TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (27th JULY 2023)

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1. MAGROVE CONSERVATION

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: West Bengal government announced the setting up of a ‘Mangrove Cell’ in the State on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

EXPLANATION:

• Recently, several islands have been completely submerged, and 100 sq. km of mangroves have been lost in two decades.
• Mangrove Cell will bring certain continuity to the efforts of the State government in mangrove management.
• This cell will have an annual action plan for the plantation of mangroves, and it will look at maintenance and coordinate with NGOs.
• This platform will generate funds from private and international sectors, as well as publish books and conduct research on the subject.

Mangroves in India:

• Mangrove forests, also known as mangrove swamps, mangals, or mangrove thickets, occur in coastal intertidal zones.
• They are productive wetlands that grow mainly in tropical and sub-tropical latitudes. Mangrove forests live between the ocean, the land, and the atmosphere, which functions as a centre for the flow of matter and energy from one system to another.
• Mangrove forest reduces soil erosion caused by currents, waves, surges, and tides. Plants of these forests have dense prop roots, also known as breathing roots, with numerous pores through which the plants breathe.
• The presence of these roots allows the trees to slow down tides’ movement and hence settle down the mud in the water.
• India has about 3% of the total Mangrove cover in South Asia. The mangrove cover in the country is 4,975 sq km [(1.2 million acres)], which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
• West Bengal has 42.45% of India’s mangrove cover, followed by Gujarat 23.66% and A&N Islands 12.39%. Gujarat shows a maximum increase of 37 sq km in mangrove cover [(over 9,000 acres)].”
• South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal alone accounts for 41.85% of mangrove cover of the country.” South 24 Parganas holds the Sunderban National Park, home to one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.

Sundarbans

• The Sundarbans is in the delta formed by the confluence of the Brahmaputra, Meghna, and Padma rivers in the Bay of Bengal.
• Sundarban is a long stretch between Bangladesh and India. It spans from the Baleswar River of Bangladesh to the Hooghly River in India.
• Being home to the world’s largest mangrove forest area, its protected areas are enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Sundarbans’ largest available tree species are Sundari (Heritiera fomes) and gewa (Excoecaria agallocha).
• The Sundarbans are threatened by natural and human-made disasters, even though a commitment to its protection is made.

Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) initiative:

• For several years, environmentalists and experts have expressed concerns over unsustainable aquaculture, particularly shrimp collection, after cleaning large tracts of mangrove forests in Sunderbans.
• It is a new initiative for sustainable shrimp cultivation and to restore mangrove cultivation in Sundarbans.
• Under the initiative, farmers have taken up cultivation of shrimp at 20 hectares at Chaital in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas and 10 hectares at Madhabpur in adjoining South 24 Parganas. However, they are doing their part in restoring the mangroves as well.
• The SAIME initiative was started in 2019, and sustainable shrimp cultivation is being conceived by NGOs- Global Nature Fund and Nature Environment and Wildlife Society. Bangladesh Environment and Development Society.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/wb-government-announces-mangrove-cell-on-international-day-of-mangrove-ecosystem/article67123522.ece

2. MULTI-STATE COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2023

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Lok Sabha also passed the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill to increase transparency, accountability and profit in multi-state cooperative societies.

EXPLANATION:

Highlights of the Bill

• The Bill amends the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.
• It establishes the Co-operative Election Authority to conduct and supervise elections to the boards of multi-state co-operative societies, which seeks to strengthen cooperatives by making them transparent and introducing a system of regular elections
• A multi-state co-operative society will require prior permission from government authorities before the redemption of their shareholding.
• A Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund will be established for the revival of sick multi-state co-operative societies.  The Fund will be financed through contributions by profitable multi-state co-operative societies.
• The Bill allows state co-operative societies to merge into an existing multi-state co-operative society, subject to the respective state laws.
• The government has decided to form three new multi-state societies to strengthen cooperatives.

1. The first society will act as a platform to export the produce of the farmers.
2. The second society will associate small farmers with the production of seeds, and through these, farmers with 1 acre of land will also be able to associate with seed production.
3. The third society will provide suitable prices to the farmers for their produce by marketing their organic products across the country and the world.

