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CONTENTS GS 1 : Heritage and culture ,Geography of the World and Society 1. No help for the helps 2. Mizoram quake zone caught between two geological faults 3. Fight against hunger disrupted by slowdown 4. Natesa of Rajasthan temple returns to India 5. Locals mark 6 places for settling Bru refugees

6. Festival in news: Bahuda Yatra

GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations

1.Police reform and the crucial judicial actor

2.United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)

3.How not to tame the digital dragon

4.West Bank Annexation Plan 5.In an uncertain world a seat at the UNSC

6.India loses jurisdiction over Italian marines case

7.India’s trade deficit with China dips to $48.66 billion

8.China opposes U.K.’s citizenship offer

9.‘India won’t import power equipment from China’

10.‘Japan against unilateral action that changes status quo along LAC’

11.The impact of the Chinese apps ban 12.PLA pulls back from Galwan clash site 13..G4 Virus and Disease Surveillance 14..Global Response to China's Security Law on Hong Kong 15. Issues over Kuwait Expat Bill 16. More sabre-rattling, more isolation 17. U.S. stance on CAATSA unchanged 18.Hurdles for F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA 19.Andhra Pradesh Poll Panel Chief Case 20.Open Sky Agreement


21.Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 22. Trump starts withdrawal of U.S. from WHO 23. Govt. ‘watching’ WHO alert on airborne spread of virus 24. Judiciary and criminalisation in politics 25. Digital India Atmanirbhar Bharat Innovate Challenge 26. PLA pulls back from Galwan clash site

27. 1.4 lakh families reach MGNREGA’s annual work limit

28. Smart Cities Mission and the public health 29. MoU between NATGRID and NCRB 30. Disabled are entitled to same benefits of SC/ST quota: SC 31.Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay 32.Iran, China set to clinch 25-year deal 33.Enabling people to govern themselves 34. Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 35. Centre limits duration of online school sessions 36.The stand-off and China’s India policy dilemma 37. Modi exhorts youth to skill, reskill and upskill 38. Centralisation in decision making in education 39.‘Judicial review can’t be done prior to Speaker’s decision’ 40.University examination guidelines that score low 41. Challenge to Anti Defection Law 42.China has crossed its 1960 claims along the LAC

43. Why a separate anti-torture law?

44.‘Close to limited trade deal with U.S.’ 45.China repeats claim on Bhutan’s east 46. The main planks in a counter-China policy

47. Transforming higher education

48. India, Sri Lanka seek to reset ties in the time of polls and pandemic 49.Cabinet decision binding on Governor

50. The chilling effect of criminal contempt

51. RIC, a triangle that is still important

52. WTO to set up dispute panels against India


53.Protesting is a fundamental right: UN

54. NEP focus: leave no child behind, bridge digital divide

55. China conducts drills in South China Sea

56. ‘Why no Parliament debate on NEP?’

GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology,Environment

1.Reforming India’s digital policy

2.Why have Indian Railways opened doors for private players?

3.Rise in Food Grain Offtake by States

4.Bid to turn Shivalik forest into tiger reserve

5.MoD approves 33 new fighter jets in deals worth 38,900 cr.

6.Core’s contraction

7.Increasing E-waste 8. Detecting RNA virus in saliva samples using Raman spectroscopy 9. Before the next health crisis 10.‘Negligence to blame for styrene leak’ 11. In stand-off, keeping an eye on the nuclear ball 12.‘Centre won’t extend deadline for levy on foreign e-com firms’ 13. Equalisation Levy for Non-Resident E-Commerce Firms 14. Species in news: Golden Birdwing 15. Green-lighting ecological decimation amidst a pandemic 16. Lithium Nucleosynthesis in Stars 17. Country of origin tag a must 18. Draft Rules for Code on Wages Act 2019 19. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve 20. Sure power 21. Will invest $10 billion in India, says Google chief 22. Nod for Karnataka-T.N. economic corridor 23.Warning of Higher NPAs 24. Google for India Digitization Fund (GIDF)

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increasing-e-waste


25. Spike-LR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles 26. Inflation alert 27. Govt. nod for urgent defence procurements 28. ‘Is India a hub for drug peddling?’ 29. SC to examine Kerala Act on animal, bird sacrifices 30. UN blacklists Pak. Taliban leader Noor Wali Mehsud 31. Domestic firms worried over small arms imports 32. Sacred groves 33. Issues with the privatisation in Railways 34. Big reform on the wrong track 35. The COVID-19 fiscal response and India’s standing 36. IIT-M researchers use artificial materials and ultrasound to detect defects in large structures

37.NGT questions Ministry, OIL on drilling in national park

38. Punjab’s law plays ‘minimal role’ in spiking Delhi’s pollution: study

39.India invites Israeli defence companies to strengthen ties

40. Banks’ gross NPAs may climb to as much as 14.7% by March: RBI 41. Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?

42. 200 proposals from China wait for security clearance by MHA

43. Kashmir saffron gets GI certificate 44. Nutrition security along with food security

45. At 2,967 tigers, India’s capacity at peak

46.‘Notification on 74% FDI in defence soon’

47. Antibiotics in livestock a worry 48. Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets

49. Will capping the bank CEO tenure make difference 50. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for electronics manufacturers


GS 1 : Heritage and culture ,Geography of the World and Society 1. No help for the helps Context: The lack of government welfare schemes or one-time monetary assistance to domestic workers has compounded their woes during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues: • Though the domestic workers have been hit the most now, the problem is more deep-seated. • The government in 2014 started working to codify and simplify 44 existing labour laws into four codes. • One of the codes, the Code on Wages Bill, has been cleared. But the other three codes are yet to be passed by Parliament. • The Code on Social Security, 2019, introduced in the Lok Sabha but not yet passed, will subsume eight laws, including the unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. • A national policy for domestic workers, which can be a safety net, is still in its draft state. • A Central Government Act for the welfare of unorganised sector workers is implemented more in the breach across the country. Way forward: • Unfortunately, domestic workers fall within the large informal sector where nearly 90% of Indian workers are placed. Therefore, they do not have any recourse to law for safety, payment or welfare. • There is a need to include all domestic workers, irrespective of the category, in the social security net. • While there are some legal instruments that give them a degree of protection, such as the Unorganised Social Security Act, 2008 and the Sexual Harassment against Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and some minimum wages provisions at the state level, there is no comprehensive legislation to address the sector. • Laws to ensure their rights such as minimum wages, regulating the number of working hours, mandating regular holidays as well as addressing physical and sexual harassment must be formalised. • They must be provided immediate income and livelihood support. Conclusion:


COVID-19 is going to result in a new normal in many ways, it presents an opportunity and challenge – to enhance the value of the work of care and domestic work, address its deeply gendered nature, and reflect on ensuring their basic rights.

2. Mizoram quake zone caught between two geological faults

Context:

A geologist assigned to make a preliminary study on the frequent tremors in Mizoram has said that Mizoram’s zone of scary earthquakes is caught between two subterranean faults.

Background:

Mizoram experienced at least eight moderate earthquakes between June 21 and July 9, 2020. The tremors ranged from 4.2 to 5.5 on the Richter scale.

The epicentre of most of these quakes was beneath Champhai district bordering Myanmar, including the last one of magnitude 4.3 and about 10 kilometres deep.

A few were beneath the adjoining Saitual and Serchhip districts.

Details:

According to the geologist, earthquakes have happened and will happen in that part of Mizoram because it is caught between two geological faults i.e, the Churachandpur Mao Fault and the Mat Fault.

The Churachandpur Mao Fault is named after two places in Manipur and runs north-south into Myanmar along the border of Champhai.

The Mat Fault runs northwest-southeast across Mizoram, beneath the river Mat near Serchhip.

There are several shallower transverse or minor faults in between these two major faults that are deeper.

People there have nothing to worry about if their magnitude does not measure above 5 on the Richter scale.

Faults:

Faults are discontinuities or cracks that are the result of differential motion within the earth’s crust.

It is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. Faults allow the blocks to move relative to each other. This movement may occur

rapidly, in the form of an earthquake.


Vertical or lateral slippage of the crust along the faults causes an earthquake.

3. Fight against hunger disrupted by slowdown

Context:

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2020 report has been released.

The report was released in New York on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development which tracks the progress of nations towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report

It is produced jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Its first edition was brought out in 2017.

Findings:

The report underlines that in line with findings in the previous editions, hunger continues to be on the rise since 2014.

The global prevalence of undernourishment, or the overall percentage of hungry people, is 8.9%.

Asia remains home to the greatest number of undernourished (38 crores), Africa is second (25 crores), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (4.8 crores).

According to current estimates, in 2019, 21.3% (14.4 crores) of children under 5 years were stunted, 6.9% (4.7 crores) wasted and 5.6% (3.8 million) overweight.

The report highlights that a healthy diet costs more than ₹143 (or $1.90/ day), which is the international poverty threshold.

The number of people globally who can’t afford a healthy diet is at 300 crore people, or more than the combined population of China and India.

Concerns:

pc

Highlight


It warned that between 8.3 crore and 13 crore people globally are likely to go hungry in 2020 due to the economic recession triggered by COVID-19.

The heads of the five agencies (that jointly produce the report) warn “five years after the world committed to end hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition, we are still off track to achieve this objective by 2030.”

Estimates drawn from data available till March 2020 show that almost 69 crore people went hungry in 2019 — up by 1 crore in 2018.

4. Natesa of Rajasthan temple returns to India

Context:

A rare sandstone idol smuggled out of the country in 1998 is returning to India after 22 years.

Details:

The idol of Natesa is a rare sandstone idol in the 9th-century Prathihara style of Rajasthan.

It is a brilliant depiction of Lord Shiva. A beautiful depiction of Nandi is shown behind the right leg of the Natesa icon. It is originally from the Ghateswara Temple at Baroli, Rajasthan.

Note:

In 2002, the Rajasthan Police had opened an investigation titled “Operation Blackhole” against Vaman Ghiya.

Vaman Ghiya was arrested in 2003, standing accused of having stolen 20,000 pieces of art and laundering them via a host of Swiss front companies.

In 2014, the conviction was quashed by an appeals court (Rajasthan High court) because of procedural irregularities during the police prosecution and also because India had not repatriated even a single piece of art allegedly smuggled abroad by Ghiya.

It is opined that the restitution of the Natesa idol provides impetus to reopen the Vaman Ghiya case, resurrect Operation Blackhole and go after thousands of artefacts stolen since the 1960s.

5.Locals mark 6 places for settling Bru refugees

Context:


Six places have been proposed by the non-Brus of Tripura for settling the displaced Brus from Mizoram.

Details:

Limits have also been placed for the number of families to be accommodated in two subdivisions that have borne the brunt of the 23-year-old refugee crisis.

o There are 7 relief camps among which the Bru families are distributed in these two subdivisions.

Concerns:

Non-Bru groups have been maintaining that the Brus were difficult to coexist with.

The onus was put on the state government by the Bru leaders, to honour a quadripartite agreement in January 2020 for resettling more than 6,500 families in suitable areas.

The areas proposed by the Joint Movement Committee (comprising Bengali, Mizo and other indigenous communities of the subdivisions of North Tripura district) and those sought by the Bru organisations do not match.

6. Festival in news: Bahuda Yatra

The Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the deities to the Puri Jagannath temple after the annual Rath Yatra, was recently concluded amid permitted restrictions.

Bahuda Yatra

A/c to folk stories Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Goddess Shubhadra and Lord Balabhadra, returns from their aunt’s place at Gundicha Temple to Jagannath Temple.

This journey is known as Bahuda Yatra.


Nine days after the Rath Yatra, the yatra or the return journey takes place.

About Jagannath Rath Yatra

Ratha Jatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India.

It involves a public procession with a chariot with deities Jagannath (Vishnu avatar), BalaBhadra (his brother), Subhadra (his sister) and Sudarshana Chakra (his weapon) on a ratha, a wooden deula-shaped chariot.

The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North.

It attracts over a million Hindu pilgrims who join the procession each year.

GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations

1. Police reform and the crucial judicial actor

Context:

Police violence in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Details:

The fatal violence by the police is a reminder of the problem of police violence and how little reform has happened in the domain of policing.

Judicial measures taken:

The Supreme Court of India through its various judgments has been working towards police reforms in India.

In cases such as Joginder Kumar v. State of UP and D.K. Basu v. State of West

Bengal, important guidelines were passed to try and secure two rights in the context of any state action — a right to life and a right to know. Through the guidelines, the Court sought to curb the power of arrest, as well as ensure that an accused person is made aware of the grounds of the arrest.

o These judicial guidelines were given statutory backing through the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 2008.

The Supreme Court, in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India case, pushed through new legislation for governing police forces to be passed by States across India. A key component of the new legislation was a robust setup for accountability that contemplated a grievance redress mechanism.

Judicial concern with police violence is also witnessed in the judicial support for

scientific investigations. The support for techniques such as narcoanalysis,


ensuring video recording of investigations, passing orders for installing closed-circuit television cameras inside police stations, is based on the possibility of police employing physical force to obtain evidence. Through technology, the hope is to gradually delegitimise and dismantle a set of archaic practices

reliant upon the use of force as a means to extract evidence.

Concerns:

Custodial deaths:

Despite several existing guidelines and laws, there are reports suggesting that across India there are as many as five custodial deaths a day.

This may point towards a culture of impunity among the state actors.

Lack of implementation:

Constitutional courts have tried to change the reality of police brutality for well over two decades. The judiciary’s approach of simply passing directions and guidelines has not been very effective.

Despite criminal laws being struck down as unconstitutional, they continue to be enforced in various parts of the country by local police.

Systemic failure:

The practice of remanding accused persons to further custody (both the police and judicial), has become the norm instead of being an exception.

The overworked magistrate, struggling with an ever-increasing number of

cases, is very often in a rush to get done with the “remand case”, rather than treat an arrested person with the care and consideration that he/she deserves and is entitled to.

Lack of police reforms:

The issue of police reform ranks very low in the scheme of things for governments. There is continued institutional apathy towards the issue of

police reform. There was inordinate delay in implementing guidelines issued through the Prakash Singh case and still, several States remain in contempt of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

Way forward:

Better implementation:


Rather than limiting itself to passing more guidelines, constitutional courts must seriously contend with the concrete cases that come their way and take a hard stand.

Passing compensation claims or ensuring timely prosecutions in such cases could help break the sense of impunity. The Courts could also consider sanctions at a larger scale and impose monetary penalties at the district level, to drive home the message that the erring actions of one officer must be seen as a failure of the force itself.

Strengthening the magistrate:

The constitutional courts could reorient their guidelines to try and change the practices of magistrates, over whom they exercise powers of superintendence.

The ordinary magistrate is the judicial actor wielding real power to realise a

substantial change in police practices. o It is the local magistrate before whom all arrested and detained persons

must be produced within 24 hours, and thus becomes the point of first contact for a citizen with the constitutional rule of law.

2. United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)

The alleged torture and custodial killing of TN father and son by police last week pointed towards a broken criminal justice system and highlighted the need for police reforms and the ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).

United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT)

The UNCAT is an international human rights treaty, under the review of the UN

and was adopted in 1984. It aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading

treatment or punishment around the world. The convention requires states to take effective measures to prevent torture in

any territory under their jurisdiction and forbids states to transport people to any country where there is reason to believe they will be tortured.

Since the convention’s entry into force, the absolute prohibition against torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment has become accepted as a principle of customary international law.


The Committee against Torture (CAT)

It is a body of human rights experts that monitors implementation of the

Convention by State parties. The Committee is one of eight UN-linked human rights treaty bodies. All state parties are obliged under the Convention to submit regular reports to

the CAT on how rights are being implemented. Upon ratifying the Convention, states must submit a report within one year, after

which they are obliged to report every four years.

The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of “concluding observations.”

Under certain circumstances, the CAT may consider complaints or communications from individuals claiming that their rights under the Convention have been violated.

Optional Protocol to CAT

The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) was adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 2002.

It provides for the establishment of a system of regular visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

India needs to ratify UNCAT

India signed the convention in 1997 but it remains among a handful of countries including Pakistan and China which are yet to ratify the convention.

India is in the company of 25 other nations which have not ratified. The National Human Rights Commission had said custodial violence and torture

are already “rampant” in the country. About 1,731 people had died in custody in 2019 a/c to NHRC report.

3. How not to tame the digital dragon

Context:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) directing a ban on 59 smartphone applications.

Details:


There has been an argument that the ban was necessary due to China’s aggression along the border and due to specific threats to India’s cybersecurity.

Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 permits the blocking of information that falls within specific grounds and this power can be invoked when it is necessary and expedient.

Concerns:

The author argues that the move of the central government, though aimed at China, also has an impact on Indian citizens given that this web censorship has impacted many users.

The author claims that beyond the geopolitical and economic impact, the move also raises concerning questions regarding its legality and the measure’s impact

on democratic norms.

Lack of transparency:

There has been a lack of transparency in website blocking. The recommendations by the Ministry of Home Affairs have been the reason for

the current ban. The grounds for the ban have not been clearly stated. The legal order stating the ban has not yet been published or been made

publicly available. Disclosure of this order is necessary because the nature of the action of blocking impacts the right not only of the owners of these smartphone applications, but the public’s fundamental right to receive information also.

The imperative for disclosure becomes clearer on a joint reading of the Shreya Singhal and Anuradha Bhasin judgments of the Supreme Court.

o In the Shreya Singhal case, while examining the constitutionality of Section 66A, the Supreme Court, upholding the blocking powers of the government, reasoned that the writ remedies would always be available to an aggrieved person. Hence, to approach a High Court in a writ, the petitioner would require the availability of the legal order.

o In the Anuradha Bhasin judgment, the need for public disclosure prior

to placing any restriction on Internet access (of any scope or nature) has been expressly directed by the Supreme Court.

Non-adherence to procedure:

The ban has been imposed without any form of pre-decisional hearing. Such a process would have required a show-cause notice to be served, offering the aggrieved party a detailed opportunity to defend itself; this would have been followed by a detailed legal order.

Way forward:


Privacy and data protection concerns must be legitimately addressed through appropriate legislation at the earliest.

There is a need to commence an exploration into whether investments and operational control pose cyber security concerns or intersect with sectors of foundational and emerging technologies. This may be done through legislation

and creation of an institutional process like the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

The government should act within the bounds of law.

4. West Bank Annexation Plan


Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli leader’s plan to annex parts

of the occupied West Bank would not start on the original target date as the British PM made an extraordinary appeal to Israel to call off the plan.

Where is West Bank Located?

The West Bank is located to the west of the Jordan River.

It is a patch of land about one and a half times the size of Goa, was captured by Jordan after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Israel snatched it back during the Six-Day War of 1967 and has occupied it ever since.

It is a landlocked territory, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the south, west, and north.

Following the Oslo Accords between the Israeli government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) during the 1990s, part of the West Bank came under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

With varying levels of autonomy, the Palestinian Authority controls close to 40 per cent of West Bank today, while the rest is controlled by Israel.

5. In an uncertain world a seat at the UNSC

India at UNSC

India will be back in the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2021.

Two-year term will be a critical time in the history of the UN. It is hoped that by then COVID-19 will have subsided, a U.S. President will have

been elected. And the contours of a new world order may have emerged.

How elections take place

The basic contest for the non-permanent seats takes place in the respective regional groups and their sub-groups.

Voting in the General Assembly is to fulfil the requirement of countries having to secure a two-thirds majority of the member states.

But regional endorsement is becoming difficult. Last time, it was Kazakhstan which vacated the place for India. This time, it was Afghanistan. India could not have got the endorsement without

such gestures from friendly countries.


What will be India’s priorities as a member of UNSC

India will continue to provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed

multilateral system. How far the UN will be able to reform itself in the new situation remains

uncertain. The UN did not succeed in either defining terrorism or in adopting the

Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Counter-terrorism will be one of the highest priorities for India at the UNSC.

Permanent member of India issue

India’s election as a non-permanent member has understandably ignited the hope that its quest for permanent membership.

Nothing is farther from the truth. Seeking to amend the Charter to add new permanent members is difficult task. None of the proposals has the possibility of securing two-thirds majority of the

General Assembly and the votes of the five permanent members. A majority of the UN members are against the privileges of the permanent

members, particularly the veto. India’s performance in the Council will not lead to its elevation to permanent

membership as the opposition to any expansion is not India-specific.

Role of India as non-permanent member

The non-permanent members have a collective veto over every resolution in the Council.

As a part of collective veto, India will have a higher profile at the UN for the next two years

Permanent members can prevent the adoption of resolutions by themselves through veto.

But they need at least nine votes to get a resolution passed. India will also have a rare peep into the consultations chamber of the UNSC,

which is closed to non-members of the Council. India will get involved in many issues in which it may not have any direct

interest. Since India does not have a veto, it shall have to proceed cautiously not to offend

anyone.

Conclusion

India’s mission in New York has earned a reputation that it is next only to the permanent members in influence. But whether it will be able to deal with traditional challenges in novel ways will depend on the turns and twists in an uncertain world.


6. India loses jurisdiction over Italian marines case

Context:

In a setback to India, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague has decided that in a dispute between India and Italy, India is precluded from exercising its jurisdiction to try two Italian marines.

Background:

The decision pertains to an incident of the year 2012 when two Italian marines fired shots while on-board an Italian vessel, Enrica Lexie killing two Indian fishermen aboard an Indian vessel, St. Anthony.

The two marines were released from India and sent to Italy through orders passed by the Supreme Court.

The dispute between the two countries as regards which country will try the two marines was before the PCA.

Details:

The PCA has ruled that Italy would have jurisdiction to decide on the question of immunity for the marines. Thus, India is precluded from exercising its jurisdiction.

The PCA also ruled that while India’s conduct has not been in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Italy breached provisions of the Convention by intercepting the navigation of India’s vessel.

Italy is, as a result, liable to pay compensation to India. And both the nations are required to hold consultations in order to arrive at the amount of compensation to be paid to India.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):

UNCLOS, also known as the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea Treaty, defines the rights and responsibilities of the nation towards the use of the world’s oceans

7. India’s trade deficit with China dips to $48.66 billion

Context:

India’s trade deficit with China fell to $48.66 billion in 2019-20 on account of the decline in imports from the neighbouring country.

Details:

pc

Highlight


Exports to China in the last financial year stood at $16.6 billion, while imports aggregated at $65.26 billion.

The trade deficit stood at $53.56 billion in 2018-19 and $63 billion in 2017-18. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China in India also dipped to $163.78

million in 2019-20 from $229 million in the previous fiscal.

Steps taken by India:

India has time and again raised concerns over the widening trade deficit with China.

The government is framing technical regulations and quality norms for several products to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

In April 2020, the government tightened norms for FDI coming from countries that share a land border with India.

o As per the amended FDI policy, a company or an individual from a

country that shares a land border with India can invest in any sector only after getting government approval.

8. China opposes U.K.’s citizenship offer

Context:

China warned Britain that it could retaliate with corresponding measures for London’s decision to extend a broader path to citizenship for the residents of Hong Kong.

Details:

The British plan covers almost three million Hong Kongers who either have a British National Overseas (BNO) passport or are eligible to apply for one.

Britain’s offer came in response to a sweeping new security law that China unveiled for the former British territory.

The Chinese Embassy in London stressed that “all Chinese compatriots residing in Hong Kong are Chinese nationals”.

o Hong Kong was under U.K. jurisdiction until it was handed over to China in 1997 with a guarantee that Beijing would preserve the city’s judicial and legislative autonomy for 50 years.

Britain had sought closer relations with China after ending its decades-long membership in the European Union this year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government also irritated the U.S in January 2020 by allowing private Chinese company Huawei to unroll Britain’s speedy new data network. But Britain is now studying ways to cut Huawei out of its system entirely and build up an alliance of European and Asian providers that reduces China’s dominance in the field.


9.‘India won’t import power equipment from China’

Context:

The Union Power Minister has said that India will not import power equipment from China, saying that the sector, being strategic and essential, was vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The announcement comes amidst rising tensions between India and China owing to the standoff at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

Any import of equipment from prior reference countries will require prior permission of the government, the Minister said, even as he reiterated that

such permission won’t be available for either China or Pakistan.

Concerns:

China has over the last few years been a major source of power equipment for India, with a share of roughly a third of the total imported machines in terms of value.

Imports of these capital-intensive machines have been rising at a fast rate despite sufficient, if not surplus, domestic capacity and India being a serious exporter of such equipment.

China constituted close to 30 percent of the total imports in the electrical equipment segment in FY19.

The Minister highlighted the need for self-reliance in the sector.

India’s progress in the power sector:

A lot has been achieved in the power sector, including capacity addition of 15,000 MW a year since 2014, and connecting the entire nation through one grid.

However, a major challenge is to make the distribution companies viable and the country self-reliant in equipment manufacture.


10. ‘Japan against unilateral action that changes status quo along LAC’

Context:

“Japan opposes unilateral action that changes the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China”, said Japanese Ambassador Satoshi Suzuki in a discussion with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Details:

The discussion follows a joint exercise held by the two countries in the Indian Ocean.

The exercise in the Indian Ocean is significant as China is trying to increase its military presence in this region.

There is growing talk of the possibility of the emergence of a joint front of India, Japan, the US and Australia (Quad) to counter the threat of the Chinese Navy in the region.

There is also growing tension between Japan and China over the Senkaku islands.

Japan had backed India during the Doklam standoff with China and has also expressed condolences on the death of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley during a clash with Chinese soldiers.

11. The impact of the Chinese apps ban

Context:

The Indian government’s move to ban 59 apps of Chinese origin.

Background:

The Indian government has banned 59 apps of Chinese origin, citing data

security and national sovereignty concerns. These include popular ones such as TikTok, SHAREIt, UC Browser, CamScanner, Helo, Weibo, WeChat and Club Factory.

The government has invoked powers under Section 69A of the Information

Technology (IT) Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009.


o The government seems to have adopted the emergency route under Section 69A of the IT Act to issue ban orders. The emergency route allows content to be blocked on the directions of the Secretary, Department of IT, who must record his reasons for doing so.

o The order of the Secretary, Department of IT, must be placed before the government committee within 48 hours. Based on the recommendations of this committee, the order can then be finalised or vacated.

Details:

Reasons for the ban:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has stated that its actions were based on reports and complaints about misuse of the apps for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorised manner to servers which have locations outside India.

