IN THE DOCK: CHILD ABUSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and Discord appeared before a bipartisan committee of the US Senate to answer for how these platforms are used by predators against children. Mark Zuckerberg has apologised to parents of children victimised on Meta platforms.

ISSUES:

Rapidly evolving Digital Landscape: Advances in information technology have given rise to better encryption services and the dark net, which provide a safe cover to offenders, allowing them to engage in illegal activities. The extensive nature of the internet and online interaction has made it so that almost all cases of child sexual abuse feature a virtual aspect.
Rising child abuse online: An investigation by the Guardian in 2023 found in Meta’s internal documents that 1 lakh minors, a majority of them female, face some form of harassment on its platforms every day. Platforms and apps are used by predators to “groom” minors and as a tool for human trafficking. Two Amnesty International reports published in 2023 highlighted “the abuses experienced by children and young people using TikTok, and how these abuses are caused by TikTok’s recommender system and the underlying business model”.

Non responsible behaviours: Time and again, studies have shown that social media platforms, reliant as they are on “engagement” and “attention”, have not done enough to address the harms caused by their amoral algorithms. Between 2021 and 2023, whistleblowers revealed that Meta has long been aware of the fact that its products cause harm to children and young people. US Senators criticized the chief executives of Meta, TikTok, Snap, X and Discord for not doing enough to prevent child sexual abuse online, amid rising fears over how the platforms affect youths.
Global issue: The issue, however, does not concern the US alone but parents, policy-makers and society, including and especially in India.
India specific data: India has over 600 million smartphone users, and teenagers are among the fastest-growing segments within this category. According to the NCRB, about 28 per cent of the entire minor population has faced some form of sexual abuse, but many victims do not come forward to register a complaint.
Fewer regulation and content moderations: India, despite being the largest market for Meta, has fewer content moderators both proportionally and in absolute numbers than the US or Europe. Law enforcement too needs the requisite resources and training to deal with crimes online even as the police finds its feet on social media misuse, AI-created deepfakes are becoming increasingly common.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Multi Stakeholder Approach: There is a need to develop a comprehensive outreach system to engage parents, schools, communities, NGO partners and local governments as well as police and lawyers. It will ensure better implementation of the legal framework, policies, national strategies and standards.
Stricter legislations: There is a need to make stricter legislation against offenders with proper implementation. There should be further development of clear mandates and creation of a logical framework of roles and duties of all relevant stakeholders within standard operating procedures for investigation.
Collaborative approach: Close collaboration between non-traditional partners from the industry, government ministries dealing in technological communication, and law enforcement is needed.
Awareness: It is also important to have mass awareness and education campaigns on safe and responsible smartphone use for parents and children, in schools and beyond, especially in non-metro towns and villages. Children should be made aware of Acts like POCSO so as to make them aware of their legal right. Community awareness program should be encouraged to increase awareness among children about the evil of abuse.
Role of media: Media should play a proactive role and should be prohibited from disclosing the personal identity of the victim categorically in line with the Juvenile Justice Act.

THE CONCLUSION:

Children are the future of the nation and it is needed that they should be prevented from such crimes. There is an urgent need to urgently devise ways to bolster the existing criminal justice and child protection systems and ensure higher convictions.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (2023)

Q.2 Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 With the increasing popularity of social media platforms, children these days have a much higher chance of being exposed to harmful content. Comment.

Q.2 Highlight the challenges in fight against online child exploitation and abuse. What steps can be taken to tackle the abuse and hold the social media platform accountable?

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/in-the-dock-9-9141499/

ASER REPORT: CUES FOR REFORM

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 report titled

‘Beyond Basics’ was released. It was based on a survey held in 28 districts across 26 states, reaching a total of 34,745 youths in the age group 14-18 years.

WHAT IS ASER REPORT?

ASER report is facilitated by Pratham Education Foundation since 2005. It is a large-scale citizen-led household survey that aims to understand whether children in rural India are enrolled in school and whether they are learning.
The ASER report examines the schooling status and foundational learning of children across districts and states of rural India.
Originally it was an annual publication but after 2016, it has become a biennial report.
In the intervening years, ASER focuses on different aspects of children’s education and learning. For instance, in 2017, the survey focused on the enrollment patterns, learning levels, awareness and aspirations of rural youth aged 14-18. In 2019, it focused on enrollment and school readiness of young children aged 4-8.
It collects data on the enrolment status of children in the age group of 3-16 years, and basic reading and arithmetic levels of children in the age group of 5-16 years.

