1. 50 million a step away from starvation: Civil society seeks urgent funds READ MORE
2. HEAL INDIA first, WORLD thereafter READ MORE
3. Human Development Index 2021–22 and India READ MORE

1. Explained | Rules for identifying criminals READ MORE
2. Are our liberties tied to retirement dates? Why the SC roster is key to justice READ MORE
3. What CBI’s shrinking jurisdiction implies READ MORE
4. The Use and Misuse of Central Investigative Agencies READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. ISRO successfully tests hybrid motor to strengthen future rockets READ MORE
2. A push for framework on farmers’ rights at international meet READ MORE
3. Bank GNPAs may touch decadal low of 4% in FY24: Crisil Ratings READ MORE
4. 100 years on, Nizam’s sword set to return from Glasgow READ MORE
5. ASBA-like model in secondary market READ MORE
6. Draft Bill moves to regulate Internet-based, OTT telecom services READ MORE
7. One death from non-communicable diseases every 2 seconds: WHO recommends policies READ MORE
8. Cabinet approves modifications to semiconductor and display fab incentives scheme READ MORE
9. Why are banks attracted to ONDC READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Monsoon 2022 starts retreating after 114 days of erratic rainfall, extreme weather events READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Explained | Rules for identifying criminals READ MORE
2. Are our liberties tied to retirement dates? Why the SC roster is key to justice READ MORE
3. What CBI’s shrinking jurisdiction implies READ MORE
4. The Use and Misuse of Central Investigative Agencies READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. 50 million a step away from starvation: Civil society seeks urgent funds READ MORE
2. HEAL INDIA first, WORLD thereafter READ MORE
3. Human Development Index 2021–22 and India READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Russia raises Ukraine heat READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Trade tactics: Foreign trade policy revamp comes amid stuttering growth in key markets READ MORE
2. Rational expectations: Downside risks to growth are increasing READ MORE
3. The National e-Commerce Policy, 2019 READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. How this cyclone intensity estimation technique saved millions of lives across continents READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. There can be no life without death READ MORE
2. Heaven and hell READ MORE
3. Limits of Indexing Human Values READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Discuss the reasons why India saw uneven economic development and progress, uneven levels of education, employment, social cohesion and contentment even after the seventy-five years of independence?
2. States’ mistrust of central agencies is not good in a federal structure. If the Centre is serious about fighting graft, it must make the CBI truly autonomous. Comment on the statement in light of recent criticism faced by central agencies.
3. Living lose and economic costs of road crashes have emerged as a major challenge against the Indian policymakers in recent times and sometimes it is defined as road terror. In your view, what should the government do to minimize these losses?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
• Having decided to keep away from the trade track of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for now, assertions that the Government has ‘no bandwidth’ left for new free trade pact negotiations though more countries are wooing it, and is seeking to slow talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council, are unnecessary.
• Over time, uneven development has characterised the States of the Indian Union. Regional and linguistic diversity characterises them. And so does uneven economic development and progress, resulting in uneven levels of education, employment, social cohesion and contentment.
• There is need for an Indian global media platform to address the superficial understanding of Indian democracy and the stereotypical perspective of the country’s socio-cultural diversity.
• Surface transport safety reforms can be implemented at the State and national levels to minimise the economic costs of road crashes.
• Decency, among other things, has to be understood in terms of what is minimally available to a person to remain decent while organising their public life in association with others.
• It is even seen that a critical level of human development is a prerequisite for ensuring sustainable economic growth. Hence, it is no surprise that the deceleration in India’s HDI values corresponds with the slowdown in India’s growth rates.

50-WORD TALK

• After twelve years of listening to the infamous Niira Radia tapes—which fuelled now-disproven 2G scam claims, ruined reputations and undermined a government—the CBI’s finally heard enough to conclude there’s no evidence of crime. There’s a crime, though, that remains unpunished: Wiretapping Radia for 300 days, despite hearing nothing but gossip.
• Vladimir Putin’s mobilisation of military reserves, backed by nuclear threats, is meant to signal he’s willing to risk catastrophic war with the West over Ukraine. But Russia’s military failures and collapsing economy mean the threat isn’t credible. Putin needs to find a face-saving exit—not escalate a war he’s already lost.
• Biomass, ethanol and green hydrogen have their pluses and while promoting these, it is important to be clearheaded. Biomass has the most going for it; green hydrogen holds many pluses and some minuses; and ethanol’s roots in water-guzzling crops make it very shortsighted for a water-deficit country like India to actively promote it. However, the government is doing just that by making it compulsory to go in for higher levels of blending it with liquid fossil fuels.

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 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.

THE GEOGRAPHY: CLIMATOLOGY

1. IDMC-ADB REPORT: SOUTHWEST MONSOON LASTING LONGER, DISPLACING MILLIONS IN SOUTH ASIA

THE CONTEXT: The recently released joint report of the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised concerns regarding long southwest monsoon causing large-scale displacement of masses in South Asia.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The report found that southwest monsoon is lasting longer than its season and overlapping with the northeast monsoon, causing more severe downpour, flooding and storms in South Asia.
• While the southwest monsoon reached the peninsular India on time, it had stayed beyond seasonal boundary of September.
• In 2021, it had lasted until October, overlapping with the northeast monsoon
• This report assessed the forced movement within a country boundary and displacement due to natural disasters during the period of 2010-21.
• It found that disasters displaced about 61.4 million people in south Asia during this period. of this, 58.6 million were displaced because of weather-related disasters.
• Floods and storms caused about 90 per cent of the total displacement.
• Floods caused the displacement of 37.4 million and storm, including major tropical cyclones, caused 21 million internal displacements.
• El Nino Southern Oscillation variation has played a major role in the increased instances of flooding and storms.
• Climate change is also causing prolonged and unpredictable monsoon seasons.
• In the overall Asia-Pacific region, about 225 million individuals were displaced during the 2010-2021 period.
• This means that nearly 19 million people were displaced because of disaster each year.
• This is more than 75 per cent of the total global figure on displacement.
• 95 per cent of all disaster displacements in Asia Pacific are caused by monsoon rains, floods and storms.
• The disaster displacement risks are mainly worsened by rapid urbanization, socioeconomic vulnerability and population growth in hazard-prone areas.
About IDMC
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) is an international non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 1998 by the Norwegian Refugee Council – a humanitarian NGO that works towards protecting rights of people who are displaced.

THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2. 77th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THE CONTEXT: The 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) opened on September 13 and will include a high-level debate organized from September 20 to 26 this year.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The theme of the UNGA 77 is “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”.
• The theme recognizes the shared roots of global crisis like COVID-19, climate change and conflict and highlights the importance of building global sustainability and resilience.
• The event is being organized at the UN Headquarters in New York.
• Discussions will be held among the world leaders on crisis in Ukraine, climate change, food security, access to education and gender equality.
• All 193 UN members will be represented at this event.
• Brazil will be the first UN member state to speak at the annual general debate. It has remained the first speaker for nearly 7 decades since the 10th UNGA in 1955.
• The US, which will host the event, will be the second member state to speak.
• After the first two speeches, the speaking order is set based on the factors like level of representation, the rank of the representatives, preferences and geographical balance.
About UNGA
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the United Nations’ main policy-making and representative organ. It was set up in 1945. It meets every year between September and December and again between January and August. Each of the 193 UN member states has an equal vote at the General Assembly, where important decisions of the United Nations take place, like appointment of the UN Secretary General, approval of the UN Budget and electing non-permanent members to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It also adopts resolutions to make recommendations. However, these resolutions are not enforceable.

