 5 hours and 20 minutes.
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2. President Kovind Launches Nationwide Pulse Polio Programme For 2021:
o President Ram Nath Kovind launched the Polio National Immunization Day on the 30th January by administering polio drops to some children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The three-day immunization drive kickstarted on the 31st January and immunised about 17 crore children. About 12 lakh vaccinators and 1.8 lakh observers were deployed for this work.
o Addressing the program organised in this context, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted India’s achievement of maintaining the status of polio free nation for the last 10 years. In India, the last case of polio was reported in January 2011.
o Polio National Immunization Day will be observed on January 31, also popularly known as Polio Ravivar. Polio drops are administered to children in the age group of 0 to 5 years.
3. CSIR-CMERI Demonstrates three Variants of advanced indigenous design and featured Mob Control Vehicle prototypes:
o CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute demonstrated recently 3 variants of indigenous mob control vehicles. These vehicles have height adjustable front panel, protective front shield and all kinds of spray and tear gas systems.
o The vehicle equipped with state-of-the-art technology like GPS tracker and GPS navigator. Vehicles will help the para military forces to maintain law and order in the country.
3.12 Padma Awards 2021- Science & Technology
Context: On the eve of a republic day the ministry of home affairs announced the Padma Awards for the year 2021. One of the highest civilian awards of the country the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories- Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. This year the president of India has approved confirmant of 119 awards in various fields.
About the Awardees: India showcases its strategic strength and cultural richness on the occasion of the republic day and on the eve of this day India recognizes exceptional achievements and services in the fields of art, social work, science and engineering, medicine, literature and various others by announcing one of its highest civilian honors the Padma Awards. This year 119 Padma Awards were announced which includes 2 Padma Vibhushan and 11 Padma Shri in the fields related to science.
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Dr Belle Monappa Hegde a renowned cardiologist from Karnataka has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his outstanding contribution to the field of medicine. He was earlier awarded with Padma Bhushan in 2010. Dr Hegde has also written several books on medical practice and ethics. Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany was an Indian American physicist who passed away last month has also been honored this year with Padma Vibhushan in the field of science and engineering. Named among the unsung heroes by fortune magazine, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany is often referred to as the father of fiber optics, it was he, who coined the term fiber optics in 1956 and his work gave a new dimension to the speed of information and communication. Dr. Kapany was known for his research on fiber optics, communication lasers, biomedical instrumentation, solar energy and pollution monitoring. Among the eleven Padma Shri Awardees, one name is of renowned Indian American soil scientist Dr Rattan, who has been honoured for his exceptional achievements in the field of science and engineering. Dr Rattan Lal graduated from Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana and moved to US for higher studies after securing a master's degree from IARI Delhi. He was also honored with the World Food Award in 2020. The other personalities honored with Padma Shri this year are o Ali Manikfan of Lakshadweep o Dr. Rattan Lal Mittal of Punjab recognized for his contribution to the field of medicine. o Dr. Chandrakant Shambhaji Pandav of Delhi o Dr. Krishna Mohan Pathi of Odisha o Dr. Dhananjay Diwakar Sagdeo of Kerala o Dr. Ashok Kumar Sahu of Uttar Pradesh o Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Singh Sanjay of Uttarakhand o Dr. Dilip Kumar Singh of Bihar 3.13 ASTROSAT-IIA-NGC 2808-rare hot UV bright stars
Context: Indian astrophysicists have achieved another feat in the direction of discovering the deep mysteries of the universe with the help of AstroSat Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). Scientists have discovered rare hot UV bright stars in NGC 2808 an intriguing and massive global cluster in our galaxy. This discovery can expand our knowledge about the various phases of star evolution.
About the Stars: Globular clusters are spherical dense collection of stars that are found in the halo of a galaxy as such clusters are older than the open clusters, so they are thought to be excellent laboratories to understand the evolution of stars. Now studying one such globular cluster called NGS 2808 in our milky way the scientists have detected rare hot ultraviolet bright stars in it. While exploring the ultraviolet images of the cluster taken by AstroSat’s UVIT, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics Deepti S Prabhu, Annapurni Subramaniam and Snehalata Sahu distinguished the hot UV bright stars of the cluster from the other stars. Having its main campus in Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Astrophysics is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. It has a network of astronomical laboratories and observatories in India and is devoted to world-class research in astronomy and astrophysics.