The Ministry has stated that the decision to block the 59 apps was to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of India and protect data & privacy of the Indian users.

The Ministry is also said to have received “exhaustive recommendations” from the Home Ministry’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre for the ban.

Impact on users:

Installed apps may continue to exist on mobile devices. But now that the latest versions of the apps have been removed from Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, users will not be able to access updated versions in future.

If a notice goes out to internet service providers asking that data flow from these apps be halted, that could impact the functioning of existing, installed apps.

The banned apps have a large user base in India. Users of banned browsers or video apps may shift to similar offerings from other apps.

Impact on Indian economy:

The move to ban the apps could impact India in terms of investments and

employment. ByteDance Ltd., the parent company of Tiktok had proposals of investments worth $1 billion in India. With the ban this will probably remain

suspended, potentially impacting job creation.

Impact on Chinese app providers:

It is most likely that the move was aimed at Chinese economic interests. The potential loss of advertising revenue impacts app-makers.


Though TikTok’s Indian business yields cover a small proportion of its total revenue, but with quicker user adoption more recently, the stakes seem to be getting higher for the banned apps.

China’s response to the ban:

China has claimed that India’s measure selectively and discriminatorily aims at certain Chinese apps on ambiguous grounds and runs against fair and transparent procedure requirements, abuses national security exceptions, and is violative of the WTO rules.

China also argues that the move goes against the general trend of international trade and e-commerce, and is not conducive to consumer interests and the market competition in India.

Legality of the move:

The legal order that empowers the designated authority to implement the ban is yet to be made public.

Though Rule 16 of the Blocking rules requires strict confidentiality to be maintained regarding blocking requests, complaints received, and actions taken, the government ought to disclose the orders passed (subject to relevant redactions that may be required) in the interests of transparency and

accountability. Also, and as recognised by the Supreme Court recently in the Anuradha Bhasin

case, publishing such orders is the only way in which the reasons and rationale for the decision can be judged.

12. PLA pulls back from Galwan clash site

Context:

Three weeks after the worst military clashes in decades, India and China have begun the process of disengagement at contentious locations along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Details:

The disengagement between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) comes after a long and detailed conversation between National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi.

o Both are the Special Representatives on the boundary talks, and had last met in December 2019.

The two military commanders indicated that at first, the de-escalation would take place at all the friction points — Galwan, Pangong Tso, Hot Springs — and

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then depth areas such as Depsang plains in the north, where China had amassed troops, would be looked into.

In the first signs of de-escalation, Chinese troops moved back some distance and dismantled tents at some locations along the LAC.

Pangong Tso is one of the most contentious areas of the current stand-offs, with the PLA moving about 8 km inside up to Finger 4.

o India’s claim is till Finger 8 as per the alignment of the LAC.

Differing Perspectives:

Both presented differing perspectives of the broader strategic relationship. However, the Special Representatives agreed that “both sides should take

guidance from the consensus of the leaders that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas was essential for the further development of our bilateral relations and that two sides should not allow

differences to become disputes.” “Therefore, they agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity.”

Way forward:

According to experts, the government must not agree to de-escalate the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh without an agreement on returning to “status quo ante” or the situation before the stand-off began.

o This is because, the experts point that, while the disengagement brought

an end to hostilities between India and China over China’s attempt to build a road near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area, transgressing into Bhutanese territory, it did not stop the PLA’s construction work right across the Doklam plateau.

Ashok Kantha, former Ambassador to China and the Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies said, “If the military only agrees on disengagement and de-escalation, it could end up at a disadvantage. As the PLA has constructed major infrastructure and consolidated its position in Doklam.”

13.G4 Virus and Disease Surveillance

Why in News

Recently, scientists have identified a new strain of Swine Flu (H1N1) virus namely, G4

EA H1N1. It has started infecting Chinese pigs and also has the potential of triggering a pandemic.


Key Points

Risk Involved: o G4 EA H1N (also known as G4) replicates efficiently in human airway

paths and so far, has infected a few people without actually making them ill.

o Thus, greater vigilance in monitoring people is needed because humans have no inbuilt immunity against this new strain of the virus, much like SARS-CoV-2.

Regional Disease Surveillance: o Most countries have their own disease surveillance mechanisms in place

to monitor and track emerging diseases. It helps to evaluate the risk of a

particular pathogen on the community, based on the cases occurring, and warn of potential risks from that pathogen.

India has the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) to strengthen/maintain decentralized laboratory based and IT enabled disease surveillance systems for epidemic prone diseases to monitor disease trends.

It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in assistance with the World Bank, in 2004.

o Closely studying a pathogen yields valuable information on transmission, and behaviour of the organism.

Global Level Surveillance: o Countrywise alerts need to be shared on the global network so that other

nations at equal risk might be warned before the outbreak hits their shores.

o The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Global Outbreak Alert and

Response Network (GOARN) is one of the initiatives which makes scientific predictions based on global data about diseases.

GOARN is a global technical partnership aimed to engage the resources of technical agencies beyond the United Nations for rapid identification, confirmation and response to public health

emergencies of international importance. It currently comprises over 250 technical institutions and networks

(and their members) across the globe including medical and surveillance initiatives, regional technical networks, networks of laboratories, United Nations organizations (e.g. UNICEF, UNHCR), etc.

GOARN’s regional office for South East Asia Region is located at New Delhi, India.

The main objective of the network is to provide technical support to WHO Member States experiencing a human health emergency


due to various threats including disease outbreaks, food safety, chemical toxins, zoonosis, natural and manmade disasters etc.

14.Global Response to China's Security Law on Hong Kong

Why in News

Recently, several countries have proposed measures to protect Hong Kong residents fleeing potential political persecution from China's new National Security Law.

China’s new security law criminalizes what it deems secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country.

Key Points

United Kingdom’s Response: o It has described the security law as a clear and serious violation of the

1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration under which it handed back its colony to China in 1997.

Under the Joint Declaration, China had promised to maintain Hong Kong’s capitalist and more open political system for 50 years under "one country, two systems".

Since the handover, Hong Kong residents have accused China of overstepping its authority.

The Umbrella Movement was a series of protests in 2014 that called for more transparent elections for the city’s chief executive.


In 2019 protests erupted in Hong Kong over a proposed bill to allow extradition to mainland China.

o It has decided to offer British citizenship to around three million residents of Hong Kong.

o It is also rethinking its provisional decision to allow Huawei (China’s

Company) to be involved in the development of Britain's 5G infrastructure.

Taiwan’s Response: o It has opened the Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office in

order to help facilitate asylum for people fleeing Hong Kong. o Taiwan was the first state which pledged to support Hong Kong

residents seeking asylum, in May 2020. China also claims Taiwan to be part of China and threatens to use

force to take over the island. China has proposed to Taiwan that it follow the “one country, two

systems” model to unite with China. But the Taiwanese reject any idea of uniting with mainland China.

Other Country’s Response: o The USA has passed a Bipartisan Bill to sanction Chinese officials who

violate Hong Kong's freedoms. It is also planning to bring the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, which

would open up a route for asylum for Hong Kong’s frontline activists in immediate danger.

o Australia is considering offering Hong Kong residents temporary

protection visas that will allow refugees to live in the country for up to three years.

o Japan said that it is seriously concerned about China’s decision toward Hong Kong.

o India has been keeping a close watch on recent developments in Hong Kong.

Chinese Reaction to Global Response:

o It has said that the security law issue is purely China's internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere.

o It has condemned the UK’s citizenship offer to Hong Kongers and warned the UK for serious consequences.

It considers all residents living in Hong Kong, including those with British National Overseas passports, as Chinese nationals.

It has said that the UK's U-turn on its Huawei decision would damage the UK's image as an open, business-friendly environment.

o It has accused Taiwan administration of nurturing a separatist plot in Hong Kong and warned for a military response.


15. Issues over Kuwait Expat Bill

A total of eight lakh Indians could be forced to leave Kuwait as it’s National Assembly committee has approved a draft expat quota bill seeking to reduce the number of foreign workers in the Gulf country.

What is the Expat Bill about?

Amid a slump in oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a spike in anti-expat rhetoric as lawmakers and government officials call for reducing the number of foreigners in Kuwait.

According to the bill, Indians should not exceed 15% of the population. The draft once turned to the law will impose a cap on the number of expats and

gradually reduce them by almost 5% on a yearly basis.

A demographic issue

Kuwait has a real problem in its population structure, in which 70% are expats. The 1.3 million of the 3.35 million expats are either illiterate or can merely read

and write. Kuwait has also been working to reduce its dependence on foreign workers.

A huge diaspora at stake

There are about 28,000 Indians working for the Kuwaiti Government in various jobs like nurses, engineers in national oil companies and a few as scientists.

The majority of Indians (5.23 lakh) are employed in private sectors. In addition, there are about 1.16 lakh dependents.


Out of these, there are about 60,000 Indian students studying in 23 Indian schools in the country.

Impacts on Indians

The current population of Kuwait is 4.3 million, with Kuwaitis making up 1.3 million of the population, and expats accounting for 3 million.

This bill would result in 8,00,000 Indians leaving Kuwait, as the Indian community constitutes the largest expat community in the country, totalling 1.45 million.

As the MEA says, Indians are present in all segments of society in Kuwait and are largely considered disciplined, hardworking and law-abiding.

India has often in the past played up the role of the Indian community in Kuwait as an important factor in bilateral ties.

16. More sabre-rattling, more isolation

Context:

South China Sea dispute.

Background:

PCA’s award:

The Philippines on the issue of the disputed Spratly Islands invoked the dispute settlement mechanism of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2013 to test the legality of China’s ‘nine-dash line’.

In response, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague decreed in its 2016 judgment that the ‘nine-dash line’ had no legal basis.

o The PCA in its judgment held that none of the features of the Spratlys qualified them as islands, and there was no legal basis for China to claim

historic rights and to the resources within the ‘nine-dash line’. The UNCLOS provides that islands must sustain habitation and the

capacity for non-extractive economic activity. Reefs and shoals that are unable to do so are considered low-tide elevations.

o The Judgment also noted that China had aggravated the situation by undertaking land reclamation and construction, and had harmed the environment and violated its obligation to preserve the ecosystem.

The PCA judgment undermined the Chinese claim and implied that China violated the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

China dismissed the judgment as “null and void.” Given the power equations, the Philippines did not press for enforcement of the award and accepted the status quo. No country challenged China.

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China agreed to settle disputes bilaterally and to continue work on a Code of Conduct with countries of the ASEAN.

o Given that their economic ties with China are deepening, the ASEAN

countries were seen bandwagoning with China.

Details:

Growing Chinese assertiveness:

Growing Chinese assertiveness in the SCS is visible in the increased patrolling and live-fire exercising by Chinese naval vessels; ramming and sinking of fishing vessels of other claimant countries; renaming of SCS features; and building of runways, bunkers, and habitation for the possible long-term stationing of personnel on the atolls claimed by China.

Chinese exploration and drilling vessels compete aggressively with those of other littoral countries in the disputed waters.

Growing discontent against the Chinese:

The growing assertiveness of the Chinese in the South China Sea is leading to growing discontent against the Chinese.

o While avoiding military confrontation with China, countries in the region are strengthening their navies and deepening their military

relationships with the United States and other powers to balance China. A complicating factor for China is Russia’s growing military and

economic equities in the SCS. Russia and Vietnam have a defence cooperation relationship, which they are committed to strengthening. Russian oil firm Rosneft along with Vietnam has been prospecting within the Chinese defined ‘nine-dash line.’

o The festering regional resentment against China resulted in an ASEAN response at its recent 36th Summit.

o Though Vietnam, Japan and the U.S. have been vocal about Chinese activities in the SCS, the Philippines and the ASEAN beginning to protest is new, even if their criticism is restrained. This points to China’s growing

isolation. Indonesia protested to China about Chinese vessels trespassing into

its waters close to the Nantua islands, towards the south of the SCS.

The Philippines protested to China earlier this year about violations of Filipino sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. It has also written to the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) repeatedly on the issue.

India’s stakes:


The South China Sea (SCS) is important not just to its littoral countries. It has been a transit point for trade since early medieval times, contains abundantly rich fisheries, and is a repository of mineral deposits and hydrocarbon reserves.

The SCS carries merchandise to and from India. It follows that India has a stake in the SCS, just as China has in the Indian Ocean.

From India’s perspective, foreign and security policy in its larger

neighbourhood covers the entire expanse of the Asia-Pacific which includes the SCS.

Way forward for India:

Building military capacity:

India must improve the military capacity of the tri-service Andaman and

Nicobar Command given its immense geostrategic value, as it overlooks Asia’s maritime strategic lifeline and the world’s most important global sea lane.

Regional diplomatic outreach:

India must continue to actively pursue its defence diplomacy outreach in the

Indo-Pacific region through the following measures: o Increasing military training and conducting exercises and exchanges at a

higher level of complexity o Extending Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief activities o Sharing patrolling responsibilities of the Malacca Strait with the littoral

countries The Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships that India has concluded with

Australia, Japan, Indonesia, the U.S. and Vietnam could be extended to Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.

17. U.S. stance on CAATSA unchanged

Recently India had planned for the purchase of Mig-19 fighter aircraft with Russia at an estimated Rs. 18,148 crore. The U.S has reacted to countries, including India, on sanctions for the purchase of Russian arms has not changed.

About CAATSA

CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).


It is a US federal law that imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The bill provides sanctions for activities concerning:

(1) cybersecurity, (2) crude oil projects, (3) financial institutions, (4) corruption, (5) human rights abuses, (6) evasion of sanctions, (7) transactions with Russian defence or intelligence sectors, (8) export pipelines, (9) privatization of state-owned assets by government officials, and (10) arms transfers to Syria.

A cause of worry

While the US has become its second-largest defence supplier, mainly of aircraft and artillery, India still relies heavily on Russian equipment, such as submarines and missiles that the US has been unwilling to provide.

Seventy per cent of Indian military hardware is Russian in origin. India is set to receive the S-400 Triumf air defence system.

Is India the only country facing CAATSA sanctions?

Notably, Russia is India’s major defence supplier for over 6 decades now, and Iran is India’s second-largest oil supplier.

By coincidence, CAATSA has now been invoked by the US twice already, and both times for countries buying the Triumf system from Russia.

In September 2018, the US announced sanctions for the procurement of the S-400 Triumf air defence system and Sukhoi S-35 fighter aircraft.

Washington expelled Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme in July this year after the first delivery of S-400s was received.

India is neither like China, which has an inimical relationship with the U.S., and hence not bound by its diktats, nor like Turkey which is a NATO ally of the US.

18. Hurdles for F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA

Why in News

Recently, the USA has announced that F-1 and M-1 visa holders who are planning to

take online only models will not be allowed to stay in the USA.

Many universities in the USA are planning to shift all their classes online for the fall semester due to Covid-19 pandemic.

o Fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the Spring semester begins in January and ends in early May.

F-1 visas are issued to study in the USA for full-time students whereas M-1

visas are issued to students engaging in vocational or non-academic studies.


The announcement comes weeks after the USA President suspended H1-B highly skilled worker visas through the end of the year. Most of these visas go to Indian citizens each year.

Key Points

Announcements Made: o The students outside the USA planning to take all courses online in the

fall semester would not be permitted entry into the country. The USA would not issue visas to students who are going to take

all their classes online due to the pandemic. o It also stated that the active students under F-1 and M-1 visas in such

programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status.

The USA regulations do not allow students in F-1 status to be in

online classes but normally F-1 students are allowed to take one class or three credit hours online.

Affected Population: o There were more than one million international students in the United

States for the 2018-19 academic year. That accounted for 5.5% of the total USA’s higher education population.

Also, international students contributed $44.7 billion to the USA’s economy in 2018.

o India is the second largest source of the foreign students in the USA after China.

The largest number of international students come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Consequences: o If alternative measures are not opted then these students may face

immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.

o It is a difficult situation for students as international travel already faces disruption due to Covid-19.

Available Alternatives : o Affected students may switch to visitor status but it is not a long term

solution as visitor status is short term and there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

Way Forward

Considering the unprecedented pandemic scenario, the USA can amend the regulation for F-1 and M-1 students.


The one-size-fits-all approach will create more havoc and complexities not only in USA administration but also in diplomatic relations with countries like India and China.

19.Andhra Pradesh Poll Panel Chief Case

Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) of India refused to pass any interim orders on the Andhra Pradesh government’s plea to stay the Andhra Pradesh High Court order, which set aside the recent ordinance passed by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Key Points

The Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, was brought to amend Section 200 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.

Amendments: o Restricted the State Election Commissioner (SEC) post to only retired

High Court judges. Prior to the amendment, retired bureaucrats were also eligible

for the post. o Curtailed the tenure of the SEC from five years to three years.

This compelled the then incumbent SEC to step down and a new Commissioner was appointed.

o The amendments under the ordinance were challenged in the High Court. High Court Ruling:

o The High Court (HC) had set aside the amendments on restriction of

SEC post, by saying the ordinance does not qualify the test of

reasonableness specified in Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The HC also observed that the appointment of the newly

incumbent has been made by the Governor in exercise of the power under Section 200 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act and not under Article 243K(1) of the Constitution.

o The court also set aside the amendment on the tenure of SEC. It ruled that the SEC is a Constitutionally defined functionary

under Article 243K of the Constitution, and it has a right to function till completion of tenure.

According to Article 243K (2) of the Constitution, the SEC shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like ground as a Judge of a High Court and the conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.


State Election Commission

The State Election Commission is a constitutional body. It has been entrusted with the function of conducting free, fair and impartial elections to the local bodies in the state.

Article 243K (1): It states that the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the

Panchayats (Municipalities under Article 243ZA) shall be vested in a State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be

appointed by the Governor. Article 243K (2): It states that the tenure and appointment will be directed as per

the law made by the state legislature. However, State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his/her office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of a High Court.

Doctrine of Reasonability Test:

It has been propounded by the Indian Judiciary. According to it any exception to equality is permissible only if the State has justifiable reasons for treating people differently.

It means if the law makes a reasonable classification of a group for special treatment, it will not violate Article 14.

o E.g Affirmative actions as provided under Article 15 and Article 16 of the Constitution.

20.Open Sky Agreement

Why in News

Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest to have an Open Sky Agreement with India.


Key Points

Significance of the Open Sky Agreement: o Open Sky Agreements are bilateral agreements that the two countries

negotiate to provide rights for airlines to offer international passenger

and cargo services. It expands international passenger and cargo flights. o India has Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 109 countries including

UAE covering aspects relating to the number of flights, seats, landing points and code-share. But does not allow unlimited number of flights between two countries.

o Open skies between India and UAE will allow unlimited number of flights to the selected cities of each other's countries.

India’s Open Sky Policy: o The National Civil Aviation Policy (2016) allows the government to enter

into an 'open sky' air services agreement on a reciprocal basis with South

Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations as well as countries beyond a 5,000 kilometre radius from New Delhi.

o It implies that nations within 5,000 kilometer of distance need to enter into a bilateral agreement and mutually determine the number of flights that their airlines can operate between the two countries.

o India has open sky agreements with Greece, Jamaica, Guyana, Finland, USA, Japan, etc.

Fifth and Sixth Freedom of Air: o UAE also mentioned that it does not intend to implement fifth and six

freedoms of air, and where the interest of Indian airlines will be threatened by other air carriers.


o The Freedom of air was formulated as a result of disagreements over the

extent of aviation liberalisation in the Convention on International Civil

Aviation of 1944, known as the Chicago Convention. The freedoms of the air are a set of commercial aviation rights

granting a country's airlines the privilege to enter and land in another country's airspace.

The fifth freedom of air includes the right to fly between two foreign countries on a flight originating or ending in one's own country.

The sixth freedom of air includes the right to fly from a foreign country to another while stopping in one's own country for non-technical reasons.

Way Forward

Currently, about 1,068 flights a week are operated between India and the UAE under the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA). India and UAE need to have an open sky policy which in turn will help India to become a commercial hub in the future.

21.Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018

Why in News

Recently, assets worth Rs. 329.66 crore of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud mastermind Nirav Modi have been confiscated under Section 12(2) and (8) of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.

In this money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has so far attached properties valued at Rs. 2,348 crore.

The properties were earlier attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, (PMLA) 2002.

To proactively detect such frauds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in the process of putting together an exclusive wing for banking fraud oversight.

o This wing will have teams for meta-data processing and analysis, artificial

intelligence analysis units, as well as proactive risk assessment cells.

Key Points

Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018: It seeks to confiscate properties of economic offenders who have left the country to avoid facing criminal prosecution or refuse to return to the country to face prosecution.


o Fugitive economic offender: A person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued for

committing an offence listed in the Act and the value of the offence

is at least Rs. 100 crore. o Some of the offences listed in the act are:

Counterfeiting government stamps or currency. Cheque dishonour. Money laundering. Transactions defrauding creditors.

Declaration of a Fugitive Economic Offender: o After hearing the application, a special court (designated under the

PMLA, 2002) may declare an individual as a fugitive economic offender. o It may confiscate properties which are proceeds of crime, Benami

properties and any other property, in India or abroad. o Upon confiscation, all rights and titles of the property will vest in the

central government, free from encumbrances (such as any charges on the property).

o The central government may appoint an administrator to manage and dispose of these properties.

Bar on Filing or Defending Civil Claims: o The Act allows any civil court or tribunal to prohibit a declared fugitive

economic offender, from filing or defending any civil claim. o Further, any company or limited liability partnership where such a

person is a majority shareholder, promoter, or a key managerial person, may also be barred from filing or defending civil claims.

o The authorities may provisionally attach properties of an accused, while the application is pending before the Special Court.

Powers: o The authorities under the PMLA, 2002 will exercise powers given to them

under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. o These powers will be similar to those of a civil court, including the search

of persons in possession of records or proceeds of crime, the search of premises on the belief that a person is an FEO and seizure of documents.

Enforcement Directorate

It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

On 1st May 1956, an ‘Enforcement Unit’ was formed in the Department of Economic Affairs for handling Exchange Control Laws violations under Foreign

Exchange Regulation Act, 1947. In 1957, it was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’.

ED enforces the following laws:


o Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. o Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

22. Trump starts withdrawal of U.S. from WHO

Context:

President Donald Trump has formally started the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Trump had earlier issued threats to deprive the UN body (WHO) of its top funding source over its response to the coronavirus.

o He had also threatened to suspend $400 million in annual U.S. contributions.

The withdrawal is effective in one year — July 6, 2021. And could be reversed by a new administration or if circumstances change.

The U.S. is WHO’s largest donor and provides it with more than $450 million per year, but owes about $200 million in current and past dues.

Concerns:

WHO is the only body capable of leading and coordinating the global response to COVID-19. Terminating the US relationship would undermine the global effort to beat this virus and could jeopardize global health.

Details:

Since assuming office in January 2017, Trump has pulled the US out of many global organisations and treaties — the most notable being the 2015 Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He pulled out of Trans-Pacific Partnership.

o The trade deal covered nearly 40 % of the world’s economy and was negotiated by countries like the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, among others with an aim to boost growth, improve economic ties and reduce tariffs.

o Following the US withdrawal, the remaining 11 countries renegotiated parts of the TPP and later signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), also known as TPP-11.

Trump pulled the US out of UNESCO in 2017, citing anti-Israel bias as Washington was upset with UNESCO for granting full membership to Palestine.

The US pulled out of the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2018 citing it as a hypocritical body that “makes a mockery of human rights.”


23. Govt. ‘watching’ WHO alert on airborne spread of virus

Context:

After earlier denials, the World Health Organisation has said that there is evidence emerging of the airborne spread of the coronavirus.

Background:

Over 230 scientists across the world urged the global body to update its guidance, pointing to the evidence showing that smaller particles can infect people.

Details:

According to the technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, there is a possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19.

Droplet Transmission: Occurs when a person is within 1 metre of the infector, who coughs or sneezes and so is exposing their mouth, nose or eyes to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Such droplets are >5-10 µm in diameter. Being heavy, the droplets fall to the floor soon.

Airborne Transmission: It refers to transmission via aerosols (smaller droplets <5 µm) which can be transmitted to others over distances greater than 1 m. Aerosols may get released when infectors breathe heavily or talk, apart from coughing and sneezing. Aerosols contain fewer virus particles than larger droplets.

24. Judiciary and criminalisation in politics

The Feb 2020 SC order

In a February 2020 judgement the Supreme Court has asked the political parties to state the reasons for the selection of candidates.

The Court also asked to specify as also as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.


If a political party fails to comply, it would be “… in contempt of this Court’s orders/directions.”

The political party and its leadership would for the first time have to publicly own up to criminalisation of politics.

The judgment notes that “ in 2019 as many as 43% of MPs had criminal cases pending against them”.

India is the only democratic country with a free press where we find a problem of this dimension.

What did the earlier orders require?

(a) each candidate shall submit a sworn affidavit giving financial details and criminal cases.

(b) each candidate shall inform the political party in writing of criminal cases against him or her.

(c) the party shall put up on its website and on social media as well as publish in newspapers the names and details of such candidates.

Why the problem persists

Survey after survey show that people around the country are unhappy with the quality of governance.

Given limited choices, they vote as best as they can. Meanwhile, electoral bonds bring secrecy back into political funding. Several laws and court judgments have not helped much, as the data show. There lack of enforcement of laws and judgments. It is also not clear what penalty would be imposed if the recent orders are not

followed.

Way forward

Monitoring the affidavits of candidates can help in compliance. Working with the EC to ensure that information is promptly available on their

websites. Widely circulating this information to voters using all the social media tools

available. Monitoring the compliance with the Supreme Court judgment to see if details of

tainted candidates are promptly put up on their websites, and on their social media handles, along with proper reasons for giving them ticket.

Voters also need to be vigilant about misuse of money, gifts and other inducements during elections.

The waters will be muddied with fake news, trolling, and fanciful claims, concerted efforts to tackle the menace of fake news are required.


Conclusion

we may not see dramatic changes in the quality of candidates. Campaigns may continue

to be more and more personal and even abusive. But all these steps are required, however insignificant they may seem.

25. Digital India Atmanirbhar Bharat Innovate Challenge

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Atal

Innovation Mission (initiative by NITI Aayog) have launched the Digital India Atmanirbhar Bharat Innovate Challenge.

