1. Why caste census data is critical for states that want to extend reservations READ MORE
2. Bombay HC order on IT Rules is a start. But its critical eye has missed a greater threat READ MORE

1. Sensing an Opportunity: Why India Should Accept – Not Resist — Decarbonisation READ MORE
2. South Africa: Greenhouse gas emissions up 10% in 17 years READ MORE

1. Can PM-CARES Fund help children orphaned by COVID-19, asks Supreme Court READ MORE
2. The reality of mental health: Beyond the buzz READ MORE

1. Where there is nothing, there is everything READ MORE
2. Steps of Awareness READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. NITI Aayog Releases North Eastern Region District SDGIndex and Dashboard 2021–22 READ MORE
2. Drone rules aim to help start-ups, SMEs READ MORE
3. Quad navies begin 4-day Malabar exercise off Guam READ MORE
4. Organic and conservation farming boost multifunctionality of ecosystems: Study READ MORE
5. Maharashtra govt launches special programme for women who lost their husbands due to COVID READ MORE
6. Sambhar Lake needs faster restoration, says expert study READ MORE

Main Exam  

GS Paper- 1

1. The Mappila Rebellion controversy READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Why caste census data is critical for states that want to extend reservations READ MORE
2. Bombay HC order on IT Rules is a start. But its critical eye has missed a greater threat READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Can PM-CARES Fund help children orphaned by COVID-19, asks Supreme Court READ MORE
2. The reality of mental health: Beyond the buzz READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Finding India’s voice on Afghanistan: In a world of hard geopolitical realities, New Delhi must leverage its unique strengths in remaining engaged with Kabul READ MORE
2. The meaning of India’s ‘wait and watch’ policy on Afghanistan READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. How the hybrid work revolution is reshaping economies READ MORE
2. Risks and rewards: The asset monetisation push needs careful calibration to evade future hazards READ MORE
3. How to ease cross-border cargo movement READ MORE
4. Oil bonds as bad as recapitalisation bonds READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Sensing an Opportunity: Why India Should Accept – Not Resist — Decarbonisation READ MORE
2. South Africa: Greenhouse gas emissions up 10% in 17 years READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Climate crisis: India now confronts a drought READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Where there is nothing, there is everything READ MORE
2. Steps of Awareness READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. RBI is working on a phased implementation strategy for its digital currency. Evaluate challenges, risks and benefits associated with it.
2. Critically examine the challenges in the implementation of IBC 2016 with specific reference to the 32nd report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Finance.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
• Developing countries like South Africa emit much less per capita than developed economies; hence chances of emissions shooting up is higher.
• In a world of hard geopolitical realities, New Delhi must leverage its unique strengths in remaining engaged with Kabul.
• The asset monetisation push needs careful calibration to evade future hazards.
• A few different factors must be kept in mind. And beware of any big growth numbers being interpreted as indicative of recovery.
• The investment will trail consumption and while the Centre has a good Capex plan, it is only one piece in the overall puzzle. The private sector must get involved and with the banks being hesitant, the road can get longer.
• The pandemic may not have a class or community bias, but its economic fallout certainly seems to have it.
• The absence of ratification to the international convention implies that trade between India and neighbouring countries cannot be governed by an international efficient system.
• With the Supreme Court allowing women to take the NDA exam, their induction gets closer to reality and will add value to the military.
• With the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important now more than ever to look around us and within ourselves to acknowledge the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

50-WORD TALK

• The jubilation over Delhi being the city with the most CCTV cameras is premature. The real impact will be seen if the crime rate goes down in the coming years. There are lax SOPs over who all can access the camera feed with ease. Greater surveillance must come with higher safeguards.
• In allowing festive relaxations – be it Onam or Bakrid – the Communist government in Kerala is treading on thin ice. True, their health system is among India’s best and is at the moment not overwhelmed. So death rates are low. But with 2/3rd of India’s caseload, complacency is potentially hazardous.

Things to Remember

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

[WpProQuiz 32]

INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. SUJALAM CAMPAIGN

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Jal Shakti began ‘SUJALAM’, a ‘100 days campaign’ as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations to create more and more ODF Plus villages.

ANALYSIS:

• The effort of the campaign would be directed towards achieving the ODF plus status for villages across the country in an accelerated manner in a short time.
• The campaign will not only build the desired infrastructure i.e. soak pit for management of greywater in villages but will also aid in sustainable management of water bodies. The disposal of wastewater and clogging of water bodies in the villages or on the outskirts of the villages remain one of the major problems.
• The Campaign would help in the management of the wastewater and in turn, would help to revive the water bodies.

• The campaign would boost the momentum of SBMG phase II activities through community participation and it will increase awareness about ODF-plus activities. Hence ensuring long term maintenance and sustainability of built infrastructure.
• The Campaign would use the platform of awareness and behaviour change achieved during the first phase of the SBMG and provide a focus for sustaining the same along with achieving visual cleanliness by the way of SLW Management.
• The key activities that will be organised in the villages under this campaign include:
• Organizing Community consultations, Khuli Baithaks and Gram Sabha meetings to analyze the current situation
• Pass resolution to maintain ODF sustainability and achieve a needed number of soak pits to manage the greywater.
• Develop a 100 days’ plan to undertake sustainability and soak pit construction-related activities
• Construct a requisite number of soak pits
• Retrofit toilets where needed through IEC and community mobilization and
• Ensure all newly emerging Households in the village have access to toilets.

SOURCE:  PIB

2. SAMARTH SCHEME

THE CONTEXT: 1,565 artisans benefitted by training in 63 Samarth Training Centres.

ANALYSIS:

• The Ministry of Textiles adopted 65 clusters for the overall development of artisans in a time-bound manner by ensuring self-sustainment of the artisans of these clusters.
• The need-based interventions are being implemented for benefiting the artisans of these adopted clusters.
• The upskilling of the handicrafts artisans in these adopted clusters are being done through providing technical and soft skill training under the SAMARTH scheme to enable sustainable livelihood either by wage or self-employment.
• The first batch in each 63 training centres has been completed successfully benefitting 1,565 artisans.
• The second batch will also complete during the month of August 2021 benefiting 1,421 artisans.
• Additionally, 65 new handicrafts training centres are being established to scale up the training program so that the maximum number of artisans can be benefitted.

ABOUT SAMARTH SCHEME

• In order to meet the skill gap in the industry, the Ministry of Textiles is implementing Samarth Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector.
• The objective of the scheme is to provide demand-driven, placement oriented skilling programmes to supplement the efforts of the industry in creating employment in textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textiles, excluding Spinning and Weaving in the organized sector.
• The government has established 65 handicrafts training centres in the adopted clusters for providing technical training in the NSQF aligned Handicrafts courses.
• The attendance of the artisans is being monitored through Aadhar Authenticated Biometric Attendance System and the wage compensation to successfully trained artisans is transferred directly to their bank account.
• Samarth Scheme is being implemented in association with State Government agencies, sectoral organisations of Ministry of Textiles, Manufacturing Industry, Industry Associations and MSME Associations.
• The salient features of the scheme are: –
• The scheme implemented through Textile Industry/ Industry Associations, State Government agencies and Sectoral Organizations of Ministry.
• Formulated as per broad skilling framework adopted by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Comprise entry-level skilling (Fresh workers) and Upskilling (existing workers).
• Mandatory placement of trainees- 70% for entry-level & 90% for upskilling under organized sector.
• Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) and Web-based centralized Management Information System (MIS) for monitoring.
• Call centre for collecting feedback and grievance redressal.
• Physical verification of training centres with geo-tagging /time-stamped photographs.

SOURCE:  PIB

ENVIRONMENT, GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE

3. EMISSION REDUCTION OF 28% ALREADY ACHIEVED BY INDIA

THE CONTEXT: India has already achieved emission reduction of 28% over 2005 levels, against the target of 35% by 2030 committed in its NDC (Nationally determined contributions). This was stated by the Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy in his keynote address at the ‘INDIA-ISA Energy Transition Dialogue 2021’ organized by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

ANALYSIS:

• This makes India among one of the few countries globally which have kept to its Paris Climate Change (COP21) commitments along with an exponential increase in renewable energy capacity.
• Considering the pace of development in the energy sector, India is determined to not only achieve but exceed its NDC commitments well within the committed time frame.
• The Government of India has enacted favourable policies and regulations to boost the clean energy sector. India has been aggressively pushing for energy efficiency improvements for the past two decades through a combination of innovative market mechanisms and business models, institutional strengthening and capacity building, as well as demand creation measures.
• The key is to allow the regulatory and policy support to keep the sector afloat till the supply-side strengthens, technology develops, and the competitive market takes root resulting in a fall in prices, and the industry becomes self-sustainable. He said that it is anticipated that by 2050, 80-85% of India’s overall power capacity will come from renewables.
• India has already touched 200 GW of peak demand. The demand had crossed what it was during the pre-COVID time and it is expected that electricity demand will continue to rise. This gives us the space for adding more renewables capacity, but it will call for power system flexibility and the introduction of various storage technologies.
• The Indian Power Sector to have achieved the coveted milestone of 100 GW of installed Renewable Energy Capacity. While 100 GW of capacity has been installed and operationalized, 50 GW of additional capacity is under installation and another 27 GW is under tendering process.
• As of 31st July 2021, 38.5% of India’s installed power generation capacity is based on clean renewable energy sources and with this pace, we will reach the target of 40% by 2023.
• Presently India stands at 4th position in the world in terms of installed RE capacity 5th in Solar and 4th in Wind energy capacity.
• India plans to continue this momentum in the clean energy sector by systematically scaling up its targets to install 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 from its existing target of 175 GW by 2022.
• The 100 GW achievement not only marks an important milestone in India’s journey towards its target of 450 GW by 2030 but also builds upon the confidence to achieve more and be among the leading countries embarking on a path towards energy transition globally.
• Dedicated Green Energy Corridors initiated by the MNRE have made it easier for renewable energy developers to avail grid connectivity and evacuate up to 40,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy from renewable energy-rich parts of India.