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For their latest research IIA scientists combined the AstroSat’s data with the observation of Hubble Space Telescope and also with the ground-based optical observatories. Using the data, the team arrived at the surface temperatures luminosities and radii of the 34 UV bright stars identified in the cluster. One of these stars was found to be about 3000 times brighter than the sun, with a surface temperature of about 1 lakh kelvin. The rare hot UV bright stars identified by the Indian astronomers have their cores almost exposed making them very hot as many of these stars are not detected in the fast-evolving phases so the study of such stars is crucial to find out how these stars end their lives. Such UV bright stars are also speculated to be the reason for the ultraviolet radiation coming from old stellar systems therefore it is important to observe more such stars to understand their properties the findings of this study have been accepted for publication in the journal, The Astrophysical Journal. 3.14 IIT MADRAS- role of Chloride rich PM2.5 in visibility reduction
Context: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras have made a new revelation about the visibility reduction in the national capital region during winters. According to the researchers, PM 2.5 mass over Delhi has a high concentration of chloride and this is the primary factor behind the reduced visibility in the region this study not only provides the scientific explanation for the source of high chloride in pm 2.5 but also quantifies the role in haze and fog formation.
About the research: Every year during peak winters the national capital region gets engulfed in thick smog leading to poor visibility this negatively affects not only the routine services like transport but also the general health and safety of the people many past studies have highlighted the role of Particulate Matter 2.5 in the smog formation over the region. However, the role of PM 2.5 and the detailed chemistry of reduced visibility over the national capital was not very clear. Now an international study led by researchers of IIT, Madras has described clearly the role of chloride rich PM 2.5 particles in visibility reduction after studying the complex pollution and atmospheric chemistry of Delhi. To conduct the study, the researchers measured chemical composition and other important properties of PM 2.5 along with the relative humidity and temperature in Delhi round the clock for one month. The study found that complex chemical reactions involving hydrochloric acid which is directly emitted in the atmosphere from plastic contained waste burning and a few other industrial processes is primarily responsible for the high PM 2.5 chloride in Delhi. High chloride in such particles increases their water uptake ability and increases their size leading to dense fog and poor visibility. Hence, the study not only unfolds the mystery of high chloride and PM 2.5 but also unravels its precise role in smog formation over Delhi. The study led by IIT, Madras was carried out in collaboration with Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Germany, Harvard University, USA, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA and Manchester University of UK, published in a peer-reviewed international journal Nature Geoscience. This study can help in framing better policies to improve air quality and visibility in the national capital.
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3.15 Science Express 1. Family planning 2020: o A high-level virtual event was organized on the 26th of January under the title Family Planning 2020, celebrating progress transforming for the future Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan represented India and emphasized the country's commitment towards the program. o Family planning 2020 is a global partnership to empower women to decide for themselves whether when and how many children they want to have. o Currently, 44 countries are part of the program. During the event the Annual Progress Report for 2019-20 was also released during the event the Union Minister also highlighted India’s national Family Planning Program that was formulated way back in 1952. 2. Indian mathematician Nikhil Srivastava awarded prestigious 2021 Michael and Sheila Held Prize: o For solving long-standing questions on Ramanujan graphs and the Kadison–Singer problem, Nikhil Srivastava. Associate Professor of Mathematics, Berkeley has been named as the winner of the prestigious Michael and Sheila Held Prize for 2021. o He will share the prize with Adam Marcus, the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Daniel Alan Spielman from Yale University. o Working on the Ramanujan graphs and the Kadison– Singer problem, all three have unveiled a deep new relationship between linear algebra geometry of polynomials and graph theory. The prize is given by the National Academy of Sciences and consists of a medal and one lakh US dollars. 3. COVAXIN is effective against UK variant, shows study: o A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research has found Bharat Biotech COVAXIN to be effective against the mutant UK strain. o According to the studies, 17 mutations have been found in the genome of the UK strain of SARS-CoV- 2, out of which eight mutations have been found in the outer protein layer of the virus that is the spiked protein which plays a crucial role in infecting a person. o For conducting the study scientists isolated and characterized the UK strain with all signature mutations of the variant and performed plaque reduction neutralization test against the UK strain using serra collected from the recipients of COVAXIN the vaccine was found to neutralize the UK strain effectively. 4. SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket With Record 143 Satellites: o On 24th of January US-based private space agency SpaceX created a new world record by sending 143 satellites into space aboard its Falcon 9 rocket. o The previous record was held by ISRO for launching 104 satellites aboard PSLV in February 2017. Under the Mission Transporter one of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was sent from
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Florida-based cape canaveral station carrying 133 commercial and 10 star-linked satellites of spacex. o In 2019, a new rideshare program was announced by SpaceX and mission transporter 1 was the first in this program. The aim of the rideshare program is to open doors for small space operators. Earlier in 2018 SpaceX launched 64 satellites in one go.