FINDINGS OF ASER, 2023:

Learning post pandemic: The survey highlighted the learning outcomes post pandemic on students in the age bracket of 6-14 years. The number has gone from 96.6 per cent in 2010 to 96.7 per cent in 2014 and 97.2 per cent in 2018 to 98.4 per cent in 2022. There was an increase of 7.3 percentage points in government school enrolment from 2018 to 2022.
More enrolment: It was for the first time the percentage of children currently not enrolled in schools dropped to 2 per cent or below in 2022. Even after prolonged school closures during the pandemic period, proportion of children not enrolled in school continued to decline between 2018 and 2022. It confirms the trend of more students transiting to secondary education. Concerns that the pandemic-induced economic distress would result in older children dropping out of school have been refuted.
Survey in northeastern states: The ASER report said the survey was conducted across nine districts, 262 villages, and 4,859 households in Manipur. The survey highlighted that Manipur has the lowest government school enrolment percentage among northeastern states.
Issue in foundational skills: There is concern in foundational skills as about a fourth of those surveyed find it difficult to read a Grade 2 level text in the local language and more than half struggle with arithmetic skills, they should have been proficient in by Grade 5.
Skilling issue: This is a serious deficit that has a bearing on the quality of the country’s labour force no skilling programme, however ambitious and well-designed, can succeed when its targeted beneficiaries have problems with elementary reading and basic arithmetic.
Increasing academic pressure: The report highlights one of the most reported concerns of recent times which is increasing pressure on young students amidst acute academic competition. The problem, as ASER 2023 reveals, is not confined to urban areas.
Technological use: NEP 2020 envisions embedding digital technologies in the educational landscape. Reports highlights the increasing use of smartphones in rural areas about 95% surveyed households had these devices and nearly 95% men and 90% women could use them. However, the report highlights that the use of smartphones for education today is way less than that for entertainment.
Vocational training: ASER report highlighted that Vocational skilling is not the first choice for youth and only 6 per cent of the surveyed are currently doing vocational courses.

RECOMMENDATION OF ASER REPORT:

Vocational education: The policymakers should re-imagine vocational education as NEP envisages and make it truly aspirational.
Tapping demographic dividend: ASER report has significant pointers on how country could use education to leverage its demographic dividend as it focuses on an age group that is critical for unlocking demographic dividend.
Developing individual capabilities: The report talks of shifting from a curriculum-centred approach to one focused on the individual learner. ASER suggests reforming pedagogic processes to reduce pressures on students. The use of digital and other educational capabilities of youngsters could provide cues to policymakers in implementing NEP’s
Use of technology: Increasing use of technology is an opportunity to extend education, and design classrooms that are flexible with time and schedules. However, planners will have to find ways to push students and their parents to use digital technologies for learning.
Integration with Anganwadi: The report suggested integration between the Anganwadi system and the school system is urgently needed to ensure overall learning development.

THE CONCLUSION:

The recently released ASER report highlights the issues and challenges faced by the education sector in rural areas. It stated that to able to realise the demographic dividend, India needs to opt for prudent reforms in its technical and vocational education and training systems.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful” (2021)
Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. ( 2020).

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q. Recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 2023 highlights the gaps in learning in India. Discuss the challenges and recommendations highlighted in the report to tap the demographic dividend in India.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-aser-report-cues-for-reform-9114362/

ARE SOUTHERN STATES BEING PUNISHED FOR THEIR SUCCESS?

THE CONTEXT: There are concerns regarding the potential danger of political disenfranchisement in the South when the delimitation freeze ends in 2026 and the tussle over the distribution of Central taxes as well.

ISSUES ARISING:

The decline in the share of resources: There is a drastic decline in the share of resources distributed to the South, and it is contented that the devolution of funds by the finance commission work against the Southern states. Inter-State distribution is based on two factors: State’s share in the total population and the income distance ratio. On both these counts, the south loses out. For example, in the case of Kerala, it was 3.8% during the 10th Finance Commission, now, it is 1.9%.
Issue of unspent cash: Despite government relaxing the borrowing limits for States, there is a strange issue of unspent cash balances. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act is structured as such that states don’t want to spend money on revenue expenditure and poorer States were the biggest depositories of these funds.
Delimitation issue: There is rising issue related to delimitation as it can lead to shift in political power balance within the federal polity. Article 81 of the Constitution says that each State should have seats in proportion to the population and that constituencies should roughly have the same population. The delimitation of constituencies would lead to a decline in their representation in Parliament. This is a serious issue and it can have devastating consequences, marginalising the southern States in the political sphere.

THE WAY FORWARD

No penalisation: The States which have successfully implemented the national policies cannot be penalised for their success. There is a need to identify the points where intervention is required so that the union does not tilt towards an unbalanced and disastrous course of development or move in a direction which could lead to fragmentation.
Ensure Equity: Inter-state transfers would have to have a component of equity. The richer States and regions, though have to contribute to the development of the States which are backward, but the redistributive transfers must be within a certain limit. The equity principle has to be kept in the calculation in the sense that there is a certain number of cross transfers and redistribution across the federal polity.
Devolution of sources: The terms of reference of the 16th Finance Commission are due soon and it is the time that a voice is raised for involving the States. There should be a strong effort to ensure that the next Finance Commission has terms of reference which take cognisance of the problems that the federal policy is facing. For example, if the population basis is being shifted from 1971 to a new figure, the weightage of the population can be adjusted. States must get a space and voice in the decision-making of federal finance.
Reasonable distribution of seats: There is a need of reasonable distribution of seats by increasing the total number of seats in the parliament to ensure adequate representation of the states.