• In addition, if one-third of vacancies are created on the board, a provision has been made to hold elections again for the vacant posts.
• Along with this, there are also provisions for discipline in board meetings and the smooth functioning of cooperative societies.
• The chairman, vice-chairman and members of the committees will be required to call board meetings in three months. A provision has been made to give a majority to the equity shareholders to bring transparency in the governance of the cooperative society.
• Reservation to one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and one woman in the committees has been provided in this Bill, which will increase representation of these sections in the committees.
• The minister said that non-compliance with various constitutional requirements could lead to the disqualification of the board members.
• No one will be given a job in blood relations or distant relations in the recruitment process of employees.
• Right to Information has also been included in this bill.
• The Union government has also decided to set up a cooperative university for cooperative education in the coming days.

Cooperative Society and its jurisdiction:

• Co-operatives are voluntary, democratic, and autonomous organisations controlled by their members who actively participate in its policies and decision-making.
• As per the Constitution, states regulate the incorporation, regulation, and winding up of state cooperative societies.
• Parliament can legislate on matters related to incorporation, regulation, and winding up of multi-state co-operatives.
• The Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002, provides for the formation and functioning of multi-state co-operatives.
• In 2011, the Constitution was amended (adding Part IXB) to specify guidelines for running cooperative societies.
• These guidelines provide for: (i) composition of the boards of co-operatives, (ii) election of members of the board, (iii) audit of accounts of co-operative societies, and (iv) supersession of the board.
• The Supreme Court, in July 2021 in Rajendra N Shah vs State of Gujrat held that Part IXB will only be applicable to multi-state co-operative societies, as states have the jurisdiction to legislate over state co-operative societies.

Criticisms of the Bill:

• The new fund will put an additional burden on MSCSs and affect their autonomy.
• Against the federal structure: The bill seeks to take away state governments’ rights and is against the country’s federal structure. The Bill seeks to amend Section 17 of the principal act to allow the merger of any State cooperative society with an existing MSCS.
• Against democratic principles: Central and state governments have been given veto powers over the redemption of their shareholding, which violate the principles of democratic member control and autonomy, as provided in the First Schedule of the Act.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lok-sabha-passes-multi-state-cooperative-societies-amendment-bill-11690347273525.html

3. WHITE LABEL ATMs

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that in order to drive ATM penetration in the country, non-bank companies have been permitted to set up, own and operate White Label ATMs (WLAs) in the country.

EXPLANATION:

• WLAs provide banking services to the customers of banks in India based on the cards (debit/credit/prepaid) issued by banks. In addition to dispensing cash, WLAs may offer many other services / facilities which inter-alia include:

1. Account Information
2. Cash Deposit

• Regular Bill Payment

1. Mini / Short Statement Generation
2. PIN Change
3. Request for Cheque Book

• RBI has started the steps taken to increase the presence of WLAs and to improve their viability and functioning, with a greater focus on Tier III to VI centres.
• RBI has allowed White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to source cash from retail outlets to address the cash sourcing constraints and has enabled on-tap authorisation for WLAs.
• To further give impetus to WLA deployment and to encourage more non-bank players to enter the ATMs industry, RBI has permitted WLAOs to:
• buy wholesale cash above a threshold directly from the Reserve Bank (Issue Offices) and Currency Chests
• source cash from any scheduled bank, including Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks
• offer bill payment and Interoperable Cash Deposit service
• display advertisements pertaining to non-financial products / services, and in addition
• banks are permitted to issue co-branded ATM cards in partnership with the authorised WLAOs and extend the benefit of ‘on-us’ transactions to WLAs as well.

ATM and their types:

• An ATM (Automated Teller Machine) is an electronic machine used for financial transactions.
• It is an ‘automated’ banking platform that does not require any banking representative/ teller or a human cashier.
• ATMs can also be classified into 3 categories based on the labels assigned to them:

1. Bank owned ATMs
2. Brown Label ATMs
3. White Label ATMs

These categories of ATMs are on the basis of ownership of the ATM, ATM location, and service contract of the bank with the service provider.