This move comes after the Central government’s decision to ban 59 Chinese apps.

Further, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a big disruption in the day-to-day lives, which is being tackled through the use of technology.

Key Points

The challenge would encourage Indian application developers and innovators and facilitate their ideas and products.

It will be jointly hosted by the government and members of the tech

community to make it more holistic. Objectives:

o To help create an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) app ecosystem. o To give better visibility and clarity to existing apps to achieve their

goals. o To create tech products helpful in finding solutions to tech problems,

with the help of mentorship, tech support and guidance during the entire life-cycle.

The challenge will run in two tracks: o Track-01: Promotion of existing apps.

For the promotion of existing apps and platforms across the categories of e-learning, work-from-home, gaming, business, entertainment, office utilities and social networking, the government will provide mentoring, hand-holding and support.

It will work in mission mode for identifying good quality apps for the leaderboard and will be completed in around a month.

o Track-02: Development of new apps.


For incubating new apps and platforms, the initiative will work to help create new champions in India by providing support in ideation, incubation, prototyping, roll out and market access.

26. PLA pulls back from Galwan clash site

Context:

Three weeks after the worst military clashes in decades, India and China have begun the process of disengagement at contentious locations along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Details:

The disengagement between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) comes after a long and detailed conversation between National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi.

o Both are the Special Representatives on the boundary talks, and had last met in December 2019.

The two military commanders indicated that at first, the de-escalation would take place at all the friction points — Galwan, Pangong Tso, Hot Springs — and then depth areas such as Depsang plains in the north, where China had amassed troops, would be looked into.

In the first signs of de-escalation, Chinese troops moved back some distance and dismantled tents at some locations along the LAC.

Pangong Tso is one of the most contentious areas of the current stand-offs, with the PLA moving about 8 km inside up to Finger 4.

o India’s claim is till Finger 8 as per the alignment of the LAC.

Differing Perspectives:

Both presented differing perspectives of the broader strategic relationship. However, the Special Representatives agreed that “both sides should take

guidance from the consensus of the leaders that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas was essential for the further development of our bilateral relations and that two sides should not allow differences to become disputes.” “Therefore, they agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops


along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity.”

Way forward:

According to experts, the government must not agree to de-escalate the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh without an agreement on returning to “status quo ante” or the situation before the stand-off began.

o This is because, the experts point that, while the disengagement brought an end to hostilities between India and China over China’s attempt to build a road near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area, transgressing into Bhutanese territory, it did not stop the PLA’s construction work right across the Doklam plateau.

Ashok Kantha, former Ambassador to China and the Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies said, “If the military only agrees on disengagement and de-escalation, it could end up at a disadvantage. As the PLA has constructed major infrastructure and consolidated its position

in Doklam.”

27. 1.4 lakh families reach MGNREGA’s annual work limit

Context:

At least 1.4 lakh poor rural households have already completed their quota of 100 days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Another seven lakh households have completed 80 days.

Issue:

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown resulting in thousands of unemployed migrant workers returning to their villages, many are now dependent on MGNREGA wages.

Having completed the quota of 100 days of work, in the first three months of the year, they will not be eligible for further benefits under the scheme for the rest of the year.

With work running out, the families are in a huge crisis. While the construction sector, which usually absorbs a large number of

workers, has also collapsed, the demand for MGNREGA work has been

increasing.


Way forward:

Activists are urging the government to increase the limit to at least 200 days per household.

The scheme contains a provision for districts affected by natural disasters to request an expansion of the scheme to allow for 150 days of work per household.

o Given that COVID-19 was declared a national disaster, activists have demanded that this provision be implemented immediately.

Activists have argued that the limit should be imposed per adult individual rather than per household.

28. Smart Cities Mission and the public health

“Smart Cities Mission”: Progress so far

The ‘Smart Cities Mission’, a flagship programme of the government, completed five years, in June 2020.

The Mission had sought to make 100 selected cities “smart”. Cities are being developed under “Area-Based Development” model. Under this model, a small portion of the city would be upgraded by retrofitting

or redevelopment. Many of the projects undertaken under the ‘Smart Cities Mission’ are behind

schedule. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, of the 5,151 smart city

projects, only 1,638 projects have been completed. In terms of expenditure, of the total investment of ₹2,05,018 crore, only projects

worth ₹26,700 crore have been completed.

Lack of focus on Public health in Smart Cities Mission

‘Smart Cities Mission’ has given little importance to basic services such as public health.

An analysis shows that only 69 of over 5,000 projects undertaken under the Mission were for health infrastructure.

These projects are for an estimated cost of ₹2,112 crore, amounting to just around one per cent of the total mission cost.

Hence, public health seems to be a major blind spot in India’s smart city dreams.


Public Health: Essential local government function

‘Smart Cities Mission’ had the stated aim of improving the quality of life of urban residents.

Further, public health is an essential local government function in India’s constitutional scheme.

As per the 74th Amendment ( 12th Schedule), “public health” is one of the 18

functions that are to be devolved to the municipalities. However, public health infrastructure of cities has often been neglected over the

years.

Strengthening Local Governments

Success of Kerala in containing the pandemic has shown how a decentralised

political and administrative system can be effective. It is important to strengthen local government capacities. Investment in urban public health systems is needed. Promoting programmes that improve the livelihoods of urban vulnerable

communities should be the priority. Programs such as the National Urban Livelihoods Mission and National Urban

Health Mission, need to be strengthened.

Focus on Urban Employment

It is time to consider the introduction of a national urban employment guarantee programme.

Kerala has been running such a scheme since 2010. States such as Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand have also recently

launched similar initiatives in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Conclusion

As Indian cities face an unprecedented challenge, it is important to get the priorities of urban development right and invest in programmes that improve the health and livelihoods of its residents.

29. MoU between NATGRID and NCRB


Why in News

Recently, the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the

centralised online database on FIRs and stolen vehicles.

NATGRID which seeks to become the one-stop destination for security and

intelligence agencies will be operational by 31st December 2020.

Key Points

Access to CCTNS: The MoU will give NATGRID access to the Crime and

Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database, a platform that links around 14,000 police stations.

o All State police are mandated to file First Information Reports (FIR) in the CCTNS.

o The MoU enables the NATGRID to get information about details of a

suspect as mentioned in the FIR such as his/her father’s name, telephone number and other details.

Concerns: o Infringe on the Federal System of the Constitution: The NCRB under the

Union government is only a repository and the data pertaining to FIRs of a particular police station are a State subject.

However, it does not seem to violate any legal provisions as data pertaining to FIRs is shared with all the police stations.

The State police will not be a part of NATGRID and they could directly contact the airlines or railways for information.

o Providing Information to Multiple Agencies: Earlier the Civil Aviation Ministry and airline companies had raised concerns in providing information to yet another agency — NATGRID as they already provide information to the Bureau of Immigration and the customs authorities.

o Privacy Issues: Many agencies raised their concern regarding the

accessibility of Data and privacy. However, the information accessed by one agency through the grid

will not be accessible to any other agency as it will be an automated system and the request will land directly with the concerned department.

o Expenditure: The major amount of funds would be required for the expenditure towards the NATGRID software solution and for building

infrastructural works of offices, Data Centre etc. at Delhi and Bengaluru. National Intelligence Grid

o As a counter-terrorism measure it was proposed after the terrorist attacks

on Mumbai in 2008 and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.


o It is the integrated intelligence grid connecting databases of core security

agencies of the Government of India. o It is intending to set up an Entity Extraction, Visualization, and Analytics

(EVA) system. Significance:

o Secure Centralised Database: It will become a secure centralised

database to stream sensitive information from sets of data sources such as banks, credit cards, visa, immigration and train and air travel details, as well as from various intelligence agencies.

Presently, the security agencies directly contact an airline or a telephone company if they are on a suspect’s trail through international servers such as Google etc.

o Acts as a Link: It will act as a link between intelligence and investigation agencies.

It will be a medium for at least 10 Central agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Research and Analysis Wing

(R&AW) to access data on a secured platform. o Technology Intensive Solutions: The solutions provided by the

NATGRID would be technology-intensive (e.g. use of Big Data and analytics) involving multiple stakeholders.

National Crime Records Bureau

It was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs based on the recommendations of the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA’s Task Force (1985).

It functions as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators.

It releases the Crime in India report which serves as a statistical tool in

understanding the law and order situation across the country. It developed CCTNS in 2009 which aims at creating a comprehensive and

integrated system for effective policing at all levels through adoption of principles of e-Governance.

o It digitises data related to FIR registration, investigation and charge

sheets in all police stations leading to the development of a national database of crimes and criminals.

Headquarters: New Delhi

30. Disabled are entitled to same benefits of SC/ST quota: SC

pc

Highlight


Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court of India observed that persons suffering from

disabilities are also socially backward and entitled to the same benefits of relaxation as Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidates in public employment and education.

Key Points

Background: o The decision came on a petition filed by Aryan Raj, a special needs person,

against a Punjab and Haryana High Court order. o Raj was denied relaxation in minimum qualifying marks in the Painting

and Applied Art course in the Government College of Arts, Chandigarh. o The college insisted that disabled persons too need to meet the general

qualifying standard of 40% in the aptitude test, whereas SC/ST candidates were given a relaxation to 35%.

Upheld Delhi High Court Judgement: o In the Anmol Bhandari v. Delhi Technological University case (2012),

the Delhi High Court held that people suffering from disabilities are also

socially backward, and are therefore, at the very least, entitled to the same benefits as given to the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe candidates.

o New academic courses should be designed to specifically cater to the needs of intellectually disabled persons.

The Court observed the fact that intellectually/mentally challenged persons have certain limitations, which are not there in physically challenged persons.

Benefits to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe: o Article 15 (4) empowers the State to make special provision for the

advancement of the SCs and the STs. E.g. providing fee concession in admission to any educational institution, building hostels for SCs/STs.

o Article 15 (5) empowers the State to reserve seats for SCs and the STs in admission to educational institutions including private educational

institutions, whether aided or unaided by the State. However, it excludes minority educational institutions referred to

in Article 30 (1). o Article 16 (4) empowers the State to make provisions for the reservation of

appointments or posts in favour of SCs/STs.

Initiatives for Disabled in India

Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016.


o Under this, persons with disabilities are provided reservation of seats in

government higher educational institutions (not less than 5%) and government jobs (not less than 4%).

Accessible India Campaign. DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances

(ADIP). National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (RGMF). Schemes of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral

Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

31.Iran drops India from Chabahar rail project, cites funding delay

Why in News

Recently, Iran has decided to proceed with the Chabahar rail line construction on its own, citing delays from the Indian side in beginning and funding the project.

Chabahar Port

Chabahar port is located on the Gulf of Oman and is only 72 km away from the Gwadar port in Pakistan which has been developed by China.

The port serves as the only oceanic port of Iran and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari.


Key Points

Iran has inaugurated the track-laying process for the 628 km Chabahar-Zahedan

rail line, which will be extended to Zaranj across the border in Afghanistan. The entire project would be completed by March 2022 and Iranian Railways will

use approximately USD 400 million from the Iranian National Development Fund.

Background:

o In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan signed the trilateral agreement which entailed the establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar port in Iran as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation.

o Construction of a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border with Afghanistan as an alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, was also a part of it.

The state-owned Indian Railways Construction Ltd. (IRCON) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Iranian

Rail Ministry and promised to provide all services, superstructure work and financing (around USD 1.6 billion).

o The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by the three countries with other Central Asian countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to India.

Reasons:


o Despite several site visits by IRCON engineers and preparations by Iranian railways, India never began the work, worrying that it could attract sanctions by the USA.

India has already zeroed out its oil imports from Iran due to USA sanctions.

The USA had provided a sanctions waiver for the Chabahar port and the rail line but it was difficult to find equipment suppliers

and partners due to worries of being targeted by the USA. o Another reason could be the ‘Comprehensive Plan for Cooperation

between Iran and China’ which is a 25-year and USD 400 billion strategic partnership deal.

Both nations are close to finalising the deal, which will include

Chinese involvement in Chabahar’s duty-free zone, an oil refinery nearby and possibly a larger role in Chabahar port as well.

The cooperation will extend from investments in infrastructure,

manufacturing and upgrading energy and transport facilities, to refurbishing ports, refineries and other installations and will commit Iranian oil and gas supplies to China during that period.

Iran proposed a tie-up between the Chinese-run Pakistani port at Gwadar and Chabahar in 2019 and offered interests to China in the Bandar-e-Jask port 350 km away from Chabahar, as well as in the Chabahar duty-free zone.

Way Forward

The Iran-China deal impinges on India’s strategic ties with Iran and the use of Chabahar port. Bandar-e-Jask lies to the west of Chabahar and right before the Strait of Hormuz which would allow China to extend its control along the Pakistan-Iran coast.

Each of these possibilities should be watched closely by India and it should strengthen its relations with the concerned countries.

As an emerging power, India cannot remain confined to South Asia and a peaceful extended neighbourhood (Iran-Afghanistan) is not only good for trade and energy security but also plays a vital role in India's aspirations of becoming a superpower.

32.Iran, China set to clinch 25-year deal

Context:

Iran and China are close to finalising a 25-year Strategic Partnership deal worth $400 billion.


Details:

The Comprehensive Plan for Cooperation between Iran and China is being finalised by officials in Tehran and Beijing.

According to the plan, the cooperation will extend from investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and upgrading energy and transport facilities, to refurbishing ports, refineries and other installations, and will commit Iranian oil and gas supplies to China during that period.

33. Enabling people to govern themselves

Context:

The author Arun Maira, a former member of the Planning Commission, argues for a more decentralized form of governance model in India.

Background:

Human civilisation has witnessed the evolution of institutions to manage public affairs. The evolution was to enable human societies to produce better outcomes for their citizens.

o The institutions of parliamentary democracy which were non-existent 400 years ago have become the dominant form of government the world over.

o Institutions of global governance, such as the United Nations and the

World Trade Organization, which did not exist even 100 years ago, have a critical role to play in global governance.

The author argues that the existing institutional structure which has been put through a stress test by the current global health and economic crises has failed to live up to the expectations. The pandemic has brought to light the existing flaws in current governance institutions.

o Breakdowns in subsystems during the pandemic such as health care, logistics, business, finance, and administration had to be managed at the same time. The complexity of handling so many subsystems at the same time has overwhelmed governance.

o Solutions for one subsystem have backfired on other subsystems. Enforcement of lockdowns to make it easier to manage the health

crisis has led to economic distress simultaneously. The diversion of resources to focus on the threat posed by COVID-

19 has increased vulnerabilities due to death from other diseases, and even from malnutrition in many parts of India.


There seems to be a mismatch in the design of governance institutions at all

levels with the challenges they are required to manage. The author argues that the government must devolve power to citizens in

villages and towns in India for them to govern their own affairs.

Arguments in favour of decentralization:

Associated studies:

Eminent personalities like Gandhiji and his economic adviser J.C. Kumarappa, E.F. Schumacher and Elinor Ostrom (the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, in 2009) have emphasized the effectiveness of local governance

systems through their studies. These studies offer scientific explanations for why local systems solutions are the best, if not the only way to solve complex systemic problems.

Constitutional requirement:

In 1992, India amended its constitution with the intent to strengthen grassroots-level democracy by decentralising governance and empowering local administrative bodies. The objective was to create local institutions that were democratic, autonomous, financially strong, and capable of formulating and implementing plans for their respective areas and providing decentralised administration to the people.

The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment of the Indian Constitution gives recognition and protection to local governments.

The passing of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments made it mandatory for each state to constitute rural and urban local governments.

Interconnectedness of issues:

The global challenges listed in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

of the United Nations, are systemic challenges that are interconnected with

each other. Environmental, economic, and social issues cannot be separated from each other

and solved by experts in silos or by agencies focused only on their own problems. The knowledge of all the involved aspects must be combined to come up with the most suitable solutions apt for local conditions which would not be possible in a centralized form of government.

In fact, a good solution to one can create more problems for others, as government responses to the novel coronavirus pandemic have revealed. This would require constant monitoring. A decentralized form of government allows

for better monitoring.


Suitability to local conditions:

Though global collaboration aids the development of human society, the solutions being propounded for human society must fit the specific conditions of each country and of each locality within countries too. Solutions must be local.

A major aspect of the decentralized form of government is the awareness of the administration of the ground realities which would be in a better position to formulate policies aligned with the actual local conditions as compared to that in a centralized form of government. This ensures better policy formulation which

can be more effective.

Participatory governance:

Decentralisation helps make governance more participatory in nature. It is based on the notion that people need to have a say in decisions that affect

their lives. The centralized form of governance or top-down approach to governance resembles a paternalist government taking care of its wards.

Apart from policy formulation, policy implementation is also equally important for which the participation of the people is critical. For the local people to support the implementation of solutions, they must believe the solution is the

right one for them, and not a solution thrust upon them by outside experts. Therefore, they must be active contributors of knowledge for, and active participants in, the creation of the solutions, which is possible only in a decentralized form of governance.

Inclusivity:

Decentralisation helps make governance more inclusive. o The evolution of community-based public health and the self-help

group movements helps ensure the development of the most vulnerable and downtrodden sections of society.

o The availability of resources at the local levels will ensure availability and

accessibility to even the poor sections. o The 73rd and 74th amendment of the Indian Constitution, providing for

reservation for the SC/ST and women in the administration, has helped ensure their participation in governance which will have a bearing on the policies relevant to these sections.

Emerging evidence:

Emerging evidence from states in India such as Kerala, and some countries such as Vietnam and Taiwan, show that they have been able to perform better than others during the ongoing pandemic.


A hypothesis is that those states and countries in which local governance was

stronger have done much better than others. This needs to be evaluated further by social and political scientists looking for insights into design principles for good governance systems that can solve basic problems being faced by human society.

Conclusion:

In the memorable phrase of President Abraham Lincoln, democracy is

government of the people, by the people, and for the people. While a government instituted through elections based on universal adult franchise and working for the welfare of the people qualifies as government being of the people and for the people, it still does not effectively represent a government by the people. Governance of the people must be not only for the people. It must be by the people too.

The government has to support and enable people to govern themselves, to fully realise the vision of ‘government of the people, for the people, by the people’. An important role for the government is to ‘enable governance’.

The author argues that a local system of governance is the only way humanity will be able to meet the new ecological and humanitarian challenges looming over it in the 21st century.

34. Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) Pakistan has allowed Afghanistan to send goods to India using the Wagah border. The decision is a part of Islamabad’s commitment under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit

Trade Agreement (APTTA).

About the agreement

The APTTA is a bilateral trade agreement signed in 2010 by Pakistan and Afghanistan.

It calls for greater facilitation in the movement of goods amongst the two countries.

The 2010 agreement supersedes the 1965 Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement, which granted Afghanistan the right to import duty-free goods through Pakistani seaports, mostly notably from Karachi.

Features of the agreement

Trade-in goods smuggled into Pakistan once constituted a major source of revenue for Afghanistan.


The 2010 APTTA allows for both countries to use each other’s airports, railways, roads, and ports for transit trade along designated transit corridors.

The agreement does not cover road transport vehicles from any third country, be it from India or any Central Asia country.

However, the signed Agreement permits Afghanistan trucks access to the Wagah border with India, where Afghan goods will be offloaded onto Indian trucks.

This agreement does not permit Indian goods to be loaded onto trucks for transit back to Afghanistan.

Instead, Afghan trucks offloaded at Wagah may return to Afghanistan loaded only with Pakistani, rather than Indian goods in an attempt to prevent the formation of a black market for Indian goods in Pakistan.

35. Centre limits duration of online school sessions

Pragyata guidelines for digital education have been released by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

“Children exposed to digital technologies or gadgets for a longer time are prone to severe health issues,” the guidelines said.

These guidelines are prepared by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The guidelines are only advisory in nature, and State governments have been asked to build on them and formulate their own rules, based on local needs.


36. The stand-off and China’s India policy dilemma

Context:

India China relations.

Background:

The violent face-off between Chinese and Indian troops at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), causing casualties on both sides has dealt a severe blow to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

pc

Highlight


There have been growing calls domestically in India to reset its ties with China. The development has also led to intense debate and discussions in China.

Details:

There have been two dominant views in China post the Galwan Valley

incident. While one view argues that China’s assertiveness attitude vis-a-vis India is the right way forward for China, another view notes the serious concerns associated with the present Chinese policy with respect to India.

Apt Chinese policy:

Border issue:

One view is that the present conflict along the LAC is not unexpected given the strain in the relation between the two countries. There seems to be no possibility

of a negotiated settlement of the border dispute any time soon and the earlier system of effective management of bilateral differences has been ineffective.

This view blames India for its strategy on the China-India border based on its unending infrastructure arms race at the LAC and argues that China had to take a hard stand with India. Periodic violent conflicts along the LAC might be the “new normal” in China-India ties.

Current international situation:

The key argument of this school of thought is that China-India relations hold no great prospect in the current international situation. Opportunities for cooperation at the global level have been diminishing and regional

competition has been intensifying.

Quasi ally of the U.S.:

The proponents of this view argue that China should reconsider its prevalent strategic thinking that India is not its main strategic challenge and that the U.S. is the main conundrum for China.

They claim that through an assertive stand along the western frontier, China can effectively deter its adversaries on the eastern coast. India is viewed as an ally of the U.S. and targeting India can send out a message to the U.S.

India as a competitor:

Chinese hardliners view India as a competitor and challenger to China’s rise to

global dominance and suggest a hard stand with respect to India.


This view argues to keep India distracted by destabilizing the entire border region from the McMahon Line in the east to the Aksai Chin area in the west and to weaken India internally, by supporting the cause of Maoists, Naga separatists and Kashmiris.

Keeping India under pressure:

The proponents of this view claim that a hard stand will not damage China-India relations but on the contrary, it will make it more stable. The constant pressure

on India could help force on India a political settlement which will involve India re-orienting its policies to suit the pattern of Chinese global policies.

They quote the 1962 China-India war example which helped China to maintain peace and stability on the western front for a long time and directly eliminate American and Soviet ambitions to use India to contain China.

Wrong move by China:

Many Chinese political thinkers and professors in their analysis of the Galwan Valley incident have been critical about China’s policies towards India, which they claim have no clear strategic intent and actually harm China’s interests.

India as a rising power:

This view recognizes India as a rising power and suggests maintaining cordial relations with India. This bilateral relation would become increasingly crucial in the future, with China-India relations evolving as the most important pair of relations after China-U.S. links.

Avoiding isolation:

Strained China-India ties might lead to a situation where India alone or in association with other countries may cause trouble for China.

o For instance, a hostile India will use every possible means to prevent China from reaching the Indian Ocean.

o The decoupling of China-India relations will further strengthen the “anti-China alliance” between the U.S., Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia

and other countries, who will actively take the initiative to reshape global industrial chains, use the Indo-Pacific Strategy to check and balance China’s military and economic power, and expand international organizations such as the G-7 to weaken China’s influence in international affairs.

Military strength:


The general view among some military analysts in China is that if China has an advantage in terms of psychology, equipment, and logistics mobilization, India too has advantages on various fronts such as deployment, supply line, practical war experience, topography, and climate among others. They view India as a big

country with comparable military strength. They argue that if the conflict ends in a short period of time, it will benefit China.

But if it is prolonged, China will be disadvantaged. Then there is the high possibility of the U.S. and its allies helping India militarily.

Timing of the move:

This view notes that strategically too, it would be unwise for China to get into a comprehensive military conflict with India at this point in time and notes that it is still not the time to ‘resolve’ the India problem. Instead, China, for now, should strive to maintain basic peace and stability at the borders.

China should focus on building its own strength and simultaneously carry out

its strategy of weakening India internally by leveraging its social and political differences, completing its strategic encirclement, improving troop deployment in the Tibet region to secure the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and stationing Chinese troops in the Gwadar Port (Arabian Sea), so as to secure China’s Indian Ocean sea routes, among other interests.

China should aim at attaining a comprehensive and overwhelming advantage

in geopolitics vis-à-vis India, which cannot be altered by war.

Conclusion:

Despite all the jingoism and rhetoric propagated through its official media, China is actually in a serious dilemma over its India policy.

As India seeks to reset ties with China in the post-Galwan era, India should take note of the many internal contradictions and perceived vulnerabilities vis-à-vis India, and leverage the same to India’s benefit.

37. Modi exhorts youth to skill, reskill and upskill

What’s in News?

Speaking on the occasion of the World Youth Skills Day and the fifth anniversary of “Skill India Mission”, India’s Prime Minister said that the mission had led to the creation of vast infrastructure for skilling, reskilling and upskilling and enhancing opportunities for access to employment, both locally and globally.


PM highlighted the potential to capitalise on skilling opportunities, giving the example of the healthcare sector where Indian skilled manpower could supplement the global demand.

Progress made:

Under the programme, hundreds of PM Kaushal Kendras have been set up and the capacity of the ITI ecosystem increased.

More than five crore youth have been skilled. The ASEEM portal was launched recently for mapping the skilled employees

and employers. This would help the skilled workers, including the migrant workers who had returned to their homes, to access jobs easily and the employers to contact skilled employees.

38. Centralisation in decision making in education

How Government support contributed to rise of educational institutions

In the initial decades after Independence, the government was conscious of

various social, economic and financial challenges. So, the government strongly supported universities, encouraging them to further

develop an academic . The IITs and IIM along with institutions of academic excellence like the IISc,

Indian Statistical Institute, and JNU emerged as model institutions. The institutional and academic autonomy offered was central to their emerging

as premier institutions. Other universities revised curricula and set about the task of reforming the

university as a space for healthy academic engagement.

Rise of decentralisation in collective decision making

The above changes were marked by the growing importance of various large representative institutional bodies.

For example, institutional bodies like faculty committees, committees of courses, board of studies, university senates, academic councils and executive councils grew in importance.

These bodies oversaw the administrative and academic functioning of the university and ensured collective decision-making.

Debate over ideological positions, scholarly beliefs shaped the process of nation-building in independent India.


Policy changes and its impact (2005-15)

The constitution of the National Knowledge Commission and privatisation of

education undermined the deliberative and independent character of these institutions of higher education.

Administrative and academic decisions were imposed from above. Discussions within various academic bodies were discouraged. The imposition of the semester system and a four-year undergraduate

programme in many public and private universities were hallmarks of this new

era of bureaucratic centralisation. The academic achievements of scholars from Indian universities were

undermined. Those in positions of authority within the universities were encouraged to

undermine academic bodies and limit their role.