THE CONCLUSION:

After the proposed delimitation there may be inequitable distribution of seats which will not be in favour of southern states. Thus, there is a need for effective distribution of seats and equitable distribution of funds among all the states instead for a federal balance.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)

Q.2 How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The upcoming delimitation exercise has raised concerns about the unequal representation of states in the Lok Sabha. What impacts can it have on the federal relations of the country?

Please refer to MAINS FOCUS article for more: https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/06/retribution-for-the-south-accolade-for-the-north/

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/are-southern-states-being-punished-for-their-success/article67439076.ece

THE COURT’S ‘NO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO MARRY’ IS WRONG

THE CONTEXT: In its latest judgment, with respect to same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court has stated that there is no fundamental right to marry.

RELATED KEY JUDGEMENTS:

Section 377 of the IPC: Section 377 IPC was a law made by the British, that criminalised sex between non-heterosexual couples was punishable with 10 years imprisonment. For decades, the LGBTQ community and others argued that this section was discriminatory, and provided legal protection to the harassment and intimidation of gay couples.
Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India Case (2018): In September 2018, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalized consensual sex between two adults irrespective of their gender and partially struck down Section 377 of the IPC. The court referred to those areas of the section that criminalized consensual unnatural sex as “irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary”. However, in its ruling, the court also made it clear that other aspects dealing with unnatural sex with animals and children still remained in force, and that it was confining its order to consenting acts between two adults.
NALSA Case Judgement: The judgement was delivered by a two-judge bench comprising of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice A.K. Sikri on 15th April 2014. The court held that transgenders fall within the purview of the Indian Constitution and thus are fully entitled to the rights guaranteed therein. The court made a distinction between biological sex and Psychological sex.

NEED FOR LEGALISATION:

Upheld by court judgement: It had also been held by the court in diverse decisions that in India a person is entitled to autonomy, dignity, privacy and the right to choose their own partners to live with or in marriage. Especially after Navtej Johar, it is logical to assume that they may prefer to develop a long-term relationship, including that of marriage.
Essentiality of marriage: Marriage brings along with it a host of advantages for the couple, including succession in the field of inheritance, adoption of children, taking decisions in case of hospitalisation, and benefits from employers. More than anything else, in the eyes of society, it sanctifies the relationship and gives it legitimacy. Without that legitimacy, LGBTQI communities are stigmatised.
Fundamental rights: The Supreme Court of India has read the right to be treated with dignity into Article 21. It is on that basis, that positive rights, including the rights to education, food, environment have been evolved. Thus, it is reasonable to develop the concept of the right to marry into Articles 19 and 21.
India signatory to Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): The Supreme Court has used the provisions of UDHR to elaborate rights under the Constitution. India, being a signatory to UDHR, must take steps to protect the human rights of same sex couples. Article 16 of the UDHR, 1948 provides that, “Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family’’.

ISSUES WITH COURT JUDGEMENT:

Violation of human rights: Under the UDHR, the right to marry is a human right .Ignoring the right to individual is violation of UDHR as India is an original signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and even Constitution was greatly influenced by the UDHR. As a signatory country to the UDHR, legislation by Parliament and State Legislatures in India must be in accord with the UDHR.
Reduces them to second class citizen: Not recognising marriage for same sex couples is not only discriminatory against them. The unintended consequence of the judgment in the larger society is that the notion that same-sex couples are “not fit for marriage” will be established and will reduce them to second-class citizens.
Issues with Supreme Court judgement: Though for transgender persons, the court holds that marriage between a trans-man and a cis-woman or between a transwoman and a cisman is legal. Thus, the court has rightly made the leap from biological sex to gender, which is self-identified in accordance with NALSA. But the court couldnot made the leap for from biological sex to sexual orientation.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Queer inclusive Policies: Legal and the law enforcement systems need to be on the issues of same sex marriages. Inclusive approach for queer couples must be planned and adopted by the Government and society.
Dialogue and Engagement: Engaging in a dialogue with religious leaders and communities can help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern attitudes towards same-sex relationships. By working together, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone has the right to love and marry whomever they choose, regardless of their gender.
Sensitization: The Court must pass the directions to sensitise the authorities on this behalf and should set up committees to look into a number of issues to protect same-sex couples from any harassment.

THE CONCLUSION:

However, the flaw is fundamental which needs to be corrected, sooner than later. The sooner this wrong is set right, the better it would be for society as a whole. It requires constant efforts and collaboration from all stakeholders, including the LGBTQIA+ community, the government, civil society, and religious leaders.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

The recent judgement on same-sex marriage is a violation of the fundamental rights of the queer community. Examine.

NOTE: Please refer to Mains focus article for more: https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/21/on-marriage-equality-the-supreme-court-stops-short/

SOURCE:https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-courts-no-fundamental-right-to-marry-is-wrong/article67450210.ece#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20fundamental%20right%20to%20marry%2C%20it%20holds.,be%20protected%20from%20any%20harassment.

ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY, THE SUPREME COURT STOPS SHORT

THE CONTEXT: In its latest judgment, the Supreme Court of India has taken some steps to protect same-sex unions from discrimination. But in the final analysis, the Court limited itself to protecting only a few rights instead of granting full recognition to same-sex marriage.

IS THE RIGHT TO MARRY A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT?: RECENT VERDICT

According to the recent court verdict, marriage is an institution set up under law and same-sex couples do not have a right to participate in it unless the law permits them to do so.
The Court upheld the Special Marriage Act, 1954 in its current form, e., permitting marriages only between a ‘man’ and a ‘woman’. It does not extend it to same-sex marriages.
It upheld the institution of marriage flows from the statutes created by the state and the right to marry is not expressly recognized either as a fundamental or constitutional right under the Indian Constitution but a statutory right.
The Court held that same-sex marriage is possible only through specific law and that it can’t read into existing laws. The issue of codifying has been left to the government, which has been told to set up a committee to deliberate on same-sex marriages issue.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS:

The right to enter into a union and ability to choose partner is mentioned in Article 19 and Article 21.
The court observed that the bar on union between two queer persons based on their gender identity would be in violation of right under Article 15.
CJI also added that in Article 21 – sex must also be used to mean sexual orientation.

ISSUES:

Denied right to marry: As the recent verdict has not granted any approval on the right of marriage, this is discriminatory to queer people. As they are denied to create a union solely on account of their sexual orientation. Society’s recognition of marriage is a public recognition of that form of commitment that is being denied here.
Issue of adoption: The current laws embody a discriminatory assumption that only heterosexual parents can, as a couple, be appropriate parents.
Historical injustice: Queer people are facing historical injustice in the society and a larger web of discrimination is going on which affects not only their fundamental right but human rights as well. Discrimination also has indirect and deep consequences on society as
Religious and Cultural Beliefs: The union of same-sex couples is seen against religious and cultural beliefs. Also, it is seen as against the primary purpose of marriage that is procreation and thus seen as unnatural.
Legal issues: There are concerns that allowing same-sex marriage will create legal problems, such as issues with inheritance, tax, and property rights. There are not appropriate laws in the country to regulate on these issues.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Granting recognition to marriage: It should be on the part of the legislature to frame adequate laws to grant recognition to the marriage of queer people. It is the duty of the State to extend necessary protection. It would signal a positive message and acceptance in society for queer people as well.
Regulatory framework: There should be a separate anti-discrimination law and proper laws for punishment for the discriminatory practices against queer people to undo the historical injustice against the community as current laws are fragmented.
Collective force: There is a need of collective force for advocacy of queer marriage and all the NGOs, the activism has to be even strongly come forward and work on strategies and policies to bring in the consensus to understand the challenges.
Adoption regulation: Law on adoption should be on the basis of merit, not on sex. Merely because a relationship is regulated by law, it does not mean that couples who are not married does not mean they are not serious about their relationship.
Global recognition: A growing number of governments around the world are considering whether to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages. India should also come forward to grant legal recognition for protection of their rights. State legislatures can enact laws recognising and regulating same-sex marriages; the Constitution under Articles 245 and 246 empowers both the Parliament and the State to enact marriage regulations. They need to create a gender-neutral law for marriage.

THE CONCLUSION: This judgment will only delay the already long and arduous struggle to create the conditions where same sex couples could live a life in freedom without fear. There is a need to create a more inclusive society by giving equal rights regardless of their gender.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The recent verdict has left the issue of codification of law to recognise same-sex marriage to the government instead of stepping into the domain of legislature. How far do you think this will address the concerns of queer people?. Explain in the context of recent judgments on queer people by Supreme Court.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pratap-bhanu-mehta-writes-on-marriage-equality-the-supreme-court-stops-short-8987605/

IIT-B’S ‘VEGETARIAN TABLES’ POLICY: VEGETARIANISM OF PURITY PROMOTES SEGREGATION, HIERARCHY AND EVEN VIOLENCE

THE CONTEXT: The hegemony of vegetarianism over the last century has institutionalised a hierarchy between vegetarian and non vegetarians and disgust against beef eaters particularly against outcastes, Christians and Muslims.

RECENT INSTANCES:

The Director of IIT Mandi recently remarked that the cloud bursts and landslides in Himachal Pradesh were linked to meat eating. Although, IIT Mandi does not practice or encourage segregated dining in hostels.
In Mumbai, Trupti Devrukhkar was denied office space in a Gujarati society. This incident has been linked to the vegetarian vs meatarian divide in Mumbai’s real estate, with allegations that “pure vegetarian” Gujaratis look down upon those who eat meat, including Maharashtrians.
In, IIT Bombay, a meatarian student was fined for consuming meat at a table earmarked for vegetarians and thereby violating a student council rule. He has been accused of intentionally causing disharmony through his act of protest.

