THE HINDU

NEWS ANALYSIS

25 SEPTEMBER 2018

www.mindmaps4ias.in

Female circumcision issue goes to Constitution Bench

Topics for Mains Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women’s organization,

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

Female Genital Mutilation,

IPC,

POCSO,

Government of India Allocation of Business Rules

For Mains

Inhuman practices against women and how to stop them.

Critically comment why and how female genital mutilation (FGM) practices such as khatna or

khafz that are practised in India and elsewhere must be prevented. Also comment on

implications of practises such as FGM on human rights and gender equality.

Why this News is Important?

The Supreme Court referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench petitions seeking a declaration

that the practice of female circumcision or ‘khafz,' prevalent in the Dawoodi Bohra sect, amounts to "female genital mutilation (FGM)" and is a violation of women's right to life and

dignity..

Key takeaways from this article -

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y.

Chandrachud observed that the issue deserved to be examined by a Constitution Bench.

The Chief Justice had orally observed that the Constitution does not allow a person to cause

injury to another.

The Bench had said the practice should be tested in the light of constitutional morality.

THE HINDU NATIONAL NEWS PAGE

However, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, appearing for 70,000 Bohra Muslim women under the

banner of the Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) in favour

of ‘khafz,' said the practice was essential to religion and had been continuing since the 10th

century.

Some Basics you should know

What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female

circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia.

The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from

countries in which FGM is common.

UNICEF estimated in 2016 that More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been

cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated.

FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15.

Reasons for performing FGM:

Cultural and social factors:

. The most commonly cited reasons are:

Where FGM is a social convention (social norm), the social pressure to conform to what

others do and have been doing, as well as the need to be accepted socially and the fear of

being rejected by the community.

FGM is often considered a necessary part of raising a girl, and a way to prepare her for

adulthood and marriage.

FGM is often motivated by beliefs about what is considered acceptable sexual behaviour.

It aims to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity.

FGM is in many communities believed to reduce a woman’s libido and therefore believed to

help her resist extramarital sexual acts.

FGM is associated with cultural ideals of femininity and modesty.

Though no religious scripts prescribe the practice, practitioners often believe the practice has

religious support.

In most societies, where FGM is practised, it is considered a cultural tradition, which is often

used as an argument for its continuation.

In some societies, recent adoption of the practice is linked to copying the traditions of

neighbouring groups. Sometimes it has started as part of a wider religious or traditional

revival movement.

Impacts of female genital mutilation on the health of women:

FGM harms girls and women in many ways:

Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to

the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as

well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes

with the natural functions of girls’ and women’s bodies.

Immediate complications can include:

severe pain

excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)

genital tissue swelling

fever

infections e.g., tetanus

urinary problems

wound healing problems

injury to surrounding genital tissue

shock

death

Long-term consequences can include:

urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections);

vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections);

Menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.);

scar tissue and keloid;

Sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.);

increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean

section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths;

Psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-

esteem, etc.).

Why this practice consider as violation of fundamental and human rights:

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of

discrimination against women.

It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children.

The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when

the procedure results in death.

International efforts to curb this problem:

WHO strongly urges health professionals not to perform such procedures.

In 1997, WHO issued a joint statement against the practice of FGM together with the United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In 2007, UNFPA and UNICEF initiated the Joint Programme on Female Genital

Mutilation/Cutting to accelerate the abandonment of the practice.

In 2008, WHO together with 9 other United Nations partners, issued a statement on the

elimination of FGM to support increased advocacy for its abandonment, called: “Eliminating female genital mutilation: an interagency statement”.

In 2010, WHO published a “Global strategy to stop health care providers from performing female genital mutilation” in collaboration with other key UN agencies and international

organizations.

In December 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the elimination of

female genital mutilation.

In 2016 UNICEF launched an updated report documenting the prevalence of FGM in 30

countries, as well as beliefs, attitudes, trends, and programmatic and policy responses to the

practice globally.

In May 2016, WHO in collaboration with the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on FGM

launched the first evidence-based guidelines on the management of health complications

from FGM. The guidelines were developed based on a systematic review of the best available

evidence on health interventions for women living with FGM.

Solutions:

Emphasizing the need for concerted action in all sectors – health, education, finance, justice

and women’s affairs.