New government intervention after 2015

Futher changes were introduced starting from 2015. Choice Based Credit System was introduced and there were renewed attempts to

privatise higher education linked to an emphasis on rankings.

The government started to look into minute details pertaining to academic curricula, the teaching-learning process and the parameters that governed academic research within the university.

Centralisation in Covid-19 pandemic

The centralisation trend intensified with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Central government and the University Grants Commission have imposed themselves on the daily functioning of all higher educational institutions.

This represents a new government-oriented bureaucratic centralisation. Decisions about the conclusion of academic term, the modalities for evaluation

and the conduct of the teaching-learning process have become exclusive government prerogatives.

The various academic bodies that had original jurisdiction over these matters have been made redundant.

How and whether examinations are to be conducted has become an issue of contention between State and Central governments.

Conclusion

The time has come for institutions of higher education in India to recover their lost voice and restore the fertile academic space where ideas are discussed and debated rather than suppressed and dismissed.


39.‘Judicial review can’t be done prior to Speaker’s decision’

Constitutional courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution until the Speaker or Chairman makes a final decision on merits.

Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others Judgement: o A 28-year-old judgment of the Supreme Court in Kihoto Hollohan versus

Zachillu and Others has said that “judicial review cannot be available at a stage prior to the making of a decision by the Speaker/Chairman and a quia timet action would not be permissible. Nor would interference be permissible at an interlocutory stage of the proceedings.”

o “The only exception for any interlocutory interference being cases of interlocutory disqualifications or suspensions which may have grave,

immediate and irreversible repercussions and consequence,” the Bench had held.

What’s in News?

The judgment is significant in the case of the ousted Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and the 18 MLAs, who were issued a notice under the anti-defection law after the ruling Congress sought their disqualification.

They have approached the Rajasthan High Court challenging the constitutionality of Paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule which makes “voluntarily giving up membership of a political party” liable for disqualification.

40. University examination guidelines that score low

Context

According to an official statement from the University Grants Commission (UGC), final year university examinations may be postponed until the end of September 2020, but must be conducted in either online or offline mode.

Students who are unable to appear for these examinations will be given the opportunity to appear for special examinations which will be conducted later.

The Home Ministry has also given its approval for the conduct of the examinations in a letter to the Ministry of Human Resources Development, and directed that final term exams must be “compulsorily conducted” as per UGC guidelines.

Why was this decision taken by UGC?


There had been a vociferous demand from a section of students and parents to cancel the examinations due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and use alternative grading mechanisms. At least seven state governments have already announced the cancellation of examinations.

However, the UGC decided that it was important to “protect academic quality

and credibility”. It further said it was “very crucial to ensure academic credibility, career

opportunities and future progress of students globally”.

UGC Act 1956

The UGC was fundamentally meant to be a fund granting institution as is clear from its nomenclature. But the UGC Act 1956 does confer on it the power of ‘coordination and determination of standards’ in universities as well and, therefore, it has become the regulator of higher education.

Issues surrounding the Indian education system

Most examinations in India merely test an ability to recall facts or information rather than an understanding of those facts or an ability to use them in practical situations.

Teachers usually are trained to set papers for the offline mode and transition to online mode may be a bit difficult.

Certification through examination is important but cannot and should not be the sole goal of education.

A one size fits all cannot apply to our universities as we have all kinds of

universities, i.e. unitary, affiliating, private and subject-specific.

Criticism

1. Importance should be given to cooperative federalism

Before the new UGC guidelines were released, many State Governments like Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra had already cancelled examinations for final-year students.

Their decisions should be respected and not be dominated, by respecting the principles of cooperative federalism.

o This creates fresh uncertainty for states that had already decided to cancel exams.

With the UGC recommendations in logger-heads with the decision of the States, students and parents are worried about the situation and are requesting clarity.

2. The shadow of the virus


India has nearly one million cases of the novel coronavirus and a number of State Governments are enforcing periodic lockdowns to prevent the spread of the disease. So, the September 2020 deadline does not inspire much confidence.

If the virus continues to spread, university administrations will not be in a position to announce examinations, and students will continue to be in limbo about their future.

It will compromise the safety of students.

3. Furnishing Proof

The guidelines state that the decision has been taken keeping in view the future of the students — jobs and higher education — these prospects are, in fact, harmed by this decision.

In normal circumstances, examinations would have been conducted and either results announced or provisional certificates given by this time.

These help students who are graduating confirm their admissions in institutes of higher education or report at their places of employment by providing proof of them having completed the course.

The current system does not provide for any such possibility.

4. More discrimination possible

In case the infection does not subside, it would mean that the UGC either extends the deadline further or universities are forced to conduct online exams.

In the latter case, the UGC would have imposed a patently discriminatory policy on the students — issues with access to the Internet, electricity and study materials, as well as a lack of a study environment in homes would go unaddressed — and it would only manifest the disparity prevalent in the education system.

In the former case, it only furthers the uncertainty, and even if the UGC decides to allow universities not to conduct examinations, this entire exercise would be pointless.

5. The privileged class have an advantage over the poor

The elite, with the privilege of being unaffected by the crisis caused by the infection as well as its economic ramifications, will be much better placed than their peers without the same level of assuredness. The whole purpose of the university acting as an equalizer will be lost.

Students from a humble background, from remote areas and those with doctors/health workers as parents or are coronavirus positive in families would be at a disadvantage.


Advantages of cancelling examination amidst the Covid-19 crisis

First, it avoids the extended uncertainty created by repeated (but unavoidable) postponements.

Second, it protects the integrity of the examination by refusing to abandon its two most basic features – impartiality, or equal treatment of all examinees; and close supervision to prevent cheating.

o Given the realities facing the overwhelming majority of our students and institutions, examinations held in the “online” or “mixed” modes will be

biased because they will favour students with better access to the internet.

Way Forward

Using alternative methods of evaluation based on each student’s own past performance (in exams conducted in normal times) offers a fair solution and brings closure, with the option of retaking the exam when normalcy is restored.

Conclusion

UGC will have to take the decision that would be equitable, fair, pragmatic and beneficial and not one that is risky and exclusionary of any set of students.

Let the mental health of students and their anxieties be taken into account.

41. Challenge to Anti Defection Law

Why in News

Recently, the 19 rebel MLAs of Rajasthan's ruling party (Congress) have filed a petition before the High Court challenging the disqualification notices issued to them by the Assembly Speaker under Anti Defection Law.

The disqualification notice was issued on MLAs’ absence from successive

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meetings and a “conspiracy to bring down

the government”.

Key Points

Rebel MLAs Arguments: o In their writ petition, citing violation of their freedom of speech and

expression the legislators argued that they had neither given up their

membership of the House nor did their failure to attend the two CLP meetings render them liable for disqualification on the ground of

defection.


o Therefore they challenged Clause 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the

Constitution, and the validity of the Rajasthan Assembly Members (Disqualification on the Grounds of Changing Party) Rules, 1989.

Clause 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule states that a member may be disqualified “if he has voluntarily given up his membership” of a political party.

o They also contended that they could not be disqualified merely for disagreeing with the decisions and policies of some leaders outside the Assembly.

Supreme Court's Ruling: The Supreme Court in the Kihoto Hollohan versus Zachillu and Others, 1992 has said that judicial review cannot be available at a

stage prior to the making of a decision by the Speaker/Chairman. o Nor would interference be permissible at an interlocutory stage of the

proceedings. o The only exception for any interlocutory interference (decree or

judgment) being cases of interlocutory disqualifications or suspensions which may have grave, immediate and irreversible repercussions and consequences.

o Therefore, Constitutional courts cannot judicially review disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) of the Constitution until the Speaker or Chairman makes a final decision on merits.

Reason for Limited Role of Courts: The Bench explained that the reason for limiting the role of courts in ongoing defection proceedings is that the office of

the Speaker is held in the highest respect and esteem in parliamentary traditions.

Judicial Review: It had said that even the scope of judicial review against an

order of a Speaker or Chairman in anti-defection proceedings would be confined to jurisdictional errors, that is infirmities based on violation of

constitutional mandate, mala fide actions and non-compliance with rules of natural justice.

Disqualification under the Tenth Schedule

The Anti-Defection Law was passed in 1985 through the 52nd amendment to the

Constitution. It added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The main intent of the law was to combat “the evil of political defections”.

According to it, a member of a House belonging to any political party becomes disqualified for being a member of the House, if:

o He voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or o He votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction

issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party and such act has not been condoned by the party within 15 days.


Exceptions to the Disqualification on the Ground of Defection

If a member goes out of his party as a result of a merger of the party with another party. A merger takes place when two-thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such a merger.

If a member, after being elected as the presiding officer of the House,

voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or rejoins it after he ceases to hold that office. This exemption has been provided in view of the dignity and impartiality of the office.

Powers of Speaker with regard to Anti-Defection Law

Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be

decided by the presiding officer of the House.

42. China has crossed its 1960 claims along the LAC

Background

Chinese troops are currently present on the north bank of Pangong Lake in Ladakh in an area that is beyond what even China described as its official boundary during talks with India in 1960.

LAC

The LAC doesn’t just run through land, but also through the Pangong Tso — a 135 kilometre-long, narrow, deep and landlocked lake.

The slopes of the barren mountains jut forward into the lake at eight different points, which are officially referred to as “fingers”.

o The Fingers refer to mountain spurs on the bank, and run from 1 to 8, west to east.


China’s present claim

At the north bank of Pangong Tso, the PLA moved up to Finger 4 and prevented India from crossing Finger 4.

China now claims up to Finger 4, while India says the LAC is at Finger 8. China previously built a road to Finger 4 in 1999 and has dominated up to Finger 4, but since May, has for the first time, completely cut off India’s access to its LAC at Finger 8, effectively shifting the line 8 km west.


Galwan Valley

In the Galwan Valley, the 1960 line ran east of the bend of the Galwan river, called the Y-nallah, which was the site of the June 15 clash.

China’s Shifting Lines

China’s current moves to enforce its Line of Actual Control (LAC) claims, which sparked the recent border incidents, mark a shift from what Beijing told India in


1960 about where its boundaries were, both in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake.

43. Why a separate anti-torture law?

Context:

The alleged torture of a father-son duo in Sattankulam town in Tamil Nadu has given rise to the demand for a separate law against torture.

Background:

In 2017, the Central Government admitted in the Supreme Court that it was seriously considering the 273rd Report of the Law Commission that recommended ratification of the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment (CAT).

CAT was signed by India but is yet to be ratified.

Details:

Existing laws:

Torture is not defined in the Indian Penal Code, but the definitions of ‘hurt’ and ‘grievous hurt’ are clearly laid down. Voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt to extort confession are dealt with in the Indian Penal Code.

Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, a judicial magistrate inquires into every custodial death.

The National Human Rights Commission has laid down specific guidelines for conducting autopsy under the eyes of the camera.

Judicial contributions:

Though the definition of ‘hurt’ does not include mental torture, Indian courts through their judgments have included psychic torture, environmental coercion, tiring interrogative prolixity, and overbearing and intimidatory methods, among others, in the ambit of torture.

The Supreme Court judgment in DK Basu v. State of West Bengal was a turning point in the evolving jurisprudence on custodial torture.

The Court’s decision in Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa compels the state to pay compensation in case of custodial torture.

Concerns:


The article argues that there being no deficiency in the existing law, the demand for a new law may be counter-productive.

Prevention of Torture Bill:

A fresh draft of the Prevention of Torture Bill was released in 2017. The article argues that this bill, apart from being vague, was also very harsh for

the police to discharge its responsibilities without fear of prosecution and persecution.

o By proposing for the death penalty for custodial death accused, the proposed quantum of punishment seems too harsh.

The 262nd Law Commission Report recommended that the death penalty be abolished except in cases of ‘terrorism-related offences’.

o In the Bill, the proposed registration of every complaint of torture as an FIR and blanket denial of anticipatory bail to an accused public servant was not reasonable.

As opposed to the intention of having a reformative law, the proposed Bill was not a reformative one. It was vague, harsh and retributive in nature.

Way forward:

Except for minor discrepancies, the prevalent law in India is adequate and well in tune with the provisions of CAT and there is a need to further improve on its implementation. There is a need to improve the implementation of the existing

laws instead of bringing in a new law. o The investigations and the prosecution process are prone to concerns and

these aspects need to be reformed. The police need to be trained better. The temptation to use third-degree

methods must be replaced with scientific skills. The need of the hour is to strike at the root cause of the problem and implement

recommendations of various commissions to bring in necessary reforms.

44.‘Close to limited trade deal with U.S.’

Context:

The Union Commerce Minister has said that India and the U.S. have almost finalised a limited trade deal.

Details:

As an intermediate step between the imminent limited deal and the comprehensive deal, the minister proposed a preferential trade agreement that


would cover 50 to 100 goods and services, at a virtual conference organised by the U.S.-India Business Council’s India Ideas Summit.

India and the U.S. have apparently been close to finalising a limited trade deal several times over the past year, including when both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump were in New York in 2019 for the United Nations General Assembly session.

Again, in February 2020, the two sides scrambled unsuccessfully to finalise a mini deal that was to be announced during Mr Trump’s India visit.

India’s demands:

India has wanted Washington to restore its access to the U.S. preferential trading system or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), an end to the steel and aluminium tariffs, increased market access for some categories of Indian agricultural products among others.

U.S Concerns:

U.S. concerns during the negotiations have included market access for American dairy and agricultural products, medical devices and a cut in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) import tariffs.

The U.S. also has concerns with India’s digital trade policies. o For instance, FDI in commerce, and data localisation.

45. China repeats claim on Bhutan’s east

Context:

China has said that it has offered Bhutan a package solution to its boundary dispute.

Details:

The offer revives a reference to China’s 1996 proposal for a territory swap to give Bhutan the disputed areas in its north in exchange for the disputed western areas, including Doklam.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also repeated its claim on Bhutan’s eastern boundary at Sakteng.

o “The boundary between China and Bhutan is yet to be demarcated, and the middle, eastern and western sections of the border are disputed,” said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.


o Experts warn that this could be a new pressure tactic by China to push Bhutan into concluding a boundary deal.

Concerns:

After the 11th round of talks in 1996, Bhutan’s 4th King (the present King’s father) had informed the Bhutanese National Assembly that China wanted to exchange the valleys to the north, with an area of 495 square kilometres, with the pasture land to the west, totalling 269 square kilometres.

o The deal would have benefited Bhutan by giving it the larger chunk of land, and resolving its tensions with China.

o However, it was a big worry for India, as the Doklam swap would give the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) access to the strategically sensitive “chicken neck” of the Siliguri corridor.

While the Chinese MFA did not specify details of the package solution it has

offered, it is likely to be referring to the same deal.

46. The main planks in a counter-China policy

Context:

India-China tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Background:

The situation along the China-India border in the Ladakh region is still tense. The disengagement process is proving difficult, and the military meetings have not resulted in any demonstrable progress regarding troop disengagement/de-escalation.

China seems intent on managing the ground situation to its advantage, and bring about a realignment of the LAC.

Details:

The author of the article, M.K. Narayanan, a former National Security Adviser, suggests that India needs to analyze Chinese objectives behind its incursions along the LAC, to avoid making a strategic miscalculation during a difficult period. Making sense of China’s actions would be critical for India’s response.

Military option:

The author argues that despite repeated incursions by China along the LAC, it would be a mistake to think that China is preparing for a conflict over territory.


The author suggests that India should not be taken in by Western propaganda about China’s territorial ambitions and should not presume an imminent war based on the following reasons.

o China is well aware that it cannot be certain whether it will emerge a victor from an all-out conflict with India. With this uncertainty, China would never attempt a military confrontation.

o China has set itself two big targets in the form of Made in China 2025 and

China Standards 2035. China cannot and will not jeopardise its future targets by a military confrontation with India.

Made in China 2025 seeks to engineer a shift for China from being a low-end manufacturer to becoming a high-end producer of

goods. It is a key industrial policy for industrial development in China through which China aims at becoming a major

manufacturing power by the year 2025. The China Standards 2035 plan will lay out a blueprint for China’s

government and leading technology companies to set global standards for emerging technologies like 5G internet, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, among other areas. This will allow China to become a global leader in high-tech

innovation. The author argues that India’s strategic thinkers and planners must keep this in

mind while drawing up plans to counter China’s actions along the border regions.

However, India should remain prepared for any eventuality and should urgently implement the plans to set up the Mountain Strike Corps divisions. This move is bound to deter China far more than the stockpiling of state-of-the-art weapons.

Non-military options:

Although maintaining a strong military is important, even more important would be to know when or how to use it. With a country such as Pakistan, the military option is more often than not the most suitable one, however, with countries such as China, one has to consider a variety of options.

India should consider the ‘subtler tools’ of power available to it, rather than only considering the military option. India may well find non-military tools not only more cost-effective but also less risky.

Diplomatic offensive:

Exploiting the current widespread opposition to China, India must embark on a diplomatic offensive to create international opinion in its support regarding border violations.


A diplomatic offensive, involving the government, business leaders, persons of international standing, etc., can achieve a great deal in convincing international opinion that India is right and China is wrong, as also in conveying a message about India’s peaceful intentions vis-à-vis China’s expansionist ambitions.

Nurturing relations:

India should consider building bilateral relations with countries with a view to draw their specific attention to China’s aggressive policies and designs.

Though countering China’s moves to ‘buy’ influence will not be easy, India could use developmental and aid routes to help countries and help win their trust.

o India can upgrade its technical aid programme to help countries across Asia and Africa.

Such programmes not only provide an enduring link between India and these countries but also help contrast India’s ‘untied aid’ with that of countries such as China whose aims are political and economic subjugation.

India’s involvement with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) could also help India. India’s relationship with NAM needs to be revitalised.

India must pay particular attention to relations with countries in its neighbourhood, such as Nepal and Bangladesh, and allies such as Iran and

Vietnam, relations with whom have taken a back seat with India being more intent on strengthening relations with the West, especially the U.S., and bodies such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).

Smaller countries of Asia, which constantly face China’s aggressive interference in their internal affairs, have not received much support from India, and this needs India’s attention.

Effective messaging:

To effectively counter China’s offensive across the world India must also overhaul its ‘messaging’ capacity. Given that in today’s world social media plays a dominant role, sustained messaging has become critical.

It should make greater use of technology to send across its message and ideas to people and countries in its vicinity and across the globe, highlighting its peaceful intentions in stark contrast to China’s aggressive policies and tactics.

A united face:

India’s true strength is its unity in diversity. A truly united and resilient India is

the best antidote to China’s attempts to humble India. The impact of a united India will be far greater than establishing closer links with the U.S. or the West.

Soft power:


India derives strength from its spiritual, religious and cultural attributes, which are a part of its civilisational heritage. India attaches significant value to reaching out to different religions.

India has always reached out to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, with no strings attached. In recent years, possibly with a view to appeasing China, India has somewhat distanced itself from the Dalai Lama, which has, without doubt, been a mistake that needs to be rectified.

Restoring the Dalai Lama to the same level of eminence in India’s official

thinking should be an important plank in India’s anti-China policy. Simultaneously, India should also make efforts in propagating ‘Himalayan

Buddhism’ which China has been seeking to subvert. India’s credentials here far outweigh that of China’s and should produce excellent dividends. It needs to become a key plank in India’s ‘forward policy’.

47. Transforming higher education

Context:

The article evaluates the condition of higher education in India and suggests possible reforms for the higher educational sector in India.

Background:

The requirement for social distancing during the pandemic has led to educational institutes remaining closed despite the phased unlocking in India. There has been a sense of heightened anxiousness and urgency to find solutions to tide over the pandemic-induced crisis in the education sector.

Much of the discourse on resuming higher education during the pandemic revolves around home-based learning.

The article argues that apart from finding solutions to provide an inclusive and

affordable home-based education, there is also the need to overhaul the educational system.

Details:

Ideal learning outcomes:

There are three ideal learning outcomes of higher education. o Providing knowledge in the relevant discipline to the students. o The education imparted to the students will need to be supplemented

with the skills needed for their jobs/enterprises. o The teaching-learning process is expected to mould their character in such

a way that they would be able to play a constructive role in shaping the


society and the world at large using the values and ideals of a modern, progressive society.

Concerns:

Apart from a handful of institutions and a small number of extremely self-motivated students, a vast majority of other students are unable to fulfil the

ideal learning outcomes as discussed earlier. There seems to be a huge gulf between the curriculum taught in the colleges

and actual job requirements. o Although India is uniquely positioned in the world to benefit from its

demographic dividend, this dividend can actually turn into a liability since those in the population bracket that are ready to join the workforce have practically no skills or knowledge that add to their employability.

There seems to be disproportionate importance being bestowed on completion of the vast syllabus within a prescribed time. There is also the undue emphasis on examinations to evaluate students’ knowledge.

Way forward:

The article argues that as against in normal times when maintaining the status quo or implementing incremental and marginal reforms was sufficient, the pandemic has opened the doors for ushering in massive, bold and

transformational reforms. The article suggests the following reforms in higher education.

o Need to completely re-evaluate the syllabus every now and then to ensure that the syllabus is in line with the industrial requirements.

o There should be an emphasis on substantive industrial internships as part of the course work in colleges. This could help bridge the gulf between the university curriculum and actual job requirements.

o The evaluation of the learning outcomes of the students can be a mix of regular assignments, performance in the internship as rated both by the industry and the college, and a light, home-based proctored exam.

o The syllabus should involve only a very basic outline of essential

concepts. The time saved in attending regular classes in the institutions can be compensated for by spending time on the development of skills

and prosocial attitudes and values.

48. India, Sri Lanka seek to reset ties in the time of polls and pandemic

Context:

According to experts, amidst the pandemic and time for polls in Sri Lanka, both India

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and China have diverse avenues to deepen.

Recent Developments:

Despite having watched the India-China stand-off at Galwan Valley closely because two of its closest partners were on either side of the tension, Sri Lanka did not comment on the development.

Subsequently, the controversy around the East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo came to the surface.

Around the same time, India was holding close and constructive discussions with Sri Lanka, on Colombo’s pending request for a debt totalling $960 million freeze, and for swapping currency under bilateral and SAARC arrangements.

The Reserve Bank of India has agreed to a $400 million currency swap facility for Sri Lanka till November 2022.

o The Central Bank of Sri Lanka had sought swap facility to strengthen its

foreign exchange reserves. o Sri Lanka owes $960 million to India.

Way forward – In strengthening India – Sri Lanka ties:

The close but complex bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka have both history and baggage.

India’s attitude and relationship with her immediate neighbours depend on their appreciation of India’s regional security concerns; they would serve as buffer states in the event of an extra-regional threat and not proxies of the outside powers. Sri Lanka must not forget this guidance in dealing with India.

Examples of Singapore-Malaysia and New Zealand-Australia indicate that a smaller country’s economic success is tied to having a strong or at least stable relationship with its larger neighbour.

The bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka will always be an important cornerstone of a peaceful and prosperous South Asia.

Both India and Sri Lanka should focus on increasing the volume and quality of people-to-people links, without assuming they will naturally result from geographical proximity.

49.Cabinet decision binding on Governor

Context:

Political turmoil in the state of Rajasthan.

Background:

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There has been a deadlock between Rajasthan Governor and Rajasthan Chief Minister over the summoning of an Assembly session for a floor test.

While the Chief Minister has been demanding the summoning of an Assembly session at the earliest, the Governor has not been receptive of the demand.

Details:

The article discusses a key Supreme Court judgment which could act as a guiding light during the current deadlock.

Nabam Rebia versus Deputy Speaker, 2016:

In the Nabam Rebia versus Deputy Speaker case of 2016, a Constitution Bench

of the Supreme Court had held that a Governor is bound to convene a meeting

of the Assembly for a floor test on the recommendation of the Cabinet. It held that the Governor cannot employ his/her discretion in this matter and should strictly abide by the aid and advice of the Cabinet.

Important observations made in the judgment:

Constitutional provisions:

The judgment was based on the constitutional provision which states that the Governor can summon, prorogue and dissolve the House only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as the head.

o Article 163 of the Indian constitution notes that there shall be a council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions.

Limited discretionary power for the governor:

The Supreme Court has noted that despite the provision for some degree of discretion for the governor provided for under Article 163 (2) of the Indian

Constitution, it does not mean a general discretionary power to act against or without the advice of his Council of Ministers.

This judgment limits the Governor’s discretionary power to specific areas. It noted that the Governor’s discretionary powers are limited to specified areas like giving assent or withholding/referring a Bill to the President or appointment of a Chief Minister or dismissal of a government which has lost confidence but refuses to quit, etc.

The judgment further held that even in areas where there is scope for discretion for the governor, the action should not be arbitrary or fanciful and must be dictated by reason, actuated by good faith and tempered by caution.


Responsible form of government:

India has a parliamentary democracy with a responsible form of government.

In such a form of government, the Governor functions only as a Constitutional

or formal head of the State and his/her powers cannot be enlarged at the cost of the Council of Ministers, who are the real executive.

Constituent assembly discussions:

The judgment noted the fact that even the Constituent Assembly was wary of extending the Governor’s discretion. Though the draft Constitution had vested the Governor with the discretion to summon and dissolve, it was later omitted by the framers of the Constitution.

50. The chilling effect of criminal contempt

Context:

Initiation of proceedings for criminal contempt of court against lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan.

Background:

Prashant Bhushan had recently put out a tweet with a photograph where he criticised the current Chief Justice of India (CJI), S.A. Bobde for riding an expensive motorcycle at a time when the Court is under lockdown.

A three-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Justice Arun Mishra, took suo motu notice of the tweet and issued a notice of contempt of Court to Mr Bhushan. Mr Prashant Bhushan’s actions were considered undermining the dignity and authority of the Institution of

Supreme Court in general, and the office of the Chief Justice of India. The Bench has also taken note of earlier tweets by Mr Bhushan in which he

was seen criticizing the previous 4 CJIs. Another citation of contempt has been listed against Mr Bhushan based on a 2009 statement where he alleged that half of India’s last 16 Chief Justices were corrupt.

Types of contempt in India:

Civil Contempt: As per the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971, civil contempt has been defined as wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other processes of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court.

