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Transcript of contents - SRIRAMs IAS
May 2021 [ii]
CONTENTS Sl. No. Topic Page No.
1 Subsidy Policy for Urea Produced from Coal Gasification 1
2 International Religious Freedom Report 2021 2
3 State of the Global Climate 2020: WMO 5
4 Boao Forum 7
5 Declining Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production 8
6 Disaster Management Act, 2005 10
7 Leaders’ Summit on Climate 12
8 #FOSS4GOV Innovation Challenge 14
9 Ways and Means Advance 16
10 Crew-2 Mission 17
11 Section 144 of CrPC 19
12 Microfinance Institutions 21
13 Harlequin Ichthyosis: Rare Genetic Disorder 23
14 Reasons for Rising Covid-19 Infections: Second Wave 24
15 Depleting Ground Water Resources 26
16 Oxygen Crisis: Covid-19 28
17 Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021 30
18 National Commission for Minorities 32
19 Antimicrobial Resistance: Threat to Global Health Security 34
20 US Supports India in Covid-Crisis 36
21 SIPRI report on World Military Spending 38
22 Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives 40
23 Chandler Good Government Index 42
24 Supply Chain Resilience Initiative 44
25 Asset Reconstruction Companies 45
26 Assam Earthquake 47
27 PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust 50
28 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund 51
29 The Global Forest Goals Report 2021: UN Report 52
30 Classification of Corona Variants 55
31 Differential Pricing for Covid-19 Vaccines 57
32 Immunisation Agenda 2030 58
May 2021 [iii]
Sl. No. Topic Page No.
33 Corporate Social Responsibility Expenditure 60
34 Fire Safety in India 62
35 Asian Development Outlook 2021: ADB 64
36 Model Insurance Villages 66
37 Maratha Reservation Struck Down by Supreme Court 67
38 Illegal Sale of Uranium 69
39 Intellectual Property Protection for Covid-19 Vaccines 71
40 China’s Permanent Space Station 73
41 5G Trial 74
42 Independent Collegium for Election Commission 76
43 Social Security Code 2020 78
44 Covid-Vaccination Related Challenges 81
45 National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage 82
46 RBI’s Measures to support Fight Covid-Second Wave 84
47 Cyclone Tauktae 86
48 Legislative Council in West Bengal 88
49 India loses ONGC-discovered Farzad-B gas field in Iran 90
50 World Bank’s report On Global Remittances 91
51 Overcrowding of Prison 93
52 Data Protection in India 96
53 International Energy Agency: Net Zero by 2050 99
54 Israel-Palestine Issue 101
55 India’s Brain Drain in Health Sector 104
56 Six Sites added in Tentative List of World Heritage Sites 106
57 Chief Secretary of State 108
58 Model Tenancy Act 110
59 Improving Learning Outcomes: School Performance Grading
Index. 112
60 Regulating Temples in Tamil Nadu 113
61 Does India Need a Two-Child Law? 115
62 China’s new Three Child Policy 117
63 Fighting Covid-19 in the Rural Areas 118
64 Millennium Technology Prize 2020 120
65 FCRA & foreign aid 121
66 Intermediaries and Digital Media Rules 122
May 2021 [iv]
Sl. No. Topic Page No.
67 SEBI and Small Investors 124
68 Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 125
69 Why is it so much harder to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine? 127
70 Unified Agency mooted for Cross-Border Crimes 128
71 Reintroduction of Cheetahs in India 130
72 What is RCEP, the world’s biggest trade deal? 131
73 To fix Climate Crisis, we need to fix Gender Inequality 132
74 Tribunalization of Justice in India 134
75 Tropical Cyclones in Arabian Sea: Why are they increasing? 136
76 Israel – Palestine conflict: What is happening and How does it
affect us? 137
77 Rural India and Economic Distress – Renewed demand for
MGNEGA 139
76 Mucormycosis – Black Fungus amid second wave of Pandemic 141
77 Impact of Brexit on India – Opportunities and Challenges 142
78 Space Debris – Risk, Challenges and Solutions 143
79 RBI booster dose to support Health Sector and Liquidity Push 145
80 Mutations in Coronavirus – Should we be worried? 146
81 The Epidemic of Biomedical Waste 147
82 Extradition Process in India 149
83 Pandemic and the push to Cashless Economy - Good, bad and
limitations 150
84 IPR Waiver for COVID vaccines: Panacea to vaccine shortage? 152
85 Maratha Reservation case – How to identify Socially and
Educationally Backward Classes? 153
1
Subsidy Policy for Urea Produced from Coal Gasification
Why is it in News
The Cabinet has approved an exclusive subsidy policy for urea produced
through coal gasification by Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL). Urea is a widely
used fertiliser in India.
Fertilizer Consumption in India:
o India’s fertiliser consumption in FY20 was about 61 million tonne of
which 55% was urea and is estimated to have increased by 5 million tonne in
FY21.
Since non-urea varieties cost higher, many farmers prefer to use more
urea than actually needed.
The government has taken a number of measures to reduce urea consumption.
It introduced neem-coated urea to reduce illegal diversion of urea for non-
agricultural uses. It also stepped up the promotion of organic and zero-budget
farming.
o Subsidy on Urea: The Centre pays subsidy on urea to fertiliser manufacturers
on the basis of cost of production at each plant and the units are required to sell
the fertiliser at the government-set Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
o Subsidy on Non-Urea Fertilisers: The MRPs of non-urea fertilisers are
decontrolled or fixed by the companies. The Centre, however, pays a flat per-
tonne subsidy on these nutrients to ensure they are priced at “reasonable
levels”.
Examples of non-urea fertilisers: Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate
of Potash (MOP)
About the TFL Urea Project:
o Capacity and Location: TFL is setting up the 1.27 million tonne per annum
capacity urea plant based on coal gasification technology in Odisha with an
estimated investment of Rs. 13,277 crore.
This will be the only plant to produce the nitrogenous soil nutrient (urea)
through coal gasification route.
Talcher Fertilizers Ltd. (TFL) is a Joint Venture Company of four PSUs (Public
Sector Undertakings) namely Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers (RCF), GAIL
(India) Ltd. (GAIL), Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and Fertilizer Corporation of India
Ltd. (FCIL).
Expected Benefits:
The project will improve availability of fertilizer to farmers thereby boosting
development of eastern region and will save transport subsidy for supply of
urea in eastern part of the country.
It would assist in reducing Urea imports to the tune of 12.7 LMT (Lakh Metric
Tonnes) per annum leading to savings in foreign exchange.
2
It will also give a boost to the 'Make in India' initiative and ‘Atmanirbhar
Bharat’ campaign and would help development of infrastructure like roads,
railways etc.
It will also provide new business opportunities in the form of ancillary
industries in the catchment area of the project.
About Coal Gasification:
o Coal gasification is the process of converting coal into synthesis gas (also
called syngas), which is a mixture of hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO)
and carbon dioxide (CO2).
The syngas can be used in a variety of applications such as in the production
of electricity and making chemical products, such as fertilisers.
The hydrogen obtained from coal gasification can be used for various purposes
such as making ammonia, powering a hydrogen economy.
o The ammonia is reacted with the carbon dioxide to produce urea melt.
o In-situ gasification of coal–or Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)–is the
technique of converting coal into gas while it is still in the seam and then
extracting it through wells.
o India has set the target that by 2030 it will gasify 100 million tonne of coal
under four major projects with an overall investment of Rs. 20,000 crore.
International Religious Freedom Report 2021
Why is it in News
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has
recommended for the second year in the row to put India on a list (‘Countries
of Particular Concern’ or CPCs) for the worst violations of religious freedoms
in 2020.
Earlier, the US State Department, in its 2020 Human Rights Report, pointed
out several Human Rights Issues in India.
About the USCIRF:
o USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan US federal government commission,
dedicated to defending the universal right to freedom of religion or belief
abroad.
o It is an advisory body to the US Congress.
o USCIRF’s 2021 Annual Report assesses religious freedom violations and
progress during calendar year 2020 in 26 countries and makes independent
recommendations for US policy.
o It is Headquartered at Washington DC.
3
About the Report:
o The Report’s primary focus is on two groups of countries:
“Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” is a designation by the US Secretary
of State of a nation engaged in severe violations of religious freedom
under IRFA (International Religious Freedom Act of 1998).
A “Special Watch List” country is one that is deemed not to meet all of the
CPC criteria but engages in or tolerates severe violations of religious freedom.
o The Report also includes USCIRF’s recommendations of violent nonstate
actors for designation by the US State Department as “entities of particular
concern,” or EPCs, under IRFA.
Latest Recommendations of USCIRF:
o For the CPC List:
Recommendations for the CPC list are Russia, Syria and Vietnam and India.
Countries already on the CPCs list and recommended by USCIRF for re-
designation are Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
o For A Special Watch List:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Malaysia, Turkey and Uzbekistan are recommended for a ‘Special Watch List’,
along with Cuba and Nicaragua, both of which were already on the list for
2019.
o For EPCs:
Recommends seven non-state actors for redesignation as “entities of particular
concern” (EPCs)—al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, the Houthis, Hay’at Tahrir al-
Sham (HTS), Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), Jamaat Nasr al-Islam
wal Muslimin (JNIM), and the Taliban.
India’s Case: Areas of Concern Highlighted in report:
o Passage of the Religiously Discriminatory Citizenship (Amendment) Act,
2019 (CAA): CAA fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from South
Asian countries meeting certain other criteria.
o Delhi Riots: The report mentions the attack that took place on religious
minorities during Delhi riots by the religious majority population in February
2020.
o National Register of Citizens (NRC): The consequences of exclusion – as
exemplified by a large detention camp being built in Assam – are potentially
devastating.
o Anti-Conversion Laws: Despite India’s constitutional protections for
religious freedom, approximately one-third of India’s 28 states limit or prohibit
4
religious conversion to protect the dominant religion from perceived threats
from religious minorities.
o Disinformation and Incitement of Violence: Government officials and
nonstate actors continued to use social media and other forms of
communication to harass and spread hatred and disinformation against
minority communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Dalits.
o Religious Freedom in Jammu and Kashmir: In Muslim-majority Jammu
and Kashmir, restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly negatively
impacted religious freedom, including the observance of religious holy days
and the ability to attend prayers.
o Closing Space for Civil Society: Government officials used the Unlawful
Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and other statutes to detain advocates,
media, and academics, including religious minorities.
Recommendations of USCIRF:
o It has recommended the US administration to impose targeted sanctions on
Indian individuals and entities for ‘severe violations of religious freedom’.
o Condemn ongoing religious freedom violations and support religious
organizations and human rights groups being targeted for their advocacy of
religious freedom.
o The US administration should promote inter-faith dialogue and the rights of all
communities at bilateral and multilateral forums “such as the ministerial of
the Quadrilateral (the Quad).
o The US Congress should raise issues in the US-India bilateral space, such as
by hosting hearings, writing letters and constituting Congressional delegations.
Freedom of Religion in India
Freedom of religion in India is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 25-
28 of the Constitution of India.
o Article 25 (Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and
propagation of religion).
o Article 26 (Freedom to manage religious affairs).
o Article 27 (Freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular
religion).
o Article 28 (Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious
worship in certain educational institutions).
Further, Article 29 and 30 of the Constitution deal with the protection of
interest of minorities.
5
State of the Global Climate 2020: WMO
Why is it in News
Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its annual State of the Global Climate for 2020.
Extreme weather combined with Covid-19 was a double blow for millions of people in 2020. However, the pandemic-related economic slowdown failed to put a brake on climate change drivers and accelerating impacts.
About World Meteorological Organization:
o It is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 192 Member States and Territories. India is a member.
o It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
o Established by the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950,
WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
o Its Headquarter is in Geneva, Switzerland.
Key Points of report:
Global Temperature:
o 2020 was one of the three warmest years on record, despite a cooling La Niña event.
The global average temperature was about 1.2° Celsius above the pre-industrial (1850-1900) level.
The other two warmest years are 2016 and 2019.
o The six years since 2015 have been the warmest on record.
2011-2020 was the warmest decade on record.
Greenhouse Gases:
o Emission of major greenhouse gases increased in 2019 and 2020.
It will be higher in 2021.
o Concentrations of the major greenhouse gases in the air continued to increase in 2019 and 2020.
o Globally, averaged mole fractions of carbon dioxide (CO2) have already exceeded 410 parts per million (ppm), and if the CO2 concentration follows the same pattern as in previous years, it could reach or exceed 414 ppm in 2021.
Oceans:
o In 2019, the oceans had the highest heat content on record. In 2020, it has
broken this record further. Over 80% of the ocean area experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2020.
A marine heatwave is defined when seawater temperatures exceed a seasonally
varying threshold for at least 5 consecutive days.
6
o The percentage of the ocean that experienced “strong” marine heat waves
(45%) was greater than that which experienced “moderate” marine heat waves
(28%).
Sea-level Rise:
o Since record-taking started in 1993 using the satellite altimeter, sea-level has
been rising. It is due to the La Niña induced cooling.
o Sea level has recently been rising at a higher rate partly due to the increased
melting of the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica.
The Arctic and the Antarctica:
o In 2020, the Arctic sea-ice extent came down to second lowest on record.
o In a large region of the Siberian Arctic, temperatures in 2020 were more than
3°C above average.
A record temperature of 38°C was noted in the town of Verkhoyansk, Russia.
o The Antarctic sea-ice extent remained close to the long-term average.
However, the Antarctic ice sheet has exhibited a strong mass loss trend since
the late 1990s.
This trend accelerated around 2005, and currently, Antarctica loses
approximately 175 to 225 Gigaton per year, due to the increasing flow rates of
major glaciers in West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Extreme Weather Events in India:
o India experienced one of its wettest monsoons since 1994, with a seasonal
surplus of 9% that led to severe floods and landslides.
o Cyclone Amphan, which hit Kolkata in May 2020, has been named as
the costliest tropical cyclone for the North Indian Ocean region that brought
about an estimated loss of USD 14 billion.
Climatic Impact:
o Extreme Weather Situations:
Along with the pandemic, people across the world struggled to survive as they
faced extreme weather in the form of storms, cyclones, heavy rainfall and
record heat.
Response and recovery to people hit by cyclones, storms and similar extreme
weather was constrained throughout the pandemic in 2020.
o Human Mobility Issues:
Mobility restrictions and economic downturns owing to Covid-19 slowed
down delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and displaced
populations, who live in dense settlements.
The pandemic added further dimension to human mobility
concerns, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to understanding
and addressing climate risk and impact on vulnerable populations.
7
Boao Forum
Why is it in News
o The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference
2021 was recently held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.
o The BFA, this year, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary.
About Boao Forum:
o The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is an international not for profit
organization which was jointly initiated by 26 member states in
2001, the members have now increased to 29. India is also a member of the
BFA.
o Its annual conference is held in Boao, Hainan province of China on a regular
basis.
o The establishment of BFA is modelled on the lines of the World Economic
Forum which bases its annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Thus
earning the name of ‘Davos of the East’.
o The founding purpose of BFA was to promote economic integration in
Asia. Its mission now is to pool positive energy for the development of Asia
and the world.
o The forum has not only played a unique role in pooling consensus and putting
forward valuable "Boao proposals," but also engaged countries in addressing
global issues and promoting world development and prosperity.
o Its five focal areas include technology innovation, health, education, culture
and media in response to the new economy.
About BFA Annual Conference 2021:
o The forum witnessed more than 2500 participants coming from more than 60
countries. This year's theme is ‘A World in Change: Join Hands to
Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation’.
o The main agenda is to strengthen mutual understanding in the post-pandemic
era, create additional incentives for overall socio-economic growth and
effective global governance.
o An annual report on Asian Economy was released on the occasion which
highlighted the importance of Asian economies which have fared well despite
the ongoing pandemic.
In terms of purchasing power parity, Asia's share in the global economic
aggregate in 2020 reached 47.3%, up 0.9 percentage points from 2019.
It showed that the economic integration of all Asian economies is accelerating.
Signing of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(RCEP) has been injecting strong momentum into regional and global
economic growth. India is not a part of RCEP.
8
Declining Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production
Why in News
According to the latest government data India's crude oil production and natural
gas output declined in the Financial Year (FY) 2020-2021.
India’s crude oil and natural gas production have been falling consistently
since 2011-12.
Key Points
Decline in Production:
Crude Oil Production:
Declined by 5.2% as private and public firms produced 30.5 million tonnes in
2020-21 compared to 32.17 million tonnes produced during the same period in
2019-2020.
Natural Gas Production:
Declined by 8.1% and in 2020-21 only 28.67 billion cubic meters was
produced compared to 31.18 billion cubic meters in 2019-20.
Reason for Decline:
Ageing Sources:
Most of India’s crude oil and natural gas production comes from ageing wells
that have become less productive over time.
Need of Intensive Technology:
There is no more easy oil and gas available in India and that producers would
have to invest in extracting oil and gas using technologically intensive
means from more difficult fields such as ultra deepwater fields.
Domination of State Owned Companies:
Crude oil production in India is dominated by two major state-owned
exploration and production companies, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Limited (ONGC) and Oil India.
Low Interest of Foreign Companies:
India’s efforts to attract foreign energy giants into hydrocarbon exploration
and production haven’t been quite fruitful.
Climate Change:
Mounting pressure due to climate change is prompting oil and gas players to
diversify into clean energy.
9
Reason for Less Private Participation:
Operationalisation Delays:
One of the key reasons cited by experts for low private participation in India’s
upstream oil and gas sector are delays in the operationalisation of hydrocarbon
blocks due to delays in major clearances including environmental
clearances and approval by the regulator of field development plans.
High Cess:
Industry players have been calling for a reduction in the cess on domestically
produced crude oil to 10% from the current 20%.
Limit on maximum Production:
Internal maximum production levels set by oil and gas majors to address
climate change had also lowered interest by oil majors to expand operations in
India.
Impact:
Reliance on Imports:
Low domestic production of crude oil and natural gas makes India more reliant
on imports.
The share of imports as a proportion of overall crude oil consumption in India
has risen from 81.8% in FY2012 to 87.6% in FY2020.
Not in Favouring of India’s Vision:
Boosting oil and gas production has also been a key part of the
government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative and its goal to boost the use of
natural gas in India’s primary energy mix from the current 6.2% to 15% by
2030.
Some Government Initiatives to Improve Production:
Reforming Exploration & Licensing:
In October 2020 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved
the Policy framework on reforms in the exploration and licensing sector for
enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas.
National Data Repository (NDR):
The NDR was established by the Government in 2017 to assimilate, preserve
and upkeep the vast amount of data which could be organized and regulated
for use in future exploration and development, besides use by R&D and other
educational institutions
It is an integrated data repository of Exploration and Production (E&P) data of
Indian sedimentary basins.
10
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP):
It replaced the erstwhile New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) in
2016 and provides for a single License for exploration and production of
conventional as well as non-conventional Hydrocarbon resources; Pricing and
Marketing Freedom; reduced rate of royalty for offshore blocks.
Way Forward
A variety of new technologies can prolong the life of ageing oil fields but the
acquisition, testing and application of these technologies is capital-intensive.
Thereby, the fiscal framework must ensure adequate returns for producers to
deploy Enhanced Oil Recovery mechanisms.
The current approval processes must be simplified with stipulated timelines for
each sign-off, thereby avoiding cost escalations due to delays.
Potential of Unconventional Hydrocarbons (UHC) such as Shale Oil and gas,
tight oil/gas and gas hydrates must be opened now for commercial exploitation.
Disaster Management Act, 2005
Why is it in News
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs invoked Disaster Management Act,
2005 (DM Act) and ordered free inter-state movement of oxygen carrying
vehicles.
Earlier in March 2020 various government authorities invoked their respective
powers under the DM Act to deal with the novel coronavirus (Covid-
19) outbreak in the country.
About Disaster Management Act, 2005
o The DM Act was passed by the government of India in 2005 for the
‘efficient management of disasters and other matters connected to it. However
it came into force in January 2006.
o Its objective is to manage disasters, including preparation of mitigation
strategies, capacity-building and more.
Definition of a “disaster” in Section 2 (d) of the DM Act states that a disaster
means a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising
from natural or man made causes.
o The Act designates the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal ministry for
steering the overall national disaster management.
Major Features of The Act:
o Institutional Structure: It puts into place a systematic structure of institutions
at the national, state and district levels.
11
National Level Important Entities:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It is tasked
with laying down disaster management policies and ensuring timely and
effective response mechanisms.
The National Executive Committee (NEC): It is constituted under Section 8
of the DM Act to assist the National Disaster Management Authority in the
performance of its functions. The NEC is responsible for the preparation of the
National Disaster Management Plan for the whole country and to ensure that it
is “reviewed and updated annually.
The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): It is an institute
for training and capacity development programs for managing natural
calamities.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): It refers to trained professional
units that are called upon for specialized response to disasters
State and District level:
The Act also provides for state and district level authorities responsible for,
among other things, drawing plans for implementation of national plans and
preparing local plans.
State Disaster Management Authority
District Disaster Management Authority.
Finance:
It contains the provisions for financial mechanisms such as the creation of
funds for emergency response, National Disaster Response Fund and similar
funds at the state and district levels.
Civil and Criminal Liabilities:
The Act also devotes several sections various civil and criminal liabilities
resulting from violation of provisions of the act.
Under Section 51 of the Act, anyone refusing to comply with orders is liable
for punishment with imprisonment up to one year, or fine, or both. In case this
refusal leads to death of people, the person liable shall be punished with
imprisonment up to two years.
Challenges in Disaster management:
Absence of Disaster Prone Zones:
One of the most glaring inadequacies in the Act is the absence of a provision
for declaration of ‘disaster- prone zones’.
Almost all disaster related legislations in the world have mapped out disaster-
prone zones within their respective jurisdictions.
The state cannot be expected to play a pro- active role unless an area is declared
‘disaster- prone’. Classification helps in determining the extent of damages as
well.
12
Neglects Progressive Behaviour of Disasters
The Act portrays every disaster as a sudden occurrence and completely fails to
take into account that disasters can be progressive in nature as well.
In 2006, over 3,500 people were affected by dengue, a disease with a history
of outbreaks in India, yet no effective mechanism has been put in place to check
such an ordeal.
Tuberculosis is known to kill thousands of people in the country each year but
since its occurrence is not sudden or at once, it has not found a place in the Act.
Overlapping Functions:
The Act calls for establishment of multiple- national level bodies, the functions
of which seem to be overlapping, making coordination between them
cumbersome.
The local authorities, who have a very valuable role to play in the wake of any
disaster as first responders, barely find a mention at all. There are
no substantive provisions to guide them, merely a minor reference to taking
‘necessary measures’.
Procedural Delays and Inadequate Technology:
Added to that, delayed response, inappropriate implementation of the plans and
policies, and procedural lags plague the disaster management scheme in India.
Inadequate technological capacity for accurate prediction and measurement of
the disaster result in large scale damage.
Way Forward
Although the Disaster Management Act has undoubtedly filled a huge gap in
the scheme of governmental actions towards dealing with disasters. Laying
down elaborate plans on paper doesn’t serve the purpose unless they are
translated into effective implementation.
Civil society, private enterprises and Non-governmental Organizations
(NGOs) can play a valuable role towards building a safer India.
Leaders’ Summit on Climate
Why in News
Recently, the Leaders' Summit on Climate was convened by the US President
virtually.
40 world leaders, including the Prime Minister of India, were invited to the
event to underscore the urgency of stronger climate action.
This summit is seen as a key milestone on the road to the United Nations
Climate Change Conference, Conference of the Parties 26 (COP 26) in
November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.
13
Key Points of Summit
India-US Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership:
It is a joint climate and clean energy initiative of India with the US.
It will demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive
and resilient economic development, taking into account national
circumstances and sustainable development priorities.
It aims to mobilise investments, demonstrate clean technologies and enable
green collaborations in India that could also create templates of sustainable
development for other developing countries.
Two Main Tracks of the Initiative:
The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.
The Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue.
US’ Stand:
US pledged to cut the US’s GreenHouse Gas (GHG) in half by the year
2030 and called upon other nations to “set higher climate ambitions” that will
create jobs at home, advance innovative technologies and help countries
vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
US aimed to double its public climate financing to developing countries and
triple public financing for climate adaptation in developing countries by 2024.
US has submitted a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target
that aims to reduce its GHG emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels. The US
has rejoined the Paris Agreement.
US applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including
the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to
meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.
India's Stand:
o Emissions:
India was already doing its part and that the country’s per capita carbon
emissions are 60% lower than the global average.
o Commitment:
India’s ambitious renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030.
Despite its development challenges, India has taken many bold steps on clean
energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and biodiversity. India is among few
countries whose NDCs are 2°C compatible.
o Emphasis:
Emphasised its encouragement of global initiatives such as the International
Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.
14
Some Indian Initiatives to Fight Climate Change:
o National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
o Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms
o UJALA scheme
o National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Way Forward
There is an urgent need for every country, city, business and financial
institution to adopt concrete plans for transitioning to net-zero.
Even more urgent is for governments to match this long-term ambition with
concrete actions now, as trillions of dollars are mobilised to overcome
the Covid-19 pandemic. Revitalising economies is our chance to re-engineer
our future.
The G7 Summit in June 2021 offers the opportunity for the world’s wealthiest
countries to step up and provide the necessary financial commitments that
will ensure the success of COP26.
#FOSS4GOV Innovation Challenge
Why is it in News
Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has announced #FOSS4GOV
Innovation Challenge to accelerate adoption of Free and Open Source Software
(FOSS) in Government.
About Free and Open Source Software (FOSS):
o It doesn’t mean software is free of cost.
o The term “free” indicates that the software does not have constraints on
copyrights.
o It means that source code of the software is open for all and anyone is free to
use, study and modify the code.
o It allows other people also to contribute to the development and improvement
of the software like a community.
o The Free and Open Source Software may also be referred to as Free/Libre
Open Source Software (FLOSS) or Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS).
o Examples of FOSS include MySQL, Firefox, Linux, etc.
o Another category of software is ‘Closed Source Software’.
The software which uses the proprietary and closely guarded code.
Only the original authors have the authority to access, copy, and alter that
software.
In this case one does not purchase the software, but only pay to use it.
15
About the Challenge:
o It will harness the innovation potential of the FOSS community and start-
ups to solve critical issues in Government Technologies (GovTech).
o It calls upon FOSS innovators to submit implementable open source product
innovations in CRM and ERP with possible applications for Govtech in Health,
Education, and Agriculture etc.
CRM stands for “Customer Relationship Management”.
ERP stands for "Enterprise Resource Planning" and refers to software and
systems used to plan and manage all the core supply chain, manufacturing,
services, financial and other processes of an organization.
o It is a key component of GovTech 3.0, which is about building secure and
inclusive Open Digital Ecosystems (ODEs).
o The participants are eligible for incubation support, prize money, mentorship
by domain experts, institutional support from eminent organizations for
incubation of ideas and listing of solutions on Government e Marketplace
(GeM).
Significance:
o India is well positioned to become a vibrant hub for Free and Open Source
Software (FOSS) innovations, due to the large number of 4G data subscribers
in India.
o 96% of the subscribers access the digital world via open-source based mobile
operating systems (primarily Android).
o India’s largest-government projects (including Aadhaar) and many technology
start-ups have also been built using FOSS.
Other Related Initiatives:
o The Government of India had issued a Policy on Adoption of Open Source
Software in 2015.
o Free and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE) Project: It is a
project promoting the use of open source software in educational institutions. It
does that through instructional material, such as spoken tutorials,
documentation, such as textbook companions, awareness programmes, such as
conferences, training workshops, and internships.
o The government has also made the android version of the Aarogya Setu app
open source.
About GovTech 3.0
GovTech1.0 was the era of “computerisation” of manual processes such as
putting income tax forms online.
GovTech 2.0 was about building systems which digitised end-to-end
processes, for example, the government’s “e-office” file management system.
16
GovTech 3.0 is focussed on Open Digital Ecosystems (ODEs), the underlying
philosophy suggests that the government should focus on creating the “digital
commons”.
o It envisages the government becoming a facilitator by creating digital
infrastructure on which innovators can collaboratively build solutions for the
public good.
o ODEs are: “open and secure digital platforms that enable a community of
actors to unlock transformative solutions for society, based on a robust
governance framework”.
o Several path-breaking ODEs are already in play in India: Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) in the financial services space; the National Digital
Infrastructure for Teachers called DIKSHA; etc.
Ways and Means Advance
Why in News
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to continue with the existing
interim Ways and Means Advances (WMA) scheme limit of Rs. 51,560 crore for
all States/UTs upto September 2021, given the prevalence of Covid-19.
About Ways and Means Advances:
o The WMA scheme was introduced in 1997.
o Its purpose is to enable the government meet mismatches in the receipts and
payments of the government.
17
Features:
The government can avail immediate cash from the RBI, if required. But it has
to return the amount within 90 days. Interest is charged at the existing repo
rate.
Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934 authorises the central bank to lend to the
Centre and state governments subject to their being repayable “not later than
three months from the date of the making of the advance”.
Repo Rate is basically the rate at which RBI lends short-term money to banks.
If the WMA exceeds 90 days, it would be treated as an overdraft (the interest
rate on overdrafts is 2 percentage points more than the repo rate).
The limits for WMA (for Centre) are decided by the government and RBI
mutually and revised periodically.
A higher limit provides the government flexibility to raise funds from RBI
without borrowing them from the market.
Types:
There are two types of Ways and Means Advances normal and special.
A Special WMA or Special Drawing Facility is provided against the collateral
of the government securities held by the state.
After the state has exhausted the limit of SDF, it gets normal WMA.
The interest rate for SDF is one percentage point less than the repo rate.
The number of loans under normal WMA is based on a three-year average of
actual revenue and capital expenditure of the state.
Significance:
The cash flow problems of States have been aggravated by the impact of Covid-
19, thus many States are in need of immediate and large financial resources to
deal with challenges, including medical testing, screening and providing income
and food security to the needy.
o WMA can be an alternative to raising longer-tenure funds from the markets,
issue of State government securities (State development loans) or borrowing
from financial institutions for short-term funding. WMA funding is much
cheaper than borrowings from markets.
Crew-2 Mission
Why is it in News
Four astronauts were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) from
Florida as part of a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX under the
Commercial Crew Program. The mission is called Crew-2.
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About the Commercial Crew Program:
o NASA's Commercial Crew Program is a partnership between NASA and
private industry to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
o Unlike previous human spaceflight programs, NASA is a customer buying
flights from commercial providers. The agency does not own or operate the
spacecraft.
o The program is helping to lower the cost of spaceflight and potentially create
a new commercial market for humans in space.
o By encouraging private companies to provide crew transportation services to
and from low-Earth orbit, NASA can focus on building spacecraft and rockets
meant for deep space exploration missions.
o Boeing and SpaceX were selected by NASA in September 2014 to develop
transportation systems meant to transfer crew from the US to the ISS.
