DECEMBER 2021
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DECEMBER 2021
HISTORY AND CULTUREHISTORY AND CULTUREHISTORY AND CULTURE
Sumi Nagas 4
Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages 4
Dadabhai Naoroji 5
Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana 5
Hornbill Festival 6
Raigad Fort 6
Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project 7
Sri Ramna Kali Mandir 7
Animal Sports in India 8
Vernacular Innovation Program 8
P.N. Panicker 9
Tai Khamti War 9
Kaavi Art 10
PM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme 10
Rift Valley Lakes 11
Mount Semeru 11
Ken-Betwa Link Project 11
Typhoon Rai 12
Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative 13
India Young Water Professional Programme 14
Fishing Cat 14
Nairobi Declaration 15
Kyhytysuka Sachicarum 15
Lesser Florican 16
Chocolate-bordered Flitter 16
Project RE-HAB 17
Physella Acuta 17
Puneet Sagar Campaign 17
Global Methane Initiative 18
Buxa Tiger Reserve 19
Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2021 19
Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2021 20
Indian Desert Cat 21
Black-browed Albatross 22
Indian Flapshell Turtle 22
World Heritage Forests: Carbon Sinks Under Pressure 23
Flex Fuel Vehicles 23
Suspension of MPs 25
EWS Criteria Review Panel 25
Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021 26
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) 26
Law Commission of India 27
Supreme Court and High Court Judges Amendment Bill 2021 28
Governor and State Universities 28
Ladakh and Sixth Schedule 29
The National Anti-Doping Bill 2021 30
Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 30
National Litigation Policy 31
Election of Speaker 32
Amendment To Mineral Rule 33
Karnataka's Anti-Conversion Bill 33
NHA Estimates On Health Expenditure 35
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 36
Vernacular Innovation Program (VIP) 37
Child Protection Services Scheme 37
She is a Changemaker 37
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme 38
We Think Digital Programme 39
Atmanirbhar Hastshilpkar Scheme 39
Programme to Upskill Street Vendors 41
National Export Insurance Account 41
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme 41
All India EdTech Challenge and Master Class Series Initiative 42
Certification Course on Home Energy Audit 43
SAMPANN Project 43
Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project 44
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 44
ULIP Hackathon – LogiXtics 45
Seed Village Programme 46
Tokenization 46
ESG Funds 47
Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021 48
Gram Ujala Programme 48
Business Responsibility and Sustainability 49
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 49
Co-lending Model 50
G20's Troika 51
India-ITU Joint Cyberdrill 2021 51
Global Gateway Plan 52
Minsk Agreements 53
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 55
Mutual Legal Assistance 56
UNSC Resolution 2615 57
New Development Bank 57
3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue 57
India's Developmental assistance to Srilanka 59
GEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHYGEOGRAPHY
SOCIETY & WELFARESOCIETY & WELFARESOCIETY & WELFARE
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSINTERNATIONAL RELATIONSINTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT
POLITY & GOVERNANCEPOLITY & GOVERNANCEPOLITY & GOVERNANCE
ECONOMYECONOMYECONOMY
DEC 2021
DEC 2021
Smart Superconducting Fault Current Limiter 60
Dhawan-1 60
Laser Communications Relay Demonstration 61
Gaganyaan Mission 61
IXPE Mission 62
Magnetar 62
Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) 62
Quantum Laboratory at Mhow (MP) 63
Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) 64
Indian Biojet Fuel Technology 64
NIPER Amendment Bill, 2021 65
National Oxygen Stewardship Programme 65
NASA's Parker Solar Probe 66
Xenobots 66
Lithium 67
World Inequality Report 2022 68
World Press Freedom Index 68
Good Governance Index 2021 69
Global Unicorn Index 2021 69
State of India's Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021 70
Global Arms Trade Report 70
State of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in India 71
Exercise EKUVERIN 72
Sandhayak 72
AFSPA 72
Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile 74
Exercise PANEX-21 75
Chief of Defence Staff 75
SANT Missile 76
Pinaka Extended Range System 76
Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System 77
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons 77
Pralay Missile 78
Exercise Prasthan 78
INS Khukri 78
Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System 79
REPORTS & INDICESREPORTS & INDICESREPORTS & INDICES
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEFENSE & SECURITYDEFENSE & SECURITYDEFENSE & SECURITY
Why in the news?
Ÿ Sumi Naga tribe has developed a whole portfolio of ecological indicators to help predict weather.
About Sumi Nagas
Ÿ Sümi tribe are the major ethnic group among Nagas, who are Indo-Mongoloid tribal groups, in Nagaland, India.
Ÿ Sümi Nagas practiced Aki Kiti (a semi-contact combat sport), and headhunting like other Nagas before their conversion to Christianity.
Ÿ Clan heads : Sumis have two different clan heads, Swu (Sumi) and Tuku (Tukumi).
Ÿ Festivals : Their grandest festival, Tuluni, is marked with feasts as the occasion occurs in the bountiful season of the year. Ahuna is a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis.
Ÿ Livelihood : Sumi Nagas is primarily agrarian and depends on forests for both food and livelihood. So several of the indicators facilitate agricultural practices and predict seasonal variation.
Ÿ For instance, fruiting of mulberry (Morus) trees indicates spring and their harvest means summer is here.
Ÿ Then, to predict winter, the Sumi tribe uses a universal indicator - migrating birds.
Ÿ Sümi is one of the recognised scheduled tribes of India.
Why in the news?�Ÿ The Government of India has initiated a Scheme known as "Scheme for Protection and Preservation of
Endangered Languages of India" (SPPEL) informed the Minister of Culture and Tourism.
About SPPEL Scheme
Ÿ The policy of the Government is to promote all Indian Languages including endangered languages.
Ÿ Under this Scheme, the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore works on protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother tongues/languages of India spoken by less than 10,000 people which are called endangered languages.
Ÿ In the first phase of the scheme, 117 endangered languages/mother tongues have been chosen from all over India for study and documentation on a priority basis.
Ÿ The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also initiated two schemes for protection of endangered languages, namely 'Funding Support to the State Universities for Study and Research in Indigenous and Endangered languages in India' and 'Establishment of Centres for Endangered Languages in Central Universities'.
History & CultureSumi Nagas
History & CultureScheme for Protection and Preservation ofEndangered Languages
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Dinyar's Patel biography Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian nationalism won the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2021.
About Naoroji
Ÿ Born in 1825 at Navsari, in present-day Gujarat. He was an Indian nationalist, educationist, first.
Ÿ As a British MP he used the British institution to fulfil Indian interests. He passed a resolution in British Parliament to bring reforms in the Indian Civil Service.
Ÿ Dadabhai Naoroji was among the key proponents of the 'Drain Theory', disseminating it in his 1901 book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'. He calculated that the British drain one-fourth of India's revenue every year. His theory facilitated alliance with other anti-imperialists and socialists. Karl Marx briefly dabbled with the idea of the drain of wealth. Socialists like Henry Hyndman applied it in their critiques of capitalists.
Ÿ He mentored Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pheozesha Mehta, Romesh Chunder Dutt and other leaders. For his contribution, he is described as the "Grand Old Man of India".
Ÿ In 1865 and 1866, Naoroji helped found the London Indian Society and the East India Association The two organisations sought to bring nationalist Indians and sympathetic Britons on one platform. He was Congress president thrice, in 1886, 1893, and 1906. In 1893, he helped form an Indian parliamentary committee to attend to Indian interests.
Ÿ In 1895, he became a member of the royal commission on Indian expenditure.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Ministry of Culture implements Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art under Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojna (KSVY).
About Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
Ÿ Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) is an umbrella scheme under Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country.
Ÿ It is a central sector scheme.
Ÿ KSVY has the following sub-schemes through which financial assistance is provided to cultural organizations:
Ÿ Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture.
Ÿ Scheme of Financial Assistance for Creation of Cultural Infrastructure.
Ÿ Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Aims and objectives
Ÿ To enable them avail benefits under the schemes even if they are not able to stage programs in the physical format as before.
Ÿ To ensure continued financial assistance to tide over the present COVID-19 crisis.
Ÿ To promote and disseminate the art & culture of the country by providing financial support to drama/theatre groups/dance groups/ music ensembles/ folk theatre & music and other genres of performing art activities.
History & CultureDadabhai Naoroji
History & CultureKala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
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Why in News?
Ÿ To protest the killings of civilians by the security forces in Mon district on Saturday, eight of the 17 tribes in Nagaland have announced their withdrawal from the annual Hornbill Festival, which is currently underway at Kisama village.
About the festival
Ÿ This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Kohima.
Ÿ The festival gets its name from the Indian Hornbill.
Ÿ The Hornbill is a common bird among the folklores and tribes of Nagaland and can be commonly seen prancing around in the forests of Nagaland.
Ÿ Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima.
Why in News?
Ÿ President Ram Nath Kovind is beginning his four-day visit (December 6-9) to Maharashtra by visiting the Raigad Fort where he will pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
About the fort
Ÿ Raigad is a hill fort situated in t h e R a i g a d d i s t r i c t o f Maharashtra.
Ÿ The British Gazette states the fort was known to early Europeans as the Gibraltar of the East. Its decisive feature is a mile and a half flat top which has adequate room for buildings.
Ÿ The fort, which was earlier called Rairi, was the seat of the Maratha clan Shirke in the 12th century. The fort changed hands a number of times from the dynasty of Bahaminis to the Nizamshahis and then the Adilshahis.
Ÿ In 1656, Chhatrapati Shivaji captured it from the More's of Javli who were under the suzerainty of the Adilshahi Sultanate.
Ÿ In 1662, Shivaji formally changed the fort's name to Raigad and added a number of structures to it. By 1664, the fort had emerged as the seat of Shivaji's government.
Ÿ On June 6, 1674, Shivaji was coronated at Raigad by Gagabhatt where he took on the title of Chhatrapati. Six years later, Shivaji passed away in Raigad in 1680 and was cremated at the fort.
History & CultureHornbill Festival
Great Hornbill
Ÿ It is also known as the concave-casqued hornbill, great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill is one of the larger members of the hornbill family.
Ÿ It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Ÿ Its impressive size and colour have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.
Ÿ The great hornbill is long-lived, living for nearly 50 years in captivity.
Ÿ It is predominantly frugivorous, but is an opportunist and will prey on small mammals, reptiles and birds.
Ÿ IUCN status: Vulnerable.
History & CultureRaigad Fort
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Why in News?
Ÿ Recently, the Prime Minister has inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Uttar Pradesh.
About the temple
Ÿ It is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ÿ It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Ÿ The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
About the project
Ÿ It is the massive makeover and the first after the 1780 AD when the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore renovated the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the area surrounding it.
Ÿ The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the ghats along the river Ganga.
Ÿ The project is aimed at ensuring easy movement of pilgrims and devotees between the ghats and the temple. Earlier, they had to pass through congested streets to reach the temple.
Ÿ This improvement of the infrastructure in Varanasi is expected to give a boost to tourism in the region.
Why in News?
Ÿ On December 17, 2021, President of India will inaugurate a famous Hindu shrine, Sri Ramna Kali Mandir, that was destroyed by the Pakistani forces during the war (Operation Searchlight) of 1971.
About the temple
Ÿ The Ramna Kali Bari used to be a famous landmark of Dhaka where a Kali temple stood for centuries.
Ÿ India supported the renovation and conservation of the historic temple with the help of the Government of Bangladesh. The inauguration comes 50 years after Pakistan was defeated in 1971.
Ÿ
History & CultureKashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project
History & CultureSri Ramna Kali Mandir
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Union Home Minister laid the foundation stone for the 'Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum' in Manipur.
About Rani Gaidinliu
Ÿ Born on January 26, 1915 at Luangkao village in Manipur, Rani Gaidinliu was a spiritual and political leader of the Rongmei Naga tribe.
Ÿ She preserved the identity and culture of her community - Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui - a cognate of tribes referred to as Zeliangrong and are spread across Assam, Manipur & Nagaland.
Ÿ At 13, she became associated with freedom fighter and religious leader, Haipou Jadonang, and became his lieutenant in his social, religious and political movement.
Ÿ Jadonang, who was also a Rongmei, started the 'Heraka movement', based on ancestral Naga religion, and envisioned an independent Naga kingdom (or Naga-Raja).
Ÿ Rani Gandiliu's association with Jadonang prepared her to fight the British. After the execution of Jadonang, she
Ÿ took up the leadership of the movement — which slowly turned political from religious.
Ÿ Rani started a serious revolt against the British and was eventually imprisoned for life. She was released after 14 years, in 1947.
Ÿ Legacy
Ÿ Acknowledging her role in the struggle against the British, Jawaharlal Nehru called her the "Daughter of the Hills" and gave her the title "Rani" or queen.
Ÿ Indian Coast Guard commissioned a Fast Patrol Vessel 'ICGS Rani Gaidinliu' in 2016.
Why in the news ?
Ÿ With an ambition to empower innovators and entrepreneurs across the country, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has come up with a first of its kind Vernacular Innovation Program (VIP).
About the programme
Ÿ It will enable innovators and entrepreneurs in India to have access to the innovation ecosystem in 22 scheduled languages.
Components:
Ÿ Training a Vernacular Task Force (VTF) in each of the 22 scheduled languages.
Ÿ VTF comprises vernacular language teachers, subject experts, technical writers, and the leadership of regional Atal Incubation Centers (AICs).
Ÿ The train-the-trainer program in collaboration with the Design Department of IIT Delhi to coach the VTF in design thinking and entrepreneurship and the adaptation of these subjects in the 22 languages and cultures.
Significance
Ÿ It will serve as a stepping stone in the Indian innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, cementing a cognitive and design thinking attitude in the young and aspiring minds.
Ÿ It will aid India in the development of a strong local network of design experts and innovators.
Ÿ It will assist in overcoming linguistic barriers and empowering innovators in the farthest parts of the country.
Ÿ It will provide equal opportunity to vernacular innovators, who make up a staggering 90% of the Indian population.
Ÿ According to the 2011 census, 10.4% of Indians speak English, with the majority speaking it as a second, third, or fourth language.
Ÿ Only 0.02 percent of Indians were English Speakers with their first language.
Ÿ AIM aims to boost the local, regional, national, and global innovation pipelines by offering access to learning in one's language and culture.
History & CultureAnimal Sports in India
History & CultureVernacular Innovation Program
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Why in News?
Ÿ The President of India has recently unveiled the statue of P.N. Panicker at Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram.
About P.N. Panicker
Ÿ Puthuvayil Narayana Panicker is known as the Father of the Library Movement of Kerala.
Ÿ June 19, his death anniversary, has been observed in Kerala as Vayanadinam (Reading Day) since 1996.
Ÿ In 2017, PM declared June 19, Kerala's Reading Day, as National Reading Day in India.
Ÿ The following month is also observed as National Reading Month in India.
Contributions
Ÿ Panicker led the formation of Thiruvithaamkoor Granthasala Sangham (Travancore Library Association) in 1945 with 47 rural libraries.
Ÿ The slogan of the organization was 'Read and Grow'.
Ÿ Later on, with the formation of Kerala State in 1956, it became Kerala Granthasala Sangham (KGS).
Ÿ He traveled to the villages of Kerala proclaiming the value of reading.
Ÿ Grandhasala Sangham won the 'Krupsakaya Award' from UNESCO in 1975.
Ÿ It became the Kerala State Library Council, with an in-built democratic structure and funding.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM urged the Centre to recognize the Tai Khamti-British war as India's first for
Ÿ independence.
About
Ÿ Tai Khamti took place in 1839 between the Tai Khamti people and the British. The theatre of this war was some 2,400 km east of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh where the mutiny began.
Ÿ Tai Khamtis resisted colonisation by the British. Some 80 British soldiers, including Col. Adam White, were killed in the resultant conflict.
Ÿ The Tai Khamti people, who follow Theravada Buddhism, number a little more than 1,00,000 today and live in areas straddling Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Ÿ Other battles between communities of Arunachal Pradesh and the British –
Ÿ Anglo-Abor wars from 1858 to 1911
Ÿ The Abors, now called Adis, inhabit central Arunachal Pradesh
Ÿ Wancho-British war in Tirap district's Ninu in 1875
Ÿ Wanchos live in the southern part of the State in Arunachal.
History & CultureP.N. Panicker
History & CultureTai Khamti War
About Tai Khamti
Ÿ They are an ethnic group native to Myanmar. In India, they are found in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and possibly in some parts of China.
Ÿ The Tai Khamtis who inhabit the region around the Tengapani basin were descendants of migrants who came during the century from the Hkamti long region, the mountainous valley of the Irrawaddy.
Ÿ The Tai-Khamti are followers of Theravada Buddhism.
Ÿ The Tai-Khamti have their own script for their language, known as 'Lik Tai', which originated from the Shan (Tai) script of Myanmar.
Ÿ Their mother tongue is known as Khamti language. It is a Tai language, closely related to Thai and Lao.
Ÿ Sangken is the main festival of the Khamti.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ PM Modi talks about 'Kaavi' on Mann Ki Baat, stresses ancient art's preservation.
About the art
Ÿ It is a form of wall art found in Konkan region, especially in temples of Goa, parts of coastal Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Ÿ Introduced by the Portuguese who ruled Goa until 1961.
Ÿ The art takes its name from Kaav in Konkani which refers to Indian red pigment which is the only color used in this painting. The red pigment is obtained from the laterite soil.
Ÿ The painting is done on wet plaster in a manner similar to frescoes [Fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid (wet) lime plaster].
Ÿ The painting is done in bright red and white shades. It is usually done on the walls of temples and homes that depicts the ancient history of India.
Why in News?
Ÿ Recently, National Book Trust, India under Ministry of Education has announced the results of the All-India Contest organized on the Theme 'National Movement of India' under the PM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme.
About the scheme
Ÿ The scheme is aimed at training 75 aspiring writers below 30 years, who are ready to express themselves and project India and its culture and literature globally.
Ÿ A scholarship of Rs 50,000 per month for a period of six months per author will be paid under the mentorship scheme.
Ÿ Through this scheme, the government aims to bring reading and authorship as a preferred profession at par with other job optionsand to impart a positive psychological push to the young minds amidst the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children.
History & CultureKaavi Art
History & CulturePM-YUVA Mentorship Scheme
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Why in the news?
Ÿ A report has found that the water levels of lakes in Kenya's Great Rift Valley increased significantly, due to climate change, human activities and an active tectonic belt.
About rift valleys
Ÿ Rift Valley Lakes are a series of lakes in the East African Rift valley that runs through eastern Africa from Ethiopia in the north to Malawi in the south.
Ÿ These include the African Great Lakes (Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi) as well as Turkana, Albert, Edward, Kivu and other lakes.
Ÿ Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior in the US.
Ÿ Lake Taganayika is the longest lake in the world.
Ÿ Rift Valley lakes are well known for the evolution of at least 800 cichlid fish species that live in their waters.
Threats
Ÿ Deforestation, pollution from agricultural and industrial activities, run-off from urban areas and overfishing threaten the health of many of the lakes and their water basins.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupted.
About Semeru
Ÿ Semeru, or Mount Semeru, is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia.
Ÿ It is located in a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australia plate subducts under the Eurasia plate.
Ÿ It is the highest mountain on the island of Java.
Ÿ The name "Semeru" is derived from Meru, the central world mountain in Hinduism, or Sumeru, the abode of gods.
Ÿ This stratovolcano is also known as Mahameru, meaning "The Great Mountain" in Sanskrit.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Union Cabinet has approved the funding and implementation of Ken-Betwa inter-linking of rivers project.
About the project
Ÿ The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers. Under this project, water from the Ken river will be transferred to the Betwa river.Both these rivers are tributaries of river Yamuna..
Ÿ This project will spread across the districts of MP and UP i.e. Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP and in UP; Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts.
GeographyRift Valley Lakes
GeographyMount Semeru
GeographyKen-Betwa Link Project
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Ÿ Phases under the Project : The Ken-Betwa Link Project has two phases.
Ÿ Under Phase-I, Daudhan dam complex a n d K e n - B e t w a l i n k c a n a l a n d Powerhouses — will be completed.
Ÿ Under Phase-II, three components — Lower Orr dam, Bina complex project, and Kotha barrage — will be constructed.
Benefits of the Ken-Betwa Project
Ÿ The Ken-Betwa Link Project lies in Bundel-khand, a drought-prone region, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Ÿ According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved region of Bundelkhand.
Ÿ It will pave the way for more interlinking of river projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor for development in the country.
Issues with the project
Ÿ The project will partly submerge the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and affect the habitat of vultures and jackals. After years of protests, however, it was finally cleared by the apex wildlife-regulator, the National Board for Wildlife, in 2016.
Ÿ The two states couldn't agree on how water would be shared, particularly in the non-monsoonal months. The cordial conditions may not last forever and disputes might arise in future when there are governments of different parties in Lucknow and Bhopal.
Ÿ National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) - have raised serious concerns about the potential damage the project will do to the area's ecology.
Ÿ There is a huge cost attached to project implementation and maintenance. According to the Comprehensive Detailed Project Report, the cost of the Ken-Betwa Link Project is estimated at Rs 35,111.24 crore at 2017-18 prices.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Super typhoon Rai is battering the southern Philippines, forcing thousands of people to take shelter amid warnings of widespread flooding and destruction.
About
Ÿ Typhoon Rai, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Odette, is currently a powerful tropical cyclone over the South China Sea which recently passed through the Philippines.
Ÿ Rai became the first Category 5 super typhoon since Nock-ten to form in the month of December and the third Category 5 super typhoon to form in South China Sea after Pamela of 1954 and Rammasun of 2014.
Ÿ The Philippines is used to powerful storms - it is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons a year. Super typhoon Goni left a trail of death and destruction in November 2020.
Ÿ It was the most powerful storm to hit the country since Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 6,000 people in 2013.
National River Linking Project(NRLP):
Ÿ National River Linking Project (NRLP) also known as the National Perspective Plan aims to link Indian rivers by a network of reservoirs and canals.
Ÿ The main objective is to transfer water from water 'surplus' basins suffering from floods to water 'deficit' basins suffering from droughtƒscarcity.