3. INDIA’S PRESIDENCY OF AIBD EXTENDED FOR ONE YEAR

THE CONTEXT: The Asia-pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD) has unanimously extended India’s presidency for one more year.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The member countries of the AIBD have decided to extend India’s presidency at the two-day General Conference of the Institute that was held in New Delhi.
• The General Conference of the AIBD was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports.
• It was organized from September 19 to 20 this year.
• The conference focused on theme “Building a Stronger Future of Broadcasting in post pandemic era”.
• During the event, all participating countries and member broadcasters have committed to work together for creating sustainable broadcasting environment, promoting latest technology know-how, quality content creation and various cooperative activities.
• A five-year plan for cooperative activities and exchanges programmes were finalized during the conference.
About AIBD
• The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was set up in 1977 with the support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is a regional intergovernmental organization that brings together countries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) to collaborate in the field of electronic media development.
• Its objective is to achieve a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia Pacific region through policy formulation and resource development. It currently has 26 countries that are full members. These countries are represented by 43 organizations and 52 affiliate members.
VALUE ADDITION:
UN-ESCAP
The UN-ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the UN Economic and Social Council. It was established in 1947 to boost economic relationship between countries in Asia and the Far East as well as other regions across the globe. It currently has 53 member states and 9 associate members, mostly from Asia and Pacific. It also includes countries such as France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

4. RBI ASKS LARGE UCBS TO SET UP BOARD-APPROVED POLICY, COMPLIANCE FUNCTION

THE CONTEXT: The RBI has directed urban cooperative banks (UCBs) belonging to tier 3 and tier 4 categories to create a Board-approved policy and compliance function.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The central bank has asked the urban cooperative banks with more than Rs.10,000 crore deposits (tier 4 category) to create a board-approved compliance policy and a compliance function, including the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), by April 1, 2023.
• Tier 3 UCBs i.e., those having more than Rs.1,000 crore and up to Rs.10,000 crore deposits are given the deadline of October 1,2023.
• The board approved Compliance Policy should give clear outline on the implementation of compliance philosophy, expectations on compliance culture, structure and role of the Compliance Function, the role of the CCO and the processes for the identification, assessment, monitoring, management and reporting on the compliance risk.
• The framework requires the Senior Management of these UCBs to undertake Compliance Risk Assessment every year.
• It also mandates the setting up of the Compliance Function, which shall ensure strict observance of all statutory and regulatory requirements for the UCBs, including standards of conduct, management of conflict of interest, fair treatment of customers and providing suitable customer service.
• While the organizational structure of the Compliance Function can be chosen by the UCBs, it should be independent and well-resourced. Its operations must be regularly reviewed by an independent entity.
Who is CCO?
The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) would head the Compliance Department. The tenure of the CCO should last for at least 3 years. He/she will directly report to the MD and CEO and/or Board or Board Committee. The CCO will have the authority to communicate with any staff member and access all records or files required to undertake the entrusted responsibilities with regards to compliance risks.

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

5. INSIGHT LANDER DETECTS SPACE ROCKS HITTING MARS

THE CONTEXT: NASA’s InSight lander has detected seismic and acoustic waves caused by the impact of four meteoroids and found the location of the craters left by these space rocks.
THE EXPLANATION:
• For the first time, scientists were able to calculate the locations of craters left by meteoroids on the Martian surface based on seismic and acoustic waves.
• The researchers confirmed the calculations made by InSight Lander using the NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
• The recent seismic measurements provide a new tool for the better investigation of the Mars and other planets where seismometer can be landed.
• One of the space rocks detected by the InSight Lander hit the Martian surface in 2020 and the rest landed in 2021. They have left craters of up to 7.2 meters wide.
• They landed between 85 km and 290 km from the InSight’s location.
• Mars is close to the solar system’s asteroid belt, which makes it highly vulnerable to impacts by space rocks.
• Its atmosphere is just 1 percent as thick as Earth’s. Hence, meteoroids pass through it without disintegrating unlike when they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.
• However, this is the first time that InSight captured the sound of the space rock hitting the Red Planet.
• According to researchers, the past impacts may have been undetected because of the noise from wind or by seasonal changes in the atmosphere.
• It is possible that more such seismic and acoustic waves may be hidden within the lander’s nearly four years of data.
About InSight Mission
The Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission is a robotic lander that aims to study the deep interior of the Red Planet. This three-legged instrument landed on the Martian surface in 2018 on a vast and relatively plain surface north of the Martian equator called Elysium Planitia.

6. NASA’S PERSEVERANCE FINDS ORGANIC MATTER ON MARS

THE CONTEXT: The Perseverance Rover has collected samples having high concentration of organic matter from the Martian surface.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The Perseverance Rover has collected several organic rock samples from an ancient river delta on Mars.
• These samples are currently stored for collection by future Mars missions that would return them back to the Earth.
• These rock samples have large concentration of organic matter, the highest concentration since the start of the mission.
• With the latest collection, the rover has now collected a total of 12 samples.
• One of the rocks the Perseverance collected was nicknamed as Wildcat Ridge. This rock was likely formed when mud and sand settled in a saltwater lake as it evaporated billions of years ago.
• An instrument aboard the rover called SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) found that these samples contain a class of organic molecules that correlate with those of sulfate minerals.
• Sulfate minerals found in layers of sedimentary rock can provide insights into the watery environment on which the rock samples were discovered.
• The instrument’s analysis revealed that the organic materials may possibly be aromatics or stable molecules of carbon and hydrogen, which are connected to sulfates.
• This suggests that when the lake was evaporating, both sulfates and organic molecules deposited, preserved and concentrated in the region.
About Perseverance Rover
Perseverance Rover was launched as part of the NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. Its objective is to explore the Martian surface and detect the signs of past and present life on the planet. Its landing site is Jezero Crater.

VALUE ADDITION:
Jezero Crater
Jezero Crater spans across 45 km. it is a fan-shaped geological feature that is suspected to have hosted an ancient lake. It is believed that this site hosts evidences of Martian history in sedimentary rock, which formed when particles fused together in the previously water-filled environment.

1. There is no way to peace, peace is the way READ MORE
2. Understanding war through papacy & morality READ MORE
3. SWABHAVA IS CORE OF HUMAN NATURE READ MORE

1. The ‘triple dip’ La Niña, and its likely impact in India READ MORE
2. How climate change is fueling hurricanes READ MORE
3. Arrest climate change READ MORE

1. A better world: India and the world are now more congenial to women and their success READ MORE
2. Why a sensitive healthcare system is key to addressing the high suicide rate among India’s women READ MORE
3. Hijab row shows why we should see Muslim women’s rights through the dual lens of religion and gender READ MORE

1. Death penalty: Constitution Bench to bring clarity on sentencing READ MORE
2. CBI’s overreach: Top probe agency’s credibility is under a cloud READ MORE
3. Hijab row shows why we should see Muslim women’s rights through the dual lens of religion and gender READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Monsoon begins withdrawal from Rajasthan READ MORE
2. Grazing lands turning into buffer zones, says chief of village bordering LAC READ MORE
3. EWS quota does not erode rights of scheduled communities, OBCs: Centre tells Supreme Court READ MORE
4. After unrecognised parties, now EC takes on discrepancies in recognised parties’ statements READ MORE
5. RBI removes Central Bank of India from Prompt Corrective Action framework READ MORE
6. Earth just experienced its 6th-warmest August on record READ MORE
7. James Webb gets a close look at the Red Planet for the first time READ MORE
8. DPIIT planning multi-media campaign to promote over 400 GI products READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. The ‘triple dip’ La Niña, and its likely impact in India READ MORE
2. How climate change is fueling hurricanes READ MORE
3. A better world: India and the world are now more congenial to women and their success READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Death penalty: Constitution Bench to bring clarity on sentencing READ MORE
2. CBI’s overreach: Top probe agency’s credibility is under a cloud READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Why a sensitive healthcare system is key to addressing the high suicide rate among India’s women READ MORE
2. Hijab row shows why we should see Muslim women’s rights through the dual lens of religion and gender READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Christophe Jaffrelot writes: Weighing Quad against SCO READ MORE
2. SCO summit marred by mutual dissensions READ MORE
3. Dealing with the dragon READ MORE
4. Positioning India in a chaotic world: With old fashioned geo-political risks jostling alongside newer political challenges, India’s foreign policy planners need to refashion the way they look at issues READ MORE  

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Changing contours of India’s FTAs READ MORE
2. A better way out of bad loans READ MORE
3. Govt must take fresh look at gas pricing READ MORE
4. Fiscal federalism and hullabaloo around freebies READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Arrest climate change READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Explained | What is lumpy skin disease in cattle? Does it affect milk we consume? READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. There is no way to peace, peace is the way READ MORE
2. Understanding war through papacy & morality READ MORE
3. SWABHAVA IS CORE OF HUMAN NATURE READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘A homogenous understanding of our rights is a disservice to the plurality of the Indian population’. Examine the statement in light of ongoing debate related to wearing the hijab.
2. Why is a sensitive healthcare system key to addressing the high suicide rate among India’s women? Discuss the statement in light of increasing trend of suicide case among women.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• In charting our course to the future, we are mindful of our path from the past.
• The case of school and college girls wearing the hijab should be looked at from a dual lens of religion and gender.
• Women’s rights are diverse; similarly Muslim women’s issues are diverse. A homogenous understanding of our rights is a disservice to the plurality of the Indian population.
• Healthcare facilities offer unique sites for interventions as they may be among the first places where women may report such abuse.
• The role of health system cannot be overemphasised in responding to immediate psychological needs of women facing domestic violence and preventing suicides.
• The World Bank can significantly contribute by increasing the target for the share of its financing for climate benefitting projects from 35 percent to at least 50 percent.
• The indomitable neighbour in China is testing India’s diplomacy and prowess; but we are found wanting on both as it goes all out to extract its pound of flesh.
• The progress in the SCO continues to be hampered by lack of connectivity and differences among its members on the issues of terrorism, territorial integrity, connectivity (transit rights between India and Pakistan for Afghanistan) and economic development.
• Export thrust. Along with greater trade cooperation and lower duties, new free trade agreements include digital trade.
• India may give up its strategic balancing of China and West if the Ukraine war weakens Russia and Moscow is unable to provide for its defence needs.