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Criminal Contempt: As per the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971, criminal contempt has been defined as the publication (whether by words, spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise) of any matter or the doing of any other act whatsoever which:

o Scandalises or tends to scandalise, or lowers or tends to lower the authority of, any court, or

o Prejudices, or interferes or tends to interfere with the due course of

any judicial proceeding, or o Interferes or tends to interfere with, or obstructs or tends to obstruct,

the administration of justice in any other manner.

Origin of the contempt law:

India derives the provision of criminal contempt from the English system. The King of England used to deliver judgments himself and the need to

uphold the authority of the King led to the provision of “respecting the authority and dignity of the court”. In contemporary times, when the judges look after the administration of justice, the law intended to

maintain a sense of respect around the judiciary system.

Argument in favour of the contempt law:

The provision of criminal contempt helps prevent attempts to scandalise the judiciary as well as interference in the administration of justice and overt threats to judges.

The contempt provision insulates the judiciary from unfair attacks and prevents a sudden fall in the judiciary’s reputation in the public eye.

The objective of contempt law is to safeguard the interests of the public. If the authority of the Court is diminished and public confidence in the administration of justice is weakened, then the judicial system and its ability to dispense justice are adversely impacted thus affecting the

citizenry indirectly.

Arguments against the contempt law:

Asynchronous law:

The law for criminal contempt is completely asynchronous with the

modern democratic system which recognises freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right.

The contempt law may be trampling upon the civil liberties of the people.


The extreme deference to judges does not augur well for the idea of a democracy.

Lack of judicial accountability:

The provision of criminal contempt is often used to prevent any criticism of the judiciary. This is an indication of the judiciary’s unwillingness to suffer any kind of criticism, regardless of how true the criticism may be.

The fear of contempt proceedings restrains much of the media and the public from a more rigorous examination of the functioning of the judiciary.

International practice:

The criminal contempt law has become practically obsolete in most

foreign democracies. o Canada evaluates the applicability of criminal contempt to real,

substantial and immediate dangers to the administration. o The U.S. courts no longer use the law of contempt in response to

comments on judges or legal matters. o The U.K. Law Commission in a 2012 report recommended the

abolition of the law of contempt. In England, the legal position on

contempt law has evolved. There has been a perceptible change in the attitude of the judiciary in deciding against the use of contempt

proceedings for comments on them.

Concerns:

High usage:

The definition of criminal contempt in India is extremely wide, and can

be easily invoked. It was only in 2006, through an amendment to the Contempt of Courts Act

that truth and good faith were recognised as valid defences in the criminal contempt cases. Despite this, there have been numerous previous instances in India where the judiciary has used the criminal contempt law to punish people, despite truth and good faith raised as defences.

Timing of the proceedings:


COVID-19 has brought forth a standstill of the judiciary which has been dealing with a large volume of cases already.

There are many urgent and pressing issues that desperately need the Supreme Court’s attention.

It is disappointing that instead of taking up matters of absolute urgency in these difficult times, the Supreme Court chose to take note of social media comments on the judiciary.

Wrong approach:

The Supreme Court may be harming its own reputation and credibility through the contempt proceedings.

It would be wrong to believe that silencing criticism will harbour respect for the judiciary. On the contrary, efforts to prevent free speech will only worsen the situation further by engendering resentment and suspicion of

the judiciary. The judiciary needs to base its authority and dignity on public confidence

rather than seeking to cover it under the law of contempt.

Way forward:

Evaluate the need for the law:

There is the need for an evaluation of the necessity for retaining the law of contempt in these contemporary times.

o Across international jurisdictions, a far more liberal view is taken with respect to criminal contempt.

Though it is important to curb unsubstantiated criticism of the judiciary and self-serving comments on mainstream and social media, there is also a need to use the contempt law sparingly, and avoid the impression that it

is being used to stifle free speech.

Evaluating the provisions of the law:

Besides needing to revisit the need for a law on criminal contempt, even the test for contempt needs to be evaluated. Such a test should evaluate whether the contemptuous remarks in question actually obstruct the Court from functioning.

There may be a need to revisit select clauses in the contempt law like that part of the contempt law which criminalises anything that “scandalises or

tends to scandalise” the judiciary or “lowers the court’s authority”.


Judicial accountability:

The contempt law should not be allowed to be used as a means to prevent any and all criticism of the judiciary.

The judiciary is well advised to give space for publicly voiced criticism

and strident questioning of the court’s ways and decisions. The judiciary should appear to be concerned about accountability.

There is an urgent need to usher in judicial accountability by examining

the serious allegations through impartial and transparent probes.

51. RIC, a triangle that is still important

Context:

In the light of growing calls for a more decisive westward shift in India’s

foreign policy, the article analyzes the relevance of continued engagement with China and Russia.

Background:

Even amid the tensions on the Line of Actual Control between India and China, India decided to attend a (virtual) meeting of the Foreign

Ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC).

This move was criticized by some sections amid calls to drastically reduce India’s engagement with the Chinese and align with the West led by the U.S. to counter the Chinese.

Evolution of the RIC:

The initial years:

RIC is a strategic grouping that first took shape in the late 1990s under the leadership of Russia as a counterbalance to the Western alliances. The RIC

dialogue commenced in the early 2000s. The three countries involved in the dialogue – Russia, India and China

were positioning themselves for a transition from a unipolar to a

multipolar world order. Though the RIC shared some non-west perspectives on the global order, it

was not an anti-west construct. They supported democratisation of the

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global economic and financial architecture which later became the agenda of the BRIC organization (with the addition of Brazil).

The initial years of the RIC dialogue coincided with an upswing in India’s relations with Russia and China.

o This period witnessed the reinforcement of the political, defence

and energy partnership between India and Russia. o This period also witnessed progress on the border dispute between

India and China. In 2003, it was decided to bring a political approach to the boundary dispute and to develop multi-sectoral engagement. The 2005 agreement, identifying political parameters applicable in an eventual border settlement, implicitly recognised India’s interests in Arunachal Pradesh.

The downswing:

The RIC claim of overlapping or similar approaches to key international issues does not hold anymore.

China has gone back on the 2005 agreement with India, launched the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, worked to undermine India’s influence in its neighbourhood and expanded its military and economic presence in the Indian Ocean. This goes against the agreed principle of respecting international law and recognizing the legitimate interest of partners.

Transformations in the external environment have adversely impacted the RIC dialogue. RIC dynamics have remained sensitive to U.S.-Russia-

China relations.

Deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations:

The U.S.-Russia relations came to a standstill in 2014 after the annexation/accession of Crimea. The western campaign led by the U.S. to

isolate Russia drove it into a much closer relationship with China.

The Indo-Pacific issue:

For India, the Indo-Pacific is a geographic space of economic and security importance, in which a cooperative order should prevent the dominance of any external power.

However, China sees India’s Indo-Pacific initiatives as part of a U.S.-led policy of containing China. At the same time, Russia sees the Indo-Pacific


initiatives as part of the American ploy to draw India and Japan into a military alliance against China and Russia.

India-U.S. relations:

The relationship with Russia has also witnessed a downswing as the India-U.S. collaboration widened.

India’s relations with the U.S. have been on the upswing, encompassing trade and investment, a landmark civil nuclear deal and an expanding defence relationship.

o This is in line with India’s objective of diversifying military

acquisitions away from a near-total dependence on Russia and a strategic intent to counter the Chinese.

o The U.S. sees value in its relations with India given the huge market potential offered by India be it for normal goods and services or high-end military equipment. With China rapidly emerging as a challenger to its global pre-eminence, the U.S. sees value in partnering with a democratic India in Asia.

Significance of engagement:

Despite the current differences between the three nations, the Russia-India-China engagement still holds significance for India.

RIC:

The RIC is a significant multilateral grouping because it brings together the three largest Eurasian countries on one platform. RIC provides a platform to discuss important issues like West Asia, Afghanistan, climate change, terrorism and regional connectivity which are significant aspects for India. RIC allows for cooperation in areas where the mutual interests converge.

Given the geopolitical transition underway, the RIC grouping could have an important role to play in the efforts to renew and rebuild the international organizations.

Together, the RIC countries occupy over 19% of the global landmass and contribute to over 33% of global GDP. This brings to light the economic

heft of the grouping. RIC could provide a platform for the resolution of differences between the

member nations through dialogue. Russia could act as a bridge between India and China since it enjoys strong relations with both.


Given India’s initiatives in groups like the JAI (Japan, the U.S. and India) and the Quad, continued engagement with RIC would allow India to

ensure strategic balance in its relations.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

India is part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes Russia, China and four other Central Asian countries. China and Russia are the driving forces behind the SCO.

Central Asia is strategically located and borders India’s turbulent neighbourhood. Pakistan’s membership of SCO and the potential admission of Iran and Afghanistan as member states would heighten the significance of the SCO for India.

India could leverage its membership in the association to build its strategic

depth in the region.

Relationship with Russia:

The defence and energy partnership of India with Russia remain critical. Access to Russia’s abundant natural resources can enhance India’s materials security.

The ongoing India-Iran-Russia project for a sea/road/rail link from western India through Iran to Afghanistan and Central Asia would help achieve an effective Indian presence in Central Asia, alongside Russia and China.

Growing Chinese influence in the region is testing the Russia-China ties. Association with Russia will provide India with the leverage to shape the Russia-China dynamics and also help dilute the Russia-China

duopoly.

Relationship with China:

China is a dominant player in global affairs and is poised to evolve as a global superpower.

China continues to account for a major proportion of the global manufacturing and Indian sectors like automobile and pharmaceuticals continue to remain dependent on Chinese imports.

With China sharing a long land boundary with India, good relations with China will help India avoid the threat of a two-front war and focus on the economy.


Way forward:

Deepening relations with Russia:

India should focus on economic links with the Russian Far East and activation of the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor. This will help India persuade Russia that its interests in the Pacific are compatible with India’s interest in diluting Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific.

India could try to use Russia, considered an ally of the Chinese, to counter the Chinese. Relationship with Russia can act as an important aspect of India’s counter China policy.

Engaging China:

Though the increasing assertiveness of the Chinese should accelerate India’s efforts to bridge the bilateral asymmetries, disengagement is not the ideal way forward.

There is a need to keep options open to work bilaterally and

multilaterally with China on important issues, even while firmly protecting India’s interests on the border and the economy.

Ensuring autonomy of action:

India has traditionally avoided taking sides in international politics, especially between the great powers, preferring its traditional

nonalignment policy. Despite China’s hostile behaviour and the growing potential of a U.S.-

India relationship, India is well advised to retain autonomy in its policies. India’s partnership with the U.S., though necessary, will not be a silver bullet to India’s security challenges.

India’s foreign policy should be guided by the time-tested principle of

non-alignment while responding to the evolving situation.

52. WTO to set up dispute panels against India

Context:

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has accepted the request of Chinese Taipei and Japan for setting up panels in an ICT tariff case against India.

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Background:

The three panels have been set up to decide on New Delhi’s move to levy 10% customs duty on mobile phones and some other ICT products for the first time in July 2017 which it increased to 15% that year.

The duties were further increased to 20% despite opposition from a number of WTO members.

India has stated that these ICT products are part of WTO’s Information Technology Products (ITA-2) agreement, and New Delhi is not part of this pact.

o India is a part of ITA-1, signed in 1997. The EU, US, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Thailand initiated

consultations with India on the matter claiming that the move substantially affects them.

Details:

Earlier, India had blocked the first request of these two countries for setting up a dispute settlement panel at the WTO. According to the trade dispute norms of WTO, if a request comes for the second time, the panel is formed.

The panels would determine whether India’s customs duties on imports of

certain information and communications technology (ICT) products infringe WTO norms or not.

The number of panels against India’s import duties on ICT goods now stands at three.

o The first panel was set up on EU’s requests. EU, Japan and Taiwan want a single panel citing similar disputes. However,

India has refused a single panel stating that there are vast differences in complaints.

Losing the disputes would make China the main beneficiary as India imported $15.7 billion of electronics, telecom equipment and computer hardware from that country in FY20.

53.Protesting is a fundamental right: UN

Context:

A UN committee has reaffirmed that protesting peacefully, online or in person, is a fundamental human right.

Details:

The independent experts on the Human Rights Committee published a fresh interpretation of the right of peaceful assembly.


It offers comprehensive legal guidance about where and how it applies and also outlines governments’ obligations.

The committee is tasked with monitoring how countries implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which under Article 21 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.

The experts have opined that the right to protest peacefully is the foundation of a democratic society and that everyone, including children, foreign nationals, women, migrant workers, asylum-seekers and refugees, can exercise the right.

54. NEP focus: leave no child behind, bridge digital divide

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the new National Education Policy.

Details:

This is the first new education policy in 34 years. A panel headed by former ISRO chief K. Kasturirangan submitted a draft in

December 2018, which was made public and opened for feedback in May 2019. The policy draft has been approved. The Ministry of Human Resource and

Development has been renamed as Education Ministry.

Key Highlights:


Replacing 10+2 structure of school curricula with a 5+3+3+4 format:

The 10+2 system will be divided into 5+3+3+4 format. This means the first five years of school will comprise of the foundation stage.

The next three years will be divided into a preparatory stage from classes 3 to 5.

Later, there will be three years of middle stage (classes 6 to 8), and four years of secondary stage (classes 9 to 12).

Schools will not have any rigid formation of streams of arts, commerce, science, etc. and students can take up whichever courses they want.

A new curricular framework is to be introduced, including the pre-school and Anganwadi years.

A National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will ensure basic skills at the Class 3 level by 2025.

Students will begin classes on coding as well as vocational activities from Class 6 onwards.

Indian knowledge systems, including tribal and indigenous knowledge, will be incorporated into the curriculum in an accurate and scientific manner.

Language issues:


Language issues caused the most outrage, as the original draft called for mandatory teaching of Hindi to all school students. That clause was subsequently dropped.

There will be greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State. The three languages learned by children will be the choices of States, regions, and students.

Sanskrit will be offered as an option at all levels of school and higher education. Other classical languages will also be available, possibly as online modules,

while foreign languages will be offered at the secondary level. The medium of instruction till at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and

beyond will be in Home Language/Mother tongue/Regional Language.

Inclusive Education:

Inclusion is a theme of the Policy beyond technology as well.

As per the Ministry, under NEP, efforts will be made to incentivise the merit of students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and other SEDGs.

Private Higher Educational Institutions will be encouraged to offer larger numbers of scholarships to their students.

The National Scholarship Portal will be expanded to support, foster, and track the progress of students receiving scholarships.

Regions such as aspirational districts, which have large numbers of students facing economic, social or caste barriers will be designated as ‘Special Educational Zones’.

Special funds have been earmarked for special education. The NEP emphasises universal access to schools, and aims to bring two crore

out-of-school children back into the educational mainstream. It also aims to double the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including

vocational education, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035.

Gender Inclusion Fund

The Centre will also set up a ‘Gender-Inclusion Fund’ to build the country’s capacity to provide equitable quality education to all girls and transgender students.

The fund will be available to States to implement priorities determined by the Central government critical for assisting female and transgender children in gaining access to education.

Multi-disciplinary approach:

Standalone Higher Education Institutes and professional education institutes will be evolved into multi-disciplinary institutes.


By 2049, all higher education institutions (HEIs) should aim to become multidisciplinary institutions, each of which will aim to have 3,000 or more students, as per the data shared by MHRD.

Further, by 2030, the aim is to set up at least one large multidisciplinary HEI in or near every district.

Exit options in degree courses:

The undergraduate degree, which is of 3 to 4-year duration will have multiple exit options.

o After completing one year, if a student decides to drop out, s/he will get a certificate in a discipline or field including vocational and professional areas.

o On dropping out after two and three years, students will get a diploma and a Bachelor’s degree, respectively.

o The four-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s program, however, will be the preferred option and will give a degree with research if a student has pursued a project along with it.

M.Phil. degree would be abolished. It would establish a common higher education regulator with fee fixation for

both private and public institutions.

Academic Bank of Credit:

The ABC will digitally store the academic credits earned from various recognized HEIs so that the degrees from an HEI can be awarded taking into

account credits earned. Currently, a similar programme is being run where a student can opt for a course

related to their degree on SWAYAM – online portal by the government, and credits associated with that course will be given to the student and help in their assessment for their degree course also.

Teacher Education:

By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a four-year integrated B.Ed degree.

Technology in Education:

The policy has proposed the setting up of a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration, etc., for both school and higher education.


A dedicated unit for the purpose of creating digital infrastructure, digital content and capacity building will be set up in the ministry.

55. China conducts drills in South China Sea

Context:

Despite growing tensions in the contested waters of the South China Sea, Beijing recently conducted high-intensity naval exercises there.

Details:

China is locked in disputes with neighbours including India, Japan and Vietnam.

China’s expanding military presence in the region has worried several of its neighbours.

It has infuriated other nations by building artificial islands with military installations in parts of the sea.

Global Reaction:

The U.S. declared Beijing’s claims to most of the sea illegal, ramping up support for Southeast Asian nations with claims to parts of it.

It has vowed to stand up against Beijing’s territorial claims to much of the South China Sea, including the contested Paracel Islands.

The U.S. regularly conducts so-called “freedom of navigation operations” in the South China Sea in order to stand up to Beijing.

Australia has also rejected Beijing’s territorial and maritime claims in the sea, saying there was no legal basis for several of China’s claims.

56. ‘Why no Parliament debate on NEP?’

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the new National Education Policy. While the New National Education policy has been largely welcomed, concerns have been raised for not having presented it before the Parliament for discussion before approval.

Challenges:


It has been opined that the challenge of revising the 1986 policy is to ensure aspiration is matched by implementation.

Education being a concurrent subject and most of the states having their own school boards, state governments would have to be brought on board for effective implementation of the policy.

Critics point out that the goal of a 50% gross enrolment ratio in higher education and 100% in secondary school education could be tough since it is currently 25.8% in higher education & 68% in Class 9.

It is pointed out that more tangible and realisable targets should have been set for research.

o Total investment on research and innovation in India declined from 0.84% of GDP in 2008 to 0.6% in 2018.

o There are currently only 15 researchers in India per 100,000 of the population, compared with 111 in China.

Concerns are being raised as the policy is silent about the upgrade of school infrastructure and shortage of qualified and trained teachers.

o Placing the burden of pre-primary education on the overstretched, under-funded and under-equipped anganwadis could prove to be

disastrous.

GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology,Environment

1. Reforming India’s digital policy

Context:

The author analyzes the impending reform measures under consideration

in the digital services sector in India.

Background:

Pandemic crisis:

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic drops in economic growth rates globally and the competition for foreign investment is intensifying, spurred on by national campaigns to shift supply chains.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is falling. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in its latest World Investment

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Report, has projected that FDI to developing Asian economies could drop by as much as 45%.

Details:

One sector that is expected to buck the recessionary trend is digital services.

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in digital

services continue to flow at record levels globally, outpacing investment in nearly every other sector.

Significance of digital services:

The recent experience during the pandemic has made it clear that digital services have become critical to every 21st century economy. Digital

services are filling gaps left by the traditional modes of commerce during the global crisis.

Digital services enable access to and delivery of a wide array of products across multiple sectors, from healthcare to retail distribution to financial services.

India is an ideal destination for increased FDI flows in the digital services sector given its huge and increasingly digitised population and the potential for innovative start-ups

Reforms in India:

Currently, there are three pending reform measures under consideration that are likely to affect India’s growth trajectory in digital services for years to come — the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), the e-commerce policy, and the Information Technology Act Amendments.

The policy would have to delicately balance the following aspects: o Protecting the domestic market for domestic companies while

encouraging FDI into India. o Prioritising government access to data while promoting data

privacy. o It should promote innovation through increased competition and

create an environment that is friendly towards start-ups.

India-US relation:


The India-US bilateral relationship is an important factor in realising the potential for greater trade and investment in digital services.

India and the U.S. are yet to conclude negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement that could address some digital services issues, and the U.S. just initiated a “Section 301” review of whether digital services taxes in 10 countries constitute “unfair” trade measures, including India’s

equalisation levy.

Conclusion:

Indian government policies will be key determinants to attract new investment, foster Indian innovation, and expand its exporting prowess

and cement India’s position as a global leader in information technology.

2. Why have Indian Railways opened doors for private players? Indian Railways has launched the process of opening up train operations to private entities on 109 origin-destination (OD) pairs of routes using 151 modern trains

Why such a move?

From a passenger perspective, there is a need for more train services, particularly between big cities.

The Railway Board says five crore intending passengers could not be accommodated during 2019-20 for want of capacity, and there was 13.3% travel demand in excess of supply during summer and festival seasons.

Moving the paralyzed system

The Railway Board has moved ahead with a long-pending plan, setting a

tentative schedule for private train operations, expected to begin in 2023 and in 12 clusters.

At present, scheduled passenger train services remain paralyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and various railways have been running only specials such as those for workers.

What is the background of the decision?

The present bid is only for a fraction of the total train operations — 5% of the 2,800 Mail and Express services operated by Indian Railways.

The overall objective, however, is to introduce a new train travel experience for

passengers who are used to travelling by aircraft and air-conditioned buses.


Without an expansion, and with the growth of road travel, the share of the Railways would steadily decline in the coming years.

Bibek Debroy Committee Recommendations

Several committees have gone into the expansion and the modernization of Indian Railways.

In 2015, the expert panel chaired by Bibek Debroy constituted by the Ministry of Railways a year earlier, recommended that the way forward for the railways was “liberalisation and not privatization”.

It asked for entry of new operators “to encourage growth and improve services.” It also made it clear that a regulatory mechanism was a prerequisite to promote

healthy competition and protect the interests of all stakeholders.

Why is the move significant for Indian Railways?

For the Railways, one of the largest organisations in the country, operating not just trains for passengers and freight, but also social institutions such as hospitals and schools represents a radical change.

It was estimated that a one rupee push in the railway sector would have a forward linkage effect of increasing output in other sectors by ₹2.50.

Train services operated by Indian Railways cover several classes of passengers, meeting the social service obligation to connect remote locations, and adopting the philosophy of cross-subsidy.

In more recent years, it has focused on revenue generation through dynamic demand-based pricing.

Private players will be game-changers

Private operators are not expected to shoulder the burden of universal service norms, and will focus on revenue.

Even the first IRCTC-run trains have a higher cost of travel between Lucknow and Delhi than a Shatabdi train on the same route that almost matches it for speed.

So private operators would have to raise the level of their offering even higher, to justify higher fares, and attract a segment of the population that is ready to pay for this difference.

The government would have to explain that it has monetized its expensive fixed assets such as track, signalling and stations adequately for the taxpayer, who has paid for them.


Challenges ahead

Several critical issues remain unaddressed. For one, there will be questions over

the financial viability of some routes. Railways also tend to cross-subsidise passenger fares through freight revenue. This translates to below-cost pricing, which will make it difficult for private

players to compete. On the other hand, higher fares needed to cover costs might bring them in direct

competition with airlines, pricing them out of the market.

3. Rise in Food Grain Offtake by States

Why in News

The food grain procurement by states has risen sharply due to relief measures being implemented in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The total amount of rice utilised by the States and Union Territories (UTs) from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Centre’s various schemes is

192.34 lakh tonnes in 2020 as compared to 90.71 lakh tonnes in 2019.

Key Points

Reasons: o Increased Entitlements:

After the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was announced that Priority Household (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana

(AAY) cardholders in the country would receive free entitlement

of 5 kg per person per month, initially for three months (April to June) and now extended up to November 2020.

This was in addition to their entitlement under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.

The Centre has also announced a scheme for providing wheat and rice to ration cardholders not covered under the NFSA or Non-

Priority Household (NPHH) cardholders at the rate of Rs. 21 per kg and Rs. 22 per kg respectively.

o This has been used by Tamil Nadu to provide additional entitlement of rice to about 85.99 lakh such cardholders.

Needs of Migrants Labourers: Aimed at addressing the requirements of migrant

labourers who were not covered under the NFSA or any scheme of the States, the central government announced one more scheme i.e. distribution of free food grains at 5 kg per person per month for May and June. Related Data:


The data by FCI has revealed that the seven States i.e. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka availed over 60% of the total quantity of rice during the pandemic. As for wheat, the rate of increase in offtake was not so high (around 30%). Compared to 59.45 lakh tonnes lifted in the three months of 2019, it was 78.16 lakh tonnes in 2020. Rajasthan had drawn the highest quantity of 14.84 lakh tonnes of wheat followed by Uttar Pradesh which has drawn14.01 lakh tonnes.

National Food Security Act

The enactment of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) on 5th July 2013 marks a paradigm shift in the approach to food security from welfare to a rights based approach.

The Act legally entitled upto 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban

population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public

Distribution System. Under it, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY - launched in 2000) households,

which constitute the poorest of the poor, continue to receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per household per month.

Households having Priority Households (PHH) ration cards are issued 8 kgs i.e.

5 and 3 Kgs of rice monthly per beneficiaries at the rate of Rs.3 and Rs.15 respectively.

o 5 kgs is Central Scheme under National Security Act-2013 and 3 kgs is the state scheme.

o It targets the poor and vulnerable sections of the society such as landless

laborers, marginal farmers and wage earners of the informal sections of the economy.

4. Bid to turn Shivalik forest into tiger reserve

Context:

The Saharanpur Divisional Commissioner has sent a proposal to the Uttar Pradesh Government to declare the Shivalik forest in the Saharanpur circle a tiger reserve.

Details:

The forest constitutes the northern tip of the State, located at the foothills of the Shivalik range, connects four States — Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

o It is believed that it will facilitate safe movement of tigers and also reduce the man-animal conflict.


As the Uttarakhand Government is proposing to relocate tigers from Corbett to Motichur range of the Rajaji National Park, it is believed that the Shivalik forests in Saharanpur would be suitable for their movement.

Note:

If accepted, it would be the fourth tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh. The three tiger reserves in Uttar Pradesh are Amangarh in Bijnor, Pilibhit and

Dudhwa in Lakhimpur-Kheri.

5. MoD approves 33 new fighter jets in deals worth 38,900 cr.

Context:

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by the Defence Minister has approved deals worth 38,900 crore.