NASA’s Partnership with SpaceX:
o In May 2020, NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight lifted off for the ISS
carrying two astronauts.
The aim of this test flight was to see if SpaceX capsules could be used on a
regular basis to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS.
o Demo-2 was followed by the Crew-1 mission in November, which was the first
of six crewed missions between NASA and SpaceX marking the beginning of
a new era for space travel.
o Crew-1 was the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon
spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket to the ISS.
o Crew-1 team members joined members of Expedition 64 and conducted
microgravity studies at the ISS.
About the Crew-2 Mission:
o It is the second crew rotation of the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the first with
international partners.
o Out of the four astronauts, two are from NASA and two are from the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the European Space Agency
(ESA).
o Crew-2 astronauts will join the members of Expedition 65 (65th long duration
expedition to the International Space Station).
They will stay aboard the ISS for six months during which time they will
conduct science experiments in low-Earth orbit.
o Their central focus during this time will be to continue a series of Tissue Chips
in Space studies.
19
Tissue Chips:
o Tissue Chips are small models of human organs that contain multiple cell types
that behave similarly to the human body.
o According to NASA, these chips can potentially speed up the process of
identifying safe and effective drugs and vaccines.
o Scientists can use these tissue chips in space to study diseases that affect
specific human organs, which would take months or years to develop on Earth.
About International Space Station
ISS is a habitable artificial satellite the single largest man-made structure in
low earth orbit. Its first component was launched into orbit in 1998.
It circles the Earth in roughly 92 minutes and completes 15.5 orbits per day.
The ISS programme is a joint project between five participating space
agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA
(Europe), and CSA (Canada) but its ownership and use has been established
by intergovernmental treaties and agreements.
It serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory in which
crew members conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics,
astronomy, meteorology, and other fields.
Continuous presence at ISS has resulted in the longest continuous human
presence in the low earth orbit.
It is expected to operate until 2030.
Section 144 of CrPC
Why in News
Recently Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973 has
been imposed in various parts of country due to the rising number of Covid-
19 cases.
Section 144 has often been used to clamp down on telecommunication services
and order Internet shutdowns.
Key Points
About Section 144 CrPC:
o This law empowers the magistrate of any state or union territory in India to
pass an order prohibiting the gathering of four or more people in a specified
area.
o It is imposed in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger of some
event that has the potential to cause trouble or damage to human life or
property.
o This order can be passed against a particular individual or general public.
20
Features of Section 144:
o It places restrictions on handling or transporting any kind of weapon in the
given jurisdiction. The maximum punishment for such an act is three years.
o According to the order under this section, there shall be no movement of
public and all educational institutions shall also remain closed.
o Further, there will be a complete bar on holding any kind of public meetings
or rallies during the period of operation of this order.
o It is deemed a punishable offence to obstruct law enforcement agencies from
disbanding an unlawful assembly.
o It also empowers the authorities to block internet access in the region.
o The ultimate purpose of Section 144 is to maintain peace and order in the areas
where trouble could erupt to disrupt the regular life.
Duration of Section 144 Order:
o No order under this section can remain in force for a period of more than 2
months.
o Under the state government’s discretion, it can choose to extend the validity
for two more months with the maximum validity extendable to six months.
o Once the situation becomes normal, Section 144 levied can be withdrawn.
Difference between Section 144 and Curfew:
o Section 144 prohibits gathering of four or more people in the concerned area,
while during curfew people are instructed to stay indoors for a particular period
of time. The government puts a complete restriction on traffic as well.
o Markets, schools, colleges and offices remain closed under the curfew and only
essential services are allowed to run on prior notice.
Criticism of the Section:
o The criticism is that it is too broad and the words of the section are wide
enough to give absolute power to a magistrate that may be exercised
unjustifiably.
o The immediate remedy against such an order is a revision application to the
magistrate himself.
o An aggrieved individual can approach the High Court by filing a writ
petition if his fundamental rights are at stake. However, fears exist that before
the High Court intervenes, the rights could already have been infringed.
Court’s Ruling on Section 144:
o Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya case 1967, the Supreme Court held that “no
democracy can exist if ‘public order’ is freely allowed to be disturbed by a
section of the citizens”.
21
o The Supreme court in another recent judgement said that the section cannot be
used to impose restrictions on citizens' fundamental right to assemble
peacefully, cannot be invoked as a 'tool' to 'prevent the legitimate expression
of opinion or grievance or exercise of any democratic rights'.
Way forward
Section 144 is a useful tool to help deal with emergencies. However, absence
of any narrow tailoring of wide executive powers with specific objectives,
coupled with very limited judicial oversight over the executive branch, makes
it ripe for abuse and misuse.
Before proceeding under this section, the Magistrate should hold an enquiry
and record the urgency of the matter.
There is a need to balance the granting of plenary powers by the legislature to
deal with emergent situations, and the need to protect the personal liberty and
other freedoms granted to the citizens under the fundamental rights of the
Constitution.
Microfinance Institutions
Why in News
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have urged the Centre to consider prioritising
vaccinations for their employees and self-help group workers.
This request is in order to ensure that lines of credit remain open for the
poor amidst the rising second wave of Covid-19 infections.
About Microfinance Institutions:
o MFI is an organization that offers financial services to low income populations.
These services include microloans, microsavings and microinsurance.
o MFIs are financial companies that provide small loans to people who do not
have any access to banking facilities.
The definition of “small loans” varies between countries. In India, all loans that
are below Rs.1 lakh can be considered as microloans.
o Microfinance sector has grown rapidly over the past few decades and currently
it is serving around 102 million accounts (including banks and small finance
banks) of the poor population of India.
o Different types of financial services providers for poor people have emerged -
non-government organizations (NGOs); cooperatives; community-based
development institutions like self-help groups and credit unions; commercial
and state banks; insurance and credit card companies; telecommunications and
wire services; post offices; and other points of sale - offering new possibilities.
o Non Banking Finance Company (NBFC)-MFIs in India are regulated by The
Non-Banking Financial Company -Micro Finance Institutions (Reserve Bank)
Directions, 2011 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
22
Benefits of Microfinance Institutions:
o They provide easy credit and offer small loans to customers, without any
collateral.
o It makes more money available to the poor sections of the economy, leading
to increased income and employment of poor households.
o Serving the under-financed section such as women, unemployed people and
those with disabilities.
o It helps the poor and marginalised section of the society by making them aware
of the financial instruments available for their help and also helps in developing
a culture of saving.
o Families benefiting from microloans are more likely to provide better and
continued education for their children.
Challenges:
o Fragmented Data:
While overall loan accounts have been increasing, the actual impact of these
loans on the poverty-level of clients is not clear as data on the relative poverty-
level improvement of MFI clients is fragmented.
o Impact of Covid-19:
It has impacted the MFI sector, with collections having taken an initial hit and
disbursals yet to observe any meaningful thrust.
o Social Objective Overlooked:
In their quest for growth and profitability, the social objective of MFIsto bring
in improvement in the lives of the marginalized sections of the societyseems
to have been gradually eroding.
o Loans for Non-income Generating Purposes:
The proportion of loans utilized for non-income generating purposes could be
much higher than what is stipulated by the RBI which is 30% of the total loans
of the MFI.
These loans are short-tenured and given the economic profile of the customers,
it is likely that they soon find themselves in the vicious debt trap of having to
take another loan to pay off the first.
Way Forward
MFIs need to focus on creating a sustainable and scalable microfinance
model with a mandate that is unequivocal about both economic and social
good.
MFIs should ensure that the ‘stated purpose of the loan’ that is often asked
from customers at the loan-application stage is verified at the end of the tenure
of the loan.
RBI should encourage all institutions to monitor their impact on society by
means of a ‘social impact scorecard’.
23
Harlequin Ichthyosis: Rare Genetic Disorder
Why in News
Recently, Odisha reported its first-ever case of a baby born with Harlequin
Ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition.
India’s first recorded case of a baby born with harlequin ichthyosis was in
2016, at a private hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
About Harlequin Ichthyosis:
o Harlequin Ichthyosis is a rare genetic skin disorder to a newborn infant.
o It’s a type of ichthyosis, which refers to a group of disorders that cause
persistently dry, scaly skin all over the body.
o It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
Causes:
o It can be caused by changes (mutations) in the ABCA12 gene.
o ABCA12 Gene gives instructions for making a protein that is necessary for
skin cells to develop normally.
o It plays a key role in the transport of fats (lipids) to the most superficial layer
of the skin (epidermis), creating an effective skin barrier.
o When this gene is mutated, the skin barrier is disrupted.
Impact:
o Newborn infants are covered with plates of thick skin that crack and split apart
and can restrict breathing and eating.
o Premature birth is typical, leaving the infants at risk for complications from
early delivery.
Affected Population:
o It affects males and females in equal numbers.
o It affects approximately one in 5,00,000 persons.
o There are around 250 such cases across the world.
Treatment:
o A newborn with Harlequin ichthyosis requires neonatal intensive care, which
may include spending time in a heated incubator with high humidity.
About Autosomal Recessive Pattern
Autosomal (that means inherited) Recessive Pattern is a way, where a genetic
trait or condition can be passed down from parent to child.
A genetic condition can occur when the child inherits one copy of a mutated
(changed) gene from each parent.
24
If an individual receives one normal gene and one abnormal gene for the
disease, the person will be a carrier for the disease.
The risk to have a child who is a carrier, like the parents, is 50% with each
pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive normal genes from both parents
is 25%. The risk is the same for males and females.
Reasons for Rising Covid-19 Infections: Second Wave
Why is it in News
The ongoing second wave of Covid-19 infections has shaken the country and is
more devastating than the first wave.
The rise in case numbers has been exponential in the second wave.
Reasons for rising infections
Protocol Fatigue:
o When cases started declining, people just broke out of the protocol of wearing
a face mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining social-physical distance.
Gatherings began becoming large particularly January 2021 onwards.
o Rules were relaxed. Penalties were not enforced. The pattern was seen across
the country allowing the novel coronavirus to create a second and possibly
stronger wave.
Mixed Signal from Government:
o The queues outside polling booths and gatherings at the election rallies of all the
parties defied Covid-19 protocol. This sent a confusing message to the public
and also the grassroots-level functionaries of the government. It weakened the
vigil against the pandemic.
Urban Mobility:
o India has recorded over 1.2 crore cases of Covid-19 yet the pandemic is still
mostly concentrated around cities, especially the bigger cities. These cities
have greater mobility giving more opportunities for the virus to spread from
one person to another when the guard is lowered.
Containment Zones:
o In the current wave, the marking of the containment zone has been less strict.
In cities, the government has asked civil authorities to adopt micro-
containment, with perhaps just a floor or a house defined as a containment
zone.
Earlier, an entire apartment or area would be made a containment zone,
reducing the chances of transmission of the virus.
Mutations:
o Besides the human factors, the evolution of coronavirus is among the major
reasons for the second wave. Scientists have detected numerous mutations in
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the SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. Some of these
mutations have produced what they call is Variants of Concern (VOCs).
India has reported such VOCs from several states including the worst-impacted
ones by the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.
The L452R mutation found in the variant B1.671, first detected in India, too
has been associated with increased infectivity.
Variants of Concern
These are variants for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility,
more severe disease (increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant
reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection
or vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic
detection failures.
Increased Testing:
o Increased testing is another reason why India is detecting more cases in the
second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
o The sero-surveys have shown that India had greater Covid-19 exposure than
revealed through confirmed cases of coronavirus infection on the basis of
laboratory tests.
o Earlier people were reluctant to go for Covid-19 tests but now easier
availability of Covid-19 testing, improved disease-management in hospitals
and rollout of Covid-19 vaccination programme has made people more
confident about opting for the test.
Asymptomatic Persons:
o Asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) person, who carries the virus, would
have spread the infection. In India, 80-85% of the population are
asymptomatic.
Inadequate Health Infrastructure:
o India also failed to seize the opportunity to augment its healthcare
infrastructure and vaccinate aggressively.
For Example: Oxygen shortage and lack of beds in Hospitals.
Way Forward
There are only two ways of getting immunity from the virus, one is getting
infected, and the other is via a vaccine therefore it is important to fast track the
vaccine programme across the country, but testing is equally important.
There is a need for a renewed emphasis on following safety
protocols. Draconian total lockdowns are no longer necessary. However, there
is also need to formulate District Action Plans with a focus on mapping of
cases, reviewing of ward/block wise indicators, 24x7 emergency operations
centre, incident command system area specific rapid response team and timely
sharing of information.
26
Depleting Ground Water Resources
Why in News
In a recent study, it has been found that groundwater depletion in India could
reduce winter cropped acreage significantly in years ahead.
The researchers studied India’s three main irrigation types on winter cropped
areas: dug wells, tube wells and canals.
The researchers also analysed the groundwater data from the Central Ground
Water Board.
Wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard are grown in winter.
Present Scenario:
o India has achieved impressive food-production gains since the 1960s, due to
an increased reliance on irrigation wells, which allowed Indian farmers to
expand production into the mostly dry winter and summer seasons.
o India produces 10% of the world’s crops and is now the world’s largest
consumer of groundwater, and aquifers are rapidly becoming depleted across
much of India.
This green revolution policy-supported intensive agriculture led to
unsustainable groundwater use for irrigation and in turn groundwater scarcity.
Findings of the Study:
o Related to Groundwater:
Groundwater is a critical resource for food security, accounting for 60% of
irrigation supplies in India, but unsustainable consumption of groundwater for
irrigation and home use is leading to its depletion.
Groundwater depletion in India could result in a reduction in food crops by up
to 20% across the country and up to 68% in regions projected to have low
future groundwater availability in 2025.
It is found that 13% of the villages in which farmers plant a winter crop are
located in critically water-depleted regions.
The results suggest that these losses will largely occur in northwest and central
India.
Related to Switching to Canal Irrigation:
Indian government has suggested that switching from groundwater-depletion
wells to irrigation canals is one way to overcome projected shortfalls.
The irrigation canals divert surface water from lakes and rivers.
However, switching to canal irrigation has limited adaptation potential at the
national scale.
The study suggests that switch to canal irrigation will not fully compensate for
the expected loss of groundwater in Indian agriculture.
27
Further, in comparison to tube well irrigation, canal irrigation was associated
with less winter cropped area and cropped area that was more sensitive to
rainfall variability.
Related to Impact on Crop Production:
Reduction in Cropping Intensity: Even if all regions that are currently using
depleted groundwater for irrigation will switch to using canal irrigation,
cropping intensity may decline by 7% nationally and by 24% in the most
severely affected locations.
It is found that irrigation canals would favour farms close to canals, leading to
unequal access.
Reductions in Wheat Production: The reductions in crop area will occur
largely in the states that grow wheat, potentially leading to substantial
reductions in wheat production in the future.
Food Security: The low wheat production could have ramifications for food
security given that India is the second largest producer of wheat globally and
wheat provides approximately 20% of household calories in India.
Cropping Intensity
It refers to raising of a number of crops from the same field during one
agricultural year; it can be expressed through a formula.
Cropping Intensity = Gross Cropped Area/Net Sown Area x 100.
o Gross Cropped Area: This represents the total area sown once and/or more than
once in a particular year, i.e. the area is counted as many times as there are
sowings in a year. This total area is also known as total cropped area or total
area sown.
o Net Sown Area: This represents the total area sown with crops and orchards.
Area sown more than once in the same year is counted only once.
Around 51% of India's geographical area is already under cultivation as
compared to 11% of the world average.
The present cropping intensity of 136% has registered an increase of only 25%
since independence. Further, rainfed drylands constitute 65% of the total net
sown area.
About Central Ground Water Board
It is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and is the National Apex
Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for
management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and
regulation of groundwater resources of the country.
It was established in 1970 by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells
Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on merged with
the Groundwater Wing of the Geological Survey of India during 1972.
28
Way Forward
Irrigation Infrastructure in Easter India: There are enough groundwater
resources supported with higher monsoon rainfall in eastern Indian states like
Bihar. But due to lack of enough irrigation infrastructure, farmers are not able
to make use of natural resources there.
o There is a need for better policies in eastern India to expand irrigation and thus
increase agricultural productivity.
o This will also release some pressure from northwestern Indian states.
Water-saving Technologies: Adoption of water-saving technologies like a
sprinkler, drip irrigation.
Less water-Intensive Crops: Switching to less water-intensive crops in some
areas may help use the limited groundwater resources more effectively.
Oxygen Crisis: Covid-19
Why in News
The Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) crisis during the second wave of
Covid surge has been precipitated by a shortage of tankers and the daunting
logistics of transportation from distant locations.
Key Points
Liquid Medical Oxygen:
o It is high purity oxygen suitable for use in the human body. So, it is used for medical treatments.
o This oxygen provides a basis for virtually all modern anaesthetic techniques, restores tissue oxygen tension by increasing the oxygen availability, aids cardiovascular stability, etc.
The World Health Organisation includes this on their List of Essential Medicines.
According to the Drug Prices Control Order, 2013, LMO is placed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
LMO Production in India:
o India has a daily production capacity of at least 7,100 Metric Tonnes (MT) of oxygen, including for industrial use.
o Due to the crisis, the production has been increased to 8,922 MT.
o Therefore, India appears to be producing sufficient oxygen to meet the current need.
Reasons for the Crisis:
o Distance of Production Plants:
Most of the LMO plants are located in the east, leading to long transportation
hauls and a turnaround time of at least 6-7 days for each tanker. Add to this the
problem of states holding up tankers on the way.
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Limited Tankers:
At present, India has 1,224 LMO tankers with a cumulative capacity of 16,732
MT of LMO. This is grossly inadequate because at any given point, there are
only 200 tankers in transit to meet a demand of 3,500-4,000 MT.
Companies not Buying Cryogenic Tankers:
Cryogenic tankers cost around Rs. 50 lakh each. Companies are not buying
these tankers because once this wave is over, that investment will turn into
losses.
Cryogenic Tankers: These are tankers which store medical oxygen at -180
degrees C, have double-skin vacuum-insulated containers, including an inner
vessel made of stainless steel.
o Leakage and Irrational Use:
In the past, the Health Ministry repeatedly demanded hospitals to
reduce wastage and unnecessary oxygen use in Hospitals. Industrial experts
also raised concerns over possible leakages in hospital pipelines that supply
oxygen.
o Black marketing of oxygen cylinders is another issue.
Government Initiatives:
o Oxygen Express: Trains to transport LMO and oxygen cylinders across the
country have been started to fight the ongoing crisis.
o Disaster Management Act 2005: The Ministry of Home Affairs invoked
Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) and ordered free inter-state
movement of oxygen carrying vehicles.
o Restarting Plants: The government is restarting many closed plants to
increase the supply of LMO, for example, Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadu will
be reopened for 4 months to provide oxygen supply.
o Use of Air Force: To speed up the transportation, Indian Air Force (IAF) is
airlifting empty oxygen tankers and taking them to industrial units that have
switched to producing medical grade oxygen.
Oxygen Enrichment Unit (OEU):
It is developed by scientists of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-
National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), and will help reduce the
requirement of ventilators and oxygen cylinders in homecare, villages and
remote places.
Oxygen enrichment units have special significance in view of the Covid-19
pandemic. Patient recovery can be faster with supplemental oxygen in early
stages.
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Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021
Why in News
The Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi (Amendment)
Act, 2021, which gives primacy to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over the
elected government in the city, has come into force.
Background
Enactment of GNCTD Act:
o The GNCTD Act was enacted in 1991 to “supplement provisions of the
Constitution relating to the Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers
for the National Capital Territory of Delhi”.
o It enabled the process of an elected government in Delhi.
o The Supreme Court had in the past appreciated the 1991 developments, stating
that the real purpose behind the Constitution (69th Amendment) Act, 1991 is to
establish a democratic set-up and representative form of government wherein
the majority has a right to embody their opinions in laws and policies pertaining
to the NCT of Delhi subject to the limitations imposed by the Constitution.
About 69th Amendment Act, 1992
It added two new Articles 239AA and 239AB under which the Union Territory
of Delhi has been given a special status.
Article 239AA provides that the Union Territory of Delhi be called the
National Capital Territory of Delhi and its administrator shall be known as Lt.
Governor.
o It also creates a legislative assembly for Delhi which can make laws on
subjects under the State List and Concurrent List except on these
matters: public order, land, and police.
o It also provides for a Council of Ministers for Delhi consisting of not more than
10% of the total number of members in the assembly.
Article 239AB provides that the President may by order suspend the operation
of any provision of Article 239AA or of all or any of the provisions of any law
made in pursuance of that article. This provision resembles Article 356
(President’s Rule).
Provisions of the GNCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021:
o It amended the Sections 21, 24, 33 and 44 of the 1991 Act.
o States that the “government” in the National Capital Territory of Delhi meant
the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi.
o It gives discretionary powers to the L-G even in matters where the Legislative
Assembly of Delhi is empowered to make laws.
o It seeks to ensure that the L-G is “necessarily granted an opportunity” to give
her or his opinion before any decision taken by the Council of Ministers (or the
Delhi Cabinet) is implemented.
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o It bars the Assembly or its committees from making rules to take up matters
concerning day-to-day administration, or to conduct inquiries in relation to
administrative decisions.
Criticism:
o The latest amendment will greatly reduce the efficiency and timeliness of the
Delhi government by making it imperative for it to hold consultations with the
L-G even when a situation demands urgent action.
o Significantly, the L-G is not obliged to give his opinion to the State
government within a time frame. Critics argue that the L-G could politically
exploit these unbridled powers to hamper the government’s administrative
work and thus turn the political tides against the incumbent if he so desires.
o It is against the spirit of ‘Federalism.”
Union Government’s Stand:
o It is in keeping with the Supreme Court’s July 2018 ruling on the ambit of
powers of the L-G and the Delhi government following several controversies
between the two.
o The purported fair objectives of the Act, include enhancing public
accountability and easing out technical ambiguities related to everyday
administration.
o This will increase administrative efficiency of Delhi and will ensure better
relationship between the executive and the legislator.
Point of Friction:
o However, over the years, there was friction between the Chief Minister and the
Lieutenant Governor (L-G) over power-sharing.
o The focal point of these conflicts was that in case of a difference between the
L-G and the Council of Ministers on any matter,
The matter was to be referred to the President by the L-G for his decision,
And pending such a decision the L-G was empowered to take any action on the
matter as he deemed right.
Judgement of the Supreme Court:
o In the Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India and in 2018 case, the
SC held that:
The government was not under obligation to seek the concurrence of the L-
G on its decisions and
That any differences between them should be resolved keeping in view the
constitutional primacy of representative government and cooperative
federalism.
o The SC judgment made it extremely difficult for the L-G to refer such matters
to the President.
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National Commission for Minorities
Why in News
Recently, the Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to fill up the vacant posts
of chairperson and five other members of the National Commission for Minorities
(NCM) by 31st July 2021.
Background:
o In 1978, setting up of the Minorities Commission (MC) was envisaged in
the Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution.
o In 1984, the Minorities Commission was detached from the Ministry of Home
Affairs and placed under the newly created Ministry of Welfare, which
excluded linguistic minorities from the Commission’s jurisdiction in 1988.
o In 1992, with the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM)
Act, 1992, the MC became a statutory body and was renamed as the NCM.
o In 1993, the first Statutory National Commission was set up and five religious
communities viz the Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians
(Parsis) were notified as minority communities.
o In 2014, Jains were also notified as a minority community.
Composition:
o NCM consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and five members and all
of them shall be from amongst the minority communities.
o Total of 7 persons to be nominated by the Central Government should be from
amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
o Tenure: Each Member holds office for a period of three years from the date of
assumption of office.
Functions:
o Evaluation of the progress of the development of minorities under the Union
and States.
o Monitoring of the working of the safeguards for minorities provided in the
Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the state legislatures.
o Ensures that the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of
Minorities is implemented and the programmes for minority communities are
actually functioning.
o Making recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for
the protection of the interests of minorities by the central or state governments.
o Looking into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and
safeguards of minorities and taking up such matters with the appropriate
authorities.
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o Investigates matters of communal conflict and riots.
For example, the 2011 Bharatpur communal riots, as well as the 2012 Bodo-
Muslim clashes in Assam, were investigated by the commission and their
findings were submitted to the government.
o Observes the Minorities Rights Day every year on 18th December which marks
the adoption of the “Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National
or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities” by the United Nations in 1992.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions Related to Minorities
The NCM Act defines a minority as “a community notified as such by the
Central government.''
o The Government of India has declared six religions namely, Muslims,
Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis (Zoroastrian) and Jain as religious
minorities in India.
National Commission for Minority Education Institution (NCMEI) Act,
2004:
o It gives the minority status to the educational institutions on the basis of six
religious communities notified by the government.
The term "minority" is not defined in the Indian Constitution. However, the
Constitution recognises religious and linguistic minorities.
Article 15 and 16:
o Prohibition of discrimination against citizens on grounds of religion, race,
caste, sex or place of birth.
o Citizens’ right to ‘equality of opportunity’ in matters relating to employment
or appointment to any office under the State, and prohibition in this regard of
any discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Article 25 (1), 26 and 28:
o People’s freedom of conscience and right to freely profess, practise and
propagate religion.
o Right of every religious denomination or any section to establish and maintain
institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage its own religious
affairs, and own and acquire property and administer it.
o People’s freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship
in educational institutions wholly maintained, recognized, or aided by the
State.
Article 29:
o It provides that any section of the citizens residing in any part of India having
a distinct language, script or culture of its own, shall have the right to conserve
the same.
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o It grants protection to both religious minorities as well as linguistic minorities.
o However, the Supreme Court held that the scope of this article is not
necessarily restricted to minorities only, as use of the word ‘section of citizens’
in the Article includes minorities as well as the majority.
Article 30:
o All minorities shall have the right to establish and administer educational
institutions of their choice.
o The protection under Article 30 is confined only to minorities (religious or
linguistic) and does not extend to any section of citizens (as under Article 29).
Article 350-B:
o The 7th Constitutional (Amendment) Act 1956 inserted this article which
provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities appointed by the
President of India.
o It would be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all matters relating to
the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under the Constitution.
Antimicrobial Resistance: Threat to Global Health Security
Why in News
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem to which the
ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may further contribute.
With resources deployed away from antimicrobial stewardship, evidence
of substantial pre-emptive antibiotic use in Covid-19 patients and indirectly,
with deteriorating economic conditions fuelling poverty potentially impacting
on levels of resistance, AMR threat remains significant.
About Antimicrobial Resistance:
o Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism
(bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as
antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are
used to treat infections.
o As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may
spread to others.
o Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred
to as “superbugs”.
Basis of Antimicrobial Resistance:
o Some bacteria due to the presence of resistance genes are intrinsically resistant
and therefore survive on being exposed to antibiotics.
o Bacteria can also acquire resistance. This can happen in two ways:
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By sharing and transferring resistance genes present in the rest of the
population, or
By genetic mutations that help the bacteria survive antibiotic exposure.
Reasons for Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance:
o The misuse of antimicrobials in medicine and inappropriate use in agriculture.
o Contamination around pharmaceutical manufacturing sites where untreated
waste releases large amounts of active antimicrobials into the environment.
Concerns:
o AMR is already responsible for up to 7,00,000 deaths a year.
o A threat to prevention and treatment of infections - medical procedures such as
organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes management and major
surgery (for example, caesarean sections or hip replacements) become very
risky.
o Increases the cost of healthcare with lengthier stays in hospitals, additional
tests and use of more expensive drugs.
o It is putting the gains of the Millennium Development Goals at
risk and endangers achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
o No new classes of antibiotics have made it to the market in the last three
decades, largely on account of inadequate incentives for their development and
production.
o Without urgent action, we are heading to antibiotic apocalypse – a future
without antibiotics, with bacteria becoming completely resistant to treatment
and when common infections and minor injuries could once again kill.
AMR in India:
o India, with its combination of large population, rising incomes that
facilitate purchase of antibiotics, high burden of infectious diseases and easy
over-the-counter access to antibiotics, is an important locus for the generation
of resistance genes.
o The multi-drug resistance determinant, New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1
(NDM-1), emerged from this region to spread globally.
Africa, Europe and other parts of Asia have also been affected by multi-drug
resistant typhoid originating from South Asia.
o In India, over 56,000 newborn deaths each year due to sepsis are caused by
organisms that are resistant to first line antibiotics.
o India has undertaken many activities like Mission Indradhanush — to address
low vaccination coverage — strengthened micro-planning and additional
mechanisms to improve monitoring and accountability.
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o The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) identified AMR as one
of the top 10 priorities for the ministry’s collaborative work with the World
Health Organisation (WHO).
o India has also launched the National Action Plan on AMR resistance 2017-
2021.
Way Forward
Since microbes will inevitably continue to evolve and become resistant even
to new antimicrobials, we need sustained investments and global
coordination to detect and combat new resistant strains on an ongoing basis.
Efforts to control prescription of antimicrobials should be accompanied by
efforts to educate consumers to reduce inappropriate demand, issue standard
treatment guidelines that would empower providers to stand up to such
demands, as well as provide point-of-care diagnostics to aid clinical decision-
making.
In addition to developing new antimicrobials, infection-control measures can
reduce antibiotic use. It is critical to ensure that all those who need an
antimicrobial have access to it.
To track the spread of resistance in microbes, surveillance measures to identify
these organisms need to expand beyond hospitals and encompass livestock,
wastewater and farm run-offs.
US Supports India in Covid-Crisis
Why is it in News
Recently, the Prime Minister of India and US President had a telephone
conversation with assurances exchanged on smoothening out issues related to
supply chains for vaccines for Covid-19.
The telephone call came in the background of not just flagging supply chain
issues with the US with regard to vaccines but also the lack of certain resources
in India to fight the pandemic, as the country has been hit by exponentially
rising cases and deaths.
Earlier in 2020, India and the US planned to work together on vaccine research
and testing for Covid-19.
Key Points
Bilateral Discussion:
o India discussed its initiative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a
relaxation in the norms of the agreement on Trade Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property (TRIPS) to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines
and medicines for developing countries.
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The 1995 agreement on TRIPS is a key legal instrument
that harmonises Intellectual Property (IP) protection by imposing binding
obligations on member countries to ensure a minimum level of protection and
enforcement of IP rights in their territories.
IP rights could hinder the supply of vaccines and drugs at affordable prices.
o India also mentioned its commitment to contain the Covid-19 pandemic
globally through Vaccine Maitri, and its participation in COVAX and
the Quad Vaccine Initiatives.
o Both discussed the Covid-19 situation in their respective countries, including
India’s ongoing efforts to contain the second wave of Covid-19 through
expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines,
therapeutics and health care equipment.
Recent Developments in the Relations:
India-US ties were elevated to "comprehensive global strategic partnership" in
2020.
India and the US signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for
Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA), with which the two countries have inked all
the all four foundational agreements to bolster defence ties.