Ÿ The then Ministry of Irrigation prepared this plan in August 1980. The NRLP is managed by National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
GeographyTyphoon Rai
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Why in the news?
Ÿ According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO),Africa's Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative is an important contribution towards combating climate change.
About the initiative
Ÿ It was launched in 2007 by the African Union. The GGW programme aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded ecosystems across 11 countries in the region. It aims to promote sustainable development and climate change mitigation. By 2030, the GGW aims to sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon, restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land and create 10 million jobs for the world's poorest people.
Ÿ Countries selected as intervention zones for the Great Green Wall are: Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan.
Aims of the initiative
Ÿ Led by the African Union, the initiative aims to transform the lives of millions of people by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes across North Africa.
Ÿ The initial idea of the GGW was to develop a line of trees from east to the west bordering the Saharan Desert.
Ÿ Its vision has evolved into that of a mosaic of interventions addressing the challenges facing the people in the Sahel and the Sahara.
Ÿ The African initiative is still only 15% complete.
Ÿ Once fully completed, the Wall will be the largest living structure on the planet – an 8,000 km natural wonder of the world stretching across the entire width of the continent.
Ÿ African countries during the UNCCCD COP14 sought global support in terms of finance to make the Wall a reality in the continent's Sahel region by 2030.
Ÿ Sahel is a semiarid region of western and north-central Africa extending from Senegal eastward to Sudan.
Ÿ It forms a transitional zone between the arid Sahara (desert) to the north and the belt of humid savannas to the south.
Need for such project:
Ÿ The project is a response to the combined effect of natural resources degradation and drought in rural areas.
Ÿ I t i s a par tnership that suppor ts communities working towards sustainable management and use of forests, rangelands and other natural resources.
Ÿ It seeks to help communities mitigate and adapt to climate change, as well as improve food security.
Ÿ The GGW offers multiple (environmental, social and economic) benefits on an epic scale, touching on 15 of the 17 United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals.
Ÿ The project aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030; only four million hectares had been restored between 2007 and 2019.
Ÿ By 2030, the GGW aims to sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon, restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land and create 10 million jobs for the world's poorest people.
EnvironmentGreat Green Wall (GGW) Initiative
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the first edition of the India Young Water Professional Programme.
About the programme
Ÿ It aims to provide a structural platform for capacity building with strategic and long-term investments to support water management reforms in India. Water professionals will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, attitudes and networks that enable them to contribute to the development and management of water resources in India and address the potential needs and priorities of the water sector in India.
Ÿ This program has been launched under the National Hydrology Project. It will be implemented by the Australia-India Water Center (a consortium of Australian and Indian universities).
Ÿ It focuses on the Engaged Training and Learning Model. The program will aim to achieve its objectives through the 70-20-10 Framework, which states that learning requires three types of experience:
Ÿ Experience 70% (learning and developing for the job)
Ÿ Exposure 20% (learning and developing through others)
Ÿ Education 10% (learning and development through formal training)
Ÿ It also focuses on gender equality and diversity, as the benefits of sustainable water management can only be derived from the ideas and skills of all members of society.
Ÿ It is result-driven, by the time these programs are completed the participants will have some tools and techniques.
Ÿ Based on the success of this edition, the second phase of Young Water Professionals (YWP) will be planned in the latter half of the year 2022.
Significance
Ÿ It will assist in breaking down the barriers between surface and groundwater, and participants will learn to take a holistic approach to water resource management.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Children for Fishing Cat project of Andhra Pradesh recruits children as ambassadors for conservation to save the predator and its home.
About the fishing cat
Ÿ Fishing cat is a wild cat species that is bigger than a domestic cat. They are nocturnal. They can easily wade through water and survive in wet landscapes. As they have webbing between their toes that helps to catch fish efficiently, their diet is dominated by fish.
Ÿ Habitat: They abound in estuarine floodplains, tidal mangrove forests and also inland freshwater habitats. They are scattered along the Eastern Ghats. They are also found in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganga and Brahmaputra river valleys and in the Western Ghats. They inhabit the Sundarbans (West Bengal), Chilika lagoon and the surrounding wetlands (Odisha), Coringa and Krishna mangroves (AP).
Protection Status
Ÿ IUCN Red List : Endangered.
Ÿ CITES : Appendix II.
Ÿ Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Ÿ Threats: Loss of its preferred wetland habitats; Depletion of its main prey-fish due to unsustainable fishing practices etc.
EnvironmentIndia Young Water Professional Programme
EnvironmentFishing Cat
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, The Nairobi Declaration was adopted by African nations in November. It underlined the need to deliver commitments on the Programme of Action (PoA) for implementing the Sendai Framework in Africa.
About
Ÿ The Nairobi Declaration, adopted by African ministers and heads of delegations November 19, 2021, underlined the need to deliver commitments on the Programme of Action (PoA) for implementing the Sendai Framework in Africa.
Ÿ This included the action plans under the PoA, to implement Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), 2015-2030.
Ÿ The PoA outlines how Africa aims to implement SFDRR on the continent. Towards Disaster Risk-Informed Development for a Resilient Africa in a COVID-19 Transformed World was the theme of the virtual meet.
Ÿ It was organised by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
Why in the news?
Ÿ An international team of researchers has discovered a new marine reptile named Kyhytysuka sachicarum.
About the reptile
Ÿ It is a new species of Cretaceous hyper-carnivorous ichthyosaur.
Ÿ It evolved a unique dentition that allowed it to eat large prey; where as other ichthyosaurs had small teeth for feeding on small prey.
Ÿ The dentary is the longest bone of the species.
Ÿ This species was mostly found in shallow waters.
Ÿ It was named as Kyhytysuka which translates to 'the one that cuts with something sharp' in an indigenous language from the region in central Colombia where the fossil was found. It was named so as to honour the ancient Muisca culture that existed in that region for millennia.
EnvironmentNairobi Declaration
EnvironmentKyhytysuka Sachicarum
Tunis declaration
Ÿ It was adopted at the Africa Arab Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Tunis from October 9-13, 2018.
Ÿ Eighth Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR)
Ÿ Organised by : United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
Ÿ Theme : Towards Disaster Risk-Informed Development for a Resilient Africa in a COVID-19 Transformed World.
Sendai Framework
Ÿ The "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030" was adopted during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015.The Sendai framework provides for a clear policy pathway in guiding countries and communities to substantially reduce the effects of shocks caused by natural and human-induced hazards by 2030 compared to 2005-2015.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ A recent study has for the first time tracked the longest in-country migration route of lesser Floricans from Rajasthan to Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district.
About Lesser Florican
Ÿ The lesser florican also known as the likh or kharmore is the smallest in the bustard family. The bird is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, where it is found in tall grasslands.
Ÿ Habitat: In India, the bird is observed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and some other regions during the monsoon season when it breeds and later disappears with its chicks to unknown places.
Ÿ Conservation status :
Ÿ IUCN Status: Endangered
Ÿ Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
Ÿ CITES: Appendix II
Ÿ Threats: Hunting and habitat degradation.
About the study
Ÿ The Wildlife Institute of India(WII) is implementing the study in partnership with Forest Departments of several States and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. The study on the Lesser Florican Migration Route has been launched as part of the bustard recovery programme which is a conservation initiative for the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican.
Why in the news?
Ÿ It is a newly discovered butterfly Species from Sikkim.
About the Chocolate-bordered Flitter-
Ÿ It carries the scientific name Zographetus dzonguensis which is named after Dzongu in north Sikkim.
Ÿ Its closest relatives are Zographetus pangi in Guangdong, and Zographetus hainanensis in Hainan, both in southeastern China, close to Hong Kong.
Ÿ This species is a golden yellow butterfly with brown borders and spots.
Ÿ The physical appearance of the species differs slightly and the internal structures of the males also differ slightly.
Ÿ Dzongu, a Lepcha protected area in North Sikkim, is a biodiversity hotspot.
Ÿ Its richness in butterflies had already been recorded way back in the mid-19th century.
Ÿ It is bounded by the Teesta River in the south-east, Tholung Chu River in the north-east and by mighty mountains in the west. It borders the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.
EnvironmentLesser Florican
EnvironmentChocolate-bordered Flitter
National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore-
Ÿ It is a research centre specialising in biological research.
Ÿ It was founded in 1992.
Ÿ It is a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research under the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India.
Ÿ The mandate of NCBS is basic and interdisciplinary research in the frontier areas of biology.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched Project RE-HAB at Village Mornoi in Goalpara district of Assam which severely grapples with elephant-human conflicts.
About the project
Ÿ Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC's National Honey Mission. Under this Project, "Bee-fences" are created by setting up bee boxes in the passageways of elephants to block their entrance to human territories.
Ÿ The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.
Ÿ Project RE-HAB was earlier launched in Kodagu district of Karnataka in March 2021. In just 6 months, this project has reduced elephant attacks by over 70%.
Ÿ It will thwart elephant attacks in human habitations using honeybees and thus reducing the loss of lives of both humans as well as elephants.
Why in News?
Ÿ Recently, researchers have found a tiny snail species named Physella Acuta also known as acute bladder snail in the Edappally canal in Kochi, Kerala.
About the species
Ÿ Physella acuta, a tiny snail found in the Edappally canal in Kochi, has been flagged as an invasive species that could play havoc with native ecosystems. This is the first time this snail has been reported in Kerala,
Ÿ It is globally branded as highly invasive.
Ÿ Physella acuta plays host to worms that can cause food-borne diseases and skin itches in humans.
Ÿ Its rapid growth rate, air-breathing capability, and tolerance to pollution makes the Physella acuta a potential competitor to native fauna.
Ÿ Physella acuta is considered native to North America but is now found in all continents except Antarctica. It was first reported in India in the early 1990s.
Why in News?
Ÿ Recently, National Cadet Corps (NCC) is carrying out a nationwide campaign named 'Puneet Sagar' Campaign.
Objectives of the campaign
Ÿ To clean the plastic waste along the seashores in coastal areas. To generate awareness and educate target population about the measures for conservation and impact of plastic pollution along the sea beaches. To sensitise and mobilise support of local population towards prevention of pollution.
About Plastic Pollution:
Ÿ Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of plastic waste (non-biodegradable) in the environment.
Ÿ It can be categorized in primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, or secondary plastics, resulting from the degradation of the primary ones.
Ÿ Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth's last sink, flows from land.
EnvironmentProject RE-HAB
EnvironmentPhysella Acuta
EnvironmentPuneet Sagar Campaign
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Ÿ Trash is also carried to sea by major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream.
Ÿ Once at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters.
Ÿ Microplastics: Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles, often less than one-fifth of an inch across. These so-called microplastics.
Ÿ Microplastics include microbeads that are used in cosmetics and personal care products, industrial scrubbers and so on
Key points:
Ÿ A recent study conducted by Un-Plastic Collective has revealed that India generates 46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which 40% remains uncollected and 43% is used for packaging, most of which are of single-use plastic.
Ÿ Single-use plastic is a disposable material that can be used only once before it is either thrown away or recycled, like plastic bags, water bottles, soda bottles, straws, plastic plates, cups, most food packaging and coffee stirrers are sources of single use plastic.
Why in the news?
Ÿ India has co-chaired along with Canada the Global Methane Initiative leadership meet held virtually.
About Global Methane Initiative
Ÿ Global Methane Initiative (GMI) is a voluntary government and an informal international partnership with members from 45 nations, including the United States and Canada.
Ÿ The meeting was established with the goal of reducing anthropogenic methane emissions globally through a partnership between the developed and developing countries having economies in transition.
Ÿ India has been a member of the forum since its inception in 2004and has been taken up as Vice-Chairman of the Steering Leadership for the first time along with the United States.
Ÿ National governments are urged to join GMI as Partner Countries, while other non-state organizations may join GMI's extensive Project Network.
Areas of Interest:
Ÿ Currently, the program is focusing on five sectors that are known to emit anthropogenic methane:
Ÿ Coal Mining
Ÿ Agriculture
Ÿ Municipal Wastewater
Ÿ Municipal Solid waste
Ÿ Oil and gas systems
Methane pollution
Ÿ Methane emissions are a major source of worry because it is a greenhouse gas that is 25 to 28 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Ÿ Methane is responsible for 25% of today's global warming, according to the UN.
Ÿ After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Ÿ Methane is responsible for over half of the 1.0-degree Celsius net rise in global average temperature since pre-industrial times, according to the IPCC.
National Cadet Corps (NCC)
Ÿ Formation : The NCC was formed in 1948 on the recommendation of H. N. Kunzru Committee [1946]. NCC is the world's largest uniformed youth volunteer service organization.
Ÿ The NCC cadets undergo basic military training at various levels and as well as academic curriculum basics related to the Armed forces and their functioning.
Ÿ The NCC falls under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and is headed by ?? a Director-General of three-star military rank
EnvironmentGlobal Methane Initiative
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Why in the news?
Ÿ An increase in the forest density and the big cat prey base, especially deer, had attracted a Royal Bengal tiger, a first such sighting in 23 years, to the Buxa Tiger reserve.
About the Tiger Reserve
Ÿ Buxa Tiger Reserve lies in Alipurduar district of West Bengal. The northern boundary of Buxa Tiger Reserve runs along the international border with Bhutan. The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of Buxa National Park and the Eastern boundary touches that of the Assam State: It was created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve of India.
Ÿ Rivers: The main rivers flowing across the Tiger Reserve are Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima and Nonani. National Highway No.31 C roughly runs along its southern boundary. The fragile "Terai Eco-System" constitutes a part of this reserve.
Ÿ Flora: The forests of the reserve can be broadly classified as the 'Moist Tropical Forest'.
Ÿ Fauna: Some important species found in the reserve are Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) etc.
Why in News?
Ÿ The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was recently introduced in Parliament.
About the bill
Ÿ The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted for the conservation of biological diversity and fair, equitable sharing of the monetary benefits from the commercial use of biological resources and traditional knowledge. The Bill seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with the aim of reducing the compliance burden and facilitating investment.
Key provisions of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021
Ÿ The bill's objective is to relax certain rules in the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.
Ÿ The 2002 Act imposed a significant "compliance burden" on Indian medicine practitioners, the seed sector, industry, and researchers, making collaborative research and investment hard.
Ÿ Simplifying the research process: The amendment also makes the patenting process easier for Indian researchers in order to encourage them to file patents.
Ÿ Regional Patenting centers will be established around the country to help with this.
Ÿ Boosting the Indian Medicine System: It aims to give a boost to the "Indian system of medicine" by facilitating the fast-tracking of research, the application of patents, and the transfer of research results while utilizing India's biological resources.
Ÿ It aims to empower the local communities to use resources, especially those of medicinal value, such as seeds.
Ÿ The bill aims to encourage farmers to increase medicinal plant cultivation.
Ÿ These goals must be met without compromising the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity's goals.
Ÿ Certain Provisions should be Decriminalized: It aims to decriminalize certain provisions in the biological resource chain.
EnvironmentBuxa Tiger Reserve
EnvironmentBiological Diversity (Amendment) Bill 2021
Other Protected Areas in West Bengal :
Ÿ Gorumara National Park, Sundarbans National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, Jaldapara National Park.
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Ÿ These changes were done in 2012, following India's acceptance of the Nagoya Protocol (access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits deriving from their use).
Ÿ Allowing Foreign Investment: It also allows foreign investment in biodiversity research. This investment, however, will have to be made through Indian companies that involve biodiversity research.The approval of the National Biodiversity Authority is required for foreign entities.
Ÿ Exemption of AYUSH Practitioners: The bill proposes to exempt registered AYUSH medical practitioners and those with codified traditional knowledge, among others, from prior intimation to the state biodiversity boards in advance of utilizing biological resources for certain purposes.
Concerns
Ÿ Trade over the conservation: It prioritizes intellectual property and commercial trade over the act's primary objective of biological resource conservation.
Ÿ The threat of Bio-piracy: Exemptions for AYUSH Practitioners from the need to get approvals could lead to “biopiracy."
Ÿ The practice of exploiting the naturally occurring genetic or biochemical material in commerce is known as biopiracy.
Ÿ Marginalizing the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): The proposed amendments allow state biodiversity boards to represent BMCs in determining the terms of benefit sharing.
Ÿ National and state biodiversity boards are mandated by the Biodiversity Act,2002 to consult biodiversity management committees (established by every local body) before making any decisions on the use of biological resources.
Ÿ Sidelining the local communities: The bill also exempts the cultivated medicinal plants from the Act's purview. It is, however, impossible to detect which plants are cultivated and which are from the wild.
Ÿ Under the access and benefit-sharing provisions of the act, this provision could allow large companies to evade the need for prior approval or to share the benefit with local communities.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently the (Protection) Wildlife Amendment Bill, 2021, has been introduced in the Parliament.
About the bill
Ÿ Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife: The Bill proposes setting up of Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife. These committees will function like the National Board for Wildlife(NBWL). It will be able to make decisions on wildlife management and permissions granted for projects without having to refer most projects to the NBWL.
Ÿ Rationalisation of Schedules for Wildlife: The bill rationalises Schedules for Wildlife under the Act by bringing it down from 6 to 4 major schedules.
Ÿ Wildlife Management Plans: The Bill mandates that Wildlife Management Plans which are prepared for sanctuaries and national parks across the country will now become a part of the Wildlife Act. Further, they will have to be approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. This will ensure far stricter protection to these protected areas. Earlier, the plans were approved through executive orders.
Significance of the Amendment:
Ÿ It ensures clarity, and ensures better care of seized live animals and disposal of seized wildlife parts and products.
Ÿ Decentralising the functions of NBWL to strengthen the grass root level.
Ÿ Ensure the efficiency and speedy disposal of functions.
Ÿ Ensure far stricter protection to the protected areas such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
EnvironmentWildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill 2021
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Categories
Ÿ CITES was drafted after a resolution was adopted at a meeting of the members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1963. It entered into force in 1973.
Ÿ It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ An Indian Desert Cat was recently discovered in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR)for the first time. The Asiatic Wildcat, or Asian Steppe Wildcat, is another name forthe Indian Desert Cat.
About the species
Ÿ Indian Desert Cat is also known as the Asian steppe wildcat and Asiatic Wildcat. The cat is considered as a subspecies of African Wildcat. It is mostly found in Kazakhstan, western India, China and Mongolia.
Ÿ The cat is found in deserts and can survive without water. The toes of the species have cushion-like hair which helps them to balance the fluctuating desert temperatures.
Ÿ In India, the Asiatic wildcat inhabits the Thar Desert and is associated with the scrub desert. The cat has also been recorded in Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Mirzapur forests.
Threats
Ÿ It has beautiful soft fur and is therefore highly sought after in the international fur trade.
Ÿ One of the main threats is hybridization with domestic cats, which might result in the loss of genetic information. Hybridization has been reported in Pakistan and Central Asia, and it is most likelya problem in India as well.
Ÿ Another significant issue is poaching as a result of human conflict.
Ÿ Destruction of habitat and degradation of habitat quality are still major concerns. Due to changes in land usage, the Asiatic wildcat is under severe threat.
Ÿ It could also be harmed by rodenticides and other chemicals.
Protection Status
Ÿ Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
Ÿ Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
Ÿ Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
EnvironmentIndian Desert Cat
Ÿ Species are categorised under three Appendixes and are given varying degrees of protection as under:
Ÿ Appendix I : It includes species threatened with extinction. Trade-in specimens of these species are permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
Ÿ Appendix II : includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
Ÿ Appendix III : It contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Ÿ The Act was enacted for the protection of plants and animal species.
Ÿ It ensures a certain level of protection to wild animals specified in Schedules I, II, III and IV of the acts.
Ÿ Authorises the setting up of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.
Ÿ Created various bodies like, National and State Board for Wildlife, Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
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Why in the news?
Ÿ A recent study has provided evidence of the effect of environmental conditions on the longevity of relationships among a population of albatrosses.
About Black-browed Albatross
Ÿ They are a member of the albatross family Diomedeidae, the 'tube-noses', related to shearwaters, petrels, and fulmars. It is the most common and widespread albatross. The name for this large seabird comes from the dark black plumage above their eyes. Albatrosses are true marine birds, traversing the oceans in the southern hemisphere, returning to land only to breed.
Distribution
Ÿ They are found anywhere in the south Atlantic and circumpolar in the southern hemisphere. It can travel further to the north with cold currents.
Ÿ During September and October, these birds breed on south Atlantic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, South Sandwich, and the Cape Horn islands.
Ÿ Protection Status IUCN: Least Concern.
Why in the news?
Ÿ A mountaineer and an international forest forensic investigator had a chance encounter with the rarely found species of Albino Indian Flapshell turtle in Telangana.
About the turtle
Ÿ Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) is a freshwater species of turtle found in South Asia. The "flap-shelled" name stems from the presence of femoral flaps located on the plastron. These flaps of skin cover the limbs when they retract into the shell.
Habitat
Ÿ They are found in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh (Indus and Ganges drainages), and Myanmar (Irrawaddy and Salween Rivers).
Ÿ They live in the shallow, quiet, often stagnant waters of rivers, streams, marshes, ponds, lakes and irrigation canals, and tanks. These turtles prefer waters with sand or mud bottoms because of their tendency to burrow. They are also well adapted to drought conditions.
Ÿ They are known to be omnivorous. Its diet consists of frogs, shrimp, snails, aquatic vegetation, plant leaves, flowers, fruits, grasses and seed
Ÿ Conservation Status :
Ÿ IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
Ÿ CITES: Appendix II.
Ÿ Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
EnvironmentBlack-browed Albatross
EnvironmentIndian Flapshell Turtle
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, UNESCO, world resource Institute (WRI) and International union for conservation of Nature (IUCN)released this report.
About the carbon sinks
Ÿ Report provides the first global scientific assessment of green house gas emission and sequestration by forests in UNESCO world heritage sites (WHS).
Ÿ UNESCO world heritage forests , which over 69 million hectares , hold 13 billion tonnes of carbon (Gt C) in vegetation and soils.