ESSAY TOPIC

• There is no way to peace, peace is the way.

50-WORD TALK

• The reopening of movie theatres in Kashmir, shuttered by jihadist violence in 1989, is a welcome step towards restoring normal life. Terrorists attacked theatres when they last reopened in 1998, and ensuring safety will be challenging. Oppressive security measures will be counterproductive, though, so a fine balance must be found.
• Russian President Putin acknowledged that China had some ‘concerns and questions’ over the Ukraine war and promised to answer them. China’s President Xi Jinping claimed that China had fulfilled its responsibility as a major country by ‘injecting stability into a turbulent world’. While maintaining the façade of their united front against the US, both Beijing and Moscow are quietly limiting each other’s influence in their backyard.

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 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 337]

The Context: The world, after a throbbing pandemic, is under the grasp of yet another zoonotic disaster called MonkeyPox. A recent study revealed that the rate of genetic changes in the monkeypox virus was higher than expected. In this article, we will analyse the ills of monkeypox and possible solutions from the UPSC perspective.

ABOUT THE MONKEYPOX VIRUS

MONKEYPOX

• Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.
• With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.
• Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas. Animal hosts include a range of rodents and non-human primates.
• Ever since it was first reported in humans in 1970, monkeypox virus infections have been largely restricted to countries in Central and Eastern Africa until recently.

RECURRENCE OF MONKEYPOX

• Early in 2022, multiple cases were identified in Spain and several cases were reported from countries where the disease is not endemic, including regions in Europe and North America, and in patients with no history of travel to endemic regions.
• Following a rapid rise in cases, the World Health Organization (WHO), on July 23, 2022, declared the 2022 monkeypox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• As of early August 2022, over 25,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported from 83 countries, 76 of which have never historically reported monkeypox.

VIRUSES: A BASIC STUDY

DEFINITION

• A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.
• Viruses are non-cellular organisms that are characterized by having an inert crystalline structure outside the living cell.

WORKING & FEATURES

• A virus cannot replicate alone; instead, it must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of itself.
• Often, a virus ends up killing the host cell in the process, causing damage to the host organism. Well-known examples of viruses causing human disease include AIDS, COVID-19, measles and smallpox.
• In addition to proteins, viruses also contain genetic material, which could be either RNA or DNA.
• No virus contains both RNA & DNA.
• Viruses that infect plants have single-stranded RNA & Viruses that infect animals have either single or double-stranded RNA or double-stranded DNA.
• Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are usually double-stranded DNA viruses.

TYPES

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DNA AND RNA VIRUSES

• DNA viruses contain DNA as the genetic material while RNA viruses contain RNA as the genetic material. Some examples of DNA viruses are Herpes viruses, poxviruses, and hepatitis B.
• Generally, DNA genomes are larger than RNA genomes. Furthermore, most DNA viruses contain double-stranded DNA while most RNA viruses contain single-stranded RNA. Rhabdovirus, coronavirus, SARS, poliovirus, rhinovirus, hepatitis A virus, influenza virus, etc., are some examples of RNA viruses.

PROLIFERATING GENETIC MUTATIONS: THE EVOLUTION AND CONCERN

Recently, a team of researchers at the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge in Portugal has found that the monkeypox virus has been evolving at a faster rate than expected.

KEY FINDINGS

• Scientists said the latest strain of monkeypox, once previously confined to parts of Africa, has about 50 genetic variations compared to related viruses that circulated in 2018-2019.
• They found the virus is continuing to evolve during the current outbreak, including a number of small changes in the genetic code, minor gene variants and a deleted gene.

LOOMING CONCERNS

• The monkeypox virus has a DNA genome of around 2,00,000 base pairs, roughly six times larger than that of SARS-CoV-2. Like other viruses, the monkeypox virus evolves by the accumulation of genetic errors, or mutations, in its genome when it replicates inside a host.
• Information about mutations occurring in different genome sequences of the monkeypox virus across different regions can, thus, provide essential insights into how the virus is evolving, its genetic diversity and other factors that may be relevant to the development of diagnostic tools.

RISKS OF PARALLEL EVOLUTION

• Being a DNA virus, the monkeypox virus, like other poxviruses, was believed to have a small rate of accumulating genetic changes compared to viruses with an RNA genome like SARS-CoV-2, which have a much larger rate of mutations. For poxviruses, this rate is estimated to be as low as a couple of genetic changes every year.
• A recent study, however, revealed that the observed rate of genetic changes in the virus was higher than the expected average of around 50 genetic changes.
• The higher-than-expected rate of evolution coupled with the rapid rise in monkeypox cases across the world could potentially be due to highly parallel evolution in a large number of individuals simultaneously, as the present outbreak came out of a super spreader event.

ASPECT OF APOBEC3 PROTEIN

• The researchers also suggest that several mutations that have been identified in the new sequences of the monkeypox virus may have emerged due to interaction between the virus genome and an important family of proteins coded by the human genome known as the Apolipoprotein B Editing Complex (or APOBEC3). These proteins offer protection against certain viral infections by editing the genome sequence of the virus while it replicates in the cell.
• Therefore, researchers suggest that many of the genetic mutations in the monkeypox genomes from the current outbreak are remnants of the effect of APOBEC3 and may not provide a significant evolutionary advantage to the virus.

POSSIBLE OUTREACH OF THE VIRUS

• Monkeypox virus can infect a range of hosts, including non-human primates and rodents, which could act as a natural reservoir. Infections in the reservoir could also enable continued transmission and accumulation of mutations before spilling over to cause human infections.

MONKEYPOX LINEAGES

• Clusters of genomes having common and shared mutations and a common origin are referred to as a lineage or clade. In the early 2000s, two different clades of monkeypox virus were defined in Africa, where several cases of the disease have been seen the Central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade, of which the Congo Basin clade has been shown to be more transmissible and cause more severe disease.

HOW ARE LINEAGES OF VIRUSES NAMED?

• Since naming viral lineages using the country or geography of origin could be discriminatory and possibly not in the right spirit, a new system of naming monkeypox lineages has been proposed by researchers recently.
• Under the new proposed system, the Congo Basin clade is denoted as clade 1, while the West African clade is divided into clade 2 and clade 3.
• This new system will also describe sub-lineages of the virus, with the original parent lineage being denoted as lineage ‘A’, and its descendants as ‘A.1’, ‘A.1.1’, ‘A.2’, and ‘B.1’.
• Lineage B.1 denoted the current 2022 outbreak of monkeypox virus infections which is a descendant of the A.1.1 lineage.

SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

UNDERSTANDING GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE VIRUS

• With several genome sequences of the monkeypox virus available in public databases, it is possible today to understand the prevalence of different lineages of the virus across different regions.
• Over 95% of the recently deposited genome sequences of the virus belong to the B.1 lineage of the monkeypox virus, and this lineage is epidemiologically linked to the super spreader events in Europe that formed the basis for the current outbreak of monkeypox.

TRACKING THE SPREAD

• While a majority of the genomes deposited could be linked to the 2022 outbreak of monkeypox, sequences deposited recently in 2022 from the U.S., Thailand and India suggest that there is a second distinct lineage of the monkeypox virus that is currently in active circulation in 2022.
• These genomes are classified as the A.2 lineage of the monkeypox virus and currently encompass six genome sequences, including two that were collected from Kerala.
• The earliest genome belonging to this lineage was collected from Texas in 2021, while the two sequences from Kerala collected in 2022 cluster closely with a genome collected from Florida in the same year.