Among the many highlights are deepening government-to-government
dialogues, shared vision of the Indo-Pacific, regional cooperation, defence and
security ties, and ability to respond to unexpected challenges.
India’s Request:
o Emphasized the need to ensure smooth and open supply chains of raw
materials and inputs required for manufacture of vaccines, medicines, and
therapeutics related to Covid-19.
o Requested for supply of seven essential items that it needs on an urgent basis.
These are oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, oxygen generators, oxygen
generation plants, remdesivir, favipiravir, and tocilizumab.
US’ Steps:
o It has diverted its pending orders of vaccine filters to India’s vaccine
manufacturers. It will help India make more vaccines.
o It has identified sources of specific raw material urgently required for Indian
manufacture of the Covishield vaccine that will immediately be made available
for India.
Other Countries Helping India:
o Singapore has donated four cryogenic oxygen tanks to India.
o The United Kingdom has announced that it will ship over “600 pieces of vital
medical equipment” to help India fight Covid19.
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o Australia has announced that it will send oxygen, ventilators and Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to India as part of an immediate support
package.
o Saudi Arabia is shipping 80 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen to India.
o Germany is preparing a “mission of support” for India.
o Russia had also announced that it would send 3,00,000-4,00,000 units of
Remdesivir injection. It is also planning to send Covid-19 assistance including
oxygen concentrators, generators, and drugs needed to treat the disease.
o China has also announced that it would provide support and help based on
India’s needs.
SIPRI report on World Military Spending
Why is it in News
According to the latest data published by Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRI), the military spending across the world rose to USD
1,981 billion in 2020, during Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2.6% increase in world military spending came in a year when the global
GDP shrank by 4.4% largely due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19
pandemic.
About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
This think tank is an independent international institute dedicated to
research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
It was established in 1966 at Stockholm (Sweden).
It provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to
policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
Key Points
Global Scenario:
o Military spending as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reached a
global average of 2.4% in 2020, up from 2.2% in 2019.
o The five biggest spenders in 2020, which together accounted for 62% of global
military expenditure were: the United States>China>India>Russia>the United
Kingdom.
o Nearly all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) saw
their military burden rise in 2020.
o The countries with the biggest increases in military burden among the top 15
spenders in 2020 were Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel and US.
Regional Scenario:
o Europe: Military spending across Europe rose by 4.0% in 2020.
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o Asia and Oceania: In addition to China, India (USD 72.9 billion),
Japan (USD 49.1 billion), South Korea (USD 45.7 billion) and Australia (USD
27.5 billion) were the largest military spenders in the Asia and Oceania region.
o Sub-Saharan Africa: Military expenditure in sub-Saharan Africa increased
by 3.4% in 2020 to reach USD 18.5 billion.
o South America: Military expenditure in South America fell by 2.1%.
o Middle Eastern Countries: The combined military spending of the 11 Middle
Eastern countries for which SIPRI has spending figures decreased by 6.5% in
2020.
India’s Scenario:
o India was the third largest military spender in the world in 2020, behind only
the US and China.
o India’s military expenditure was USD 72.9 billion and it accounted for 3.7%
of the global military expenditure share.
o India’s spending since 2019 grew by 2.1%. The increase can be largely
attributed to India’s ongoing conflict with Pakistan and renewed border
tension with China.
The continuing military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, of
course, has led India to make several emergency arms purchases from
abroad since the crisis erupted in early May 2020.
o India’s annual military expenditure also includes a huge pension bill for 33-
lakh veterans and defence civilians.
In the 2021-2022 defence budget, for instance, the pension bill was Rs. 1.15
lakh crore out of the total Rs 4.78 lakh crore outlay.
o India has to maintain an over 15-lakh strong armed forces because of the two
active and unresolved borders with China and Pakistan.
Consequently, the revenue expenditure for the day-to-day running costs and
salary bill in the defence budget by far outstrips the capital outlay for military
modernization, leaving critical operational shortages on different fronts,
ranging from fighters to submarines.
o With a weak domestic defence-industrial base, India of course continues to
languish in the strategically-vulnerable position of being the world’s second-
largest arms importer just behind Saudi Arabia.
India accounted for 9.5% of the total global arms imports during 2016-2020.
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Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives
Why in News
Recently, Saudi Arabia launched Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East
Green Initiative to combat
the threat of climate
change.
Background:
o One of the main pillars
of the
Saudi G20 presidency
was to safeguard the
planet.
o Saudi Arabia reiterated
that it is committed to
lead regional efforts to
address climate change
and has been making
steady progress in this
direction.
Saudi Arabia established
the Environmental Special Forces in 2019.
Saudi Green Initiative:
Aim:
To raise the vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and
land degradation, and preserve marine life.
Features:
10 billion trees will be planted in the Kingdom.
To reduce carbon emissions by more than 4% of global contributions, through
a renewable energy programme that will generate 50% of Saudi’s energy from
renewables by 2030.
Saudi Arabia is working towards raising the percentage of its protected areas
to more than 30% of its total land area, exceeding the global target of 17%.
Middle East Green Initiative:
Aim:
To preserve marine and coastal environments, increase the proportion of
natural reserves and protected land, improve the regulation of oil production,
accelerate the transition to clean energy and boost the amount of energy
generated by renewables.
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Features:
Saudi Arabia will work with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and
regional partners to plant an additional 40 billion trees in the West Asian
region.
It represents 5% of the global target of planting one trillion trees and reducing
2.5% of global carbon levels.
Saudi Arabia will convene an annual summit called the Middle East Green
Initiative which will host leaders from the government, scientists and
environmentalists to discuss the details of implementation.
In partnership with participating countries, innovative methods will be
researched to irrigate from treated water, cloud seeding and other purpose-
driven solutions such as planting native trees which requires support for three
years to grow and will then be able to survive on their own with natural
irrigation.
Current Support:
Saudi Arabia has been sharing its expertise and know-how with its
neighbouring countries to reduce carbon emissions resulting from hydrocarbon
production in the region by 60% and globally by 10%.
Saudi Arabia currently operates the largest carbon capture and utilisation plant
in the world, it also operates one of the region’s most advanced CO2-enhanced
oil recovery plants that captures and stores 8,00,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Appreciating Indian Efforts:
o Saudi Arabia also appreciated India’s remarkable commitments to tackle
climate change as India is on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets.
o India’s renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. India has
an ambitious target of achieving 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity
by 2030.
Way Forward
Saudi Arabia hopes that the launch of the two Initiatives marks the beginning
of a green era and that these initiatives provide momentum to other countries
to unify their efforts to save our planet.
Economic prosperity cannot be achieved at the cost of the environment. It is
critical for us, as an industry, to shift from ‘pollute-first, clean-up later’ attitude
and commit to preserving our diminishing natural resources.
The intent and aspiration to align economic efforts with the environment
should not be restricted to the government. Collaboration between the industry,
government and regulatory bodies will help in evaluating decisions on
economic viability and environmental benefits.
42
Chandler Good Government Index
Why in News
Recently, India has been ranked 49th in the Chandler Good Government Index
(CGGI).
Finland has topped the list.
About Governance:
o It is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are
implemented (or not implemented).
o Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance,
international governance, national governance and local governance.
Good Governance:
o It is an approach to government that is committed to creating a system founded
in justice and peace that protects individual’s human rights and civil liberties.
Eight Characteristics of Good Governance as Identified by the United
Nations:
About Chandler Good Government Index :
o The CGGI is released by the Chandler Institute of Governance which is a
private non-profit organization headquartered in Singapore.
o The Index classifies 104 countries in terms of government capabilities and
outcomes.
o Each country is measured across over 50 open data points. The index
focuses on seven pillars:
Leadership and foresight.
Robust laws and policies.
Strong institutions.
43
Financial stewardship.
Attractive marketplace.
Global influence and reputation.
Helping people rise.
Objective:
o It supports government leaders and public officers worldwide in nation
building and strengthening public institutional capacity through training,
research and advisory work.
o It also shares tools and frameworks for effective policymaking, and empowers
nations to provide better public services for citizens.
Performance of South Asian Countries:
o India ranked 49th, Sri Lanka 74th, Pakistan 90th and Nepal 92nd.
Indian Initiatives for Good Governance:
o Good Governance Index:
It has been launched by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances &
Pensions to determine the status of governance in the country.
It assesses the impact of various interventions taken up by the State
Government and UTs.
o Good Governance Day:
It is celebrated annually on 25th December to mark the birth anniversary of the
former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Its aim is to create awareness of accountability in government among the
citizens of India.
o National e-Governance Plan:
It has the vision to “make all government services accessible to the common
man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets and ensure
efficiency, transparency & reliability of such services at affordable costs to
realize the basic needs of the common man.”
o Right to Information Act, 2005:
It plays an effective role in ensuring transparency in governance.
o Other Initiatives:
Setting up of NITI Aayog, Make in India programme, Lokpal, etc.
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Supply Chain Resilience Initiative
Why is it in News
The Trade Ministers of India, Japan and Australia have formally launched
the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).
The SCRI aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing supply chain
resilience with a view to eventually attaining strong, sustainable, balanced
and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
The trio (India, Japan and Australia) along with the US makes Quad grouping.
Supply Chain Resilience (Concept):
o Meaning: In the context of international trade, supply chain resilience is an
approach that helps a country to ensure that it has diversified its supply risk
across a clutch of supplying nations instead of being dependent on just one or
a few.
o Importance: In unanticipated events -whether natural, such as volcanic
eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes or even a pandemic; or manmade, such as an
armed conflict in a region that disrupt supplies from a particular country or
even intentional halts to trade, could adversely impact economic activity in the
destination country.
Supply Chain Resilience Initiative:
Background:
The Covid-19 pandemic was having an unprecedented impact in terms of lives
lost, livelihoods and economies affected, and that the pandemic had revealed
supply chain vulnerabilities globally and in the region.
Objectives:
To attract foreign direct investment to turn the Indo-Pacific into an “economic
powerhouse”.
To build a mutually complementary relationship among partner countries.
To work out a plan to build on the existential supply chain network. Japan and
India, for example, have an India-Japan competitiveness partnership dealing
with locating the Japanese companies in India.
Features:
The SCRI, first proposed by Japan, aims to reduce dependence on China amid
a likelihood of rechurning of supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region amid the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Initially, SCRI will focus on sharing best practices on supply chain resilience
and holding investment promotion events and buyer-seller matching events to
provide opportunities for stakeholders to explore the possibility of
diversification of their supply chains.
45
Joint measures may include supporting the enhanced utilisation of digital
technology and trade and investment diversification.
Expansion of the SCRI may be considered based on consensus, if needed, in
due course. The ministers have decided to convene at least once a year to
provide guidance to the implementation and development of the SCRI.
This assumes significance in the wake of Japan's keenness to onboard
the ASEAN in the initiative, something that India has opposed.
India wants to safeguard its interests from China’s indirect influence through
the bloc (ASEAN) as it builds on its self-reliance through reduced dependence
on imports.
Significance to India:
o Following the border tensions with China, partners such as Japan have sensed
that India may be ready for dialogue on alternative supply chains.
o China still remains a large source of critical imports for India, from mobile
phone components to pharmaceutical ingredients. An internal push to suddenly
cut links with China would be impractical.
o Over time, if India enhances self-reliance or works with exporting nations
other than China, it could build resilience into the economy’s supply networks.
Way Forward
It will help boost India’s manufacturing competitiveness and increase its share
in world trade. In this pursuit, there is a need to create an infrastructure that
raises the competitiveness of India’s exports.
While India appears an attractive option for potential investors both as a market
and as a manufacturing base, it needs to accelerate progress in ease of doing
business and in skill building.
Asset Reconstruction Companies
Why is it in News
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its report on Asset Reconstruction
Companies (ARCs) said that the growth of the ARC industry has not been
consistent over time and not always been synchronous with the trends in Non-
Performing Assets (NPAs) of banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies
(NBFCs).
However, the RBI has supported the government’s proposal for a new
ARC, saying that “such an entity will strengthen the asset resolution
mechanism further.”
About the Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC):
o It is a specialized financial institution that buys the Non Performing Assets
(NPAs) from banks and financial institutions so that they can clean up their
balance sheets.
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A NPA is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment
remained overdue for a period of 90 days.
o This helps banks to concentrate in normal banking activities. Banks rather than
going after the defaulters by wasting their time and effort, can sell the bad
assets to the ARCs at a mutually agreed value.
o The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002 provides the legal basis for the
setting up of ARCs in India.
The Act helps reconstruction of bad assets without the intervention of courts.
Since then, a large number of ARCs were formed and were registered with the
RBI.
o RBI has got the power to regulate the ARCs.
Growth of the ARC Industry:
o Number of ARCs: The ARC industry began with the establishment of the
Asset Reconstruction Company India Ltd (ARCIL) in 2003. After
remaining subdued in the initial years of their inception, a jump was seen in
the number of ARCs in 2008, and then in 2016.
o Concentration of Business among Few ARCs: There has been a
concentration in the industry in terms of Assets Under Management (AUM)
and the Security Receipts (SRs) issued.
Security Receipts (SR) are issued by the ARCs when NPAs of commercial
banks and/or financial institutions are acquired by the ARCs for the purpose of
recovery.
AUMs can be measured with the help of SRs outstanding.
o Decline in ‘Assets Under Management’: The growth in ARCs’ AUM has
been largely trendless except for a major spurt in FY14.
The AUM of ARCs has been on a declining trend when compared with the
volume of NPAs of banks and NBFCs, except during the period of high growth
in the AUM around 2013-14.
During 2019-20, asset sales by banks to ARCs declined, which could probably
be due to banks opting for other resolution channels such as Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and SARFAESI.
Issues with Indian ARCs:
o Indian ARCs have been private sector entities registered with the Reserve
Bank. Public sector AMCs in other countries have often enjoyed easy access
to government funding or government-backed.
The capital constraints have often been highlighted as an area of concern for
ARCs in India.
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o Despite the regulatory push to broaden, and thereby enhance, the capital base
of these companies, they have remained reliant primarily on domestic sources
of capital, particularly banks.
o Banks supply NPAs to the ARCs, hold shareholding in these entities and also
lend to them, which makes it necessary to monitor if there is a "circuitous
movement of funds between banks and these institutions".
About the New ARC:
o The movement in asset quality of banks and NBFCs following the Covid-19
pandemic could bring ARCs into greater focus and action.
o The ARC proposed in the Budget will be set up by state-owned and private
sector banks, and there will be no equity contribution from the Centre.
The ARC, which will have an Asset Management Company (AMC) to manage
and sell bad assets, will look to resolve stressed assets of Rs. 2-2.5 lakh
crore that remain unresolved in around 70 large accounts.
o The introduction of a new ARC for addressing the NPAs of public sector
banks may also shape the operations of the existing ARCs.
o There is a definite scope for the entry of a well-capitalised and well-designed
entity in the Indian ARC industry. Such an entity will strengthen the asset
resolution mechanism further.
Committee on ARCs:
o The RBI has announced the setting up of a committee, under the chairmanship
of Sudarshan Sen, to undertake a comprehensive review of the working of
ARCs in the financial sector ecosystem.
Assam Earthquake
Why is it in News
Recently, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale jolted Assam
and other parts of Northeast.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) report, the tremors
have been attributed to Kopili Fault zone closer to Himalayan Frontal Thrust
(HFT).
o NCS is the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake
activity in the country. It comes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Key Points
Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT):
o HFT, also known as the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), is a geological fault along
the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
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A fault is a fracture along which the blocks of crust on either side have moved
relative to one another parallel to the fracture.
When an earthquake occurs, the rock on one side of the fault slips with respect
to the other.
The fault surface can be vertical, horizontal, or at some angle to the surface of
the earth.
Kopili Fault Zone:
o The Kopili fault zone is a 300 km long and 50 km wide lineament (linear
feature) extending from the western part of Manipur up to the tri-junction of
Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
o The area is seismically very active falling in the highest Seismic Hazard zone
V associated with collisional tectonics where Indian plate subducts beneath the
Eurasian Plate.
Subduction is a geological process in which one crustal plate is forced below
the edge of another.
Squeezed between the subduction and collision zones of the Himalayan belt
and Sumatran belt, the North East is highly prone to earthquake occurrences.
About Earthquakes
An earthquake in simple words is the shaking of the earth. It is a natural event.
It is caused due to release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all
directions.
The vibrations called seismic waves are generated from earthquakes that travel
through the Earth and are recorded on instruments called seismographs.
The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called
the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is
called the epicenter.
Types of Earthquake: Fault Zones, Tectonic Earthquakes, Volcanic
Earthquake, Human Induced Earthquakes.
Seismic Hazard Map of India
India is one of the highly earthquake affected countries because of the presence
of technically active young fold mountains - Himalaya.
India has been divided into four seismic zones (II, III, IV, and V) based on
scientific inputs relating to seismicity, earthquakes occurred in the past and
tectonic setup of the region.
o Previously, earthquake zones were divided into five zones with respect to the
severity of the earthquakes but the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) grouped
the country into four seismic zones by unifying the first two zones.
o BIS is the official agency for publishing the seismic hazard maps and codes.
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Seismic Zone II:
o Area with minor damage earthquakes corresponding to intensities V to VI of
MM scale (MM-Modified Mercalli Intensity scale).
Seismic Zone III:
o Moderate damage corresponding to intensity VII of MM scale.
Seismic Zone IV:
o Major damage corresponding to intensity VII and higher of MM scale.
Seismic Zone V:
o Area determined by pro seismically of certain major fault systems and is
seismically the most active region.
o Earthquake zone V is the most vulnerable to earthquakes, where historically
some of the country’s most powerful shocks have occurred.
o Earthquakes with magnitudes in excess of 7.0 have occured in these areas, and
have had intensities higher than IX.
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PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust
Why is it in News
The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) launched its Infrastructure
Investment Trust (InvIT) - PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT).
Power Grid is a public limited company under the administrative control of
the Ministry of Power. It is the largest power transmission company in India.
It started its commercial operation in the year 1992-93 and is today,
a Maharatna company.
About PGInvIT:
o This is the first time a state-owned entity (PGCIL) is monetizing its
infrastructure assets through the InvIT route.
o This will be only the third InvIT to be listed in the Indian markets, after IRB
InvIT and India Grid Trust, both of which went public in 2017.
o The InvIT route was proposed by the Centre as an alternative fundraising
route for state-run companies to manage funding requirements without having
to depend on government support.
About Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT):
o It is a collective investment scheme similar to a mutual fund, which
enables direct investment of money from individual and institutional investors
in infrastructure projects to earn a small portion of the income as return.
o InvITs can be treated as the modified version of REITs (real estate investment
trusts) designed to suit the specific circumstances of the infrastructure sector.
o It is created to hold income-generating and operational infrastructure
assets such as roads, power transmission lines, gas pipelines, etc.
These assets have long-term contracts with strong counterparties that provide
a steady cash flow over the long term typically 15-20 years.
o The InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts)
Regulations, 2014.
o An InvIT consists of four elements:
Trustee has the responsibility of inspecting the performance of an InvIT.
Sponsor(s) are promoters of the company that set up the InvIT.
Investment Manager is entrusted with the task of supervising the assets and
investments of the InvIT.
Project Manager is responsible for the execution of the project.
o Units of InvITs can be listed and traded on a stock exchange, providing them
liquidity.
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Or they can be private and unlisted, in which case they are not publicly traded
and largely invested in by institutional investors.
Advantages of Setting up InvITs:
o For sponsors (infrastructure developers), InvITs provide a convenient route to
monetize revenue-generating assets, unlock equity gains, and deleverage their
balance sheets (i.e. to reduce debts).
o InvITs also present a more tax-friendly structure. Being a trust, all income
received by the InvIT from underlying assets receives a pass-through treatment
and is not taxable at the InvIT level.
o For investors such as banks, financial institutions, pension funds, insurance
companies, and even retail investors, InvITs provide a good low-risk
investment opportunity.
Disadvantages of InvITs:
o InvITs are sensitive to changes in regulatory and tax law.
o Infrastructure assets are not inflation-linked in India.
A high rate of inflation has a significant impact on the performance of InvITs.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
Why in News
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has crossed the eight thousand crore mark. The
investment will give a boost to several agricultural projects which will unlock
value for farmers across the country.
About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
It is a central sector scheme
Aim:
o To provide medium - long term debt financing facility for investment in viable
projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming
assets.
o The funds will be provided for setting up of cold stores and chains,
warehousing, grading and packaging units, e-marketing points linked to e-
trading platforms, besides PPP projects for crop aggregation sponsored by
central/state/local bodies.
Duration: Financial Year 2020 to 2029.
Features:
o Eligible Beneficiaries:
They are Farmers, FPOs, PACS, Marketing Cooperative Societies, SHGs,
Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agri-
entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects.
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o Financial Support: Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial
institutions as loans to eligible beneficiaries.
Moratorium for repayment may vary subject to minimum of 6 months and
maximum of 2 years.
o Interest Subvention: Loans will have interest subvention of 3% per annum up
to a limit of Rs. 2 crore. This subvention will be available for a maximum
period of seven years.
o CGTMSE Scheme: A credit guarantee coverage will be available for eligible
borrowers from the scheme under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and
Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme for a loan up to Rs. 2 crore.
About Central Sector Schemes
These schemes are 100% funded by the Central government.
Implemented by the Central Government machinery.
Formulated on subjects mainly from the Union List.
E.g.: Bharatnet, Namami Gange-National Ganga Plan, etc.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2021: UN Report
Why is it in News
According to the United Nations’ Global Forest Goals Report 2021, Covid-
19 pandemic has aggravated the challenges faced by countries in managing their
forests.
The Report has been prepared by the Department of Economic and Social
Affairs of the United Nations. It provides an initial overview of progress of
Goals and targets contained within the United Nations Strategic Plan for
Forests 2030.
Findings of the Report:
Covid-19 leading to Systemic Vulnerabilities and Inequalities:
More than just a health crisis, Covid-19 is driving losses of lives and
livelihoods, extreme poverty, inequality, and food insecurity, and it has put the
‘Future We Want’ further out of reach.
Impact of Covid-19 on Global Output:
It is estimated that world gross product fell by an estimated 4.3% in 2020. It is
the sharpest contraction of global output since the Great Depression.
Covid-19 is Threatening the Lifeline that Forests Provide:
An estimated 1.6 billion people, or 25% of the global population, rely on
forests for their subsistence needs, livelihoods, employment, and income.
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Impact of Covid-19 on Forest Dependent Population:
On the economic front, forest-dependent populations have faced job loss,
reduced income, diminished access to markets and information, and for many
women and youth, a contraction in seasonal employment.
Many forest dependent populations, especially those in remote or hard to reach
places, have faced difficulties accessing healthcare or find that government
assistance programmes and basic services are disrupted.
Increased Pressure on Forest:
Pandemic driven health and socio-economic outcomes have increased pressure
on forests.
Biodiversity Crisis:
Among its many findings, the ‘Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services’ of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlighted that one million
species were at risk of extinction and that 100 million hectares of tropical forest
were lost from 1980 to 2000.
At the same time, climate change is jeopardizing the resilience of forest
ecosystems and their ability to support ecosystem services worldwide.
Suggestions:
o The resilient recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic along with responses to the
climate and biodiversity crises must be rooted in the world’s forests.
Forests and forest-dependent people are both a casualty and an important part
of the solution.
o Sustainably resourced and managed forests can bolster employment, disaster
risk reduction, food security and social safety nets, for starters.
o Forest can also protect biodiversity and advance both climate mitigation and
adaptation.
o With regard to global health, safeguarding and restoring forests are among the
environmental actions that can reduce the risk of future zoonotic disease
outbreaks.
o The report called for a future course of action that included greater
sustainability and a greener and more inclusive economy to tackle the threats
of Covid-19, climate change and the biodiversity crisis faced by forests.
Status of World Forest
Total Forest Area: According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment
2020 (FRA 2020) report, the world’s total forest area is 4.06 billion hectares
(bha), which is 31% of the total land area. This area is equivalent to 0.52
hectares per person.
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Top Countries in Forest Cover—the Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the
United States of America and China constituted more than 54% of the world’s
forests.
Forest in India
According to the India State of Forest Report, 2019, the Total Forest and Tree
cover is 24.56% of the geographical area of the country.
Forest Cover (Area-wise): Madhya Pradesh> Arunachal Pradesh>
Chhattisgarh> Odisha> Maharashtra.
National Forest Policy of India, 1988 envisages a goal of achieving 33% of the
geographical area of the country under forest and tree cover.
About United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030
The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 was created with a
mission to promote sustainable forest management and enhance the
contribution of forests and trees to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
The agreement on the first-ever UN Strategic Plan for Forests was forged at a
special session of the UN Forum on Forests held in January 2017 and provides
an ambitious vision for global forests in 2030.
Goals and Targets: It features a set of six Global Forest Goals and 26
associated targets to be reached by 2030, which are voluntary and universal.
o It includes a target to increase forest area by 3% worldwide by 2030, signifying
an increase of 120 million hectares, an area over twice the size of France.
It builds on the vision of the 2030 Agenda and recognizes that real change
requires decisive, collective action, within and beyond the UN System.
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Classification of Corona Variants
Why is it in News
Recently, India’s Health Ministry said that a new double mutant variant of
the coronavirus had been detected in addition to many other strains or Variants
of Concern (VOCs) found in 18 states in the country.
Virus Variant:
o Variants of a virus have one or more mutations that differentiate it from the
other variants that are in circulation. While most mutations are damaging for
the virus, some make it easier for the virus to survive.
o The SARS-CoV-2 (Corona) virus is evolving fast because of the scale at which
it has infected people around the world. High levels of circulation mean it is
easier for the virus to change as it is able to replicate faster.
o The original pandemic virus (founder variant) was Wu.Hu.1 (Wuhan virus). In
a few months, variant D614G emerged and became globally dominant.
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Classification:
o The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies variants
into three categories:
Variant of Interest (VOI):
A variant with specific genetic markers that have been associated with changes
to receptor binding, reduced neutralization by antibodies generated against
previous infection or vaccination, reduced efficacy of treatments, potential
diagnostic impact, or predicted increase in transmissibility or disease severity.
Variant of Concern (VOC):
A variant for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more
severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant reduction
in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or
vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic
detection failures.
Variant of High Consequence:
A variant of high consequence has clear evidence that prevention measures or
medical countermeasures have significantly reduced effectiveness relative to
previously circulating variants.
So far, the CDC has not found variants of high consequence in circulation in
the US.
Variants Under Investigation (VUI):
Public Health England (PHE) says that if the variants of SARS-CoV-2 are
considered to have epidemiological, immunological or pathogenic
properties, they are raised for formal investigation.
Concerns Related to Different Variants:
Increased Transmission:
In many countries, including India, variants, by virtue of increased
transmissibility, have kicked off new wave(s) of epidemic transmission.
Increased Severity:
Regarding virulence (propensity to cause severe/life-threatening disease),
the UK variant is worse. The South Africa and Brazil variants do not seem to
have higher virulence.
Lowered Immunity:
The third concern is regarding the immunity cover offered by vaccination using
antigens made from D614G variant which applies to most vaccines in current
use.
Lowered efficacy of vaccines was found more with the South African and less
with the Brazil variant. Hence, reinfection can occur in spite of immunity by
earlier D614G infection or vaccination.
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Vaccine efficacy may be lower now than what was determined in phase-3 trials
as VOC were not then widely prevalent.
Fortunately, mRNA vaccines have broader immunity for different reasons, and
they protect better against these two variants.
Way Forward
The pandemic has shown the critical importance of biomedical research and
capacity building for saving lives and economic growth.
We need a foundation of broad-based research, in universities, medical
colleges and biotechnology companies, all of which must be funded,
encouraged, appreciated, and talent rewarded.
While some endeavours have been initiated, they must take off in a big way,
and India must invest heavily in biosciences. After a decade, its products and
profit will make us healthier and wealthier.
Differential Pricing for Covid-19 Vaccines
Why is it in News
Recently, the Supreme Court has asked the government to clarify in its affidavit
the basis and rationale for pricing of Covid-19 Vaccines.
The court noted that “different manufacturers are quoting different prices”.
There are powers under the Drugs Control Act and Patents Act, and this is the
time to invoke such powers.
About Pricing Regulation for Drugs in India:
o The pricing of essential drugs is regulated centrally through The Essential
Commodities Act, 1955.
o Under Section 3 of the Act, the government has enacted the Drugs (Prices
Control) Order (DPCO).
The DPCO lists over 800 drugs as “essential” in its schedule, and has capped
their prices.
The capping of prices is done based on a formula that is worked out in each
case by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), which was set
up in 1997.
o However, regulation through DPCO is not applicable for patented drugs or
fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs.
This is why the price of the antiviral drug remdesivir, which is currently in
great demand for the treatment of serious cases of Covid-19, is not regulated
by the government.
o An amendment is required to bring Covid-19 vaccines or drugs used in the
treatment of Covid-19 such as remdesivir under the DPCO policy.
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Other Legal Avenues Available to Address Differential Pricing for Vaccines:
o The Patents Act, 1970:
This law, which was mentioned by the Supreme Court, has two key
provisions that could be potentially invoked to regulate the pricing of the
vaccine.
Section 100 of the Act gives the central government the power to authorise
anyone (a pharma company) to use the invention for the “purposes of the
government”.
This provision enables the government to license the patents of the vaccine to
specific companies to speed up manufacturing and ensure equitable pricing.
Under Section 92 of the Act, which deals with compulsory licensing, the
government can, without the permission of the patent holder, license the patent
under specific circumstances prescribed in the Act.
o The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897:
This has been the main legal weapon for the government in dealing with the
pandemic.
Section 2 of this law gives the government “power to take special measures
and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic disease”.
The broad, undefined powers under the Act, can be used to take measures to
regulate pricing.
Way Forward
Apart from these legislative options, experts suggest that the central government
procuring directly from the manufacturers could be the most beneficial route to
ensure equitable pricing. As the sole purchaser, it will have greater bargaining
power.
Immunisation Agenda 2030
Why in News
Recently, the United Nations and other agencies have launched the Immunisation
Agenda 2030 (IA2030) during the World Immunisation Week.
It will contribute to achieving the UN-mandated Sustainable Development
Goals specifically SDG 3 i.e. Good Health and Well being.
Covid-19 pandemic has affected routine immunization globally.
About World Immunisation Week
World Immunization Week is celebrated every year in the last week of April.
It aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against
disease.
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o Immunisation describes the process whereby people are protected against
illness caused by infection with microorganisms (formally called pathogens).
The term vaccine refers to the material used for immunisation.
o Immunization is a success story for global health and development, saving
millions of lives every year.
The theme for 2021 is “Vaccines bring us closer”.
About the Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030):
o It sets an ambitious, overarching global vision and strategy for vaccines and
immunization for the decade 2021–2030.
o The IA2030 is based on learnings from Global Vaccine Action Plan
(GVAP). It aims to address the unmet targets of the GVAP that were initially
to be fulfilled as part of the global immunisation strategy of the ‘Decade of
vaccines’ (2011–2020).