Ÿ Most of the world heritage forests carbon is stored in tropical sites.
Ÿ Report estimates that forests across WHS removed approximately 190 million of CO2 per year between 2001 and 2020 from the atmosphere.
Why in the news?�Ÿ Recently, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways advised to start manufacturing Flex Fuel Vehicles
(FFV) and Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV).
FFVs (Flexible fuel vehicles)
Ÿ A Flexible FuelVehicle (FFV) is a modified version of a vehicle that can run on both gasoline and doped gasoline with different levels of ethanol blends.
Ÿ Vehicles equipped with FFVs will be able to use all mixes as well as run on unblended fuel.
Ÿ FFVs have engines that can run on more than 84%ethanol blended petrol.
Reasons behind the push
Ÿ Last year (Fy21), India's oil import bill stood at $62.7 billion which was matched in just the first seven months (April-October) of this year. To make matters worse, the rupee is at its weakest level in last three financial years. The government is desperate to bring down the oil import bill by creating fuel substitutes like ethanol, hydrogen and electricity.
Ÿ Even a push till the E20 level can result in savings of $4 billion per annum, as per estimates. This is possible only if flex-fuel vehicles are made available in the market. A
Benefits
Ÿ FFVs are intended to cut down on the usage of polluting fossil fuels and harmful emissions.
Ÿ Because alternative fuel ethanol costs Rs 60-62 per litre and petrol costs more than Rs 100 per litre in many parts of the country, Indians will save Rs 30-35 per litre by shifting to ethanol.
Ÿ FFVs will have a distinct advantage in India since they will allow vehicles to use diverse blends of ethanol mixed petrol available in the different parts of the country.
EnvironmentWorld Heritage Forests: Carbon Sinks Under Pressure
About World Heritage sites:
Ÿ World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural sites of 'Outstanding Universal Value', which are important across countries and generations.
Ÿ UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
Ÿ This is embodied in Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
Ÿ They are distributed across more than 110 countries and cover approximately 350 million hectares (Mha).
Ÿ Collectively, they include almost 1% of the Earth's land surface and 0.6% of the world's oceans.
Ÿ In addition to their Outstanding Universal Value and globally important contribution to biodiversity conservation, these sites also contribute to the well-being of local communities and wider human society.
Ÿ World Heritage sites also provide crucial ecosystem services, as two thirds of sites are critical sources of fresh water, and about half help prevent hazards such as floods or landslides.
EnvironmentFlex Fuel Vehicles
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Ÿ These vehicles are also a logical extension of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) initiative, which began in January 2003.
Ÿ Because India has a surplus of corn, sugar, and wheat, the mandatory ethanol blending programme will help farmers earn higher incomes.
Ÿ Increased use of ethanol as an automobile fuel will help the Indian economy save costs on imports, as the country imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements.
Concerns
Ÿ Customer acceptance will be a huge challenge because the cost of ownership and running costs will be very high when compared to 100% petrol vehicles.
Ÿ When running on 100% ethanol (E100), the running costs (because to lower fuel efficiency) will be more than 30% higher.
Ÿ Flex Fuel Engines are more costly because ethanol has extremely different chemical properties than petrol. Ethanol has a low calorific value (40%) when compared to gasoline, as well as high latent heat of evaporation, which causes charge/combustion cooling.
Ÿ Ethanol also works as a solvent, causing wear and tear by wiping out the protective oil film inside the engine.
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Why in the News?
Ÿ In the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs has sought the approval of the House for suspending 12 Rajya Sabha MPs for the remainder of the session.
About the suspension
Ÿ The members were suspended for the rest of the winter session under Rule 256 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha.
Ÿ The rule has been used 13 times in the past to suspend 26 members (some multiple times) since 1962.
Ÿ Membership of two Parliamentarians was terminated under the same rule in 2010.
Ÿ The Opposition said the rule is for ongoing sessions, not to be used in an earlier one.
Role of speaked in acting against disruption
Ÿ To conduct the proceedings smoothly, the rulebook gives certain powers to the presiding officers of both Houses.
Ÿ The presiding officer of each House can direct an MP to withdraw from the legislative chamber for grossly disorderly conduct.
Ÿ The presiding officers can also name an MP for persistently and wilfully obstructing the business of the House. In such a case, usually, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister moves a motion for suspending the offending MP from the service of the House. The suspension can last until the end of the session.
Ÿ In 2001, the Lok Sabha rule was amended to give the Speaker one additional power. A new rule, 374A, empowers the Speaker to automatically suspend an MP for a maximum of five days for disrupting the business of the House.
Why in the News?
Ÿ The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed a three-member committee to revisit the criteria for 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and Government jobs.
About the panel
Ÿ The panel was formed following the Supreme Court query to the Government of India. The SC asked "On what rationale, the central government is fixing the quota eligibility at Rs 8 lakh" For person to be labelled under OBC (Other Backward Caste), his income limit should be less than Rs 8 lakh per annum. This was questioned by the Supreme Court.
Ÿ Panel Constituted under Article 15 � Article 15 (4) says that nothing shall prevent the state from making special provisions for the advancement of the socially and educationally backward classes or scheduled tribes or scheduled caste.
Polity & GovernanceSuspension of MPs
Polity & GovernanceEWS Criteria Review Panel
Important Constitutional Provisions regarding Reservations:
Ÿ 103rd Amendment) Act,
Ÿ The Parliament amended the Constitution of India (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019 to provide for a 10% reservation in education and government jobs in India for a section of the General category candidates.
Ÿ The amendment introduced economic reservation by amending Articles 15 and 16. It inserted Article 15 (6) and Article 16 (6) in the Constitution to allow reservation for the economically backward in the unreserved category.
Ÿ Article 15(6): Up to 10% of seats may be reserved for EWS for admission in educational institutions. Such reservations will not apply to minority educational institutions.
Ÿ Article 16(6): It permits the government to reserve up to 10% of all government posts for the EWS.
Other Related Articles
Ÿ Article 16(1) and 16(2) assure citizens equality of opportunity in employment or appointment to any government office.
Ÿ Article 15(1) generally prohibits any discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth.
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Why in the News?
Ÿ Recently, the Lok Sabha has passed the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021.
Need for an ART Control Bill
Ÿ ART market size is expected to reach $ 45 billion by 2026 (as per market speculation). Among Asian countries, India's ART market is ranked third. Undoubtedly, this too has led to the crisis in legal, social, and moral issues. The bill is important to protect women and children affected by abuse. In addition, about 80% of ART clinics in India are not registered. Therefore, to control unethical processes, ART control is essential. The select committee that reviewed the Surrogacy Control Bill said it would be prudent to introduce the ART Bill before the Births Bill to establish a system for regulating ART clinics.
About the bill
Ÿ Regulate ART Services: The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Registry of Clinics and Banks, which will act as a central database for details of all the clinics and banks in the country. The Registry will grant registration to ART clinics which will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years. Registration may be cancelled or suspended if the entity contravenes the provisions of the Bill.
Ÿ National and State Boards: � The Bill also provides for the establishment of National and State Boards for Surrogacy for the regulation of ART services. The National Board shall advise the Central Government on policy matters relating to assisted reproductive technology.
Ÿ Rules for ART service providers : ART procedures can only be carried out with the written informed consent of both the person seeking ART services as well as the gamete donor.
Ÿ Rights of a Child Born through ART: The Bill provides that the child born through assisted reproductive technology shall be deemed to be a biological child of the commissioning couple and the said child shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges available to a natural child only from the commissioning couple under any law for the time being in force.
Ÿ Stringent Punishment: Offences under the bill include clinics offering sex selection, abandoning or exploiting children born through ART, the selling, buying, or importing of human embryos and exploiting the couple or donors concerned in any form. Proposed jail terms for violations range from five to 12 years, and fines from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
Why in the News?
Ÿ The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has completed 100 years.
About PAC
Ÿ Historical Background: It is the oldest of all House panels. The Committee on Public Accounts was first set up in 1921 in the wake of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.Article 105 (on Parliamentary privileges) and Article 118 (on Parliament's authority to make rules for governing its procedure and conduct of business) provide Parliamentary committees with their authority.
Ÿ The Public Accounts Committee is now constituted every year under Rule 308 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
Ÿ Appointment: The Chairman is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Since 1967, the chairman of the committee is selected from the opposition.
Ÿ Members : It presently comprises 22 members (15 members elected by the Lok Sabha Speaker, and 7 members elected by the Rajya Sabha Chairman).
Polity & GovernanceAssisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2021
Ÿ Articles 15(4) and 16(4) state that the equality provisions do not prevent the government from making special provisions in matters of admission to educational institutions or jobs in favour of backward classes, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Ÿ Article 16(4A) allows reservations to SCs and STs in promotions, as long as the government believes that they are not adequately represented in government services.
Polity & GovernancePublic Accounts Committee (PAC)
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Ÿ Term: The term of office of the members is one year.
Ÿ Purpose: The PAC prohibits any Minister from being elected as a member of it since it was created to d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r m o n e y allocated to the Government by Parliament was spent within the "scope of demand" or not.
Functions of PAC
Ÿ To examine the accounts detailing the appropriation of the money provided by the House to cover the expenditure, as well as the government's annual Finance Accounts and,
Ÿ Except for those relating to Public Undertakings designated to the Committee on Public Undertakings, the Committee may lay other accounts before the House as it thinks fit.
Ÿ The Committee evaluates the numerous Audit Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on tax receipts, expenditure by various Ministries/Departments of Government, and accounts of autonomous bodies, in addition to the CAG Reports on Appropriation Accounts of the Government.
Ÿ Savings arising from incorrect estimates or other procedural defaultsare treated no differently than excesses by the Committee.
Challenges in the functioning of PAC
Ÿ PAC is not concerned with the question of policy in a broader sense.
Ÿ PAC generally conducts a post-mortem examination of accounts, i.e., it shows the expenditure already incurred.
Ÿ It cannot intervene in the matters of day-to-day administration.
Ÿ It is not vested with the power of disallowance of expenditure by the departments.
Ÿ Its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the ministries.
Ÿ It is not an executive body and hence, cannot issue an order. Only the Parliament can take a final decision on its findings.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Government has informed the Supreme Court that appointment of the Chairperson and Members of the 22nd Law Commission of India is under consideration.
About the Commission
Ÿ The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted, which advises the government on all legal issues, from time to time by the Government of India.
Ÿ The commission was originally formed in 1955 and is reorganized every 3 years. The term of the 21st Law Commission of India was till August 31, 2018.
Ÿ It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Ÿ The first Law Commission was established during colonial rule in India, by the East India Company under the Charter Act of 1833, and was presided by Lord Macaulay.
Ÿ The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955. The Chairman of this commission was Mr. M. C. Setalvad, who was also the First Attorney General of India.
Members of 22nd Law Commission
Ÿ The 22nd Law Commission will consist of:
Ÿ Chairperson
Ÿ A member-secretary and three other members
Ÿ Secretary (Department of Legal Affairs as ex-officio Member)
Ÿ Secretary (Legislative Department as ex officio Member)
Ÿ Part-time Members (Not more than five).
Polity & GovernanceLaw Commission of India
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Responsibilities of 22nd Law Commission
Ÿ It will identify laws that are no longer needed or are irrelevant and can be repealed immediately.
Ÿ The 22nd Law Commission will examine the existing laws and suggest ways for reforms.
Ÿ It will also suggest the necessary laws to implement the Directive Principles mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Ÿ It will take all necessary measures to use law and legal processes in the service of poor people.
Ÿ The law commission will revise the laws of general importance to simplify them and remove anomalies, ambiguities, and inequities.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021 was passed in Lok Sabha recently.
About bill
Ÿ The Bill seeks to amend the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954 and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958.
Ÿ These Acts regulate the salaries and conditions of service of the judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.
Ÿ Under the Acts, all retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and their family members are entitled to pension or family pension.
Ÿ They are also entitled to an additional quantum of pension or family pension when they attain a certain age in accordance with a specified scale.
Ÿ The scale contains five age brackets (with a minimum age of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 years), and the additional quantum increases with age (from 20% to 100% of the pension or family pension).
Ÿ The Bill clarifies that a person will be entitled to the additional pension or family pension from the first day of the month in which they complete the minimum age under the concerned age bracket.
Role of parliament in determining the salaries
Ÿ The salary payable to a Supreme Court Judge was previously, specified in the Constitution in Article 125(1) and the Second Schedule.
Ÿ However, through the 54th Constitutional-Amendment, Parliament has gained the power to determine the salaries of Supreme Court Judges by law.
Ÿ Parliament also has the authority to determine questions relating to the privileges, allowances, etc., for these Judges.
Ÿ None of these can, however, be varied by Parliament to the disadvantage of a Judge after his appointment to the Court.
Ÿ These matters are now regulated by the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958.
Ÿ Similarly, Parliament also has the authority to determine the salary of the High Court Judges by law.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The reappointment of Gopinath Ravindran as Vice-Chancellor of Kannur University has recently erupteda controversy in Kerala. The appointment was made in defiance of the Governor's decision as to the chancellor of State Universities.
About the Governor role in state university
Ÿ the state's governor serves as the ex-officio chancellor of the state's universities.
Ÿ While he functions as Governor with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as the Chancellor he acts independently of the Council of Ministers and makes all University decisions on his own.
Polity & GovernanceSupreme Court and High Court Judges Amendment Bill 2021
Polity & GovernanceGovernor and State Universities
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Central Universities
Ÿ Under the Central Universities Act, 2009, and other statutes, the President of India shall be the Visitor of a central university.
Ÿ With their role limited to presiding over convocations, Chancellors in central universities are titular heads, who are appointed by the President in his capacity as Visitor.
Ÿ The VCs too are appointed by the Visitor from panels of names picked by search and selection committees formed by the Union government.
Ÿ The Act adds that the President, as Visitor, shall have the right to authorise inspections of academic and non- academic aspects of the universities and also to institute inquiries.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, an MP from Ladakh demanded that tit should be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard the land, employment, and cultural identity of the local population.
About the demand
Ÿ Ladakh needs safeguards for land, employment and cultural identity on the lines under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Ÿ Roles and responsibilities of the central government, the Union Territory administration and the Lieutenant-Governor need to be defined.It aims to safeguard the demography, environment and unique culture of Ladakh.
About Sixth Schedule
Ÿ It provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram to safeguard the rights of the tribal population in these states.This special provision is provided under Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
Ÿ It seeks to safeguard the rights of the tribal population through the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADC).
Ÿ ADCs are bodies representing a district to which the Constitution has given varying degrees of autonomy within the state legislature.
Features
Ÿ Provisions have been made for the creation of the District Councils and regional councils for the exercise of certain legislative and judicial powers. However, their jurisdiction is subject to the jurisdiction of the concerned High Court.
Ÿ They have powers to form courts to hear cases where both parties are members of Scheduled Tribes and the maximum sentence is less than 5 years in prison.
Ÿ They also have powers to levy taxes, fees and tolls on buildings, land, animals, vehicles, boats, entry of goods into the area, roads, ferries, bridges, employment and income and general taxes for the maintenance of schools and roads.
Ÿ The Acts of Parliament or the State Legislature do not apply to autonomous districts and autonomous regions or apply with specified modifications and exceptions.
Ÿ The Governor is vested with powers regarding the councils. He/she, by public notification, may:
Ÿ Include or exclude any new area.
Ÿ Create a new autonomous district.
Ÿ Define the boundaries of any autonomous district.
Ÿ Increase or decrease the area of an existing autonomous district.
Ÿ Alter the name of any autonomous district.
Polity & GovernanceLadakh and Sixth Schedule
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Why in the news?
Ÿ The Supreme Court quashed a Bombay High Court decision to acquit a man charged with assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) solely on the grounds that he groped the child over her clothes without "skin- to-skin" contact.
About the bill
Ÿ prohibit doping in sports National Anti-Doping AgencyThe Bill seeks to and establish a , which will replace the existing National Anti-Doping Agency.
Ÿ Doping is the consumption of certain prohibited substances by athletes to enhance performance.
Key features of the Bill
Ÿ Statutory Backing for NADA :The Bill seeks to provide a statutory framework for the functioning of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). It also empowers it to conduct raids, investigate, levy sanctions or Anti-Doping Rule Violations. Earlier, NADA had no such authority.
Ÿ The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and other dope testing laboratories.
Ÿ National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports: The Bill seeks to establish a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sport. It will consist of a chairperson and two other members to be appointed by the central government. This Board will constitute a National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and Anti-Doping Appeal Panel for the purpose of determining the consequences of anti-doping rule violations.
Ÿ Auditing by CAG :The Bill says that the accounts and audit of the Board, NADA and the NDTL will be done by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Ÿ Anti Doping Violation: The Bill lays down the circumstances, acts or conduct which will constitute an anti-doping violation. This includes possession, presence, use or attempted use, trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or prohibited methods or refusing to submit a sample.
Why in News?
Ÿ The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that seeks to link electoral rolls to Aadhaar number has been listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha.
About the proposed changes
Ÿ Linking Aadhaar to the Voter ID: The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill also seeks to allow the electoral registration officers to ask for Aadhaar number from "persons already included in the electoral roll for the purposes of authentication of entries in the electoral roll. And also to identify registration of names of the same person in the electoral roll of more than one constituency or more than once in the same constituency.
Ÿ Voluntarily link Aadhaar data to electoral rolls: Amendment bill makes it clear that no application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll shall be denied and no entries in the electoral roll shall be deleted for inability of an individual to furnish or intimate Aadhaar number due to such sufficient cause as may be prescribed. Such people will be allowed to furnish other documents as may be prescribed.
Ÿ Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951: Various sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951 will be amended.
Ÿ Section 23 of the RP Act, 1950 will be amended to allow linking of electoral roll data with the Aadhaar ecosystem "to curb the menace of multiple enrolment of the same person in different places.
Ÿ Section 14 of the RP Act, 1950 will allow having four "qualifying" dates for eligible people to register as voters.
Merits of reforms
Ÿ Electoral database management: Aadhaar linking with electoral roll will solve one of the major problems in electoral database management which is multiple enrolment of the same person at different places.This may be due to the frequent shifting of residence by electors and getting enrolled in the new place without deleting the previous enrolment.
Polity & GovernanceElection Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Polity & GovernanceThe National Anti-Doping Bill 2021
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Ÿ To stop bogus voting: Government is attempting to stop bogus voting.
Ÿ Clean up electoral rolls: It will help clean up electoral rolls and facilitate elector registration in the location at which they are "ordinarily resident".
Ÿ No duplication: The possibility of electors whose names appear in more than one electoral roll or at times more than once in the same electoral roll can be removed.
Issues with laws
Ÿ Unknown Methodology: The general public is unaware of the ECI's process for locating duplicate voters using Aadhaar. The information is also not in the public domain.
Ÿ Lack of Privacy: The State Resident Data Hub (SRDH) was built by the UIDAI to provide information on inhabitants to states. The SRDH includes data on state inhabitants provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) or acquired further by state governments. The SRDH is now maintained by private companies.
Ÿ Data Ambiguity: While the UIDAI was forced to refrain from collecting data on caste, religion, and other sensitive information for Aadhaar, it advised states to do so if necessary. Implementation becomes ambiguous as a result of this.
Ÿ Disenfranchisement: While the ECI's purpose and independence are debatable, exposing crucial electoral registers to surveillance software undermines the principle of universal adult suffrage. As a result, voting suppression and disenfranchisement become a problem.
Ÿ Lack of Secrecy: The use of smartphones in elections for face recognition, voter identification, Aadhaar number, and phone number authentication undermines the "secret ballot."
Ÿ Increase in Frauds: Linking Aadhaar will be fruitless in a context where the involvement of money makes a mockery of the democratic process. Malware may also be used to manipulate the outcome of an election via e-voting.
Ÿ Against Electoral Integrity: While the Bill does not look into large-scale e-voting, there is an issue of ensuring electoral integrity.
Ÿ Illegal Benefits to Political Parties: A connection between Aadhaar and voter ID would also assist political parties in creating voter profiles and influencing the voting process. The ability for political parties in power to utilize data for elections will be made simpler by online trends on election day and micro-targeting voters using their data.
Ÿ Advantage to Ruling Party: A ruling coalition will always have an advantage with the data it possesses. An example is of the Chief Ministers from certain States being asked to get the data of the beneficiaries of welfare schemes.
Ÿ Issues with Aadhaar: The way Aadhaar has been pushed across the country has been undemocratic and unconstitutional since its inception. Aadhaar itself has several fake and duplicate names, which has been widely documented.
Why in the news?
Ÿ National Litigation Policy is under consideration in order to lay down guidelines for preventing, controlling and reducing litigation, keeping in view the policy & plans of the Government, in an organized manner.
About
Ÿ National Litigation Policy (NLP) was formulated by the Department of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Law and Justice in 2010.
Ÿ NLP was floated to "curtail" filing of cases before the courts or tribunals again and again on the same issue.
Ÿ This policy was formulated to bring down pendency and litigation from government agencies by making them more efficient and responsible in filing cases.
Issues with current NLP
Ÿ Instead of being an analytical policy to address the causes of excessive government litigation, it appears to have been drafted on anecdotal notions of the problem, with no measurable outcomes or implementation mechanism.
Ÿ The text of the policy doesn't defined the "suitable action", or prescribe any method to conduct any disciplinary proceedings.
Polity & GovernanceNational Litigation Policy
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Ÿ There are ambiguity about the role and powers of empowered committees, resulting in lack of transparency in their functioning.
Ÿ It also lacks any form of impact assessment to evaluate actual impact on reducing government litigation.
Correcting the lapses of previous NLP
Ÿ This policy will encourage government counsels to go to courts prepared, armed with necessary documents on the first day of hearing itself. They would also be asked not to ask for rescheduling of hearings on flimsy grounds.
Ÿ Out-of-court settlements, whenever feasible, would also be looked into.
Ÿ Each ministry will get a nodal officer whose word would be final in legal matters as well as decisions on moving court. A mechanism will also be in place to reduce litigation and delays.