SOURCE:    PIB

INDIAN ECONOMY

4. SAMRIDH SCHEME

THE CONTEXT: Start-up Accelerators of MeitY for pRoduct Innovation, Development and growth (SAMRIDH)” programme launched by MeitY.

ANALYSIS:

• SAMRIDH programme aims to create a conducive platform for Indian Software Product start-ups to  enhance  their  products and  securing  investments  for  scaling  their
• The programme is being implemented by MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH).
• The SAMRIDH programme will focus on accelerating the 300 start-ups by providing customer connect, investor, connect, and international immersion in the next three years.
• An investment of up to ₹ 40 lakh to the start-up based on the current valuation and growth stage of the Start-Up will be provided through selected accelerators.
• It will also facilitate equal matching investment by the accelerator/investor. T
• The programme aims to further the Indian start-up growth which has seen the emergence of 63 Unicorns is now the third-largest Unicorn hub globally with a total valuation of 168 Bn USD

SOURCE:  PIB

5. PSBS RECORD PROFITS AFTER 5 YEARS

THE CONTEXT: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs reviewed the performance of the Public Sector Banks (PSBs). The review noted that the Government’s 4R strategy of Recognition, Resolution, Recapitalization and Reform as a response to the situation prevailing in 2014 had led to dramatic improvements at PSBs in 2020-21 on various parameters of profitability, capital adequacy, NPA reduction, checks on the occurrence of fraud and mobilisation of funds from the market.

Analysis:

• Impact of 4R approach – Snapshot of Public Sector Banks in 2020-21
• Net profits of Rs. 31,820 crore highest in five years
• Gross NPAs at 9.1% (14.58% – March 2018)
• Net NPA at 3.1% (7.97% – March 2018)
• Provision Coverage Ratio at 84% (62.7% – March 2018)
• 04% Capital Adequacy (Prescribed minimum – 10.875%)
• 58,697 crore raised as debt and equity, of which Rs. 10,543 crores as equity alone
• The current changing times, industries now have the option of raising funds even from outside the banking sector.
• Banks themselves are raising funds through various avenues. These new aspects need to be studied to target credit where it is needed.
• Banks can play a crucial role by hand-holding industries from a particular sector to enable them to become an exporter and thereby play an important role in assisting the One District One Product scheme.
• The logistics and export needs of North-Eastern states need to be looked after individually.
• At the PSBs review, the Finance Minister also launched the Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) 4.0 Reforms Agenda for FY2021-22 and released the Annual Report for EASE 3.0 (FY2020-21).

SOURCE: PIB

CCEA APPROVES THE HIGHEST-EVER FRP OF RS 290 PER QUINTAL FOR SUGARCANE FARMERS

THE CONTEXT: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved fair and remunerative price (FRP) of sugarcane payable by sugar mills for the 2021-22 season.

ANALYSIS:

• The cabinet has approved the highest-ever Fair and Remunerative Price of Rs 290 per quintal for sugarcane farmers for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent.
• The decision will benefit the 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their dependents, as well as the 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar mills and related ancillary activities.
• The cost of production of sugarcane for the sugar season 2021-22 is Rs 155 per quintal and the FRP of Rs 290 per quintal at a recovery rate of 10 per cent is higher by 87.1 per cent over production cost, giving the farmers a return of much more than 50 over their cost.
• In the current sugar season 2020-21, about 2,976 lakh tonnes of sugarcane worth Rs 91,000 crore was purchased by sugar mills, which is at an all-time high level and is the second-highest next to the procurement of paddy crop at MinimumSupport Price.

SOURCE: ANI

INTERNAL SECURITY

7. WILDLIFE BOARD NOD TO 10 ROADS NEAR INDO-CHINA BORDER

THE CONTEXT: The National Board of Wildlife (NWBL) has given its nod for clearances for the construction of 10 roads at the Indo-China border in Ladakh, citing their strategic importance.

ANALYSIS:

• The road clearances were granted following requests by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to construct roads inside the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, a 1,400 sq. km park, which is home to the Tibetan wild ass, black cranes, and other rare animal species.
• These roads are strategically important for the security of the country and will be used by ITBP and military personnel for logistics and carriage of ammunition etc. to protect Indian Territory up to the international border.
• The total area to be cleared for the roads amounts to over 115 hectares.

SOURCE: THE PRINT

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

8. NEW ADVANCED OXIDATION TECHNOLOGY CAN ENHANCE WASTEWATER REUSE AT A LOWER COST

THE CONTEXT: The technology which uses UV-Photocatalysis can treat municipal sewage and highly polluting industrial wastewater streams and increase its reuse as a technological option in industrial as well as municipal wastewater treatments.

ANALYSIS:

• The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, has developed a technology called The Advanced Oxidation Technology (TADOX) which ‘can reduce less dependence and load on biological and tertiary treatment systems and help achieve Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).
• It can bring down capital expenditure on ZLD by 25-30% and operating expense by 30-40% for industrial wastewater treatment.
• The Advanced Oxidation Technology (TADOX) developed by TERI New Delhi for wastewater treatment is an effort in this direction. Department of Science and Technology (DST), GoI- Water Technology Initiative (WTI) has supported TERI to develop this technology at bench scale collaboration in tie-up with ONGC Energy Centre (OEC), Delhi.
• The technology supported by the Water Technology Initiative (WTI) of the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India involves UV-Photocatalysis as an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) at the secondary treatment stage leading to oxidative degradation and mineralization of targeted pollutants.
• It improves biodegradability, thereby preventing biofouling of membranes and enhancing life span and efficiency of RO systems as also overall load on evaporators like Multiple Effect Evaporators and Mechanical vapour recompression (MVR), and so on.
• It can reduce Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), dissolved organics, pathogens, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and Micropollutants.
• TADOX could be integrated and retrofittable in existing treatment systems making it a viable option as a novel Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Technology (DWTT) applicable in upcoming and existing infrastructural projects, townships, commercial complexes, green buildings, and smart cities.
• The technology has been adopted by an MSME Company to scale up to 10 Kilo Litre per Day continuous running plant in TERI Gurugram campus.
• TADOX technology has been chosen for pilot trials and augmentation plans for identified industrial sectors under the ‘Namami Gange’ Programme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India.
• The Technology is at TRL 7 and ready for commercialization through field implementations and Technology & Trademark License Agreement from 1st April 2021.

SOURCE: PIB

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

9. KAZIND-21

THE CONTEXT: As part of military diplomacy and to strengthen the growing strategic relation with Kazakhstan, the 5^th edition of Indo- Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted at Training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan, from 30 August to 11 September 2021.

ANALYSIS:

• The exercise is a joint training between both the Armies, which will boost the bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.
• The Indian Army contingent represented by a battalion of The Bihar Regiment consists of a total of 90 personnel led by a Contingent Commander.
• The Kazakhstan Army will be represented by a company group.
• The Exercise will provide an opportunity to the Armed Forces of India & Kazakhstan to train for Counter Insurgency/ Counter-Terrorism operations in the mountainous, rural scenarios under UN mandate.
• The scope of Joint Exercise includes professional exchange, planning & execution of the operation in Counterterrorism environment at sub-unit level and sharing expertise on skills at arms, combat shooting and experiences in Counter Insurgency/ Counter-Terrorism operations.
• The exercise will culminate after a 48 hours long validation exercise which will involve a scenario of neutralization of terrorists in a semi-rural hideout.
• The exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of India and Kazakhstan.

 SOURCE: PIB

Daily Prelim Questions for August 26, 2021

Q1. Consider the following statements about Fair and remunerative price (FRP):

1. It is a minimum price at which sugar mills can sell the processed sugar.
2. It is announced by the Union government on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.
3. It is applied to sugarcane producing states only.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

       a) 1 only                                           b) 1 and 2 only

       c) 1 and 3 only                                d) 3 only

Q2. ‘Sujalam’ campaign of central government is related to which of the following?

        a) Rain water harvesting

        b) Micro-irrigation practices

        c) Drinking water supply

        d) Greywater management

Answer for August 25, 2021

Q.1 Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum, set up in 1996 by the Ottawa declaration that addresses various issues including sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Arctic Council Secretariat is located in Tromsø, Norway.
• Statement 1 is correct: India is given observer status in 2013.

Q2. Answer: A

Explanation:

• The eight countries with sovereignty over the lands within the Arctic Circle constitute the members of the council: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.

1. Calmness Of Mind READ MORE
2. Learn from failures, be grateful for success READ MORE

1. Covid-19 and growing food insecurity: Insights from rural Bihar READ MORE
2. Why Uttar Pradesh’s Proposed Population Bill Is Anti-Fact and Anti-People READ MORE
3. Over 80% of hypertension patients live in low- and middle-income countries READ MORE

1. IPCC report warning: 4.5°C rises in Kolkata by century-end, rise in cyclones, sea level READ MORE
2. Climate change, a catalyst for Arctic cooperation: Environmental challenges should be a priority for all players in the region, outweighing military and economic issues READ MORE
3. Negotiating the new global climate policy: Reducing per-person emissions to the global average as a first step to national net-zero requires a human rights frame READ MORE