GVAP was developed to help realize the vision of the Decade of Vaccines, that
all individuals and communities enjoy lives free from vaccine preventable
diseases.
o It is based on a conceptual framework of seven strategic priorities, to ensure
that immunization fully contributes to stronger primary health care and
attainment of universal health coverage.
o It is underpinned by four core principles: it puts people in the centre, is led by
countries, implemented through broad partnerships, and driven by data.
Targets of IA2030:
o As part of this new immunisation programme, global agencies like the World
Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and others have set a target of avoiding
50 million vaccine-preventable infections in this decade.
o It also intends to reduce the number of zero-dose children by 50%.
Zero-dose children are those who have received no vaccines through
immunisation programmes.
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o To achieve 90% coverage for essential vaccines given in childhood and
adolescence.
o To complete 500 national or subnational introductions of new or under-utilized
vaccines - such as those for Covid-19, rotavirus, or human papillomavirus
(HPV).
o The UN agencies aim to ensure through IA2030 that the benefits of
immunisation are shared equitably among and within countries.
Priority Section of the Population:
o The new programme will focus on a ‘bottoms-up’ approach, in contrast to the
GVAP that followed a ‘top-down’ one.
o It will give priority to populations that are not currently being reached,
particularly the most marginalised communities, those living in fragile and
conflict-affected settings and mobile populations, such as those moving across
borders.
India’s Initiatives on Immunization:
o Recently, the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 3.0 scheme has been
rolled out to cover children and pregnant women who missed routine
immunisation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as ‘Expanded
Programme of Immunization (EPI) by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare. In 1985, the Programme was modified as ‘Universal Immunization
Programme (UIP)’.
o India is also the major supplier to COVAX, a global initiative aimed at
equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines led by UNICEF, Gavi (The Vaccine
Alliance), the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic
Preparedness and others.
o India also began its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ to supply Covid vaccine to different
nations.
Corporate Social Responsibility Expenditure
Why is it in News
Experts are calling on the government to ease CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility) regulations to allow corporate expenditure on vaccinations for
employees and treatment of employees suffering from Covid to be covered under
spending for CSR.
Under current CSR norms, companies are not permitted to
count expenditure incurred exclusively for the welfare of employees as part of
their mandatory CSR expenditure.
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About Corporate Social Responsibility:
Meaning:
The term "Corporate Social Responsibility" in general can be referred to as a
corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects
on the environment and impact on social welfare.
Governance:
In India, the concept of CSR is governed by clause 135 of the Companies Act,
2013.
India is the first country in the world to mandate CSR spending along with a
framework to identify potential CSR activities.
The CSR provisions within the Act is applicable to companies with an annual
turnover of 1,000 crore and more, or a net worth of Rs. 500 crore and more, or
a net profit of Rs. 5 crore and more.
The Act requires companies to set up a CSR committee which shall
recommend a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy to the Board of Directors
and also monitor the same from time to time.
The Act encourages companies to spend 2% of their average net profit in the
previous three years on CSR activities.
CSR Activities:
The indicative activities, which can be undertaken by a company under CSR,
have been specified under Schedule VII of the Act. The activities include:
Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty,
Promotion of education, gender equality and empowering women,
Combating Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome and other diseases,
Ensuring environmental sustainability;
Contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or any other fund set
up by the Central Government for socio-economic development and relief and
funds for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, other
backward classes, minorities and women etc.
Injeti Srinivas Committee:
A High Level Committee on CSR was formed in 2018 under the Chairmanship
of Injeti Srinivas.
The main recommendations included making CSR expenditure tax deductible,
allowing the carry-forward of unspent balance for a period of 3-5 years, and
aligning Schedule VII of the Companies Act with the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals.
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Recent Development:
o In 2020, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allowed companies to spend CSR
funds on Covid-19 relief, including preventive healthcare and sanitation and
on research and development of Covid drugs, vaccines and medical devices.
o The ambit was expanded further this year to include awareness or public
outreach programmes on Covid-19 vaccination and setting up of makeshift
hospitals and temporary Covid care facilities.
Benefits of Further Easing CSR Norms:
o Role in Vaccination Drive: Approximately, Rs. 10,000 crore is available with
listed companies annually for spending on CSR activities. If the eligible
unlisted companies are taken into account, the available sum may be larger.
This can be handy in supplementing the expenditure of the Centre and States
on vaccination.
o Rural Population can be reachable: Many of these companies have a
presence in rural areas. This will ensure that the drive goes beyond the large
cities and reach the rural population too.
o Benefit of Allowing Corporate Expenditure on Vaccinations for
Employees under CSR: This will boost vaccinations for unorganised labour
in the manufacturing sector and will benefit the overburdened healthcare
system.
Fire Safety in India
Why in News
Over the past year, there have been deadly fires in hospital buildings, including
those treating Covid-19 patients.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) says 330 people died in
commercial building fires in 2019, while fatalities for residential or dwelling
buildings were much higher at 6,329.
Leading Cause:
o Electrical faults are cited as the leading cause of fires but State governments
are widely criticised for being lax with building safety laws and for failing to
equip public buildings with modern technology.
o Hospital ICUs (intensive care units) are a great fire risk because they are
oxygen-suffused, and need to meet high standards.
Provisions in India Related to Fire Safety:
Constitutional Provision:
The Fire Services is a State subject and has been included as a Municipal
function in the XIIth Schedule of the Constitution of India under Article 243
(W).
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The National Building Code (NBC) of India, 2016:
Part 4 of the NBC is titled 'Fire and Life Safety'.
NBC, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is a “recommendatory
document”, and States have been asked to incorporate it into their local
building bylaws, making the recommendations a mandatory requirement.
All existing and new buildings are classified by nature of use, such as
residential, educational, institutional, assembly (like cinemas and auditoria),
business, mercantile, industrial, storage and hazardous.
The code broadly covers the following areas:
Fire Prevention: This covers aspects of fire prevention pertaining to the
design and construction of buildings. It also describes the various types of
buildings materials and their fire rating.
Life Safety: This covers life safety provisions in the event of fire and similar
emergencies, also addressing construction and occupancy features that are
necessary to minimise danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic.
The Model Building Bye Laws, 2016:
The Ministry of Urban Development has devised a circular called “Model
Building By Laws 2016” which states the regulatory mechanism and
engineering parameters to keep in mind before starting any construction project
in India.
Point-specific responsibility for all fire-related clearance rests with the Chief
Fire Officer.
The concerned Development Authority shall refer the building plans to the
Chief Fire Officer for obtaining clearance in respect of buildings.
Guidelines by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
It has also stipulated requirements for fire safety in public buildings, including
hospitals, which incorporate elements of the NBC, besides design guidelines
on maintaining minimum open safety space, protected exit mechanisms,
dedicated staircases, and crucial drills to carry out evacuations.
o The Central Government has also circulated ‘Model Bill on Maintenance of
Fire & Emergency Services 2019'.
Concerns:
o Lack of unified fire services in some of the states as unified fire services
provide all the necessary guidelines and instruction in fire fighting.
o Proper organisational structure, training and career progression of its personnel
lacking in most of the fire departments in India.
o Inadequate modern equipment and their scaling, authorization &
standardization.
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o Appropriate and adequate funding is not available, which inhibits
technological progression for fire fighting.
o Unavailability of training institutions impinges real-time environmental
understanding.
o Lack of infrastructural facilities – fire stations and accommodation of
personnel etc.
o Vulnerability analysis is mostly not done.
o Lack of Public awareness (DOs & DON’Ts), and regular mock exercises and
evacuation drills are not conducted.
o Lack of Uniform fire safety legislation.
Recently few states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were found
not complying with the NBC.
Way Forward
Although in December 2020, the Supreme Court directed all States to carry
out fire safety audits of dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, it has become evident
that State forces lack the manpower to inspect and ensure compliance with
safety codes, including the NBC, where it is mandatory.
Therefore one option is to make heavy fire liability insurance compulsory for
all public buildings, which would offer protection to occupants and visitors and
bring about external inspection of safety.
Asian Development Outlook 2021: ADB
Why is it in News
According to the report Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, the second
wave of Covid-19 can put India’s economic recovery at “risk”.
ADO is a series of annual economic reports on the Developing Member
Countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
About Asian Development Bank
ADB is a regional development bank established in 1966.
It has 68 members. India is a founding member.
o 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.
It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific.
As of 31st December 2019, ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and
the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic
of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
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Key Points
GDP Projections:
o For India:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will rebound strongly by 11% in Fiscal Year
(FY) 2021-22 due to continued economic recovery boosted by increased public
investment, vaccine rollout, and a surge in domestic demand.
India’s economic growth to moderate to 7% in FY 2022-23.
The economy is expected to have contracted by 8% in FY 2020-21 in line with
the government’s second advance estimate.
o For Developing Asia:
The economic growth is set to rebound to 7.3% in 2021-22. This follows a
0.2% contraction last year.
Developing Asia comprises 46 members of ADB list on the basis of
geographic group.
These include new industrialized economies, countries in Central Asia, East
Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
India is also part of Developing Asia.
Challenges:
o Pandemic remains the biggest risk for the region (Developing Asia) as
potential delays in vaccine rollouts or significant new outbreaks could
undermine growth.
o Increasing geopolitical tensions, production bottlenecks, financial
turmoil from tightening financial conditions, and long-term scarring
like learning losses due to school closures are among other risk factors.
Costs of Pandemic-induced School Closures:
o Countries are using distance learning, but this is only partially
effective as many students lack access to computers and the internet.
o These disruptions will affect the skills students acquire and, eventually, their
productivity and earnings as future workers.
o Learning losses range from 8% of a year of learning in the Pacific, where
schools have mostly stayed open, to 55% in South Asia, where school closures
have been longest.
o The present value of students’ future earning reductions is estimated at USD
1.25 trillion for developing Asia, equivalent to 5.4% of the region’s GDP in
2020.
Analysis for India:
o Increased government expenditure on health care, water, and
sanitation will strengthen the country’s resilience against future pandemics.
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o Private investment is expected to pick up on improving sentiment and risk
appetite, as well as accommodative credit conditions (i.e. making money less
expensive to borrow and encouraging more spending).
o Domestic demand is expected to remain the main driver of growth.
A faster vaccine rollout will boost urban demand for services, while the rural
demand will be boosted by robust agriculture growth and continued
government support to farmers by expanding irrigation, improving value
chains, and increasing farm loan limits.
o The government’s push to the manufacturing sector through the production-
linked incentive scheme will expand domestic production and help integrate
domestic manufacturing with global supply chains.
Model Insurance Villages
Why is it in News
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has
mooted the concept of ‘Model Insurance Village (MIV)’ to boost insurance
penetration in rural areas.
According to the Economic Survey for 2020-21, India’s insurance
penetration, which was at 2.71% in 2001, has steadily increased to 3.76% in
2019, but stayed much below the global average of 7.23%.
Recently, the Parliament has passed the Insurance Amendment Bill 2021 to
increase the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector to
74% from 49%.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
Following the recommendations of the Malhotra Committee report, in
1999, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) was
constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance
industry.
The IRDA was incorporated as a statutory body in April 2000.
The key objectives of the IRDA include the promotion of competition so as to
enhance customer satisfaction through increased consumer choice and lower
premiums while ensuring the financial security of the insurance market.
It is headquartered in Hyderabad.
Concept of Model Insurance Village (MIV):
o The idea is to offer comprehensive insurance protection to all the major
insurable risks that villagers are exposed to and make available covers at
affordable or subsidised cost.
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o In order to make the premium affordable, financial support needs to be
explored through NABARD, other institutions, CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility) funds, government support and support from reinsurance
companies.
o It may be implemented in a minimum of 500 villages in different districts of
the country in the first year and increased to 1,000 villages in the subsequent
two years.
o Every general insurance company and reinsurance company accepting general
insurance business and having offices in India needs to be involved for piloting
the concept.
Possible Offerings under MIV:
o Weather Index product or hybrid product combining weather index and
indemnity-based insurance protection for various crops that remains uncovered
under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY).
o Flexible Farm Insurance Package Policies targeting comprehensive needs of
crops, livestock, farmer, farm implements.
o Separate products for high value agriculture, contract farming and corporate
farming community as their needs are different.
o States can be offered macro insurance covers based on predefined parametric
weather indexes covering large complex risks arising out of natural
catastrophes affecting the agriculture ecosystem and rural economy.
Challenges in Spreading Insurance to Rural Areas:
o Lack of awareness, limited choice of insurance products, absence of people-
friendly and transparent claim settlement mechanisms, and weak network of
insurance firms, are some of the issues and challenges in advancing growth of
rural insurance business.
Maratha Reservation Struck Down by Supreme Court
Why is it in News
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) declared a Maharashtra law which
provides reservation benefits to the Maratha community, taking the quota limit in
the State in excess of 50%, as unconstitutional.
Background:
2017: A 11-member commission headed by Retired Justice N G
Gaikwad recommended Marathas should be given reservation under Socially and
Educationally Backward Class (SEBC).
o 2018: Maharashtra Assembly passed a Bill proposing 16% reservation for
Maratha community.
o 2018: The Bombay High Court while upholding the reservation pointed out
that instead of 16% it should be reduced to 12% in education and 13% in jobs.
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o 2020: The SC stayed its implementation and referred the case to Chief Justice
of India for a larger bench.
Current Ruling:
o Violation of Fundamental Rights:
A separate reservation for the Maratha community violates Articles 14 (right
to equality) and 21 (due process of law).
Reservation breaching the 50% limit will create a society based on “caste rule”.
The Maratha reservation of 12% and 13% (in education and jobs)
had increased the overall reservation ceiling to 64% and 65%, respectively.
In the Indira Sawhney judgment 1992, SC had categorically said 50% shall be
the rule, only in certain exceptional and extraordinary situations for bringing
far-flung and remote areas population into mainstream said 50% rule can be
relaxed.
No Further Benefits:
Appointments made under the Maratha quota following the Bombay High
Court judgment endorsing the State law would hold, but they would get no
further benefits.
Deprived States of the Power to Identify SEBCs:
There will only be a single list of SEBC with respect to each State and Union
Territory notified by the President of India, and that States can only make
recommendations for inclusion or exclusion, with any subsequent change to be
made only by Parliament.
The Bench unanimously upheld the constitutional validity of
the 102nd Constitution Amendment but differed on the question whether it
affected the power of states to identify SEBCs.
Direction to NCBC:
Asked the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) to expedite
the recommendation of SEBCs so that the President can publish the
notification containing the list of SEBCs in relation to States and Union
Territories expeditiously.
About 102nd Amendment Act of 2018
It introduced Articles 338B and 342A in the Constitution.
Article 338B deals with the newly established National Commission for
Backward Classes.
Article 342A empowers the President to specify the socially and educationally
backward communities in a State.
o It says that it is for the Parliament to include a community in the Central List
for socially and backward classes for grant of reservation benefits.
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Illegal Sale of Uranium
Why is it in News
Recently two people were arrested under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 for
possessing uranium without licence and selling it illegally.
On testing, the sample was confirmed as natural uranium by Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC).
About Uranium:
o Uranium occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water. It is a
hard, dense, malleable, ductile, silver-white, radioactive metal.
Uranium metal has a very high density.
o When finely divided, it can react with cold water. In air it is coated by uranium
oxide, tarnishing rapidly.
o It can form solids solutions and intermetallic compounds with many of the
metals.
Applications:
Energy Production: The main use of uranium in the civilian sector is to fuel
commercial nuclear power plants for generation of nuclear energy.
This requires uranium to be enriched with the uranium-235 isotope and the
chain reaction to be controlled so that the energy is released in a more
manageable way.
Making Atomic Bomb: The first atomic bomb used in warfare was an
uranium bomb.
This bomb contained enough of the uranium-235 isotope to start a runaway
chain reaction which in a fraction of a second caused a large number of the
uranium atoms to undergo fission, thereby releasing a fireball of energy.
Used as Shield against Radiation: Depleted uranium is also used as shield
against radiation in medical processes using radiation therapy and also
while transporting radioactive materials.
Though itself radioactive, uranium’s high density makes it effective in halting
radiation.
Used as Counterweights in Industry: Its high density also makes it useful as
counterweights in aircraft and industrial machinery.
Radiometric Dating: The isotope uranium 238 is used to estimate the age of
the earliest igneous rocks and for other types of radiometric dating.
Fertilizer: Phosphate fertilizers are made from material typically high in
uranium, so they usually contain high amounts of it.
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Health and Environmental Impacts:
Impact on Health: Potentially depleted uranium has both chemical and
radiological toxicity with the two important target organs being the kidneys
and the lungs.
Impact on Environment: Uranium mining facilities produce tailings that
generally are disposed of in near surface impoundments close to the mine.
These tailings pose serious environmental and health risks in the form
of Radon emission, windblown dust dispersal and leaching of
contaminants including heavy metals and arsenic into the water.
Uranium Deposits In India:
o In India, Uranium deposits occur in the Dharwar rocks.
o It occurs along the Singhbhum Copper belt (Jharkhand); Udaipur,
Alwar and Jhunjhunu districts of Rajasthan, Durg district of
Chhattisgarh, Bhandara district of Maharashtra and Kullu district of Himachal
Pradesh.
o Significant quantities of reserves have been recently discovered in parts
of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana between Seshachalam forest and Sresailam
(Southern edge of Andhra to Southern edge of Telangana).
Legal Framework in India:
o In pursuance to entry at serial No. 54 of List I (Union List), the Parliament has
passed ‘The Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
(MMDR Act)’.
However, with respect to minor minerals, the rulemaking powers have been
delegated to the States through this Act.
Since Uranium is a major mineral, it is managed by the Union
Government under provisions of MMDR Act.
o The policy and legislation relating to Major minerals are managed by the
Ministry of Mines, but Uranium being an atomic mineral is managed by the
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 seeks to provide standards of controlling
radioactive substances and plants and measures to prevent radiation accidents,
retain public safety, assure cautious disposal of radioactive wastes, and so on.
o Many of these mineral deposits are found in rich forest reserves and
thus approval of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change becomes necessary.
About Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha conceived the Nuclear Program in India. Dr Bhabha
established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for carrying out
nuclear science research in 1945.
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To intensify the effort to exploit nuclear energy for the benefit of the nation,
Dr Bhabha established the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in
January 1954 for a multidisciplinary research program essential for the
ambitious nuclear program of India. AEET was renamed Bhabha Atomic
Research Centre (BARC) in 1966.
Intellectual Property Protection for Covid-19 Vaccines
Why is it in News
The United States has announced the support for waiving Intellectual Property
(IP) protection for Covid-19 vaccines.
The decision is a breakthrough in India and South Africa's attempts to
get World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries to agree to such a
waiver to fight the pandemic equitably.
About Intellectual Property Protection:
o The 1995 agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) requires ratifying countries to adopt a minimum standard of
intellectual property rights to protect creators and promote innovation.
o India and South Africa have proposed a waiver from the implementation and
application of certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement (waiving IP rights
like patents, copyright, and trademarks) for prevention, containment or
treatment of Covid-19.
o If the waiver is granted, WTO member countries will not be under an
obligation, for a temporary period, to either grant or enforce patents and other
IP-related rights to Covid-19 drugs, vaccines, and other treatments.
This will immunise the measures adopted by countries to vaccinate their
populations from claims of illegality under WTO law.
Need to Waive Patents on Covid Vaccines:
o Monopoly of Drug Companies: At present, only drug companies which own
patents are authorised to manufacture Covid vaccines.
A lifting of patents will allow the formula to be shared with other companies.
o Vaccine Cost: Once the formula is shared, any company which possesses the
required technology and infrastructure can produce vaccines.
This will lead to cheaper and more generic versions of Covid vaccines and will
be a big step in overcoming vaccine shortage.
o Inequitable Distribution of Vaccines: This has opened up a glaring gap
between developing and wealthier countries now.
o The countries having surplus doses of vaccines have already vaccinated a
considerable percentage of their population and are returning to normalcy.
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o Whereas, the poorer nations continue to face shortages, have overburdened
healthcare systems and hundreds dying daily.
o Against the Interests of the World: The longer Covid circulates in
developing nations, there is a greater chance of more vaccine-resistant, deadly
mutations of the virus emerging.
Significance for India:
o Help in Increasing Production: The bulk of the vaccine doses produced in
India are taken up by foreign countries which could pay more for the doses.
This move can help scale up production to meet demand besides making the
vaccines more affordable for everyone.
o Preparation for the Third Wave: Indian authorities have stated that the third
wave of the pandemic is inevitable.
Once the number of cases and deaths plateau, addressing shortages and making
more affordable vaccines readily accessible could be the best way to prepare
for the surge once again.
Counter Arguments:
o Vaccine Quality and Safety may get Compromised: Lifting of patents
would be a compromise on control of safety and quality standards for vaccine
manufacturing.
o Disincentive Pharmaceutical Companies: Lifting of patents would be a huge
deterrent to investing heavily on vaccine development during pandemics in the
future.
o Can Lead to Confusion: Eliminating those protections would undermine the
global response to the pandemic, including ongoing effort to tackle new
variants.
It will create confusion that could potentially undermine public confidence in
vaccine safety, and create a barrier to information sharing.
Way Forward
Waiving IP protections alone isn't enough to make vaccines available around
the world. The countries must work with each other to expand manufacturing
capabilities and support international vaccines.
It’s important for both Indian manufacturers and the government to address
concerns of patent holders to make sure that India’s vaccination drive is not
compromised in any way.
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China’s Permanent Space Station
Why is it News
Recently, China launched an unmanned module of its permanent space station
that it plans to complete by the end of 2022.
The module, named "Tianhe", or "Harmony of the Heavens", was launched on
the Long March 5B, China's largest carrier rocket.
India has also set its eye on building its own space station in low earth orbit to
conduct microgravity experiments in space in 5 to 7 years.
Background:
o The only space station currently in orbit is the International Space
Station (ISS), from which China is excluded.
A space station is a spacecraft capable of supporting crew members, designed
to remain in space for an extended period of time and for other spacecraft to
dock.
The ISS is backed by the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada.
o China has been a late starter when it comes to space exploration. It was only in
2003 that it sent its first astronaut into orbit, making it the third country to do
so, after the Soviet Union and the US.
o So far, China has sent two previous space stations into orbit. The Tiangong-
1 and Tiangong-2 were trial stations though, simple modules that allowed only
relatively short stays by astronauts.
China’s Space Station:
o The new, 66-tonne, multi-module Tiangong station is set to be operational for
at least 10 years.
o Tianhe is one of three main components of what would be China’s first self-
developed space station, rivalling the only other station in service – the ISS.
It forms the main living quarters for three crew members in the Chinese space
station.
o The Tianhe launch is the first of 11 missions needed to complete the space
station, which will orbit Earth at an altitude of 340 to 450 km.
o In the later missions, China will launch the two other core modules, four
manned spacecraft and four cargo spacecraft.
Significance for China:
For Ramping up Space Programme:
China aims to become a major space power by 2030. It has ramped up its space
programme with visits to the moon, the launch of an uncrewed probe to Mars
and the construction of its own space station.
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ISS is about to expire by 2024:
In contrast, the fate of the ageing ISS – in orbit for more than two decades –
remains uncertain. The project is set to expire in 2024, barring funding from
its partners. Russia has said recently that it would quit the project from 2025.
Russia’s Deepening Ties with China:
Russia is deepening ties with China in space as tensions with the US rise. It
has slammed the US-led Artemis moon exploration programme and instead
chosen to join China in setting up a lunar research outpost in the coming years.
Other Missions of China:
o Chang’e-5 (Moon)
o Tianwen-1 (Mars)
5G Trial
Why is it in News
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has given permissions to
Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for conducting trials for use and applications
of 5G technology.
This formally leaves out Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE from the
5G race in India.
About 5G Technology
Features of 5G Technology:
o Bands in 5G: 5G mainly work in 3 bands, namely low, mid and high frequency
spectrum all of which have their own uses as well as limitations.
Low band spectrum: It has shown great promise in terms of coverage and speed
of internet and data exchange however the maximum speed is limited to 100
Mbps (Megabits per second).
Mid-band spectrum: It offers higher speeds compared to the low band, but has
limitations in terms of coverage area and penetration of signals.
High-band spectrum: It has the highest speed of all the three bands, but has
extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength.
o Upgraded LTE: 5G is the latest upgrade in the long-term evolution (LTE)
mobile broadband networks.
o Internet Speed and Efficiency: In the high-band spectrum of 5G, internet
speeds have been tested to be as high as 20 Gbps (gigabits per second) as
compared to the maximum internet data speed in 4G recorded at 1 Gbps.
5G will provide up to three times greater spectrum efficiency and ultra low
latency.
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Latency is the amount of time data takes to travel between its source and
destination.
Utility of 5G Applications:
o Trigger Fourth Industrial Revolution: Combined with IoT, cloud, big
data, AI, and edge computing, 5G could be a critical enabler of the fourth
industrial revolution.
Real Time Relay of Information: One of the primary applications of 5G will
be implementation of sensor-embedded networks that will allow real time relay
of information across fields such as manufacturing, consumer durables and
agriculture.
Efficient Transport Infrastructure: 5G can also help make transport
infrastructure more efficient by making it smart. 5G will enable vehicle-to-
vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, making driverless cars,
among other things, a reality.
o Improve the Accessibility of Services: 5G networks could improve the
accessibility of services such as mobile banking and healthcare.
o Local Research: It will stimulate the local Research and Development (R&D)
ecosystem to develop innovative applications tailored to commercial needs.
o Economic Impact: 5G is expected to create a cumulative economic impact of
USD1 trillion in India by 2035, according to a report by a government-
appointed panel (2018).
Evolution from First Generation to Fifth Generation
1G was launched in the 1980s and worked on analog radio signals and
supported only voice calls.
2G was launched in the 1990s which uses digital radio signals and
supported both voice and data transmission with a bandwidth of 64 Kbps.
3G was launched in the 2000s with a speed of 1 Mbps to 2 Mbps and it has the
ability to transmit telephone signals including digitised voice, video calls and
conferencing.
4G was launched in 2009 with a peak speed of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and it also
enables 3D virtual reality.
About the Trials:
o In the initial phase, these trials will be for 6 months, including a 2 month period
for procurement and setting up of the equipment.
o TSPs will be required to test their set up in urban areas, semi-urban areas as
well as rural areas.
o TSPs will be provided with experimental spectrum in various bands, such as
the mid-band of 3.2 GHz to 3.67 GHz, the millimeter wave band of 24.25 GHz
to 28.5 GHz, and others.
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o Applications such as tele-medicine, tele-education, augmented/ virtual reality,
drone-based agricultural monitoring, etc. will be tested. The data generated
during the trials will be stored in India.
Chinese Telecom Companies in India:
o India's telecom ministry has left out Chinese equipment makers Huawei and
ZTE from its 5G trials, becoming the latest country to lock the firms out.
The US says Huawei could be used by China for spying, via its 5G equipment
and its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has even ordered certain
US telecommunications companies to remove Huawei equipment from their
network.
o India is yet to implement any type of official ban on the Chinese companies,
which currently supply a significant amount of equipment to India's mobile
providers.
Independent Collegium for Election Commission
Why is it in News
Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the constitution
of an independent collegium to appoint members of the Election Commission.
About Election Commission of India:
o It is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering
Union and State election processes in India.
o The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State
Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President in
the country.
o Article 324 of the Constitution: It provides for appointment of a Election
commission to superintend, direct and control the elections.
Structure:
o Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after
the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-
member body.
o The commission presently consists of one Chief Election Commissioner
(CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
o The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.
Key Points
Present System of Appointment:
o There is no prescribed procedure for appointment of the CEC and EC as per
the Constitution.
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o Under the Transaction of Business rules 1961, the President shall appoint the
CEC and EC based on the recommendations made by the Prime Minister.
o However, according to Article 324(5), the Parliament has the power to regulate
the terms of conditions of service and tenure of ECs.
o It is under Article 324(5) that the Parliament has made laws till date, and not
under Article 324(2) in which the Parliament can establish a selection
committee for regulating the appointments made by the President.
Article 324(2) states that the President shall, with aid and advice of the Council
of Ministers, appoint CEC and ECs, till Parliament enacts a law fixing the
criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure.
Need for an Independent Collegium:
Recommendation of Committees:
The recommendation to have a neutral collegium to fill up vacancies in the
Election Commission have been given by several expert committees,
commissions from 1975.
The recommendation was also part of the Law Commission’s 255th report in
March 2015.
In 2009, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its fourth report
suggested a collegium system for CEC and ECs.
In 1990, the Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended effective consultation
with neutral authorities like the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the
Opposition for the appointment in the Election Commission.
In 1975, the Justice Tarkunde Committee recommended that the members of
the Election Commission should be appointed by the President on the advice
of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition
in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
Insulation from Political and Executive Interference:
The appointment of members of the Election Commission on the whims and
fancies of the Executive violates the very foundation on which it was
created, thus, making the Commission a branch of the Executive.
Unfair Election Process:
The Election Commission is not only responsible for conducting free and fair
elections, but it also renders a quasi judicial function between the various
political parties including the ruling government and other parties.
In such circumstances, the Executive cannot be the sole participant in the
appointment of members of the Election Commission as it gives unfettered
discretion to the ruling party to choose someone whose loyalty to it is ensured
and thereby renders the selection process vulnerable to manipulation.
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Challenges:
Similar Demand for Others:
For other constitutional positions, similar demands can be raised where it is the
imperative of the executive to make such appointments like for Attorney
General or Comptroller & Auditor-General.
For the appointment of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director and
the Central Vigilance Commissioner, committees are constituted. But these are
statutory positions. As of now, there is no committee for constitutional
appointments.
Distinction between CEC & EC:
There is a difference between the position of a CEC & EC. The appointments
to both the positions may differ according to the task they perform.
Therefore, to differentiate the process of appointment which is still done on an
ad-hoc basis (because of absence of any constitutional law) becomes a
challenging task that needs to be addressed properly to ensure the independent
working of the commission.
Judicial Overreach:
The SC interprets any law on the basis of provisions of the constitution, and
constitutionally the decision for appointment procedure of EC comes under
executive domain.
Thereby, decisions by the SC in this regard can possibly shake the harmonious
balance of power.
Way Forward
Deficiencies in the present system of appointment process needs to be
removed. And adequate safeguards must be put into place to ensure that ethical
and capable people head the concerned positions.
There is a need for debate and discussions in the Parliament on the issue of
independence of ECI and consequently passing of required legislation.
Social Security Code 2020
Why is it in News
The effectiveness of the Social Security Code (SS Code) 2020 in helping the
informal workforce is questioned by many.
With SS Code 2020, two other codes were passed which are Code on
Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 and Industrial
Relations Code, 2020.
The SS Code 2020 subsumes nine regulations relating to social security,
retirement and employee benefits.