Strengthening the health sector response: guidelines, tools, training and policy to ensure that

health professionals can provide medical care and counselling to girls and women living with

FGM;

Building evidence: generating knowledge about the causes and consequences of the practice.

Domestic aviation traffic saw 17% growth in August 2018

Topics for Mains Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

UDAN Scheme

For Mains

Critically analyse India's new civil aviation policy.

Why this News is Important?

Domestic aviation traffic registered a growth of 17% in August 2018, with airlines ferrying a

total of 11.3 million passengers as opposed to 9.6 million same time in 2017, according to

the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's monthly data.

Gurgaon-based budget carrier SpiceJet was at the top in terms of two key parameters - seat

occupancy and punctuality.

Some Basics you should know

New Civil Aviation Policy

Potential of the Civil Aviation Sector

India has the potential to be among the global top three nations in terms of domestic and

international passenger traffic. It has an ideal geographical location between the eastern and

western hemisphere, a strong middle class of about 30 cr Indians and a rapidly growing

economy. Despite these advantages, the Indian aviation sector has not achieved the position

it should have and at present it is ranked 10th in the world in terms of number of passengers

Development of this sector has a multiplier effect on the economy. As per an International

Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) study, the output multiplier and employment multiplier are

3.25 and 6.10 respectively.

The growth in aviation will create a large multiplier effect in terms of investments, tourism

and employment generation, especially for unskilled and semi-skilled worker.

It can generate additional revenues for the government through allied activities such as MRO

operations (severely underdeveloped), cargo carriage (less polluting and more efficient both

cost and time wise than road transport) etc

Salient points in the Policy

o 5/20 rule (5 years of operation and a fleet of 20 aircrafts) will be no more applicable for

airlines looking to fly abroad. For starting foreign operations, airlines will have to

operate 20 flights or 20% of its fleet on domestic routes (whichever is higher, given the

moniker 0/20 rule)

o Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations – The MRO business of Indian carriers is

around Rs 5000 cr, 90% of which is currently spent outside India. In the budget for

2016-17, customs duty has been rationalised and the procedure for clearance of goods

simplified. Further incentives proposed in the policy to give a push to this sector

Airport royalty, additional charges not to be levied on maintenance service

providers for a period of 5 years from the date of approval. This will give a boost

to MRO sector which is severely underdeveloped in India

MoCA will persuade State Governments to make VAT zero- rated on MRO

activities

Provision for adequate land for MRO service providers will be made in all future

airport/heliport projects where potential for such MRO services exist

Regional Connectivity Scheme

Purpose is to boost airlines flying to hitherto

underserved/uneconomical/hinterland routes

Capping of airfares on the routes under RCS – Rs 2500 for a 1 hour flight and Rs

1200 for half an hour flight

Will be implemented by way of

Revival of airstrips/airports as No Frill Airport at an indicative cost of Rs

50cr to Rs 100cr

Demand driven selection of Airports/Airstrips for revival in consultation

with state govt and airlines

2% levy on all airline tickets to fund RCS

Viability Gap Funding to airline operators. Centre and state will bear the

burden in the ratio of 80:20. For the North Eastern State, this will be in the

ratio of 90:10. Govt will taper the VGF based on appropriate load factors

achieved by the airlines. Once route becomes sustainable, subsidy

removed. Subsidy to be provided based on reverse bidding.

RCS only in those states which reduce VAT on ATF to 1% or less, provide

other support services and 20% of VGF

Tax incentives in store for all airlines operating on hitherto underserved

routes

To increase viability of running routes from regional airports, government

has abolished airport charge, reduced service tax and excise duty on

Aviation Turbine Fuel

Bilateral Traffic Rights

GoI will enter into ‘Open Sky’ Agreement on a reciprocal basis with SAARC

countries and countries located beyond 5000 km from Delhi

For countries within 5000 km radius, where the Indian carriers have not utilised

80% of their capacity entitlements but foreign carriers /countries have utilised

their bilateral rights, a method will be recommended by a Committee headed

by Cabinet Secretary for the allotment of additional capacity entitlements

Whenever designated carriers of India have utilised 80% their capacity

entitlements, the same will be renegotiated in the usual manner.