1. The ugly face of a crime-fighting move: The implementation of the National Automated Facial Recognition System in India lacks adequate safeguards READ MORE
2. Caste census is important — whether you are for or against reservation READ MORE
3. ‘Skin-to-skin’ verdict: SC must take corrective measure against HC order READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. NITI Aayog and World Resources Institute India Jointly Launch ‘Forum for Decarbonizing Transport’ in India READ MORE
2. 100 days ‘SUJALAM’ Campaign begins READ MORE
3. Centre raises the fair price of sugar cane READ MORE
4. Fukushima nuclear water to be released via undersea tunnel READ MORE
5. e-Shram portal: A database for unorganised sector workers READ MORE
6. India pips the US to rank second in the list of most attractive manufacturing hub globally; China first READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The ugly face of a crime-fighting move: The implementation of the National Automated Facial Recognition System in India lacks adequate safeguards READ MORE
2. Caste census is important — whether you are for or against reservation READ MORE
3. ‘Skin-to-skin’ verdict: SC must take corrective measure against HC order READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Covid-19 and growing food insecurity: Insights from rural Bihar READ MORE
2. Why Uttar Pradesh’s Proposed Population Bill Is Anti-Fact and Anti-People READ MORE
3. Over 80% of hypertension patients live in low- and middle-income countries READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. G-7 statement on Afghanistan is guarded. Delhi must prepare for manoeuvring at international fora READ MORE
2. India backed the wrong horse in Afghanistan and has gone into a strategic sulk now READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. It’s time for Industry 4.0: Adopting Industry 4.0 technologies would make MSMEs more efficient and competitive READ MORE
2. The dangers of India’s palm oil push READ MORE
3. Tumultuous journey of a development bank READ MORE
4. How Will Asset Monetisation Help the Government? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. IPCC report warning: 4.5°C rises in Kolkata by century-end, rise in cyclones, sea level READ MORE
2. Climate change, a catalyst for Arctic cooperation: Environmental challenges should be a priority for all players in the region, outweighing military and economic issues READ MORE
3. Negotiating the new global climate policy: Reducing per-person emissions to the global average as a first step to national net-zero requires a human rights frame READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Calmness Of Mind READ MORE
2. Learn from failures, be grateful for success READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Without accountability and oversight, facial recognition technology has strong potential for misuse and abuse. Analyse.
2. Global climate policy needs a reframing on the line of human rights and well-being. Analyse.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• A school is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside.
• To empower the Indian police with information technology, India approved the implementation of the National Automated Facial Recognition System (NAFRS) to “facilitate investigation of crime and detection of criminals” in a quick and timely manner.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to become the backbone of India as the economy grows larger.
• Environmental challenges should be a priority for all players in the region, outweighing military and economic issues.
• Reducing per-person emissions to the global average as a first step to national net-zero requires a human rights frame.
• Apart from ecological impact, incentivising palm oil cultivation could have negative implications on farmer incomes, health, and food security in the long run.
• Emerging research shows that Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the already undernourished and marginalised populations, by affecting their access to food and nutrition, and consumption patterns.
• India’s actions in Afghanistan stem more out of pique for the triumph of radical Taliban and its mentor Pakistan, and less due to the lack of strategic options.

50-WORD TALK

• The national monetisation plan is a positive step that shows PM Modi’s readiness to walk his talk about the government having no business to be in business. There may be many pitfalls in realising the ambitious target but the government’s keenness to push the political economy towards privatisation must be applauded.
• CJI NV Ramana has rightly insisted that the CBI and ED speed up the process of filing charge sheets in cases involving MPs and MLAs. The inordinate delays cannot be explained away by just citing court stays. When cases are left hanging for years, they hurt democratic processes and voting choices.
• China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan apart, even the US, UK, EU to G-7 are — if reluctantly — accepting the inevitability of Taliban rule. It’s better therefore that PM Modi has engaged with Vladimir Putin. India also has to make a substantive strategic shift. Moscow is a good place to begin the walk-back from.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

[WpProQuiz 31]

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court had initiated suo moto criminal contempt proceedings against advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan for his tweets regarding the functioning of Judiciary. The long drawn battle between the two has raised the issue over the need for review of contempt powers of court

Prashant Bhushan case chronology

1. In the first tweet, He commented on the role of Judiciary especially the last four CJIs in the destruction of Indian Democracy.
2. In the second tweet, He commented on the CJIs act of driving a 50 lakh bike at a time when the SC was in lockdown.
3. Supreme Court initiated contempt proceedings on the basis of a complaint filed by a lawyer. Subsequently, Supreme Court held Mr. Bhushan guilty on both twits “against the judiciary”.
4. Advocate Bhushan refuses to apologise. This started a battle between the two due to which experts called the Supreme Court’s action as causing a chilling effect on fundamental right to freedom of expression.
5. Supreme Court finally took a liberal approach and gave a punishment for Rs. 1 only.

Sources of contempt in constitution

1. Article 129 : It grants the Supreme Court power to punish for contempt of itself. However, it fails to define Contempt of Court in clear terms.
2. Article 142 (2) : It gives the Supreme Court power to investigate or punish of any contempt of itself.
3. Article 215 : It grants High Courts power to punish for contempt of itself. It also fails to define Contempt of Court in clear terms

Contempt of court definition in India as per contempt of court act ,1971

Contempt refers to the offence of showing disrespect to the dignity or authority of a court. The Act divides contempt into civil and criminal contempt.
1. Civil contempt refers to the wilful disobedience of an order of any court.
2. Criminal contempt includes any act or publication which:

• ‘Scandalises ’the court, or
• Prejudices any judicial proceeding, or
• Interferes with the administration of justice in any other manner

3. ‘Scandalising the Court ’broadly refers to statements or publications which have the effect of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

Contempt powers of Court

1. Fairness of criticism vs. Contempt : There is a think line between the two which needs to be checked by the judiciary as fair criticism of Judiciary is not contempt as per Section 5 of The Contempt of Court Act, 1971.
2. Interference : Section 13 of Contempt of Court Act states that even if some comment is assumed to be contempt, unless it substantially interferes or tends to substantially interfere, sentence cannot be imposed.
3. Truth of Statement : As per the amendment of 2006 in Contempt of Court Act which introduced section 13(b), truth is considered as a valid defence against contempt proceedings.

Nand Lal Balwani case, 1999 that shows necessity of contempt powers

• Nand Lal Balwani, who claimed to be an advocate enrolled with Bombay Bar Association since 1995 shouted slogans in the open court and thereafter hurled his shoe towards the Court thereby interrupting court proceedings. He was informed that his actions were a case of contempt of court and was given time to file his response. Later afternoon he was sentenced to four months of jail for his actions. This shows that a safeguard such as contempt powers is important to punish such acts against the judiciary as judiciary upholds the trust of citizens and thus maintaining its superiority is important.

Problems with contempt powers

1. Fundamental Duty to develop spirit of inquiry and reform : Article 51A(h) mandates that every person needs to develop the scientific temper, humanism and spirits of inquiry and inform. If critical analysis of Judiciary is threatened with persecution, it stops citizens from performing their duty.
2. Freedom of Expression: Fair criticism of Judicial action is not contempt of court and thus citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) should be encouraged and not denied.
3. Right against Self-incrimination: Article 20(3) embodies the principle of privilege against self incrimination and declares that a person cannot be compelled to be a witness against himself. In Contempt of court cases, judges directly question the accused.
4. Vindication of Judges: Contempt power is necessary for the proper administration of justice. It is not to be used for the vindication of a judge as a person. However, in the present case it was used for the vindication of sitting CJI.
5. Vagueness: Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 uses phrases like scandalises or tends to scandalise or Lower the authority of court which are vague in characteristic.

Law commission of India report of 2018

1. High no. of Contempt cases: The Commission observed that there were a high number of civil (96,993) and criminal (583) contempt cases pending in various High Courts and the Supreme Court. The high no. of cases justify the continuing relevance of the Act.
2. International Comparisons: UK has abolished contempt laws. However, there are two differences with UK which warrant its continuity in India.

• India has high no. of continuing cases while the last case of scandalising the court in UK
  was in 1931.
• The offence of Scandalising the Court continues to be punishable in UK under other laws.
  Abolishing it will leave legislative gaps.

3. Source of Contempt laws : Superior courts in India derive authority from the Constitution. Thus, deletion of the offence from the Act will not impact the inherent constitutional powers of the courts.
4. Impact on Subordinate courts : If the definition of contempt is narrowed, subordinate courts will suffer as there will be no remedy to address cases of their contempt.
5. Ambiguity : Amending the definition will cause ambiguity. If there is no definition for criminal contempt in the Act, superior courts may give multiple definitions and interpretations to what constitutes contempt.
6. Adequate Safeguards : The Commission noted that there are several safeguards built into the Act to protect against its misuse. The Commission further noted that the Act had withstood judicial scrutiny, and therefore, there was no reason to amend it.

Way Forward

1. Independent Tribunal : The bench that faced contempt should not be the same that decides the contempt. A separate independent tribunal should be established to look after all the contempt cases.
2. Separation of criticism of judge and Judiciary : Courts should write down reason for initiating contempt proceeding and explicitly explain how it impacts the imparting of justice and is not due to the criticism of some libel judge or some verdict.
3. Liberal Approach towards Contempt : The courts should not be sensitive towards criticism and only take up contempt in various serious cases of Contempt.
4. Regulation of Social Media : Twitter which was used by Prashant Bhushan gives absolute freedom of speech and expression can be misutilised for spreading contempt. Thus, there is a need to ensure that technology is not utilised for undermining the institutions.

Some examples from courts that have set the precedent for contempt proceedings across the world 

1. Regina versus Commissioner of Police, 1968 case : The judgment remarked, ““Let me say at once that we will never use this jurisdiction as a means to uphold our own dignity. That must rest on surer foundations. Nor will we use it to suppress those who speak against us. We do not fear criticism, nor do we resent it. For there is something far more important at stake. It is no less than freedom of speech itself.”
2. Chief Justice Gajendra Gadkar : He cautioned against frequent or indiscriminate use of the power of contempt and observed, “Wise Judges never forget that that the best way to sustain the dignity and status of their office is to deserve respect from the public at large by the quality
of their judgments, the fearlessness, fairness and objectivity of their approach and by the restraint, dignity and decorum which they observe in their judicial conduct.
3. D.Feldman in his book – Civil Liberties and Human Rights in England and Wales, argues that the nature of the proceedings of contempt are in breach of Article 6 of the European Convention of Human rights which guarantee that an accused be informed of the nature and
cause of the allegation against him .
4. Justice Krishna Iyer :“The principle is to avoid confusion between personal protection of a libeled Judge and prevention of obstruction of public justice and the community’s confidence in the great process. The former is not contempt, the latter is, although overlapping spaces
abound.”
5. Phillmore Committee of UK : The crime of scandalising the court should be replaced by a new and strictly defined criminal offence.

Conclusion

• Contempt power of the Court was envisaged by the founding fathers of the India Constitution as a necessary safeguard for upholding the dignity of the Judiciary. Even the Law Commission in its report has suggested continuance of the Contempt power.
• However, it is also pertinent from experience that there is a greater need to have a liberal approach towards contempt of courts and principles of natural justice should be upheld in such cases.