CURRENT SITUATION:

Changing ethics: A lot is changing in the ethics and aesthetics of food consumption in urban spaces with increase of mixed dining. Also, the caste basis of Indian vegetarianism is showing some decline as not all express disgust at the sight and smell of meat-based foods.
Not a linear process: However, mild erosion of hierarchical values and caste ethics in food consumption is not a linear process. Militant vegetarians seek to continually sustain the traditional ethics and aesthetics of segregation and hierarchy in food consumption.

AFFECT ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:

Article 17: As per Article 17, untouchability has been abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.
Article 14: As per article 14, the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Article 21: As per article 21, No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

ISSUES ARISING:

Gendering roles: Though, the dynamics are changing as vegetarian parents are increasingly allowing their children to experiment with meat-based foods. However, these changes are usually gendered, as men experiment more outside their homes while women keep the private familial spaces pure and holy by sticking to a satvik diet.
Segregation and hierarchy: Such militant vegetarianism is a social illness that seeks continual segregation and hierarchy and even leads to violence. Parvis Ghassem-Fachandi’s study of anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat points to the role of vegetarianism, sacrifice, and bovine nationalism in such violence.
Roots in ancient times: Unlike veganism, which may emerge from compassion, the foundations of militant vegetarianism lie in varnashrama dharma and graded inequality of ancient times.
Argument in name of environment: Perpetrator tends to condemn the meat eating in the name of environment and argument of compassion for animals. It turns the pure-vegetarian nationalist project into an environmental one.
A comparison with menstruation: A productive comparison can be made of meat eating with menstruation. Like, both meat and sanitary pads are associated with shame, guilt and impurities as meat like sanitary pads are usually packed in black polythene bags and deemed outcastes.
Sensitive mixed public spaces: Mixed eating public spaces are mostly sensitive to the religious sentiments of Muslims and Savarna Hindus as neither beef nor pork is served in such spaces.
Vulnerable Academic spaces: Academic spaces too are increasingly turning into conservative sites for performing the politics of militant vegetarianism and cow nationalism.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Mixed dining: There is need to encourage mixed dining to enhance the cultural harmony of the region. It will act as a sign of a new post-caste sociality where caste sentiments of touch, purity and pollution are not turned into public sentiment. However, this should be done with caution by ensuring that no sentiments are hurt.
Balance of environment and eating: Though there are certain environmental concerns that are being raised due to meat eating. However, there is need of a balanced solution in this regard so that there is minimum impact on environment.
Scientific temper in academic spaces: Academic spaces should not turn as an arena of politics and hatred. These areas should invest in scientific temper and higher learning that celebrates diversity and hierarchy.
Informal social regulation: Rules of segregation based on food preferences cannot be formally institutionalised in public spaces or even in housing societies. However, there can be informal social regulation to ensure non violence and harmony.

THE CONCLUSION: Bharatiya vegetarianism of purity, segregation and hierarchy is under considerable duress Experiencing and practising equality in public life is essential for cultivating civic virtues among younger generations and mixed dining is a minimal sign of such higher living beyond caste. Despite some progress, nothing divides us like food.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 How does the Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (2021)

Q.2 Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Do you agree with the view that the increase in conflicts and violence in society appears to be a consequence of militant vegetarianism? Argue.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/iit-bombay-vegetarianism-segregation-hierarchy-violence-8976874/

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (5th OCTOBER 2023)

1. DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT (ED)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India Case 2023, the Supreme Court has held that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) must furnish the reasons of arrest to the accused.

EXPLANATION:

The judgement came on a plea by Pankaj Bansal and Basant Bansal, Directors of M3M real estate group.
They challenged an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which declined to set aside their arrest by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
the Supreme Court ruled on 3^rd October 2023 that it is necessary a copy of the grounds of arrest to the arrested person as a matter of course and without exception.
The arrest was held illegal by the bench, as arrest does not fulfil the mandate of Article 22 (1) of Constitution and Section 19 (1) of the PMLA.
It underlined that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not expected to be vindictive in its conduct.

SUPREME COURT RULINGS:

In recent years, the ED has been under increasing scrutiny from the Supreme Court.
The court has issued a number of rulings that have limited the ED’s powers and strengthened the rights of the accused.

Vijay Madanlal Choudhary & Ors v. Union of India 2022:

- The Supreme Court court dealt with confiscation proceedings under Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 [PMLA].
- It limited the application of Section 8(4) of PMLA concerning interim possession by authorities before conclusion of the final trial to exceptional cases.
- The Supreme Court in 2022 upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) right to make arrests and seize assets, while rejecting multiple challenges to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- A bench led by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar said ED should put more information in the public domain.
- It said the lack of judicial officers dealing with PMLA cases is a serious issue, asking the government to address the problem.
- Confiscation of the property based on the provisional order as mentioned under Section 8(4) should be an exception and not a rule.

In Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India Case 2023:

The Supreme Court has held that the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) must furnish the reasons of arrest to the accused.
Mere non-cooperation of a witness in response to the summons issued under Section 50 of the (PMLA) Act of 2002 would not be enough to render him/her liable to be arrested under Section 19.

ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED):

ED is a Multi-Disciplinary Organisation under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
It is mandated with the task of enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
The ED headquartered in New Delhi is headed by the Director of Enforcement.
There are five Regional offices and other such zonal and subzonal offices in various parts of the country.
It was formed in 1956 in the Department of Economic Affairs, to investigate cases of foreign exchange-related violations, a civil provision.
But in 2002, after the introduction of the PMLA, it started taking up cases of financial fraud and money laundering, which were of criminal nature.
Recently, its functioning has been under a cloud of suspicion as they are alleged to be used against the opposition leaders, the media and the critics of the Central Government.
The state governments also allege that the agency violates the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.

CRITICISM OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE:

The PMLA has been misused for targeting dissident voices and thereby preventing free speech and expression.
This has become a routine affair especially in the case of NGOs.
For instance, all bank accounts of Amnesty International India were completely frozen by the Enforcement Directorate in September 2020 on the charge of the alleged violation of PMLA.
The division of power under the Schedule 7 of the Constitution places the responsibility for police and public order in the State List.
But the power of ED to investigate cases without states consent especially in ordinary crimes is against federal principles.
The ED has been accused of selective application of the PMLA provisions and the major money laundering scams are either not investigated or not followed up by ED.
For instance, The Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam in Odisha, the NARADA scam in West Bengal etc.
Unlike the CrPC which provides for a proper procedure to commence an investigation, in the PMLA there is no procedure prescribed.
This is a direct violation of Art 20(3) which protects individuals from self-incrimination.
Section 120 B dealing with criminal conspiracy is part of PMLA. The section can be applied to any offence and requires only a mere allegation.

SOURCE: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/why-ed-must-furnish-grounds-of-arrest-to-accused-in-writing-supreme-court-explains-239308

2. PM STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE, GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: Onboarding of 50 lakh beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi Scheme.

EXPLANATION:

As per Govt. of India PM SVANidhi has not only made the lives of street vendors easier but has also given them an opportunity to live with dignity.

PM STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) SCHEME:

The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 01, 2020.
It aims to for provide affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to Covid-19 lockdown.
The duration of the scheme initially was until March 2022.
It has been extended till December 2024.
It has enhanced the focus on collateral free affordable loan corpus, increased adoption of digital transactions and holistic socio-economic development of the Street Vendors and their families.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the implementing agency of the scheme.

TARGET BENEFICIARIES:

This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh Street Vendors.
A vendor, according to the scheme guidelines is any person engaged in vending of articles, goods, wares, food items or merchandise of daily use or offering services to the public in a street, footpath, pavement etc., from a temporary built-up structure or by moving from place to place.
The goods supplied by them include vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street food, tea, pakodas, breads, eggs, textile, apparel, artisan products, books/ stationary etc.
The services include barber shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry services etc.

SCHEME BENEFITS:

Vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year.
On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly basis.
There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.
The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
The vendors can avail the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1964005

3. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 IN CHEMISTRY

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

BACKGROUND:

Physicists had long known that in theory size-dependent quantum effects could arise in nanoparticles.
But at that time it was almost impossible to sculpt in nanodimensions.
Few people believed that this knowledge would be put to practical use.
In the early 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in creating size-dependent quantum effects in coloured glass.
The colour came from nanoparticles of copper chloride and Ekimov demonstrated that the particle size affected the colour of the glass via quantum effects.
A few years later, Louis Brus was the first scientist in the world to prove size-dependent quantum effects in particles floating freely in a fluid.
In 1993, Moungi Bawendi revolutionised the chemical production of quantum dots, resulting in almost perfect particles.
This high quality was necessary for them to be utilised in applications.

QUANTUM DOTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS:

Quantum dots have unique properties and spread their light from television screens and LED lamps.
They catalyse chemical reactions, and their clear light can illuminate tumour tissue for a surgeon.
Quantum dots have primarily been utilised to create coloured light.
It is believed that in the future quantum dots can contribute to flexible electronics, miniscule sensors, slimmer solar cells and perhaps encrypted quantum communication.
Today quantum dots are an important part of nanotechnology’s toolbox. The 2023 Nobel Prize laureates in chemistry have all been pioneers in the exploration of the nanoworld.
Quantum dots now illuminate computer monitors and television screens based on QLED technology.
They also add nuance to the light of some LED lamps, and biochemists and doctors use them to map biological tissue.
Quantum dots are thus bringing the greatest benefit to humankind.
Researchers believe that in the future they could contribute to flexible electronics, tiny sensors, thinner solar cells and encrypted quantum communication – so we have just started exploring the potential of these tiny particles.