Ÿ Officials tend to play safe and leave it to courts to take the final call on matters involving legal interpretation. Nodal officials would help curb this practice.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government are locked in a tussle over the election of the Speaker of the Assembly.
About the controversy
Ÿ The government moved a motion in the Assembly seeking amendments to Rules 6 (election of Assembly Speaker) and 7 (election of Deputy Assembly Speaker) by voice vote instead of a secret ballot.
Ÿ The amendments were proposed by the Rules Committee of the legislature.
Ÿ The amendments excluded the words "holding of the election" and included the words "to elect the Speaker on the recommendation of the Chief Minister" in Rule 6 of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Rules.
Ÿ The amendments also replaced the provision of election of the Speaker by "secret ballot" with "voice vote".
Criticism
Ÿ The Opposition also argued that the Rules cannot be amended in the absence of the Speaker.
Ÿ It would not be appropriate to proceed with the election in view of the fact that 12 lawmakers of the party had been suspended for a year during the Monsoon Session held in July 2021.
Government defence
Ÿ The government has argued that the amendments are in line with the Rules that are in practice in Lok Sabha, the Upper House of the state legislature, and in the Assemblies of a several others states. It has also said that the amendments would put an end to horse-trading.
Polity & GovernanceElection of Speaker
Election of the Speaker:
Ÿ The Constitution of India provides that after every general election, the legislative assembly in a state at its very first session shall elect a speaker and a Deputy Speaker, from its among members. During the absence of the Speaker from office the Deputy Speaker takes over his office. The speaker generally belongs to the ruling party. The Speaker remains in office till the next Speaker is sworn in:
Ÿ Vacancy:
Ÿ If he resigns
Ÿ Removed from office by a resolution of the assembly.
Ÿ If he cease to member of the house
Ÿ If he dies.
Removal:
Ÿ The removal of the speaker through a resolution of the Assembly requires 14 days notice when a motion for his removal is discussed the assembly, the speaker does not preside over the assembly.
Ÿ Powers and Function:
Ÿ The important function of the speakers is to preside over the sessions of the Legislative assembly and to maintain order and discipline within the house.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ The Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) second Amendment Rules, 2021 and the Mineral (Auction) Fourth Amendment Rules 2021 have been notified by Ministry of Mines
About Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Second Amendment Rules, 2021
Ÿ It will allow anyone (who wishes to participate in the auction) to propose thesuitable blocks for auction for a composite licence, where the mineral potentiality of the blocks has been identifiedusing available geoscience data.
Ÿ The mineral potentiality of the blocks proposed will be assessed by a committee appointed by the State Government, and the block will be recommended for auction.
Mineral (Auction) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021:
Ÿ It would state that if a person's proposed blocks are notified for auction, that person would be given the option of depositing only half of the bid security amount in the auction of his proposed blocks.
Ÿ In all cases, part surrender of the mining lease area has been allowed.
Ÿ Part surrender was till now allowedonly in the case of non-grant of forest clearance.
Ÿ Provisions have also been introduced to enable the disposal of overburden/waste rock/minerals that are less than the threshold value and are generated during the mining or beneficiation of the mineral.
Ÿ The minimum area required to grant a mining lease has been reduced from 5 hectares to 4 hectares. A minimum of 2 ha. is provided for certain specified deposits.
Significance
Ÿ It helps in identifying more mineral blocks for auction and, as a result, raise the pace of exploration and production, consequently improving the country's mineral availability,
Ÿ It will encourage increased participation in auctions and enhance competition. It will make it easier for state governments to identify more blocks for the composite license auction.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Karnataka Assembly adopts the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of religion bill. Other states which have passed bills to restrict religious conversion are Arunachal Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Gujrat, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttrakhand.
Salient Features of The Act
Ÿ It proposes a maximum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment for forcible conversion of persons from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe communities, minors and women to another religion.
Ÿ It prohibits conversion by misrepresentation, force, fraud, allurement of marriage, coercion and undue influence.
Ÿ As per the bill, complaints of conversions can be filed by family members of a person who is getting converted, or any other person who is related to the person who is getting converted, or any person associated with the person getting converted.
Polity & GovernanceAmendment To Mineral Rule
Ÿ The Speaker does not take part in the debate and usually does not vote except to break a tie.
Ÿ When assembly meets the speaker calls House to order maintains discipline in the house.
Ÿ He may adjourn the session or sitting of the House.]
Ÿ He may suspend or expel members of the House for unruly behaviour.
Ÿ Within the House the Speaker is the master who decides whether a bill is money bill or not. The Speaker's decision cannot be challenged in the Court of Law. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sessions of the Parliament. The constitution does not provide for joint sessions of the State Legislatures even where the State Legislatures are bicameral.
Polity & GovernanceKarnataka's Anti-Conversion bill
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Ÿ The offence of conversion is cognisable and non-bailable and will attract a jail term of three to five years and a fine of Rs. 25,000 for people found violating the law and a jail term of three to 10 years, and a fine of Rs. 50,000 for people converting minors, women and persons from the SC and ST communities.
Ÿ Once the law comes into force, any person intending to convert to another religion will have to inform the district magistrate at least thirty days in advance.
Ÿ The person executing the conversion must also give a notice one month in advance, following which an inquiry will be conducted by the district magistrate through the police to establish the real intent of conversion.
Ÿ Not informing authorities will carry a prison term of six months to three years for persons who are converted and one year to five years for the persons carrying out the conversions.
Ÿ After getting converted, the person has to again inform the district magistrate within 30 days after conversion and must appear before the district magistrate to confirm his/her identity. Not informing the district magistrate will lead to the conversion being declared null and void.
Ÿ Post conversion, the district magistrate has to inform revenue authorities, the social welfare, minority, backward classes and other departments of the conversion, who will, in turn, take steps with respect to the entitlements of the person in terms of reservations and other benefits.
Ÿ It also states that any marriage which has happened for the sole purpose of unlawful conversion or vice-versa by the man of one religion with the woman of another religion, either by converting himself before or after marriage or by converting the woman before or after marriage, shall be declared as null and void by the family court.
Ÿ It, however, provides an exemption in the case of a person who "reconverts to his immediate previous religion" as "the same shall not be deemed to be a conversion under this Act".
Issues associated with Anti-conversion laws
Ÿ Uncertain and vague terminology such as misrepresentation, fraud, coercion, and allurement can lead to serious misuse.
Ÿ These terms are either ambiguous or too broad, encompassing subjects other than the protection of religious freedom.
Ÿ Antithetical to Minorities: Another concern is that current anti-conversion laws place a greater emphasis on the prohibition of conversion as a means of achieving religious freedom.
Ÿ The prohibitive legislation's broad language, on the other hand, might be exploited by the officials to oppress and discriminate against minorities.
Ÿ These rules are antithetical to secularism and may jeopardize India's secular fabric as well as international perceptions of our society's intrinsic values and legal system.
Existing Laws:
Ÿ There has not been a central law restricting or regulating religious conversions.
Ÿ However, since 1954, Private Member Bills to govern religious conversions have been introduced in the(but never approved by) Parliament several times.
Ÿ In addition, the Union Law Ministry stated in 2015 that Parliament lacks the legislative competence to pass the the anti-conversion legislation.
Ÿ Several states have passed 'Freedom of Religion' legislation over the years to restrict religious conversions by force, fraud, or inducement.
Supreme Court's and Conversion
Ÿ Hadiya Case Judgement 2017:
Ÿ The central aspects of identity are clothing and food, ideas and ideologies, love, and partnership.
Ÿ Neither the state nor the law may impose a partner's choice or limit a person's freedom of choice in these situations.
Ÿ Article 21is integral to the principle of the right to marry a person of their choice.
Ÿ K.S. Puttuswamy or "privacy" Judgment 2017:
Ÿ Individual autonomy was defined as the ability of an individual to make vital life decisions.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ The National Health Accounts (NHA) has recently reported that the government has increased healthcare expenditure, resulting in a decrease in Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) from 64.2 percent in 2013-14 to 48.8 percent in 2017-18. The NHA estimates are based on an accounting methodology developed by the World Health Organiza t ion (WHO)and based on the internationally agreed System of Health Accounts 2011.
About the report
Ÿ Increasing the government's share of total GDP: In 2017-18, the government's health expenditure as a shareof the country's total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) increased. From 1.15 percent in 2013-14 to 1.35 percent in 2017-18, it has risen.
Ÿ Government Spending increases in Per-Capita Terms: Between 2013-14 and 2017-18, the government's health expenditure climbed from Rs 1,042 to Rs 1,753 per capita.
Ÿ Primary Health Care's Share: Primary healthcare now accounts for 54.7 percent of current government health expenditures, up from 51.1 percent in 2013-14. More than 80% of thecurrent government health expenditure is spent on primary and secondary care.
Ÿ Health-related Social Security Expenditure: In addition, the share of social security expenditure on health has increased. This Includes The social health insurance programme, government-funded health insurance schemes, and medical reimbursements to government employees.
Ÿ Out-of-pocket spending has decreased: For 2017-18, the increase in government healthcare spending resulted in an increase in the share of government expenditure in overall health expenditure to 40.8 percent and a decrease in out-of-pocket spending to 48.8 percent. The decrease in OOPE can be related to increased use of the government health facilities and lower service costs at these facilities.
Issues with Health sector
Ÿ Lack of Primary Healthcare Services: The country's current public primary health care model is limited.Even in areas where there is a well-functioning public primary health care centre, only pregnancy care, limited childcare, and few services related to national health programmes are available.
Ÿ Supply-Side Deficiencies: Inadequate health management skills, as well as a lack of suitable training and supportive supervision for health workers, prohibit the intended quality of health services from being delivered. According to a report published byJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2019, roughly one out of every 100 Indian children die before reaching their fifth birthday eitherdue to diarrhoea or pneumonia. Diseases like diarrhoea, polio, and malaria are directly linked to suboptimal access to clean water and sanitation.
Ÿ Inadequate funding: In FY 2020-21, India spent 1.8 percent of GDP on health, compared to 1-1.5 percent in previous years. India's total out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for approximately 2.3 percent of GDP. This is extremely low when compared to the OECD average of 7.6% and other BRICS countries' average of 3.6 percent in the health sector.
Ÿ Overlapping Jurisdiction: There is no single public health authority with the legal authority to issue guidelines and enforce compliance to health standards.
Ÿ Sub-optimal Public Health System: As a result, combating Non-Communicable Diseases, which are all about prevention and early detection, is difficult.It reduces readiness and the effective management for new and emerging dangers like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ÿ Less Doctors than required level: India now has one doctor every 1,445 people, compared to the WHO standard of one doctor per 1000 people.
Society & WelfareNHA Estimates On Health Expenditure
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Ÿ A new initiative will now help mothers identify "breastfeeding-friendly" hospitals before they give birth.
Ÿ The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) in collaboration with Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), which comprises more than 12,000 private hospitals, has launched an accreditation programme that will enable hospitals to get a "breastfeeding-friendly" tag.
Ÿ This programme is called "Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)".
Ÿ The certification process involves two stages — the first stage includes self-assessment by a hospital, followed by an external assessment by an authorised appraiser who interviews doctors, nurses and patients as well as reviews different practices and training of staff. The accreditation process costs �17,000 per hospital.
About
Ÿ The initiative is only for private hospitals and is based on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's MAA programme for government hospitals launched in 2016.
Ÿ The tools for this evaluation process have been developed in partnership with the Health Ministry and WHO.
Ÿ The BFHI programme is a worldwide programme of the WHO and UNICEF. Though India adopted it in 1993, it fizzled out by 1998 and is now being revived after more than two decades.
Ÿ The programme will evaluate hospitals on how well they counsel and support mothers in lactation, whether they have adequate skilled support persons and if they adhere to the law that bans promotion of infant formula, feeding bottles and infant food under Infant Milk Substitute Act, 1992 and Amendment Act 2003.
Ÿ Hospitals with the top grade will be accredited and others will be guided to improve their practices
Ÿ Chennai's Bloom Healthcare has become the first hospital to be recognised as "breastfeeding-friendly"
Ÿ under this programme.
Golden Hour Realted Data
Ÿ Early initiation of breastfeeding continues to be low in the country. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), while there were 88.6% institutional births, only 41.8% of infants were breastfed within the first one hour and provided skin-to-skin contact shortly after birth.
Ÿ This has improved only marginally from 41.6% during NFHS-4 (2015-2016).
Ÿ Going by approximately 24.5 million births annually, 14.2 million are deprived of the mother's milk and its benefits to the newborn and moms, violating the human rights of mother and child
Ÿ Many States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have shown a decline in the proportion of children breastfed within the first hour.
Ÿ Lack of support and counselling for expectant mothers during pregnancy and at birth as well as aggressive promotion of baby foods are the reasons for poor early breastfeeding rates.
Ÿ A rise in caesarean sections is also known to negatively impact breastfeeding rates
Significance
Ÿ Provision of mother's breast milk to infants within one hour of birth ensures that the infant receives the
Ÿ colostrum, or "first milk", which is rich in protective factors, according to the WHO.
Ÿ The protein present in breast milk is easily digested by the baby rather than in formula or cow's milk. Also,
Ÿ calcium and iron present in breast milk are more easily absorbed
Ÿ It is said that for mothers, breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract and bleeding to cease more quickly after delivery.
Ÿ Also, it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and helps to generate a great bond for mothers with their babies.
About National Health Accounts Estimates:
Ÿ This is the fifth consecutive NHA report produced by National Health Systems Resource Centre, designated as National Health Accounts Technical Secretariat in 2014 by the Health Ministry.
Ÿ The NHA estimates are prepared by using an accounting framework based on internationally accepted System of Health Accounts 2011, provided by the World Health Organization.
Society & WelfareBaby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
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C-section delays
Ÿ During caesarean operations everyone is focused on recovery, wound surgery, infection control and breastfeeding within the golden hour is missed.
Ÿ Evidence shows that improving breastfeeding rates in hospitals reduces neonatal mortality and infant mortality rates. Therefore, it is important that we train our nurses, doctors and allied health staff.
Ÿ Neonatal mortality is defined as death within the first 28 days of life.
Ÿ With an ambition to empower innovators and entrepreneurs across the country, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has come up with a first of its kind Vernacular Innovation Program (VIP).
Ÿ It which will enable innovators and entrepreneurs in India to have access to the innovation ecosystem in 22 scheduled languages by the Government of India.
Ÿ To build the necessary capacity for the VIP, AIM has identified and will be training a Vernacular Task Force (VTF) in each of the 22 scheduled languages.
Ÿ Each task force comprises of vernacular language teachers, subject experts, technical writers, and the leadership of regional Atal Incubation Centers (AICs).
Significance
Ÿ VIP strengthens the design and innovation capabilities of our communities, thereby assisting local entrepreneurs, artisans and innovators to seamlessly assimilate the knowledge cum technical materials that AIM will develop. This would assist India in building a strong local network of design experts and innovation practitioners
Ÿ It will be a stepping stone in the journey of the Indian innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem which will cement the cognitive and design thinking attitude in young and aspiring minds.
Ÿ According to 2011 census, only 10.4% of Indians speak English, most as their second, third, or fourth language.
Ÿ Only 0.02% of Indians spoke English as their first language. Ten years later these numbers are not likely to be very different.
Ÿ �Thus, creating equal opportunity for the vernacular innovators who represent the staggering 90% of our population
Ÿ India may be the first nation in the world to launch such an initiative where an innovation ecosystem catering to 22 languages plus English is being built. By providing access to learning in one's language and culture, AIM looks forward to enriching the local, regional, national and global innovation pipelines.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Union Minister for Women and Child Development has informed the Rajya Sabha about the Child Protection Services Scheme.
About the scheme
Ÿ It is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Under the scheme, support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need and difficult circumstances.
Ÿ The Child Care Institutions(CCIs) established under the scheme, support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc. and equally covers rural and urban children.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, National Commission for Women(NCW) has launched a pan-India capacity building programme named 'She is a Changemaker'.
Society & WelfareVernacular Innovation Program (VIP)
Society & WelfareChild Protection Services Scheme
Society & WelfareShe is a Changemaker
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About the programme
Ÿ To improve leadership skills of grassroot women political leaders − undertake capacity building of women political leaders and improve their decision making and communication skills including, oration, writing, etc.
Ÿ Women representatives at all levels, gram panchayats to parliament members and political workers including office bearers of National/State political parties.
Ÿ The programme will be undertaken by NCW in association with region-wise training institutes.
Ÿ The programme will benefit every woman who wishes to make an identity for herself in politics and help her to claim her rightful space in politics.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women has noted in its report that the Government spent 80% of the funds under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (BBBP) scheme on media campaigns.
About the scheme
Ÿ Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme aims to achieve the goal of gender equality where girls will get proper education and they will also get equal opportunities as boys. The significant objectives of the scheme are:
Ÿ To prevent biased nature of society towards girl child
Ÿ To protect the lives of the girl children and give them a bright and safe future
Ÿ To assure proper education and facilities to be provided to the girl child for their development
Ÿ To bring forward the girls in every sector
Ÿ To empower women
Key Elements of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Ÿ Creating awareness among the people about the education and importance of girl children.
Ÿ Taking all communities into consideration and teaching them about the scheme. It implements the scheme on a larger scale.
Ÿ Providing information about the benefits of having a girl child so that people can see them equally. Simply making them unbiased towards the girl child.
Ÿ To achieve gender equality in every state.
Ÿ To support and encourage frontline workers by awarding them and providing them proper facilities to do the noble works.
Ÿ Enforcing the PC ( Preconception) and PNDT (Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques) Acts which prohibit the diagnostics used to check the gender of the fetus.
Ÿ To promote Institutional deliveries for safe deliveries of pregnant mothers.
Ÿ Registration of births to maintain the records of the girl child.
Ÿ Enrolment of girls universally.
Ÿ Schools should be girl-friendly. A girl child should feel safe in their schools and with their teachers.
Benefits of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Ÿ It promotes gender equality.
Ÿ It has reduced the biased behaviour of parents and society toward a girl child.
Ÿ It has somewhat changed the way everyone thinks about a girl child.
Ÿ Enforcement of the PC and PNDT Act has banned the misuse of diagnostic technology.
Ÿ Girls and women are getting all the necessary facilities to which they were denied.
Ÿ It breaks gender stereotypes.
Ÿ It prevents female infanticides all over the country, which is one of the causes of the declining sex ratio.
Ÿ This has better ensured the safety and security of girls in the country.
Ÿ This scheme works so that every girl gets a proper education.
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Society & WelfareBeti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
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Outcomes of the scheme:
Ÿ As per the Ministry of Health, the sex ratio at birth is showing promising trends of improvement and has improved by 16 points from 918 (2014-15) to 934 (2019-20). Health percentage of first trimester Antenatal Care (ANC) has shown an improving trend from 61 per cent in 2014- 15 to 71 per cent in 2019-20.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Implementation
Ÿ The implementations are led by District collectors/Deputy commissioners at the district level through advocacy and national media campaign.
Ÿ Focused multi-sectoral action in selected districts.
Ÿ Anti-Natal Care registrations.
Ÿ Girl's enrolment in schools.
Ÿ Construction of girl's toilets in every school in all the districts
Why in the news?
Ÿ National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched an online resource center under the 'We Think Digital' programme".
About the programme
Ÿ The programme is run collaboratively by the NCW, Facebook, and Cyber Peace Foundation.
Ÿ Under this, Facebook will provide digital literacy training to 1 lakh women across seven states (Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Bihar).
Ÿ As part of the program, the company will partner with agencies from both government and civil society to design learning modules to equip people with skills, including the ability to think critically about what they see online, report harmful content and how to communicate respectfully.
Why is in the news?
Ÿ Atmanirbhar Hastshilpkar Scheme has been announced for the Artisans of the North Eastern Region under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
About the scheme
Ÿ Launched by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi).
Ÿ It aims to develop the artisans of the North Eastern Region by providing them financial assistance in the form of term loans for income-generating activities like setting up / expansion/modernization and other activities related to the sector.
Key Features
Ÿ Under the scheme, a total of 17 artisans have already been provided with credit assistance of Rs.1 lakh per artisan.
Society & WelfareWe Think Digital Programme
Online resource center
Ÿ The center will provide information on cyber security in the form of posters, awareness videos, quizzes, and self- learning modules. It will include lessons with tips for safe usage and reporting and redressal of cybercrimes. The users can also find byte-sized information on various topics of cyber security on the website.
Ÿ It will provide information on the step-by-step process of reporting on cyber-crime issues including reporting on social media platforms.
Ÿ Aim : It aims to help women in distress on issues related to online safety like cyberbullying, cyberstalking, financial fraud, etc.
Ÿ It will help women the safe usage of technology and will also help them to be safe from online threats.
Society & WelfareAtmanirbhar Hastshilpkar Scheme
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Ÿ The credit facility is collateral-free and carries a subsidized interest rate of 6% p.a., which is repayable in 24 months.
Ÿ For regular repayment, an incentive of 1% on the interest rate is provided, which will be refunded to the artisans on successful repayment of loans.
Eligibility Criteria
Ÿ Registered/ unregistered artisan/ Individual
Ÿ Having valid qualifications or practising any art form
Ÿ No existing loan from any other bank/ financial institution Bank Account.
Ÿ NEDFi is notified as a Public Financial Institution under Companies Act,1956 and was registered as an NBFC in 2002 with RBI.
Ÿ Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER),
Ÿ Purpose : To provide financial assistance to micro, small, medium and large enterprises for setting up industrial, infrastructure and agri-allied projects in the North Eastern Region of India and also Microfinance through MFI/NGOs.
Ÿ Headquarters : Guwahati, Assam.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a programme to upskill street vendors.
About the programme
Ÿ The programme will be implemented under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 3.0.
Ÿ It is implemented by Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSSC) and training partners of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Ÿ Objective: To provide relevant skills to the Street Food Vendors leading towards better services to consumers, more opportunities to vendors for revenue generation, awareness on regulations and stipulated rules in return providing better services to the local bodies.