Question to Ponder

1. Critically analyse the necessity of Contempt of court powers in India.
2. Do you think Contempt power is necessary for the proper administration of justice? Give your view with justification.  

INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. THE BOOKLET ON ONE-YEAR OF NEP

THE CONTEXT: Union Education and Skill Development Minister launched the booklet on One-year New Education Policy (NEP) – 2020 Achievement along with some major initiatives of the New Education Policy- 2020 such as NIPUN Bharat FLN tools and resources on DIKSHA; Virtual School of NIOS; Alternate Academic Calendar of NCERT; and Release of ‘Priya’- accessibility booklet developed by the NCERT and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

ANALYSIS:

• NEP is a guiding philosophy to transform the hopes and aspirations of millions of the youth to reality and making India self – reliant.
• The formulation of NEP is also a live example of co-operative federalism to achieve a common goal of making India a global hub of knowledge.
• NEP 2020 envisages education as a continuum without any segmentation and focuses on making education more experiential, holistic, integrated, character-building, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and above all, more joyful.
• Education is not merely a competition to acquire degrees, but is a transformative tool to leverage knowledge for character building and eventually nation building.
• The Virtual School of NIOS is a new model of learning and is an example how leveraging technology and innovation can facilitate greater inclusion in education. The school is first-of-its-kind initiative in the country which will provide advanced digital learning platforms through Virtual Live Classrooms and Virtual Labs.
• The Alternate Academic Calendar of NCERT has been developed to facilitate teachers and parents to assess the progress in the learning of children. The Alternate Academic Calendar contains week-wise plan of interesting and challenging activities, with reference to learning outcomes, themes and chapters taken from syllabus or textbook.
• The book “Priya -The Accessibility Warrior” will sensitize the students on accessibility related issues for Divyangs. Special emphasis has been laid to make the booklet simple, interesting and interactive to create awareness on accessibility in children right from their formative years.
• It provides glimpses into the world of a girl named Priya who met an accident and could not walk, due to plastered leg. The story depicts how Priya managed to participate in all activities at school, and in the process learnt the importance of the accessibility. She therefore takes the pledge of being an accessibility warrior. The comic book is also available with Indian Sign Language (ISL) explanatory videos.

Other major achievements include:

• the launch of NIPUN Bharat Mission with a vision to ensure every child achieves the desired learning competencies in reading, writing and numeracy by the end of Grade 3, by 2026-27;
• aligning of the existing scheme of Samagra Shiksha with Sustainable Development Goal for Education (SDG-4) and the NEP 2020 to ensure inclusive and equitable, quality, and holistic school education;
• Vidya Pravesh- a three months School Preparation Module for Grade I children;
• Blue print of National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) conceived to energise and catalyse the education ecosystem, capacity building of Secondary teachers under NISHTHA with a focus on improvement in quality of teachers and learning outcomes of students, Assessment reforms to make learning more joyful and experiential, DIKSHA as an teaching-learning repository of engaging e-content, etc.

Reference: PIB 

2. NCL BECOMES FIRST PSU TO VACCINATE ENTIRE WORKFORCE FOR COVID-19

THE CONTEXT:  Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), a Coal India Ltd subsidiary has become the first PSU in the country, which has got all its employees and their family members vaccinated against Covid-19.

ANALYSIS:

• The company has strength of around fifty thousand people comprising of over thirteen thousand full time employees, sixteen thousand contract workers and their twenty thousand family members residing in and around its operation areas.
• The company started its covid vaccination drive with full support of local administration and later on also mobilized its own resources to get its entire workforce and their families vaccinated.
• Various target groups were identified and special drives along with door to door campaigns were conducted to achieve this goal.
• NCL is Singrauli based Miniratna Company of the Government of India operating with 10 highly mechanized opencast coal mines and accounts for 15 per cent of national coal production. The company had produced over 115 million tonnes of coal during the last financial year.

Reference: PIB

3. PROCEDURE OF ARRESTING CABINET MINISTER IN INDIA

THE CONTEXT: Three FIRs have been registered against Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member Narayan Rane in connection with a speech at Raigad where he spoke against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. While the Maharashtra Police has sent a team to arrest Rane, Maharashtra BJP president said it was “against protocol” for the state government to arrest the Minister and questioned how it could issue an arrest warrant against a Union Minister suo motu.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO ARREST A CABINET MINISTER IN INDIA?

• If Parliament is not in session, a cabinet minister can be arrested by a law enforcement agency in case of a criminal case registered against him.
• As per Section 22 A of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business of the Rajya Sabha, the Police, Judge or Magistrate would, however, have to intimate the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha about the reason for the arrest, the place of detention or imprisonment in an appropriate form.
• The Chairman is expected to inform the Council if it is sitting about the arrest. If the council is not sitting, he/she is expected to publish it in the bulletin for the information of the members.

WHAT ABOUT THE PRIVILEGES OF THE RAJYA SABHA MEMBERS VIS-A-VIS ARRESTS?

• As per the main privileges of Parliament, in civil cases, they have freedom from arrest during the continuance of the House and 40 days before its commencement and 40 days after its conclusion, as per section 135 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The privilege of freedom from arrest does not extend to criminal offences or cases of detention under preventive detention.

CAN A PERSON BE ARRESTED FROM THE PRECINCTS OF THE HOUSE?

• No arrest, whether of a member or of a stranger, can be made within the precincts of the House without the prior permission of the Chairman/Speaker and that too in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Home Ministry in this regard.
• Similarly no legal process, civil or criminal, can be served within the precincts of the House without obtaining the prior permission of the Chairman/Speaker whether the House is in Session or not.

Reference: Indian express

ENVIRONMENT, GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE

4. PADDY PROCUREMENT HAS REACHED AT ALL-TIME HIGH

THE CONTEXT: Paddy procurement has reached at an all-time high level, surpassing previous high of 773.45 LMT in Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) procurement 2019-20.

ANALYSIS:

• About 129.03 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 1,64,951.77 Crore.
• Paddy procurement in the ongoing   season Kharif 2020-21 is continuing smoothly in the procuring States with purchase of 873.68 LMTs of paddy  (includes Kharif Crop 707.69 LMT and Rabi Crop 165.99 LMT) upto23.08.2021 against the last year corresponding purchase of 763.01 LMT.
• Marketing Season RMS 2021-22 has concluded in wheat procuring States and till now (upto18.08.2021) a quantity of 433.44 LMT of Wheat has been procured (which is all time high, as it has exceeded previous high 389.93 LMT of RMS 2020-21) against the last year corresponding purchase of 389.93 LMT.
• About 49.20 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing RMS procurement operations with MSP value of Rs. 85603.57Crore.

Reference: PIB

5.FORUM FOR DECARBONIZING TRANSPORT’ IN INDIA

THE CONTEXT: NITI Aayog and World Resources Institute (WRI), India, jointly launched the ‘Forum for Decarbonizing Transport’ in India as part of the NDC-Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) project.

ANALYSIS:

• The project aims at bringing down the peak level of GHG emissions (transport sector) in Asia resulting in problems like congestion and air pollution.
• India has a massive and diverse transport sector, which is also the third most CO2 emitting sector. Data from (IEA, 2020; Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, 2018) suggests that within the transport sector, road transport contributes to more than 90% of the total CO2 emissions.
• Through various policy measures and initiatives, the Government of India is continuously working towards the decarbonisation of road transport, with a major focus on the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
• NITI Aayog has been at the helm of the promotion of EVs and sustainable mobility through the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.
• However, to leverage and streamline EVs across the country, there is a need is to create a favourable ecosystem for different stakeholders. These stakeholders include Central/state Governments, state-designated agencies, financial institutions, businesses, OEMs, research and technical institutes, private bodies and think tanks. A coordinated effort between these stakeholders will help enable investment, encourage adoption, and ensure fair operation in the industry.
• The NDC-TIA India component focuses on developing a coherent strategy of effective policies and the formation of a multi-stakeholder platform for decarbonizing transport in the country.
• Through this forum, the WRI India team, along with NITI Aayog and other project partners, will work in close coordination with all these stakeholders to formulate strategies and develop appropriate business models to accelerate electric mobility in India.
• The forum will also provide a platform to initiate dialogues for the development of uniform policies and help achieve specific results in reducing emissions from the transport sector.
• The NDC Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA 2020-2023) is a joint programme of seven organisations that will engage China, India, and Vietnam in promoting a comprehensive approach to decarbonizing transport in their respective countries.
• The project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) support the initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.
• NITI Aayog is the implementing partner for the India component of the project.

Reference: PIB

INDIAN ECONOMY

 6.INDIA SECOND MOST ATTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING HUB GLOBALLY

THE CONTEXT: According to real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield, India has overtaken the United States (US) to become the second-most sought-after manufacturing destination globally, driven mainly by cost competitiveness.

ANALYSIS:

• China remains at number one position in 2021 Global Manufacturing Risk Index, which assessed the most advantageous locations for global manufacturing among 47 countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific (APAC).
• India takes the second spot after China as the most sought-after manufacturing destination globally.
• The US is at third position, followed by Canada, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Lithuania, Thailand, Malaysia and Poland.
• This indicates the growing interest shown by manufacturers in India as a preferred manufacturing hub over other countries, including the US and those in the APAC region.
• The growing focus on India can be attributed to India’s operating conditions and cost competitiveness. Also, the country’s proven success in meeting outsourcing requirements has led to the increase in the ranking year-on-year.
• The rankings in the report are determined based on four key parameters, including the country’s capability to restart manufacturing, business environment (availability of talent/labour, access to markets), operating costs, and the risks (political, economic and environmental).
• The baseline ranking for top manufacturing destinations is determined on the basis of a country’s operating conditions and cost effectiveness.
• This year, India and the US switched places (second and third) taking India one rank above from the rankings released last year, when India stood at the third place.

Reference: Indian express

INTERNAL SECURITY

7. MULTI-MODE HAND GRENADES

THE CONTEXT: The first batch of Multi-Mode Hand Grenades (MMHG), manufactured by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) following Transfer of Technology from Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), was handed over to the Indian Army.