1. Bank Owned ATMs:

• Such ATMs are set up and owned by the bank itself. Bank is responsible for its operation and maintenance.
• Banks are entitled to the responsibility for cash loading, AMC, and security of the ATMs. ATMs may also be categorized into two types on the basis of location – (i) ONSITE ATM (ii) OFFSITE ATM

ONSITE ATM – These ATMs are located at the premises of the bank branch.

OFFSITE ATM – Offsite ATMs are located at a location away from the bank premises. They are generally set up at important places like Railway Station, Airports, Bus Stand, Market etc.

2. Brown Label ATMs:

• In the case of Brown Label ATMs, service providers own the hardware of the ATM machine. The responsibility of identifying the ATM site, lease agreement with the landlord, and power supply to the ATM kiosk lies with the service provider.
• Thus, the service provider takes the responsibility for the maintenance of the ATM, whereas the sponsor bank takes the responsibility of cash management and provides connectivity to the ATM to the banking network.
• The logo of the sponsor bank is displayed on brown label ATM kiosk premises. Brown Label ATMs are the most cost-effective solution for banks.

3. White Label  ATMs:

• White Label ATMs are owned and operated by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC).
• RBI has granted licenses or permission to non-banking entities to open such ATMs.
• Any non-banking entity with a minimum net worth of ₹ 100 crore can apply for white label ATM.
• NBFCs rely on sponsor banks to settle all issues related to cash management, transaction settlement with other banks etc.
• Customers with debit cards from any bank may withdraw cash from such ATMs, but they will have to pay a fee for the services.
• Unlike Brown Label ATMs, White Label ATMs will not display the logo of any bank like SBI, CANARA BANK, PNB etc. The logo of White Label ATM operators is like Tata Indica, Muthoot Finance etc.
• White Label ATMs also reduce the pre-transaction cost for banks, and there is no hassle to maintain and run such a payment channel.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1942516

4. IMPORTANCE OF MANAGEMENT OF MICROPLASTIC FOR MEETING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT; GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Microplastics are a significant environmental problem and pose risks to marine life, terrestrial organisms, and human health. Therefore, managing microplastic pollution is important for meeting sustainable development goals in India.

EXPLANATION:

• Microplastics which can enter different ecosystems, pose a serious risk to marine life, terrestrial organisms, and human health.
• With a population of 1.42 billion, India is the most populous country in the world.
• India is facing a mammoth challenge of achieving United Nations-mandated sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2030.
• Access to water plays a critical role in all 17 SDGs, either directly or indirectly.
• Microplastics affect human health, and economic activities and threaten food and energy security. Urgent concerted efforts are required to shift the current trend of water use and misuse.

MICROPLASTICS

• Microplastics are tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter.
• In the last four decades, concentrations of these particles appear to have increased significantly in the surface waters of the ocean.
• Its concern about the potential impact on the marine environment, terrestrial organisms, and human health has gathered momentum during the past few years.
• The number of scientific investigations has increased, along with public interest and pressure on decision-makers to respond.
• A significant environmental problem is microplastic pollution, which has not attracted attention as it is invisible.
• It demands serious and immediate attention before it is too late.

SDGs

• In June 1992, at the Earth Summitin Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, more than 178 countries adopted Agenda 21.
• Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to build a global partnership for sustainable development to improve human lives and protect the environment.
• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
• There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.

SDG GOAL RELATED TO WATER

• Here are some SDGs that have direct and intricate relation with water:
• SDG 2: Zero hunger
• SDG 3: Good health and well-being
• SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
• SDG 14: Life below water
• SDG 15: Life on land
• Let us focus only on the key targets of SDG 6, which are:

1. a) Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
2. b) Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water treatment.
3. c) Increase water-use efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
4. d) Implement integrated water resources management to support the sustainable use of water resources.
5. e) Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
6. f) Access to clean water for every household is an ambitious goal set for India, as multiple stressors impact the water resources, starting from rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands in India.