Development of new Airports either by PPP or by AAI

o Encourage development of airports by AAI, State Governments, the private sector or in

PPP mode

o Future tariffs at all airports will be calculated on a ‘hybrid till‘ basis, unless specified

otherwise in concession agreements.

o There are three methods for calculating airport tariff – single till, double till and hybrid

till.

The airport operator generates revenue by taking into account revenues from

aeronautical activities such as parking, housing and landing. It also earns

revenues from non aeronautical streams like duty free shops, food and beverage

outlets, vehicle parking and advertisements

In the single-till model both, aeronautical and non- aeronautical charges of

airport operators are taken into account for fixing landing and parking charges.

In the double-till model aeronautical charges are calculated taking into account

revenues from aeronautical and non-aeronautical charges on the basis of

collections from non-aeronautical.

In the hybrid till model, the charges are calculated by taking all the aeronautical

and 30 per cent of the non-aeronautical revenue into account.

Aviation Education and Skill Building – Estimated direct additional employment requirement

of the Civil Aviation Sector by 2025 is about 3.3 lakh. All training in non licensed category will

conform to National Skill Qualification Framework standards. MoCA will provide full support

to the Aviation Sector Skill Council and other similar organisations/agencies for imparting

skills for growing aviation industry

Assessment

Pros:

5/20 rule had irked airlines for a long time now. At a time when most of the airlines are not

posting profit and reeling under the burden of high taxes, 5/20 scheme proved to be a major

impediment in enabling airlines to boost profits by initiating foreign operations. The

guidelines in the present policy regarding foreign operations will ensure that airlines do not

neglect domestic operations in pursuit of profit. The move has been criticized by established

players like Jet Airways who are wary of increased competition.

The initiative in the policy to boost MRO business is commendable as it leads to substantial

loss of revenue for India. The MRO cost of Indian carriers is around Rs 5000 cr, 90% of which

is currently spent outside India. Moreover, owing to India’s favourable geographical location

India has the potential to become an MRO hub, a status currently occupied by Dubai.

Regional Connectivity Scheme has been mooted with an objective of promoting connectivity

in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities. Intent is to fast track the sector and harvest its multiplier effect on the

economy, spurring investments, tourism and employment. Moreover, of the 35 crore middle

class citizens, only 8 cr people fly. Capping of fares, enhancing connectivity will lead to an

increase in the number of citizens who can fly and can take some burden off railways

Open sky policy will enhance competition leading to better service and cost effectiveness

Cons:

Regional Connectivity Scheme

o Policy doesn’t mention from where VGF for RCS will come from

o Administration of VGF would require scrutiny of airlines balance sheet which would be

a messy process. It has the potential of becoming another hotbed for controversy

o Vgf would result in additional subsidy burden at a time when economic survey argued

in favour of removing subsidies for the rich

o Subsidy based regime would be impacted by the vagaries of price changes in oil prices

o Capping of fares (1200 for half hour, 2500 for an hour) is criticized as airlines argue

that it should be a fn of demand/supply

o Critical reform include depoliticization of identifying destinations. Resources ought to

be deployed based on economics rather than a populist gesture to entice hinterland

voters

o The success of RCS will depend upon support by the state govt in the form of free land,

lower utility rates and tax cuts on airline fuel

o The subsidy regime under RCS where the subsidy for flyers on new routes will be

financed levy on flyers on high traffic routes is questionable as it would make air travel

expensive

Airlines wished for 0/0 rule. However the rationale is that domestic operations should not be

ignored. The other side is that scaling up of operations by airlines is not an easy task.

Mandating a min requirement of 20 airlines before initiating international operations doesn’t solve the problem for airlines

The Open sky policy with SAARC countries is a good measure. However the one with

countries beyond 5000km radius will fail to have much impact as India already has unused

flying rights to EU, open sky policy with US and UK

Assessment of Hybrid Till model for deciding on airport charges

o According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), the approved policy states

that “future tariffs at all airports will be calculated on a hybrid-till basis” – which can

make air travel more expensive

o Single Till model is considered to be more effective for airlines as airport charges

constitute around 14% of the total operational cost of a passenger carrier.

o Costlier airport charges will translate into costlier tickets which will interfere with the

civil aviation policy objective of tripling passenger traffic by 2022

o The model has been proposed to entice private operators into investing in building

airports on PPP basis by providing them with an effective stream of revenue

Assessment of Increasing FDI in Airlines Sector to 100%

Increasing the FDI limit for airlines (including regional operators for whom FDI of 49 per cent was

only allowed last November) to 100 per cent, with automatic approvals for foreign ownership up to

49 per cent, sounds good on the face of it.