Details:

These include procurement of 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), upgrade of 59 MiG-29s and acquirement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft.

o MiG-29 procurement and upgrade from Russia is estimated to cost ₹7,418 crore.

o Su-30 MKI will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Other deals include Pinaka ammunition, armoured vehicle BMP armament

upgrades and Software Defined Radio for the Army, Long Range Land Attack Missile Systems of over 1,000 km range and Astra Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles for the Navy and the IAF.

o All of these would be procured domestically and are worth an estimated ₹31,130 crore.

Another deal for 83 Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A, estimated to cost ₹38,000 crore, is expected to be signed in the next two months.

Significance:

Approvals come a week after the Defence Minister’s visit to Moscow for the Victory Day Parade.

It is an indication that India and Russia are cooperating more closely on strategic

ties as a result of the tension with China along the LAC. Russia has assured India of all its requirements of defence supplies in the near

future.


6. Core’s contraction

Context:

The Commerce Ministry’s provisional figures for the core sector for May 2020.

Details:

The Commerce Ministry’s provisional figures show that the output in the eight

core industries has had an overall contraction for a third straight month in May. Seven core sectors have witnessed declines in production compared with a year earlier, with six sectors witnessing double-digit drops.

o Steel and cement were the worst hit, as construction activity and infrastructure projects remained mostly stalled.

o Refinery products, with the largest weight in the index contributing 28%, contracted as the curbs on vehicular movement stymied demand for automobile fuels.

o Crude oil and natural gas continued their slide adding to the problems dogging India’s hydrocarbon exploration and production industry.

o Coal production also fell as the lack of demand for electricity from the nation’s factories depressed power production as well as the need for the key thermal plant fuel.

o The output of electricity though contracted, it improved its performance from April aided by the partial easing of restrictions and peak summer consumption by households.

o The fertilizer industry has registered a production rise of 7.5% reversing the slump seen in the preceding two months and signalling robust activity in the agricultural sector at the start of the Kharif season.

Agricultural sector:

A promising and early start to this year’s monsoon bodes well for the crucial farm income-dependent rural economy.

With the pandemic and the lockdown having sent lakhs of people back to their rural homes from jobs in the cities, a strong uptick in economic activity across the hinterland is significant.

The above-average quantity and improved spatial distribution of rainfall in

June have spurred a sharp jump in Kharif sowing, with the area sown more than doubling compared with a year earlier.

Challenges:

As in other years, a lot will depend upon the monsoon staying its course.

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Also, there is a danger to the farm sector, especially in western, central and

northern India this year from locust swarms. o The Food and Agriculture Organization had in its recent update warned

that India would need to remain on high alert through July for the possible arrival of swarms from northern Africa.

7. Increasing E-waste

Why in News

According to a recent United Nations University (UNU) report, global e-waste will increase by 38% in the decade between 2020 and 2030.

UNU is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation

headquartered in Japan. o UNU’s mission is to resolve the pressing global problems of human

survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the

United Nations, its peoples and the member states.

E-Waste

E-Waste is short for Electronic-Waste and the term used to describe old, end-of-life or discarded electronic appliances.

It is categorised into 21 types under two broad categories: o Information technology and communication equipment. o Consumer electrical and electronics.

E-waste includes their components, consumables, parts and spares.

Key Points

Data Analysis of 2019: o There was 53.6 million tonnes (MT) e-waste in 2019, which is a

nearly 21% increase in just five years. o Asia generated the greatest volume (around 24.9 MT) followed by

the Americas (13.1 MT) and Europe (12 MT). Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 MT and 0.7 MT respectively.

o Most E-waste consisted of small and large equipment like screens and monitors, lamps, telecommunication equipment etc and temperature exchange equipment.

o Less than 18% of the e-waste generated in 2019 was collected and

recycled.

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E-waste consisting of gold, silver, copper, platinum and other high-value, recoverable materials worth at least USD 57 billion was mostly dumped or burned rather than being collected for treatment and reuse.

o The number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste

policy, legislation or regulation has increased from 61 to 78 and includes India.

It is far from the target set by the International

Telecommunication Union to raise the percentage of countries with e-waste legislation to 50%.

Concerns: o Toxicity: E-waste consists of toxic elements such as Lead, Mercury,

Cadmium, Chromium, Polybrominated biphenyls and Polybrominated diphenyl.

o Effects on Humans: Some of the major health effects include serious illnesses such as lung cancer, respiratory problems, bronchitis, brain damages, etc due to inhalation of toxic fumes, exposure to heavy metals and alike.

o Effects on Environment: E-waste is an environmental hazard causing groundwater pollution, acidification of soil and contamination of groundwater and air pollution due to the burning

of plastic and other remnants.

E-waste in India

Structured management of e-waste in India is mandated under the E-

Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Some of the salient features of the rules include e-waste classification,

extended producer responsibility (EPR), collection targets and restrictions on import of e-waste containing hazardous materials.

There are 312 authorised recyclers of e-waste in India, with the capacity for treating approximately 800 kilo tons annually. However, formal recycling

capacity remains underutilised because over 90% of the e-waste is still handled by the informal sector.

Almost over a million people in India are involved in manual recycling

operations. Workers are not registered so it is hard to track the issues of employment such as workers’ rights, remunerations, safety measures, etc.

Labourers are from the vulnerable sections of the society and lack any

form of bargaining power and are not aware of their rights. This has a

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serious impact on the environment since none of the procedures is followed by workers or local dealers.

Way Forward

It is needed to come up with a strategy to engage with informal sector workers because doing so will not only go a long way in better e-waste management practices but also aid in environmental protection, improve the health and working conditions of labourers and provide better work opportunities to over a million people.

This will make management environmentally sustainable and easy to monitor.

The need of the hour is to generate employment, which can be done through identifying and promoting cooperatives and expanding the scope of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 to these cooperatives or the informal sector workers.

Effective implementation of regulations is the way ahead to managing the e-waste that is yet to be regulated in at least 115 countries.

8. Detecting RNA virus in saliva samples using Raman spectroscopy

Context:

Use of Raman Spectroscopy for virus analysis.

Background:

Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase, crystallinity and molecular interactions. It is based upon the interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material.

Details:

The Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre has been trying to use Raman

Spectroscopy to detect RNA viruses present in saliva samples. It aims to analyse non-infectious RNA viruses using conventional Raman Spectroscopy without using any additional reagent to enhance the signal.

This tool, the first of its kind, takes raw data from a Raman Spectrometer analysis based on the 65-spectra signature and provides an objective output if viral RNA is present or absent in the sample.


Since the tool can only identify RNA viruses and not identify the specific one, it can be used only for screening.

Significance:

This conceptual framework to detect RNA viruses in saliva could form the basis for field application of Raman Spectroscopy in managing viral outbreaks, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A portable Raman spectrophotometer installed at the port of entry such as airports or any point of care can screen passengers within minutes.

The advantage is that the tool can be taken to the field and people who test positive for RNA virus can be quarantined while another sample may be sent for validation using RT-PCR.

9. Before the next health crisis

Context:

The article analyzes the inter-relation between health disasters and air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions causing global warming.

Background:

Lockdown effect:

The lockdown has had a positive impact on air pollution levels and GHG emissions.

o In Europe, 11,000 air-pollution related deaths were estimated to have been averted since the start of lockdowns.

However, despite the plunge during the lockdown, atmospheric carbon emissions are a record high because of past accumulation and the respite from the air pollution that blankets Indian cities is only but transitory.

Details:

The article claims that apart from the current pandemic, there are two impending dangers to people’s health — air pollution and greenhouse gases — and a weak public health system.

Issue of air pollution:

Globally, some 9 million premature deaths a year are associated with air

pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5.

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Recent experience seems indicative of the association between pollution levels

in cities and COVID-19 infections and death rates, a link observed in New York City and the northern provinces of Italy. Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, in the top tier of pollution concentration, have also seen high deaths and infections per thousand people.

14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India.

Issue of GHG emissions:

GHGs, like carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming also have a damaging impact on human health.

There have been studies indicating the link between communicable diseases and global warming.

o Mosquito-borne diseases in India have been connected to global warming through both increased rainfall and heatwaves. Europe reported its first local transmissions of dengue in 2010.

Global warming intensifies heat waves and worsens respiratory illnesses. India has been ranked as the world’s fifth most vulnerable country to climate

change.

Issue of public health system:

The government spending on health in India is 1.6% of GDP, which is low for a lower middle-income country.

Given the weak state of affairs of the public health system, India fails the test of readiness for health disasters, according to the 2019 Global Health Security Index.

Way forward:

Emission reduction:

There is an urgent need to confront air pollution and global warming. Big cities like Delhi need to deal with transport which is responsible for two-fifth

of the PM 2.5 emissions. Reforms should encourage public transportation in place of private vehicles by

providing inter-connectivity between the metro and buses. Reforms should also focus on expanding electric vehicles.

Strengthening public health system:

In managing health risks, emission reduction should be coupled with a stronger public health system.


o Kerala and Tamil Nadu have recorded lower COVID-19 mortality rates because of the good healthcare systems in place in these states.

There is a need for higher budgetary allocation to the critical health sector along with a dominant state presence in the sector.

A preventive health care approach, along with a decentralized approach, should be a policy priority for the administration.

Re-orienting development approaches:

India should avoid the scramble to return to the traditional ways of boosting short-term growth at the cost of environmental degradation and should capitalise on the increasing interest towards a more sustainable development

model. This approach would not only lead to a cleaner world but would also lead to a healthier world.

o Spending on reducing air pollution and GHGs provides estimated health

benefits of 1.4 to 2.5 times more than the cost of the actions.

10. ‘Negligence to blame for styrene leak’

Context:

The high-power committee (HPC) formed by the government to investigate the styrene vapour leak at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam submitted its 4000-page report to the Chief Minister.

It stated that human negligence and serious lapses in safety and security led to the accident.

Background:

A gas leak in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh had claimed at least 11 lives and affected thousands of residents in five villages. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South Korean electronics giant LG.

Key findings of the report:

The panel found fault with the management for the lack of proper safety response preparedness at the plant.

Poor design of the storage tank, inadequate refrigeration and faulty cooling system, absence of circulation and mixing systems, inadequate measures and parameters, poor safety protocol and inadequate safety awareness were found to be the reasons that led to the accident.

Inadequate risk assessment response, poor process safety management system and insufficient knowledge among staff about the chemical properties of styrene during storage conditions were also highlighted.


The company had failed in activating the emergency siren system and did not keep sufficient stock of inhibitors, other terminating chemicals to control the runaway reaction.

The report also noted that the protocols pertaining to emergency response and safety were not followed by the authorities during the lockdown period.

11.In stand-off, keeping an eye on the nuclear ball

Context:

India-China tensions along the LAC.

Background:

There is growing evidence that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been expanding its nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities.

Nuclear weapons:

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) observes that China’s nuclear arsenal has risen from 290 warheads in 2019 to 320 warheads in 2020.

o Though the increase might not seem large relative to the size of the nuclear arsenal of the U.S. and Russia, it indicates a gradual shift toward a larger arsenal. Even as the U.S. and Russia are attempting to reduce the size of their respective arsenals, China is in an expansionist mode.

China also possesses a sizeable inventory of fissile material. According to the International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM), China is estimated to possess 2.9+-0.6 metric tonnes of Weapons-grade Plutonium (WGP) compared to India’s 0.6+-0.15 tonnes of WGP.

China’s Lop Nur has been the site of Chinese sub-critical testing since China adopted a moratorium on hot testing in 1996. China has been able to miniaturise warheads and develop new designs that have been progressively integrated into its nuclear arsenal.

Missile modernization:

The Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) fields a range of Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) and Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs).

China is arming its missiles with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry

Vehicles (MIRVs) capabilities to neutralise the multi-layered missile defence capabilities of the United States.

China’s DF-31As, which are road mobile Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), are equipped with MIRVs and potent penetration aids.


Details:

China’s nuclear modernisation and diversified nuclear capabilities present India with challenges.

Nuclear upper hand:

On a comparison based on nuclear capabilities, China has an upper hand over India. China has a higher number of nuclear warheads and a higher amount of Weapons-grade Plutonium.

China’s Missile force:

India also needs to take into consideration the PLARF’s land-based missile forces.

o China is believed to base a part of its nuclear arsenal in inland territories such as in the Far-Western Xinjiang Region, which is close to Aksai Chin.

o China’s land-based missiles are primarily road mobile and could play a key role in any larger conventional offensive the PLA might mount against Indian forces along the LAC. Their mobility gives them a high

degree of survivability. o Korla in Xinjiang is believed to host DF-26 IRBMs with a range of 4,000

kilometres, which can potentially strike targets across most of India. The DF-26 IRBMs can be armed with either a conventional or nuclear warhead.

The Pakistan factor:

India has to contend with a nuclear-armed Pakistan as well. The Indian nuclear arsenal, according to the SIPRI, stands at roughly 150 nuclear

warheads while Pakistan has 160 warheads.

Instrument of coercion:

This development would also have implications for the conventional military

escalation along the China-India boundary. The conventional military balance between Indian and Chinese forces along the

Line of Actual Control (LAC) presents significant challenges for Indian decision-makers. The variegated and highly sophisticated nature of Chinese nuclear capabilities relative to India could give China considerable coercive leverage. China could commit further aggression under the cover of its nuclear arsenal.

Way forward:


In the conventional escalation along the LAC, India cannot afford to ignore China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. India needs to factor in the role of nuclear weapons and their impact on military operations executed by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Short term measures:

India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) needs to be on a heightened state of alert to ward off Chinese nuclear threats as well as be prepared to support India’s conventional forces.

o The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), also referred to as the Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.

Long term measures:

India should start assessing its extant nuclear doctrine and redouble efforts to get a robust triadic nuclear capability for deterrence.

o The basic principle of India’s nuclear doctrine of 2003 is “No First

Use”. According to this policy, nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on the Indian Territory or on Indian forces anywhere.

o A nuclear triad consists of land-launched nuclear missiles, nuclear-missile-armed submarines and strategic aircraft with nuclear bombs and

missiles. The purpose of having this three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation’s nuclear forces in a first-strike attack, ensuring a credible threat of

a retaliatory strike, and thus increasing a nation’s nuclear deterrence.

12. ‘Centre won’t extend deadline for levy on foreign e-com firms’

Context:

The government has made it clear that it is not considering extending the deadline for payment of Equalisation Levy by non-resident e-commerce players, even though a majority of them are yet to deposit the first installment of the tax.

Details:


The 2% equalisation levy was introduced in the 2020-21 Budget and came into effect from April 1, 2020.

The ‘equalisation tax’ is designed to provide a level playing field for resident marketplaces or providers who are subject to Indian income taxes.

Providers subject to the tax obligations include non-resident who owns, operates, or manages a digital or electronic facility or platform for online sales of goods, online provision of services, or both.

The provider is liable to the tax if they are providing their own goods or service, and if facilitating the sales on their electronic platforms of other sellers.

The tax applies to e-commerce transactions on websites such as Amazon.com. Google in particular has been worried as the tax applies to advertising revenue earned overseas if those ads target customers in India.

The levy is seen as aimed at taxing foreign companies which have a significant local client base in India but were billing them through their offshore units, effectively escaping the country’s tax system.

As per law, late-payment would attract interest at the rate of 1% per month or part of the month. Non-payment could result in a penalty equal to the amount of equalisation levy, along with interest.

Issues:

Tax experts point out that there are practical difficulties in getting PAN and many companies are not paying the equalisation levy as there is still considerable confusion and lack of clarity on the applicability of the same.

o It is believed that the requirement of having a PAN and an Indian bank account could cause administrative delays in remittance by non-residents.

The levy has several issues that primarily include very wide coverage (even non-e-commerce companies could be covered), lack of clarity on how consideration needs to be determined especially in cases where the income is minuscule compared to the transactions facilitated by the non-resident e-commerce operators.

Even transactions between non-residents are covered and this according to tax experts would be an extraterritorial overreach along with practical difficulty in implementation.

13.Equalisation Levy for Non-Resident E-Commerce Firms


Why in News

Recently, the Central government has stated that it will not extend the deadline for

payment of equalisation levy by non-resident e-commerce players, even though a majority of them are yet to deposit the first installment of the tax.

The equalization levy is aimed at taxing foreign companies which have a significant local client base in India but are billing them through their offshore

units, effectively escaping the country’s tax system. The step has come in the backdrop of the United States Trade Representative

(USTR) investigations into taxes adopted or under consideration by 10 nations,

including India, on revenues of American digital service companies like Netflix, Airbnb etc.

Key Points

Background for Equalization Levy: o Equalisation levy at 6% has been in force since 2016 on payment

exceeding Rs 1 lakh a year to a non-resident service provider for online advertisements.

It is now applicable for e-commerce companies that are sourcing revenue from Indian customers without having tangible presence here in the country.

o The amendments to the Finance Act, 2020 had expanded the ambit of the equalisation levy for non-resident e-commerce operators involved in supply of services, including online sale of goods and provision of services, with the levy at the rate of 2% effective April 1, 2020.

The tax applies on e-commerce transactions on websites such as

Amazon.com. Google in particular as the tax applies on advertising revenue earned overseas if those ads target customers in India.

Changes in Challan ITNS 285: o The income tax department has modified challan ITNS 285 (relating to

payment of equalisation levy) to enable payment of the first installment by non-resident e-commerce operators.

o The challan also seeks mandatory PAN and provides for ‘Outside India’ option while seeking address.

Penalties Involved: o The non-payment could result in a penalty equal to the amount of

equalisation levy, along with interest. o The late-payment would attract interest at the rate of 1% per month or

part of the month.


Way Forward

As India is racing towards becoming a digital giant and should be negotiated to avoid

any hurdles in its implementation. Further, there needs to be international consensus on taxation on a digital economy.

14.Species in news: Golden Birdwing

A Himalayan butterfly named golden birdwing is now India’s largest recorded butterfly.

Golden Birdwing

A Himalayan butterfly named golden birdwing is now India’s largest, a record the southern birdwing held for 88 years.

The male golden birdwing is much smaller at 106 mm. With a wingspan of 194 mm, the female of the species is marginally larger than

the southern birdwing (190 mm) that Brigadier William Harry Evans, a British military officer and lepidopterist, recorded in 1932.

It was an individual of the southern birdwing which was then treated as a subspecies of the common birdwing.


Other butterflies in news

The Malabar Banded Peacock or the Buddha Mayoori which was recently

declared the ‘State Butterfly’ of Kerala will have a dedicated butterfly park in Kochi.

Tamil Nadu has also recently declared Tamil Yeoman (Cirrochroa Thais)as its state butterfly to symbolise its rich natural and cultural heritage, in a move aimed at boosting the conservation efforts of the attractive insects.

Other states to have state butterflies are Maharashtra (Blue Mormon),

Uttarakhand (Common peacock), Karnataka (Southern birdwings).

15. Green-lighting ecological decimation amidst a pandemic

Context:

The article discusses the threat posed by ecological degradation and evaluates the current condition in India.

Background:

Link between development and pandemic:

The 21st century has seen multiple lethal epidemics though only two were serious enough for the World Health Organization to designate as pandemics.

The accelerating destruction of wild habitats, forests for urbanization, mining, and industry means pathogens that were once largely confined to animals and

plants in the wild are capable of infecting humans. The expansion of monoculture cropping and livestock farming systems are

eliminating the biodiversity and distance barriers that lent resilience to the human species and domesticated plants and animals.

A virulent pathogen would be able to trigger an epidemic that much more easily under such circumstances. Unless this unsustainable approach is abandoned the world will continue to remain vulnerable to pandemic outbreaks.

Concerns:

The article notes that India’s vulnerabilities lie not just in the absence of equitable access to food, healthcare and housing but also are linked to the adopted development model that neglects environmental degradation for limitless economic growth and wealth accumulation.

Environmental clearance for projects:

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Through the lockdown, ‘expert’ bodies of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) have considered, and in many cases cleared, multiple industrial, mining and infrastructure proposals in critical wildlife habitats, and life and livelihood-sustaining forests.

Some of the major projects include: o Etalin Hydropower Project in the biodiversity-rich Dibang valley of

Arunachal Pradesh o A coal mine in Assam’s Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. o Diamond mining in the Panna forested belt o Coal mine and coal-fired power plant in Odisha’s Talabira forests o Limestone mine in the Gir National Park o Geo-technical investigation in the Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque

Sanctuary in Karnataka The authorities have considered these projects via video-conferencing in

contravention of environmental laws, and without all necessary documents or site inspections.

Draft Environment Impact Assessment notification:

The recently released draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification has raised serious concerns among environmentalists.

o As per the draft, starting a project before obtaining environmental approvals will no longer be a violation, and it can be regularised post-facto.

o Despite the fact that public hearings remain the only opportunity of voice for project-affected peoples and environmental and social experts, public consultations are often ignored while awarding clearances. Instead of strengthening public hearing provision, the draft notification proposes to exempt a wider range of projects from hearings, including those which authorities can arbitrarily designate as ‘strategic’ for which clearance can be given without putting out any information in the public domain.

o Despite demands from environmentalists, the draft notification says virtually nothing on improving monitoring, and compliance with clearance conditions and safeguards.

Conclusion:

The sum effect of all the above developments will lead to further environmental degradation, which will not only endanger habitats and lives but also intensify our vulnerability to infectious diseases and related socio-economic shocks.

There is a need for a steadfast commitment to a sustainable development approach.


16. Lithium Nucleosynthesis in Stars

A forty-year-old puzzle regarding the production of lithium in stars has been solved by Indian researchers.

Lithium nucleosynthesis in Stars

Stars, as per known mechanisms of evolution, actually destroy lithium as they evolve into red giants.

Planets were known to have more lithium than their stars — as is the case with the Earth-Sun pair.

However, leading to a contradiction, some stars were found that were lithium-rich.

The new work by an Indian researcher shows that when stars grow beyond their Red Giant stage into what is known as the Red Clump stage, they produce lithium.

This is known as a Helium Flash and this is what enriches them with lithium.

Studying lithium-rich stars

About 40 years ago, a few large stars were spotted that were lithium-rich. This was followed by further discoveries of lithium-rich stars, and that posed a

puzzle — if stars do not produce lithium, how do some stars develop to become lithium-rich.

The planet engulfment theory was quite popular. For example, Earth-like planets may increase the star’s lithium content when they plunge into [their] star’s atmosphere when the latter become Red Giants.

Findings of the Indian research

Indian researchers have been working on this puzzle for nearly 20 years to devise a method of measuring lithium content using low-resolution spectra in a large number of stars.

The study demonstrated that lithium abundance enhancement among low mass giant stars is common.

Until now, it was believed that only about 1% of giants are lithium-rich. Secondly, the team has shown that as the star evolves beyond the Red Giant

stage, and before it reaches the Red Clump stage, there is a helium flash which produces an abundance of lithium.


17. Country of origin tag a must

What’s in News?

The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs has sent out a reminder to all e-commerce portals to ensure that the “country of origin” of the products being sold by them should be mentioned as part of mandatory declarations.

Background:

The Government of India is pushing for ‘Made in India’ products and Atmanirbhar Bharat in making India a self-reliant nation.

There is a clamour to ban China-made goods, in the backdrop of the India-China standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Details:

It is a part of a concerted effort by the government to have ‘country of origin’ declarations for products on e-commerce portals.

The Ministry in its reminder invoked the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

o These rules make it mandatory for all manufacturers to declare the package name and address of the manufacturer, common and generic name of the commodity, net quantity, month and year of manufacturing, MRP and consumer care details.

In addition to these, in 2017, new provisions were added for e-commerce websites, making it compulsory for them to display this information along with “declaration of country of origin or manufacture or assembly” and a clear mention of the expiry date.

o There are punitive provisions in the law including fines and also a jail term of one year.

18. Draft Rules for Code on Wages Act 2019

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has published the draft rules framed for the implementation of the Code on Wages Act, 2019.

The new draft rules have been circulated afresh for public comments and

suggestions for a period of 45 days from the date of publishing, 7th July 2020.


Key Points

The latest draft rules are similar to the preliminary draft published in

November 2019 with one major change. o The Ministry has changed the work requirement for eligibility for

minimum wages and other benefits from nine hours to eight. o The latest draft clarified the issue as the nine hours mentioned earlier

included one hour of rest, which has now been mentioned separately from the eight working hours.

Code on Wages Act 2019

Aims to transform the old and obsolete labour laws into more accountable and

transparent ones and seeks to pave the way for the introduction of minimum

wages and labour reforms in the country. Removes the multiplicity of wage definitions, which can significantly reduce

litigation as well as compliance cost for employers. Regulates the wages and bonus payments in all employments where any

industry, trade, business, or manufacturing is being carried out. Links minimum wage across the country to the skills of the employee and the

place of employment. o It simplifies the methodology to fix minimum wage by doing away with

the ‘type of employment’. It seeks to universalise the provisions of minimum wages and timely payment

of wages to all employees irrespective of the sector and wage ceiling. o It seeks to ensure ‘Right to Sustenance’ for every worker and intends to

increase the legislative protection of minimum wage. o Employees getting monthly salary shall get the salary by 7th of next

month, those working on a weekly basis shall get the salary on the last

day of the week and daily wagers should get it on the same day. The Central Government is empowered to fix the floor wages by taking into

account the living standards of workers. It may set different floor wages for different geographical areas.

o The minimum wages decided by the central or state governments must be higher than the floor wage.

o Under the Constitution of India, labour is a subject in the Concurrent List

of the Seventh Schedule where both the Central and State Governments

are competent to enact legislation. Calculation of Minimum Wage:

o According to the draft rules, the basis for calculating the minimum wage would be a standard working-class family of one earning worker, a spouse and two children, a net intake of 2,700 calories per day each, 66 metres of cloth per year, rent expenditure equal to 10% of the food and


clothing expenditure, fuel, electricity and other miscellaneous expenses of 20% of minimum wage and expenditure on children’s education, medical care, recreation and contingencies amounting to 25% of the minimum wage.

It subsumes the following four labour laws: o The Payment of Wages Act, 1936. o The Minimum Wages Act, 1948. o The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. o The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

The Centre shall constitute a technical committee which would advise on the

skill categories, while an advisory board may recommend the minimum wage.

Types of Wages

Minimum Wage: International Labour Organisation defines it as “the

minimum amount of remuneration that an employer is required to pay wage earners for the work performed during a given period, which cannot be reduced by collective agreement or an individual contract”.

o The minimum wage includes the bare needs of life like food, shelter and clothing.