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Major Provisions of SS Code 2020:
Enhanced Coverage:
The Code has widened coverage by including the unorganised sector, fixed
term employees and gig workers, platform workers, inter-state migrant
workers etc.
National Database and Registration:
With the aim of making a national database for unorganised sector
workers, registration of all these workers would be done on an online
portal and this registration would be done on the basis of Self
certification through a simple procedure.
All records and returns have to be maintained electronically.
Social Security Fund:
It will be created on the financial side in order to implement social security
schemes.
Uniform Definitions:
There is uniformity in determining wages for the purpose of social security
benefits.
It has provided a wide definition for wage.
Specific exclusions with ceilings have been provided for discouraging
inappropriate structuring of salaries to minimise social security benefits.
Consultative Approach:
It has brought in a facilitating approach by the authorities. Unlike the existing
role of inspectors, the Code provides for an enhanced role of inspector-cum-
facilitator whereby employers can look for support and advice to enhance
compliances.
Career Centre:
To enable that demand for human resources is met and to monitor employment
information, career centres will be established.
Stringent Penalties:
Any failure to deposit employees’ contributions not only attracts a penalty of
Rs. 1,00,000, but also imprisonment of one to three years. In case of repeat
offence, the penalties and prosecution is severe, and no compounding is
permitted for repeated offences.
Concerns:
Online Registration Process:
The onus lies on informal workers registering as beneficiaries, further they do
not have digital literacy and connectivity.
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Also, there is a lack of awareness among informal workers regarding social
security schemes.
Lack of Inter-State Arrangement and Cooperation:
Unorganised workers are spread across the length and breadth of
India. Implications of this code would be too varied across States to be
administered.
Complicated Processes & Overlapping Jurisdiction:
Providing holistic social security cover for the unorganised workforce in a
simple and effective manner is lost in the Centre-State procedural
complications and jurisdictional or institutional overlap.
Maternity Benefit:
Women engaged in the unorganised sector remain outside the purview of
maternity benefit.
Employees Provident Fund:
For informal sector workers, access to employees’ provident fund remains
unfulfilled too in the new code.
Payment of Gratuity:
Although payment of gratuity was expanded in the new Code, it still remains
inaccessible for a vast majority of informal workers.
Way Forward
The SS Code 2020 merges existing social security laws and attempts to include
informal workers within the ambit of social security administration. However,
an examination of the code reveals that universalisation of social security
remains an unfulfilled aspiration.
At a time when India chairs a BRICS meeting that is focused on issues of
labour, especially informality, it fails to even recognise that India is ageing
without social security, and the demographic dividend of the young workforce
that could support the ageing ends in 15 years.
The provision of social security could be used to formalise the workforce to a
certain extent.
Employers should be made to own up to the responsibility of providing social
security to their workers.
o As the state has a responsibility but the primary responsibility still lies with
employers since they are taking advantage of workers’ productivity.
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Covid-Vaccination Related Challenges
Why in News
There was a decrease in the number of vaccine doses administered in the week
starting 1st May 2021, after the government “opened up” vaccination beyond
priority groups, to its lowest level in eight weeks.
Covid-19 vaccines are being developed at a pace faster than for any other
disease, yet there are shortages.
Key Points
Global Issues:
Huge Population:
With about seven billion people to be vaccinated worldwide, with mostly two
jabs (Doses) each, the demand is obviously very high.
Self-Centered Rich:
More than 80% of available vaccines have been ordered and/or already stocked
by a few countries representing only about 20% of the world population.
Even with a World Health Organization (WHO)-led effort like COVAX, only
about 1% of the African population has received vaccines so far.
Delay in Emergency Approvals:
Till now only three vaccines—Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen—have
been approved by the US.
The most affordable AstraZeneca vaccine still awaits approval.
Approval for Russia's Sputnik V was recently denied in Brazil.
Vaccines of China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm are not yet approved in western
countries.
Challenges in India:
Limited Suppliers:
Limited capacity of the two vaccine (COVAXIN &
COVISHIELD) manufacturers who are now being piled upon with much
bigger orders from state governments and private hospitals that may take
months to fulfil.
Supply Chain Gap:
There is a big gap in the supply chain of the ambitious programme to vaccinate
all its adult population.
Although India ranks number three after the US and China in the absolute
number of vaccines administered, only about 13% of its population has
received a single jab and about 2% fully vaccinated.
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Many countries have already vaccinated more than half their adult population.
Unequal Procurement Process:
The revised vaccine procurement process builds in a skew against smaller
hospitals in cities and towns in comparison to their bigger counterparts in
simply getting access to the shots, and a more disconcerting urban-rural
divide in terms of where healthcare facilities are vis-à-vis the already-
established supply-chain map.
Digital Divide:
There is the issue of mandatory Co-Win registration as part of the new
decentralised distribution strategy, which potentially adds to an entry barrier
that could be tougher to navigate for users in the hinterland, both in terms
of access to the platform and an English-only interface for users so far.
Mandatory online registration introduces a skew in favour of urban centres,
given that a little over half of India’s population has access to broadband
Internet, while rural tele-density is under 60%.
States including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya
Pradesh having among the country’s lowest tele-density.
It is more difficult for those with less access and greater unfamiliarity with
technology, including access to a smartphone or computer.
Way Forward
Efficacious and safe vaccines, regardless of their origin, need to be critically
but quickly examined and added to the pool.
India’s Covid-19 vaccine drive will be a monumental mission, not just in terms
of vaccinating its own population, but also vaccinating a large part of the world
thanks to its position as the world’s leading vaccine producer. Addressing the
issues associated with the development and distribution of vaccines will
augment the effort to efficiently get vaccines to hundreds of millions in the
shortest period of time.
National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery
Storage
Why is it in News
The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 18,100-crore Production Linked Incentive
(PLI) scheme for manufacturers of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery
storage, to reduce imports.
The scheme is called the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell
Battery Storage (NPACC). It is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries &
Public Enterprises.
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About PLI Scheme:
o It aims to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products
manufactured in domestic units.
o It invites foreign companies to set units in India, however, it also aims to
encourage local companies to set up or expand existing manufacturing units.
o The PLI Scheme has also been approved for sectors such as automobiles,
pharmaceuticals, IT hardware including laptops, mobile phones & telecom
equipment, white goods, chemical cells and textiles, etc.
About Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC):
o ACCs are the new generation of advanced storage technologies that can store
electric energy either as electrochemical or as chemical energy and convert it
back to electric energy as and when required.
o Such battery storages will cater not only to electric vehicles but also to the
consumer electronics industry and electricity grids.
About NPACC Scheme:
o The plan is to set up 50 gigawatt hour (GWh) manufacturing capacity for ACC
batteries by attracting investments totaling Rs. 45,000 crore.
o Requires each selected ACC battery Storage manufacturer to set-up an ACC
manufacturing facility of minimum 5 GWh capacity, achieve a domestic value
addition of at least 25% and incur the mandatory investment Rs.225 crore
/GWh within 2 Years.
o Furthermore, the beneficiary firms need to ensure a minimum 60% domestic
value addition at the Project level within five years.
o The incentive will be disbursed over a period of five years. It will be paid
out on the basis of sales, energy efficiency, battery life cycle, and localization
levels.
Expected Benefits from NPACC Scheme:
o Facilitate demand creation for battery storage in India.
o Facilitate Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
o Facilitate demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs), which are proven to be
significantly less polluting.
A key contributing factor to reduce India's GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
o Import substitution of around Rs. 20,000 crore every year.
o Impetus to Research & Development to achieve higher specific energy density
and cycles in ACC.
o Promote newer and niche cell technologies.
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RBI’s Measures to support Fight Covid-Second Wave
Why is it in News
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a series of measures to
support the nation’s fight against the second wave of Covid-19 infections.
The measures form the first part of a calibrated and comprehensive
strategy against the pandemic.
Earlier in 2020 also the RBI took measures to help deal with the economic fall
out of the pandemic.
Key Points
Term Liquidity Facility for Supporting Healthcare Infrastructure:
o Term Liquidity Facility of Rs. 50,000 crore with tenure of up to 3 years, at repo
rate, to ease access to credit for providers of emergency health services.
o Under the scheme, banks will provide fresh lending support to a wide range of
entities, including vaccine manufacturers, importers/suppliers of vaccines and
priority medical devices, hospitals/dispensaries, pathology labs, manufacturers
and suppliers of oxygen and ventilators, and logistics firms.
o These loans will continue to be classified under priority sector till repayment
or maturity, whichever is earlier.
This lending facility will be available up to 31st, March 2022.
Special Long Term Repo Operations for Small Finance Banks:
o RBI would conduct special three-year long-term repo operations (SLTRO) of
Rs. 10,000 crore at repo rate for small finance banks (SFBs).
Long Term Repo Operation is a tool under which the central bank provides
one-year to three-year money to banks at the prevailing repo rate, accepting
government securities with matching or higher tenure as the collateral.
o The SFBs would be able to deploy these funds for fresh lending of up to Rs.
10 lakh per borrower.
o This is to provide further support to small business units, micro and small
industries, and other unorganised sector entities adversely affected during the
current wave of the pandemic.
Priority Sector Lending:
o Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are now permitted to regard fresh on-lending
to Microfinance institutions (MFIs) with asset size up to Rs. 500 crore, as
priority sector lending.
This facility will be available up to 31st, March 2022.
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Credit flow to MSME Entrepreneurs:
o To further incentivize inclusion of unbanked Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) into banking system, exemption provided in February,
2021 wherein scheduled banks were allowed to deduct credit given to new
MSME borrowers from Net Time & Demand Liabilities for calculation
of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), is now extended to 31st December, 2021.
Stress Resolution Framework 2.0:
o This Framework is to relieve stress faced by most vulnerable categories of
borrowers – namely individuals, borrowers and MSMEs.
o Individuals, borrowers and MSMEs who have not availed any
restructuring will be eligible to be considered under Resolution Framework
2.0.
o For individuals and small businesses who have availed restructuring of loans
under Resolution Framework 1.0, lending institutions can now extend residual
tenure up to a total period of 2 years.
Lending institutions are now permitted to review working capital sanction
limits, as a one-time measure.
Floating Provisions and Countercyclical Provisioning Buffer:
o In order to mitigate the pandemic related stress on banks and as a measure to
enable capital conservation, banks are being allowed to utilise 100% of floating
provisions held by them as 31st December, 2020, for making specific
provisions for Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
o Countercyclical provisioning buffers and floating provisions broadly refer to
the specific amount that banks need to set aside in good times above the
mandatory provisioning requirement as prescribed by RBI, these are used only
in contingencies or extraordinary times of economic or system-wide
downturns. Banks have started building such reserves since 2010.
Relaxation of Overdraft Facility for States:
o To enable the State governments to better manage their fiscal situation in terms
of their cash flows and market borrowings, the maximum number of days of
overdraft (OD) in a quarter is being increased from 36 to 50 days and the
number of consecutive days of OD from 14 to 21 days.
This facility is available up to 30th September, 2021.
Earlier, the Ways and Means Advance (WMA) limits of states were enhanced.
Rationalization of Knowing Your Customer (KYC) Norms:
o The RBI has also decided to extend the scope of video KYC (know-your-
customer) or V-CIP (video-based customer identification process) for new
categories of customers such as proprietorship firms, authorised signatories
and beneficial owners of legal entities.
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Way Forward
In order to match the devastating speed of the virus, swift, wide-ranging,
sequenced and well-timed actions which reach out to various sections,
including the most vulnerable, have to be taken.
India has mounted a valiant defence to ramp up vaccines and medical support
while fighting rise in infections and mortalities in the second wave, after having
flattened infections. Shoring up livelihoods and restoring normalcy in access
to workplaces, education and incomes becomes an imperative in such a
situation.
Cyclone Tauktae
Why is it in News
Recently, Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat.
The cyclone has left a trail of destruction as it swept through the coastal states
of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
About Cyclone Tauktae:
Named by:
It is a tropical cyclone, named by Myanmar. It means 'gecko', a highly vocal
lizard, in the Burmese language.
Typically, tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region (Bay of Bengal
and Arabian Sea) develop during the pre-monsoon (April to June) and post-
monsoon (October to December) periods.
May-June and October-November are known to produce cyclones of severe
intensity that affect the Indian coasts.
Classification:
It has weakened into a "very severe cyclonic storm" from the "extremely
severe cyclonic storm".
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies cyclones on the basis
of the maximum sustained surface wind speed (MSW) they generate.
The cyclones are classified as severe (MSW of 48-63 knots), very severe
(MSW of 64-89 knots), extremely severe (MSW of 90-119 knots) and super
cyclonic storm (MSW of 120 knots or more). One knot is equal to 1.8 kmph
(kilometers per hour).
Developed in Arabian Sea:
Tauktae is the fourth cyclone in consecutive years to have developed in the
Arabian Sea, that too in the pre-monsoon period (April to June).
After Cyclone Mekanu in 2018, which struck Oman, Cyclone Vayu in 2019
struck Gujarat, followed by Cyclone Nisarga in 2020 that struck Maharashtra.
All these cyclones since 2018 have been categorised either ‘Severe Cyclone’
or above.
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Arabian Sea becoming Hotbed of Cyclones:
o Annually, five cyclones on average form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian
Sea combined. Of these, four develop in the Bay of Bengal, which is warmer
than the Arabian Sea.
o In 2018, while the Bay of Bengal maintained its average of four cyclones a
year, the Arabian Sea produced three cyclonic storms. In 2019, the Arabian
Sea overtook the Bay of Bengal with five cyclones to three.
o In 2020, the Bay of Bengal produced three cyclonic storms while the Arabian
Sea generated two.
o In recent years, meteorologists have observed that the Arabian Sea, too, has
been warming. This is a phenomenon associated with global warming.
o It has been observed that the sea surface temperature in the Arabian Sea has
been rising for about 40 years. The increase in temperature is in the zone of
1.2-1.4 degree Celsius.
About Tropical Cyclone:
o A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates over warm
tropical oceans and is characterized by low atmospheric pressure, high winds,
and heavy rain.
o A characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the eye, a central region of clear
skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.
o Storms of this type are called hurricanes in the North Atlantic and eastern
Pacific and typhoons in SouthEast Asia and China. They are called tropical
cyclones in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region and Willy-willies in
north-western Australia.
o Storms rotate counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in
the southern hemisphere.
o The conditions favourable for the formation and intensification of tropical
storms are:
Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C.
Presence of the Coriolis force.
Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
Upper divergence above the sea level system.
Naming of Tropical Cyclones:
o According to WMO (World Meteorological Organization) guidelines,
countries in every region are supposed to give names for cyclones.
o The North Indian Ocean Region covers tropical cyclones formed over Bay of
Bengal and Arabian Sea.
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o The 13 members, which come under the region, are Bangladesh, India,
Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.
o India Meteorological Department (IMD), one of the six Regional Specialised
Meteorological Centres (RSMC) in the world, is mandated to issue advisories
and name tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean Region.
It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Legislative Council in West Bengal
Why is it in News
Recently, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a Legislative
Council (Vidhan Parishad).
For setting up the Council, a Bill has to be introduced in the Assembly and
then a nod from the Governor is required. The Legislative Council in the State
was abolished in 1969.
Basis of Formation:
o India has a bicameral system of legislature.
o Just as Parliament has two Houses, the states can also have a Legislative
Council in addition to the Legislative Assembly through Article 169 of the
Constitution.
Six States having a Legislative Council: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
o In 2020, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the resolution for
abolition of the Legislative Council. This resolution is yet to be cleared by the
Parliament of India to finally abolish the council.
o In 2019, the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Council was abolished through the
J&K Reorganisation Bill, 2019, which reduced the State of J&K to the Union
Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
Article 169 (Creation and Abolition):
o The Parliament can abolish a Legislative Council (where it already exists)
or create it (where it does not exist) by a simple majority, that is, a majority of
the members of each House present and voting, if the legislative assembly of
the concerned state, by a special majority, passes a resolution to that effect.
o Special majority implies
A majority of the total membership of the assembly and
A majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the assembly present
and voting.
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Composition:
o Under Article 171 of the Constitution, the Legislative Council of a state shall
not have more than one-third of the total strength of the State
Assembly, and not less than 40 members.
o Like the Rajya Sabha, the legislative council is a continuing chamber, that is,
it is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. The tenure of a
Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) is six years, with one-third of the
members retiring every two years.
Manner of Election:
o One-third of the MLCs are elected by the state’s MLAs,
o Another 1/3rd by a special electorate comprising sitting members of local
governments such as municipalities and district boards,
o 1/12th by an electorate of teachers and another 1/12th by registered graduates.
o The remaining members are appointed by the Governor for distinguished
services in various fields namely, literature, science, art, cooperative
movement and social service.
LC vis-à-vis Rajya Sabha:
o The legislative power of the Councils are limited. Unlike Rajya Sabha which
has substantial powers to shape non-financial legislation, Legislative Councils
lack a constitutional mandate to do so.
o Assemblies can override suggestions/amendments made to legislation by the
Council.
o Again, unlike Rajya Sabha MPs, MLCs cannot vote in elections for the
President and Vice President. The Vice President is the Rajya Sabha
Chairperson while a member from the Council itself is chosen as the Council
Chairperson.
Role of Legislative Council:
o It can ensure individuals who might not be cut out for the elections are able to
contribute to the legislative process (like artists, scientists, etc).
o It can keep an eye on hasty decisions taken by the Legislative Assembly.
Arguments Against Legislative Council:
o It can delay legislation, also it is considered a burden on the state budget.
o It can also be used to park leaders who have not been able to win an election
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India loses ONGC-discovered Farzad-B gas field in Iran
Why is it in News
Recently, Iran gave the Farzad-B Gas Field to Petropars, a domestic gas producer.
This is a setback for India’s energy ties with Iran as ONGC Videsh Ltd
(OVL) had discovered the gas field in 2008 and has been part of the ongoing
cooperation on that front.
About Farzad-B Gas Field:
It is located in Persian Gulf.
The contract for exploration of the field was signed in 2002 by Indian
consortium comprising ONGC Videsh, Indian Oil Corporation and Oil India.
The contract expired in 2009 after declaration of commerciality of the field,
based on the gas discovery.
o It has gas reserves of more than 19 trillion cubic feet.
o ONGC has invested approximately USD 100 million.
Since then, the consortium has been trying to secure the contract for
development of the field
o The major dispute between India and Iran was over setting up of two pipelines,
and also over money to be quoted on the development plan.
o Around 75% of the deal was finalised by May 2018, when
the US unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal and announced sanctions
on Iran.
In January 2020, India was informed that in the immediate future, Iran would
develop the field on its own and would like to involve India appropriately at a
later stage.
Concerns for India:
Growing Influence of China:
In April 2021, China and Iran signed a 25-year "strategic cooperation
pact” which includes political, economic and strategic components.
China is also concluding a security and military partnership with Iran.
The China Iran strategic partnership may be an impediment for Indian entry
routes into Afghanistan through Chabahar and further connectivity
to International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC), although Iran
has not given any signals of disruption of these projects.
Further, Iran seems to be sceptical of India’s diplomatic ties with the US.
India's Energy Security:
India has stopped purchasing Iranian oil, which accounts for around 90% of its
imports from the Islamic nation.
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India was Iran's leading oil client after China until mid-2018.
India needs gas and Iran remains one of the best options as geographically, Iran
is closest to India of all the countries in the Persian gulf region.
Further, the Farzad-B Gas Field could have improved India-Iran ties as the
crude oil import from Iran remains impacted due to the US sanctions.
India's Role in the Region:
Maintaining ties with Iran even as it forges a new relationship with Saudi
Arabia and Israel is critical for India’s balancing policy in West Asia.
Connectivity to Central Asia:
Chabahar is not only a key to maritime relations between both the countries,
but also provides an opportunity to India to reach Russia and Central Asia.
Further, it allows India to bypass Pakistan which had blocked Indian aid to
Afghanistan and all trade over land.
Peaceful Afghanistan:
India, having made significant investments in Afghanistan, will always hope
for an Afghan elected, Afghan led, Afghan owned peace and reconciliation
process and a popular democratic government in Afghanistan.
However, India has to be watchful of Iran - Pakistan- China axis developing in
the neighbourhood of Afghanistan, with tentacles in the form of terror groups
inside it.
Way Forward
India is very reliant upon Middle East oil and gas and must maintain cordial
relations with most of the major suppliers, including Iran, UAE, Qatar, and
Saudi Arabia, as well as Iraq.
India needs to play a balancing act between the US and Iran.
In a world where connectivity is seen as the new currency, India’s loss on
account of these projects can become gain for some other country, especially
China.
World Bank’s report On Global Remittances
Why is it in News
According to the latest edition of the World Bank’s Migration and Development
Brief, despite Covid-19, remittance flows remained resilient in 2020, registering
a smaller decline than previously projected.
About Remittance
A remittance is money sent to another party, usually one in another country.
The sender is typically an immigrant and the recipient a relative back home.
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Remittances represent one of the largest sources of income for people in low-
income and developing nations. It often exceeds the amount of direct
investment and official development assistance.
Remittances help families afford food, healthcare, and basic needs.
India is the world’s biggest recipient of remittances. Remittances bolsters
India's foreign exchange reserves and helps fund its current account deficit.
Key Points of Report
Remittance Inflow of India:
o India being at top, received over USD 83 billion in remittances in 2020, a
drop of just 0.2 per cent from the previous year, despite a pandemic that
devastated the world economy.
In 2019, India had received USD 83.3 billion in remittances.
Global Remittances
o China is second in terms of global remittances in 2020.
China received USD 59.5 billion in remittances in 2020.
o India and China are followed by Mexico, the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan,
France and Bangladesh.
Remittance outflow:
o Remittance outflow was the maximum from the United States (USD 68
billion), followed by UAE, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Germany, and China.
Reason for the Steady Flow of Remittances:
o Fiscal stimulus that resulted in better-than-expected economic conditions in
host countries.
o Shift in flows from cash to digital and from informal to formal channels.
o Cyclical movements in oil prices and currency exchange rates.
About World Bank
o The Bretton Woods Conference held in 1944, created the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the International
Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IBRD later became the World Bank.
o The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions
working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared
prosperity in developing countries.
Members
o It has 189 member countries.
o India is also a member country.
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Major reports:
o Ease of Doing Business.
o Human Capital Index.
o World Development Report.
Its Five development institutions:
o International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): provides
loans, credits, and grants.
o International Development Association (IDA): provides low- or no-interest
loans to low-income countries.
o International Finance Corporation (IFC): provides investment, advice, and
asset management to companies and governments.
o Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA): insures lenders and investors against
political risk such as war.
o International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID): settles
investment-disputes between investors and countries.
About World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief
This is prepared by the Migration and Remittances Unit, Development
Economics (DEC)- the premier research and data arm of the World Bank.
The brief aims to provide an update on key developments in the area
of migration and remittance flows and related policies over the past six
months.
It also provides medium-term projections of remittance flows to developing
countries.
The brief is produced twice a year.
Overcrowding of Prison
Why is it in News
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has ordered the interim release of eligible
prisoners in view of the uncontrolled second surge in the raging Covid-19
pandemic.
The Court’s order aims to decongest jails and a measure that protects the right
to life and health of the prisoners.
Important Points of Supreme Court Order:
o Emphasised the need to adhere to the norms it had laid down in Arnesh Kumar
vs State of Bihar (2014) case.
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Under this case, the police were asked not to effect unnecessary arrests,
especially in cases that involve jail terms less than seven years.
o Authorities in all districts in the country to give effect to Section 436A of
the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C).
Under the Section 436A of the Cr.P.C, the undertrials who have completed
half of the maximum prison term prescribed for the offence may be released
on personal bond.
o Suggested the legislature to consider the idea of placing convicts under house
arrest to avoid overcrowding of prisons.
The occupancy rate in prisons climbed to 118.5% in 2019. Moreover, a very
large sum of the budget is used for the maintenance of prisons.
o Ordered all States to take preventive steps as well as constitute high-powered
committees to determine the class of prisoners who could be released on bail
or parole for a specified period.
Status of Indian Prisons:
o Indian prisons face three long-standing structural constraints:
Overcrowding,
Understaffing and underfunding and
Violent clashes.
o The Prison Statistics India 2016, published by the National Crime Records
Bureau (NCRB) in 2019 highlights the plight of prisoners in India.
Under-trial Population: India’s under-trial population remains among the
highest in the world and more than half of all undertrials were detained for
less than six months in 2016.
The report highlights that at the end of 2016, there were 4,33,033 people in
prison, of whom 68% were undertrials.
People Held Under Preventive Detention: There is the rise in the number of
people held under administrative (or ‘prevention’) detention laws in
Jammu and Kashmir.
Unawareness about Section 436A of C.R.P.C.: There is a gap between the
number of prisoners eligible to be released and actually released, under
Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Also, research by Amnesty India has found that prison officials are frequently
unaware of this section and unwilling to apply it.
Unnatural Deaths in Prison: The number of “unnatural” deaths in prisons
has doubled between 2015 and 2016, from 115 to 231.
The rate of suicide among prisoners also increased by 28%, from 77 suicides
in 2015 to 102 in 2016.
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Lack of Mental Health Professional: There was only one mental health
professional for every 21,650 prisoners in 2016, with only six States and one
Union Territory having psychologists /psychiatrists.
Also, the NCRB had said that about 6,013 individuals with mental illness were
in jail in 2016.
Recommendation for Prison Reforms
The Supreme Court appointed Justice Amitava Roy (retd.) Committee has
given the following recommendations to reform prisons.
For Overcrowding:
Speedy Trial: Speedy trial remains one of the best ways to remedy the
unwarranted phenomenon of overcrowding.
Lawyer to Prisoner Ratio: There should be at least one lawyer for every 30
prisoners, which is not the case at present.
Special Courts: Special fast-track courts should be set up to deal exclusively
with petty offences which have been pending for more than five years.
Avoid Adjournment: An adjournment should not be granted in cases where
witnesses are present and the concept of plea bargaining, in which the accused
admits guilt for a lesser sentence, should be promoted.
For Prisoners:
Accommodative Transition: Every new prisoner should be allowed a free
phone call a day to his family members to see him through his first week in
jail.
Legal Aid: Providing effective legal aid to prisoners and taking steps to
provide vocational skills and education to prisoners.
Use of ICT: Use of video-conferencing for trial.
Alternatives: The courts may be asked to use their "discretionary powers"
and award sentences like "fine and admonition" if possible instead of sending
the offenders to jails.
Further, courts may be encouraged to release offenders on probation at pre-
trial stage or after trial in deserving cases.
Filling Vacancies:
The Supreme Court should pass directions asking authorities to start the
recruitment process against permanent vacancies within three months and the
process should be completed in a year.
For Food: Modern cooking facilities and canteens to buy essential items.
In 2017, the Law Commission of India had recommended that undertrials who
have completed a third of their maximum sentence for offences attracting up
to seven years of imprisonment be released on bail.
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Constitutional Provisions
State Subject: 'Prisons/persons detained therein' is a State subject under
Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India.
o Administration and management of prisons is the responsibility of respective
State Governments.
o However, the Ministry of Home Affairs provides regular guidance and advice
to States and UTs on various issues concerning prisons and prison inmates.
Article 39A: Article 39A of the Constitution directs the State to ensure that
the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal
opportunity and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid by suitable
legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for
securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other
disabilities.
o Right to free legal aid or free legal service is an essential fundamental right
guaranteed by the Constitution.
o It forms the basis of reasonable, fair and just liberty under Article 21 of the
Constitution of India, which says, “No person shall be deprived of his life or
personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”.
Key Terms
Undertrials: These are the people who are yet to be found guilty of the crimes
they have been accused of.
Preventive Detention: The imprisonment of a person with the aim of
preventing them from committing further offences or of maintaining public
order.
o Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution allows for preventive detention and
restriction on personal liberty for reasons of state security and public order.
o Further, Article 22 (4) states that no law providing for preventive detention
shall authorise the detention of a person for a longer period than three months
unless:
o An Advisory Board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.
o Such a person is detained in accordance with the provisions of any law made
by the Parliament.
Data Protection in India
Why is it in News
Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has sent a notice
to WhatsApp asking it to withdraw a controversial update to its privacy policy
which might be a threat to Data Protection of Indians.
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About the Issue:
o According to WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, users would no longer be
able to stop the app from sharing data (such as location and number) with its
parent Facebook unless they delete their accounts altogether.
Its privacy updates are designed to make the business interactions that take
place on its platform easier while also personalising ads on Facebook. That is
how it will have to make its money.
o According to the Government, the messaging app discriminates against Indian
users vis-à-vis users in Europe on the matter of a choice to opt-out of the new
privacy policy.
WhatsApp users in Europe can opt-out of the new privacy policy owing to
the laws in the European Union (EU) called the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR), which shield them from sharing data from Facebook or
grant them the power to say no to WhatsApp’s new terms of service.
Data Protection (Meaning):
o Data protection is the process of safeguarding important information from
corruption, compromise or loss.
Data is the large collection of information that is stored in a computer or on a
network.
o The importance of data protection increases as the amount of data created and
stored continues to grow at unprecedented rates.
Need:
o According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)'s Digital
in India report 2019, there are about 504 million active web users and India’s
online market is second only to China.
o Large collection of information about individuals and their online habits has
become an important source of profits. It is also a potential avenue for
invasion of privacy because it can reveal extremely personal aspects.
Companies, governments, and political parties find it valuable because they
can use it to find the most convincing ways to advertise to you online.
Laws for Data Protection across the Globe:
o European Union: The primary aim of the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) is to give individuals control over their personal data.
o US: It has sectoral laws to deal with matters of digital privacy such as the US
Privacy Act, 1974, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act etc.
Initiatives in India:
Information Technology Act, 2000:
It provides for safeguard against certain breaches in relation to data from
computer systems. It contains provisions to prevent the unauthorized use of
computers, computer systems and data stored therein.
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Personal Data Protection Bill 2019:
The Supreme Court maintained the right to privacy as a fundamental right in
the landmark decision of K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India 2017 after which
the Union government had appointed Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee for
proposing skeletal legislation in the discipline of data protection.
The Committee came up with its report and draft legislation in the form of
the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018.
In 2019, Parliament again revised the Bill and much deviation from the 2018
Bill was evident. The new Bill was named as Personal Data Protection Bill,
2019.
The purpose of this Bill is to provide for protection of privacy of individuals
relating to their Personal Data and to establish a Data Protection Authority of
India for the said purposes and the matters concerning the personal data of an
individual.
Concerns Related to Personal Data Protection Bill 2019:
o It is like a two-sided sword. While it protects the personal data of Indians by
empowering them with data principal rights, on the other hand, it gives the
central government with exemptions which are against the principles of
processing personal data.
The government can process even sensitive personal data when needed,
without explicit permission from the data principals.
Way Forward
In this digital age, data is a valuable resource that should not be left
unregulated. In this context, the time is ripe for India to have a robust data
protection regime.