ISSUE OF MICROPLASTICS IN INDIA

• Rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth have led to increased plastic consumption and waste generation.
• Inadequate waste management systems, including limited recycling infrastructure and improper disposal practices, exacerbate the issue.
• The country’s vast coastline and numerous rivers make it susceptible to the transport of microplastics from inland areas to the marine environment.
• Due to urban runoff and industrial discharge, both Ganga and Yamuna rivers have been found to carry significant loads of microplastics.
• Coastal regions, including popular tourist destinations, also face the problem of microplastic pollution.
• Microplastics have been detected in seafood, indicating the potential for human exposure through the food chain.

WAY FORWARD

• India should focus on improving waste management infrastructure, promoting recycling and responsible consumption and raising awareness among the public and industries.
• MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, which prohibited single-use plastic items by the end of 2022.
• The permissible thickness of plastic carry bags was increased from 50 to 75 microns and then 120 microns from December 31, 2022.
• It is essential to implement stricter regulations, enhance monitoring and research on microplastics and promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
• It is important to note that managing microplastics is a complex task that requires interdisciplinary efforts from various stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, industries and the public.
• Addressing microplastic pollution requires a comprehensive approach involving government agencies, industries, communities and individuals working together to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

Source:https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/amp/managing-microplastic-pollution-is-important-for-meeting-sustainable-development-goals-in-india-90789

5. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION (SCHEDULED TRIBES) ORDER

TAG: GS 2: POLITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: Parliament Passes Amendment to Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order to Add Certain Chhattisgarh Communities in ST List.

EXPLANATION

• Recently, Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 to amend the Constitution (Schedule Tribes) Order, 1950
• It aimed for the inclusion of certain communities in the list of Schedule Tribes of Chhattisgarh that was passed in Lok Sabha in December 2022.
• The castes, namely Dhanuhar, Dhanuwar, Kisan, Saundra Saonra and Binjhia communities, are added to the list.
• The three Devanagari versions of the Pando community are also included.
• The Bill states that “The State Government of Chhattisgarh has recommended to modify the list of the Scheduled Tribes to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.”
• According to the provisions of Article 342 of the Constitution, the first list of the Scheduled Tribes was notified on 6th September 1950 in respect
• of various States and Union territories, vide the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. This list was modified from time to time.

SCHEDULE 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION

• At present, 10 States, namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana, have Fifth Schedule Areas.
• According to Article 342 (1), the President may, after consultation with the Governor of the State, by public notification, specify the tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within tribes or tribal communities which shall for the purposes of this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to that State.
• The Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in a notification issued under clause (1) any tribe or tribal community or part of or group within any tribe or tribal community.
• In Article 244(1) of the Constitution, the expression Scheduled Areas means such areas as the President may by order declare to be Scheduled Areas.
• The President may at any time by order:
• direct that the whole or any specified part of a Scheduled Area shall cease to be a Scheduled Area or a part of such an area.
• increase the area of any Scheduled Area in a State after consultation with the Governor of that State.
• alter, but only by way of rectification of boundaries, any Scheduled Area.
• on any alteration of the boundaries of a State on the admission into the Union or the establishment of a new State, declare any territory not previously included in any State to be, or to form part of, a Scheduled Area.
• rescind, in relation to any State of States, any order or orders made under these provisions and in consultation with the Governor of the State concerned, make fresh orders redefining the areas which are to be Scheduled Areas.
• The criteria followed for declaring an area as Scheduled Area are:
• the preponderance of the tribal population.
• compactness and reasonable size of the area.
• under-developed nature of the area.
• marked disparity in the economic standard of the people.

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article 338.
• A New Article 338A was inserted in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
• By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions, namely-
• (i) the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
• (ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) w.e.f. 19 February 2004.
• It was established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes and Anglo-Indian communities.
• Special provisions were made in the Constitution to promote and protect the social, educational, economic, and cultural interests.

Source: https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/rajya-sabha-passes-constitution-scheduled-tribes-order-fifth-amendment-bill-2022-233613?infinitescroll=1