AIDING GENOMIC SURVEILLANCE

• Genomic surveillance of pathogens provides interesting insights by following a molecular approach for contact tracing and understanding the transmission of the virus across the world.
• As cases of monkeypox continue to rise, it is therefore important to strengthen the genomic surveillance for the monkeypox virus.
• Since data from the present outbreak suggest a sustained human-to-human transmission, continuous genomic surveillance is important to understand the evolution and adaptation of the virus, apart from providing useful data to epidemiologists.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Genomic surveillance has played a crucial role in the global Covid -19 response, with countries like South Africa able to make essential contributions in detecting variants due to their capacities in this area. Thus, in the wake of the COVID-19 cases continuing unabated and monkeypox having a proliferating trend, there is an urgent need to build a sustainable system for genomic surveillance in India.
• Genomic sequencing is a crucial part of every country’s approach to detecting and containing outbreaks of other pathogens. Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) has conducted various surveillance studies on genomic mutations. It provides an accurate real-time picture of how a pandemic is moving, and thus, its capabilities must be continuously refined. The INSACOG is crucial in:
  • Early detection of genomic variants of public health implications through sentinel surveillance.
  • To determine the genomic variants in unusual events/trends (Vaccine breakthrough, super-spreader events, high mortality/morbidity trend areas etc.).
  • To correlate the genome surveillance data with epidemiological data.
  • To suggest public health actions based on the analysis of genomic and epidemiological surveillance data.
• A Rapid Response Team (RRT) must be formed in each State/UT by the Health Department. The team should comprise a clinician, a microbiologist and a member of the Medical College (preferably from the Community Medicine Department). As soon as any mutation is detected and conveyed to the State/UT, the RRT must be deployed by the State/UT to the site, where it will investigate the mutant

THE CONCLUSION: Recently, WHO’s Science Council released a report, “Accelerating access to genomics for global health”, advocating for passing on Genomic Technologies to developing countries. The report mentions that countries with established expertise must come forward in support of vulnerable developing nations for the cause of enhancing their genetic sequencing and surveillance capabilities.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

• “With COVID-19 continuing unabated and monkeypox around the corner, the time has never been better, and the need never more acute, to build a sustainable system for genomic surveillance in India.” In the light of this statement, examine the efficacy of the recently formed Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).
• “A recent study revealed that the rate of genetic changes in the monkeypox virus was higher than expected.” In the light of this statement, explain the potential causes of the proliferation of viruses like MonkeyPox.
• Discuss the types of viruses. How are lineages of viruses named? Explain in the light of the monkeypox virus.

THE INDIAN POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. SUPREME COURT QUOTA FOR DALIT MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS

THE CONTEXT: The Centre is likely to soon decide on setting up a national commission to study the social, economic and educational status of Dalits who converted to religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Several petitions are pending before the Supreme Court seeking Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation benefits for Dalits who converted to Christianity or Islam.
THE EXPLANATION:
Why don’t Dalits who convert to Christianity and Islam get quota benefits?
• The original rationale behind giving reservation to Scheduled Castes was that these sections had suffered from the social evil of untouchability, which was practised among Hindus. Under Article 341 of the Constitution, the President may “specify the castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within castes, races or tribes which shall…be deemed to be Scheduled Castes”.
• The first order under this provision was issued in 1950, and covered only Hindus. Following demands from the Sikh community, an order was issued in 1956, including Sikhs of Dalit origin among the beneficiaries of the SC quota. In 1990, the government acceded to a similar demand from Buddhists of Dalit origin, and the order was revised to state: “No person who professes a religion different from the Hindu, the Sikh or the Buddhist religion shall be deemed to be a member of Scheduled Caste.”

Does this religion-based bar apply to converted STs and OBCs as well?
• According to Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) states, “The rights of a person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe are independent of his/her religious faith.” Following the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, several Christian and Muslim communities have found place in the Central and state lists of OBCs.

What efforts have been made to include Muslims and Christians of Dalit origin among SCs?
• After 1990, a number of Private Member’s Bills were brought in Parliament for this purpose. In 1996, a government Bill called The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill was drafted, but in view of a divergence of opinions, the Bill was not introduced in Parliament.
• The UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh set up two important panels: the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities, popularly known as the Ranganath Misra Commission, in October 2004; and a seven-member high-level committee headed by former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Rajinder Sachar to study the social, economic, and educational condition of Muslims in March 2005.
• The Sachar Committee Report observed that the social and economic situation of Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians did not improve after conversion. The Ranganath Misra Commission, which submitted its report in May 2007, recommended that SC status should be “completely de-linked…from religion and…Scheduled Castes [should be made] fully religion-neutral like…Scheduled Tribes”.
The report was tabled in both Houses of Parliament on December 18, 2009, but its recommendation was not accepted in view of inadequate field data and corroboration with the actual situation on the ground.

2. THE CONTROVERSY OVER NAAC’S SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING HIGHER EDUCATION

THE CONTEXT: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which carries out quality checks or assessments of Indian Higher-level Educational Institutions (HEIs), courted controversy recently over the rating of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and allegations of bribery in the process.
THE EXPLANATION:
When the NAAC released the ratings, the institute’s score changed from A to A+ on the back of improvement across parameters. The allegations have surfaced at a time when the NAAC is exploring changes in its approach.
What is NAAC?
The NAAC, an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC), assesses and certifies HEIs with gradings as part of accreditation. Through a multi-layered process, a higher education institution learns whether it meets the standards of quality set by the evaluator in terms of curriculum, faculty, infrastructure, research, and other parameters. The ratings of institutions range from A++ to C. If an institution is graded D, it means it is not accredited.

THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. JAPAN- INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE 2022 CONCLUDES

THE CONTEXT: The sixth edition of the Japan India Maritime Exercise 2022, JIMEX 22 hosted by the Indian Navy concluded in the Bay of Bengal with the two sides bidding farewell to each other with a customary steam past on 17 Sep 22.
THE EXPLANATION:
• JIMEX comprised of complex tactical drills in all dimensions of Naval warfare to enhance interoperability between two key maritime forces in the Indo-Pacific.
• JIMEX 22 witnessed some of the most complex exercises undertaken jointly by the two navies. Both sides engaged in advanced level anti-submarine warfare, weapon firings and Air Defence exercises. Shipborne helicopters, fighter aircraft and submarines also participated in the exercise. IN and JMSDF ships replenished each other at sea under the agreement on Reciprocal Provision for Supply and Services (RPSS).
• The exercise, which marked the tenth anniversary of JIMEX since its inception in 2012, consolidated the mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies.

THE ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

4. HOW REPLACING COAL WITH PADDY STRAW IN BRICK KILNS CAN HELP ADDRESS STUBBLE BURNING MENACE

THE CONTEXT: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) wants brick kiln owners in the state to replace at least 20% coal with the paddy-straw pellets for fuel requirements in the kilns. The PPCB believes that this will help tackle the problem of stubble burning in the state.
THE EXPLANATION:

The proposal,
In a letter to brick kiln owners, the PPCB has said that the Punjab government is formulating a policy for the mandatory replacement of 20% coal with paddy straw-based pellets. This is based on a study conducted jointly by the Punjab State Council For Science and Technology (PSCST) and PPCB regarding the partial replacement of coal with paddy straw pellets with an aim to reduce air pollution while ensuring economic benefit for kiln owners. A draft notification in this regard has already been issued by the state’s Department of Science, Technology and Environment, and public comments invited.

The rationale
• There are around 2,700 kilns in Punjab out of which nearly 2,100 have been upgraded and are in operation currently. The average coal consumption of a kiln, which runs for 6-7 months in a year, is around 900 tonnes of coal (with upgraded technology).
• So, the coal consumption of these operational kilns’ would come to around 19 lakh tonnes per year, costing around Rs 4,750 crores. The cost of one-tonne coal is around Rs 25,000 including the freight rate.
• In Punjab, kilns are operated two times from October to December and February to July in a year.
• A brick kiln, which is usually 120-ft high (part of which is under the earth), has around 36 chambers in which about 10-12 lakh clay bricks are placed for drying or hardening.
• Brick kiln owners said that the replacement of 20% coal with stubble pellets means that nearly 200 tonnes of coal burning can be reduced in every kiln per year (and to a total of 4.20 lakh tonnes worth Rs 1,050 crores).