Ÿ Pilot Phase: In the pilot phase, the programme will be implemented to skill the street vendors of East Delhi Municipal Corporation(EDMC).
Significance of the project
Ÿ Under the initiative, the Street Food Vendors will be educated on health and safety standards, safety provisions under COVID-19 protocols, effective communication techniques with staff and customers, new- age skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, digital payments and e-selling.
Ÿ The vendors will also be supported with loans under the Mudra Scheme.
Ÿ It will make vendors eligible for e-cart licenses, make them learn to improve the hygiene conditions in food preparation and aesthetics of vending. They will be given Rs 500 per day for four days of training.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Government has approved financial aid for the period up by the Ministry of Commerce and administered by from 2021-22 to 2025-26 to NEIA Trust.
About the account
Ÿ It is established in 2006 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote project exports from India that are of strategic and national importance.
Ÿ It aims to ensure the availability of credit risk cover for projects and other high-value exports, which are desirable from the point of view of national interest but which Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) is unable to underwrite due to capacity constraints.
Ÿ Export transactions are eligible for inclusion under NEIA�
Ÿ Only such medium and long-term export projects which are viable and for which reinsurance is not available.
Ÿ Exports to countries that are not likely to be covered on purely commercial considerations or are beyond country-exposure limits of ECGC or countries currently facing economic/political difficulties, but where Indian presence is required.
Ÿ Transactions involving investments by Indian companies in overseas markets can be covered for the protection of their investments against expropriation risks and limited recourse covers (insolvency risks).
Why in the news?
Ÿ A recent report released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) mentions that the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme introduced in 2008 is not effective.
EconomyProgramme to PPskill Street Vendors
EconomyNational Export Insurance Account
EconomyPerform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme
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About the scheme
Ÿ It is launched by Ministry of Power.
Ÿ PAT is a market-based compliance mechanism that aims to accelerate improvements in energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries.
Ÿ It is a flagship programme of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
Key Features of the Scheme
Ÿ The scheme seeks to enhance cost-effectiveness through certification of excess energy savings in energy- intensive industries.
Ÿ Under the scheme, an Energy Audit is done to verify the baseline data (current level of efficiency) and thereafter energy saving targets are given.
Ÿ Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) are issued to those plants that have achieved excess energy savings
Ÿ over their targets.
Ÿ Units that are unable to meet the targets either through their own actions or through the purchase of ESCerts are liable to financial penalty under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
Significance of the Scheme
Ÿ The scheme has led to the total energy savings of more than 14 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) which has resulted in mitigation of about 66 million tonnes of CO2 emission.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, 'All India EdTech Challenge and Master Class Series' for early and advanced stage EdTech founders organise.
About
Ÿ It is organised by � Atal Innovation Mission(AIM), Amazon Web Services(AWS) and the Global EdTech Accelerator -UIncept.
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
Ÿ CSE is a public interest research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi.It researches into, lobbies for and communicates the urgency of development that is both sustainable and equitable.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Ÿ Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established in March 2002, as a statutory body by the Government of India under the Energy Conservation Act 2001. It is responsible for spearheading the improvement of energy efficiency of the economy through various regulatory and promotional instruments. The primary goal of BEE is to reduce the energy intensity in the Indian economy. It coordinates with State level agencies and energy consumers to perform functions and exercise powers that may be necessary for efficient use of energy and its conservation in India.
The broad objectives of BEE are as under:
Ÿ To exert leadership and provide policy recommendation and direction to national energy conservation and efficiency efforts and programs.
Ÿ To coordinate energy efficiency and conservation policies and programs and take it to the stakeholders.
Ÿ To establish systems and procedures to measure, monitor and verify energy efficiency results in individual sectors as well as at a macro level.
Ÿ To leverage multi-lateral and bi-lateral and private sector support in implementation of Energy Conservation Act and efficient use of energy and its conservation programs.
Ÿ To demonstrate delivery of energy efficiency services as mandated in the EC bill through private-public partnerships.
Ÿ To interpret, plan and manage energy conservation programs as envisaged in the Energy Conservation Act.
EconomyAll India EdTech Challenge and Master Class Series Initiative
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Ÿ It aims to nurture EdTech companies and startups who are in pre and post-minimum viable product (MVP) stages.
Ÿ The initiative will help EdTech identify industry gaps and clearly define clear problem statements in the last mile; conduct focussed sessions on product-market fit, go-to-market strategy, customer discovery, Master Class series to provide them exposure to business fundamentals, and more.
Ÿ The challenge is open for Indian Edtech startups having a unique combination of talent, ideas, creativity, competitiveness, perseverance, and passion.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) launched "Certification Course on Home Energy Audit (HEA)", during "National Energy Conservation Week: 8th−14th December 2021".
About Home Energy Audit
Ÿ A Home Energy Audit (HEA) enables appropriate accounting, quantification, verification, monitoring, and analysis of energy use of various energy-consuming equipment and appliances in a house, with a cost-benefit analysis and action plan to reduce energy consumption.
Ÿ Features of the Certification Course on HEA Initiative � The Certification Course would enable:
Ÿ Creation of a pool of professionals to perform home energy audits based on the needs of the consumers,
Ÿ Domestic consumers to get Home Energy Audit carried out through respective State Designated Agency (SDA) Certified Home Energy Auditors,
Ÿ Create awareness on the importance and benefits of energy audit and energy efficiency and conservation among students from engineering/diploma colleges.
Significance of HEA initiative
Ÿ The initiative will increase the employability of youth in the domain of energy efficiency, climate change mitigation and sustainability.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Over one lakh people have received pensions directly in their bank accounts through the SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) project.
About the project
Ÿ It was launched in 2018. It is a seamless online pension processing and payment system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners.
Ÿ It has helped the Department in the faster settlement of pension cases, improved reconciliation/auditing and ease of accounting.
Ÿ India Post Payments Bank is being used to expand banking services through post offices. A network of over three lakh Common Service Centres is helping to provide a range of services digitally to the people in rural areas.
Key Features
Ÿ Direct disbursement of pension on a timely basis without intermediaries,
Ÿ Single window system for complete pension process,
Ÿ Every pensioner gets access to key information like payment history along with a login option,
Ÿ Tracking of pension status from home encourages transparency and accountability, Online submission of grievances and timely SMS alerts
Significance
Ÿ It will improve ease of living and greater ease of access to citizen-centric services.
Ÿ Timely settlement of pension cases
Ÿ Provision of e-Pension Payment Order
Ÿ Login for each pensioner enables access to key information like payment history
Ÿ Online submission of grievances and timely SMS alerts
EconomyCertification Course on Home Energy Audit
EconomySAMPANN Project
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd has awarded the country's first green hydrogen microgrid project at its Simhadri (near Visakhapatnam) plant in Andhra Pradesh.
About
Ÿ It is India's first Green Hydrogen based Energy Storage Project and one of the world's largest.
Ÿ It has been designed by National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) Limited.
Ÿ It would be a precursor to large scale hydrogen energy storage projects and would be useful for studying and deploying multiple microgrids in various off grid and strategic locations of the country.
Ÿ The hydrogen would be produced using the advanced 240 kW Solid Oxide Electrolyser by taking input power from the nearby Floating Solar project.
Ÿ The hydrogen produced during sunshine hours would be stored at high pressure and would be electrified using a 50 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell.
Ÿ It is a unique project for India and would open doors for decarbonising the far-off regions of the country like Ladakh, J&K etc., hitherto dependent on diesel generators.
Ÿ The project is in-line with the vision for becoming carbon neutral by 2070 and making Ladakh a carbon neutral territory.
Ÿ Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Ÿ NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has also inked a pact with the Union territory of Ladakh for a green hydrogen mobility project, with the company along with NVVN jointly executing the project.
Significance
Ÿ It is a unique project for India and would open doors for decarbonising the far-off regions of the country like Ladakh, J&K etc, which as of now are dependent on diesel generators.
Ÿ The project is in-line with the vision of the Prime Minister for becoming carbon-neutral by 2070 and making
Ÿ Ladakh a carbon-neutral territory.
Why in News?
Ÿ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26.
About the scheme
Ÿ It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme) launched in 2015.
Ÿ It iams to enhance physical access of water on farms and expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices among others.
EconomyGreen Hydrogen Microgrid Project
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
Ÿ NTPC Ltd. is a central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power.
Ÿ It is India's largest energy conglomerate with roots planted way back in 1975 to accelerate power development in India.
Ÿ It aims to provide reliable power and related solutions in an economical, efficient and environment-friendly manner, driven by innovation and agility.
Ÿ It has a 67,907-MW installed capacity comprising 47 NTPC stations and 26 joint and 26 joint venture stations.
Ÿ It has recently revised its target of achieving 60GW renewables capacity by 2032.
Ÿ It became a Maharatna company in May 2010.
Ÿ It is located in New Delhi.
EconomyPradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
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ŸComponents of PMKSY
Ÿ Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) � It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims to provide financial support to irrigation projects.Under the programme, central funding of 90% of the water component for two national projects, namely the Renukaji Dam Project in Himachal Pradesh and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project in Uttarakhand.
Ÿ Har Khet Ko Pani(HKKP): It is being implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It aims for the enhancement of physical access to the farm and the expansion of cultivable areas under assured irrigation. It consists of four subcomponents namely: Command Area Development (CAD), Surface Minor Irrigation(SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration(RRR) of Water Bodies and Ground Water Development component.
Ÿ Per Drop More Crop: It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at the farm level through Micro Irrigation technologies, viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems.
Ÿ Watershed Development: It is implemented by the Department of Land Resources. It focuses on the development of rainfed areas towards soil and water conservation, regeneration of groundwater, arresting runoff and promoting extension activities related to water harvesting and management. There is a specific provision for the development of spring sheds.
Ÿ
Implementation Framework
Ÿ PMKSY follows a "decentralized" three-tiered institutional structure with High-Level Empowered Committee (HLEC) at the Central level, State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) at the State level, and District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) at the district level besides dynamic involvement of other stakeholders.
Ÿ At the national level, National Steering Committee (NSC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) are the key committees that oversee the implementation of programs, allocate resources, undertake monitoring and performance assessment, etc.
Ÿ At the State level, the State Department of Agriculture is the nodal department for implementation of the program.
Ÿ At the district level, the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) oversees the implementation of PMKSY.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) has launched the Unified Logistics InterfacePlatform's (ULIP) Hackathon named 'LogiXtics'.
About the Hackathon
Ÿ It is a hackathon organized under the ULIP.
Ÿ The hackathon will be a competitive event where everyone is invited to showcase their strategic, coding and domain skills on a national-level platform to solve the existing logistics industry issues.
Ÿ It is organized by NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission and supported by National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation(NICDC) and NICDC Logistics Data Bank Services Limited(NLDSL).
Ÿ Significance : India incurs one of the highest logistics costs as a percentage of GDP in comparison to developed countries like the U.S. and Germany − where it is only 8% to 9% while it is 14% in India. Hence, this hackathon has been launched, as a reduction of logistics cost to 9% can save up to 50 billion USD.
EconomyULIP Hackathon – LogiXtics
Unified Logistics Interface Platform(ULIP)
Ÿ ULIP is being developed as a technology platform in the logistics sector. It aims to enhance efficiency and reduce logistics costs in India by creating a transparent platform that can provide real-time information to all stakeholders and remove all asymmetry of information.
Ÿ The platform will also converge the visibility of multi-modal transport across the existing systems of various Ministries/Departments working in silos.
Ÿ Moreover, the platform will also work with top Indian technology organizations from the private sector and identify solutions to reduce logistics costs.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has informed Lok Sabha about the Seed Village Programme (Beej Gram Yojana).
About the Programme
Ÿ It is launched by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2014-15.The programme is a key component of the Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Materials.
Ÿ It aims to upgrade the quality of farmer's saved seeds.
Ÿ Under this programme, financial assistance for distribution of foundation/certified seeds at 50% of seed cost for cereal crops and 60% for pulses, oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops is available for up to one acre per farmer.
Implementation
The present program of seed village scheme is having two phases:
Ÿ Seed production of different crops: The area which is suitable for raising a particular crop will be selected, and raised with a single variety of a kind.
Ÿ Establishing seed processing unit: If the seeds are not processed and handled properly, all the past efforts in production may be lost. Thus seed processing and packaging is a very important aspect of seed production.
Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Materials
Ÿ The mission aims to promote production and multiplication of quality seeds of agricultural crops so that the required quantities of seeds could be made available to farmers in the country.
Ÿ The various components under the mission include −
a) Seed Village Programme
b) Establishment of Seed Processing- cum- Seed Storage Godowns at Gram Panchayat Level
c) National Seed Reserve
d) Boosting Seed Production in Private Sector and
e) Strengthening of Quality Control Infrastructure Facilities.
Ÿ
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the time for implementing the new credit and debit card data storage norms, also known as card-on-file tokenization (CoF), by six months to June 30, 2022.Fears about economic disruption prompted digital payment companies, merchant bodies, and banks to request extra time to integrate the systems and onboard all parties.
About Tokenization
Ÿ Tokenization is a process of replacing actual card details with a unique alternate code called the 'token'.
Ÿ Sensitive customer data such as card number and CVV (card verification value) are replaced with an algorithmically generated encrypted token.
Ÿ There are four-five players involved in processing one card transaction —the merchant, the payment aggregator, the issuing bank and the card network.
Ÿ Currently, when a transaction happens on a merchant platform, the data is sent to the payment aggregator (PA). The PA next sends the details to either the issuing bank or the card network.
Ÿ Then the issuing bank sends an OTP and the transaction flows back. The number on which the transaction is built is the card-on-file(CoF).
Card-on-File:
Ÿ A CoF transaction is a transaction where a cardholder has authorised a merchant to store the cardholder's Mastercard or Visa payment details.
Ÿ The cardholder then authorises that same merchant to bill the cardholder's stored Mastercard or Visa account.
Ÿ E-commerce companies and airlines and supermarket chains normally store card details in their system.
EconomyTokenization
EconomySeed Village Programme
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New guidelines
Ÿ RBI wants to ensure that consumers are protected from fraud. It, therefore, came up with the concept of 'tokenization'—a process of replacing actual card details with a unique alternate code called the token.In this method, CoF will be replaced with a token. But for this, an end-to-end rewiring of the processing leg is required.
Implementation
Ÿ If the new RBI order is implemented in its current state of readiness, it could cause significant disruptions and revenue loss, particularly for merchants. Tokenization regulations can cause online businesses to lose up to 20-40% of their revenue after December 31st, and for many of them, especially smaller ones, this would be the death knell, leading them to close shop.This type of disruption erodes trust indigital payments and shifts consumer habits back to cash-based payments.Merchants cannot begin testing and certification of their payment processing systems until banks and card networks have certified and active APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for consumer-ready solutions.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The demand and growth for ESG funds in Asia, especially in India, has been overwhelming, it is 32%.
About ESG Funds
Ÿ ESG investing means sustainable investing or socially responsible investing.
Ÿ To select a stock for investment, the ESG fund shortlists companies that score high on environment, social responsibility and corporate governance, and then looks into financial factors.
Ÿ It focuses on companies that have high environment-friendly practices, ethical business practices and an employee-friendly record.
Ÿ ESG funds use parameters such as greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, and employment generated to assess the ESG impact of the companies.
Inclusion and Exclusion
Ÿ Companies like those in the technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) space feature heavily in these portfolios.
Ÿ While, companies with higher carbon footprints such as tobacco manufacturers, coal miners, oil and gas companies, and fossil fuel-based power generators do not find much space in ESG fund portfolios.
Factors Behind ESG Growth:
Ÿ Greater policy focus on aspects such as cleanliness, skill development, expanded healthcare coverage, and education indicates potential public investment in these social development and environmentally sensitive sectors of the economy.
Ÿ There is increasing awareness and understanding among younger investors about the impact of business on social development and environment.
Ÿ Modern investors are re-evaluating traditional approaches, and look at the impact their investment has on the planet. Thus, investors have started incorporating ESG factors into investment practices.
Ÿ The United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN-PRI) (an international organization) works to promote the incorporation of environmental, social, and corporate governance factors into investment decision-making.
ESG funds issue
Ÿ ESG funds, in the absence of clear guidelines, can lead to "greenwashing".
Ÿ Greenwashing is an act of conveying a "false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products are more environmentally sound".
Ÿ World Economic Forum has also noted that greenwashing is a top concern among global institutional investors.
Ÿ Moreover, the experts have also argued that fund managers often tend to over-weigh certain stocks and companies in a situation where most large investment-friendly companies have fallen short of the qualitative and quantitative parameters used for ESG investing.
EconomyESG Funds
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Centre has notified Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021 for the direct selling industry.
About the new rules?
Ÿ The rules provide the duties and obligations of both the direct selling entities and their direct sellers to "protect the interest of consumers''.
Ÿ Existing direct selling companies will have 90 days to ensure compliance with the rules.
Ÿ However, direct sellers and direct selling companies using e-commerce platforms for sale must adhere to the Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
Ÿ The Rules' Applicability:
Ÿ Direct selling encompasses all goods and services bought or sold.
Ÿ All direct selling models and direct selling companies in India that offer goods and services to consumers.
Ÿ Unfair trade practices of all kinds, across all direct selling models.
Ÿ To direct selling organizations that are not based in India but offer goods or services to Indian consumers.
Provisions
Ÿ Activity Monitoring: It required state governments to establish a mechanism to monitor or control the activities of thedirect sellers and direct selling entities.
Ÿ Resolving Complaints: Direct selling companies will need to put in place a proper grievance redressal mechanism.
Ÿ In any action relating to the validity of such goods or services, direct selling companies shall be held liable.
Ÿ Every direct selling entity will be required to appoint a nodal person who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act's and rules' provisions.
Ÿ Cannot entice customers: Direct selling companies or their direct sellers cannot encourage consumers to make a purchase on the basis of a representation that they can lower or recover the price by referring prospective customers to direct sellers for similar purchases.
Obligations upon Direct Selling Entities
Ÿ Incorporation Under an Act: Incorporation under the Companies Act,2013, or registration as a partnership firm under the Partnership Act,1932, or registration as a limited liability partnership under the Limited Liability Partnership Act,2008.
Ÿ Have a Physical Address: It will be important to have at least one physical location in India as its registered office.
Ÿ Self-declaration: Entities will be required to self-declare that they have adhered to the provisions of the Direct Selling rules and are not involved in any Pyramid Scheme or money circulation scheme.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Government has achieved a remarkable milestone of distributing 50 lakhs LED bulbs under Project Crore of their Gram Ujala programme.
About the programme
Ÿ It will be the first such programme in India.
Ÿ Under the programme, the carbon credit documentation will be sent to UN accredited validators for inclusion into the Shine Program of activities.
Ÿ Under the programme, 7 watts and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years warranty will be given to rural consumers against submission of working Incandescent bulbs.
Ÿ LEDs will be available for only Rs 10 each for each household.
EconomyConsumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021
EconomyGram Ujala Programme
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Ÿ Each household will get up to 5 LEDs.
Ÿ In the first phase, 15 million LED bulbs will be distributed across villages of Aarah (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and village in western Gujarat.
Ÿ The Gram Ujala programme will be implemented in villages of the 5 districts only.
Ÿ These rural households will also have metres installed in their houses to account for usage.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) organized an event on the role of 'Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report' (BRSR) in driving climate actions in India at the CoP26 (Glasgow).
About the event
Ÿ With increased global push from investors, regulators are mandating companies to report their sustainability performance globally. E.g. all companies with more than 500 employees in the EU need ESG disclosure.
Ÿ Indian version of Sustainability performance, or ESG disclosures or BRSR was introduced by SEBI in May 2021 to push the listed companies to make additional disclosures on non-financial parameters along with the mandatory financial disclosures.
About BRSR and its principles
Ÿ BRSR includes essential (mandatory) and leadership (voluntary) disclosures related to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Ÿ Presently, it is reported voluntarily by few companies. E.g. Recently, IndiGo became the first Indian carrier to show its efforts for sustainable aviation through ESG report.
Ÿ Segregated into three sections:- General disclosures, Management disclosures and Principle-wise performance disclosures.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Proposal was put forth by Reserve Bank of India in October, 2021 for amendment to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 to enhance the definition of 'bank note' to include currency in digital format, popularly known as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
About the CBDC
Ÿ CBDC is the legal tender issued by a central bank in a digital form.
Ÿ It is the same as a fiat currency (backed by govt) and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency. Only its form is different.
Ÿ CBDC for India comes with the following advantages.
Ÿ India has a unique scenario of increasing proliferation of digital payments in the country coupled with sustained interest in cash usage, especially for small value transactions.
Ÿ India's high currency to GDP ratio holds out another benefit as the cost of printing, transporting, storing and distributing currency can be reduced.
Ÿ Advent of private virtual currencies (VCs) is another reason as if these VCs gain recognition, national currencies with limited convertibility are likely to come under threat.
Ÿ Makes it easy for depositors to withdraw balances if there is stress on any bank.
Convergence Energy Services Limited
Ÿ Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
Ÿ [EESL is a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power.]
Ÿ CESL is focused on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
Ÿ CESL focuses on energy solutions that lie at the confluence of renewable energy, electric mobility, and climate change.
EconomyBusiness Responsibility and Sustainability
EconomyCentral Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
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Why in the news?
Ÿ The State Bank of India (SBI) recently signed an agreement with Adani Capital, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to form a Co-Lending partnership. Similar such Co-lending partnerships between banks and NBFCs have been struck over the past year.
About Co-lending model (CLM)
Ÿ The CLM, which is an improvement over the co-origination of loan schemes announced by the RBI in September 2018, seeks to provide greater flexibility to the lending institutions.
Ÿ The primary focus of the scheme, rechristened as "Co-Lending Model" (CLM), is to improve the flow of credit to the unserved and underserved sector of the economy and make available funds to the ultimate beneficiary at an affordable cost, considering the lower cost of funds from banks and greater reach of the NBFCs.
Ÿ Under CLM banks can provide loans along with NBFCs(including HFCs) to priority sector borrowers based on a prior agreement.