It is time that requisite changes are made in the Personal Data Protection Bill,
2019. It needs to be reformulated to ensure that it focuses on user rights with
an emphasis on user privacy. A privacy commission would have to be
established to enforce these rights.
The government would also have to respect the privacy of the citizens
while strengthening the right to information. Additionally, the technological
leaps made in the last two to three years also need to be addressed knowing
that they have the capacity of turning the law redundant.
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International Energy Agency: Net Zero by 2050
Why in News
Recently, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) released its Net Zero
Emissions (NZE) Roadmap - named ‘Net Zero by 2050’.
It is the World's first comprehensive energy roadmap which comes ahead of
the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) 26 climate
change convention in Glasgow, Scotland in November 2021.
‘Net zero emissions’ refers to achieving an overall balance between
greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out
of the atmosphere.
About International Energy Agency
IEA is an autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974 in
Paris, France.
IEA mainly focuses on its energy policies which include economic
development, energy security and environmental protection. These policies
are also known as the 3 E’s of IEA.
India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017 but it was in
engagement with IEA long before its association with the organization.
o Recently, India has inked a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the IEA to
strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability and sustainability.
The World Energy Outlook Report is released by the IEA annually.
Recently, it has released the India Energy Outlook 2021 Report.
IEA Clean Coal Centre is dedicated to providing independent information and
analysis on how coal can become a cleaner source of energy, compatible with
the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Points about Net Zero by 2050
Need:
o Climate pledges by governments till date even if fully achieved would fall
well short of what is required to bring global energy-related carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions to net zero by 2050 and give the world an even chance
of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C.
Aim of the Roadmap:
Examine Impact:
To examine the impacts of announced NZE pledges and what they might
mean for the energy sector.
New Energy Pathway:
To develop a new energy-sector pathway towards achieving NZE globally by
2050.
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Recommend Governments:
To set out key policy recommendations for governments to act upon in the
near-term, and a long-term agenda for change to achieve net-zero goals,
including with a view to reaching other Sustainable Development Goals.
Principles to be Followed:
Technology Neutrality:
Technology neutrality, with adoption driven by costs, technological readiness,
country and market conditions and trade-offs with wider societal goals.
Technology Neutrality is generally described as the freedom of individuals
and organizations to choose the most appropriate and suitable technology to
their needs and requirements for development, acquisition, use or
commercialisation, without dependencies on knowledge involved as
information or data.
Universal Cooperation:
Universal international cooperation, in which all countries contribute to net
zero, with an eye to a ‘just transition’ and where advanced economies lead.
Minimizing Volatility:
An orderly transition that seeks to minimise stranded assets where possible,
while ensuring energy security and minimising volatility in energy markets.
Milestones Set by the Roadmap: More than 400 milestones to guide the
global journey to net zero by 2050 which include:
Fossil Fuels:
No investment in new fossil fuel supply projects, and no further final
investment decisions for new unabated coal plants.
Vehicle sale:
No sales of new internal combustion engine passenger cars by 2035.
Electricity Generation:
The global electricity sector should reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
It calls for annual additions of solar power to reach 630 gigawatts by
2030, and those of wind power to reach 390 gigawatts.
Together, this is four times the record level set in 2020.
It suggests the following on global electricity generation towards 2050:
714% more renewables.
104% more nuclear.
93% less coal (and all remaining coal with Carbon Capture and Storage
(CCS).
85% less natural gas (with 73% of that with CCS).
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Significance:
o It is supposed to provide a pathway to bridge the current gap between rhetoric
and reality in reducing GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the energy
and industry sectors.
Criticism:
Ignorance:
IEA did not consider historical emitters, ignoring the principle of ‘climate
justice’.
Developed countries benefited from the Industrial Revolution at the cost of
emitting GHGs, leading to climate change.
Hence, they have the economies to decarbonise, allowing space for poor and
developing countries to get financing and innovation organised to switch to
cleaner energy options.
Regulations Needed:
There is potentially an over-reliance on behavioral change to consume less
energy.
Regulations will be essential to positively motivate constructive social change
in economies.
Way Forward
The world is facing a formidable task of transforming the energy sector within
30 years in a cost-effective manner, even as the world economy more than
doubles in size and the global population increases by 2 billion people.
The need for the world to reach NZE by 2050 lies in the major interim
steps that need to be taken through 2030 to engineer cheap and green energy
from hydrogen and renewable energy while making them accessible to all.
Israel-Palestine Issue
Why is it in News
Recently, Israeli armed forces attacked Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif
in Jerusalem, ahead of a march by Zionist nationalists commemorating Israel’s
capture of the eastern half of the city in 1967.
The threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families in the East Jerusalem
neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah escalated the crisis further.
Zionism is a worldwide Jewish movement that resulted in the establishment
and development of the state of Israel and that now supports the state of Israel
as a Jewish homeland.
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About Al-Aqsa Mosque:
o It is one of
the holiest
structures in
the Islamic
faith. It sits
inside a 35-
acre site
known by
Muslims as
Haram al-
Sharif, or
the Noble
Sanctuary,
and by Jews
as the
Temple
Mount.
The site is
part of the
Old City of
Jerusalem, sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims.
o It is believed to have been completed early in the eighth century and faces the
Dome of the Rock, the golden-domed Islamic shrine that is a widely
recognized symbol of Jerusalem.
o The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,
UNESCO, has classified the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls as a World
Heritage Site.
Conflict over Jerusalem:
o Jerusalem has been at the centre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According
to the original 1947 United Nations (UN) partition plan, Jerusalem was
proposed to be an international city.
o But in the first Arab Israel war of 1948, the Israelis captured the western half
of the city, and Jordan took the eastern part, including the Old City that houses
Haram al-Sharif.
o Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordan in the Six-Day War 1967 and
annexed it later.
Since its annexation, Israel has expanded settlements in East Jerusalem.
o Israel sees the whole city as its “unified, eternal capital”, whereas
the Palestinian leadership across the political spectrum have maintained that
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they would not accept any compromise formula for the future Palestinian state
unless East Jerusalem is its capital.
Sheikh Jarrah Issue:
o Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced out of their homes when
the State of Israel was created in historical Palestine in 1948.
Twenty-eight of those Palestinian families moved to Sheikh Jarrah in East
Jerusalem to settle there.
o In 1956, when East Jerusalem was ruled by Jordan, the Jordanian Ministry of
Construction and Development and the UN Relief and Works
Agency facilitated the construction of houses for these families in Sheikh
Jarrah. But Israel would capture East Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967.
By the early 1970s, Jewish agencies started demanding the families leave the
land.
o Earlier this year (2021), the Central Court in East Jerusalem upheld a decision
to evict four Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah in favor
of Jewish settlers.
o The issue remains unresolved and potentially inflammable.
India’s Stand on Israel-Palestine Issue:
o India recognised Israel in 1950 but it is also the first non-Arab country to
recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole representative
of the Palestinian.
India is also one of the first countries to recognise the statehood of Palestine
in 1988.
o In 2014, India favored UNHRC’s resolution to probe Israel’s human rights
violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, India abstained from voting
against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.
o As a part of Link West Policy, India has de-hyphenated its relationship with
Israel and Palestine in 2018 to treat both the countries mutually independent
and exclusive.
o In June 2019, India voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel in the UN
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that objected to granting
consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.
o So far India has tried to maintain the image of its historical moral supporter
for Palestinian self-determination, and at the same time to engage in the
military, economic, and other strategic relations with Israel.
Related Developments:
o In March 2021, International Criminal Court (ICC) launched investigatations
into the war crimes in Palestinian territories occupied by Israel (West Bank
and the Gaza Strip).
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o In April 2021, the US restored at least USD 235 million in financial assistance
to the Palestinians.
Way Forward
The world at large needs to come together for a peaceful solution but the
reluctance of the Israeli government and other involved parties have
aggravated the issue more. Thus a balanced approach would help to maintain
favorable relations with Arab countries as well as Israel.
The recent normalization agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain,
Sudan, and Morocco, known as the Abraham Accords, are the steps in the
right direction. All regional powers should envisage peace between the two
countries on line of Abraham Accords.
India’s Brain Drain in Health Sector
Why is it in News
India has been a major exporter of healthcare workers to developed nations
particularly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Europe and other
English-speaking countries.
This Brain Drain in the health sector is part of the reason for the current
shortage in nurses and doctors.
About Brain Drain:
o Brain drain is a term indicating substantial emigration or migration of
individuals.
A brain drain can result from turmoil within a nation, the existence
of favorable professional opportunities in other countries, or from a desire to
seek a higher standard of living.
o The majority of migration is from developing to developed countries. This is
of growing concern worldwide because of its impact on the health systems in
developing countries.
o As per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) data, around 69,000 Indian trained doctors worked in the UK, US,
Canada and Australia in 2017. In these four countries, 56,000 Indian-trained
nurses were working in the same year.
o There is also large-scale migration of health workers to the GCC countries but
there is a lack of credible data on the stock of such workers in these nations.
There is no real-time data on high-skilled migration from India as in the case
of low-skilled and semi-skilled migration.
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Reasons:
Need in the Pandemic:
With the onset of the pandemic, there has been a greater demand for
healthcare workers across the world, especially in developed nations.
Countries in dire need of retaining their healthcare workers have adopted
migrant-friendly policies.
The UK has granted free one-year visa extensions to eligible overseas
healthcare workers and their dependents whose visas were due to expire
before October 2021.
France has offered citizenship to frontline immigrant healthcare workers
during the pandemic.
Higher Pay and Better Opportunities:
There are strong pull factors associated with the migration of healthcare
workers, in terms of higher pay and better opportunities in the destination
countries.
Low Wages and Lack of Investment in India:
There are strong push factors that often drive these workers to migrate abroad.
In case of nurses in India the low wages in private sector outfits along with
reduced opportunities in the public sector plays a big role in them seeking
employment opportunities outside the country.
The lack of government investment in healthcare and delayed appointments to
public health institutions act as a catalyst for such migration.
Policies of the Indian Government:
The government’s policies to check brain drain are restrictive in nature and do
not give a real long-term solution to the problem.
In 2014, it stopped issuing No Objection to Return to India
(NORI) certificates to doctors migrating to the US.
The NORI certificate is a US government requirement for doctors who
migrate to America on a J1 visa and seek to extend their stay beyond three
years.
The government has included nurses in the Emigration Check Required (ECR)
category. This move was taken to bring about transparency in nursing
recruitment and reduce exploitation of nurses in the destination countries.
Concerns in India’s Health Sector:
Lack of Human Resource:
India has 1.7 nurses per 1,000 population and a doctor to patient ratio of
1:1,404 this is well below the World Health Organization (WHO) norm of
three nurses per 1,000 population and a doctor to patient ratio of 1:1,100.
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Skewed Distribution:
The distribution of doctors and nurses is heavily skewed against some
regions. Moreover, there is high concentration in some urban pockets.
Poor Infrastructure:
The 2020 Human Development Report shows that India has five hospital beds
per 10,000 people one of the lowest in the world.
Way Forward
Increased investment in healthcare, especially in the public sector, is thus
the need of the hour. This would, in turn, increase employment opportunities
for health workers.
India needs systematic changes to building an overall environment that
could prove to be beneficial for them and motivate them to stay in the country.
The government should focus on framing policies that promote circular
migration and return migration—policies that incentivise healthcare workers
to return home after the completion of their training or studies.
India could also work towards framing bilateral agreements that could help
shape a policy of “brain-share” between the sending and receiving countries.
Six Sites added in Tentative List of World Heritage Sites
Why in News
Recently, six Indian places have been added to the tentative list of
UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization) world heritage sites.
The submissions were made by Archaeological Survey of India, which is
responsible for the conservation and preservation of Indian monuments.
About Tentative List:
o As per Operational Guidelines, 2019 of UNESCO, it is mandatory to put any
monument/site on the Tentative List (TL) for one year before it is considered
for the final nomination dossier.
Once the nomination is done, it is sent to the World Heritage Centre (WHC).
o India has 48 sites in the Tentative List as of now.
World Heritage Site:
o Any of various areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.
o The sites are designated as having “outstanding universal value” under
the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage 1972.
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The World Heritage Centre is the Secretariat to the 1972 Convention.
o It provides a framework for international cooperation in preserving and
protecting cultural treasures and natural areas throughout the world.
o There are three types of sites: Cultural, Natural, and Mixed.
Cultural heritage sites include hundreds of historic buildings and town sites,
important archaeological sites, and works of monumental sculpture or
painting.
Natural heritage sites are restricted to those natural areas that have excellent
ecological and evolutionary processes, unique natural phenomena, habitats of
rare or endangered species etc.
Mixed heritage sites contain elements of both natural and cultural
significance.
o India has 38 world heritage sites, including 30 cultural properties, 7 natural
properties and 1 mixed site. The latest one included is Jaipur city, Rajasthan.
About New Six Places in Tentative List:
Satpura Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh):
Home to 26 species of the Himalayan region including reptiles, and 42 species
of Nilgiri areas. It is the largest tiger-occupied forest and also has the largest
tiger population.
Ghats of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh):
The ghats date back to the 14th century but most were rebuilt, along with
Varanasi, in the 18th century by Maratha rulers.
They have special significance in Hindu mythology, and are primarily used
for bathing and Hindu religious rituals.
Megalithic Site of Hire Benkal (Karnataka):
This 2,800-years-old megalithic site is one of the largest prehistoric
megalithic settlements where some funerary monuments are still intact.
The granite structures are burial monuments that may also have served
many ritual purposes. Due to the extremely valuable collection of Neolithic
monuments, the site was proposed for recognition.
Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra:
There are 12 forts in Maharashtra dating back to the era of the
17th century Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji. They are Shivneri, Raigad,
Torna, Rajgad, Salher-Mulher, Panhala, Pratapgad, Lohagad, Sindhudurg,
Padmadurga, Vijaydurg and Kolaba.
These forts offer new insight in various forms of architecture including rock
cut features, construction of perimeter walls in layers on hill tops and slopes,
temples, palaces, markets, residential areas, and almost every form of
medieval architecture.
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Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley- Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh):
Bhedaghat, referred to as the Grand Canyon of India, is a town in the Jabalpur
district.
It is known for its marble rocks and their various morphological forms on
either side of the Narmada river which flows through the gorge.
Several dinosaur fossils have been found in the Narmada valley, particularly
in the Bhedaghat-Lameta Ghat area of Jabalpur.
River Narmada narrows down on its way through marble rocks and plunges
in a waterfall giving out the appearance of a smoke cascade.
Temples of Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu):
Kanchipuram is known for its spirituality, serenity, and silk.
It is situated on the banks of River Vegavathi.
This historical city once had 1,000 temples, of which only 126 (108 Shaiva
and 18 Vaishnava) now remain.
Its rich legacy has been the endowment of the Pallava dynasty, which made
the region its capital between the 6th and 7th centuries and lavished upon its
architectural gems that are a fine example of Dravidian styles.
Chief Secretary of State
Why is it News
The Central Government may initiate disciplinary action against the West Bengal
Chief Secretary after he failed to report to the Department of Personnel and
Training (DoPT) in New Delhi as ordered earlier.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the
“placement of services” of Chief Secretary, as per provisions Rule 6(1) of
the Indian Administrative Service (cadre) Rules, 1954.
o The ACC is headed by the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister is the other
member.
About Chief Secretary of State:
Appointment:
The Chief Secretary is ‘chosen’ by the Chief Minister.
As the appointment of Chief Secretary is an executive action of the Chief
Minister, it is taken in the name of the Governor of the State.
Position:
The post of Chief Secretary is the senior-most position in the civil services of
the states and union territories of India.
The position is a cadre post for the Indian Administrative Services.
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The Chief Secretary is the chief advisor to the Chief Minister in all matters of
the cabinet.
Tenure:
The office of Chief Secretary has been excluded from the operation of the
tenure system.
There is no fixed tenure for this post.
All India Services (AIS):
Pre Independence:
The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was the senior most amongst the Services of
the Crown in India.
Besides the ICS, there was also the Imperial Police.
Post Independence:
The need of All India Services for maintaining the unity, integrity and stability
of the nation was felt after Independence.
Constitutional Provisions: Accordingly, a provision was made in Article
312 of the Constitution for creation of one or more All India Services
common to the Union and State.
The Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service are deemed
to be constituted by the Parliament in terms of Article 312 of the Constitution.
After the promulgation of the Constitution, a new All India Service, namely,
the Indian Forest Service, was created in 1966.
Recruitment and Postings:
The members of these services are recruited by the Centre, but their services
are placed under various State cadres, and they have the liability to serve both
under the State and under the Centre.
This aspect of the All India Services strengthens the unitary character of
the Indian federation.
Controlling Authority:
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions is the cadre
controlling authority for the IAS.
The Union Home Ministry is the cadre controlling authority of IPS officers.
The recruitment to all the three services is made by the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC).
These officers are recruited and trained by the Central Government, and then
allotted to different State cadres.
IAS Cadre Rules:
After the All India Services Act, 1951 came into existence, the IAS cadre rules
were framed in 1954.
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Deputation of Cadre Officers: A cadre officer may, with the concurrence of
the State governments concerned and the Central government, be deputed for
service under the Central government or another State government.
Scenario of Disagreement: In case of any disagreement, the matter shall be
decided by the Central government.
The rule on deputation giving more discretionary powers to the Centre was
added in May 1969.
Extension of Service:
Rule 16(1) of DCRB (Death-cum-Retirement Benefit) Rules says that “a
member of the Service dealing with budget work or working as a full-time
member of a Committee which is to be wound up within a short period may
be given extension of service for a period not exceeding three months in public
interest, with the prior approval of the Central Government”.
For an officer posted as Chief Secretary of a state, this extension can be for six
months.
Precedence in Deputation:
Concurrence Required: Before any officer of AIS is called for deputation to
the Centre, his or her concurrence is required.
Procedure: The Establishment Officer in DoPT invites nominations from
State governments.
Once the nomination is received, their eligibility is scrutinised by a panel and
then an offer list is prepared, traditionally done with the State government on
board.
Central Ministries and offices can then choose from the list of officers on
offer.
Course of Action on Refusal of Order:
The All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 are not clear on
the punishment in such cases.
Penalising Authority: Rule 7 says, the authority to institute proceedings and to
impose penalty will be the State government while he or she was “serving in
connection with the affairs of a State.”
Model Tenancy Act
Why is it in News
The Union Cabinet has approved the Model Tenancy Act to be sent to the States
and Union Territories to enact legislation or amend laws on rental properties.
The draft Act had been published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs in 2019.
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Key Points
Some Provisions:
Written Agreement is Mandatory:
Mandatory for there to be a written agreement between the property owner
and the tenant.
Establishes Independent Authority and Rent Court:
Establishes an independent authority in every state and UT for registration of
tenancy agreements and even a separate court to take up tenancy related
disputes.
Maximum Limit for Security Deposit:
Limit the tenant’s advance security deposit to a maximum of two months
rent for residential purposes and to a maximum of six months for non-
residential purposes.
Describes Rights and Obligations of both Landlord and Tenant:
The landlord will be responsible for activities like structural repairs except those
necessitated by damage caused by the tenant, whitewashing of walls and painting
of doors and windows, etc.
The tenant will be responsible for drain cleaning, switches and socket repairs,
kitchen fixtures repairs, replacement of glass panels in windows, doors and
maintenance of gardens and open spaces, among others.
24-hour Prior Notice by the Landlord:
A landowner will have to give 24-hour prior notice before entering the rented
premises to carry out repairs or replacement.
Mechanism for Vacating the Premises:
If a landlord has fulfilled all the conditions stated in the rent agreement giving
notice etc. and the tenant fails to vacate the premises on the expiration of the
period of tenancy or termination of tenancy, the landlord is entitled to double
the monthly rent for two months and four times after that.
Coverage:
o It will apply to premises let out for residential, commercial or educational use,
but not for industrial use.
o It also won’t cover hotels, lodging houses, inns, etc.
o It will be applied prospectively and will not affect existing tenancies.
Need:
o As per Census 2011, nearly 1.1 crore houses were lying vacant in the country
and making these houses available on rent will complement the vision
of ‘Housing for All’ by 2022.
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Significance:
o The authority will provide a speedy mechanism in resolving disputes and
other related matters.
o It will help overhaul the legal framework with respect to rental housing across
the country.
o It will enable creation of adequate rental housing stock for all the income
groups thereby addressing the issue of homelessness.
o It will enable institutionalisation of rental housing by gradually shifting it
towards the formal market.
o It is expected to give a fillip to private participation in rental housing as a
business model for addressing the huge housing shortage.
Challenges:
o The Act is not binding on the states as land and urban development remain
state subjects.
o Like in the case with RERA (Real Estate (Regulation and Development Act),
the fear is that states may choose not to follow guidelines, diluting the essence
of the Model Act.
Improving Learning Outcomes: School Performance
Grading Index.
Backstory
The Ministry of Education recently released the School Performance Grading
Index.
What is the Performance Grading Index (PGI)?
The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a tool to provide insights on the status
of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their
performance and critical areas for improvement.
What are the objectives of the report?
The PGI exercise envisages that the index would propel states and UTs towards
undertaking multi-pronged interventions that will bring about much-desired
optimal education outcomes.
How will it help the states?
The index helps the states and UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritise
areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every
level.
How is the information on various indicators collected?
The information on the indicators are drawn from data available with the DoSEL
from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), National
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Achievement Survey (NAS) of NCERT, Mid Day Meal website, Public Financial
Management System (PFMS) and the information uploaded by the States and
UTs on the Shagun PortalEL.
How many indicators are there?
The PGI is structured in two categories, namely, Outcomes, and Governance &
Management and comprises 70 indicators in aggregate with a total weightage of
1000.
Which states have topped the index this year?
Five states and Union territories scored more than 90% for the first time and
reached Level-2 or Grade I++ in the performance grading index. The states
include Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
How many states are there in Level 1?
For the third year in a row, none of the states or Union territories reached Level-
1.
PGI provides grades as opposed to ranks. Why is it better?
Grading, by allowing several states and Union territories to be considered at the
same level, eliminates the phenomenon of one improving only at the cost of
others, which casts a stigma of underperformance on the latter.
Is the performance related to population of the state?
Perceptions that population and performance are linked and that high population
may adversely impact performance may not be true. However, the report states
that the effect of population on the performance of states and Union territories is
inconclusive.
Whare the common problems facing schools in all states?
Shortage of teachers, principals and administrative staff, lack of regular
supervision and inspection, inadequate training of the teachers, timely availability
of finances are some of the factors plaguing the education system.
How will PGI help with this?
Through the PGI, the shortfalls can be measured objectively and regularly. This
is crucial for taking necessary steps to eliminate the gaps.
Regulating Temples in Tamil Nadu
Backstory
Recently, demands have been raised to free Hindu temples from the state control.
Can the state control religious institution in a secular country?
Yes. At an intuitive level, the idea of governments overseeing the management
of religious institutions strikes one as anathema to a secular, democratic republic.
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But India does not follow the Western model of secularism which advocates a
strict separation between religion and state but one where the state can intervene
for reform of religion.
Why was this model adopted?
The Constituent Assembly was especially mindful of the civic history
surrounding matters of faith in India. It understood that left unattended, religion
could lead to a perpetuation of historical evils. To treat religion as a subject
beyond the state’s sovereign reach was to thwart the Constitution’s aim of
establishing a free and egalitarian society at its very founding.
What is the difference between Article 25 and Article 26?
Articles 25 makes the freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess,
practise and propagate religion subject to public order, morality and
health. Article 26, on the other hand, protects group rights. It grants to every
“religious denomination” the right to establish institutions; to manage its own
affairs in matters of religion; to own and acquire property; and to administer that
property in accordance with law.
Do these articles enable state intervention in religious matters?
Yes. Article 25 states that it will not stand in the way of the state making laws
regulating any economic, financial, or other secular activity associated with
religion, or in the way of the state making laws providing for social welfare and
reform.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes. The protections of Article 25 are expressly restricted to matters within the
domain of religion. In other words, Government has authority to regulate and
restrict only a secular function performed by a public religious institution.
Is the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act enacted
under this power?
Yes. It was in exercise of this power that the government of Madras enacted a
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act in 1951, which was replaced in
1959 by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE)
Act.
Why was the law first introduced in the 1920s?
The provincial administration of the time introduced the law because it found
that the colonial regime, in ceding regulatory authority over temples, had paved
the path for a division of power in which powerful castes and communities within
the Hindu fold appropriated control over religious institutions.
Does the objective of the present statute remain the same?
Yes. The statutes of 1951 and 1959 which succeeded the 1927 legislation were
both framed with the same objective: to ensure that Hindu public endowments
were being put to use for the true purposes for which the endowments were first
made.
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What did the law provide?
The law accords to a state-appointed commissioner a power of general
superintendence over all Hindu religious endowments, and it authorises the
commissioner, among other things, to appoint executive officers to temples to
ensure that their funds are being properly applied.
Have these laws been challenged?
Yes. The Supreme Court of India tested the rationale for this oversight in the
Shirur Mutt case (1954). In substantially upholding Tamil Nadu’s 1951
legislation — which was repealed and re-enacted in 1959 — the Court recognised
that the basic framework of the law was in perfect consonance with the authority
vested in the state under Articles 25 and 26.
Are there similar provisions for other religions?
Yes. The Government exercises substantial supervisory control over management
of properties dedicated for religious purposes under Muslim law under the Waqf
Act of 1995.
What recent steps have been taken to improve transparency in temple
administration?
(GIS) mapping has been mandated which will provide “ground truths” for the
government to act in cases of encroachments on public land and also help prepare
models with 3D images of temple properties.
Does India Need a Two-Child Law?
Backstory
Due to the apparent success of China’s one-child policy, there have been demands
in India to introduce a similar law to control the increasing population of the
country.
What are the advantages of a two-child policy?
Proponents argue that by disincentivising or penalising couples from producing
additional children, it reduces the overall burden on country’s resources.
Was the one-child policy successful in China?
Chinese authorities have long hailed the policy as a success, claiming that it
helped the country avert severe food and water shortages by preventing up to 40
crore people from being born.
What are the scepticisms behind such moves?
It can have unintended impacts including sex-selective and unsafe abortions and
a further skew in India's sex ratio. Moreover, it will adversely affect the poor and
illiterate who do not have access to family planning programs and contraception.
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Will the population reduce if two-child policy is introduced?
No. Even if couples in India decide to have only one or two children, India's
population will continue to increase until 2051 as the population is young, with
over 60% under the age of 35 years.
How will such law impact sex ratio?
Indian families still have a male preference--the sex ratio at birth in India was 896
girls for every 1,000 boys compared to a normal ratio of 943-980 girls for every
1,000 boys in 2015-17. This means that if families were disincentivised from
having more than two children, they are more likely to abort or abandon a
daughter in the hope of having a son.
Does data warrant introduction of such a policy?
No. Of the 17 states analysed in the fifth round of the National Family Health
Survey (NFHS-5), all states except Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya have a TFR
of 2.1 or less, which implies that most states have attained replacement level
fertility.
What does this mean?
Fertility rates lower than replacement level fertility rates (2.1 children per woman,
on average) means that the current population cannot be replaced at the prevailing
population growth rate.
How much has the fertility rate fallen?
India's total fertility rate has fallen from 3.4 children per woman in 1992-93 to
2.2 children in 2015-16. This is projected to fall to 1.93 by 2025, and to 1.8 by
2030, without any coercive law, as per the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare.
What are the factors behind this?
The fertility rate across Indian states has fallen without coercive measures as
family incomes increased and women were educated. Socioeconomic-factors,
education, modernisation, access to contraceptives, and state policies for
development, also affected fertility.
Several states restrict panchayat posts to persons with more than three
children. Has it been successful?
This had unintended consequences--men deserting or divorcing wives if they
became pregnant a third time, sex determination and abortions.
If not law, what method can be adopted to control population?
Women's education, awareness about family planning and easy availability of
contraceptives would be more effective than coercive measures.
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How much money is spent on family planning schemes?
Currently, about 4% of the National Health Mission budget is spent on family
planning programmes, of which the majority is for incentives to families and
service providers for sterilisation.
Where can the money be additionally spent?
The budget for family planning would be better spent in greater adolescent care
and awareness, programmes to reduce social and cultural taboos in using
contraception, and behaviour change communication.
How can the demographic divided be reaped in India?
India can use its large working population to fuel fast economic growth if the
right programmes and policies are put in place. This includes quality education,
access to healthcare, skill training and creation of employment opportunities.
China’s new Three Child Policy
Backstory
China has announced that it will allow couples to have up to three children, after
census data showed a steep decline in birth rates.
Why was the one-child policy introduced?
China’s one-child policy was introduced in 1980. This was due to concerns that
country’s growing population, which at the time was approaching one billion,
would impede economic progress.
How was it enforced?
It was enforced through several means, including incentivising families
financially to have one child, making contraceptives widely available, and
imposing sanctions against those who violated the policy.
Was it successful?
Chinese authorities have long hailed the policy as a success, claiming that it
helped the country avert severe food and water shortages by preventing up to 40
crore people from being born.
What were the criticism behind it?
The state used brutal tactics such as forced abortions and sterilisations. It also met
criticism for violating human rights, and for being unfair to poorer Chinese since
the richer ones could afford to pay economic sanctions if they violated the policy.
How did it affect the sex ratio?
The traditional preference for male children in the country lead to abortion of
female foetuses. The number of girls who were placed in orphanages or
abandoned were also increased.
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When did China introduce the two-child policy?
China scrapped its decades-old one-child policy in 2016, replacing it with a two-
child limit.
Has it been successful?
No. While the relaxation did result in some improvement in the proportion of
young people in the country, the policy change was deemed insufficient in
averting an impending demographic crisis.
What are the reasons behind it?
The cost of raising children in cities has deterred many Chinese couples.
Additional problem is the long working hours for working couples.
What are the reasons now for introducing the three-child policy?
Experts say relaxing limits on reproductive rights alone cannot go a long way in
averting an unwanted demographic shift.
Why is the move being criticized?
Human rights organisations like Amnesty International said the policy, like its
predecessors, was still a violation of sexual and reproductive rights. They argue
that China should instead respect people's life choices and end any invasive and
punitive controls over people's family planning decisions.
What is the skeptism behind the current move?
Experts are unsure on how would be able to address challenges that the 2016
change could not. The main factors behind fewer children being born, they say,
are rising costs of living, education and supporting ageing parents. There has also
been a cultural shift during the decades in which the one-child policy remained
in force, with many couples believing that one child is enough, and some
expressing no interest in having children.
Fighting Covid-19 in the Rural Areas
Backstory
While most of the coverage of COVID-19 has been limited to how it is ravaging
hospitals in urban centres, it is rural India which is bearing the brunt of the public
health crisis as the disease has spread to interiors — further reiterating the urban-
rural divide of privilege.