Good for the environment?
• The paddy stubble fuel is environmentally friendly as it does not contain a high amount of sulphur like coal.
• According to the Department of Science and Technology and Environment, it can help achieve the stringent emission standard for particulate matter (PM) that is set for the brick kilns.

5. WORLD’S FIRST CLONED ARCTIC WOLF

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the scientists in China have successfully cloned wild Arctic Wolf for the first time.
THE EXPLANATION:
• A Beijing-based gene firm had succeeded in cloning the Arctic Wolf to prevent the endangered species from going extinct.
• The newly cloned wolf was named Maya, which means good health.
• The donor cell of the wolf came from a skin sample of a wild female Arctic Wolf. Its oocyte was obtained from a dog.
• The cloning process involved the construction of 137 new embryos from enucleated (process of removing nucleus from the cell) oocytes and somatic cells.
• 85 embryos were transferred to the uteri of seven beagles.
• The beagle was chosen as the surrogate mother since this dog breed is found to share genetic ancestry with ancient wolf.
What is cloning?
Cloning is the process of producing living organisms, including cells, tissues etc., with identical genetic materials ether through natural or artificial means. In nature, some organisms produce clones through asexual reproduction. Artificially, the first animal to be cloned was a sheep named Dolly. It was created in 1996 by a Scottish scientist using an udder cell from an adult sheep. Recently, in July 2022, Japanese scientists have succeeded in producing cloned mice using freeze-dried skin cells. This new breakthrough makes it possible to practice bio-banking, which involves saving animal cells and creating clones from them.
About Arctic Wolf
The Arctic Wolf is also known as white wolf or polar wolf. It is native to the High Arctic tundra of Canada’s Queen Elizabeth Islands. It is a subspecies of the grey wolf. This medium-sized wolf is smaller than the Alaskan timber wolf. Since the 1930s, there has been a significant decline in the size of the Arctic wolf’s skull because of the wolf-dog hybridization.

THE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTIONS

6. INSPIRE AWARDS CONFERRED TO 53,021 STUDENTS ACROSS INDIA

THE CONTEXT: Union Minister of Science and Technology has recently provided financial aid to around 53,000 students under the INSPIRE Scheme.
THE EXPLANATION:
What is INSPIRE Scheme?
• The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) scheme has been implemented by Indian Government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) to encourage people aging 10 to 32 years to pursue science and a career in research.
• Its purpose is to attract talent to science at an early age and create the required resource pool for strengthening the science and technology system and research and development base in the country.
• It has three components – Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent (SEATS), Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) and Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC).
About INSPIRE Award – MANAK
• The Indian Government confers INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) every year under the SEAT Program.
• Under the INSPIRE AWARDS – MANAK Scheme, students across India are encouraged to send original and creative technological ideas or innovations that can solve common problems.
• The chosen ideas will be provided with complete incubation support required to promote the entrepreneurial journey of students.
• This scheme has attracted 6.53 Lakh ideas and innovations from across India in 2020-21 – the highest till date.
• It represented ideas and innovations from 702 districts (96%) in India.
• This includes 123 of the 124 aspirational districts, 51 per cent representation from girls, 84 per cent from schools in rural regions and 71 per cent of schools run by state/UT governments.
• Of the 6.53 lakh students, 53,021 students have been provided with the financial support of Rs.10,000 to help them develop prototypes for the ideas they submitted.

1. Don’t act under anger READ MORE
2. BODY is COSTUME of the soul READ MORE

1. Increasing Costa Rica’s riparian forests can improve its water quality, carbon storage READ MORE
2. There are better ways than cheetahs to revive ecosystems READ MORE
3. Blame global warming for Pakistan floods; here’s why READ MORE

1. Has forest rights Act enhanced the lives of Adivasis? READ MORE
2. Worsening mental health of employees amid layoffs READ MORE

1. Scandinavian social democracy READ MORE
2. The CBI’s uneasy history READ MORE  
3. The hijab case and the essential practices doctrine READ MORE
4. Knowing the killer: SC has done well to seek norms to present mitigating factors for death READ MORE
5. Fali S Nariman writes: Supreme Court’s basic structure doctrine in a new context READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Death penalty case: Supreme Court refers matter to five-judge constitution bench to frame guidelines for courts READ MORE
2. The significance of Ethereum Merge and its impact on blockchain architecture READ MORE
3. ECI seeks restrictions on cash donations to political parties, writes to government READ MORE
4. How replacing coal with paddy straw in brick kilns can help address stubble burning menace READ MORE
5. What is the PM PRANAM scheme, likely to be introduced by the govt soon? READ MORE
6. Monsoon stretching longer, displacing more people in south Asia: Report READ MORE
7. Most Indian villages do not have any waste management infrastructure: Study READ MORE
8. Poland opens new canal for ships to sail from Baltic Sea to Vistula Lagoon ports READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Increasing Costa Rica’s riparian forests can improve its water quality, carbon storage READ MORE
2. Has forest rights Act enhanced the lives of Adivasis? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Scandinavian social democracy READ MORE
2. The CBI’s uneasy history READ MORE  
3. The hijab case and the essential practices doctrine READ MORE
4. Knowing the killer: SC has done well to seek norms to present mitigating factors for death READ MORE
5. Fali S Nariman writes: Supreme Court’s basic structure doctrine in a new context READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Worsening mental health of employees amid layoffs READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. With Russia’s declining influence, India needs a new strategy in Eurasia READ MORE  
2. SCO at crossroads of history: New international financial system taking shape in multi-polar world order READ MORE
3. Modi-Xi ‘cold war’ at SCO proves member relationships strained. India must stand on its own READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Why we need to build a framework for global digital governance READ MORE
2. Helping businesses to move READ MORE
3. Economic resurgence: Utilise fiscal gains to tackle unemployment READ MORE
4. From the economy, investments to agriculture and jobs: The many repercussions of India’s land woes READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. There are better ways than cheetahs to revive ecosystems READ MORE
2. Blame global warming for Pakistan floods; here’s why READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Don’t act under anger READ MORE
2. BODY is COSTUME of the soul READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘Developing countries are entering a divergent social, political and economic period with sharp downside risks for the most vulnerable and regression in gender equality’. Critically examine.
2. ‘Changes and reforms, howsoever well-intentioned, will deliver beneficial results only if the implementing laws and machinery are appropriate’. In the light of the statement, enumerates the reasons for the failure of the government to attract FDI and Indian private sector investment for Make in India?
3. ‘The Indian state needs to address the ability to utilise technology as a credible foreign policy and diplomacy tool’. Analyse the statement in the light of recent developments.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We are not going to achieve a new world order without paying for it in blood as well as in words & money.
• When hijab ban comes to an issue concerning a matter of faith, courts have the unenviable task of acting as an expert — on law and on religion.
• Any Court hearing a matter touching upon a matter of faith has the unenviable task of acting not merely as an expert on law but also as an expert on religion.
• Whether Delhi likes it or not, Russia is locked in an unwinnable war with the West, is increasingly beholden to China, and struggling to retain its traditional primacy in inner Asia.
• India’s G20 presidency is a chance to address common challenges of regulating Big Tech.
• Focus on digitalisation and interoperability across the logistics chain will help cut costs and make services accessible to even small and medium enterprises.
• The government needs to bolster the purchasing power of people in order to spur demand and consumption. This is achievable through optimum utilisation of burgeoning financial resources.
• China-Russia power struggle in Central Asia can bring many opportunities. India must keep track to make most of its 2023 SCO presidency.
• Unclear land titles, slow-moving courts and small landholdings, make buying land in India inherently risky. Bureaucratic and legal tangles add to this.

50-WORD TALK

• The Cheetah’s return to India is a brave conservation experiment and a biodiversity milestone. The real hard work of ensuring they survive and multiply begins now and it’s a good challenge for Indian wildlife authorities. If they could protect and revive the tiger population, they can succeed in Kuno too.
• China’s moves to block blacklisting of Pakistani terrorists wanted for attacks in India are becoming so predictable that it’s obvious Beijing just wants to poke New Delhi in the eye. Such rogue diplomacy doesn’t behove a ‘rising power’. Does China want to be known as a state that supports terrorism?
• Strong, statesmanly advice to Putin, dignified distance from Xi, Shehbaz Sharif, surprise patch-up with Erdogan – PM Modi played all the right geopolitical cards in 24 hours. It reflects India’s diplomatic confidence and the ability to hold its own on the global stage. Strategic clarity any day over strategic ambiguity.
• The anti-exclusion principle allows for due-deference to the ability of a religion to determine its own religious tenets and doctrines. At the same time, the anti-exclusion principle postulates that where a religious practice causes the exclusion of individuals in a manner which impairs their dignity or hampers their access to basic goods, the freedom of religion must give way to the over-arching values of a liberal constitution.