NOBEL PRIZES:

Alfred Nobel was an inventor, entrepreneur, scientist and businessman who also wrote poetry and drama.
His varied interests are reflected in the prize he established and which he lay the foundation for in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been honoring men and women from around the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for work in peace.
The prizes consist of a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award.
In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
The prize is based on a donation received by the Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank on the occasion of the bank’s 300th anniversary.
The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969.
The prize in economic sciences is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, according to the same principles as for the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/2023-nobel-prize-chemistry/article67377618.ece

4. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The South Lhonak Lake burst, causing recent flash floods in north Sikkim.

EXPLANATION:

Ten casualties have been confirmed, and many more are missing due to the Teesta River’s rising flood level and nonstop rain.
The South Lhonak Lake had drawn criticism for its quick growth and vulnerability to GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods).

WHAT IS GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)?

Glacial lakes, like South Lhonak Lake, form in front of, on, or beneath melting glaciers.
As they grow, they become more dangerous, often dammed by unstable ice or sediment.
If the dam breaks, massive volumes of water rush downstream, causing floods known as GLOF.
GLOF can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rains, ice avalanches, or landslides.

HOW DID SOUTH LHONAK LAKE BECOME SUSCEPTIBLE TO GLOF?

Glacial lakes are common in steep, mountainous regions, making them vulnerable to landslides or ice avalanches that displace water.
The impact of climate change leads to rapid glacier melting, resulting in the formation and expansion of glacial lakes.
In Sikkim Himalayan, rising temperatures have caused glacier melt, leading to the proliferation of glacial lakes, including the South Lhonak Lake.
There are over 300 glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayan, with 10 identified as vulnerable to GLOF.
South Lhonak Lake had shown significant growth over the past five decades.
An earthquake in 1991 and another in 2011, along with future seismic events, were identified as potential triggers for GLOF.
Government authorities had been monitoring the lake’s expansion and susceptibility to GLOF.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE SIKKIM GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE THE EXPANDING SOUTH LHONAK LAKE?

In 2016, authorities, including the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and Sikkim’s Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, initiated measures to address the expanding South Lhonak Lake.
Innovator Sonam Wangchuk supervised the implementation of a technique involving the syphoning off of lake water.
Three eight-inch wide and 130-140 meters long High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes were installed in the lake to remove water at a rate of 150 liters per second.

LHONAK LAKE:

Lhonak Lake is a glacial lake situated in the pristine landscapes of North Sikkim, at a staggering altitude of approximately 17,000 feet above sea level.
Its formation is attributed to the melting glaciers of the region, a process accelerated by rising global temperatures.
South Lhonak Lake is a glacial-moraine-dammed lake, located in Sikkim’s far northwestern region.
It is one of the fastest expanding lakes in the Sikkim Himalaya region, and one of the 14 potentially dangerous lakes susceptible to Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOFs).
It plays a role in the hydrological cycle, releasing water downstream, ultimately benefiting the Teesta River basin.

WAY FORWARD: MITIGATION

Regular lake monitoring is necessary to evaluate changes in water levels and the strength of natural dams in glacial lakes.
Implementing early warning systems that can identify and alert areas downstream of potential GLOFs.
Building protective infrastructure to control floodwaters, such as dams or diversion channels.
Implementing zoning and land-use planning to prevent construction in high-risk locations.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/glacial-lake-outburst-flood-glof-sikkim-8968562/

5. DYNAMIC INJUNCTION

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Delhi HC has passed dynamic injunction against illegal ICC World Cup broadcasting.

EXPLANATION:

A plea has been filed by Star India which stated that given the exclusive rights they had acquired from ICC, they enjoyed broadcast reproduction rights.
But these rights are contemplated under Section 37 of the 1957 Copyright Act.
Recently, the Delhi High Court restrained nine websites from illegally broadcasting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 matches.

WHAT IS SECTION 37 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT?

Section 37 deals with a “special right” extended to every broadcasting organisation.
Section 37 (2) proceeds to enlist what constitutes an infringement of this right.
It states that “during the continuance of a broadcast reproduction right” any person who:
- without the licence of the right’s owner engages in re-broadcasting the broadcast; or
- causes the broadcast to be heard or seen by the public on payment of charges; or
- makes any sound or visual recording of the broadcast; or
- makes any reproduction of such sound or visual recording where the initial recording was done without licence or was licensed, for any purpose not envisaged by the licence; or
- sells or hires to the public, or
- offers for such sale or hire, any such sound recording or visual recording,

will be deemed to have infringed this right, subject to the provisions of Section 39.

Section 39 provides exceptions when the reproduction of such content can be considered as ‘fair dealing; and not copyright infringement.

WHAT IS A DYNAMIC INJUNCTION?

A dynamic injunction is passed to protect copyrighted works even before they are publicly released, distributed, or created.
- An injunction is an official order given by a law court, usually to stop someone from doing something.
It ensures that no irreparable loss is caused to its authors and owner.
It restricts the imminent possibility of works being uploaded on rogue websites or their newer versions immediately after their creation or release, given the challenges posed by online piracy.
In August, the court has observed that given the nature of the illegalities that rogue websites indulge in.
It concluded that there is a need to pass injunctions which are also dynamic as once a film or series is released, it might be immediately uploaded on the rogue websites, causing severe and instant monetary loss to its creators.