But it will not bring new foreign players in the fray:-

This is because global airline players continue to be hemmed in by the 49 per cent ownership

limit set by the United Progressive Alliance government in 2012, following which ventures

such as AirAsia India and Vistara took off. This is because depite 100% FDI being allowed,

securing a scheduled operator permit still requires an airline’s chairman and at at least two

thirds of its directors to be Indian citizens, and substantial ownership and effective control to

be vested in Indian nationals. It then begs the question why would a foreign airline invest so

much in a JV when it can have very limited management control.

Comparative Data :

o The U.S. now allows around 25 per cent foreign ownership in airlines

o South Korea permits 49 per cent

o Chile a full 100 per cent, even as it has done away with national control and ownership

norms.

India can follow the Australia Model

o Australia has now scrapped limits on airline ownership for aircraft flying within its

airspace — a model that could very well serve India’s aviation policy objectives of tripling passenger traffic by 2022 and developing regional connectivity. To stay at the

forefront of FDI reforms in a slowing global economy, India could have proposed a

bolder reform in airline ownership norms and dovetailed that with its vision of an open

sky policy within the SAARC region and beyond. That would have been a global game

changer.

.

Centre to issue warnings on lynchings

Topics for Mains Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and

States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies

constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

-

For Mains

Anti-lynching law –need, challenges

Rise in lynching incidents across India and reasons behind them.

In light of the spate of lynchings in news in several parts of the country, critically examine the

need of an anti lynching law?

Why this News is Important?

The Centre has assured the Supreme Court that it and the State governments would, within a

week, start broadcasting on radio and TV a stern message that mob lynching and violence

would invite the wrath of law.

Key takeaways from this article -

Nothing appears to have been done on the ground.

The court said eight States and Union Territories were yet to file reports indicating their

compliance with the July 17 verdict.

People must be made to realise the gravity of their acts, and for this, they ought to dread the

long arm of the law.

An empowered Group of Ministers is considering a specific law against lynching.

Renewed push for Statehood in Northeast

Topics for Mains Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features,

amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

Bodoland

Northeastern States’ Map location

For Mains

Anti-lynching law –need, challenges

Rise in lynching incidents across India and reasons behind them.

In light of the spate of lynchings in news in several parts of the country, critically examine the

need of an anti lynching law?

Why this News is Important?

Statehood movements have gathered momentum across the Northeast, with a renewed push

for Bodoland, a proposed State comprising areas beyond the four districts under the

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Key takeaways from this article -

It is one of the oldest movements, since the 1960s.

The Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation, a tribal body with sway in four of Nagaland's

most backward districts, has stepped up its demand for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland

State.

The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura, the BJP's ally in Tripura, raised pro-Statehood

slogans while observing the 10th Twipraland Demand Day on August 23. The demand for

carving out this separate State has been intermittent since 1997.

Centre finalising tariffs on non-essential imports

Topics for Mains Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

growth, development and employment.

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

India's Foreign Trade key statistics

For Mains

-

THE HINDU ECONOMY PAGE NEWS

Why this News is Important?

The government has finalised the list of non-essential items on which it will be imposing

import tariffs.

Key takeaways from this article -

The list will be notified soon, would include electronics, gems, select items of steel that are also

manufactured in India, imported apples, and almonds, among others.

The main issue under consideration was whether to include gold in it.

The government had earlier this month, announced the easing of overseas borrowing norms

for manufacturing companies, removal of restrictions on foreign portfolio investment in

corporate bonds and tax benefits on masala bonds.

The imposition of tariffs on the import of non-essential items is expected to bolster these

efforts in stabilising the rupee’s levels.

End of a difficult journey in Maldives: Solih

Topics for Mains India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global

groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

-

For Mains

-

Why this News is Important?

THE HINDU INTERNATIONAL RELATION PAGE NEWS

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen conceded defeat in the presidential election, making way

for the joint Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Key takeaways from this article -

Senior parliamentarian of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Mr. Solih secured 58.3% of

the votes, while Mr. Yameen obtained 41.7%.