How much have the rural areas suffered in the second wave?
There are as yet no official figures that plot the rural impact of the pandemic. But
according to estimates, 48 per cent of the case load burden is now rural.
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It has been alleged that data on Covid has been poor from rural areas. Why
is it so problematic?
Reporting of correct and usable data for rural India is important to ascertain the
scope and extent of this virus’s devastation. More importantly, we will not be able
to forecast scenarios and put in place or implement any workable strategy and
plan.
What are the causes for this rural distress?
Poor or non-existent medical infrastructure, lack of awareness and overall
ignorance about responding to the crisis. There is clearly a lack of planning for a
second wave in rural areas.
What immediate steps should be taken?
The Centre recently released a new set of SOPs for Covid-19. This includes
village-level surveillance, tele-consultation with community health officers, and
training in rapid antigen testing. It also spoke of a home isolation kit to be
provided to all active cases, which would include the appropriate medicines and
a detailed pamphlet indicating how to deal with the infection.
What are Primary Health Centres crucial in this fightback?
At the village level the first stop is the Primary Health Centre (PHC). If it is barely
functional, then the linkage to tertiary hospital care is broken. It is at the PHC that
medical advice is first sought. If that is absent or inadequate, then it is a recipe
for disaster.
Which governance bodies should be pressed into action?
The gram sabhas, the panchayat sachivs, non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and block development officers should be activated and given power to
work in concert on testing and treatment.
Can informal bodies be involved?
Yes. For example - Khaps in UP and Haryana should be engaged proactively
since people have better faith. It is vital that rural communities be convinced
about the need for Covid-appropriate protocols, and the need for testing and
vaccinating.
Doctors and nurses do not like to work in rural areas for several reasons?
How can they be improved?
We need to offer incentives to attract them; district commissioners (DCs) or sub-
divisional magistrates should be empowered to hire doctors or nurses. They
should be paid higher salaries than offered by the private sector. This is
particularly important for anaesthesiologists as they are needed to operate a
ventilator in an intensive care unit for a Covid patient.
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Millennium Technology Prize 2020
Backstory
University of Cambridge chemists Shankar Balasubramanian and David
Klenerman have been jointly awarded the 2020 Millennium Technology Prize.
What is the Millennium Technology Prize?
The global prize, awarded at two-year intervals since 2004 to highlight the impact
of science and innovation on society, is worth €1 million.
What innovation has been awarded?
The recipients co-invented Solexa-Illumina Next Generation DNA Sequencing
(NGS) technology.
What are the advantages of NGS technology?
It converts biosciences into ‘big science’ by enabling fast, accurate, low-cost and
large-scale genome sequencing.
What is genome sequencing?
It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s
make-up.
What is a genome?
A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome
contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow
and develop.
What is DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the central information storage system of most
animals and plants, and even some viruses.
How faster has the process been with the new technology?
Much faster. In 2000, sequencing of one human genome took over 10 years and
cost more than a billion dollars: today, the human genome can be sequenced in a
single day at a cost of $1,000.
What is the process followed in NSG?
Next-generation sequencing involves fragmenting sample DNA into many small
pieces that are immobilized on the surface of a chip and locally amplified. Each
fragment is then decoded on the chip, base-by-base, using fluorescently coloured
nucleotides added by an enzyme. By detecting the colour-coded nucleotides
incorporated at each position on the chip with a fluorescence detector – and
repeating this cycle hundreds of times – it is possible to determine the DNA
sequence of each fragment.
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How is the technology useful to tackle the COVID virus?
Next-generation sequencing provides an effective way to study and identify new
coronavirus strains and other pathogens. With the emergence of the COVID-19
pandemic, the technology is now being used to track and explore mutations in the
coronavirus.
What are the other areas where the technology is useful?
In addition to medical applications, NGS has also had a major impact on all of
biology as it allows the clear identification of thousands of organisms in almost
any kind of sample, which is important for agriculture, ecology and biodiversity
research.
FCRA & foreign aid
Backstory
Recent legal and regulatory changes in the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
(FCRA) have made it difficult for many civil society groups to fully join India’s
war against Covid by restricting access to foreign aid.
What is the FCRA?
Foreign contribution in India is regulated and monitored by the Government of
India under the provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010.
What does the law entail?
The FCRA Act 2010 provides for the manner in which foreign contribution or
foreign hospitality are permitted to be accepted and utilised by individuals,
associations and companies in India.
What are the objectives of the act?
The focus of this Act is to make sure that the foreign contribution and foreign
hospitality are not used to influence electoral politics, public servants, judges and
individuals working in the important positions like reporters, publishers of
newspapers and so on.
How much money do Indian NGOs receive in foreign aid?
In an average pre-pandemic year, Indian NGOs used to receive about Rs. 16,800
crore in foreign donations, accounting for roughly a fourth of the overall
philanthropic spending in India.
Why was the law amended in 2020?
To prevent misuse of funds, strengthen national security and compliance
mechanism, enhance transparency and accountability in the hands of the recipient
of the foreign contribution, the Government felt the need to make certain amends
to the FCRA Act 2010.
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What amendments were introduced?
There were three main changes. First, NGOs and charities have to register under
the FCRA before they can function. Second, any funding coming from abroad
must be put into specific branch of the State Bank of India in Delhi. Third, NGOs
can no longer distribute foreign contributions (money and supplies) to other
charities, so subcontracting is forbidden.
What difficulties are the NGOs facing?
The changes mean NGOs operating in India can't distribute any foreign
contributions to other groups, and all funding from abroad must be placed in a
specific bank account in the capital, Delhi.
What administrative problem are they facing?
Some NGOs say despite submitting all documents, their accounts hadn’t opened
yet. Moreover, those who did manage to open a bank account are not authorized
to operate this until the Ministry of Home Affairs gives its official nod to let these
accounts’ function.
How many have complied with the amendments?
Out of the over 22,400 NGOs in the country with an active FCRA license, only
about 3,600 (or 16%) have managed to comply with onerous new regulations.
Why has it impacted smaller NGOs more?
There is now a restriction on transferring money from larger NGOs to smaller
ones, which, particularly during the pandemic, are coordinating relief efforts on
the ground. It is the larger NGO which are touchpoints for foreign aid.
Has the Government done anything?
The Govt extends deadline for NGOs opening new FCRA accounts with SBI till
June 30. The Govt has also extended the registration of NGO whose registration
certificates have expired/expiring during the period between September 29, 2020
and September 30, 2021.
Intermediaries and Digital Media Rules
Backstory
Under the Intermediaries and Digital Media Rules, significant social media
intermediaries had a host of obligations to comply with, and the deadline to
complete such compliance was 25th May, 2021.
What is a social media intermediary?
Intermediaries which primarily or solely enable online interaction between
multiple users and allow them to create and share information have been defined
as ‘social media intermediaries.’ Examples include Twitter, Facebook.
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Are the rules applicable on all social media intermediaries?
Yes. However, significant social media intermediaries and are subject to
maximum compliances.
What are those?
Only the intermediaries that have more than 50 lakh (5 million) registered users
have been designated as ‘significant social media intermediaries.’
What is intermediary immunity?
In India, Section 79 of the IT Act provides a ‘safe harbor’ to intermediaries like
social media companies who host user generated content. It exempts them from
liability for the actions of their users, as long as they adhere to guidelines
prescribed by the government.
How do the new rules change that?
In the IT Rules, 2011 the Grievance Officer was responsible for receiving
complaints redressing them within a month. Now, the Grievance Officer is
responsible for acknowledging complaints within 24 hours and resolving them
within a reduced timeline of 15 days. Further, under the 2011 Rules,
intermediaries had to “act within 36 hours” to take it down. Under the new Rules,
intermediaries must “complete” the takedown process within 36 hours.
Why is End-to-end encryption that messaging platforms are raising
concerns about?
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a system of communication where only the
communicating users can read the message.
How do the new rules impact them?
Under Rule 4(2), significant social media intermediaries must enable the
traceability of the originator of messages. Critics say that will essentially
undermine end-to-end encryption and likely cause a chilling effect on speech in
private conversations.
What are the additional compliance requirements on significant
intermediaries?
Significant social media intermediaries must publish monthly compliance reports
of action taken in respect of grievances received. They are also required to appoint
at least least three distinct officers - a Chief Compliance Officer, a Nodal Contact
Person and, a Resident Grievance Officer.
What are some other concerns?
Due to excessive vagueness in the rules, there is a possibility of over-compliance
by social media companies to escape liability which can led to a situation of
chilling of free speech
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What is meant by chilling free speech?
The term chilling effects refers to the stifling effect that vague or excessively
broad laws may have on legitimate speech activity.
What are the consequences of failure to comply with the Rules?
The Intermediaries Rules, 2021 state a loss of immunity and indicate a level of
severity of consequences, including potential criminal prosecution under
provisions of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code.
SEBI and Small Investors
Backstory
SEBI is considering making certain initial public offerings (IPOs) by new age
technology and e-commerce firms available to only institutional investors. This
will help shield small investors from these presumably risky issues.
What is an IPO?
An initial public offering (IPO) refers to the process of offering shares of a private
corporation to the public in a new stock issuance. Public share issuance allows a
company to raise capital from public investors.
How are IPOs allocated among various investors?
Domestic IPOs, typically, have two broad equal quotas for institutional and
noninstitutional investors.
Is there any further division among non-institutional investors?
Yes. The noninstitutional portion is further split 70:30 between retail and high net
worth individuals.
How are retail investors defined?
SEBI law defines retail individual investor as an investor who applies or bids for
securities of or for a value of not more than Rs 2,00,000 in an IPO and buys or
holds shares worth less than Rs 2,00,000 in a stock.
What is the retail investor participation in India?
According to the Bimal Jalan Committee report, the retail investor participation
in India is just 1.3% of the total population compared to 27.7% in US and 10.5%
in China.
Have SEBI taken any previous steps in limiting exposure of retail investors
in IPOs?
Yes. In 2012, SEBI had lowered the retail quota from 35 per cent to just 10 per
cent of the overall IPO size in the case of companies that didn´t have a
profitability track record.
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Can small investors still invest in such stocks?
Yes. An institutional investor-only IPO would mean small investors would either
have to opt for indirect exposure through the mutual fund (MF) route or invest in
the High Net Income quota where the minimum ticket size would go up.
What other steps have taken to protect the interest of investors?
Major step adopted by SEBI to protect investors interest are -
• Set up Investor Protection Education Fund through Companies Act
• Improved the monitoring and surveillance of market development by
introducing measures such as stock watch system
• Ensure complete Financial disclosure during the process of listing and
quarterly financial reporting by listed company to ensure investors make
informed choices
• Introduce Grievance Redressal Mechanism for faster resolution of disputes
• Appointing Market Ombudsman
• Crack down illicit Collective Investment Schemes running without
registration with SEBI
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)
Backstory
In order to mitigate the stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on several sectors
across the country, the government announced the Emergency Credit Line
Guarantee Scheme lasty year.
What is the aim of the scheme?
The ECLGS aims to provide 100 percent guaranteed coverage to the banks, non-
banking financial institutions (NBFCs) and other lending institutions in order to
enable them to extend emergency credit to business entities that have suffered
due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Who offers credit guarantee for this scheme?
The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) offers a complete
guarantee on loans offered by in case of default by borrowers under the scheme.
What is the nature of structure of NCGTC?
It was registered under the Companies Act, 1956 in 2014. It was established by
the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
What is ECLGS 1.0?
The ECLGS was launched as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The scheme
aimed to provide Rs 3 lakh crore worth of collateral-free, government-guaranteed
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loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India to mitigate
the distress caused by the coronavirus-induced lockdown
How much amount could the borrowed take?
Under the scheme, borrowers could avail of additional credit of up to 20 percent
of their overall outstanding credit.
What is ECLGS 2.0?
In November 2020, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the
launch of ECLGS 2.0 by extending the Rs 3 lakh crore scheme to support 26
stressed sectors identified by the Kamath Committee and the healthcare sector.
Which sectors were included in this?
These sectors included power, construction, iron and steel manufacturing, roads,
real estate, textiles, chemicals, consumer durables, non-ferrous metals, pharma
manufacturing, logistics, gems and jewellery among others.
What is ECLGS 3.0?
In order to support the Hos pitality, Travel and Tourism, Leisure, and Sporting
sectors, which are among those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the
government this year widened the scope of the Rs 3 lakh crore scheme by
announcing ECLGS 3.0.
How much is the moratorium period and repayment window?
The moratorium period on principal repayment would be one year for ECLGS
1.0 and 2.0 and two years for ECLGS 3.0. The principal amount is to be repaid
in 36 installments under ECLGS 1.0, 48 installments under ECLGS 2.0, and
under 3.0, after the moratorium period is over.
Who are ineligible for loans?
Borrowers with total outstanding loans of up to Rs 50 crore in any sector and up
to Rs.500 crore for those in the hospitality, travel and tourism, leisure, and
sporting sector and classified as regular, SMA-0, or SMA-1 accounts as of
February 29, 2020, would be eligible for ECLGS loans.
Can a new borrower raise money?
No. Borrowers who haven’t raised credit before wouldn’t be able to apply for
ECLGS since it is valid for those who are already on the books of banks and other
eligible lenders such as NBFCs and financial institutions
Why has the scheme become a boon during this time?
The Scheme is aimed at mitigating the economic distress faced by various sectors
of the economy. By providing, credit at a low cost, it has enabled the small sector
businesses to meet their operational liabilities and restart their manufacturing and
work.
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Why is it so much harder to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine?
Backstory
It has been 37 years since HIV was first discovered as the cause of AIDS, but
there is still no vaccine available against this disease. This contrasts with the rapid
speed of the COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune
system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome).
Is there any cure?
There is currently no cure, nor an effective HIV vaccine. Treatment consists of
highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which slows progression of the
disease.
Is death inevitable then?
With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get
effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
Where did HIV come from?
HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. The
chimpanzee version of the virus (called simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV)
was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat
and came in contact with their infected blood.
How many people face this problem?
In 2019, about 38 million people worldwide were living with HIV. An estimated
20.6 million of these live in eastern and southern Africa.
How many deaths have occurred?
Between the time that AIDS was identified (in the early 1980s) and 2018, the
disease has caused an estimated 35 million deaths worldwide.
What are the hurdles in developing a vaccine for HIV?
The difficulty lies in the HIV virus itself. In particular, this includes the
remarkable HIV strain diversity and the immune evasion strategies of the virus.
How does HIV challenge the standard vaccine approach?
HIV challenges the standard vaccine approaches because, unlike diseases such as
measles and chickenpox, no one naturally recovers from infection with HIV.
Without a model for natural immunity, researchers do not have a way to identify
an immune response that would be effective against HIV.
How does variability of HIV increase problems?
HIV mutates frequently. These frequent changes in the virus make it a difficult
moving target for a vaccine. Additionally, there are many subtypes of HIV, each
of which is genetically distinct.
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What is correlate of protective immunity to HIV infection?
A correlate of protective immunity is defined as “a specific immune response that
is closely related to protection against infection, disease, or other defined end
point.” Because no one is known to have been infected with HIV and then
naturally cleared the virus, we do not know what protection from HIV would look
like in a person.
How does non-reliable animal model increase trouble for vaccine
developers?
There is no reliable, non-human animal model for HIV infection and immune
system response. HIV vaccine tests in animals have not yet yielded accurate
predictions of how the vaccines will work in humans.
Are there any cause for optimism?
Yes. The most effective vaccine trial to date, RV 144, was published in 2009; it
found a partial reduction in the risk of transmission of roughly 30%.
Why is it a reason of hope?
This was the first time an HIV vaccine efficacy trial actually showed evidence of
protection against the virus, giving researchers hope that an effective HIV vaccine
is possible.
Unified Agency mooted for Cross-Border Crimes
Backstory
Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has recommended to the
Centre that India should have Integrated Law Enforcement Centres (ILECs) on
all its borders to deal with cross-border crimes.
What are some examples of cross border crimes?
Cross-border crimes include infiltration, terrorism, smuggling of drugs, cattle,
fake currency, arms, etc.
What kind of mandate has been proposed for the ILECs?
It is proposed that the ILECs, working inside the existing Integrated Check Posts
(ICPs), will have the mandate to register, investigate and dispose of all types of
cross-border crimes with jurisdiction clearly defined and coinciding with
government regulations with respect to border guarding forces.
How will to benefit in the long-run?
Various factors affecting border security, such as political, economic, social,
technological and legal environments etc. will be monitored by ILECs. On the
basis of time-series data, the trends of border-crimes in a particular sector of
border will be analyzed and utilized for planning routine operations by border
guarding forces.
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What is the present structure?
There are different agencies active on (India’s) land borders operating within the
silos of their specific mandate striving for agency specific micro-level
optimization. W
What is the problem with that?
There is lesser degree of inter-agencies cooperation, coordination and
complementarity. There are also instances of both gaps as well as overlapping in
the role, jurisdiction and working of the agencies.
How will ILEC rectify that problem?
It has been recommended that each ILEC can have small self-sustaining
investigative units of Customs, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), National
Investigation Agency (NIA), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI),
Enforcement Directorate (ED), local police, Anti-Trafficking (Human) Cells,
Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Bureau of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
and wildlife wing of ministry of environment, apart from officials from border
guarding forces.
What will be the advantages of that?
The overall effectiveness of agencies while working in unison is likely to scale
up in comparison to the existing situation. For example, the powers of
interception and electronic surveillance available with IB/RAW etc. can be
complemented with the expertise available with NCB, the reach and manpower
availability of BSF, the investigative skills and experience of the local police (all
available under one roof) to detect and destroy modules focused on narco-
terrorism.
Are there precedents from other jurisdictions on such agency?
Yes. Following the 9/11 attacks, the US underwent the biggest government
reorganisation by merging 22 agencies from different departments (equivalent to
ministries in India) into Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Similarly,
Frontex is the main institutional arrangement for the external border management
of the European Union; it covers all border-related threats of the EU. Likewise,
the UK Border Agency was formed in 2008 by the merger of Border and
Immigration Agency, UK Visas and Port of entry functions of HM Revenue and
Customs, to look after all border crimes.
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Reintroduction of Cheetahs in India
Backstory
Cheetah, the world's fastest land animal which was declared extinct in India in
1952 is expected to be re-introduced into the country.
What will be the place of re-introduction?
The Supreme Court has now allowed to initiate the re-introduction of foreign
Cheetahs into the Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
Where will the Cheetahs be brought from?
South Africa
Why the Supreme Court stop the reintroduction earlier?
The NTCA had first filed a plea in 2010 requesting permission to introduce
African Cheetahs from Namibia as the animal has become extinct in India. But
the top court declined permission for it in 2013, calling the animal a “foreign
species”. It also raised concerns about identification of suitable habitat and
possible ramifications on the ecosystem.
When did they go extinct?
The country's last spotted cheetah died in Chhattisgarh in 1947 and it was
declared extinct in the country in 1952.
Does Kuno National Park have a conducive environment for the Cheetah?
Yes. Kuno, located in the Chambal region, is spread over an area of over 750 sq
km. The protected area, comprising a considerable population of four-horned
antelopes, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, spotted deer and sambar, has a good prey
base for the cheetahs.
What is the difference between African and Asiatic Cheetahs?
African cheetahs are bigger in size as compared to Asiatic Cheetah. Asiatic
usually have red eyes and they have a more cat-like appearance.
What is the world population of Cheetah?
Around 6,500-7,000 African cheetahs present in the wild. However, there are
only 40-50 Asiatic cheetahs found only in Iran.
What is the IUCN status of each?
African Cheetah is considered vulnerable under the International Union for
Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of threatened species, while the Asiatic
one is critically endangered.
Why does NTCA want to reintroduce cheetahs?
Reintroductions of large carnivores have increasingly been recognised as a
strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions.
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What is the umbrella-approach of conservation?
In the umbrella-approach of conservation, multiple species in a forest (tiger
reserve, for instance) is protected in the name of a flagship species (i.e. tiger). In
saving the cheetah, claims the proponents of the reintroduction plan, one would
also save other endangered species of the grassland, such as the endangered
Indian wolf and the near-extinct great Indian bustard (GIB).
What is RCEP, the world’s biggest trade deal?
Backstory
Described as the “largest” regional trading agreement to this day, Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could come into force next
January.
How big is RCEP?
When it’s signed off, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership will
create a free trade zone covering about 30% of the world’s gross domestic
product, trade and population.
What is the objective of RCEP?
The purpose of RCEP was to make it easier for products and services of each of
these countries to be available across this region.
Which countries are a part of it?
RCEP was originally being negotiated between 16 countries — ASEAN members
and countries with which they have free trade agreements (FTAs), namely
Australia, China, Korea, Japan, New Zealand and India. India however decided
to stay away at the last moment.
Why did India walk out of RCEP?
India had been “consistently” raising “fundamental issues” and concerns
throughout the negotiations. India was prompted to take this stand as these issues
had not been resolved by the deadline to commit to signing the deal. India’s
decision was taken in the interests of industries like agriculture and dairy and to
give an advantage to the country’s services sector.
What were some of the specific issues India objected to?
India objected to “inadequate” protections against surges in imports. It also felt
there could also be a possible circumvention of rules of origin— the criteria used
to determine the national source of a product — in the absence of which some
countries could dump their products by routing them through other countries that
enjoyed lower tariffs.
Where does India’s trade deficit stand with RCEP countries?
India has trade deficits with 11 of the 15 RCEP countries, and some experts feel
that India has been unable to leverage its existing bilateral free trade agreements
with several RCEP members to increase exports.
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Did the China factor have a role to play in this?
Yes. Escalating tensions with China are a major reason for India’s decision.
Major issues that were unresolved during RCEP negotiations were related to the
exposure that India would have to China. India was unable to ensure
countermeasures like an auto-trigger mechanism to raise tariffs on products when
their imports crossed a certain threshold. It also wanted RCEP to exclude most-
favoured nation (MFN) obligations from the investment chapter, as it did not want
to hand out, especially to countries with which it has border disputes, the benefits
it was giving to strategic allies or for geopolitical reasons.
Will the decision prove costly for India?
There are concerns that India’s decision would impact its bilateral trade ties with
RCEP member nations, as they may be more inclined to focus on bolstering
economic ties within the bloc. The move could potentially leave India with less
scope to tap the large market that RCEP presents. Given attempts by countries
like Japan to get India back into the deal, there are also worries that India’s
decision could impact the Australia-India-Japan network in the Indo-Pacific. It
could potentially put a spanner in the works on informal talks to promote a Supply
Chain Resilience Initiative among the three.
What does RCEP mean for other trading blocs?
Most trade experts dislike trade agreements, because they are preferential and
there are benefits for being in and penalties for being out. Once you start making
large regional trade agreements, the incentives for you to align your supply chain
– whether it’s goods, services, or investment – around that geographic space goes
up.
To fix Climate Crisis, we need to fix Gender Inequality
Backstory
Climate change and environmental stress are common factors that intensify pre-
existing disadvantages or gender and developmental inequalities. As a result,
women are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change.
What is the reason behind this?
For starters, it is not because there is something inherently vulnerable about
women, but because of socio-cultural structures that deprive women of access to
resources, decision-making, information, agency, etc.
What is the level of inequality in the area climate change and policies?
To give a perspective, 39 percent of women currently work in the agriculture,
forestry and fisheries sector, just 14 percent of agricultural landholders are
women. Men are 75 per cent of parliamentarians, hold 73 per cent of managerial
positions, are 70 per cent of climate negotiators and almost all of the
peacemakers.
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How does climate change intensify pre-existing gender disadvantages?
This happens in multiple ways. To take an example, warming global temperatures
lead to more crop uncertainty leading to male out migration. Women are left to
care for the children and earn whatever they can, because often the men aren’t
able to send their wages home on a regular basis. Similarly, due to climate change
there may be increased difficulty in accessing resources, in particular, fuelwood
and water, hence, creating an increased workload for women.
How is health of women affected due to this?
Climate change may affect human health in a variety of ways, including increased
spread of vector- and water-borne diseases, reduced drinking water availability
and food insecurity. As primary caregivers in many families, women may see
their responsibilities increase as family members suffer increased illness. Further,
in the developing world, women often have less access to medical care than men.
How does disasters caused by climate breakdown disproportionately affect
women?
When disaster strikes, women, who still often play the primary role of looking
after children and the elderly, are the last to evacuate. This leads to higher female
death tolls.
Does forced migration due to climate crisis also affect women more?
Yes. A rise in displacement, and forced migration, poverty and insecurity will
have a disproportionate impact on women and girls, including through greater
exposure to abuse and violence.
How can climate change programming Interventions held reduce this
inequality?
Gender equality opportunities in climate change policy and programming
Interventions that create greater awareness and understanding of the complex
links between gender equality and the environment can help to build the capacity
of the poor, especially poor women, to adapt to the impacts of, and take action
on, climate change.
What are examples of such policies?
An example in India can the PM Ujjwala scheme by promotion of cleaner-
burning fuel for household use will help to reduce air pollution and health of
women. Other measure could include supporting the provision of tools, including
vulnerability assessments, that build on local and indigenous knowledge, and
integrating gender analysis and gender equality indicators into programs and
projects to identify where specific vulnerabilities to climate change lie.
How are women playing role in addressing climate change?
Whether it’s tribal women in Udaipur, Rajasthan, becoming green entrepreneurs,
or Barefoot College in Rajasthan creating female solar engineers, or women-led
self-help groups in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, mobilizing funds for water and
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sanitation, there are examples of women everywhere leading the way to a
sustainable future.
How can renewable energy become a potent tool to increasing the
effectiveness of women in climate change mitigation?
Renewable energy can help transform the lives of women by improving their
health, providing them with better livelihood prospects, improving their
education opportunities and more. Looking at examples such as Solar Sister in
Africa, renewable energy increases women’s relevance in society, shields them
from harmful health effects of indoor pollution and makes them agents of climate
change mitigation.
What additional steps should be taken?
There is a need to vastly increase financing for gender equality, to harness the
potential of technology and innovation and ensure that development is inclusive
of women and girls who face multiple forms of discrimination.
Tribunalization of Justice in India
What are Tribunals?
Tribunal is a quasi-judicial institution that is set up to deal with problems such as
resolving administrative or other disputes related to matters such as taxation, rent
etc.
Why were Tribunals set up?
The Tribunals were set up to reduce the workload of courts, to expedite decisions
and to provide a forum which would be manned by lawyers and experts in the
areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
Were Tribunals part of the original Constitution?
No. Tribunals were not part of the original constitution, it was incorporated in the
Indian Constitution by 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Article 323-A deals with
Administrative Tribunals while Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other
matters.
What is the difference between the two Articles?
While Article 323 A contemplates the establishment of tribunals for public
service matters only, Article 323 B contemplates the establishment of tribunals
for certain other matters eg. land reforms, food, industrial and labour. Moreover,
while tribunals under Article 323 A can be established only by Parliament,
tribunals under Article 323 B can be established both by Parliament and state
legislatures with respect to matters falling within their legislative competence.
Does it follow procedural laws?
No. The functioning of tribunals is based on the principles of Natural Justice.
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Are Tribunals equivalent to High Courts?
The Supreme Court in L. Chandrakumar v. Union of India held that tribunals
were not equal to High Courts.
What about appeal of decisions from the Tribunals?
The Supreme Court has held that decisions of tribunal should be appealable
before a bench of two judges in High Courts under whose jurisdiction the tribunal
falls. This was based on the concept of Judicial Review to be a part of Basic
Structure of the Constitution.
What was the recent ordinance passed for reform of Tribunals?
The Centre has abolished several appellate tribunals and authorities and
transferred their jurisdiction to other existing judicial bodies through the
Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance 2021.
What is the criticism levelled against the ordinance?
The Ordinance has met with sharp criticism for not only bypassing the usual
legislative process, but also for abolishing several tribunals such as the Film
Certification Appellate Tribunal without any stakeholder consultation.
What is the Supreme Court’s guidelines on abolishment of tribunals?
The Court in a 2019 judgment has held that any rationalisation and amalgamation
of existing Tribunals should depend upon their case load and commonality of
subject matter after conducting the judicial impact assessment. However, no
judicial impact assessment was done in this case.
What is the tenure fixed for members of tribunals?
The Ordinance has fixed a four-year tenure for Chairpersons and members of
tribunals. This is in disregard of the court’s direction for fixing a five-year term.
What is the National Tribunals Commission?
It is a proposed independent umbrella body to supervise the functioning of
tribunals, appointment of and disciplinary proceedings against members, and to
take care of administrative and infrastructural needs of the tribunals.
What are the advantages of such a body?
One of the main reasons that has motivated the idea of NTC is the need for an
authority to support uniform administration across all tribunals. As an
independent oversight body, it can also reduce executive interference in the
functioning of tribunals is often seen in matters of appointment and removal of
tribunal members, as well as in provision of finances, infrastructure, personnel
and other resources required for day-to-day functioning of the tribunals.
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Tropical Cyclones in Arabian Sea: Why are they
increasing?
Backstory
Cyclone Tauktae classified as a very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) developed in
the Arabian Sea, and hit southern Gujarat recently. In recent years, strong
cyclones have been developing in the Arabian Sea more frequently than earlier.
What is a tropical cyclone?
Cyclones are low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters, with
gale-force winds near the centre. The winds can extend hundreds of kilometres
(miles) from the eye of the storm.
How does a tropical cyclone develop?
A low-pressure system undergoes multiple stages of intensification to form
cyclones. This energy is typically obtained from warm water and humid air over
the tropical ocean. The more the heat released through condensation of water
vapour, the steeper the drop in pressure.
Why is Cyclone Tauktae unique?
Tauktae is the fourth cyclone in consecutive years to have developed in the
Arabian Sea, that too in the pre-monsoon period. All these cyclones since 2018
have been categorised either ‘Severe Cyclone’ or above.
Why is climate change fuelling them?
Oceans soak up more than 90 percent of the heat generated by greenhouse gases,
leading to rising water temperatures. As cyclones draw their energy from warm
waters, the rising temperatures are causing intense storms to become more
common.
What has been the temperature increase in the region?
Arabian Sea temperatures prior to cyclone formation are now 1.2–1.4°C higher
in the recent decades, compared to those four decades ago. Recent research shows
that widespread extreme rainfall events (above 150 mm/day) that cause floods
have also increased by threefold over India, in response to Arabian Sea warming.
Why has warm water helped in intensification of the cyclones?
Cyclones are now intensifying rapidly since warm ocean waters act as fuel for
them. Recent cyclones like Ockhi, Fani, and Amphan intensified from a weak
cyclone to an extremely severe cyclone status in less than 24 hours due to
exceptionally warm ocean conditions.
Why is that problematic?
This kind of rapid intensification gives us less time to take immediate measures
for evacuation at the ground. State-of-the-art cyclone models are unable to pick
this rapid intensification because they do not incorporate the ocean dynamics
accurately. This is hence a forecasting challenge that we need to work on.