Ÿ Under priority sector norms, banks are mandated to lend a particular portion of their funds to specified sectors, like weaker sections of the society, agriculture, MSME and social infrastructure.
Ÿ The co-lending banks will take their share of the individual loans on a back-to-back basis in their books.
Ÿ However, NBFCs shall be required to retain a minimum of 20% share of the individual loans on their books (This means 80 per cent of the risk will be with the banks — who will take the big hit in case of a default).
Ÿ As per a notification by RBI, NBFCs will be the single point of interface for the customers and shall enter into a loan agreement with the borrowers.
Ÿ The ultimate borrower may be charged an all-inclusive interest rate as may be agreed upon by both the lenders conforming to the extant guidelines applicable to both.
Ÿ All transactions (disbursements/ repayments) between the banks and NBFCs relating to CLM have to be routed through an escrow account maintained with the banks, in order to avoid inter-mingling of funds.
Ÿ With regard to grievance redressal, suitable arrangements must be put in place by the co-lenders to resolve any complaint registered by a borrower with the NBFC within 30 days.
Ÿ If the complaint is not resolved, the borrower would have the option to escalate the same with the concerned Banking Ombudsman/Ombudsman for NBFCs or the Customer Education and Protection Cell (CEPC) in RBI.
EconomyCo-lending Model
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Ÿ
Why in the news ?
Ÿ Recently, India joined the G20 'Troika' and with this India has started the procedure for taking over the G20 presidency next year.
About the Troika
Ÿ It refers to the top grouping within the G20 that consists of the current, previous and the incoming presidencies — Indonesia, Italy and India. As a Troika member, India will work closely with Indonesia and Italy to ensure consistency and continuity of the G20's agenda.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have commenced India-ITU Joint Cyberdrill 2021.
About the cyberdrill
Ÿ The ITU aims to improve the cybersecurity readiness, protection and incident response capabilities of Member States by conducting CyberDrills at the national and regional levels.
Ÿ India-ITU Cyberdrill is intended for Indian entities, especially critical network infrastructure operators.
Ÿ At this drill, cyber-attacks, information security incidents and other disruptions will be simulated to test an organization's cyber capabilities.
Significance
Ÿ This drill will help spread awareness among various public sector departments and agencies of India so that their strategies can be validated for response mechanisms, prevention recovery and business continuity.
International RelationsG20's Troika
About the G20
Ÿ The G20 is a premier forum for international economic cooperation.
Ÿ It is a strategic multilateral platform connecting the world's major developed and emerging economies.
Ÿ The G20 holds a strategic role in securing future global economic growth and prosperity.
Ÿ Contribution: The G20 members represent more than 80 per cent of world GDP, 75 per cent of international trade and 60 per cent of the world population. The G20 has evolved into a yearly summit involving the Head of State and Government. In addition to that, the Sherpa meetings (in charge of carrying out negotiations and building consensus among Leaders), working groups, special events are also organized throughout the year.
Ÿ Presidency: It rotates every year among its members, with the country that holds the presidency working together with its predecessor and successor, also known as Troika, to ensure the continuity of the agenda.
Ÿ Secretariat: The G20 has no permanent secretariat. Agenda and the work coordination is completed by G20 leaders' personal representatives, known as sherpas together with finance ministers and central bank governors.
Ÿ Participants:Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Spain is also invited as a permanent guest.
Ÿ Objectives:
Ÿ Policy coordination between its members in order to achieve global economic stability, sustainable growth;
Ÿ To promote financial regulations that reduce risks and prevent future financial crises; and
Ÿ To create a new international financial architecture.
International RelationsIndia-ITU Joint Cyberdrill 2021
Sydney Dialogue Ÿ Initiative of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.Ÿ It is an annual summit of cyber and critical technologies to discuss the fallout of the digital
domain on the law and order situation in the world.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the European Commission has announced an international infrastructure plan called the "Global Gateway Plan". Although the plan doesn't mention China, it is seen as a response to China's Belt and Road strategy.
About the plan
Ÿ It aims to invest €300 billion ($340 billion) globally in infrastructure, digital and climate projects by 2027. This will help strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.
Ÿ The investment will be made in projects that can be delivered with high standards, good governance, transparency while ensuring financial sustainability at the same time.
Ÿ Implementation :
Ÿ The Plan will be implemented in a Team Europe approach that brings together funding by the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions.
Ÿ The plan will also require buy-ins from international institutions and the private sector as well.
Ÿ Funding
Ÿ To finance the project, the EU will use its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus.
Ÿ Initiative.
Ÿ B3W is an international infrastructure investment initiative announced by the Group of Seven (G-7) richest democracies in June 2021.
Ÿ Offshoot:
Ÿ The EU strategy is an offshoot of a plan by G7 countries (Build Back Better Programme) to offer developing countries an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Counter initiatives to BRI:
Ÿ The Blue Dot Network (BDN):
Ÿ It is a multi-stakeholder initiative formed by the United States, Japan, and Australia that began in 2019.
Ÿ It aims to provide assessment and certification of infrastructure development projects worldwide on measures of financial transparency, environmental sustainability, and impact on economic development, with the goal of mobilizing private capital to invest abroad.
Ÿ The Blue Dot Network is positioned as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Ÿ Build Back Better World (B3W)
Ÿ It is an initiative undertaken by G7 countries.
Ÿ Launched in June 2021, the initiative is designed to counter China's strategic influence by providing an alternative to the BRI for the infrastructure development of the low and middle income countries
Ÿ The G7 countries will work to address the $40 trillion worth of infrastructure needed by developing countries by 2035.
Ÿ The initiative aims to catalyze funding for quality infrastructure from the private sector and will encourage private-sector investments that support "climate, health and health security, digital technology, and gender equity and equality"
International RelationsGlobal Gateway Plan
Global Cybersecurity Index(GCI)Ÿ It is released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It measures the
commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level. India has secured the 10th rank in this index.
International Telecommunication Union(ITU)Ÿ ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies
− ICTs.Ÿ Established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It is one of the oldest international
organizations in operations.Ÿ Members : 193 Member States.Ÿ Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland.
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India's Initiatives:
Ÿ Expansion and strengthening of connectivity is an integral part of India's economic and diplomatic initiatives.
Ÿ Under the 'Act East' policy,it ispursuing the Trilateral Highway project
Ÿ Under 'Neighbourhood First' policy it is developing multimodal linkages with Myanmar and Bangladesh;
Ÿ Under our 'Go West' strategy, it is engaged with Iran on Chabahar Port and with Iran and other partners in Central Asia on the International North South Transport Corridor.
Ÿ The BBIN initiative is aimed at enhancing logistics efficiencies in the South Asian region.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The United States has warned Russia not to invade Ukraine and urged both countries to return to a set of Minsk agreements designed to end a separatist war by Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine.
About the agreement
Ÿ Minsk agreements were signed to stop the ongoing conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukraine administration in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
Ÿ There were total :2 Minsk Agreements signed
Ÿ Minsk I 12-point ceasefire deal : Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed a in the capital of Belarus in . Its provisions included , and the September 2014 prisoner exchanges deliveries of humanitarian aid withdrawal of heavy weapons quickly broke down. The agreement , with violations by both sides.
Ÿ Minsk II : 2015 under the In , an open conflict was averted after the 'Minsk II' peace agreement was signed, mediation of France and Germany end the fighting in the rebel regions . It was designed to and hand over the border to Ukraine's national troops.
About Russia Ukraine conflict
Ÿ Manipulated for electoral and military gains.
Ÿ Ukraine was the Soviet Union's second-most powerful republic after Russia, and it played a vital strategic, economic, and cultural role.
What is the cause of the conflict?
Balance of Power
Ÿ Ever since Ukraine broke away from the Soviet Union, Russia and the West have competed for greater influence in the country in order to maintain the region's power balance in their favor.
China belt and road initiative
Ÿ The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), formerly known as One Belt One Road (OBOR) is the global development strategy initiated by the Government of China involving infrastructural development and direct investments in many countries across the continents of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Ÿ It was announced in 2013 by China's President Xi Jinping.
Ÿ The initiative was incorporated into the Constitution of China in 2017.
Ÿ The Chinese government calls the initiative "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future."
Ÿ BRI's goals include internal state-building and stabilisation of ethnic unrest for its vast inland western regions such as Xinjiang and Yunnan, linking these less developed regions, with increased flows of international trade facilitating closer economic integration with China's inland core
Ÿ The project has a target completion date of 2049, which will coincide with the centennial anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC)'s founding.
Ÿ The BRI projects comprise $4 trillion of promised investments in 65 countries representing 70 percent of the world's population, 55 percent of its GNP, and 75 percent of its energy reserves.
Ÿ The BRI aims to stabilize China's western peripheries, rekindle its economy, propel non-Western international economic institutions and diversify trade suppliers/routes while circumventing the U.S.pivot to Asia.
International RelationsMinsk Agreements
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Ÿ Ukraine serves as an important buffer between Russia and the West for the United States & the European Union.
Ÿ As tensions with Russia escalate, the United States and the European Union are becoming more determined to keep Ukraine out of Russian control.
Russian Interest in the Black Sea
Ÿ The Black Sea region's unique geography provides Russia with significant geopolitical benefits.
Ÿ To begin, it serves as a critical juncture and crossroads for the entire region.
Ÿ All littoral and neighboring states require access to the Black Sea, which considerably boosts power projection into various adjacent regions.
Ÿ Second, the region serves as a vital transit corridor for goods and energy.
Protests in Ukraine
Ÿ Euromaidan (European Square) Movement was a wave of protests and civil disturbances in Ukraine that began in November 2013 with public rallies in Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti ("Independence Square '').
Ÿ The protests were spurred by the Ukrainian government's decision to suspend signing an association agreement with the European Union, choosing instead to strengthen ties with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Ÿ Separatist Movement: Since 2014, a pro-Russian separatist movement has been active in eastern Ukraine's Donbas area (Donetsk and Luhansk).
Ÿ The movement is actively supported by the Russian government, according to the Ukrainian government, and Russian paramilitaries make up between 15% and 80% of the separatists fighting against the Ukrainian government.
Crimea's Invasion
Ÿ Russia grabbed Crimea from Ukraine, marking the first time since World War II that a European country has annexed land from another.
Ÿ The annexation of Crimea from Ukraine came as a result of Russian military intervention in Crimea in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution,which was part of wider unrest in southern and eastern Ukraine.
Ÿ Russia has gained a maritime upper hand in the region as a result of its invasion & subsequent annexation of Crimea.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Ÿ Ukraine has urged that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)accelerate his country's membership in the alliance.
Ÿ Russia has termed such a move a "red line," worried of the ramifications of US-led military alliances encroaching on its territory.
Ÿ Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine all border the Black Sea. All of these nations are NATO members.
Ÿ The Black Sea has become a strategic region and a potential maritime flashpoint as a result of the faceoff between NATO members and Russia.
Current Situation
Ÿ Russia wants assurances from the United States that Ukraine will not be admitted to NATO. The United States, on the other hand, is unwilling to provide such assurances.
Ÿ This has resulted in a standoff between the two countries, with tens of thousands of Russian troops poised to invade Ukraine.
Ÿ In order to obtain sanctions relief and other concessions from the West, Russia is keeping tensions high near the Ukraine border.
Ÿ Any military action by the United States or European Union against Russia would trigger a major global crisis and has not been mooted by any of the countries engaged thus far.
India's Position
Ÿ India did not join the Western powers in condemning Russia's incursion in Crimea and maintained a low profile on the subject. India voted against a UN resolution proposed by Ukraine condemning alleged human rights breaches in Crimea in November 2020, siding with old ally Russia on the matter. India advocates "sincere and sustained diplomatic efforts to ensure that issues between Ukraine and its neighboring countries are resolved through constructive dialogue."
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Implication on India
Ÿ Threat of sanctions on India: A Russian invasion and a rupture with the US and its allies would lead to pressure on India to choose between the Western alliance and Russia. Immediately, it could result in CAATSA sanctionson India on account of the .S-400 purchase
Ÿ Effect on defense sector: There could be a demand for India to cut defence ties with Russia across the board.
Ÿ Impacts on the stability in Asia: Any rupture with the West would push Russia towards even closer ties with China and growth in Russia-Pakistan relations. This will accelerate Chinese influence in Asia and create hardships for India to negotiate peace with China on border issues.
Ÿ China Factor: The crisis in Ukraine could distract the United States from its focus on countering Chinese power. Meanwhile, Beijing could capitalize by intensifying provocations in the South China Sea or even along the India-China border—outcomes that would deliver fresh blows to New Delhi's interests. These possibilities highlight how the Russia factor could constrain U.S.-India relations.
Why in the news?
Ÿ India remained committed to promoting a free, open and rules-based order rooted in international law and undaunted by coercion, the Centre informed Parliament while reiterating support for the UNCLOS.
About the treaty
Ÿ adopted and signed in 1982It is an international treaty that was . It became effective in the year 1994.
Ÿ replaced the four Geneva Conventions of It April, 1958, which respectively concerned the territorial sea and the contiguous zone, the continental shelf, the high seas, fishing & conservation of living resources on the high seas.
Ÿ The Convention has become the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
Ÿ Also known as , it Law of the Sea divides marine areas into five main zones namely :
Ÿ Internal Waters
Ÿ Territorial Sea
Ÿ Contiguous Zone,
Ÿ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the
Ÿ High Seas.
Ÿ only international convention UNCLOS is the which stipulates a framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces. It provides a to different maritime zones.different legal status
Ÿ three new institutions The Convention has created on the international scene :
Ÿ The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Ÿ The International Seabed Authority.
Ÿ The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Ÿ world's largest regional security organizationIt is the .
Ÿ Mandate Its mandate arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, : includes issues such as and fair elections.
Ÿ Member States It consists of from North America, Europe and Asia.: 57 participating States
Ÿ Vienna, AustriaSecretariat : .
International RelationsUnited Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
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Efforts by India to safeguard maritime interests
Ÿ Security and India has developed its maritime cooperation with regional partners in sync with its vision of Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Ÿ Mission based DeploymentsThe steps taken include ' ' of naval ships and aircraft to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, promote maritime security and address contingencies that may arise.
Ÿ proactively engaged with regional and extra-regional maritime forces In addition, India through multilateral exercises, joint surveillance, coordinated patrols among others to promote maritime security in the region.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Union Cabinet has approved the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Government of the Republic of India and the Republic of Poland.
About the treaty
Ÿ It is a whereby countries cooperate with one another in order to mechanism provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention suppression investigation prosecution of crime, , and .
Ÿ criminals do not escape sabotage This ensures that the or the due process of law for want of evidence available in different countries.
Ÿ Ministry of Home Affairs Central Authority of India The is the for dealing with requests of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The Central Authority for assistance either transmits and receives all requests directly or through diplomatic channels.
Ÿ bilateral treaties The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) in criminal matters are the entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance.
Letters Rogatory (LR)
Ÿ rogatorius letters of request The term 'Letters Rogatory' is derived from the Latin term . Letters Rogatory are the sent by the Court of one country to the Court of another country for obtaining assistance in investigation or prosecution of a criminal matter.
Ÿ Difference between Mutual Legal Assistance and Letter Rogatory(LR)
International RelationsMutual Legal Assistance
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Why in News?
Ÿ The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously passed this resolution to permit a carve-out in sanctions against the Taliban to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
About
Ÿ needed humanitarian assistance and other activities This carve-out covers urgently that support basic human needs in Afghanistan.
Ÿ The resolution (2615) mandates a .review of the carve-out every six months
Ÿ Emergency Relief Coordinator brief UNSC every six months It also requests that an the on the delivery of assistance and any obstacles to implementation.
Ÿ calls on all partiesIt also " " to respect human rights and observe international humanitarian law.
Why in the news?
Ÿ India has welcomed Egypt as the fourth new member of BRICS New Development Bank that was established by the BRICS countries six years ago.
About the bank
Ÿ multilateral development bank It is a jointly founded by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, .Brazil in 2014
Ÿ support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts It was formed to in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Ÿ Shanghai, ChinaHeadquartered in .
Ÿ Johannesburg, South AfricaThe first regional office of the NDB is in . The second regional office was established in 2019 in , , followed by .São Paulo Brazil Moscow, Russia
Ÿ 2018 observer status in the United Nations General AssemblyIn , the NDB received , establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the UN.
Ÿ Bangladesh UAE Uruguay joined in September 2021, , and . Membership expansion enables New Development Bank to position itself as a premier development institution for emerging economies.
Ÿ � approved about 80 projectsProjects funded by NDB The NDB said it has so far in all of its member countries, totalling a portfolio of .USD 30 billion
Ÿ areas such as Projects in transport, water and sanitation, clean energy, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure and urban development are within the scope of the bank.
Ÿ � each Voting Unlike the World Bank, which assigns votes based on capital share, in the New Development Bank participant country will be assigned one vote none of the countries will have veto power, and .
Ÿ � 2014 provide short-term liquidity Contingent Reserve Arrangement BRICS nations signed CRA in . It aims to support to the members through currency swaps to help mitigate the BOP crisis situation and further strengthen financial stability.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The dialogue was attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.
About theIndia-Central Asia Dialogue
Ÿ The meeting was held at New Delhi under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister of India.
Ÿ Participants - Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan.
Ÿ As India interacted with the Central Asia republics in New Delhi, Islamabad hosted the 17th extraordinary session of the (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. The foreign ministers Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's of the five Central Asian countries are also members of the OIC grouping.
International RelationsUNSC Resolution 2615
International RelationsNew Development Bank
International Relations3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue
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About the Joint Statement
International North-South Transport Corridor:
Ÿ To improve connectivity between India and Central Asian countries, a focus on maximizing the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Ashgabat Agreement on theInternational Transport and Transit Corridor.
Ÿ The stress on including Chabahar Port in the INSTC was emphasized, as was an interest in working together on issues related to the development and the strengthening of the regional connectivity in Central and South Asia.
Ÿ They agreed to expand their countries' transit and transportation potential, improve the regional logistics network, and encourage joint initiatives to build new transport corridors.
Ÿ It was agreed to look into the possibility of establishing a joint working group to address the free movements of goods and services between India and Central Asian countries.
Connectivity Projects:
Ÿ Transparency, local priorities, broad participation, financial sustainability, and respect for all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity should uphold connectivity initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Afghanistan's Situation:
Ÿ Following the Taliban's occupancy, the current situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the area were discussed.
Ÿ Among the issues discussed were terrorism, territorial integrity, current humanitarian situation, respect for sovereignty, and unity were also discussed.
Ÿ The need for concerted action against all terror groups has been emphasized.
Ÿ Even as they pledged to provide immediate humanitarian relief to the Afghan people, they stated that Afghanistan's soil must not be utilized for planning terrorist attacks.
Ÿ Condemned all types of terrorism and opposed"providing safe haven, utilizing terrorist proxies for the cross-border terrorism, arms and drugs trafficking, terror financing, dissemination of a radical ideology, and the abuse of cyberspace to spread the disinformation and incite violence."
Ÿ Supported a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of respecting the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in its internal affairs.
Ÿ The importance of UN Security Council (UNSC)Resolution 2593, which "unequivocally demands that the Afghan territory not be used for sheltering, training, planning, or financing terrorist acts, and calls for concerted action against all terrorist groups," was cited.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts:
Ÿ Terrorism perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors must be brought to justice under the "extradite or prosecute" principle.
Ÿ The world community has been called to put UN resolutions, the global counter-terrorism strategy, and the Financial Action Task Force standards into action.
Line of Credit:
Ÿ All of the countries are presently discussing the use of a USD 1 billion line of credit announced by India last year for Central Asian infrastructure projects.
Ÿ A line of credit is the preset amount of money limit that can be borrowed at any time.
Ÿ In the case of an open line of credit, the borrower can withdraw money as needed until the limit is reached, and as funds are repaid, they can be borrowed again.
Post pandemic recovery:
Ÿ All of the countries emphasized the need for extensive vaccination and called for cooperation through vaccine dose sharing, knowledge transfer, the development of local production capacities, the promotion of medical product supply chains, and price transparency.
Restoration of Tourism:
Ÿ Supported the gradual restoration of tourism and business ties between India and Central Asia.
Ÿ Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister welcomed India and their countries' mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates, while Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan's ministers pushed for early mutual recognition.
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Cultural and Historical Ties:
Ÿ They must build on their region's historical and cultural linkages with India, as well as the potential for cooperation in areas such as connectivity, transportation, transit, and energy.
International Solar Alliance (ISA):
Ÿ India emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiativein the collective, rapid, and massive deployment of solar energy.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure:
Ÿ India also emphasized the need for the "Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)" in promoting disaster resilient infrastructure to reduce economic losses.
Permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council:
Ÿ Reiterated their countries' support for India's permanent membership in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).
Ÿ The ongoing non-permanent tenure of India in the UNSC, as well as its priorities, were welcomed.
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation:
Ÿ Appreciated the significant role of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program in their countries' capacity building and human resource development, particularly in the areas of information technology and English language communication skills.
Why in the news?
Ÿ four- As Sri Lanka battles to revive its Covid-battered economy, New Delhi and Colombo have agreed on a pronged cooperation package.
About the assistance
Ÿ Urgent food and health security package: extension of a line of credit food , This includes to cover the import of medicines and other essential items from India to Sri Lanka.Addressing the balance of payment issues It includes a to deal with Sri lanka's balance of payment issues.Earlier, in July 2020, the currency swap agreement RBI had signed an agreement for extending a $400- million currency swap facility to Sri Lanka.
Ÿ Energy security package: the import of fuel from IndiaIt includes a line of credit to cover , and an early modernisation project Trinco oil farms of the that India has been pursuing for several years.
Ÿ Growth and employment generation: Indian investments It involves facilitation of in different sectors that would contribute to growth and expand employment.
Ÿ Direct line of communication: open direct lines of communicationThe ministers also agreed to to coordinate the initiatives.In January 2021, a contract for building hybrid renewable energy systems was awarded to a Chinese company, Sino Soar Hybrid Technology. These systems were to be built at three islands off Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka.