ANALYSIS:

• The Government undertaken many measures to transform the defense sector into a self-reliant industry which can cater to the present and the future needs of the Armed Forces. These include setting up of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; formulation of draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020; earmarking around 64 per cent of its modernization funds under capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 for procurement from domestic companies; notifying two Positive Indigenisation Lists of over 200 defence items to promote self-reliance & defence exports; Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB); increasing FDI limit from 49 to 74 per cent under automatic route and beyond 74 per cent through government route and according top priority to ‘Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}’ category for capital procurement.
• The grenade is not just more lethal, but is safer to use. It has a distinctive design that gives flexibility of employment in both defensive (fragmentation) and offensive (stun) modes. It has a highly accurate delay time, very high reliability in usage and safe for carriage.
• These new grenades will replace Grenade No 36 of World War I vintage design, which had been continuing in service till date.

Reference : PIB

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

8. THE REPAIR OF AERO-ENGINE COMPONENTS

THE CONTEXT: Indian Scientists have for the first time repaired aero-engine components through emerging additive manufacturing or 3D printing technique called Directed Energy Deposition process that can significantly reduce repair costs and overhaul time. They indigenously made powders suitable for the additive manufacturing process called the Directed Energy Deposition process.

ANALYSIS:

• Ni-based superalloys are widely used in aero-engine components. Despite having exceptional properties, they are prone to damage due to extreme operational conditions.
• Manufacturing defects during the casting or machining process are another major cause of rejection, and tons of such unused components are scrapped due to minor defects.
• A team of scientists indigenously developed powders suitable for additive manufacturing using inert gas atomizer available at ARCI by melting unused scrap material. Utilising this, ARCI is developing the Laser-DED process for the repair of aero-engine components made of Ni-based superalloy.
• Furthermore, the ARCI team developed a technology to refurbish pinion housing assembly (critical component in helicopters used for power transmission to the main fan) by machining out the damaged layer and rebuilding it using laser cladding process followed by final machining.
• Laser cladding and Laser-DED (both processes) are the same. In general, for two-dimensional deposition (surface coating), the term laser cladding is used, and for the manufacture of three-dimensional parts, the term laser-DED is used. A patent (201911007994) has been filed for the same.

Reference: PIB

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

9. INDIA-ASEAN ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT

THE CONTEXT: The “India-ASEAN Engineering Partnership Summit” organised by Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) with the support from Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Commerce.

ANALYSIS:

• Focus of summit was on collaborations in engineering sector. The summit offers an important platform for engagement of Indian industry on India-ASEAN partnership in engineering trade and investments.
• This forum will also be instrumental in achieving the landmark export target set by the government both in terms of engineering as well as merchandise exports.
• Engineering exports constitutes one-fourth of the merchandise exports and is the largest foreign exchange earners among all export sectors and the performance of engineering exports has been remarkable in the last few years.
• ASEAN, with over 15 percent share in India’s global engineering shipment, is likely to be a key region to focus with a target of around USD 16 billion of exports for 2021-22.
• As one of the largest destinations for Indian exports, ASEAN will be an important region for India with an export target of US$ 46 billion in meeting the global export target of US$ 400 billion in financial year 2021-22.
• ASEAN as a region is the third largest export destination of Indian engineering products after EU and North America. Among the ASEAN member nations, Singapore and Malaysia are major export destinations for Indian engineering products.
• Both India and ASEAN have large share of skilled population, robust service and manufacturing sectors and there are many complementary sectors and products available for greater cooperation. With a combined economy of approx. US$ 5.8 trillion, there is significant potential for enhancing trade and investment partnership between India and ASEAN.
• This year is special for both partners as it marks the 25thanniversary of India-ASEAN dialogue partnership and 10 years of the Strategic Partnership.
• An E-Book on India-ASEAN trade and investment emphasizing engineering and MSME sector was also launched during the inaugural session. The book covers several important aspects of enhancing bilateral trade and investment and also provides exhaustive information on India and ten ASEAN nations.

Reference : PIB

Q1. Consider the following statements about Arctic Council:
1. It was set up in 1996 by the Ottawa declaration.
2. Its secretariat is located in Russia.
3. India is given observer status in the Council.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of them

Q2. Which of the following groups of countries are members of Arctic Council?
a) Canada, Denmark, Finland, United States.
b) Iceland, Norway, Russia, U.K.
c) Canada, Iceland, Russia, France.
d) Finland, Norway, U.K., Russia

ANSWER FOR AUGUST 20, 2021 PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (REFER RELEVANT ARTICLE)

Q.1 Answer: A
Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: India’s eastern coast is more vulnerable to tropical cyclones as
  compared to western coast. On an average, the ratio is 4:1.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: In 2021, Cyclone Tauktae hit the western coast of India (Gujarat)
  while Cyclone Yaas hit the eastern coast of India (Odisha, West Bengal).

Q2. Answer: B
Explanation:

• The portal under Bhuvan “Yuktdhara” will facilitate planning of new MGNREGA assets using Remote Sensing and GIS based information.
• This platform will serve as a repository of assets (Geotags) created under various national rural development programmes i.e. MGNREGA, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, Per Drop More Crop and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana etc., along with field photographs.
• The word ‘Yukt’ is derived from Yojanam, the planning and ‘Dhara’ indicates the flow.
• It is a culmination of untiring joint efforts of ISRO and Ministry of Rural development made towards realising a G2G service for rural planning in support of decentralized decision making.
• Tentatively assigned as Meso-Neoproterozoic based on the available evidence of stromatolites and organic-walled microfossils.

[WpProQuiz 30]

1. Farmers have right to protest but stir should not hinder traffic: SC READ MORE
2. What Indian lawmaking needs: More scrutiny, less speed READ MORE
3. Numbers matter: Family planning has effectively reduced the share of southern States in the Lok Sabha READ MORE
4. Why the post-pandemic school is an opportunity to reinvent learning READ MORE  

1. India’s new directives on sustainable disposal of fly ash may do more harm than good READ MORE
2. ‘Drought-like’ Nagaland stares at water scarcity, low harvest READ MORE
3. Global emissions can decline 10% this decade if refineries clean up their act: Report READ MORE
4. Designing a climate law for India READ MORE

1. The idea of social justice READ MORE
2. Resilience: Bearings of a great nation- Overcoming health challenges is possible, and voices like Rotary’s are crucial READ MORE
3. Exposed to dust & danger: Include all construction workers’ kids in welfare schemes READ MORE

1. The Easy And Hard Problems Of Consciousness READ MORE
2. Learn From Failures, Be Grateful For Success READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Finance Minister launches the National Monetisation Pipeline READ MORE
2. Delhi’s new smog tower: the technology, the impact, the evidence READ MORE
3. Egypt closes Gaza border amid tensions with Hamas READ MORE
4. Pfizer becomes first Covid vaccine to gain full FDA approval READ MORE

Main Exam  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Farmers have right to protest but stir should not hinder traffic: SC READ MORE
2. What Indian lawmaking needs: More scrutiny, less speed READ MORE
3. Numbers matter: Family planning has effectively reduced the share of southern States in the Lok Sabha READ MORE
4. Why the post-pandemic school is an opportunity to reinvent learning READ MORE  

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The idea of social justice READ MORE
2. Resilience: Bearings of a great nation- Overcoming health challenges is possible, and voices like Rotary’s are crucial READ MORE
3. Exposed to dust & danger: Include all construction workers’ kids in welfare schemes READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Staying invested: on India’s relations with Afghanistan- India must retain its traditional and historic interest in Afghanistan and its people READ MORE
2. It is Pakistan’s moment of triumph in Afghanistan, but India must bet on patience READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A new road map: Execution key to making asset monetisation pipeline work READ MORE
2. Maintain credibility: MPC should not ignore inflation risks READ MORE
3. Monetise assets, the right way READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. India’s new directives on sustainable disposal of fly ash may do more harm than good READ MORE
2. ‘Drought-like’ Nagaland stares at water scarcity, low harvest READ MORE
3. Global emissions can decline 10% this decade if refineries clean up their act: Report READ MORE
4. Designing a climate law for India READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Tauktae, Yaas and planning for the next: With a rise in the frequency of devastating cyclones, India needs to look at long-term mitigation measures READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The Easy And Hard Problems Of Consciousness READ MORE
2. Learn From Failures, Be Grateful For Success READ MORE

Questions for MAIN exam

1. ‘India is vulnerable to tropical cyclones and global warming has increased this vulnerability.’ In the light of this statement, examine the vulnerability of Indian coast to tropical cyclones. Suggest the effective measures to reduce the impact of cyclones.
2. For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. (UPSC Mains 2020, GS-III )

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.
• With a rise in the frequency of devastating cyclones, India needs to look at long-term mitigation measures.
• India must retain its traditional and historic interest in Afghanistan and its people.
• Strategic patience coupled with political empathy for Afghan people, and an active engagement will continue to keep Delhi relevant in Kabul’s internal and external evolution.
• All bills should go through pre-legislative scrutiny to iron out issues and build broad consensus before being brought to Parliament.
• The classroom must be centred around joyful and creative learning, join the dots between children’s lives and education.
• While there is an economic case for pushing for oil palm, the government must learn from the experiences in Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula where oil palm plantations have eliminated pristine forests and pushed out wildlife. A rapid change in land use has also left a deep social impact.
• Caste census is a bad idea. There must be better ways to ensure justice, provide equity, and democratise power than reinforcing, rather than annihilating, caste

50-WORD TALK

• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)’s warning about the severity of the pandemic’s third wave due to slow pace of vaccination is a timely wake-up call. It skewers Modi government’s grandstanding on vaccination. Its complacency and premature celebrations after the first wave had disastrous consequences. India can’t afford a repeat.
• The Allahabad High Court calling a policeman’s choice to grow a beard a misdemeanour, harming the secular image of the force is rather unfortunate. Especially because many police stations have Hindu altars and Sikh policemen do wear turbans. UP DGP’s 2020 circular was a sitter for appeals and petitions anyway.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. YUKTDHARA PORTAL

THE CONTEXT: The new portal under Bhuvan “Yuktdhara” will facilitate planning of new MGNREGA assets using Remote Sensing and GIS based information.