Living Wage: It is the wage needed to provide the minimum income necessary to pay for basic needs based on the cost of living in a specific community.

o In addition to bare needs, a ‘living wage’ includes education, health, insurance, etc.

Fair Wage: A ‘fair wage’ is a mean between ‘living wage’ and ‘minimum wage’. Starvation Wage: It refers to the wages which are insufficient to provide the

ordinary necessities of life.

19. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Description: Ranthambore National Park was established initially as Sawai

Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the Government of India. o In 1973, it was declared as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. o In1980, Ranthambore was declared a national park, while the forests

located beside it were named Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary & Keladevi Sanctuary.

Location: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies in the eastern part of Rajasthan state in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts, at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.

The vegetation includes grasslands on plateaus and dense forests along the seasonal streams.


o The forest type is mainly tropical dry deciduous with ‘dhak’ (Butea monosperma), a species of tree capable of withstanding long periods of drought, being the commonest.

o This tree is also called as 'Flame of forest' and is one of the many flowering plants that add colour to the dry summers here.

o Other Common Names: Battle of Plassey tree, Bengal kino, Palash tree, parrot tree, etc.

Note:

The tree is also known as the “Battle of Plassey” tree because Palashi was the scene of the Battle of Plassey, a decisive victory of British forces under Robert Clive over those of the nawab (ruler) of Bengal, Sirāj al-Dawlah, in 1757.

Wildlife o The park is rich in wildlife with tigers at the apex of the food chain in

mammals. o Other animals found here are leopards, striped hyenas, common or

hanuman langurs, rhesus macaques, jackals, jungle cats, caracals, blackbuck, Blacknaped hare and chinkara, etc.

o The park is rich in birds with about 272 species recorded so far. This area with tigers in it represents the north-western limit of the Bengal

tiger’s distribution range and is an outstanding example of Project Tiger’s efforts for conservation in the country.


20. Sure power

Context:

Inauguration of the 750 MW photovoltaic project at Rewa, in Madhya Pradesh.

Significance of solar power for India:

The current administration’s resolve to tap solar energy to substantially power the economy and everyday life is to be welcomed because it could help chart a green deal for the future.

o The green deal envisages that future growth and employment should

align itself to environmental and sustainability objectives, particularly in energy production, away from polluting energy sources.

The increasing share of solar energy in India’s power output could reduce air

pollution in India and avoid the premature deaths attributed to air pollution. Increased adoption of solar energy is inevitable to meet India’s commitments

under the Paris climate deal. There is the case for greater reliance on solar power, even as a path for self-

reliant industrialisation.

Concerns:

India’s installed base of this green power source is about 35 gigawatts (GW), and its projected addition of capacity until 2024 is estimated to be of the order of 50 GW. Viewed against the stated goal of installing 100 GW of solar power by

2022, there could be a sharp deficit in solar power. There is a lack of a domestic solar manufacturing sector that can deliver

increasing volumes of quality photovoltaic cells, modules and associated equipment.

Experts have raised concerns over the lack of appropriate official policies to meet the high ambitions set for the solar energy sector.

The low domestic cell manufacturing capacity at 3.1 GW/year (for 2019) has resulted in heavy reliance on China for solar energy-related equipment.

Way forward:

Strategic status:

India should consider making solar energy a strategic sector, giving it as much importance as defence. This would ensure appropriate policy measures for the growth of this critical sector.

Appropriate policy measures:


There is a need for integrated policies for the sector fully supported by States. India’s solar strategy should look at tapping the best available technology and

resources globally and providing impetus to domestic manufacturing.

The government should introduce measures to aid competitive domestic manufacturing. The industry must get help to set up facilities and avail low-cost

financing and be able to invest in intellectual property.

Chinese model:

The Chinese have been able to register a steady rise from insignificant manufacturing capability in the 1990s, to virtual dominance in the solar energy sector.

The solar energy sector was able to register notable growth through active government support in identifying and acquiring top technologies globally, importing critical raw materials such as polysilicon, acquiring solar manufacturers abroad, and investing in third countries with ready capability. The domestic market was treated with great importance even while promoting exports.

Innovation:

A forward-looking programme should also look at emerging trends in deploying solar innovatively. These include newer technologies such as aesthetic photovoltaic window and roof tiles for buildings, multi-role urban structures, and greater use of residential and commercial buildings to deploy more panels.

This would open up new avenues for growth in the sector, which would facilitate employment and growth opportunities in India.

Global leadership:

As the architect of the International Solar Alliance, India needs to show leadership to advance the manufacture and absorption of solar photovoltaic infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.

21. Will invest $10 billion in India, says Google chief

What’s in News?

Technology giant Google will invest $10 billion (₹75,000 crore) in India over the next five to seven years with a focus on digitising the economy and building India-first products and services.


It would be done through a mix of equity investments, partnerships and operational, infrastructure and ecosystem investments.

According to its CEO, this is a reflection of Google’s confidence in the future of India and its digital economy.

Investments will focus on four areas key to digitisation: o Enabling affordable access and information for every Indian in their own

language, o Building products and services that are deeply relevant to India’s unique

needs, o Empowering businesses on their digital transformation journey, o Leveraging technology and AI for social good in areas such as health,

education and agriculture.

22. Nod for Karnataka-T.N. economic corridor

Context:

The Expert Appraisal Committee of the Environment Ministry has recommended the grant of Environmental Clearance for the development of an economic corridor between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Details:

The Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) – greenfield highway is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana and will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India.

The project will start in Dabaspet in Karnataka and end near Devarapalli village on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border.

Benefits:

The new road would provide better, fast, safe and smooth connectivity for commuters between the two States as well as in the region.

Accident rates are also expected to be under control due to enhanced road safety measures.

Development of the proposed project road will boost local agriculture and enable farmers to realise better value for their products as well as attract more investment to that region.

Bharatmala Pariyojana:

The Government of India launched “Bharatmala Pariyojana”, an umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses on optimizing the efficiency of road traffic movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps.


23.Warning of Higher NPAs

Why in News

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has warned that the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic would lead to higher Non-performing Assets and capital erosion of banks.

Key Points

Reasons: o Just in a span of decade, Indian economy has been hit by the global

financial crisis of 2008-09 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. o The current crisis may leave a longer impact on Indian economy, which is

predicted to contract in the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21 for the first time in the past four decades.

o Uncertainty about: Full restoration of supply chains. Normalisation of demand conditions. Long term impact of the pandemic on India’s potential growth.

Issues Involved: o Banks have poor asset quality, lack of profitability, loss of capital,

excessive risk exposure, poor conduct, and liquidity concerns. o There is also a lack of a mechanism to address bank failures. o Stress on Non-banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) and mutual funds

are emerging as crucial stress points in the financial system. Suggestions:

o The RBI Governor has advised all financial intermediaries to assess the impact of Covid-19 on their balance sheet, asset quality, liquidity, profitability and capital adequacy for the FY 2020-21 and to work out possible mitigating measures.

The idea is to ensure continued credit supply to different sectors of the economy and maintain financial stability.

o Financial intermediaries should make risk management in tune with the emerging contingencies.

The risk management includes, building buffers and raising capital, which will strengthen the internal defences of banks against the risks posed by Covid-19 also ensure credit flow.


o Recapitalisation plan for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and private banks since the minimum capital requirements of banks may no longer be sufficient enough to absorb the losses.

The minimum capital requirements of banks are calibrated based on historical loss events.

24. Google for India Digitization Fund (GIDF)

Technology giant Google will invest $10 billion (₹75,000 crores) in India as part of the ‘Google for India Digitization Fund (GIDF)’.

About GIDF

The GIDF focuses on digitizing the economy and building India-first products

and services. The plan is in line with big-tech’s bullish outlook on India. Earlier this year,

Amazon said it would invest an additional $1 billion in India. This was followed by a marquee investment announcement of $5.7 billion by

Facebook in the country’s largest telecom company Reliance Jio. Last month, Microsoft’s venture fund M12 said it would open an office in India

to pursue investment opportunities focusing on B2B software startups.

Focus areas

The investment will focus on four areas important to digitization including:

Enabling affordable access and information for every Indian in their own language,

Building products and services that are deeply relevant to India’s unique needs, Empowering businesses in their digital transformation journey and Leveraging technology and AI for social good, in areas like health, education,

and agriculture.

25. Spike-LR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles

Why in News

The India Army is set to place a repeat order for Spike-LR (Long Range) Anti-Tank

Guided Missiles (ATGM) from Israel as part of emergency procurement.


The decision comes in the backdrop of continuing tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Key Points

Last year, the Army procured 12 launchers and around 250 missiles from Israel under the new emergency financial powers sanctioned by the Defence Ministry after the Balakot airstrike.

Emergency Financial Powers: o Under these, armed forces have been given a free hand to procure

equipment worth up to Rs. 300 crore on a priority basis with deliveries stipulated to be completed in three months but extendable up to six months.

o Entirely new systems not in use were also allowed to be procured under the new powers.

Spike-LR:

o These are the 4th generation Anti-Tank Missiles developed and manufactured by the Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel.

o It is a portable anti-armour weapon system with a range of up to 4 km, which can be operated in fire-and-forget mode and in the fire, observe and update

mode using the fibre-optic data link. o These are used by infantry soldiers, special rapid reaction forces, ground forces

and helicopter aircrew. o It can work in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) mode allowing the gunner to operate

from a covered position.

The army recently decided to place a repeat order for 72,400 Sig 716 assault rifles from the USA as well.

o They will replace the existing Indian Small Arms System (Insas) rifles manufactured locally by the Ordnance Factories Board.

o They will be used by the troops in the counter-terrorism operations and

frontline duties on the Line of Control (LoC). o India acquired the rifles under the fast-track procurement (FTP) programme. o The remaining forces would be provided with the AK-203 rifles, which are to be

produced jointly by India and Russia at Amethi ordnance factory.

The Army has a much larger requirement for ATGMs which will be met through indigenous Man-Portable ATGM under development by the Defence Research and

Development Organisation (DRDO).


26. Inflation alert

Context:

Inflation data for June 2020.

Details:

June’s retail inflation stands at 6.1%. An analysis of the Consumer Price Index reveals that prices in the food and

beverages group rose an average 7.3% year-on-year, with the key protein sources of pulses and products, meat and fish and milk and its derivatives prices rising much higher than the average inflation in the food category.

o Inflation in the food category would have been much faster but for

vegetables and fruits moderating the gains as anxious growers likely sold the perishables at distress rates.

Transport and communication, which includes petrol and diesel, also posted a 7.1% jump.

Concerns:

Adding to pandemic woes:

It was in June 2020 that the Indian economy reopened from the crippling lockdowns of the preceding two months. The lockdown has severely disrupted the economy and led to a loss of livelihood for many. The accelerating inflation will only further pressurize India’s pandemic-hit economy.

Unexpected trend:

Though the disruptions caused to the supply of goods and services as a result of the nationwide shutdown could have resulted in an increase in prices, the effect of the depressed demand has not been manifested.

Rising prices despite the depressed demand is cause for disquiet.

Inflation – Types, Measurement, Remedies

Prospect of accelerating inflation:

The recent sustained increase in fuel prices is expected to feed through into higher costs for transporting farm produce and might only add to the rise in food prices.


Providers of goods and services are exploring ways to insulate their businesses financially from the weak demand.

o Steel companies recently announced they were raising prices in response to rising costs related to iron ore and the COVID-19 pandemic.

o IHS Markit’s latest India Business Outlook survey observes that companies plan to raise selling prices over the next 12 months to protect

profitability.

Weak business outlook:

Researcher IHS Markit’s latest India Business Outlook survey paints a dismal picture with sentiment having turned negative in June for the first time in the 11 years since it began polling businesses in the country, and firms reporting a

steep drop in confidence. The lack of business confidence will result in weaker investment and

subsequent weaker production capacity to meet any future increase in

demand. This could aid inflation.

Lack of policy options:

With inflation already above the RBI’s 6% target upper bound, monetary policymakers would have to make difficult choices.

A further rate cut to help revive economic momentum might lead to increased inflation and risks putting the economy on a path to stagflation.

27. Govt. nod for urgent defence procurements

Context:

The Defence Ministry, once again gave emergency powers to the armed forces to procure weapons systems at costs up to ₹300 crore on an urgent basis, without any further clearances, to cut short the procurement cycle.

Details:

Similar powers were given to the services after the Balakot air strike in February 2019.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, which the Ministry had convened considering the security environment due to the situation along the northern borders and the need to strengthen the armed forces.


The Army has already taken a decision to place repeat orders for 72,400 SIG-716 assault rifles from Sig Sauer of the U.S. and 12 launchers and around 250 missiles of the Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) from Israel.

28. ‘Is India a hub for drug peddling?’

Context:

The Madras High Court has directed the Centre to spell out whether India is being used as a hub by international drug cartels.

Details:

The High Court has directed the Centre to explain the steps it had taken so far to curb the menace.

It has called for information about the involvement of international drug mafias in crime, the approximate value of drugs transacted in the country, and the remedial measures undertaken by the Centre.

The queries were posed in interim orders passed on a habeas corpus petition which had challenged the preventive detention of a drug peddler under the Goondas Act.

Issues:

The Madras HC observed that Punjab is serving as the transit point for the smuggling of narcotic drugs which make their way as far as Kerala.

It also asked if the money involved was being used to fund terrorists and anti-national activities.

The Bench referred to a recent survey by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences

(AIIMS), which revealed that 3.1 crore Indians use cannabis, bhang, ganja, charas, heroin and opium.

It was also noted by the Bench that only one in 20 drug addicts gets treatment at a hospital.

Concerns:

The problem of drug addiction of children is more prevalent in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana.

The Kerala police filed an affidavit conceding that educational institutions had become a hotbed of drug peddlers.


Many youngsters, especially students, are getting addicted due to the easy availability of narcotic drugs.

29. SC to examine Kerala Act on animal, bird sacrifices

Context:

The Supreme Court has asked the Kerala Government to respond to an appeal against the High Court decision upholding the constitutional validity of the state’s law which prohibits animal or bird sacrifice for propitiating a deity.

Details:

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the Kerala Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act of 1968 that prohibits the sacrifice of animals and birds in temples to ‘please’ the deity.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad A. Bobde, heading a three-judge Bench, highlighted the “dichotomy” in animal protection law that allows the killing of animals for food but does not permit “killing of animals for offer to a deity and then consumption”.

What is the issue?

The killing of animals for consumption of their meat is allowed as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

However, the law which is under challenge in the present case, the Kerala Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1968 (Act), prohibits the killing of animals for the appeasement of deities in temples.

o The State law bans the killing of animals and birds for religious sacrifices but not for personal consumption.

Recently, the Kerala High Court dismissed the PIL challenging the validity of the Kerala Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act on the ground that no material was brought on record to establish that the practice was essential to the religion.

The High Court had observed that the Prevention of Cruelty Act does not have the word “sacrifice” for the purpose of religion.

The petitioner in his appeal claimed that animal sacrifice was an integral part of his religious practice. The plea said that the high court order violates his fundamental right under Article 25(1) of the Constitution.

The petitioners claimed that the Act violates the right to equality because identical practices by other religious communities are not prohibited by the Act.


The impugned Act criminalises the intent behind the animal sacrifice and not animal sacrifice per se. If the sacrifice is not for propitiating any deity but for personal consumption even in the precincts of a temple, it is not forbidden.

o This arbitrary classification is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, the plea said.

Petitioner also argued that Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1960 does not make the killing of animals for religious purposes an offence.

30. UN blacklists Pak. Taliban leader Noor Wali Mehsud

What’s in News?

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group’s leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN.

Details:

The UN Security Council’s 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee added Mehsud to the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions List.

This would subject the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Who is Noor Wali Mehsud?

In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah.

The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011, for its association with al-Qaeda.

o The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square in April and May 2010.

o It had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar.

Why is Mehsud black-listed?

He has been blacklisted for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

According to the sanctions committee, under Noor Wali’s leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019.

The U.S. domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019.


Note:

Blacklisting by the UN Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

31. Domestic firms worried over small arms imports

Background

Indian Army has decided to buy 72,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles for its troops from the United States.

The new assault rifles will gradually replace the flaw-ridden 5.56 mm INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifles.

The rifles are currently being used by US forces as well as several other European countries.

Context

Domestic small arms manufacturers have expressed concern over continuing imports and they have written a letter to the Defence Minister asking for a level playing field to showcase their products.

Details

Several Indian companies have invested in the small arms segment, given the large requirement and efforts by the government to open up ammunition to the private sector and have started production as well.

Concerns

Companies would have invested crores of rupees with the hope of business and contract from the Government, but today they are staring at an uncertain future.

If the domestic industries are not given a chance, it will only undermine the Make in India initiative and companies may shut their operations.

32. Sacred groves

Sacred groves refer to a piece of natural vegetation that is protected by a certain community due to religious reasons. The area is usually dedicated to a local deity.


As a result, local communities tend to take responsibility to protect and nurture the area. The groves are also looked after by joint families who fear the wrath of the resident god.

It could be only a few trees or an entire forest.

They are called by different names

In India, there are over a lakh sacred groves across different states. They go by different names like koyil kaadu in Tamil, orans in Rajasthan, devara kaadu in Karnataka, and sernas in Madhya Pradesh.

They are called kavu in Malayalam. In Himachal Pradesh, people dust their clothes off when they cross the groves to

ensure that they leave everything behind. Such religious beliefs strengthen protection measures.

Significance

The sacred groves shelter medicinal plants of great value not only for the primary health care of the village communities, but also for the modern pharmacopoeia.

The groves harbour certain wild crop relatives and other endemic biotas. They act as micro-watersheds and meet the drinking and irrigation water needs

of the local communities.

Threats

Due to several socio-economic and cultural reasons, the traditional belief systems, which were fundamental to the concept of sacred grove conservation, are now considered mere superstitions. The traditional values appear to be gradually eroding with the advent of modernity and urbanization.

Invasion of exotic weeds into sacred groves has become a serious problem in the ecological functioning of some sacred groves.

Today, with the fast pace of industrialization, roads and highways are being widened for smooth vehicular movement. In the process, some sacred groves, which are on the edge of the village, near highway areas, have been reduced to less than half their size.

The increase in the number of construction of new buildings in the place of

ancestral homes, which used to house sacred groves in its premises, has virtually led to the destruction of this biodiversity system.

In several areas, the land on which sacred groves are located is not declared as forestland and thus is not protected by the government. It is owned by individual persons, families, clans who would have converted them into agricultural land for the purpose of cultivation.


Way Forward

Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the traditional concepts of sacred grove conservation by identifying the key issues and providing solutions through appropriate rehabilitation packages.

Context

An award-winning scientist at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, Kannan Warrier was conferred the National Award of excellence for outstanding research in forestry, including conservation of endangered sacred groves in the Alappuzha district of Kerala.

The award also recognises his research on Casuarina (savukku) trees.

Casuarinas

They are a versatile group of plants with wide-ranging adaptability to grow in different environments.

They fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic association with the bacteria.

Uses:

India is the largest planter of casuarina in the world. The tree pulp goes into the paper-making industry. Casuarina stems find use as fabrication material in scaffolding work, and are also

used to safeguard banana plantations from the wind. Of late it is also a preferred choice for biomass-based power generation.

33. Issues with the privatisation in Railways

Objectives of privatisation

To introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance. Reduced transit time. Boost job creation. Provide enhanced safety.

Provide world-class travel experience to passengers. Reduce demand-supply deficit in the passenger transportation sector.


Issues with the move

1) Responsibility issue

Railway crew will work the trains (151 trains in 109 routes) which will be maintained by the private investor.

All the other infrastructure, track and associated structures, stations, signalling, security and their daily maintenance owned by the Railways will be fully utilised in running trains.

Thus, the responsibility of the private investor ends with investment in the procurement and maintenance of coaches.

Train operation, safety and dealing with every day problems rests with the Railways.

In case of an unfortunate event, fixing responsibility will be an issue.

2) Day-to-day problems

Provision of an independent regulator to resolve disagreement, discords and disputes.

But this regulator will not be able to solve day-to-day problems of dichotomy unless the basic issue is resolved.

3) Speed issue

Nearly all trunk routes in the existing network are speed limited to 110 kmph very few permit speeds of upto 120-130 kmph.

To raise it to 160 kmph, as proposed, there has to be track strengthening, elimination of curves and level crossing gates and strengthening of bridges.

There is no appreciable reduction in transit time for most proposed trains, when compared with the timings of the fastest train now operating on that route.

4) Passenger fare issue

In the proposal, the Railways or government have no role in fixing passenger fares.

Fares will be beyond the common man’s reach. Fare concessions extended to several categories of people will not be made

available by the private investor. The very objective of commissioning the Railways as a public welfare transport

organisation is defeated.


5) Reservation in Jobs

The private investor is not bound to follow reservation regulations in

employment. This, in turn, will deprive employment opportunities for those who are on the

margins of society.

Way forward

There should be no need for the government to take a dual role of a facilitator as well as a participant.

In the case of the metro railway services, Hyderabad, for example, an ideal PPP project, the concessionaire is solely responsible for daily maintenance, operation, passenger amenities and staff issues.

The State government steps in when it comes to land, power, permissions, law and order, etc. Fare determination is in consultation with the government.

Instead of a private entrepreneur, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism

Corporation, a government undertaking which has gained experience in running the Tejas Express trains, could have been given the role.

Conclusion

This project of privatisation of trains should not result in the common man being deprived of travel facilities. The Indian Railways is a strategic resource for the nation hence it should not be judged solely on its profit-generating capability or market-based return on investment.

34. Big reform on the wrong track

Context:

The article analyzes the planned privatization of some services of the Indian Railways.

Background:

Indian Railways has launched the process of opening up train operations to private entities on select routes, with private train operations expected to begin in 2023 in 12 clusters.

Indian Railways has invited Request for Qualifications proposals, for scrutiny of vendor capabilities.

Details:


Proposed model:

The selection of private parties using the tendering process proposes two-stage competitive bidding. The shortlisting will be based on financial capacity (with sharing of gross revenue), the selected parties can fix fares by themselves.

According to the project information memorandum issued by the Railway Board, railway crew will work the trains (151 trains in 109 routes) which will be maintained by the private investor. All the other infrastructure (track and associated structures, stations, signalling, security and their daily maintenance) owned by the Railways will be fully utilised in running trains.

The concessionaire will have to procure coaches and form them into rakes of 16 coaches each, with maintenance at 10 major stations from where the trains will operate to their destinations. For maintenance, existing depots and yard facilities at different stations will be made use of.

The concessionaire will have to pay fixed haulage charges, energy charges

based on actual consumption, and a share in gross revenue as per the bid.

Arguments in favour of privatization:

As per the Railway Board, the objective of the initiative is to introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance, reduced transit time, boost job creation, provide enhanced safety, provide world-class travel experience to passengers, and also reduce demand supply deficit in the passenger transportation sector.

Arguments against the envisaged model:

The planned privatisation of some services of the Indian Railways and the proposed model could impact maintenance, operations and welfare.

Conflict situation:

The sharing of existing depots and yard facilities between the Indian railways and the concessionaire might result in conflict and have repercussions in terms of maintenance and operation. This could also have a detrimental impact on the safety of operations.

Provision of an independent regulator to resolve disagreement, discords and disputes will not solve day-to-day problems of dichotomy unless the basic issues are resolved.

Split responsibility:


In the envisaged structure, the responsibility of the private investor ends with investment in the procurement and maintenance of coaches. Train operation, safety and dealing with everyday problems rest with the Railways.

In such a scenario when the coaches are owned by the investor but operated by the Railways and its staff, it would be difficult to fix responsibility. The envisaged structure as per the current provisions will lead to dual control and split responsibility.

Social welfare:

In the current proposal, the Railways or government have no role in fixing

passenger fares. Full liberty is being given to the concessionaire to unilaterally fix fares for these proposed trains that are on a par with air and air-conditioned bus fares.

This might result in higher fares, depriving the common man of travel by these

trains. Fare concessions extended to several categories of people will not be made available by the private investor.

The article argues that the Indian Railways is not just a mere transporter of passengers and goods but also a social welfare organisation. Higher prices might defeat the very objective of commissioning the Railways as a public welfare transport organisation.

Railways should not be judged solely on its profit-generating capability or market-based return on investment.

Financial viability:

In cases where adequate yard facilities are not available, the concessionaire has to invest in creating the required facilities. The project entails a total investment of Rs. 30,000 crore by private enterprises.

The lack of profit would affect the financial viability of the project leading to loss of confidence for private investors and would also have an impact on the financial system of the economy.

Other issues:

In the private sector, operations are run with an eye on staff costs which can endanger safety.

Also, the private investor is not bound to follow reservation regulations in

employment, in turn depriving employment opportunities for those who are on the margins of society.

Way forward:

PPP model of metro railway services:


The article argues that the government need not take a dual role of a facilitator as well as a participant and instead follow the PPP model employed in metro railway services.

o Under this model, the concessionaire is solely responsible for daily

maintenance, operation, passenger amenities and staff issues. The State government steps in when it comes to land, power, permissions, law and order, etc.

o Fare determination is in consultation with the government.

Involving IRCTC:

Instead of a private entrepreneur, the existing Indian Railway Catering and

Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) can be utilized to realize the objectives sought under the current proposals. This would entail several advantages.

o As per the Eligibility Conditions specified in “Request for Qualification (RFQ)”, Public Undertakings such as the IRCTC are eligible to participate in tendering for this project. A government investment in the IRCTC, a government undertaking, will help the government retain control of the Indian Railways as a strategic resource for the nation and provide a vital

public good.

o The eligibility condition also stipulates operation & maintenance experience in maintaining rolling stock. IRCTC has gained experience in

running the Tejas Express trains. The IRCTC is well-suited for this role. o There will be ‘unity of command’ in maintenance, operation and

passenger services under the single administration of the Railways and its undertaking.

Technology upgradation:

Coaches in India are not of international standard (ICF Design – 1955 Swiss design or LHB Design (German 2000 design)). There have been sea changes in coach designs and the Indian Railways should go in for state-of-the-art coach designs using ‘transfer of technology’ (ToT) with world leaders. Domestic coach building units should be enabled with requisite resources and technology through ToT.