India has welcomed the result of the Maldives’ presidential election and heartily congratulated the winning candidate, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the President-elect, and expressed support for better

ties.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and

good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Earlier, in a statement, the Ministry said the election process amounted to a triumph of

democracy in the country where public election was established a decade ago.

The election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives but also reflects

the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law.

In keeping with ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, India looks forward to working closely with the

Maldives in further deepening the partnership, the statement said.

Russia to supply S-300 missile system to Syria

Topics for Mains India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global

groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

S-400 ‘Triumf’ Air Defence System

For Mains

-

Why this News is Important?

Russia announced that it will supply an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria in two

weeks against strong Israeli objections, a week after it blamed Israel for indirectly causing the

downing of a Russian military plane in Syria.

Key takeaways from this article -

The September 2018 crash, which killed 15 Russian service members, had forced Moscow to

take "adequate retaliatory measures to increase the safety of Russian military fighting

international terrorism in Syria", Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Monday.

Russia, which fights in Syria to support the government, has said Syria shot the IL-20

surveillance plane down by mistake shortly after Israeli jets hit a nearby target.

Russia blamed Israel for creating dangerous conditions that caused the crash.

Israel has struck Syria scores of times during the seven-year war.

Some Basics you should know

What is S-400 ‘Triumf’ Air Defence System?

An S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile system is one of the most advanced long-range

defence systems in the world.

It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO.

It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey.

It has been in service in Russia since 2007.

It is capable of firing three types of missiles. Thus, it creates a layered defence, and simultaneously

engaging 36 targets.

It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km.

With it, India can destroy Pakistani aircrafts even when they are in their airspace.

India wants to procure long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly

along its nearly 4,000-km-long border.

In 2016, India had signed agreement with Russia on Triumf interceptor-based missile system.

But there has been mounting concerns in India over US sanctions against Russian defence majors

export as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of punitive measure.

The US had announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in

presidential election in 2016.

The five S-400 systems will be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

India is the second export customer, after China to purchase this most advance defence system.

Mosquito population made extinct with genetic tweak

Topics for Mains Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in

everyday life , Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Keywords for UPSC Prelims and Mains

For Prelims

Aedes mosquito-

For Mains

Eradication of malaria and other diseases

Why this News is Important?

Scientists recently for the first time succeeded in wiping out an entire population of malaria-

carrying mosquitoes in the lab using a gene editing tool to programme their extinction.

Key takeaways from this article -

The new research, published in Nature Biotechnology, has been funded by the Bill & Melinda

Gates Foundation and US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Lab experiment with genetic drive technology:

Scientists modified a gene known as “doublesex” while working on a mosquito species named as Anopheles gambiae working at Imperial College London.

THE HINDU SCIENCE AND TECH. PAGE NEWS

As a result of modified double sex gene, more

females in each generation either become

infertile or could not bite.

After few generations, there were no females left

and the population collapsed due to lack of

offspring.

Genetic drive technology:

It uses the molecular scissors known as

CRISPR/Cas9 to copy and paste themselves

into an organism’s DNA at precise locations. It breaks the rules of inheritance, quickly

spreading a genetic modification to all

offsprings.

Significance of the study:

Pest control: Since all insects have some version of doublesex so gene drive can help in

developing new pest control measures.

Control malaria outbreak: Since malaria kills more than 4 lakh people each year worldwide,

according to the World Health Organization and this gene drive will be significant in

controlling the malarial spread.

Step ahead of traditional practice: Traditional approaches to control mosquitoes especially

the use of insecticides is becoming less effective which gene drive can overcome.

Concerns of the gene drive technology:

Threat of extinction: It involves intentional modification of genetic makeup of a species which

may lead to its extinction.

Unethical practice: Some scientists and technology watchdog groups have called for a

moratorium on gene drive research owing to its unethical way to wipe out a species.

Ecological risks: Manipulating and removing natural populations by gene drive may destroy

food webs and shift the behaviour of diseases.

Social risks: It can disrupt agriculture, enabling new weapons to mass extinction of species

harmful to humans.

Resistance to gene drive: There are also apprehensions that mosquitoes may develop

resistance against gene drive technology like other traditional practices of malarial control.