ANALYSIS:

• This platform will serve as a repository of assets (Geotags) created under various national rural development programmes i.e. MGNREGA, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, Per Drop More Crop and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana etc., along with field photographs.
• The word ‘Yukt’ is derived from Yojanam, the planning and ‘Dhara’ indicates the flow.
• It is a culmination of untiring joint efforts of ISRO and Ministry of Rural development made towards realising a G2G service for rural planning in support of decentralized decision making.
• The high point is that, this portal integrates wide variety of thematic layers, multi-temporal high resolution earth observation data with analysis tools. Planners will analyse previous assets under various schemes and facilitates identification of new works using online tools.
• Yuktdhara based plans will be prepared by grassroot functionary and verified by appropriate authorities for relevance and resource allocation. This would ensure quality of plan and enable a long term monitoring of the assets created over the years.
• Geo MGNREGA on Bhuvan has received wide acclaims. The Before-During-After Geotagging of assets has successfully implemented the progress based disbursement of the funds during the process of creation of rural assets. Also, a Citizen-centric Mobile Application JANMANREGA has helped rural population for providing feedback using Bhuvan services.
• The synergy of Geographic Information and Earth Observation technology has not only brought the value of location to each rural asset, but also brought in unprecedented transparency in MGNREGA programme.

Reference: PIB

2. INDIAN ARMY GRANTS COLONEL RANK TO WOMEN OFFICERS

THE CONTEXT: A Selection Board of the Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel (Time Scale) rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service.

ANALYSIS:

• This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.
• Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC).
• The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers.
• Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army’s approach towards a gender-neutral Army.

Reference: PIB

ENVIRONMENT, GEOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE

3. GOVERNMENT CLEARED OIL PALM MISSION DESPITE RED FLAGS BY TOP FORESTRY INSTITUTE

THE CONTEXT: Recently the Union Cabinet cleared the Rs 11,040-crore National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with a focus on growing the crop in the North-east and Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to their favourable rainfall and temperature. That clearance came in the face of objections raised by India’s top forestry research institute against introducing oil palm in biodiversity rich areas and in the absence of a detailed study it had proposed.

ANALYSIS:

• Between 1976 and 1985, nearly 16 sq km of forest land gave way to oil palm plantations in Little Andaman. In 1995, three NGOs moved the SC seeking to defend the island’s tropical rainforests and indigenous communities. The apex court formed a committee in 2001 and, based on its report, stopped monoculture or commercial plantations on the archipelago’s forest land in 2002. It also banned the introduction of exotic species
• Approached by the Andaman and Nicobar administration for relaxing its 2002 ban on plantations of exotic oil palm in the archipelago, the Supreme Court, in November 2019, had asked the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), an autonomous institute under the Environment Ministry, for its opinion.
• In January 2020, ICFRE submitted its report recommending that introduction of oil palm “should be avoided” in biodiversity rich areas, including grasslands, without detailed studies on its ecological impact.
• The push for replanting oil palm in Little Andaman came in July 2018 when Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand visited the archipelago following a policy meeting. He recommended that the administration “should seek a review of the ban on plantation of exotic species” and commission a feasibility report for oil palm.
• Oil Palm is the source of the world’s largest consumed edible oil primarily due to its high productivity, versatility and substantial price advantage. But plantations are also blamed for inflicting widespread environmental and social damage across continents, from Cameroon to Malaysia.
• The usual oil palm planting practices — burning an area after felling forests or draining peat swamps — cause massive loss of forests and biodiversity. Whether burnt, dried or simply left to rot, dead trees and vegetation release greenhouse gases. Such rapid change in land use have also been linked to social impact.

Reference: Indian express

4. INDIA’S NEW DIRECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE DISPOSAL OF FLY ASH MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

THE CONTEXT: According to researchers and activists, the latest government attempt to ensure the safe and sustainable disposal of fly ash could end up damaging India’s farmlands, water bodies and fragile habitats.

ANALYSIS:

• Over the last two decades, the Indian government has been issuing notifications on the disposal and utilisation of fly ash.
• Its recommendations have varied: use it to manufacture building material and in construction work and apply it as soil conditioner in farms and use it to reclaim low-lying areas and empty mines. However, over 50% of industries remain non-compliant, mostly dumping the ash in the open, in water bodies and in unlined and uncovered pits.
• As per a status report by Fly Ash Watch Group ,there have been eight major incidents involving coal ash in India between August 2019 and May this year. The Singrauli region spread across Singrauli district in Madhya Pradesh and Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh accounted for half of these.
• In 2019-’20, 197 thermal plants in India generated 226 million tonnes of fly ash. And nearly 1.6 billion tonnes of it are scattered over 65,000 acres of land, as of 2019.
• Accidents happen mostly when fly ash overflows or breaks through the embankment of ash ponds where it has been dumped.
• An ash pond is designed with an embankment all around and an internal and external drainage system. It needs to be constantly monitored for safety and spillage.

Reference: Scroll

5. DELHI’S NEW SMOG TOWER

THE CONTEXT: Delhi Chief Minister inaugurated the country’s first ‘smog tower’, an experimental set up worth Rs 20 crore to purify air in a 1-km radius around the structure.

COMPONENTS OF SMOG TOWER

HOW IT WORKS?

• Polluted air is sucked in at a height of 24 m, and filtered air is released at the bottom of the tower, at a height of about 10 m from the ground.
• When the fans at the bottom of the tower operate, the negative pressure created sucks in air from the top.
• The ‘macro’ layer in the filter traps particles of 10 microns and larger, while the ‘micro’ layer filters smaller particles of around 0.3 microns.
• The downdraft method is different from the system used in China, where a 60-metre smog tower in Xian city uses an ‘updraft’ system — air is sucked in from near the ground, and is propelled upwards by heating and convection. Filtered air is released at the top of the tower.

LIKELY IMPACT

• Computational fluid dynamics modelling by IIT-Bombay suggests the tower could have an impact on the air quality up to 1 km from the tower.
• The actual impact will be assessed by IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi in a two-year pilot study that will also determine how the tower functions under different weather conditions, and how levels of PM2.5 vary with the flow of air.
• An automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in the tower will monitor air quality. Levls of PM2.5 and PM10, besides temperature and humidity, will be measured constantly, and will be displayed on a board atop the tower.
• Monitors will soon be installed at various distances from the tower to determine its impact at these distances. The project aims to provide purified air in a “localised” area.

SUPREME COURT ORDER

• In 2019, the Supreme Court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi government to come up with a plan to install smog towers to combat air pollution.
• The court was hearing a matter related to air pollution in the national capital due to stubble-burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
• IIT-Bombay then submitted a proposal for the towers to the CPCB. In January 2020, the Supreme Court directed that two towers should be installed by April as a pilot project.
• The smog tower at Connaught Place is the first of these towers. The second tower, being constructed at Anand Vihar in east Delhi with CPCB as the nodal agency, is nearing completion.

NO EVIDENCE SO FAR

• This is the first experiment with a large-scale outdoor air-purification system in India. Small smog towers have been raised in Netherlands and South Korea; larger ones have been set up in China. Experts said there isn’t enough evidence that smog towers work.
• We haven’t come across any clear data that has shown that smog towers have helped to improve the outdoor ambient air quality of a city, either in India or other parts of the world.
• There were no proven efficiency calculations on such installations. We would have to control emissions at the ground level, not create emissions and then try to clean it.
• Delhi has three smaller air purifiers (about 12 feet tall) installed by the Gautam Gambhir Foundation in Krishna Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, and Lajpat Nagar — essentially big versions of indoor air purifiers.

Reference: Indian express

6. GLOBAL EMISSIONS CAN DECLINE 10% IF REFINERIES CLEAN UP THEIR ACT

THE CONTEXT: According to the global inventory of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions published recently in One Earth, Global cumulative emissions could be reduced by 10 per cent during 2020-2030 if refineries adopted low carbon measures.

ANALYSIS:

• The carbon measures include refineries improving their efficiency and upgrading heavy oil processing technologies. The inventory covered 1,056 refineries from 2000-2018.
• The researchers also found that emissions from the refineries were about 1.3 gigatonne (Gt) in 2018. These would increase to 16.5 Gt of CO2 from 2020-2030 if mitigation strategies were not adopted.
• The oil refining industry in 2003 witnessed a spurt in growth in China and India, directly leading to a rise in CO2 emissions. China’s refinery output increased by 11 per cent in 2003 and 12 per cent in 2004.
• In contrast, Europe witnessed a decline in the refinery industry after 2009. This was due to a decline in the demand for refined petroleum products because of the impact of the European Union’s environmental and energy policies.
• CO2 emissions from the oil refineries in China and India experienced growth between 2000 and 2018 and their contribution climbed to 16 per cent and seven per cent in 2018, from six per cent and three per cent in 2000 respectively.
• In the same period, the share of Europe and the United States fell to 17 per cent and 21 per cent in 2018, from 22 per cent and 24 per cent in 2000.
• The global oil refining industry was dominated by two types of refineries in 2018 — new refineries (less than 40 years) in China, India and West Asia and older refineries (40 years and older) in Europe, the United States and Japan.
• The refining capacity of the two types of refineries accounted for 22 per cent and 35 per cent of the total refining capacity in 2018 respectively and their CO2 emissions accounted for 22 per cent and 37 per cent of the total CO2 emissions of the oil refining industry.
• Old refineries in Japan, Europe and the United States were still emitting large amounts of CO2 in 2018 and they were unlikely to be shut down in the next few years, according to the inventory.
• Petroleum refineries are the third-largest global source of stationery greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 40 per cent of emissions from the oil and gas supply chain.

Reference: Down to earth

INDIAN ECONOMY

7. THE NATIONAL MONETISATION PIPELINE

THE CONTEXT: Union Minister for Finance launched the asset monetisation pipeline of Central ministries and public sector entities: ‘National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP Volumes 1 & 2)’.