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 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 336]

THE CONTEXT: The discourse on privatization and public assets sale is not new in India. Some people favour it, and some oppose it. The sale of the loss-making national carrier Air India to the Tata Group is a move that evoked a mixed response. While some hailed it on the assumption that it would no longer spell a further loss to the exchequer, its opponents felt that a national asset was being sold at a throwaway price without transparency by the Union government. Critics of the government say that the government failed to fill fiduciary duty in the case of Air India selling.

THE ISSUES WITH THE AIR INDIA SALE

WHAT IS FIDUCIARY DUTY?

In brief, fiduciary duty is a requirement that a person in a position of trusts, such as a real estate agent, broker, or executor, must act in good faith and honesty on behalf of a client. Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation of the highest degree for one party to act in another’s best interest.

The person to whom a fiduciary owes their duty is the principal or beneficiary. Accordingly, the fiduciary must work to the best of their ability to benefit the principal and bring about a satisfactory result or capable stewardship of the principal’s assets.

THE ISSUE OF PUBLIC TRUST

• It is prudent to extend the doctrine of ‘public trust’ to the government’s management of public sector enterprises. There is a fiduciary duty cast upon the government to act reasonably and in a transparent manner while dealing with public assets. Unlike a private asset sale, a government selling public assets and assuming liabilities without proper planning will impose an enormous debt burden on citizens.

SET A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT FOR OTHER SALES

• The Air India asset sale needs scrutiny in light of the Government’s new National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), where public assets will be monetised either as leases or outright sales. Air India’s asset sale and retention of liabilities set a dangerous precedent as it could result in selling public assets to government faithful and leaving the liabilities to citizens.

CRISIS OF TRANSPARENCY

• The privatisation of loss-making public sector enterprises may prevent the state from incurring further losses. However, unless the sale proceeds are substantial, genuine and transparent, a crisis of legitimacy may arise.

SIMILAR CASES WHERE FIDUCIARY DUTY IS NOT BEING FOLLOWED BY THE GOVERNMENT:

1. One example is the anonymous electoral bonds scheme which taps corporate funding to help any political party and where the details are known only to the ruling party, which could fuel mistrust of such asset sales. A Right to Information filing by the Association for Democratic Reforms showed that with the State Bank of India as the sole authorised dealer of electoral bonds, out of ₹3,429 crores of the total value of electoral bonds generated by the bank (FY19-20), the ruling party at the Centre alone devoured a whopping ₹2,606 crores or 76% of the total bonds issued so far. This is also the period that saw some major privatisation of public sector enterprises.Here, the role of discreet political funding through anonymous electoral bonds needs to be assessed more closely.
2. The recent award of a contract worth ₹1,126 crores to a Chinese firm (Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. Ltd.) to construct an underground rail stretch in Delhi and a contract worth ₹170 crores to another Chinese firmfor the supply of wheels to Vande Bharat trains cannot be seen in isolation. It is important to remember that China is an aggressor at the Line of Actual Control.

TYPES OF SALES

• Enterprise sale: In order to unlock the value of assets, liabilities are retained by the seller either by himself or through an SPV, and assets are sold for a competitive price; otherwise, the liabilities will surpass the value of the assets, rendering the enterprise value to negative.
• Asset sale: An asset sale involves selling a business asset to another party, i.e. the purchaser. This includes tangible assets such as equipment and inventory, and intangible assets such as business goodwill, its intellectual property (IP) and customer lists.
• Private asset sale: It involves the consent of the secured creditors (mostly banks) who give their consent to park the liability only when they are satisfied that the promoters or the shareholders of the private enterprise would be able to satisfy the liabilities either from the proceeds of the sale or otherwise.
• Public asset sale: The sale of assets controlled by the government (sovereign), has a few shortcomings as follows:
• Directly or indirectly government-controlled banks cannot conduct due diligence independently on the nature of the sale
• Banks also cannot report fairly on whether the sale proceeds are sufficient to satisfy the debt because the government has given an undertaking to repay the debt, or the government may even force banks into a settlement with lesser repayment or even a write-off.

THE PRESENT PRIVATIZATION POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT

Fulfilling the government’s commitment under the Atma Nirbhar Package to coming up with a policy of strategic disinvestment of public sector enterprises, with the following feature

• Strategic Sector: Bare minimum presence of the public sector enterprises and remaining to be privatised or merged or subsidiaries with other CPSEs or closed.
• Strategic sector: Industries are considered strategic if it has large innovative spillovers and if it provides a substantial infrastructure for another forum in the same or related industry
• Following 4 sectors come under it :

• • • Atomic energy, Space and Defence
    • Transport and Telecommunications
    • Power, Petroleum, Coal and other minerals
    • Banking, Insurance and financial services
• Non-Strategic Sector: In this sector, CPSEs will be privatised, otherwise shall be closed.

Non-strategic sector

• will include hotel and tourist services, transportation vehicle and equipment, industrial and consumer goods, trading and marketing, and transport and logistics

The policy of the government on the 18 strategic sectors Other sectors

18 strategic sectors under 3 different classificatory types are

• mining and exploration
• processing and generation and
• the service sector

Policy regarding PSU by the govt

• Govt will completely exit the non-strategic sector
• in the strategic sector govt will keep a maximum of 1-4 PSU and subsequently opt for strategic disinvestment

PRIVATIZATION OF PSU SINCE 2014, INCLUDING BANKS

The increase in the supply of PSU stocks and the constrained investor appetite had started affecting the prices. The trade-off between the political objective to privatize and revenue maximization was witnessed the most in this period. Resultantly, the government resort to Strategic Sales.

However, a departure from past govt is also disinvesting profit-making ventures with a rationale that disinvestment of profit-making enterprises by a public offering of shares is desirable as it leads to dispersed shareholding and avoids concentration of economic power.

However, in the case of the bank, an amalgamation policy was followed which reduced the number of the national bank from 28 to 12 by merging various banks.

• But even after this, there was no meaningful resolution of the NPA crisis.
  • In fact, post the covid crisis, this problem will increase as small banks are facing the problem of balancing credit growth and risk.
  • With the spectre of insolvencies looming at the start of pandemic-led lockdown, there was a flight of deposits from small banks to bigger ones.
• In view of this, the govt has focused on taking PSBs out of government control.

Overall approach

Since 2014, the Modi government’s strategic disinvestment approach was to sell minority stakes in public companies to raise revenue, while retaining management control. During the 2014-2019 period, the government raised Rs. 2,79,622 crore from the disinvestment of public sector enterprises (PSEs), compared to Rs 1,07,833 crore collected during 2004-14. However, this has changed now. Recently, five companies were up for 100 per cent disinvestment, including three large profitable companies such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), the Container Corporation of India and the Shipping Corporation.

THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PRIVATIZATION POLICY BY THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT

Is privatization of banks panacea for success

• Private players in the financial sector are prone to failure: this fact gave the world economic shock of astronomical proportion, which was over reachingly created by private bank
• Private banks fail all the time. In the 20 years from 2001 to 2020, as many as 559 private banks with assets of $721 billion failed in the US.
• The principle followed by private banks is when they make profits, it goes to shareholders: When they make losses, it gets socialised and falls in the lap of the government to make good the deposits either through insurance or taxpayer bailout. (Yes Bank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), bailed out the above bank.)
• Big private banks can fail at any time: There is a myth that if a bank gets large enough, it will not fail. While one can agree that the larger the bank, the greater its ability to absorb losses, this does not mean it cannot fail. The axiom “Higher you go, harder the fall” applies best to private banks. Yes, Bank, Citi Bank, and Washington Mutual Bank are all such examples.

Looking at the larger interest

• The move towards divesting ownership in strategic sectors will have long-term consequences. A diluted public sector would possibly mean that India missing out on the opportunity to capitalise on the global distrust against Chinese supply lines in the wake of the current crisis.
• Moreover, the valuation of PSU is at an all-time low. At the start of NDA-2, the valuation of PSU at the BSE was 22% which has reduced to 9.4% in Oct 2020.
• At present, because of the crisis presented by the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that more than 10 per cent of the shares of the LIC is subscribed, as the market may not be able to absorb more.