THE BIG PICTURE
3.16 Prarambh: Opportunity for Startups Context: Prarambh- The Startup India International Summit began on Friday. It comes as a follow-up of the announcement made by Prime Minister Modi at fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu in August 2018, wherein India committed to host the BIMSTEC Startup Conclave. Prime Minister Modi will address the global summit on Saturday.
Background: Startup India initiative was launched to promote and support the startup in India by providing bank finances. The three main pillars of the startup India scheme are as follows: 1. To provide funding support and incentives to the startup in the country 2. To provide industry Academy partnership 3. Simplification and handholding Summary of the Debate
About the summit: All the members of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries participated in the events. It is organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The two-day summit marks the fifth anniversary of the Startup India initiative, launched by the prime minister on January 16, 2016. Over 25 countries and more than 200 global speakers participated in the summit. It is the largest startup confluence organised by the government since the launch of the Startup India initiative. Significance of the summit: The purpose of this summit is a fulfillment of a commitment that the honorable PM had made in the summit in 2018 among the BIMSTEC countries for hosting the BIMSTEC conclave. The Prarambh Summit is focussing on how the best practices can be brought in the BIMSTEC countries and what they are doing in the incubation innovation system and how BIMSTEC countries can collaborate together more effectively to address the not only challenges that these countries face but also to leverage the benefits of technology, advancing fast available, affordable and accessible technology for the benefit of innovation and communication between countries and for extending cooperation. It has played a very important role in cultivating and growing the ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the length and breadth of India including many other organizations like Atal Innovation Mission, Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
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This particular summit brings all of them together to the fore, to be able to deliberate and contemplate on how we can grow up as startup nations across in this region and be able to address the demand and opportunities that it presents. It provides a great platform for a continued dialogue between BIMSTEC countries to be able to see how we can address collective demand. It is also an opportunity to showcase great startups and innovation, frugal innovations which have come up not only in Indian landscape but in other countries and for being able to attract domestic and global capital through access to what is happening in the startup ecosystem. Indian Startup Ecosystem: Today, India has 55,000 startups and more than 34 unicorns which have come up and each of these unicorns have added jobs tremendously both directly and indirectly. India is the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. It has close to 42, 000 to 43, 000 startups registered till date. We have close to around 20 varieties startups today and these are of different sectors. Five years ago, India was at the position of 81 in the Global Innovation Index, today India is on 48. Organizations like Flipkart or OLA have added tremendous number of jobs in the economy. Technology driven startups or Agri-domain or biotech domain startups have also prospered in a very big way. There is a tremendous focus on diversity of geography in stimulating innovation and diversity of gender in stimulating innovation. The ecosystem which is now provided by the government, they have become the voice of the beneficiaries to be able to get reflected in to quality. Efforts undertaken by the government to promote startups in the last 5 years: Stand-up India policy: To ensure the grassroot innovations and entrepreneur level is getting stimulated. Atal Innovation Mission: It was launched by the PM under NITI Aayog. It is India's flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Community Innovation Centers: Setup to serve the interests of rural India, Tier-2, Tier-3 cities and to ensure that community driven innovation and job creation happens, because we have 600-1000 plus villages, 715 districts and 115 are aspirational districts. Funds: Government provides more than 1.3 billion funds to encourage the startup community and to be able to provide funding capability to the startup community. School level: Thousands of collateral tinkering labs have been launched so that these become dedicated innovation workspace in schools between grade 6 to grade 12 to nurture a problem-solving innovative mindset in our young students. Universities: In universities, we are having world class incubators being set up by a number of institutions like innovation mission or DST, DBT and so on. Today we have more than 400 incubators in India. Atal New India Challenge and ARISE challenges: Government is launching number of challenges with various ministries like Atal New India Challenge and ARISE (Applied Research and Innovation for small enterprise) challenges and these challenges are meant for addressing Make-in -India innovations in the startup community or in the MSME community. Challenges faced by Indian startups: Various startups have been engaging with the government on a range of issues, these range right from founder driven issue to even operational issue. A number of regulatory changes by government and RBI is a challenge for various startups. Section 194 (O) of Direct Tax Regulations, which came last year and creates huge amount of administrative costs for the stratups.