NATIONAL MONETISATION PIPELINE: AN INTRODUCTION

• Union Budget 2021-22 has identified monetisation of operating public infrastructure assets as a key means for sustainable infrastructure financing.
• Towards this, the Budget provided for preparation of a ‘National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)’ of potential brownfield infrastructure assets. NITI Aayog in consultation with infra line ministries has prepared the report on NMP.
• NMP aims to provide a medium term roadmap of the programme for public asset owners; along with visibility on potential assets to private sector. Report on NMP has been organised into two volumes.
• Volume I is structured as a guidance book, detailing the conceptual approaches and potential models for asset monetisation.
• Volume II is the actual roadmap for monetisation, including the pipeline of core infrastructure assets under Central Govt.

FRAMEWORK

• The pipeline has been prepared based on inputs and consultations from respective line ministries and departments, along with the assessment of total asset base available therein. Monetization through disinvestment and monetization of non-core assets have not been included in the NMP.
• Currently, only assets of central government line ministries and CPSEs in infrastructure sectors have been included. Process of coordination and collation of asset pipeline from states is currently ongoing and the same is envisaged to be included in due course.
• The framework for monetisation of core asset monetisation has three key imperatives.

• This includes selection of de-risked and brownfield assets with stable revenue generation profile with the overall transaction structured around revenue rights. The primary ownership of the assets under these structures, hence, continues to be with the Government with the framework envisaging hand back of assets to the public authority at the end of transaction life.

ESTIMATED POTENTIAL

• Considering that infrastructure creation is inextricably linked to monetisation, the period for NMP has been decided so as to be co-terminus with balance period under National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
• The aggregate asset pipeline under NMP over the four-year period, FY 2022-2025, is indicatively valued at Rs 6.0 lakh crore. The estimated value corresponds to ~14% of the proposed outlay for Centre under NIP (Rs 43 lakh crore).
• This includes more than 12 line ministries and more than 20 asset classes. The sectors included are roads, ports, airports, railways, warehousing, gas & product pipeline, power generation and transmission, mining, telecom, stadium, hospitality and housing.  Sector wise Monetisation Pipeline over FY 2022-25 (Rs crore)

• The top 5 sectors (by estimated value) capture ~83% of the aggregate pipeline value. These top 5 sectors include: Roads (27%) followed by Railways (25%), Power (15%), oil & gas pipelines (8%) and Telecom (6%).
• In terms of annual phasing by value, 15% of assets with an indicative value of Rs 0.88 lakh crore are envisaged to be rolled out in the current financial year (FY 2021-22). However, the aggregate as well as year on year value under NMP is only an indicative value with the actual realization for public assets depending on the timing, transaction structuring, investor interest etc.
• Indicative value of the monetisation pipeline year-wise (Rs crore).

• The assets and transactions identified under the NMP are expected to be rolled out through a range of instruments. These include direct contractual instruments such as public private partnership concessions and capital market instruments such as Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT) among others.
• The choice of instrument will be determined by the sector, nature of asset, timing of transactions (including market considerations), target investor profile and the level of operational/investment control envisaged to be retained by the asset owner etc.
• The monetisation value that is expected to be realised by the public asset owner through the asset monetisation process, may either be in form of upfront accruals or by way of private sector investment. The potential value assessed under NMP is only an indicative high level estimate based on thumb rules. This is based on various approaches such as market or cost or book or enterprise value etc. as applicable and available for respective sectors.

IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING MECHANISM

• As an overall strategy, significant share of the asset base will remain with the government.
• The programme is envisaged to be supported through necessary policy and regulatory interventions by the Government in order to ensure an efficient and effective process of asset monetisation. These will include streamlining operational modalities, encouraging investor participation and facilitating commercial efficiency, among others. Real time monitoring will be undertaken through the asset monetisation dashboard, as envisaged under Union Budget 2021-22, to be rolled out shortly.
• The end objective of this initiative to enable ‘Infrastructure Creation through Monetisation’ wherein the public and private sector collaborate, each excelling in their core areas of competence, so as to deliver socio-economic growth and quality of life to the country’s citizens.

Reference: PIB

8. INDIA AND ADB SIGN $500 MILLION LOAN TO EXPAND METRO RAIL NETWORK IN BENGALURU

THE CONTEXT: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a $500 million loan to expand the metro rail network in Bengaluru with construction of two new metro lines totaling 56 km in length.

ANALYSIS:

• The project supports urban transformation of Bengaluru City into a more livable and sustainable city through support to urban public transport and urban development with concepts of transit-oriented development (TOD) and multi-modal integration (MMI).
• The project will bring various benefits including road de-congestion, better urban livability and environmental improvement.
• TOD-based urban development model will target realigning growth and increase the city’s economic productivity by creating higher density, compact, mixed use, mixed income, safe, and resource-efficient and inclusive neighborhoods.
• TOD also aims to raise land values along these corridors, generating capital revenues for the state government to meet the city’s long-term investment needs.
• MMI will aim to provide people-oriented, environment-friendly solutions and a safe, total mobility solution for all Bangalore residents through the seamless integration of different modes of public transport.
• The project will construct two new metro lines, mostly elevated, along Outer Ring Road and National Highway 44 between Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport with 30 stations.
• This will help decongest traffic in the city area and provide seamless connectivity to the airport. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women, children, and differently abled persons, will be reflected on the metro facilities.
• An additional $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB will help the state government formulate urban development plans and their implementing frameworks, focusing on TOD and multimodal integration.
• The grant will also be used to strengthen the capacity of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited and other state agencies to implement these initiatives.
• ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Reference: PIB

Q 1. Consider the following statements:
1. India’s eastern coast is more vulnerable to tropical cyclones as compared to western coast.
2. In 2021, Cyclone Tauktae hit the eastern coast of India while Cyclone Yaas hit the western Coast of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q 2. Recently in news, “Yuktdhara” Portal is related to:
a) Education
b) Rural Development
c) Health
d) Refugees

ANSWER FOR AUGUST 20, 2021 PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (REFER RELEVANT ARTICLE)

Q.1 ANSWER: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands and the largest island in Micronesia. Guam’s capital is Hagåtña.

Answer: A
Explanation:
• The barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), also called swamp deer.
• In Assamese, barasingha is called dolhorina; dol meaning swamp.
• Habitat: Swamp deer occur in the Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh, in only 6 localities in Uttar Pradesh. A few survive in Assam’s Kaziranga and Manas National Parks.
• In 2005, a small population of about 320 individuals was discovered in the Jhilmil Jheel

• Conservation Reserve in Haridwar district in Uttarakhand on the east bank of the Ganges.
• Threats: Poaching for antlers and meat, wetlands converted and used for agriculture.
• Conservation:
  • listed on CITES Appendix I.
  • Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
  • IUCN status- Vulnerable

THE CONTEXT: There was not a single meeting of any parliamentary committee in the four months following the national lockdown and the opposition parties have claimed that the government is making Parliamentary Standing Committees irrelevant by bypassing them while passing legislations. The Lok Sabha Speaker has initiated an assessment of the effectiveness of the Standing Committees and the Rajya Sabha secretariat had already done a similar analysis.

BACKGROUND

• The institution of Parliamentary Committees has its origins in the British Parliament. The earliest parliamentary committees were the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) (1921) followed by the Estimates Committee (1950).
• A parliamentary committee is a committee which is appointed or elected by any House or nominated by the Speaker/Chairman and which works under the direction of the Speaker/Chairman and presents its report to the House or to the Speaker/Chairman and the respective Secretariat. They draw their authority from Article 105 and Article 118
• The practice of regularly referring bills to committees began in 1989 after government departments started forming their own standing committees. Prior to that, select committees or joint committees of the houses were only set up to scrutinise some very important bills.
• DRSCs were set up first in 1993, to ensure Parliament could keep with the growing complexity of governance.  These are permanent Committees that are reconstituted every year.
• DRSCs are composed of members from across political parties. Currently, there are 24 DRSCs. Each has 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.
• Each DRSC focuses on a set of ministries and, therefore, helps its members build sector knowledge. DRSCs can examine Bills referred to them; select specific topics related to the ministries and examine implementation by the Government; and examine the budgetary outlays of the departments.
• They do not consider matters of day-to-day administration but only focus on long-term plans and policies to guide the working of the executive. They have the right to call for records and witnesses and prepare reports that are then placed before Parliament for necessary action.
• Some of the important Bills currently under scrutiny of standing committees include those on data protection, surrogacy and DNA technology regulation and the Industrial Relations Code, 2019.

TYPES OF COMMITTEES

• There are broadly two kinds of committees: (a) Standing Committees; and (b) Ad-hoc Committees.
• Both Houses have a similar committee structure, with few exceptions. Their appointment, terms of office, functions, and procedure for conducting business is regulated as per Rules of Business of each House.
• Standing committees are permanent in nature, and are reconstituted from time to time. They can be further divided into financial committees and DRSCs.
• Ad hoc committees are appointed for a specific purpose — like the examination of a bill or inquiry into specific subjects, say, the 2G scam — and exist only until this purpose is fulfilled.

IMPORTANCE OF STANDING COMMITTEES

• Over the years, responsibilities of the government have increased significantly. Government expenditure and legislation have become technical and complex in nature. Disruptive changes in technology and the expansion of trade, commerce and economy in general throw up new policy challenges. The laws and regulations that are required to govern a digital society cannot be made without highly specialised knowledge and political acumen. MPs may have great acumen but they are generalists. They are neither effective in their role as lawmakers nor in questioning the functioning of the government. Also, given the volume of work it is difficult for Parliament to scrutinise all government activities in the House in a limited time.
• Parliamentary Committees ensure that Parliament can effectively discharge its two functions – lawmaking and oversight of the executive. Their ability to devote more time on each item allows them to examine matters in greater detail. Smaller group of lawmakers with interests and expertise of individual members could have more open, intensive and better informed discussions. Members of Parliament can get the assistance of experts through the committees.
• The sittings of Parliament are steadily declining over the years, from 100-150 sittings in the 1950s to 60-70 sittings per year. Fewer sittings of Parliament are compensated by the working of DRSCs. During the recess in the current Budget session, the committees have done work worth 30 sittings of Parliament. Also, only a limited proportion of the budget (17% in the 16th Lok Sabha) is usually discussed in the House. The DRSCs examine the budget in detail and ensure financial accountability. Bills that are referred to committees are returned to the House with significant value addition. For example, the Committee on Food and Consumer Affairs suggested several amendments in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, most of which were accepted and incorporated in the Act.