PSU MODELS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

PSUs exist virtually everywhere. In Asia where PSUs have played an important role in shaping the economy. According to an OECD report, PSUs pull plenty of economic might —

• in China, they account for 30% of GDP,
• in Vietnam, 38%,
• and they account for roughly a fourth of GDP in India and Thailand.
• PSUs are also big employers in many of these countries — 15% in China, and 5% in Malaysia.
• PSUs play an important role in BRICS economies.
  • According to a recent KPMG report, of the 2,000 largest companies globally, 260 are from BRICS economies.
  • About 123 or 47% of the largest BRICS enterprises are PSU. The market value of PSU amounts to 32% of GNIs (gross national income) among all BRICS countries.

All the above example shows that privatization is not the only panacea for bringing efficiency, improving productivity, and building productive assets.

THE GLOBAL PRACTICES

Reshaping the PSU buy other countries

Three former planned economies have set up centralized holding entities — SASAC in China in 2003, SCIC in Vietnam in 2007 and Druk Holdings and Investments in Bhutan. In 2006, the Philippines pioneered the development of a PSU governance scorecard which has become an important tool for pushing PSU reforms. Since 2004, Malaysia has rolled out a comprehensive ‘transformation programme” to overhaul its PSUs.

An incorporated holding company Temasek to better manage its assets on a commercial basis was launched in Singapore. This allowed its Ministry of Finance to focus on policy making. At inception, Temasek’s initial portfolio was S$354 million, spanning 35 companies. Thereafter began the process of restructuring SOEs. Some were corporatized and privatized, others were allowed to go for big global expansions.

THE CHINA EXAMPLE: 

In 2003, a holding company, the State-Owned Assets Supervision & Administration Commission (SASAC), was created to manage the SEO. The agency, which controls nearly 100 of the largest SOEs, lies “at the heart of China’s industrial deep state

THE WAY FORWARD: WHAT CAN INDIA LEARN?

ALTERNATIVES TO PRIVATISATION (WITH PAST EXAMPLES)

 A fire sale privatisation, as is prescribed by free market evangelists, is an also less efficient method of value maximization, besides being completely impractical in India’s political economy. Neither disinvestment nor the few outright privatizations that have taken place seem to have really maximized value for the key shareholder — the taxpayer of India.

The case for privatisation is trickier and the trick lies likely elsewhere – in control. Within the Indian landscape, there are examples, albeit few, where significant (or even majority) government ownership has not prevented the company from creating enormous value for shareholders. Since Independence, while most government-funded enterprises were set up as public sector undertakings, mostly under enabling legislations, there were other models explored too.

1. Maruti Udyog was set up as a Joint Venture of the government of India with Suzuki of Japan, with the latter initially holding a minority stake. But the cornerstone of the structure was on management control – government, despite its majority stake, allowed a very substantial amount of management and operational freedom to Suzuki to manage the company on commercial lines.
2. A second model used often, mostly in financial services, has been that of indirect ownership — via other PSUs while allowing private sector-level management and operational freedoms. The Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI), the erstwhile parent company of ICICI Bankwas set up as a joint venture of public sector banks, insurance companies and the World Bank.
3. UTI Bank (known as Axis Banknow) was sponsored by the government owned UTI-1, a special purpose vehicle created out of the restructuring of Unit Trust of India.
4. HDFC, the mortgage lender, was initially sponsored by ICICI, with minority shareholdings with IFC (part of the World Bank group) and the Prince Aga Khan foundation.

Apart from above, government should a progressive approach for privatization as given below:

NEGATIVE BIDS

• The government should permit negative bids: a bid where the government pays someone to take the company off its hands. Negative bids were an important part of the massive privatization which took place in Germany after the end of socialism and helped to get productive assets rapidly into the hands of efficient managers in the private sector.

MOU MODELS

• In  South Korea, PSUs with high social obligation operates with private sectors with the help Of MOUs.
• But one of the most important things, that is forgotten in the outright privatization of CPSUs is that it is unaccompanied by the necessary reforms in the overall regulatory framework in which they operate. Reforms of the regulatory frameworks and the markets are crucial for the performance of both PSUs and private companies, ensuring a rule-based competitive structure covering entry, exit, bankruptcy and competition among existing companies, as manifested by the British privatization of the 1980s and 90s.

CRISIS OF LEGITIMACY

• The privatization of loss-making public sector enterprises may prevent the state from incurring further losses. However, unless the sale proceeds are substantial, genuine and transparent, a crisis of legitimacy may arise.

RECOGNISING THE ROLE OF STATES

• It is vital to recognise the role of States in establishing a public asset such as Air India, They have actively participated in the growth of the airline in the form of land and other infrastructure to its offices.

o   States were not consulted in the whole process which is a breach of the spirit of ‘cooperative federalism’.

THE CONCLUSION: While the experience of other countries is available to India by way of guidance, it would have to evolve its own techniques, best suited to its level of development. The historic, cultural, and institutional context influences the way in which and the pace at which privatization is implemented. Where the market economy is not fully developed, ways would have to be found to safeguard the interests of consumers and investors, which would ensure a fuller play to the wealth-creating role of the entrepreneurs.  Apart from it, along with profit-driven marketplace, the welfare policy interventions of public sector enterprises such as social uplift, full employment need to be advocated.It is prudent to extend this doctrine of ‘public trust’ to the management of public sector enterprises by the government, as selling public assets and assuming the liabilities without proper planning will impose an enormous debt burden on citizens.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. Why is fiduciary duty an important element of government functioning? How can government fulfil its fiduciary duty in its functioning, especially related to asset sale processing?
2. How far do you think that the central government’s approach to the asset sale is facing a trust deficit, and it is resulting in liabilities being left to citizens? Substantiate your views with examples.

THE INDIAN HISTORY

1. LIBERATION, INTEGRATION, NEGOTIATION: HOW HYDERABAD BECAME A PART OF INDIA

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the government of India began its year-long celebrations for the ‘Telangana Liberation Day’ on September 17, marking how on the same day in 1948, “the state of Hyderabad got its independence from Nizam’s rule”.
THE EXPLANATION:
From 1911 to 1948, Nizam Mir Usman Ali, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, ruled the state composed of Telangana and parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra.

How did Hyderabad state become a part of India?
• At the time of India’s independence, British India was a mix of independent kingdoms and provinces that were given the options of joining India, Pakistan, or remaining independent. One among those who took a long time to make a decision was the Nizam of Hyderabad. Believed to be one of the richest people in the world at the time, the Nizam was not ready to let go of his kingdom.
• Meanwhile, the majority population of Hyderabad state was far from enjoying the same kind of wealth as the Nizam did. The feudal nature of the state at the time caused the peasant population to suffer high taxes, indignities of forced labour, and various other kinds of exploitation at the hands of powerful landlords.
• There was also a demand by the Andhra Jan Sangham for Telugu to be given primacy over Urdu. By the mid-1930s, apart from a reduction in land revenue rates and the abolition of forced labour, introducing Telugu in local courts became another important issue. Soon after the organisation became the Andhra Mahasabha (AMS), and Communists became associated with it. Together, the two groups built a peasant movement against the Nizam that found local support.

Who were the razakars and the Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen?
• In response to an uprising in July 1946 against forceful land acquisition on the part of a hereditary tax collector named Visnur Ramachandra Reddy, by October 1946, the Nizam banned the AMS. A close aide of the Nizam, Qasim Razvi, leader of the Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, became closely involved in securing the Nizam’s position.
• The Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen was a political outfit that sought a greater role for Muslims in the early 20th century, but after Razvi took over the organisation, it became extremist in its ideology. It was under him that a militia of the ‘razakars’ was formed to suppress the peasant and communist movement, launching a brutal attack.
• Around this time, the Standstill Agreement was also signed between the Nizam and the Indian government in November 1947, declaring a status quo. This meant that until November 1948, the Nizam could let things be as they were and not finalise a decision as negotiations with the Indian union continued

The legacy of Operation Polo
• It has also been said that the army’s march into Hyderabad did not just target the razakars and the radical extremist forces. The 2013 AG Noorani book ‘Destruction of Hyderabad’ says a four-member goodwill mission led by Pandit Sunderlal was constituted by the then Prime Minister.
• At the request of then PM Jawaharlal Nehru, a month was spent in Hyderabad in November 1948 where evidence was gathered and at the end, a report was filed, estimating thousands of people died in communal violence during the military action. The contents of the report were not made public for a long time.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND INTERVENTION