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Why does Bay of Bengal receive more cyclones historically?
Since sea surface temperatures and humidity both increase chances of cyclone
formation, the Bay of Bengal is a more likely target because it gets higher rainfall
with sluggish winds around it, keeping temperatures relatively high all year. The
surface water also gets refreshed continuously by large rivers, making it
impossible for the warm water to mix with the cooler water below, and
depressions keep forming.
Does the location also play a role?
Yes. Bay of Bengal also welcomes cyclones formed far away in the Pacific
Ocean. Cyclones usually weaken over a landmass. But due to lack of any such
land between the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, cyclonic winds easily
move into the bay.
What next?
Climate projections indicate that the Arabian Sea will continue warming due to
increasing carbon emissions, resulting in more intense cyclones in the future.
Considering that both cyclones and floods due to heavy rains are increasing
across the west coast along with a gradual rise in sea level, we need to be
prepared.
Israel – Palestine conflict: What is happening and How does
it affect us?
Backstory
An escalation of fighting between Israelis and Palestinians has led the UN to warn
of a "full-scale war".
What is the history of this conflict?
It starts about 100 year ago. Britain took control of the area known as Palestine
after the ruler of that part of the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire, was defeated
in WW1. The land was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority.
When did the tensions rise?
Tensions grew when the international community gave Britain the task of
establishing a "national home" in Palestine for Jewish people. Between the 1920s
and 40s, the number of Jews arriving there grew, with many fleeing persecutions
and seeking a homeland after the Holocaust of WWII.
What did UN decide on the issue?
In 1947, the UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab
states, with Jerusalem becoming an international city. That plan was accepted by
Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side and never implemented.
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What was the result of 1948 war?
Israel controlled most of the territory. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli
forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East.
What happened in the 1967 war?
In another war in 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as
well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, and Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai
Peninsula.
What is the present status?
Israel still occupies the West Bank, and although it pulled out of Gaza the UN
still regards that piece of land as part of occupied territory. Israel claims the whole
of Jerusalem as its capital, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the
capital of a future Palestinian state.
What is the issue of Israeli settlements?
In the past 50 years Israel has built settlements in these areas, where more than
600,000 Jews now live. Palestinians say these are illegal under international law
and are obstacles to peace, but Israel denies this.
What's happening now?
Things have escalated since the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in
mid-April 2021, with nightly clashes between police and Palestinians. The
threatened eviction of some Palestinian families in East Jerusalem has also caused
rising anger.
What is the conflict over Jerusalem?
Both sides declare Jerusalem as their future capital. The two-state solution calls
for dividing Jerusalem into an Israeli west and a Palestinian east part. However,
the presence of Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites at one place makes it a
difficult affair to execute.
What is India’s stand?
India, at the UN Security Council, has called for peaceful resolution of Israel-
Palestine batting for a two-state solution. India has urged for immediate de-
escalation so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink.
What is the Two-State Solution?
The two-state solution talks about providing two separate territories to people of
two nations — Israel and Palestine — having different ethnicities and languages.
What are the issues with it?
Its execution has been difficult owing to issues arising at the unsettled borders.
There is no consensus on where exactly to draw the line between the two
countries. Independent experts believe that a border should be drawn on the basis
of the Arab-Israel war of 1967. But Israel has constructed barriers along and
within the West Bank pushing its territorial limits farter.
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What is the present policy of de-hyphenation?
When the present government came to power in 2014, it instituted a policy toward
Israel called de-hyphenation. It simply means, India’s relationship with Israel
would stand on its own merits, independent and separate from India’s relationship
with the Palestinians
What was America’s stand under Donald Trump administration?
Trump supported hardline policies severing the US’s ties with Palestine and
moving away from the decade-old more nuanced diplomatic stand on the conflict.
Trump also allowed the expansion of Jewish settlements in the disputed areas.
Has Joe Biden reversed this policy?
While President Joe Biden has termed Donald Trump's policies as "destructive",
he is yet to reverse those policies.
What is the Abraham Accord?
The Trump administration brokered Abraham Accords — a joint statement by
Israel, the UAE, and the US issued in 2020, and which became a model for Israel
inking similar deals with Arab countries. Israel managed to find recognition for
its existence through the accords with United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and
Morocco.
How have these countries responded?
Demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians have been held across the Arab
region, including these countries. Most of them have released official statements
condemning Israel.
Rural India and Economic Distress – Renewed demand for
MGNEGA
Backstory
The number of people registering for jobs under MGNREGS has increased to 40
million in April from 36 million in March 2021.
What is the reason behind this surge?
This rise in demand for rural jobs can be attributed to the second wave of covid-
19, which has hit India badly and resulted in reverse migration.
What is MGNREGS?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005,
guarantees 100 days of employment in a fiscal to adults in rural households
willing to undertake unskilled labour.
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What are the objectives of the scheme?
The scheme, which aims to generate employment and build infrastructure,
ensures that productive economic activities are undertaken.
How does the scheme benefit the economy?
The Indian economy is known to be domestic consumption-led: 80% of the gross
domestic product relies upon the domestic market. With nearly 65% of people
living in rural areas, increased and continuous demand among the rural
population has boosted the economy in times of crisis.
Has the scheme helped during previous periods of economic crisis?
Yes. During the 2008-09 sub-prime crisis, the economy was insulated from the
global financial crisis due to the rural purchasing power brought by the Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
How did MGNREGS helped during the first wave of pandemic?
The first wave saw a spike in demand for jobs in MGNREGS due to reverse
migration, touching record highs in May, June 2020. The country created 383.9
crore person days of work under MGNREGS in 2020-21, the highest ever and up
45% over such work in the previous year. The budgetary spending on the scheme
was at an all-time high of Rs 1,07,459 crore in 2020-21 compared with Rs 68,266
crore in 2019-10.
Are there any issues with the scheme?
The scheme’s mandate under the MGNREG Act 2005 is to provide at least 100
days of ‘wage employment’ in a financial year to every rural household whose
adult member volunteers to do unskilled manual work. This goal has never been
met; even in 2020-21, an average of 50 days of work was given to a beneficiary
household.
What additional steps should be taken to reduce rural distress?
MGNREGS should continue only as a buffer. The need of the hour is for other
stakeholders—especially manufacturing units—to build infrastructure that takes
care of migrants during crises. Employers may expand their HR horizon by
keeping migrant labourers gainfully employed. This may require housing,
healthcare facilities and keeping their kitchens working. The Centre may devise
similar job opportunities for the urban poor, thus minimizing reverse migration.
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Mucormycosis – Black Fungus amid second wave of
Pandemic
Backstory
As the second wave of COVID-19 continues to rage across India, some parts of
the country have begun witnessing COVID-19-induced “black fungus” cases.
What causes black fungus?
This infection is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These fungi
are naturally present in the environment, especially in soil and other decaying
organic matter like leaves, compost piles, and animal dung.
How can contact with the fungus avoided?
Since most people come in contact with microscopic fungal spores every day, it
is almost impossible to completely avoid these mucormycetes. But with that said,
avoiding direct and close contact with soil, dust, and polluted water could lower
one’s chances of developing mucormycosis.
Who are more prone to risk from this disease?
Individuals with low immunity are particularly vulnerable to this fungal infection.
It mainly affects people who are on medication for other conditions, especially
diabetes, that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens. The sinuses
or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the
air.
Why is it affecting covid-19 patients?
Steroids are often used to treat serious patients of COVID. While steroids help in
reducing inflammation in lungs they can decrease immunity and increase blood
sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic covid-19 patients alike. Patients
with prolonged ICU stay are also at high risk of mucormycosis.
What precautions can patients take?
Covid-19 patients should control hyperglycemia by regularly monitoring their
blood glucose level post discharge. Diabetics should also monitor their blood
glucose levels. Doctors have been advised to use antibiotics, antifungals and
steroids judiciously. Hospitals should use clean, sterile water for humidifiers
during oxygen therapy.
Is mucormycosis contagious?
Mucormycosis is not contagious, and therefore, it cannot transmit between people
and animals. Individuals contract this infection by coming in contact with the
fungal spores in their environment.
What are the symptoms of mucormycosis?
The symptoms of mucormycosis depend on where the fungus is growing in the
body. For rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis, the symptoms are one-
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sided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, fever, and black lesions
on the nasal bridge or upper inside of the mouth that quickly become more severe.
For pulmonary (lung) mucormycosis, the symptoms include fever, cough, chest
pain, and shortness of breath.
How can black fungus be treated?
This serious infection needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medicine,
Doctors should reduce steroids in case the patient is still on them and discontinue
rapidly. The infection also often requires surgery to cut away the infected tissue.
Impact of Brexit on India – Opportunities and Challenges
Backstory
India and UK recently adopted an ambitious Roadmap 2030 for elevating India-
UK ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry of External
Affairs also mentioned that Brexit has provided tremendous new opportunities
for both countries.
What is Brexit?
In simple words, it refers to exit of Britain from the European Union
What is European Union?
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states
that are located primarily in Europe. The EU treaty provided for a common
European Parliament and European Council consisting of representatives of the
member-States.
What were the reasons for Brexit?
Factors including sovereignty, immigration, the economy and anti-establishment
politics, amongst various other influences.
How will Brexit impact trade relations of EU and UK with India?
According to experts, while the Brexit paves way for a free trade agreement
(FTA) between New Delhi and London, it might take the sheen away from India's
planned FTA with the EU. India had a lot of contentious issues while negotiating
FTA with the EU. However, after Brexit, the UK could have a different stand on
those issues and now India can pursue FTA talks again with both the regions.
Which sector in India is likely to benefit the most?
According to experts, India's services sector is likely to make gains from the curbs
on the free movement of professionals between the two markets. According to
the Brexit trade and security deal, UK nationals will no longer have unrestricted
freedom to work, study, start a business or live in the EU and vice versa. Other
sectors such as IT, R&D, architecture and financial services are also likely to
shine for India.
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What about Indian investments in the UK?
There are about 800 Indian businesses companies with more than 110,000
employees operating in UK and ever-growing in size. India is also the second
largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Britain and it would not want
to lose its Indian investors. Thus, India can expect a less regulatory British market
for trade and investment.
Will it impact immigration from India?
Some analysts predict Brexit could lead to changes in UK immigration policies
that would favor high-skilled workers from India. Divorced from the rest of the
Europe, the UK could potentially face a dearth of high-skilled EU workers if the
movement of professionals from the continent is curbed. India could benefit from
the possible shortfall.
What should be India’s focus?
The real test for India will be whether it can leverage the UK’s desire for some
quick trade agreement successes and put together a 21st century economic
partnership deal that stresses services, aligns data standards, and incorporates
immigration.
Space Debris – Risk, Challenges and Solutions
Backstory
The debris from Chinese Long March 5B rocket made an uncontrolled re-entry
into the Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrated over the Indian Ocean. This has
again raised serious concerns over space debris.
What is space debris?
Space debris is defined as all non-functional, artificial objects, including
fragments and elements, in Earth orbit or re-entering into Earth’s atmosphere.
What are some examples and sources of space debris?
Derelict spacecraft, upper stages of launch vehicles, carriers for multiple
payloads. Debris can also be created as a result of spacecraft or upper stage
explosions or collisions, solid rocket motor effluents, and tiny flecks of paint
released by thermal stress or small particle impacts.
How much orbital debris is currently in Earth orbit?
More than 22,000 objects larger than 4 inches are currently tracked by the U.S.
Space Surveillance Network. Only about 1,000 of these represent operational
spacecraft; the rest are orbital debris.
How long will orbital debris remain in Earth orbit?
The higher the altitude, the longer the orbital debris will typically remain in Earth
orbit. For instance, debris left in orbits below 370 miles (600 km) normally fall
back to Earth within several years whereas, those above 620 miles (1,000 km),
orbital debris normally will continue circling Earth for a century or more.
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What is the Kessler syndrome in relation to space debris?
The Kessler syndrome, also called the Kessler effect, collisional cascading or
ablation cascade, is a scenario in which the density of objects in Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade where
each collision generates space debris that increases the likelihood of further
collisions.
What problems can it cause?
One implication is that the distribution of debris in orbit could render space
activities and the use of satellites in specific orbital ranges impractical for many
generations. The rising number of space debris increases the potential danger to
all space vehicles also.
Is re-entering debris a risk to people and property on Earth?
Space trash is often attracted by Earth’s gravitational pull. While most objects
burn up when they enter Earth’s atmosphere due to the compression of
atmospheric gases, but larger objects can reach the Earth intact. Though, no
significant damages have been witnessed till date but it can loss of life and
property if such pieces fall in densely populated areas.
What can be done about space debris?
The solution involves steps to clean up the mess, mitigate damage, and avoid
future debris. There are systems in place to track the debris and avert disasters.
Various space organisations have been working on reducing the amount of trash
by adopting better designs of rockets and other objects. For example, making
rockets reusable could vastly cut down waste.
What are some initiatives taken in this direction?
Several active debris removal demonstrations—with mock pieces of debris—
have been conducted in the past. The ClearSpace-1 chaser spacecraft launched in
association with European Space Agency will attempt to rendezvous and capture
a piece of space debris with the help of four robotic arms. The University of
Surrey’s RemoveDEBRIS mission also successfully demonstrated multiple
technologies that could be used to capture debris, including a tethered space
harpoon and nets.
Has India taken any steps to mitigate this problem?
Yes. ISRO has set up a dedicated directorate of space situational awareness and
management (DSSAM), which includes the NEtwork for space object TRacking
and Analysis project, also known as Netra. This project’s control centre will act
as a hub for space situational awareness activities in the country. Additionally, a
radar and optical telescope facility will help the organisation safeguard its
operational assets and predict the atmospheric re-entry of derelict satellites and
rocket bodies.
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RBI booster dose to support Health Sector and Liquidity
Push
Backstory
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently took a series of liquidity-boosting and
loan-relief measures to aid broad swathes of the economy walloped by the second
wave of the covid-19 pandemic.
What is the announcement for the health sector?
RBI will make available an on-tap liquidity window of ₹50,000 crore, with a tenor
of up to three years, under which banks can provide fresh lending support for
ramping up Covid-related healthcare infrastructure and services in the country.
Which entities are covered under this?
It includes vaccine makers, importers of vaccines, covid-related drugs and
priority medical devices, hospitals, pathology labs, manufacturers and suppliers
of oxygen and ventilators, logistics firms and also to patients for treatment.
How much interest will be charged for it?
This facility, which will be offered at the repo rate, will be available till 31 March
2022.
What are the expected benefits of it?
The steps are likely to help the stressed healthcare industry expand facilities to
treat more patients amid the rampaging second wave.
How have banks been incentivised to lend under this scheme?
By way of an incentive, banks can park their surplus liquidity up to the size of the
covid loan book with RBI under the reverse repo window at 40 basis points higher
than the reverse repo rate. Additionally, these loans will continue to be classified
under priority sector till repayment or maturity.
What is the scheme for restructuring of loans?
RBI also allowed the restructuring of loans to retail borrowers and small
businesses up to ₹25 crore without being classified as non-performing assets.
What was announced for Small Finance Banks?
The RBI has decided to conduct special three-year long-term repo operations
(SLTRO) of Rs 10,000 crore at repo rate for small finance banks, to be deployed
for fresh lending of up to 10 lakh per borrower.
What are the objectives of it?
This is to provide further support to small business units, micro and small
industries, and other unorganised sector entities adversely affected during the
current wave of the pandemic.
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What will be the advantage of this?
By classifying loans to smaller NBFC-MFIs as a priority sector, RBI has opened
liquidity option for them and risk incentive to banks to lend to these entities and
indirectly to their borrowers.
What relaxations have been announced in Overdraft (OD) facility for states?
The RBI also announced certain relaxations in Overdraft (OD) facilities of State
Governments so that they can better manage their fiscal situation in terms of their
cash-flows and market borrowings Accordingly, the maximum number of days
of OD in a quarter is being increased from 36 to 50 days and the number of
consecutive days of OD from 14 to 21 days.
Mutations in Coronavirus – Should we be worried?
Backstory
Several coronavirus variants have evolved mutations that mean they spread more
easily, make people sicker, escape immune responses, evade tests, or render
treatments ineffective.
What is mutation?
Mutation is the property of a virus to undergo changes when it multiplies.
What are the causes of mutation?
As it replicates, it may not produce exact replicas of itself, resulting in the
emergence of new strains, which may be more or at times less effective. Some
strains die out, while the more effective ones, which spread efficiently, survive.
Why are mutations significant?
Viruses mutate all the time and most changes are inconsequential. Some even
harm the virus. But others can make the disease more infectious or threatening -
and these mutations tend to dominate.
Are some mutations more important?
Yes. Scientists pay most attention to mutations in the gene that encodes the
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which plays a key role in viral entry into cells.
Targeted by vaccines, this protein influences immunity and vaccine efficacy.
What are the most worrisome variants?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses the term “variants of concern” to
signify strains that pose additional risks to public health, and “emerging variants
of interest” for those that warrant close monitoring because of their potential
risks.
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What are variants of concern?
A variant for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more
severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths), significant reduction in
neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination,
reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures.
Which are current variants of concern?
As of May 11, the WHO has identified four variants of concern. This includes -
The variant that emerged in England in September 2020, B.1.1.7, contributed
to a surge in cases that sent the UK.
A South Africa variant (B.1.351) has been identified in at least 20 other
countries.
A Brazil variant (P.1) has spread to more than 10 other countries.
The B.1.617 lineage raising alarm in India is the latest to be designated a
variant of concern by the WHO, based on early evidence suggesting it has
higher rates of transmission, and some propensity to evade antibodies.
Are they more dangerous?
There is no evidence that any of them cause much more serious illness for the
vast majority of people. But the rapid spread of virus, can cause illness to more
number of people overall.
How are the mutants behaving?
The India, UK, South Africa and Brazil variants have all undergone changes to
their spike protein - the part of the virus which attaches to human cells.
Will vaccines still work against variants?
Current vaccines were designed for earlier versions of coronavirus, but scientists
believe they should still work, albeit potentially less well. As a result ,the immune
response triggered may be weaker and shorter-lived. Experts are confident
existing vaccines can be redesigned to better tackle emerging mutations.
The Epidemic of Biomedical Waste
Backstory
The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened India’s already stressed waste
management system. With the second wave of COVID-19 creating havoc in
India, the country has an unlikely menace at hand - the rising pile of Bio-medical
wastes.
What is biomedical waste?
Biomedical waste is defined as any waste, which is generated during the
diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals, or in research
activities pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals.
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What are the different types of medical waste?
There are four different types -
1. Infectious Waste - Any waste that poses the threat of infection to humans, eg
- human/animal tissue, blood-soaked bandages, surgical gloves, swabs etc.
2. Hazardous Waste - Hazardous waste is anything that has the ability to affect
humans in non-infectious ways, eg. chemicals (medical and industrial), old
drugs, and sharps (needles, scalpels, lancets, etc.).
3. Radioactive Waste - Radioactive waste is produced from nuclear medicine
treatments, cancer therapies and medical equipment that uses radioactive
isotopes.
4. General waste includes things like paper, plastics, liquids, and anything else
that doesn't fit into the previous three categories.
How much waste is being generated now?
The quantity of Bio-medical wastes generated per day in the country has almost
doubled from 7.22 lakh kg in pre-Covid times to nearly 14 lakh kg now, according
to the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
What additional waste is being generated now?
The personal protective equipment, the mask, the gloves, the face shield, the shoe
cover, and the sanitiser bottle. After the vaccination drive, this list also includes
empty vaccine bottles, syringes etc.
What are the methods of treating Biomedical waste?
Common methods of treatment and disposal of Bio-medical waste are by
incineration or plasma (by burning) pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen).
Other methods also include deep-burial, microwaving/chemical disinfection,
sterilization and shredding and disinfection followed by recycling depending
upon classification of waste.
What does Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016 mention about
treatment of such waste?
Bio-medical waste generated from the hospitals must be treated and disposed of
by Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTF). In
case there is no common facility within the reach of a healthcare facility, then
such healthcare facility should install a captive treatment and disposal facility.
How many CBWTF are there in India?
According to the government data, India had 200 authorized CBWTFs in 28
States in 2020 for environmentally safe disposal of biomedical waste.
Has there been any special guidelines for treatment of COVID waste?
Yes. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the country’s apex body on
the regulation of waste disposal, released a set of guidelines on what to do with
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Covid-related waste. This includes segregation at covid facilities, instructions for
patients in home isolation and consequent, treatment of waste. This waste is either
taken to a CBWTF or a waste-to-energy plant, where it is then either incinerated,
autoclaved (sterilised for shredding and recyling) or burnt to produce energy.
What additional steps should be taken?
It is imperative to define Covid-19 waste; identify different types of waste
generators; launch a large-scale campaign for awareness related to PPE usage.
Urban local bodies must provide separate waste bins, and push citizens to
segregate waste at source. The government must also augment the capacities of
biomedical treatment units with appropriate monitoring strategies and work with
all stakeholders — doctors, innovators and medical items and equipment
manufacturers — to come up with a plan to reduce the waste burden.
Extradition Process in India
Backstory
United Kingdom’s Home Secretary recently cleared the extradition of fugitive
billionaire and diamond merchant Nirav Modi to India. This comes after a UK
court ruled that Nirav Modi could be extradited to India.
What are the accusations against him?
NIrav Modi is accused of his alleged involvement in the ₹14,000-crore Punjab
National Bank (PNB) fraud by fraudulently issuing Letters of Undertaking.
What is Letter of Undertaking?
It is a guarantee that a bank gives to banks abroad where its client approaches for
credit.
What is extradition?
It is a formal, diplomatic process by which one state requests another to effect the
return of custody of a fugitive criminal.
When is a request for extradition done?
It I done for crimes punishable by the laws of the requesting State and committed
outside the jurisdiction of the country where such person has taken refuge.
What are the factors governing extradition?
The process of extradition is subject to two factors: existence of a binding
extradition agreement and the municipal laws of the country from which the
extradition is being requested.
What are the crimes for which extradition can be requested from the UK by
India?
In the current context, Article 2 of the India-UK Extradition Treaty states that an
extradition offence is one which, under the laws of each contracting state, is
punishable by imprisonment for at least one year.
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What is the law for extradition in India?
In India, the extradition of a fugitive from India to a foreign country or vice-versa
is governed by the provisions of the Indian Extradition Act, 1962.
Is a bilateral treaty necessary for extradition?
No. The basis of extradition could be a treaty between India and a foreign country
and in absence of a treaty, an arrangement for extradition. India has bilateral
Extradition Treaties with forty-two countries and Extradition Arrangements with
nine more countries to quicken and ease the process of extradition.
What happens in the absence of an extradition treaty or arrangement?
The Indian Extradition Act, 1962, states that the Central Government may treat
any convention to which India and a foreign state are parties, as an Extradition
Treaty made by India with that foreign state providing for extradition in respect
of the offences specified in that Convention. In other cases, In the absence of a
treaty, it is up to the foreign country, as per its domestic laws and procedures, to
determine whether the country can agree to India’s extradition request.
When can an extraction request be made?
Extradition requests are made only after the filing of a charge sheet, cognisance
of the same by a Magistrate and issuance of an arrest warrant.
When can extradition be denied?
An alleged offender may not be extradited to the requesting State in the absence
of a treaty. The States are not obligated to extradite aliens/nationals, or where the
crime is not identified as an extraditable offence in the treaty. Extradition may be
denied for purely military and political offences.
Pandemic and the push to Cashless Economy - Good, bad
and limitations
Backstory
In contrast to the gloom cast by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown across the
economy, digital payments and fintech sector witnessed record highs in 2020.
What are the factors fuelling this surge?
A large number of people preferred to stay at home and maintain social
distancing. There was also an increased risk of spread of virus by transfer of
currency notes. However, this came on the verge of a strong push by the
Government to promote digital economy in the country.
How did Banks facilitate push towards cashless economy?
The pandemic forced traditional banks to depend more heavily on their digital
channels to reach out to and facilitate customers through new and innovative
means such as video KYC and WhatsApp banking.
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Where does India stand in terms of digital transactions?
The rate of cash to GDP is the highest, i.e. 12.42% in India. Whereas, other large
economies have average cash to GDP ratio of 5%. In fact, in the year 2015, 78%
of all consumer payments were in cash in India, whereas in US, it was 20% and
in UK it was 25%.
What steps have been taken by the Government in this direction?
Digital India’ got a big boost in the field of monetary transactions with the
government’s demonetisation move four years ago. Since then, there has been a
marked increase in tools and solutions available in the e-payments sectors
including initiatives by the NPCI such as BharatPay, BHIM app, UPI amongst
others. There has also been a surge of direct benefits transfers, trinity of Jan Dhan
Account, Aadhar and Mobile and increased internet penetration.
What are the advantages of cashless economy?
There are multiple benefits. First, crime rates tend to reduce since there is no
tangible money to steal. Second, due to digital paper trail instances like money
laundering, black money and tax evasion can be reigned to a large extend. Lastly,
there is less time and costs associated with handling, storing, and depositing paper
money.
What are the challenges?
Digital penetration is still low in the country. Merely 16% rural users access the
internet for digital transactions as compared to 44% urban users. There is also a
lack of digital literacy, apart from the rising number of cyber-attacks dissuade
people opting for digital transactions. Digital payment infrastructure is below
optimal especially in terms of PoS and ATMs.
What reforms should be undertaken?
Increasing awareness regarding the benefits of digital transactions in order to
alleviate fears and maintain transparency in the process is important to gain
confidence of the public. Along with greater push for digital infrastructure and
internet penetration. Increased risk of cyber attacks and online frauds need to be
dealt by a strong data protection law and nodal agencies such as CERT-IN.
What lies in the future?
A recent report by Accenture said that in India, 6,660 crore transactions worth
$270.7 billion are expected to shift from cash to cards and digital payments by
2023 – and increase to $856.6 billion by 2030. Digital payments and the transition
to a cashless economy are also important milestones for India as we strive to reach
our $5-trillion-economy goal.
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IPR Waiver for COVID vaccines: Panacea to vaccine
shortage?
Backstory
The USA recently announced that it would support waiving trade-related aspects
of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) for the production of COVID-19 vaccines.
How difficult will it be to pass the waiver?
A waiver would require text-based negotiations. This involves exchanging texts
with their preferred wording and then thrashing out a consensus which a fairly
long-drawn affair.
How many WTO members should agree to the waiver?
All. All 164 WTO members must agree on the draft, and any one member can
veto it.
What is TRIPS?
The WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) is the most comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual
property. It frames the IP system in terms of innovation, technology transfer and
public welfare.
What are patents?
A patent is a title that gives its owner the legal right to exclude others from
making, using, or selling an invention for a limited period of years.
What happens in case the intellectual property for vaccines is waived?
The IP waiver might open up space for production of Covid vaccines on a larger
scale in middle-income countries. Currently, the production by middle-income
countries has been happening through licensing or technology transfer
agreements.
What is the argument in favour of relaxing TRIPS rules?
One of the major concerns is the new mutating viruses which could fuel surge in
cases in the world. This has been visible in the case of India where cases have
sharply increased possibly due to new mutants being circulated.
Will the easing of TRIPS rules lead to greater supply of vaccines?
While on one hand it might lead to greater production capacity in the medium to
long run across the globe, however, this is fraught with several issues.
What are these issues?
There needs to be transfer of technology, expertise and material apart from easing
of the associated intellectual property rights rules. This might impede production
capacity of pharma industries in developing countries. It will also take a
considerable amount of time, even several years, for generic producers’ plants to
become operational at optimal capacity. Such policies could discourage
pharmaceutical companies from investing in producing next-generation vaccines.
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What arguments have pharma giants given against the waiver?
They have argued that eliminating IP protections would “undermine the global
response to the pandemic,” including the ongoing efforts to tackle new variants.
It could also create confusion that could potentially undermine public confidence
in vaccine safety.
What are the other impediments to increase vaccine production?
There are multiple issues including trade barriers, bottlenecks in supply chains,
scarcity of raw materials and ingredients in the supply chain, and the
unwillingness of rich countries to share doses with poorer nations.
Maratha Reservation case – How to identify Socially and
Educationally Backward Classes?
Backstory
The Supreme Court recently held the Maratha reservation in Maharashtra to be
unconstitutional for violation of equality and breaching the 50% cap on
reservation. By a 3:2 majority, it also ruled that the States do not have any power
to identify ‘socially and educationally backward’ (SEBC) classes.
What was the 102th Constitutional Amendment?
The 102nd Constitutional Amendment made three significant changes to the
Constitution. First, it created a National Commission for Backward Classes with
constitutional status. Secondly, it specified a process for the identification of
SEBCs. Thirdly, it added a new sub-clause to the Constitution’s definitions clause
(Article 366), which stated that the term “SEBC” means “such backward classes
as are so deemed under Article 342A for the purposes of this Constitution.
What did the new Article 342A say?
It said that President shall notify a list of SEBCs in relation to each State and
Union Territory, in consultation with Governors of the respective States. It further
said that once this ‘Central List’ is notified, only Parliament could make
inclusions or exclusions in the list by law.
What was this provision in litigation?
One of the challenges to the Maratha quota was that creating the quota through a
new category called ‘SEBC’ was unconstitutional because after the introduction
of the 102nd Amendment, the State legislature had no power to identify any new
backward class.
What is the current method for identification of SEBC?
According to status quo, the centre and the states exercise joint and separate
powers to identify SEBCs (a central list and several state lists), for their own
purposes (educational institutions and public employment).
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What did the Union argue in this context?
The Union government argued that it was never its intention to deprive State
governments of their power to identify SEBCs. It said Parliament’s intent was
only to create a Central List that would be applied only in the Central government
and its institutions.
How did the Court reach this ruling?
The court adopted a literal interpretation of the 102nd Amendment, the majority
held that the text was clear that the President alone could notify the list, and
subsequent changes could be made only by Parliament by law. They also held
that since the text was mirror image of provisions governing identification of SC
– the Parliament intended to “replicate” the same process for backward classes,
too.
What did the dissenting judges hold?
The minority accepted the Union government’s position that it was never its
intention to deprive the States of their powers. They held that the ‘Central List’
was only for use by the Centre in reservations for jobs and institutions under the
Union government, and will not apply to States.
What are the arguments against Court’s ruling?
Legal scholar Gautam Bhatia has argued that there was one notable difference
between provisions regarding SC and ST under Articles 341 and 342 on the one
hand, and Article 342A on the other. In their second sub-clause, Articles 341 and
342 clarified that a Presidential notification could only be amended by
Parliament. Article 342A (2), however, mentioned that Parliament can amend the
‘Central List’ of SEBC.
Why is the word Central List relevant?
The reference to the Central List is new, and strongly indicates that the new
constitutional arrangement was limited in its operation to the existing process
only at the central level, i.e., with respect to the Central List of SEBCs (and not
the state lists).