International RelationsIndia's Developmental assistance to Srilanka
igniteias.com 59
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur have indigenously developed a new system to safeguard power grids from short-circuits and prevent accidents.
About
Ÿ occur in power distribution networks huge Short-circuit situations often like power grids. This results in current surges damage the power grids that can as they are not designed to handle the large surge current, which in turn cause major economic losses and disruption in the electricity supply.
Smart Superconducting Fault Current Limiter
Ÿ Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Advanced It is developed by Researchers from the with support from the Manufacturing Technologies Programme DSTof the Department of Science & Technology( ).
Ÿ Mechanism
Ÿ superconductors offer zero resistance This system works on a similar principle, as to currents up to a threshold current value. At currents beyond the critical current, the resistance of the superconductor becomes high.
Ÿ prevent short circuits either automatically diverting the current into a parallel Hence, this system could by shunt (external resistance to bypass maximum current) or limiting a current surge by developing high resistance in the current path.
Uses of superconductivity
Ÿ Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains. These work because a superconductor repels a magnetic field so a magnet will float above a superconductor – this virtually eliminates the friction between the train and the track.
Ÿ Large hadron collider or particle accelerator.
Ÿ SQUIDs (Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices) are used to detect even the weakest magnetic field. They are used in mine detection equipment to help in the removal of landmines.
Ÿ Superconductors also makes electricity generation more efficient
Ÿ magnetic fields are Superconducting magnets have become the natural choice for any application where strong needed MRI – for magnetic resonance imaging ( ) in hospitals, for example, or for magnetic separation of minerals in industry.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space technology startup, has successfully test-fired the Dhawan-1 engine and is planning to launch Vikram-1 and Vikram-2 launch vehicles in a few years.
About the engine
Ÿ India's first privately developed fully It is , cryogenic rocket engine. It runs on two high-performance rocket propellants — liquid natural gas ( ) and liquid oxygen ( ).LNG LoX
Ÿ using 3D printing The engine was developed with a superalloy.
Other projects by Skyroot - Vikram
Ÿ series of launch vehicles Vikram is a to be launched by Skyroot space. These vehicles are specially crafted for the small satellite market.
Ÿ : solid propulsion engineVikram-1 It is based on a . After Skyroot successfully designed and developed the solid propulsion rocket engine, it became the first private firm in the country to do so.
Ÿ : cryogenic engineVikram-2 This vehicle is using a . It will be launched into orbit in the next 2 years.
Science & TechnologySmart Superconducting Fault Current Limiter
Science & TechnologyDhawan-1
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Why in News?
Ÿ NASA launched it's first-ever laser communications system, called Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) as a hosted payload on STPSat-6 spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
About LCRD
Ÿ geosynchronous orbitLCRD will be in a , over 35,000km above Earth.
Ÿ demonstrate the benefits It has been launched to help of space-to-ground laser communications also called optical communications.
Ÿ signals cannot penetrate cloud coverageUnlike radio frequency communications, optical . That's why, LCRD will transmit data to two ground stations, . These locations were chosen for located in California and Hawaiitheir .minimal cloud coverage
Ÿ LCRD is NASA's first two-way, end-to-end optical relay.
Ÿ receive data transmit data to LCRD has two optical terminals - one to from a user spacecraft, and the other to ground stations.
Ÿ modems will translate The the digital data into laser signals.
Ÿ This will then be .transmitted via encoded beams of light
Ÿ LCRD reply using optical The ground team will send test data through radio frequency signals and the will signals.
Difference between Laser vs Radio Communications
Ÿ different wavelengths of light infrared light Laser communications and radio waves use . The laser uses and has a than radio waves. This will help the in a short time.shorter wavelength transmission of more data
Ÿ 1.2 Gbps LCRD will send data to Earth at using infrared lasers.
Ÿ smaller in size weight require less power Optical or Laser communication systems are , , and compared with radio instruments. Hence, LCRD enabled missions will have unparalleled communications capabilities.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Union Minister of Atomic Energy and Space informed that the crewed Gaganyaan mission will finally be launched in 2023.
About the mission
Ÿ Gaganyaan is India's first Human Space Flight Programme to be launched by the ISRO.
Ÿ capability to send It aims to demonstrate the humans to low earth orbit (LEO) onboard an Indian Launch Vehicle and bring them back to earth safely.
Ÿ GSLV MkIIILaunch Vehicle will be .
Ÿ The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module three Indian will have astronauts including a woman, .
Ÿ It will circle Earth at a - - at an low earth orbitaltitude of 300-400 km for 5-7 days from earth .
Ÿ in the elite club of With that launch, India will be nations (America, China and Russia).
Ÿ training the astronauts Russia will be who will go onboard the Gaganyaan Mission. It will also provide equipment like a spacesuit, crew seat and Viewport. France will be for the mission. It will also be supplying training medical support personnel fireproof carry bags made in France to shield equipment from shocks and radiation.
Science & TechnologyLaser Communications Relay Demonstration
Science & TechnologyGaganyaan Mission
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Why in the news?
Ÿ NASA has launched a new mission named Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer or IXP.
About the mission
Ÿ IXPE observatory is a joint effort of NASA and the Italian Space Agency.
Ÿ The mission will study "the most extreme and mysterious objects in the universe − supernova remnants, supermassive black holes, and dozens of other high-energy objects." The mission's duration is 2 years.
Ÿ three state-of-the-art space telescopes light-weight X-ray IXPE carries . Each of the three telescopes hosts onemirror one detector unitand . These will help observe polarized X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes.
Ÿ where the light came understand the By measuring the polarization of these X-rays, we can study from and geometry and inner workings of the light source.
Ÿ Chandra X-ray Observatory European The mission will complement other X-ray telescopes such as the and the Space Agency's X-ray observatory XMM-Newton, .
Why in News?
Ÿ Researchers have succeeded in measuring for the first time the characteristics of a flare on a distant magnetar.
About Magnetar
Ÿ rare compact type of neutron star A magnetar is a teeming with energy and magnetism.
Ÿ 30 Magnetars Only have been spotted within the Milky Way so far.
Formation
Ÿ massive stars eventually During the course of their evolution, (masses around 10-25 times the mass of the Sun) collapse shrink to form very compact objects neutron stars subset and called . A of these neutron stars is the so-called .magnetars
Characteristics
Ÿ isolated neutron stars intense magnetic fields Magnetars are with much higher than in ordinary pulsars, typically .~1015 G
Ÿ 1037 - 1040 joules per secondMagnetars emit energy in the range given by luminosities of . (Luminosity of our sun = 1026 joules per second).
Ÿ highly dense breathtakingly high rotation speeds These are and have (rotational periods can be just 0.3 to 12.0 seconds).
Ÿ emit violent flaresFurther, these magnetars .
Ÿ due to instabilities in their magnetosphere starquakesEruptions in magnetars are believed to be , or " " produced in their crust - a rigid, elastic layer about one kilometre thick.
Ÿ This in the magnetosphere, and these waves .causes waves interaction between causes dissipation of energy
Ÿ very difficult to observe they are silentMagnetars are when . It is only during a flare that they can be observed, and these flares are that it presents a formidable problem.so short-lived
Ÿ flare much energy as the Sun would shed in 100,000 [The , which spewed within a few tenths of a second as years captured in 2020 , was by the International Space Station's Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) instrument.]
Why in the news?
Ÿ Top scientists from China have claimed to have successfully created a 'fake Sun'. The artificial Sun created by China is about ten times hotter than the real Sun, around which our planet revolves.
Science & TechnologyIXPE Mission
Science & TechnologyMagnetar
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About EAST
Ÿ EAST Artificial Sun' It is called the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak ( ), also known as 'experiment.
Ÿ The EAST reactor is an advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device located at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences ( ) in .ASIPP Hefei, China
Ÿ through a reactor help of nuclear fusionThe artificial Sun experiment is being developed , with the .
Ÿ The mission .mimics the energy generation process of the sun
Ÿ one of three major domestic tokamaks It is that are presently being operated across the country.
Ÿ The EAST project is , which will part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facilitybecome
Ÿ the world's largest nuclear fusion reactor when it becomes operational in 2035.
Ÿ India South Korea Japan Russia The ITER project includes the contributions of several countries, including , , , and .the United States
Working
Ÿ It carried out by the sun and stars.replicates the nuclear fusion process
Ÿ tremendous heat and pressureFor nuclear fusion to occur, are applied on hydrogen atoms so that they fuse together.
Ÿ The — both found in hydrogen — are to create anuclei of deuterium and tritium made to fuse together
Ÿ helium nucleus, a neutron along with a whole lot of energy.
Ÿ over 150 million degrees C soupHere, fuel is heated to temperatures of so that it forms a hot plasma " " of
Ÿ subatomic particles.
Ÿ plasma is kept away from the walls of the reactor With the help of a strong magnetic field, the to ensure it does not cool down and lose its potential to generate large amounts of energy. The plasma is confined for long durations for fusion to take place.
Fusion over fission
Ÿ easier process far more nuclear wasteWhile fission is an to carry out, it generates .
Ÿ not emit greenhouse gases safer process Unlike fission, fusion also does and is considered a with lower risk of accidents.
Ÿ unlimited clean energy and very low costs �Once mastered, nuclear fusion could potentially provide .
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Indian Army has established the Quantum Lab and a Centre for Artificial Intelligence(AI) at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow(MP).
About MP
Ÿ � Indian Army National Security Council SecretariatEstablished by the with the support of the (NSCS).
Ÿ conduct research and training It aims to in the Quantum Technology field.
Ÿ The key thrust areas are , , and Post Quantum Key Distribution Quantum Communication Quantum ComputingQuantum Cryptography.
Ÿ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre over 140 Indian Army has also established an at the same institution with deployments in forward areas and active support of industry and academia.
Ÿ Training on cyber warfare is being imparted through a state of art cyber range, and cyber security labs.
Significance
Ÿ help leapfrog into next Research undertaken by Indian Army in the field of Quantum Technology will generation communication transform the current system and of cryptography in the Indian Armed Forces to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
Ÿ Post-quantum cryptography public-key cryptography methods typically refers to that are designed to be resistant to quantum computer-based attacks.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, DoT fixed 30 June 2022 as deadline for complete transition to IPv6 for government organisations and December 2022 for internet service providers.
About IPV6
Ÿ recent version of the Internet IPv6 is the most Protocol identification and (IP) to provide an location system for computers on networks and routes traffic across the Internet known as IP address.
Ÿ IP is a set of requirements for addressing and routing data on the Internet.
Ÿ unique identifier An IP address is a assigned to a device or domain that connects to the Internet.
Ÿ fast, more secure As compared to IPv4, it is and offers 340 undecillion unique address spaces through its .128 bit address scheme
Why in the news?
Ÿ Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology Receives Formal Military Certification.
About the technology
Ÿ CSIR-IIP constituent laboratory of the CSIRIt is developed by the Indian Institute of Petroleum ( ), a .
Ÿ cooking oil tree-borne oils short gestation oilseed crops Bo-jet fuel can be produced from used , , grown off-season by farmers and waste extracts from edible oil processing units.
Ÿ enable Indian armed forces use bio-jet fuel produced It will to using indigenous technology across all its operational aircraft.
Benefits
Ÿ reduce air pollution It will by virtue of its ultra-low sulphur content compared with conventional jet fuel and
Ÿ contribute to India's Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Ÿ enhance the livelihoods of farmers tribals It will also and engaged in producing, collecting, and extracting non-edible oils.
Science & TechnologyInternet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6)
Public Key Cryptography
Ÿ Public-key cryptography also called where people exchange asymmetric cryptography is communication messages that can only be read by one another.
Ÿ In public-key cryptography, each user has a pair of cryptographic keys: a and a public key private key
Ÿ private key is kept secret public key may be widely distributedThe , while the and used by other users.
Ÿ Incoming messages are with the recipient's public key and can encrypted only be decrypted with their corresponding private key.
Science & TechnologyIndian Biojet Fuel Technology
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Rajya Sabha passed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research(NIPER) Amendment Bill, 2021.
About the amednment
Ÿ The Bill seeks to amend the .National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Act, 1998
Ÿ institute of national importance six more institutes The bill accords the status of ' ' to of pharmaceutical education and research, and also set up an advisory council for them.
Key features of the bill
Ÿ New institutions of national importance: declares six The Bill additional National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research as Institutions of National Importance. These institutes are located in: (i) , Ahmedabad(ii) , (iii) , (iv) , (v) , and (vi) .Hajipur Hyderabad Kolkata Guwahati Raebareli
Ÿ Establishment of the Council: Council to coordinate the activities among the institutes The Bill provides for a under the Bill to ensure development of pharmaceutical education and research and maintenance of standards.
Ÿ Composition of the Council:
Ÿ The Minister in charge of the Ministry or department of the central government having administrative control of pharmaceuticals (ex officio), as the Chairperson.
Ÿ The Minister of State of the Ministry or department of the central government having administrative control of the pharmaceuticals (ex officio), as the Vice-Chairperson.
Ÿ The Chairperson of each Board of Governors (ex officio).
Ÿ The Director of every institute (ex officio).
Ÿ The Chairperson of All India Council for Technical Education (ex officio).
Ÿ The Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (ex officio).
Ÿ Three Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
Ÿ It rationalises the Board of Governors of each NIPER from its existing strength of 23 to 12 members and widens the scope and number of courses run by the institutes.
Ÿ The Board will be chaired by an eminent academician or professional.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Oxygen Stewardship Program.
About the programme
Ÿ strengthen to all healthcare workers engaged in Oxygen management This programme intends to and administration with the essential knowledge and skills to of ensure rational utilization and avoid any wastage medical Oxygen, especially in resource constraint settings.
Ÿ at least one oxygen steward identified and trained As part of the programme, will be in each district across the country.
Ÿ responsible for leading the training on oxygen therapy and managementThese trained professionals would be in their respective districts, and also support audit of oxygen delivery and preparedness for a surge scenario.
Science & TechnologyNIPER Amendment Bill, 2021
National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs)
Ÿ They are the under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceutical, Ministry institutes of national importance of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Ÿ The Institute is conceived to and not only provide leadership in pharmaceutical sciences related areas within the country, but also to the countries in SouthEast Asia, South Asia and Africa.
Ÿ NIPER, Mohali is a and Association of Commonwealth member of Association of Indian Universities Universities.
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Other steps taken to avoid Oxygen Shortage
Ÿ 1500 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation The government of India has sanctioned at least plants, of which 1463 have been commissioned.
Ÿ OxyCareThe Centre has also set up , a dashboard that disseminates information on the available oxygen stock for its better distribution.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, NASA has announced that the Parker Solar Probe has flown through the Sun's upper atmosphere, the corona, for the first time.
About Parker Solar Probe
Ÿ outer corona It is a NASA space probe launched in 2018 with the mission of making observations of the of the Sun.
Ÿ Parker Solar Probe is making discoveries that others spacecraft couldn't, because they were too far away.
Ÿ It is set to fly into the sun's corona within 3.8 million miles from the solar surface, seven times closer than any other spacecraft.
Ÿ Parker Solar Probe will revolutionize our knowledge of the origin and evolution of the solar wind.
Primary Goals
Ÿ flow of energy To trace the and to understand the heating of the solar corona and to find out what accelerates the solar wind.
Ÿ plasma and magnetic fields Determine the composition and dynamics of at the sources of solar wind.
Ÿ Explore the dusty plasma near the Sun and its effect on the formation of the solar wind and solar energetic particles.
Why in the news?
Ÿ According to a recent study, Xenobots has become world's first living robots which can reproduce.
About Xenobots
Ÿ frog egg cells Xenobots are made up of a collection of instead of metals or plastics that can function as one tiny unit.
Ÿ The reason scientists classify them as robots is that they are designed & engineered to behave in very specific ways.
Ÿ They are engineered inside of a petri dish and can be programmed to move.
Ÿ millimeter wide reconfigurable creatureThe xenobot, which is a , has been described as a " ".
Ÿ The xenobots were first designed in 2020 on a supercomputer at the University of Vermont and then assembled and tested by biologists at Tufts University in Massachusetts.
Significance Of A Xenobot
Ÿ Xenobots are allowing scientists to discover how cells come together to build a complex being.
Ÿ If xenobots are made up of human cells, rather than frog cells, they can be engineered into a useful medical device that can be implanted into a human and not trigger an immune response.
Ÿ There is some speculation that xenobots could be used to clean up our polluted oceans by collecting microplastics and also entering hazardous areas to clean up toxins or radioactive material.
Concerns Related To Xenobot
Ÿ Xenobots can help target certain diseases. However, they can also be used to hijack life functions for malicious purposes.
Ÿ Some argue that artificially creating living things is unnatural, egotistical or involves "playing God".
Ÿ Xenobots can be used for hostile biological purposes prohibited under international law.
Ÿ More advanced future xenobots could potentially malfunction and go rogue, and out-compete other species.
Science & TechnologyNASA's Parker Solar Probe
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, Scientists have found a clue to the mystery behind the high abundance of Lithium in some evolved stars.
About the exploratory study
Ÿ Astronomers have known that a class of stars have an anomalous amount of Lithium on their surface.
Ÿ The reason and processes behind the high abundance of Lithium have remained a puzzle, since the models of how stars evolve predict the Lithium must have been destroyed in the hot plasma of the star.
About Lithium
Ÿ It is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal.
Ÿ Characteristics � Under standard conditions, Lithium is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable. It never occurs freely in nature due to its high reactivity.
Ÿ Lithium can be extracted in different ways, depending on the type of the deposit − it is generally done either through solar evaporation of large brine pools or by hard-rock extraction of the ore.
Uses
Ÿ Electronics: The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles.
Ÿ Glass and Grease: Lithium-ion batteries are also used in ceramics and glass, lubricating greases, polymer production, and air treatment.
Ÿ Medical: Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks. It is also used in psychiatric medications and in dental imprints. Lithium carbonate is used in drugs to treat manic depression.
Ÿ Nuclear Weapons: The lighter of two lithium isotopes is used in the production of Tritium, a key component of nuclear weapons.
Ÿ Infrastructure: Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminum and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter. Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.
Ÿ Fuel: Lithium hydride is used as a means of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel.
Ÿ Other: A magnesium-lithium alloy is used for armour plating. Lithium chloride is one of the most hygroscopic materials known, and is used in air conditioning and industrial drying systems (as is lithium bromide). Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant
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Why in the news?
Ÿ As per the 'World Inequality Report 2022', India is among the most unequal countries in the world, with rising poverty and an 'affluent elite.
About the report
Ÿ The report is authored by Lucas Chancel, co-director of the World Inequality Lab and coordinated by famed French economist Thomas Piketty among others.
Key Findings
Ÿ It presents the most up-to-date and complete data on the various facets of inequality worldwide as of 2021: global wealth, income, gender and ecological inequality.
Ÿ The World Inequality Database aims to provide open and convenient access to the most extensive available database on the historical evolution of the world distribution of income and wealth, both within countries and between countries.
Ÿ WID was initially created as the World Top Incomes Database (WTID) in January 2011 with the aim of providing convenient and free access to all the existing series.
Ÿ In December 2015, the WTID was subsumed into the WID, The World Wealth and Income Database.
Ÿ MENA (Middle East and North Africa) is the most unequal region in the world, Europe has the lowest inequality levels.
Ÿ MENA consists of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Ÿ Nations have become richer, but governments have become poor, when we take a look at the gap between the net wealth of governments and net wealth of the private and public sectors.
Ÿ Wealth inequalities have increased at the very top of the distribution.
Ÿ The rise in private wealth has also been unequal within countries and at the world level.
Ÿ Global multimillionaires have captured a disproportionate share of global wealth growth over the past several decades: the top 1% took 38% of all additional wealth accumulated since the mid-1990s, whereas the bottom 50% captured just 2% of it.
Ÿ Gender inequalities remain considerable at the global level, and progress within countries is too slow
Ÿ Data shows that these inequalities are not just a rich vs. poor country issue, but rather a high emitters vs low emitters issue within all countries.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Centre does not agree with the conclusions drawn by Reporters Without Borders about press freedom in India for various reasons, including very low sample size and little or no weightage to the fundamentals of democracy, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry told the Lok Sabha.
About
Ÿ It has been published by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) or Reporters Without Borders (independent NGO) since 2002.
Ÿ The purpose of the Index is to rank 180 countries and regions according to the level of freedom available to journalists. However, the index neither ranks public policies and nor is it an indicator of the quality of journalism in each country or region.
Ÿ The index ranks 180 countries based on the following parameters, such as a) pluralism, b) media independence c) environment and self-censorship d) legislative framework e) Transparency f) Infrastructure, and g) Abuses.
Key Findings Related to India
Ÿ India ranks 142nd on the World Press Freedom Index 2021. The rank is the same as in 2020 after it had consistently slid down from 133 in 2016.
Reports & IndicesWorld Inequality Report 2022
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Issues
Ÿ In a written reply to a question on World Press Freedom Index, Information and Broadcasting Minister said the adoption of the methodology by the publisher of the report is "questionable and non-transparent".
Why in the news?
Ÿ On the occasion of the Good Governance Day (25th December), the government released the Good Governance Index 2021.
About the index
Ÿ IT is prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Ÿ The GGI is envisaged as a biannual exercise.
Ÿ Objectives: The objectives of GGI are to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all states and union territories, enable them to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration.
Ÿ Indicators:
Ÿ Good Governance Index(GGI 2021) Framework covered ten sectors and 58 indicators.
Ÿ The sectors of GGI 2020-21 are:
Ÿ Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Ÿ Commerce & Industries
Ÿ Human Resource Development
Ÿ Public Health
Ÿ Public Infrastructure & Utilities
Ÿ Economic Governance
Ÿ Social Welfare & Development
Ÿ Judicial & Public Security
Ÿ Environment
Ÿ Citizen-Centric Governance.
Ranking of the States :
Ÿ The Index categorises States and UTs into four categories, i.e.,
Ÿ Other States − Group A: Gujarat has topped the composite ranking in the Good Governance Index 2021 covering 10 sectors, followed by Maharashtra and Goa.