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GST and its applicability have major impact on some startups. India has conventionally had only 13 percent women entreprenuers. A lot of the startup founders are first time founders and building their businesses and they are very busy with that. So, they don’t get time to make right representations to the government. The needs of the startups are largely get lost in sometime in all the noise and business of building a business form ground up. Way Forward: There is a certain need for regulatory certainty which certainly needs to be imbibed in. There needs to be consistency of applicability of regulations by states because at the end of the day, the central government prescribes and creates a policy for the nation but, it can be interpreted different by different states. There are some innovative requirements to unlock certain sectors. It is important to have a Centre-State consistency of applicability of laws because what is banned in one state is legal in another state. The collaboration with corporates and with public sector and private sector is very important because they are very strong stakeholders in the system. There is an urgent need that the benefit of innovation and the startup community reaches across to the rural India coupled with the jam trinity that the government has introduced like Digital initiative where there are more than a billion bank accounts today, billion unique ids through the Aadhar and billion mobile phones. All of these can come together to provide tremendous amount of solutions to fulfill a pent-up demand and the challenges that India has. Conclusion: Government is very sensitive to what is needed to support the ecosystem and there have been several initiatives in the last couple of years to interact not only with the corporate community but we had called champions of change which was ready to see what is required, what are the new regulations, what are the new policies, what are some enabling factors for ease of business and ease of startup operation. These are all being done at the NITI Aayog which is the policy think tank and these are being implemented as policies and many of them have found reflection in the last couple of years. The covid-19 crisis brought that fact of very vividly that unless there is a tremendous collaboration between industry, academia, government and the startup community, India will not be able to succeed together as a nation.
General Studies-III 4 Security
4.1 HAL gets contract for 83 LCAs in ₹48,000 cr. deal
Context: At 13th edition of Aero India in Bengaluru, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded the contract to manufacture 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of ₹48,000 crore.
Defence Minister in 13th Edition of Aero India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “We have long witnessed unfortunate attempts to employ force to change the status quo along our unresolved border. Vigilant India: India is vigilant and prepared to counter and defeat any misadventure and defend our people and territorial integrity at all costs.
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Military modernisation: Our resolve towards this is shown by our growing defence capabilities… We plan to spend $130 bn on military modernisation in the next 7-8 years.” Global Manufacturers: He urged global defence companies to set up manufacturing units. Threat to India: India faced threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts and it was a victim of state- sponsored terrorism, which was now a global threat, he pointed out. Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ conclave: Mr. Singh will hold an Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ conclave during the show, which has been restricted to three business days due to COVID-19 restrictions. Greater regional coordination: Chief of the Air Staff R.K.S. Bhadauria said, “globally we are facing unprecedented levels of ‘ . Uncertainty, . Volatility and . Interconnected threats.” o In this regard he pitched for greater regional coordination. Hal Contract-Deliveries in 8 years: Biggest Make in India defence contract: “This contract is the biggest Make in India defence contract till date.” The contract includes: 1. 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 2. 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 trainer aircraft Cost: At a cost of ₹45,696 crore along with design and development of infrastructure sanctions worth ₹1,202 crore. Time to Deliver: “The deliveries of all 83 aircraft shall be completed in eight years from now. HAL will be delivering the first three aircraft in the third year and 16 aircraft per year for subsequent five years.” ‘Atmanirbhar formation for Exports’: As part of efforts to boost defence exports, HAL displayed an ‘Atmanirbhar formation’ consisting of its platforms — 1. LCA trainer, 2. HTT-40 trainer, 3. Intermediate Jet Trainer, 4. Advanced Hawk Mk-132 and 5. Civil Dornier Do-228.
HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED (HAL): It is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company. HQ: In Bangalore (Bengaluru), India. It is governed under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence. It has several facilities spread across India including Bangalore, Nasik, Korwa, Kanpur, Koraput, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Barrackpore and Kasaragod. The HAL HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber was the first fighter aircraft made in India.
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13TH EDITION OF AERO INDIA: Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru, India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. It is organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Ministry of Defence. The 13th edition of Aero India was held from 3 to 5 February 2021 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore, Karnataka. The first day of the show was marked by the flypast of a Rockwell B-1 Lancer nuclear bomber from the U.S. Air Force which had come all the way from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. There will also be joint shows between the Sarang and Surya Kiran aerobatic teams. The Dassault Rafale also appeared for the first time in the colors of the Indian Air Force.
SECURITY SCAN
4.2 Decoding Defence Budget 2021
Context: The allocation to Defence in the Budget has been increased to 4.78 lakh cr for FY21-22. This includes capital expenditure worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore which is an increase of 18.75 percent over last year. It is expected to give a big push to Defence Modernisation.