ADVANTAGES

• Parliamentary committees enable input from experts and those who may be directly affected by a policy or legislation. For example, the DRSCs often invite comments from the public and call people to testify.
• Since time on the floor of the house is allocated on the basis of party strength, many MPs very less time. But in committee meetingsMPs can contribute extensively to the discussions.
• Committee reports are usually exhaustive and provide authentic information on matters related to governance. Their reports allow for informed debate.
• Being outside direct public glare allows members to discuss issues and reach consensus without worrying about constituency pressures.
• They also help parties reach consensus on various issues as committee meetings are ‘closed door’ and members are not bound by party whips and the anti-defection law does not apply to committees.
• The committees allow members to focus on some specific areas and build their expertise, which helps them scrutinise issues more thoroughly.

FUNCTIONING OF DRSCs

While it is difficult to analyse the quality of deliberations of its sittings, the number of sittings held by various DRSCs can be used as an indicator to measure the quantity of work done by them.

• Examining Demands for Grants: in many cases MPs do not have sufficient time to study the DRSC reports on Demands for Grants
• Examining Bills: the trend shows that fewer Bills are being referred to Committees as compared to previous Lok Sabha
• Examination of Issue some of the subjects identified for examination by DRSCs constituted for 2019-20 include: state of the Indian economy, online security measures for data protection etc.
• Reports submitted by DRSCs: During the 16th Lok Sabha, 2,038 sittings were held by DRSCs and they submitted 1,111 reports. On average, DRSCs published one report in 1.8 sittings. Average sittings taken to publish one report vary across DRSCs.

RECENT TRENDS

• The recent decline in the role and performance of standing committees is part of a larger trend visible even before the lockdown, an India Spend analysis of published parliamentary data regarding eight standing committees found.
• Despite 133 Bills being passed in the 16th Lok Sabha, 15% higher than the previous Lok Sabha, a lesser number of Bills were sent to committees for scrutiny. According to PRS Legislative Research, only 25% of the Bills introduced were referred to committees in the 16th Lok Sabha, as compared to 71% and 60% in the 15th and 14th Lok Sabha respectively.
• Comparing every standing committee’s number of meetings and number of hours under both governments shows a steady decline. The number of sittings decreased by 22.1% and the standing committees were 26.8% less productive by number of hours during 16th Lok Sabha as compared to the 15th Lok Sabha.
• The average attendance of every departmentally-related standing committee was 54% in the second session (November-December 2019) and 48% in the third session (January-March) of the 17th Lok Sabha.
• The standing committee on finance, which scrutinises the expenditure of the Ministry of Finance, had the lowest attendance of all at 22 between November and March.

HOW THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEES IS REDUCING?

DIMINISHED SAY IN LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

There was a decrease in the involvement of standing committees in legislative matters. Only 25% of all bills were referred to committees, compared to 71% under the previous government. Only about 10% of bills introduced in Parliament during the 17th Lok Sabha have been referred to committees.

The opposition has charged the government with bypassing parliamentary panels by introducing all bills in the Lower House, where it has a strong majority. Controversial laws like RTI Amendment Bill and the UAPA Amendment Bill were not referred to any Parliamentary Committees despite the Opposition’s motion. During the lockdown between March and August, the government has promulgated 11 ordinances. Some of the ordinances which had nothing to do with the pandemic could have been brought as bills and sent to the committees for review.

PARTISANSHIP CURTAILING DELIBERATION

Traditionally, parliamentary committees function on a non-party basis. This tradition seems to have broken down and members have started political posturing. The committee on home affairs saw political partisanship during its meeting on Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370.

When a party has sufficient numbers in both Houses of Parliament, it is almost inevitable that these standing committees are populated by members from the ruling disposition, which enables them to prevent matters unfavourable to the government from being taken up.The PAC was recently prevented from scrutinising the PM-CARES Fund by committee members from the ruling party.

Such political partisanship during the proceedings of committees has reduced its deliberation over important issues such as tracking the expenditure of ministries and, consequently, its ability to hold the government to account.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS NOT ALLOWED

Virtual meetings of standing committees were not allowed by the Speaker despite requests due to the confidentiality conditions under Rule 275 of the Lok Sabha. If parliamentary standing committees were able to meet virtually, they could review the performance of the government and how it dealt with the pandemic.

The standing committee on labour looked at the performance of the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme and the welfare benefits to migrant labourers, but months later. Timely review and recommendations by the committee was required here. More than 15 countries have allowed their parliamentary committees to meet virtually to ensure socially distanced proceedings.

A NEW TREND

Several Bills piloted by the Finance Ministry have been referred to specially-formed joint committees of the two Houses rather than the DRSCs. The DRSC is chaired by a member from the opposition while the joint committees were chaired by a member of the ruling party.

WHY THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEES IS REDUCING?

In 2002, the NCRWC pointed out some shortcomings of the committees: (a) low attendance of MPs at meetings; (b) too many ministries under a committee; (c) norms not followed by most political parties while nominating MPs to committees; and (d) the constitution of DRSCs for a year leaves very little time for specialisations.

Saving time and scrutiny could be reasons to bypass parliamentary panels. It can take months to table a report in the Parliament with some bills being referred to committees more than once. When a government has adequate numbers to push through legislation, it might view the committee as unnecessary and disadvantageous as it allows the Opposition to get its dissent noted on record.

Repeated requests to either send or not send or send bills to a joint committee, instead of an already established specialised committee, creates an impression that the committee process is political and not focused on technical scrutiny. Not referring a bill to a committee sends the message that the bills piloted by the government are perfect, and they are so urgently needed that they do not require the contribution of a committee of MPs. These impressions reduce overall interests of the MPs to participate in the meetings.

With reports of large-scale absence of MPs from the committees, the Rajya Sabha Chairman has pointed out that a total of 95 MPs did not attend a single meeting of the 8 DRSCs that reviewed allocations for 18 Ministries after the presentation of the 2020-21 Union Budget. MPs are unable to pay attention to the committees as they prioritize social functions in their constituency due to risk losing voters.

The issue of members not attending the meetings of committees, particularly DRPSCs, has come to the fore against the backdrop of the opposition’s criticism that the government was bypassing parliamentary scrutiny by not referring bills to the DRPSCs. The committee chair’s supervisory role has not proved to be effective and there is no mechanism for a regular assessment of the performance of the committee.

MEASURES TO STRENGHTHEN THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM

REFERRING BILLS TO COMMITTEES

Currently, it is not mandatory to refer a Bill to a Committee. All Bills, other than Money Bills, should be referred to the DRPSCs for consideration and scrutiny after public opinion has been elicited. The Committees may schedule public hearings, if necessary, and finalise with the help of experts the second reading stage. Referring all Bills to a Committee would ensure that all laws go through a minimum level of Parliamentary scrutiny.

EXPERT WITNESSES AND RESEARCH SUPPORT

Very often, MPs experience a knowledge gap when dealing with specialised subjects. The DRSC usually invites experts while scrutinising Bills but this is not always the case. The technical support available to Parliamentary Committees is limited to a secretariat. Late Speaker Somnath Chatterjee favoured associating external experts with parliamentary committees to support the committees in analysing legislations and policies. There is a need to reconsider the infrastructure support that MPs require for contributing effectively. Committees in other countries such as the UK, USA, and Canada can retain specialist advisors to assist in specific inquires.

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES

Currently, reports of the Parliamentary Committees are not discussed in the Parliament. The reports are non-binding and have persuasive or advisory value. The government can ignore the recommendations. Major reports of all Parliamentary Committees should be discussed by the Parliament especially where there is disagreement between a Parliamentary Committee and the Government. The findings and recommendations of the PAC should be accorded greater weight.

LONGER TENURES

The Standing Committees are permanent and the one-year term is of the members of the committees and not of the committees per se. MPs should have longer tenure in committees so that they could build up their expertise in subject areas. Once a member is nominated to a committee, he should be allowed to continue till he retires or otherwise discontinues the membership.

ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS

Persistently absent members from the committees should be dropped from them after being duly cautioned. A proportionate reduction in salary and other allowances could also be effected

WAY FORWARD

• Parliamentary committees are the brain of Parliament. They give the institution the ability to identify pressing and prospective issues, suggest solutions, and highlight gaps in implementation. They are a huge reservoirs of information, which are made available to MPs in order to enlighten themselves, and contribute ideas to strengthen the parliamentary system and improve governance.
• The DRSC system has been a fairly successful experiment. It is important to further strengthen its ability for detailed scrutiny of issues so that it helps parliament work well in its lawmaking and accountability roles. They largely have an audit-based role of their respective ministries and are restricted in their areas of functioning. Strengthening their working will improve Parliament’s overall effectiveness. Standing Committees should embrace the entire spectrum of administration for an in-depth and continuous study.
• The performance of the Committees affects the overall effectiveness of Parliament as an institution. There should be periodic evaluation of the parliamentary committees which can be then reviewed by the chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the speaker of the Lok Sabha along with the chairmen of the committees following a parliament session.

CONCLUSION

• Standing committees are the parliament’s principal instrument to ensure executive accountability. These Committees could restore the balance between Parliament’s legislative and deliberative functions and its role as a representational body. They could provide a potent mechanism for a meaningful multilateral dialogue and reasonable accommodation of varying viewpoints and harmonization of conflicting interests.
• Parliamentary oversight of administration is never intended to adversely affect administrative initiative, effectiveness and discretion. The purpose of accountability mechanisms is to strengthen efficient functioning of administration and not weaken it. Better scrutiny leads to better governance.

Question to Ponder

1. Are Parliamentary Committees witnessing a gradual decline? Analysis the situation and suggest measures to strengthen the committee system.