Ÿ Other States − Group B: Madhya Pradesh tops the list followed by Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
Ÿ North-East and Hill States: Himachal Pradesh topped the list followed by Mizoram and Uttarakhand.
Ÿ Union Territories: Delhi tops the composite rank registering a 14% increase over the GGI 2019 indicators
Why in the news?
Ÿ Adding 33 'unicorns' in a single year has helped India displace the United Kingdom (U.K.) to be third in the list of countries.
About the index
Ÿ It is released by � Hurun Research Institute.
Ÿ The index is a ranking of the world's start-ups founded in the 2000s, are worth at least a billion dollars and are not listed on a public exchange.
Ÿ A unicorn is a term used in the venture capital industry to describe a startup company with a value of over $1 billion.
Reports & IndicesGood Governance Index 2021
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Key findings of the report
Ÿ India has a total of 54 Unicorns. It is ranked third in the world, after the United States and China.
Ÿ India has added 33 Unicorns in a single year. This has helped India overtake the UK in the number of Unicorns.
Ÿ Comparison with the world
Ÿ US and China are way ahead of India in the number of Unicorns. The US has added 254 unicorns and now totals 487 companies, while China added 74 to take its tally to 301 Unicorns. These top-two occupants are home to 74% of the unicorn universe.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, State of India's Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021 has been released.
About the report
Ÿ It is an annual Report released by the ACCESS Developmental Services.
Ÿ It is an authoritative commentary on
Ÿ Policy and programmes of the government, potential opportunities for the poor, and
Ÿ Role of the private sector and the civil society in livelihoods promotion.
Ÿ It tracks the trends and analyses the environment in the sector.
Ÿ Focus of the report : The 2021 Report has analysed only Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
Report findings
Ÿ In the last 7 years, just 1-5 % of FPOs have received funding under central government schemes introduced to promote them.
Ÿ Only 5% of total registered FPOs have been able to secure the grants under Equity Grant Scheme and Credit Guarantee Scheme. FPOs registered under Companies Act make up a large majority of the organisations while the FPOs registered as cooperatives /societies are less in number.
Why in the news?�Ÿ Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently released a report titled 'Top 100 arms-
producing and military services companies, 2020'.
Highlights Of The Report
Ÿ International arms sales increased even as the global economy contracted by 3.1% during the first year of the pandemic. The industry giants were largely protected by sustained government demand for military goods and services.
Ÿ Overall, the arms sales of the top 100 arms-producing and military services companies totalled $531 billion in 2020, an increase of 1.3% compared to 2019.
Ÿ US once again hosted the highest number of companies ranked in the top 100 and arms sales of these 41 US companies amounted to $285 billion.
Ÿ US companies accounted for 54% of the combined arms sales of the top 100. China was second at 13%, followed by the UK at 7.1%. Russia and France were fourth and fifth with 5%and 4.7% respectively.
Ÿ The 26 European arms companies in the top 100 jointly accounted for 21% of total arms sales, or $109 billion.
Ÿ The rise of China as a major arms producer has been driven by its aim to become more self-reliant in weapons production and by the implementation of ambitious modernisation programmes.
Ÿ Russia has been slipping down in the rankings since 2017. In 2020, Russian companies' arms sales reached
Ÿ USD 26.4 billion, a decrease of 6.5% on an annual basis.
Ÿ Collectively, the arms sales of companies in the top 100 based outside the USA, China, Russia and Europe totalled $43.1 billion in 2020. This represents 8.1% of the top 100's total arms sales.
Reports & IndicesState of India's Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021
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India's position
Ÿ Three Indian companies are among the world's top 100 for combined arms sales in 2020.
Ÿ The three companies are: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-ranked 42, Indian Ordnance Factories- ranked 60, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)- ranked 66. Their aggregate arms sales of $6.5 billion was 1.7% higher in 2020 than in 2019, and accounted for 1.2% of the top 100 total.
Ÿ In 2020 the Indian government announced a phased ban on imports of more than a hundred different types of military equipment to support domestic companies and enhance self-reliance in arms production.
Ÿ This helped to protect the Indian companies against the negative economic consequences of the pandemic.
Ÿ However, India has the smallest share among the top 11 defence manufacturing nations.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released the report on the State of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in India.
About the report
Ÿ The report prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness highlights the importance of early education years in the overall development of a child.
Ÿ Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills refers to basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
Ÿ As part of the report, Index on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy has also been released.
Index on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
Ÿ To establish an understanding of the overall state of Foundational Learning across children aged below ten years in Indian States and Union territories.
Ÿ The Index includes five pillars comprising 41 indicators. The five pillars are Educational Infrastructure, Access to Education, Basic Health, Learning Outcomes and Governance.
Ÿ The categories that were considered for rankings are- large states, small states, Union Territories and North East.
Key Findings
Ÿ Large States: West Bengal has topped, while Bihar has finished at the bottom.
Ÿ Small States: Kerala has bagged the top position, while Jharkhand has languished at the bottom.
Ÿ UTs : Lakshadweep has topped, while Ladakh has featured at the bottom.
Ÿ North East : Mizoram has topped, while Arunachal Pradesh came last.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Ÿ Based in Stockholm, SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
Ÿ Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, to policymakers, researchers and media.
Ÿ India's share of arms sales globally in 2020 was 1.2%.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ 11th Edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India & Maldives will be conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives from 06 to 19 December 2021.
About Exercise EKUVERIN
Ÿ Since 2009, India and the Maldives have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin, which means 'Friends' in the Maldivian language.
Ÿ The 14-day Joint Exercise is held alternatively between India and the Maldives.
Ÿ It focuses on improving interoperability between the two forces in order to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment in accordance with the United Nations mandate.
Ÿ Further, this year's exercise will incorporate cultural and sporting events to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations. The exercise will contribute significantly to India's relationship with the Maldives in the context of developing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.
Why in the news?
Ÿ 'Sandhayak', the first of the four Survey Vessels (Large) project being built for the Indian Navy, was launched in Kolkata on December 05, 2021.
About Sandhyak
Ÿ Designed and developed by Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, which is among the leading warship building companies in India.
Ÿ These survey ships are capable of full scale coastal & deep-water hydrographic survey of Ports & Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels & routes.
Ÿ These ships are also capable of undertaking survey of maritime limits and collection of Oceanographic & Geographical data for Defence applications, thus boosting the maritime capabilities of the country.
Ÿ These ships are propelled by two Marine Diesel Engines combined with Fixed Pitch Propellers and fitted with Bow & Stern Thrusters for manoeuvring at low speeds during surveys. The vessel will have over 80% indigenous content.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Following the recent killings of 14 civilians in Nagaland, the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
History of AFSPA
Ÿ The Act came into force in the context of increasing violence in the North-eastern States decades ago, which the State governments found difficult to control.
Defense & SecurityExercise EKUVERIN
Exercise 'Dosti'
Ÿ The Indian and Maldives Coast Guards initially conducted the exercise in 1991. Sri Lanka first participated in the exercise in 2012.
Ÿ Over the last decade, exercises and drills have concentrated on assisting in sea accidents, eradicating sea pollution, and Coast Guard's procedure and conduct during emergencies such as oil spills.
Ÿ Vajra and Apoorva of the Indian Coast Guard have been deployed for the exercise (2021).
Defense & SecuritySandhayak
Defense & SecurityAFSPA
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Ÿ The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
Ÿ AFSPA is combination of two legislation – first is for handling the insurgency in North-east passed in year 1958 and second is for handling the situation in of insurgency and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir passed in the year 1990. Since inception these laws are controversial in the nature. As both laws are more or less same so, they are collectively called as AFSPA.
“Disturbed area”
Ÿ AFSPA can be imposed by the Center or the Governor of a state on the state or parts of it after it is declared
Ÿ "disturbed'' under Section 3 of AFSPA Act.
Ÿ The Act defines Disturbed as areas that are "disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary'.
Ÿ Currently, the AFSPA Act is in force in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, J&K, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Powers given to armed forces
Ÿ It allows them to 'open fire', even causing death, against any person in contravention to the law or carrying arms and ammunition.
Ÿ It gives them powers to arrest individuals without warrants, on the basis of reasonable suspicion and also search premises without warrants.
Ÿ It also provides blanket immunity to security personnel involved in such operations. There can be no prosecution or legal proceedings against them without the prior approval of the Center.
Safety nets provided under the AFSPA Act
Ÿ The Act gives powers to security forces to open fire. But this cannot be done without prior warning given
Ÿ to the suspect.
Ÿ The Act further says that any suspects apprehended by security forces should be handed over to the local police station within 24 hours.
Issues with the act
Ÿ Misuse of the provisions of Acts like fake encounters, extra-judicial killings, etc.
Ÿ AFSPA is described as draconian, repressive, colonial and archaic law in Indian democracy.
Ÿ AFSPA as license to kill given to the Armed forces.
Ÿ AFSPA can be seen as violation of all other constitutional rights like prevention against arrest and detention, privacy etc.
Ÿ Abolition will bring down the feeling of alienation in people of particular state and especially north-east.
Ÿ Gross violation of constitutional values, Human rights and natural justice in the country.
Ÿ Abuse of power – It has been alleged that immunity granted by the act has led the armed forces to misuse the powers and commit offences like enforced disappearances, fake encounters and sexual assault.
Ÿ Threat to justiciable fundamental rights – It leads to suspension of fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed to the citizens by the constitution. Thus, it weakens democracy.
Ÿ Human rights violations in AFSPA areas are not inquired into and followed by adequate action. Thus, it is against the principle of natural justice.
Ÿ Diminishing credibility of democracy – People's disillusionment with democratic setup is exploited by secessionists & terror sympathizers, which leads to more violence & more counter violence creating a vicious cycle.
Ÿ Ineffective – Critics argue that this act has failed in its objective of restoring normalcy in disturbed areas although being in existence for about 50 years.
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Reforms AFSPA
The Jeevan Reddy committee to review AFSPA
Ÿ After the years of protest against the AFSPA and issue of human right violation the committee recommended-
1. After consultation with all the stakeholders committee recommended abolition of AFSPA.
2. Instead of AFSPA some comprehensive arrangement should be made under unlawful activities prevention act.
3. Central forces must act to aid civil power.
4. Only commissioned officer can order to use the force if he/she feels necessary.
5. Each district must have a grievances cell where these forces are deployed this cell should be independent and competent to enquire into violation of rights.
Justice Santosh Hegde Committee
Ÿ Justice Santosh Hegde Committee to investigate fake encounters in Manipur described it as a “symbol of oppression”.
Justice Verma committee
Ÿ Justice Verma committee (on offenses against women in conflict areas) said “AFSPA legitimizes impunity for sexual violence” E.g. Kunan Poshpora incident; Thangjam Manorama case in Manipur.
Second ARC Report
Ÿ The 5th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on public order has also recommended the repeal of the AFSPA.
Why in the news?
Ÿ India has successfully test-fired the Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
About
Ÿ VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile that has been developed by DRDO.
Ÿ It comprises features like mid-course inertial guidance through fibre-optic gyroscope as well as active radar homing during terminal phase.
Ÿ Missile has the capability of 'lock on before launch (LOBL)' and lock on after launch (LOAL). As a result, it receives mid-course updates via datalink.
Ÿ It seeks to replace "Barak 1 surface to air missile system" onboard Indian Navy warships.
Ÿ The 8.4-metre BrahMos missile, the fastest in the world, has a flight range of 450 km (enhanced from 290 km following India's entry in Missile Technology Control Regime) and carries a conventional warhead up to 300 kg.
Ÿ This BrahMos missile is With high-precision and devastating power, it can cruise at the supersonic speed of Mach 2.8.
Defence Research & Development Organization
Ÿ Established in 1958. It is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry of Defence, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies.
Defense & SecurityVertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile
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Why in the news?
Ÿ A Curtain Raiser Event for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise, PANEX-21, for the member nations of BIMSTEC countries, was held in New Delhi on 07 December 2021.
About the exercise
Ÿ It is a multi-nation Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise.
Ÿ It will witness participation from subject matter experts and delegates from BIMSTEC Countries:
Ÿ India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Ÿ To foster joint planning and build regional cooperation for responding to natural disasters.
Ÿ The exercise will look at analyzing the capabilities of member states and share best practices for response to disasters, including capability development and training. Protocols for military-to-military cooperation will also be discussed.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others died after the Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
About CDS
Ÿ CDS will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999.
Ÿ He will be a Four-star General.
Ÿ CDS acts as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee which will also have three service chiefs as members.
Ÿ His core function will be to foster greater operational synergy between the three service branches of the Indian military and keep inter-service frictions to a minimum.
Ÿ Conditions
Ÿ Not eligible to hold any Government office after demitting the office of CDS.
Ÿ No private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.
Ÿ Roles and functions
Ÿ CDS will provide "single-point military advice"to the government, inject synergy in planning, procurements and logistics in the armed forces.
Ÿ It will ensure integration of land-air-sea operations through the eventual setting up of theatre commands.
Ÿ The CDS will also function as the military advisor to the PM-led Nuclear Command Authority, as also have direct command of tri-Service organizations to handle the new warfare domains of space and cyberspace.
Ÿ He will function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and also as the Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
Ÿ The CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee.
Defense & SecurityExercise PANEX-21
Defense & SecurityChief of Defence Staff
Mi-17V5 helicopter
Ÿ It is a Russian-made helicopter which is produced by Kazan Helicopters.
Ÿ It was inducted into the Indian Air Force on 17 Feb, 2012.
Ÿ Purpose : The Helicopter can carry equipment inside the cargo cabin or an external sling, drop tactical air assault teams and carry the wounded.
Ÿ Speed : The helicopter can achieve a maximum speed of 250 km per hour.
Ÿ Weight : The helicopter has a maximum take off weight of 13,000 kg. It can transport either 36 armed soldiers internally or 4,500 kg of load on a sling.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ D e f e n c e Re s e a r c h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges.
About the missile
Ÿ It is an indigenously designed and developed air-to-surface missile.
Ÿ Designed and developed by � Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad in coordination with other DRDO labs.
Key Features
Ÿ Firstly, the missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art millimetre wave(MMW) seeker, which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance.
Ÿ Secondly, the missile can neutralise targets in a range of up to 10 km.
Ÿ This is the third in the series of indigenous stand-off weapons to be tested in recent times after long range bomb and smart anti airfield weapon for strengthening the arsenal of IAF. The indigenous development of various configurations for different applications with advanced technologies is a firm march towards 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.
Why in the news?
Ÿ Recently, the Pinaka-ER Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System was successfully tested at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer district.
About the system
Ÿ It is the upgraded version of the Pinaka which has been in service with the Indian Army for the last decade.
Ÿ The system is jointly designed by laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) − Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
Ÿ Features:
Ÿ The extended range of the new Pinaka is over 70 km, as opposed to the 45 km the system currently has.
Ÿ Moreover, it has the ability to strike within 10 metres of where it is aimed, allowing the army to destroy a terrorist camp, or an enemy post, logistics dump or headquarters without needing to send soldiers across the border.
Defense & SecuritySANT Missile
Defense & SecurityPinaka Extended Range System
Ÿ Features : It has a digital flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder onboard to monitor flight parameters and cockpit conversations respectively. The helicopter also has the capability to land on unprepared sites at night and in adverse weather conditions.
Ÿ Apart from India, this helicopter is also used by the air forces of nearly 60 countries, including Russia and Iraq, and is also part of the erstwhile Afghan Air Force.
Ÿ According to the latest data, the Indian Air Force(IAF) currently has over 200 of these helicopters in service.
Pinaka Rocket
Ÿ Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket-launcher (MBRL) system named after Shiva's bow.
Ÿ It is a long range artillery system used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close-quarter battles.
Ÿ The development of the Pinaka was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s. It is an alternative to the multi- barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make called 'Grad'.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ India has successfully test-fired a long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo(SMART) from Wheeler Island in Odisha.
About SMART System
Ÿ It is a missile assisted release of the lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations far beyond torpedo range.
Ÿ The system is a next generation missile-based standoff torpedo delivery system.
Features
Ÿ The missile carried a torpedo, parachute delivery system and release mechanisms.
Ÿ This canister-based missile system consists of advanced technologies — two-stage solid propulsion, electro- mechanical actuators and precision inertial navigation.
Ÿ Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage & mobility.
Significance
Ÿ This will enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of the torpedo.
Ÿ Moreover, this will promote self-reliance in defence, harnessing of expertise and capabilities.
Why in the news?
Ÿ For the first time, a majority of the 125 nations that belong to an agreement called the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons said they wanted curbs on killer robots.
About the convention
Ÿ The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects, usually referred to as the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons or CCW, is also known as the Inhumane Weapons Convention.
Ÿ The purpose of the Convention is to ban or restrict the use of specific types of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering to combatants or to affect civilians indiscriminately.
Ÿ The unique structure of the CCW aims to ensure flexibility in dealing with new developments in armed conflicts and weapon technologies.
Ÿ Framework Convention – contains general provisions on the operation, including rules on joining the regime and the possibility to negotiate and adopt new protocols;
Ÿ Protocols annexed to the Convention – contain the substantive prohibitions and restrictions on certain types of weapons;
Ÿ The Convention including three annexed protocols was adopted on 10 October 1980 and opened for signature on 10 April 1981 for the duration of one year. A total of 50 States signed the Convention, which entered into force on 2 December 1983.
Ÿ The convention covers land mines, booby traps, incendiary devices, blinding laser weapons and clearance of explosive remnants of war.
Ÿ CCWC along with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) serves as an umbrella for protocols dealing with specific weapons.
Ÿ India has signed as well as ratified the convention.
Defense & SecuritySupersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System
Defense & SecurityConvention on Certain Conventional Weapons
Killer robots
Ÿ Opinions differ on an exact definition of Killer robots, but they are widely considered to be weapons that make decisions with little or no human involvement. Rapid improvements in robotics, AI and image recognition are making such armaments possible.
Ÿ Why are killer robots being developed? To war planners, killer robots a) offer the promise of keeping soldiers out of harm's way and b) help make decisions faster than a human would by giving more battlefield responsibilities to autonomous systems like pilotless drones and driverless tanks that independently decide when to strike.
Ÿ Objections against killer robots? Critics argue that it is morally wrong to assign lethal decision-making to machines, regardless of technological sophistication.
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Why in the news?
Ÿ Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted maiden flight test of a new indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile 'Pralay'.
About the missile
Ÿ It is a surface-to-surface conventional quasi-ballistic missile. The main aim of the missile is to defeat interceptor missiles.
Ÿ Note: Quasi missile trajectory is also ballistic but after a certain range it changes the projectile path to defeat interceptors.
Key features
Ÿ The missile has the ability to change its path after covering a certain range in the mid-air. The missile has a
Ÿ range of 150-500 kilometres. It has a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.
Ÿ The missile can be launched from a mobile launcher and its payload is designed to carry only a conventional warhead. The missile is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics.
Ÿ The missile is based on the Prithvi Defence Vehicle from the Indian ballistic missile programme.
Why in the news?
Ÿ The security of the Offshore Development Area (ODA) in Krishna Godavari Basin on the East Coast of India was reviewed during exercise "Prasthan" conducted from 21 December to 22 December 21.
About the exercise
Ÿ Conducted every six months.
Ÿ Coordinated and controlled by NOIC (APD) from Joint Operations Centre (JOC) Vizag under the aegis of Indian Navy.
Ÿ Objective is to assess overall security architecture to provide support during an emergent situation at ODA and for the Oil Operators to validate their Standard Operating Procedures laid out for various contingencies related to ODA.
Ÿ Indian Naval Ships Kamorta, Tarmugli along with ISVs, T 36, T 38, T 39 and ICG ship Kanaklata Barua participated in the exercise along with MARCOS from INS Karna and naval helicopters from INS Dega.
Ÿ Oil Operators namely ONGC Ltd, Reliance Ltd & Vedanta Ltd, Coastal Police, Department of Port and Department of Fisheries also participated.
Why in the news?
Ÿ INS Khukri decommissioned after 32 years of glorious service to the nation.
About Khukri
Ÿ INS Khukri was the first of the indigenously built Missile Corvettes.
Ÿ INS Khukri was built by the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders in 1989. It was affiliated with the Gorkha brigade of the India Army.
Ÿ It had the distinction of being part of both the Western and Eastern Fleets.
Ÿ INS Khukri has a legacy with the naval history of India.
Ÿ The first INS Khukri (F149), which was a Type 14 Blackwood-class frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1958.
Ÿ It was sunk off the coast of Diu, Gujarat, by the Pakistan Navy Daphné-class submarine PNS Hangor during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.
Defense & SecurityPralay Missile
Defense & SecurityExercise Prasthan
Defense & SecurityINS Khukri
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Why in News?
Ÿ Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over technology for indigenous Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) to some Indian companies.
About the clothing system
Ÿ The Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System is ergonomically-designed modular, three-layered technical clothing system that can be used at various climatic conditions in extreme altitude combat operations.
Ÿ It is designed to provide thermal insulation over a temperature range of +15 to -50° Celsius with different combinations of the layers and intensity of physical work.
Ÿ It embodies physiological concepts related to reduction in respiratory heat and water loss, unhindered range of motions and rapid absorption of sweat.
Ÿ It provides water proof, wind proof features with adequate breathability.
Ÿ The outer layer of the clothing is reversible for camouflage purposes in both snow bound terrain as well as areas without snow cover.
Ÿ ECWCS meets the insulation requirements (IREQ) for the widely fluctuating weather conditions in the Himalayan peaks.
Ÿ Significance - The Indian Army, till recently has been importing ECWCS and several Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items for the troops deployed in high altitude regions.
Ÿ ECWCS is a viable import alternative for the Indian Army for its sustained operations in glacier and Himalayan peaks.
Defense & SecurityExtreme Cold Weather Clothing System
Defence Research and Development Organisation
Ÿ DRDO was established in 1958.
Ÿ It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence with the aim to establish a world class science and technology base for India and provides our Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
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