2. THE NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY

THE CONTEXT: The National Logistics Policy aims to promote smooth movement of goods across India and boost competitiveness of the Indian goods in the domestic and international markets.
THE EXPLANATION:
• It aims to bring down the logistics cost, which in turn would improve efficiency of various sectors of the economy, boosting value addition and economic growth.
• The policy was announced for the first time in Union Budget 2020.
• Its focus areas are Integration of Digital System (IDS), Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), Ease of Logistics (ELOG) and System Improvement Group (SIG).
• The IDS will integrate 30 different systems of seven different departments, such as customs, aviation, road transport, railways, international trade and commerce ministries.
• The ULIP aims to ensure continuous monitoring of cargo movement.
• The ELOG would seek to simplify procedures and achieve ease of doing business.
• The SIG would monitor all projects related to logistics in a regular basis and ensure the removal of hurdles faced in the sector.
• An empowered group of secretaries (EGoS) has been constituted under the PM Gati Shakti to monitor and review the implementation of the NLP.
India’s logistics sector
• India’s logistics sector provides jobs for more than 22 million people. The sector is complicated, as it is regulated by more than 20 government agencies, 40 partner government agencies, 37 export promotion councils, 500 certifications etc. India’s current logistics cost as a proportion of the GDP is some 13-14 per cent.
• he Indian Government is planning to decrease it to single digit. The sector’s present market size is 160 billion USD. Its improvement can ensure a 10 per cent decrease in indirect logistics cost and increase the growth of exports by 5 to 8 per cent.

3. NINE DISTRICT DISABILITY REHABILITATION CENTRES UPGRADED ACROSS INDIA

THE CONTEXT: The upgraded district disability rehabilitation centres (DDRC) have speech, visual therapy and psychologists.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The upgraded model DDRCs are situated in Badaun, Pilibhit, Bareilly, Balaghat, Golaghat, Ahmedabad, Amravati, Kullu and Rampur.
• They were virtually inaugurated by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• In these model DDRCs, services like hearing aids testing lab, speech therapy room, visual therapy room, psychologist room, physiotherapist room, gait practice parallel bar and telemedicine/tele-therapy facilities are provided.
• They will also assist persons with disabilities to register in the Unique Disability ID portal.
• The model DDRCs are established to provide effective rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.
• They were upgraded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons With Disability, which comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
About DDRC
• The District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that aims to provide comprehensive services to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in rural parts of India. They have been operating across India for the past 20 years.
• These centres have rehabilitation professions providing services like identifying Persons with Disabilities, creating awareness, early detection and intervention, Providing, fitting and repairing Assistive Devices and facilitating disability certificates, bus passes and other concessions/facilities targeting PwDs. These centres were set up and funded under the Scheme for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA).

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was passed by the Indian Parliament to fulfil its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by India in 2007. This Act replaced the Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

THE ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

4. UNEP LAUNCHES GREEN FINS HUB

THE CONTEXT: The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the UK-based charity Reef-World Foundation have launched the Green Fins Hub to boost sustainable marine tourism.
THE EXPLANATION:
• The Green Fins Hub is first-ever global marine tourism industry platform that would help diving and snorkelling operators across the world to make simple, cost-efficient changes in their daily practices by implementing international best practices that promotes sustainability of marine tourism.
• The platform would enable operators keep track of their yearly improvements and communicate with their communities and customers.
• It was developed by The Reef-World Foundation in collaboration with the UNEP.
• It would help spread awareness about the global best practices to protect the coral reefs and their fragile marine ecosystems.
• The Green Fins Community Forum in this platform would enable operators to discuss environmental issues, share best practices and raise the industry needs to the governments, non-profits and the overall industry.
• The Green Fins Solutions Library provides some 100 proven environmental solutions to solve daily operational challenges.
• The Action Plan Tracker would enable members to receive annual sustainability action plan with specific goals.
• The platform serves two types of membership – Digital Membership and Green Fin Certified Members.
• The Digital membership would be available for snorkel and liveaboard operations across the world. Throughout the one-year membership, operators will receive environmental scores based on an online self-evaluation. This would enable them to assess their progress on their action plans.
• The Green Fins Certified Members will be assessed annually and be trained in person at their operation. The assessment would be made using a scoring system, in which low score implies low impact of a business on coral reefs. A minimum threshold of 200 or below of environmental impact score is required for becoming a Green Fins Certified Member.
• The new digital platform is expected to reach from 700 operators across 14 countries.

VALUE ADDITION:
United Nations Environment Programme
• It is the leading global environmental authority established in 1972.
• It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system.
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
• Major Reports: Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.
• Major Campaigns: Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life, etc.

THE SECURITY AFFAIRS

5. THE SOLIDARITY-2023 BORDER OPERATION

THE CONTEXT: India and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have extended their support to China-led initiative “Solidarity-2023”, in a bid to organise a joint border operation in 2023.
THE EXPLANATION:
This was announced by Director of Border Security Force (BSF) after concluding the eighth meeting of heads of border authorities of SCO member states.
• This meeting was held in Delhi, under the chairmanship of India.
• India had assumed the chair of SCO-RATS (anti-terrorist structure of the SCO) on October 28, 2021 for a one-year period.
• Member countries also “approved” work plan of expert group of the border services of competent authorities for 2023.
India’s largest guarding force
The Border Security Force (BSF) is the largest frontier-guarding force, with about 2.65 lakh personnel in its ranks. It is primarily tasked with guarding international boundaries with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Solidarity 2019-2021
The member states also discussed the results of joint border operation, ‘Solidarity-2019-2021′, which were carried out in 2021 by border services of competent authorities of SCO member states. They also reviewed and approved the plan for preparations and conduct of joint border operation called “Friendship Border – 2022”.

THE PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

6. VARANASI NOMINATED AS THE FIRST SCO TOURISM AND CULTURAL CAPITAL

THE CONTEXT: The temple city of Varanasi was nominated as the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital during the recently held SCO Summit.
THE EXPLANATION:
• During the 22nd Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Varanasi was nominated as the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for the period of 2022-23.
• This would promote tourism, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between India and other SCO member states.
• Under this framework, various events will be organized in Varanasi in 2022-23.
• These events bring together musicians, authors, scholars, Indologists and artists as well as other invited guests.
• The regulations for the nomination of the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital were adopted at the Dushanbe SCO Summit in 2021.
• The purpose of this initiative is to promote cooperation between the SCO members in the area of culture and tourism.
• It also highlights India’s ancient civilizational links with SCO members, especially those from the Central Asia.
Background
During the 2019 Bishkek Summit, President of Uzbekistan suggested the establishment of an annual SCO tradition of nominating a city in the country presiding the SCO as the SCO tourism and culture capital. The objective of this proposal is to realize the tourism potential of cities and promote the cultural and historic heritage of the SCO member states.
Varanasi
Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh dates back to the 11th century BC. It is considered to be the “spiritual capital” of India. It hosts some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath. It is situated at the left bank of River Ganga in the middle-Ganges valley.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic and security alliance established in 2001. It is headquartered in Beijing. Its members are China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became members in 2017. The SCO is currently the world’s largest regional organization.

7. WEF TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT INDEX

THE CONTEXT: In the WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021, India has been ranked at 54th place. In 2019, India had ranked at 46th position. However, the country still topped within the South Asia region. This index is the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index’s direct evolution, having been published biennially for the last 15 years.
THE EXPLANATION:
Which country has topped the list?
In the 2021 index, the top place has been grabbed by Japan. The country is followed by the United States, Spain, France, and Germany respectively. The score of India in this list is 4.2.

Which are the top 10 countries on the list?
1. Japan (5.2)
2. United States (5.2)
3. Spain (5.2)
4. France (5.1)
5. Germany (5.1)
6. Switzerland (5.0)
7. Australia (5.0)
8. United Kingdom (5.0)
9. Singapore (5.0)
10. Italy (4.9)

What does this index highlight?
The Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 of the World Economic Forum comprises of 117 countries. This index has shown that despite various positive trends, the tourism and travel industry is still facing hurdles and are yet to recover properly. 117 countries have been assessed by this index and it has identified certain key factors for enabling resilient and sustainable growth of tourism and travel economies. Due to the COVID-19 shutdowns, this sector has faced significant hurdles, thus, their contribution to a country’s economy has been limited. However, as the world is slowly recovering from the effects of the pandemic, the countries must invest in this sector to build a resilient and strong environment for tourism and travel.

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