This would enable the realization of the goal of raising the maximum running speed to 160 kmph.

35. The COVID-19 fiscal response and India’s standing

Context:


The article analyzes the COVID-19 fiscal response in other developing countries and evaluates India’s fiscal response.

Details:

The article utilizes data from the International Monetary Fund Policy Tracker, the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Index (CESI) of Ceyhun Elgin at Columbia University, and the World Bank to understand the COVID-19 fiscal response of different countries.

Fiscal response in developing countries:

Cash transfers:

Cash transfers constitute the largest category of support provided by the

governments of developing countries. This has been the prominent demand-side intervention in developing countries.

o Of the World Bank’s list of 621 measures across 173 countries, half were cash-based.

The World Bank reports that, on average, such transfers amount to 30% of monthly GDP per capita, reaching 46% for lower-middle-income countries, for an average of three months.

Countries have also significantly expanded coverage of their cash transfer programmes from pre-COVID-19 levels.

o Countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia have increased the number of beneficiaries. Indonesia’s cash schemes now cover almost 60% of the population. Indonesia has created two new unconditional cash schemes to reach 20 million individuals in urban and rural settings excluded from the current social protection measures.

Other measures:

Other significant measures related to food assistance (23%) or waiver/postponement of financial obligations (25%).

Only 2% related to public works, a clear indication of the popularity of cash transfers over public works for income support, perhaps in part due to concerns over physical distancing.

o Countries like Mexico and Indonesia have enlarged their employment schemes and allocated higher resources to fund public works schemes.

Financing:


Developing countries are resorting to drastic means to finance COVID-19 responses like the amendment of legal budget limits and the enhanced issuance of bonds — including a ‘pandemic bond’ by Indonesia.

Central banks in many emerging economies are experimenting with purchases of public and private bonds in the secondary market (quantitative easing) or directly purchasing government bonds on the primary market (monetising the

deficit).

Fiscal response in India:

The Atmanirbhar Bharat package has been the major fiscal response in India. The total Atmanirbhar package is billed at 10% of GDP.

The central government had also initially announced a Rs. 1.7 lakh crore relief package – Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide lockdown, providing free food and cash transfers to support the poorest and most vulnerable citizens during the crisis.

A significant demand-side intervention in the Atmanirbhar Bharat package was ₹40,000 crore of additional outlay for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The government has also extended issuance of free rations under the Public Distribution System.

Financing:

The Reserve Bank of India has been buying sovereign bonds in the secondary market.

There is debate on whether the Indian government should invoke the “escape clause” in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, to enable the central bank to directly finance the deficit.

Concerns:

Insufficient measures:

The article argues that the relief measures do not seem to be commensurate with the economic disruption caused by the lockdown.

India had one of the most stringent containment measures in place. The extent of relief measures announced does not seem to be commensurate with the economic disruption and dislocation caused by the severity of the lockdown.

o Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Egypt, all while averaging less stringent measures than those in India, have announced stimulus

measures that are as large or more substantial, as a share of GDP.


Before the announcement of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, India lagged significantly in terms of fiscal response, as compared to developing countries that are similar in GDP per capita, state capacity, and structure of the labour force. As of early July, the gap seems to have narrowed.

Unclear numbers:

Given the blurring of the distinction between fiscal and monetary components

in the Indian measures, ensuring accurate figures for fiscal responses is a challenge.

The Atmanirbhar package is billed at 10% of GDP. The headline number for India’s fiscal response in international databases is around 4% of GDP. But, the article claims that the current fiscal response including all the major announcements of the government would only add to 1.7% of GDP.

Window dressing of measures:

The article notes that most demand-side measures announced by the government involved frontloading, consolidation, or rerouting of existing

funds and don’t add to the effective fiscal intervention by the government. o For example, the recently announced ₹50,000 crore Garib Kalyan Rojgar

Abhiyan, consolidates projects of 12 ministries/departments and does not have any additional allocations.

Wrong policy measure:

In India, one reason for the subdued fiscal response and the resort to monetary measures is likely a concern with the debt-to-GDP ratio, which is higher than for most countries in our set.

However, aggregate demand and confidence in the economy have slumped and may not recover for many months. Not spending more now might only worsen the debt-to-GDP ratio if growth remains depressed.

Way forward:

Demand-side interventions announced by other developing countries could provide lessons for additional measures in India.

Additional fiscal outlay — in the form of cash and in-kind transfers and expanded public works schemes — would save lives and jobs today and might prevent a protracted slowdown.

o India could consider expanding existing transfer programmes or even creating new ones.

o India could consider expanding entitlements in its flagship MGNREGA programme as well as introduce an urban version of the programme.


36. IIT-M researchers use artificial materials and ultrasound to detect defects in large structures

Context:

Researchers in the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the University of Nairobi have used metamaterials to improve detection of defects in large structures by guided wave ultrasound.

Details:

Engineering structures including buildings, pipelines and rails require periodic testing to prevent catastrophic failures occurring due to corrosion, impact, and strain.

High-frequency sound waves that travel in the bulk are widely used for non-invasive and non-destructive testing of structural materials.

Conventional bulk ultrasonic inspection is tedious and time-consuming as it involves point-by-point assessment of structures.

Guided Wave Testing:

In guided wave testing (GWT), the sound waves are sent along the length of the structure rather than into the structure, allowing the waves to travel longer distances.

GWT has poorer resolution than conventional ultrasound-based testing due to

diffraction limitations. The research team used metamaterials to improve the resolution of guided

ultrasound waves.

Meta Materials:

Metamaterials are artificially crafted materials with unique internal microstructures that give them properties not found in nature.

The constituent artificial units of the metamaterial can be tailored in shape, size, and interatomic interaction, to exhibit unusual properties.

37.NGT questions Ministry, OIL on drilling in national park

Context:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Environment Ministry, Oil India Limited (OIL) and two other entities (Assam State Pollution Control Board and the

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Assam State Biodiversity Board) to explain how the proposed drilling of seven oil wells in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park was permitted.

Background:

Recently, there was a continuous flow out of gas in Baghjan gas well in Tinsukia district of Assam, following a blowout.

Details:

OIL India said that it had obtained permission for the seven wells in 2016 on the basis of the sophisticated ERD [extended reach drilling] technology.

The Extended Reach Drilling Technology was extensively used to intersect hydrocarbon targets far from the surface or areas of the reservoir that otherwise were difficult to access.

This technology enabled drilling of wells up to a depth of approximately 4 km from an existing well plinth without entering the protected area.

According to OIL, drilling will take place at an average of more than 1.5 km outside the demarcated area of the national park where OIL already is carrying out hydrocarbon exploration since the last 15 years.

Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology

The Extended Reach Drilling Technology is directional drilling beneath the earth. The technology aims to reach larger areas and longer distances. It enables exploration of hydrocarbon deposits horizontally. It is done to maximize productivity and drainage capability.

38. Punjab’s law plays ‘minimal role’ in spiking Delhi’s pollution: study

Context:

A study argues that Delhi’s meteorology and the quantity of chaff burnt play a greater role in worsening air quality than the time chosen by farmers in Punjab to start crop burning.

Background:

Crop burning is a traditional practice in Punjab and Haryana of razing fields off rice chaff to prepare it for winter sowing.

It begins around October and peaks in November, coinciding with the withdrawal of southwest monsoon.


Details:

Subsidies and assured procurement of rice have led to a rise in the rice acreage in these States.

Coupled with increased farm mechanization, large quantities of rice stubble have increased over the years.

However, it has been pointed out that a change in Punjab’s water policy in 2009 that mandated farmers to delay sowing to late June (to discourage groundwater extraction), led to sowing being delayed by an average of 10 days compared to

2002-2008. This, consequently, delayed harvesting and rice chaff burning. As a result, the pollutants and the particulate matter from chaff, along with other

sources of pollution in Delhi, which stuck in the lower atmosphere of the Indo-Gangetic plain, exacerbated winter pollution.

The study states that the role of legislation appears to be minimal, and indeed can sometimes decrease as well as increase air quality problems depending on the meteorological conditions of the time.

Conclusion:

According to the study, ultimately, the halting of crop residue burning would greatly aid the newly established National Clean Air Programme [NCAP], which aims to reduce emissions from various sectors including agricultural residue burning.

The NCAP proposes to reduce pollution by 20-30% in annual PM concentration

by 2024.

39.India invites Israeli defence companies to strengthen ties

Context:

India has invited greater participation from Israeli defence companies under the new liberalised foreign direct investment (FDI) regime in defence manufacturing.

Details:

In May 2020, the government increased the limit for FDI in defence through the automatic route from 49% to 74%.

Indian Armed Forces are undertaking a series of emergency defence purchases, including from Israel, amid ongoing tensions with China.

o The decision has been taken by the Army to order another batch of 12 launchers and around 250 missiles of Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles

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(ATGM) and additional Heron Undermanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), among others, from Israel through the emergency procurement route.

40. Banks’ gross NPAs may climb to as much as 14.7% by March: RBI

Context:

Reserve Bank of India’s observation on gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs).

Details:

RBI has observed that the GNPA ratio of SCBs may escalate to 14.7% under a very severely stressed scenario, which assumes hypothetically that GDP would

suffer a contraction of 8.9% in 2020-21. Earlier in its Financial Stability Report, RBI had predicted that the GNPA ratio of

all SCBs may increase to 12.5% by March 2021. On the assessment of systemic risk, the RBI said in its report that the Indian

financial system remained stable, notwithstanding the significant downside risks to economic prospects.

Gross Non-Performing Assets:

Gross NPA is the summation of all loan assets that are classified as NPA as per RBI guidelines.

Gross NPA consists of Substandard Assets, Doubtful Assets and Loss Assets.

Net Non-Performing Asset:

For precautions and to meet unforeseen losses, banks are required to make provisions as per RBI guidelines. RBI issues guidelines on Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning.

From the gross NPA, provisions provided are netted to arrive at Net NPA. Net non-performing assets = Gross NPAs – Provisions.

Impact of High NPAs on Banks:

NPA is an important financial component that is considered while analyzing a bank. It indicates the asset quality of banks.

Banks with high NPAs have lesser funds to advance because of the higher provisioning that they have to provide.

Lesser lending would mean lesser interest income, impacting the profitability of the banks.

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Banks would have to face difficulty maintaining capital adequacy ratio.

41. Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?

Context:

Doubts over second infection of COVID-19.

Background:

There have been repeated instances of ‘reinfection’ from COVID-19 since early January 2020.

o Reinfection means people who had tested negative for COVID-19 test positive again after a while.

Details:

The article analyzes the possible reasons for reinfection from COVID-19.

Latency:

The observation of re-infection of COVID-19 brings to light the possibility of

SARS-CoV-2 virus having latency. The COVID-19 virus may have “reactivated” in the patients rather than them becoming re-infected.

o A latent infection is when the virus in the body is dormant and does not

replicate within the host. It however possesses the capacity to be reactivated at some point, causing the disease at a later point of time.

o As opposed to active infections, where a virus is actively replicating and potentially causing symptoms, latent infections are essentially static which last the life of the host and occur when the primary infection is not

cleared by the adaptive immune response. o Chronic viruses can go into latency. The latent viral infections can be

reactivated into the active lytic form. Examples: Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, varicella-zoster

virus, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus (human herpesvirus 4), and cytomegalovirus.

Different types of viral infections:

A chronic virus infects its host for extended periods of time, often through the lifetime of the host.

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An acute infecting virus, such as influenza and rotavirus creates noticeable symptoms in a short period of time and is cleared from the body after a few days or weeks.

Flaws in testing:

While the RT- PCR [reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction] tests are considered to be the gold standard for testing, all tests are not 100% accurate. False positives and false negative results can occur.

There are limits of detection of the current testing methods employed. The concept of “limit of detection” of a virus notes that there is a threshold where a virus can be detected. A negative SARS-CoV-2 test does not mean zero infection; it means no detectable infection.

Other reasons:

Many viruses can survive at the mucosal level in spite of immunity. A similar behaviour is possible from SARS-CoV-2.

o Example: In the case of polio virus, viral shedding can continue for up to 10 weeks, in spite of very high antibody levels post the vaccination.

Another reason for the positive test might be due to the host harbouring an antibody-bound virus that is non-infective.

Even fragmented RNA particles can yield a positive result. The remaining virus fragments in humans can also lead to positives during testing.

Conclusion:

So far none of the observations conclusively prove a second infection. In each one of these cases, there is sufficient reason to suspect that it is one infection, with negative results in between. This necessitates a change to testing policy.

There is the need to globally adopt a system where clinical signs are considered

sufficient to commence treatment for COVID-19, even before an RT-PCR test is done. Also, cessation of symptoms can be taken as a signal to show that a person has recovered.

42. 200 proposals from China wait for security clearance by MHA

Context:

About 200 investment proposals from China are awaiting security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

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Background:

In April 2020, new rules making prior government approval mandatory for foreign direct investments (FDI) from countries which share a land border with India were notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Investors from countries that are not covered by revised FDI policy are only required to inform the Reserve Bank of India after the completion of a transaction. They do not have to seek prior clearance from the administrative ministry.

The amendment was aimed at preventing “opportunistic takeovers” of Indian companies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the Centre amended the General Financial Rules, 2017. o The amendment was to enable the imposition of restrictions on

bidders from countries which share a land border with India in relation to public procurement for reasons of national security and other factors directly or indirectly related to the country’s defence.

Issue:

Earlier, these proposals did not require MHA’s nod as FDI is allowed in non-critical sectors through the automatic route.

o For investments in critical sectors such as defence, media, telecommunication, satellites, private security agencies, civil aviation and mining and any investments from Pakistan and Bangladesh, security clearance from MHA was required.

Concerns:

With the delays in approval and the proposals remaining in the pipeline for months, it is possible that many might withdraw due to the delay or stringent conditions put in place.

Foreign investment in India has proved to be a game-changer in many sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, aviation, real estate, and fintech, providing employment, transmitting technology, and adding value to the economy.

Sectors like automobiles, construction, real estate, other service sectors, that are already stressed due to decelerating demand, tepid lending, and India’s inherent weakness in capital formation could further face severe consequences.

https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/fdi/


This could also result in fewer potential buyers, depressing the value of Indian firms that need immediate capital infusions.

43. Kashmir saffron gets GI certificate

Kashmir saffron

It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) in some regions of Kashmir, including Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.

It is a very precious and costly product. Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor.

It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes. It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the

rich cultural heritage of the region.

Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE. In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.

3 Types

The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types —

‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;

‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and

‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread

Whats’ so special about Kashmir Saffron?

The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).

It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.


44. Nutrition security along with food security

Lack of affordability

This year, the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020 (SOFI 2020) was released on July 13.

A new feature of SOFI 2020 is a detailed analysis of the “cost and

affordability of healthy diets around the world”. New analysis from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows that

many people in India even above the international poverty line ($1.90) cannot afford a healthy or nutritious diet.

This analysis confirms the fact that the problem of poor nutrition in India is largely on account of the unaffordability of good diets.

3 types of diets

1) Basic energy sufficient diet. This is one in which the required calorie intake is met by consuming only

the cheapest starchy cereal available (say, rice or wheat). A requirement of 2,329 Kcal for a healthy young woman of 30 years is

taken as the standard reference. 2) Nnutrient adequate diet. In this the required calorie norms and the stipulated requirement of 23

macro- and micro-nutrients are met. This diet includes least-cost items from different food groups. 3) Healthy diet. This is one which meets the calorie norm and the macro- and micro-

nutrient norm and also allows for consumption of a diverse diet, from several food groups.

Defining a healthy diet is more complex than the other two diets, and the

FAO uses actual recommendations for selected countries. The Indian recommendation includes consumption of items from six

groups: starchy staples, protein-rich food (legumes, meat and eggs), dairy,

vegetables, fruits, and fats.

Let’s look into cost analysis

The energy-sufficient diet costs around 80 cents a day in South Asia. So, it is affordable to a poor person or one defined as having an income of

$1.9.


The nutrient-adequate diet costs $2.12 a day. This is more than the international poverty line.

The healthy diet costs $4.07 a day, or more than twice the international poverty line.

In other words, a healthy diet is totally unaffordable for those with

incomes at even twice the poverty line. The Indian poverty line of 2011-12, as defined by the Tendulkar

Committee, amounted to ₹33 per day in urban areas and ₹27 per day in rural areas.

This corresponded roughly to $1 a day at international PPP prices. The Indian poverty line is thus lower than the international poverty line

used in the SOFI Report.

Key takeaways

1) Those we officially count as poor in India cannot afford a nutrient-adequate diet let alone a healthy diet.

This result is completely contrary to the view that the poverty line in India “may not permit a comfortable existence, including a balanced diet, (but) allows above subsistence existence.”

2) Even those with incomes of twice the international poverty line cannot afford a healthy diet.

If we want to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity, we have to address the problem of affordability of healthy diets.

Conclusion

Along with food safety, India has to strive for the nutrition security of its population.

45. At 2,967 tigers, India’s capacity at peak

Context:

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released an updated report on India’s Tiger Survey from 2018.

Released ahead of the International Tiger Day that is observed every year on 29 July, the report assesses the status of tigers in terms of spatial occupancy and density of individual populations across India.

Details:


India hosts 70% of the world’s tigers. The Tiger Survey 2018 had put India’s tiger population at 2,367 —

unchanged from the government’s estimate last year. With the increasing tiger population, India is a global exemplar in tiger

conservation. According to the report on the condition of all 50 tiger reserves, Madhya

Pradesh has the maximum number of tigers followed by Karnataka.

Concerns:

At 2,967, experts say, India may slowly be approaching its peak carrying capacity of tigers.

The study reveals that nearly a third of India’s tigers are living outside tiger reserves and nearly 17 of the 50 reserves are approaching the peak of

their capacity at sustaining their populations.

Source and Sinks:

The reserves, by definition, are a source and suitable for nourishing a growing tiger population because of prey availability and territory.

When reserves get too crowded, tigers venture out further from sources and form “sinks”.

Much of wildlife population dynamics is about understanding this source-sink relationship.

Generally, there’s a 60-40 split in tigers from source-sink, but this varies.

Way forward:

For the first time, there is an attempt to segregate how many tigers are largely present within the reserves and how many flitted in and out and were dependent on the core reserve for sustenance. This was to guide conservation policy.

With many Tiger Reserves approaching the maximum capacity, the focus should be on developing under-utilised reserves and not over-nourish those that have a good population.

The Ministry is also working on a programme in which efforts would be made to provide water and fodder to animals in the forest itself to deal with the challenge of human-animal conflict which is causing deaths of animals.

Note:


India counts its tigers once in four years with forest officials and scientists trekking across half a million square kilometres looking for evidence of the elusive feline. The recent one was released in 2019.

The status report recently released today is based on surveys conducted since 2006.

There are currently 13 tiger range countries — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

46.‘Notification on 74% FDI in defence soon’

Context:

The government is soon going to come out with a notification on 74% Foreign

Direct Investment (FDI) in defence.

Details:

In May 2020, as a part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic stimulus package, the government announced a series of measures to promote domestic defence manufacturing. These include:

o A negative import list o Separate budgetary allocation for domestic procurements o Indigenisation of spares and components o Raising the FDI cap through automatic route from 49% to 74%

Also, the second draft of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020, now renamed as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 has been put out in the public domain for comments.

47. Antibiotics in livestock a worry

Context:

In a survey report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the issue of extensive misuse of antibiotics in the dairy sector has surfaced.

Issues:

CSE’s assessment shows that dairy farmers indiscriminately use antibiotics for diseases such as mastitis.

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o Mastitis is an infection/inflammation of the udder, a common ailment in dairy animals.

The antibiotics used include critically important antibiotics (CIAs) for humans. o The WHO has warned that they should be preserved in view of the

growing crisis of antibiotic resistance. Farmers often inject animals based on their own judgment of signs and

symptoms of a disease without any veterinary supervision. The residues of antibiotics remain largely untested in milk. There is an inadequate focus on testing for antibiotic residues in the milk

collected by some State federations, which process it and sell packaged milk and dairy products under popular brands.

o While milk sold directly to consumers is not tested, contrary to what one would expect, processed milk sold in packets is also largely unchecked for antibiotic residues.

Food being produced in a chemical-intensive manner, consequently fuelling antibiotic resistance, is a matter of concern.

Way Forward:

The wise use of antibiotics is not a substitute for, but a complement to, good sanitation and husbandry practices.

Extensive use of low-level antibiotics in feeds has brought about concern for potential harmful effects due to the development of resistant strains of organisms in host animals that might compromise animal as well as human health.

Veterinary supervision is essential in treating dairy animals. It must be ensured that antibiotics are not available without a prescription.

Focus must be laid on routine surveillance and testing for antibiotic residues in the milk collected before being processed and sold.

The abused antibiotics, despite a law against it, are easily available without the prescription of a registered veterinarian and stocked at farms. Effective implementation of the laws is the key.

It is important to completely stop the use of critically important antibiotics and penalise their use.

Stakeholders must work with farmers and the agriculture-dairy sectors to innovate on solutions.

Antibiotic Resistance:

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these

medicines.


Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security and development today.

48. Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets

The five Rafale fighter jets that landed in Ambala will resurrect the Number 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF).


Dassault Rafale

(Refer image for specifications)

The state-of-the-art 4.5 Generation Rafale jet can reach almost double the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach.

With its multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes, the Rafale lends air superiority to the

Indian Air Force.

Armed with modern arms

Each aircraft has 14 storage stations for weapons. The jets come with one of the most advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles.

The 190-kg missile has a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) of over 100 km, travelling at a top speed of Mach 4.

The Rafale jets also come with SCALP, the air-to-ground cruise missile with a range over 300 km. It is a long-range deep strike missile.

The MICA air-to-air missile on Rafale is for both, close-quarter dogfights, and for BVR.

IAF has also asked for HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range), which is an air-to-ground precision-guided missile that can be used against bunker-type hardened targets within the range of 70 km.

For an edge over China

While China’s J20 Chengdu jets are called fifth-generation combat jets, compared to 4.5 generation Rafale, the J20 have no actual combat experience.

Whereas the Rafale is combat proven, having been used by the French Air Force for its missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.

It has also been used for missions in Central African Republic, Iraq and Syria. Rafale can also carry more fuel and weapons than the J20.


49. Will capping the bank CEO tenure make difference

Context

Last month, the Reserve Bank of India released a discussion paper on governance in commercial banks in India.

It has a proposal to cap the tenure of bank CEOs.

Details of the proposed limit and rationale

The paper proposes to cap the maximum tenure of a promoter/major shareholder of a bank as a CEO or a Whole Time Director (WTD) at 10 years.

This move aims to separate ownership from management. The rationale offered is that 10 years is an adequate period for a

promoter/major shareholder of a bank as CEO/WTD to stabilise its

operations and to transition the managerial leadership to professional management.

The corresponding limit for a CEO who is not a promoter/major shareholder is 15 consecutive years. T

Thereafter, that individual is eligible for re-appointment as CEO or WTD only after the expiration of three years.

Why banks are different from other companies: 3 Reasons

Ordinary corporate governance norms exhort managers to run a company in the interest of shareholders but it may not be suitable approach for all types of banks.

1) Banks are highly leveraged, creating powerful incentives for

shareholders to engage in risky strategies at great risk to creditors, including retail depositors.

2) Bank failure could involve systemic risk, which could result in a government bail-out.

This moral hazard creates even more high-powered incentives for shareholders to engage in risky strategies.

3) Financial assets held by a bank are hard to monitor and measure. Consequently, external scrutiny of a bank by depositors and creditors is

difficult. These unique factors are likely to encourage bank managers to take

excessive risks to maximise shareholder value.


Purpose of Bank governance

Bank governance seeks to curb such excessive risk-taking discussed above. It encourages prudent risk-taking such that shareholders’ interests are

secondary to depositors’ interests. This is the main logic as suggested in the Basel Committee on Banking

Supervision guidelines and the Financial Stability Board principles respectively.

Will capping the CEO tenure help

It is unclear whether imposing a maximum cap on CEO tenure would encourage prudent risk-taking by the management.

For Indian banks, the limited empirical evidence seems to suggest that bank performance improves with increasing CEO tenure.

A paper published in International Journal of Financial Studies finds that an increase in CEO tenure is associated with significant improvements in asset quality and performance of the bank.

The effect of CEO tenure increases rapidly with the year of CEO tenure. Concerning public sector banks (PSBs), the P J Nayak Committee report

had identified shorter tenure of chairmen and executive directors as a key reason for weaker empowerment of their boards.

These findings seem to be at odds with RBI’s suggestion to cap CEO tenure.

Conclusion

It may be prudent for the RBI to publish an empirical study on the impact of CEO tenure on bank performance before translating this proposal into an enforceable regulation.

50. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for electronics manufacturers Global electronics giants are set to expand their presence in India under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for making mobile phones and certain other specified electronic components.

What is the PLI scheme?

As a part of the National Policy on Electronics, the IT ministry had notified the PLI scheme on April 1 this year.


The scheme will, on one hand, attract big foreign investment in the sector, while also encouraging domestic mobile phone makers to expand their units and presence in India.

It would give incentives of 4-6 per cent to electronics companies which manufacture mobile phones and other electronic components.

A/c to the scheme, companies that make mobile phones which sell for Rs 15,000 or more will get an incentive of up to 6 per cent on incremental sales of all such mobile phones made in India.

In the same category, companies which are owned by Indian nationals and make such mobile phones, the incentive has been kept at Rs 200 crore for the next four years.

Tenure of the scheme

The PLI scheme will be active for five years with financial year (FY) 2019-20 considered as the base year for calculation of incentives.

This means that all investments and incremental sales registered after FY20 shall be taken into account while computing the incentive to be given to

each company.

Which companies and what kind of investments will be considered?

All electronic manufacturing companies which are either Indian or have a registered unit in India will be eligible to apply for the scheme.

These companies can either create a new unit or seek incentives for their existing units from one or more locations in India.

Any additional expenditure incurred on the plant, machinery, equipment, research and development and transfer of technology for the manufacture of mobile phones and related electronic items will be eligible for the incentive.

However, all investment done by companies on land and buildings for the project will not be considered for any incentives or determine the eligibility of the scheme.

Date post:	02-Feb-2022
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JULY 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE VISHNUIAS

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