Background: India is the third largest military spender in the world. The 15th Finance Commission observed it its report that the expenditure on defence services as a proportion of GDP declined from 2% in 2011-12 to 1.5% in 2018-19 and to 1.4% in BE 2020- 21. Between 2011-12 and 2018-19, defence revenue expenditure grew faster, 10%, than the increase in defence capital outlay, 4.7%, and resulted in a reduction of the share of defence capital outlay in total defence services expenditure (excluding defence pension) from 40% in 2011-12 to 33% in 2018-19. Key Takeaways: Defense budget: It is 4.78 lakh crores and it is 19 percent increase and the highest increase in the last 10 years. o Though, it is a 19 percent increase, but the 21 000 crores which were allocated subsequently for emergency purchases and fast track procurements, so the increase is only 1.5 percent. Percentage of GDP: since 1960, it is the lowest at 1.4 percent. o The parliamentary panel on defense has also been recommending that we should sustain it at an increase of 2.5 to 3 percent of the next few years if we have to meet our modernization requirements. Capital outlay: The heart of the defense budget is the capital outlay because that is what is used for buying new weapons, modernization, aircraft, ships, submarines. Revenue outlay: Although, it is for maintenance and salaries. Besides the salaries and maintenance of the establishments and equipment, it is also paying for running of such things like satellites, for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance. Allotment: Army (Rs 36,481 crore), Navy (Rs 33,253 crore) and Air force (Rs 53,214 crore).
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Way this amount of money has to be spent: Since the last 10 years, the revenue budget has remained 49 to 59 percent of the overall defense budget. Capital expenditure has also hovered between 35 to 36 percent of the overall defense budget. Capital allocation is 1.25 lakh crores. The capital allocation has doubled in the past four years. In Budget 2017, the capital allocation was around 69 000 crores. From here on if it grows at 9 percent or 10 percent annually, we will hit a number of 2 lakh crore or 30 billion dollars in the next five to seven years. We should reach 30 billion dollars in five to seven years of capital spending that should be more than enough. It is much more important to look at how is this money going to be and the key lies here now on the two particular factors one is on indigenization and the second factor is modernization. o On indigenization: We need to move a great step forward in corporatization of the ordnance factory board and in revamping the defense public sector units now. o Modernization: We have got to get the private sector in a very big way now. There is no country in the world, it can simply depend on the public sector. In the USA, the entire defense industry is run by the private sector. So, the private sector needs to have a very big role to play. Major achievements: Procurement: Despite a low defense expenditure so far, in the last two three years, India have managed to acquire a large number of systems like Apache helicopters, the Rafales, the Submarines, the Ships, the nuclear, domestic products also like the two nuclear submarines, P75 Scorpene Class submarines. Covid year: In the covid year, the finance and the government were operating on a very restricted scale and to have given the same amount of resources for the defense has been a great achievement. Defense corridors: It has been started getting established, now the two defense corridors which have been already planned in the previous years, one in Uttar Pradesh and one in Tamil Nadu, once those defense corridors get activated we are looking in terms of millions of jobs being created and those millions of jobs being created. Way Forward: Defense Industry: Government should provide platform for the defense industry where both the public and the private sector current investment comes in. Assessment: There is need to have an assessment of the threat, the assessment of technology and what we require to invest into. R&D: There should be more funds for R&D in the private sector, we need more money for robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. Decision making processes: There is need to have much faster decision-making processes, it will actually impact very positively on the defense budget. Saving money through indigenization: Leasing: we have been dabbling in to various methods, a good one like leasing of equipment, we've leased guardians drones recently and so we can try them out it will reduce the time required to acquire them. Indigenization: One of the advantages of indigenization is the job creation Road Map: The defense budget must include what we want to achieve and the road map to achieving that as far as indigenization goes. Private Sector: The government must help the private sector they were not willing to invest in R&D unless the government assures them that they would buy what they develop and design and produce. Integrating all the forces: That is going to be the major force multiplier.
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Joint Enterprises: Get defense industry going both in the private and the public sector or as joint enterprises, it can increase GDP by a minimum of two to three percentage points. it is an institution which can create millions of jobs and which can really revamp the Indian economy. Prime Minister made an appeal almost five years ago but the forces have to restructure and come on the common things which are common to all three forces. Limited resources: India is a country which has got limited resources. The time has come to decide what should be our benchmarks for capital spending.
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