What are the other cases where such injunctions have been passed?

Star India Pvt. Ltd. said that since 2021, the Delhi HC had granted similar dynamic injunctions against several such rogue websites in Star India’s favour, which led to them ultimately being taken down.
The Delhi HC in its 2019 ruling in “UTV vs. 1337x.to” introduced the concept of dynamic injunctions for the first time.
Star India had come across almost all major sporting events being illegally communicated and disseminated on the internet, Star approached the court seeking an injunction restraining the defendant websites.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/delhi-hc-what-is-dynamic-injunction-8968692/

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (4th OCTOBER 2023)

1. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 FOR PHYSICS

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Nobel Prize 2023 for Physics was awarded to the three scientists Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier for their experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses for the study of electron dynamics in matter.

EXPLANATION:

The laureates have been awarded the Prize for experiments to produce ultra-short pulses of light, with which they can finally see directly into the super-fast world of electrons.
“Attosecond physics gives us the opportunity to understand mechanisms that are governed by electrons.

Why weren’t electrons ‘seen’ before?

Electrons are the negatively charged particles of an atom. They zoom around the denser nucleus.
Before being able to study them directly, scientists understood their properties through averages.
The rapid movement of electrons would seem to blur together in the eyes of a camera that couldn’t lower its exposure time to the order of attoseconds.

How fast is electron dynamics?

The movement of an atom in a molecule can be studied with the very shortest pulses produced by a laser.
These movements and changes in the atoms occur on the order of femtoseconds—a millionth of a billionth of a second.
But electrons are lighter and interact faster, in the attosecond realm. An attosecond if a billionth of a billionth of a second.
All light consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy.
- Each wave has a sinusoidal shape starting from a point, going up to a peak, dipping into a trough, and finally getting back to the same level as the starting point.
By the 1980s, physicists had found ways to produce light pulses whose duration was a few femtoseconds.
The technology used to produce these pulses couldn’t be refined any further, so physicists believed the femtosecond to be the hard lower limit Yet ‘seeing’ electrons required an even shorter flash of light.

What are the applications of attosecond physics?

Materials science: Attosecond pulses can be used to create new materials with unique properties, such as ultrafast conductors and optical switches.
Medical diagnostics: Attosecond pulses can be used to image biological molecules in unprecedented detail, which could lead to new methods for early cancer detection and treatment.
Quantum computing: Attosecond pulses could be used to control qubits, the basic units of information in quantum computers.

NOBEL PRIZES:

Alfred Nobel was an inventor, entrepreneur, scientist and businessman who also wrote poetry and drama.
His varied interests are reflected in the prize he established and which he lay the foundation for in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been honoring men and women from around the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for work in peace.
The prizes consist of a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award.
In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
The prize is based on a donation received by the Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank on the occasion of the bank’s 300th anniversary.
The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969.
The prize in economic sciences is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, according to the same principles as for the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/2023-nobel-prize-in-physics-seeing-electrons-through-brief-pulses-of-light-explained/article67376832.ece

2. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Armenia’s Parliament voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).

EXPLANATION:

Armenia’s decision to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a significant development but it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the country’s relations with Russia.

BACKGROUND:

Armenia has been a close ally of Russia for decades.
The two countries are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance of former Soviet republics.
Russia has also been Armenia’s main supplier of arms and military assistance.
However, Armenia’s relations with Russia have become increasingly strained in recent years.
This is due to a number of factors, including Russia’s role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, its invasion of Ukraine, and its economic decline.

THE ICC WARRANT FOR PUTIN:

In May 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.
The warrant is based on the ICC’s investigation into alleged atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine.

ARMENIA’S DECISION TO JOIN THE ICC:

The ICC ratification by Armenia is mainly motivated by its desire to prepare legal challenges against Azerbaijan. But it also sends a clear message to Moscow.
Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is a signal that the country is distancing itself from Russia.
By joining the ICC, Armenia is committing to upholding international law and prosecuting those who commit serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR ARMENIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS:

Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is likely to have a significant impact on Armenia-Russia relations.
Russia has already warned Armenia that its decision to join the ICC is a “hostile step.”
It is possible that Russia could retaliate against Armenia by reducing its economic and military assistance.
However, it is also possible that Armenia’s decision to join the ICC could lead to a closer relationship between Armenia and the West.
The United States and other Western countries have praised Armenia’s decision to join the ICC.
It is possible that these countries could provide Armenia with increased economic and military assistance in the future.

WAY FORWARD:

Armenia’s decision to join the ICC is a significant development with far-reaching implications for the country’s relations with Russia and the West.
It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to Armenia’s decision, but it is clear that Armenia is charting a new course in its foreign policy.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC):

It is the only permanent international criminal tribunal.
It was created by the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (its founding and governing document), and began functioning on 1 July 2002 when the Statute came into force.
123 nations are States Parties to the Rome Statute and recognize the ICC’s authority; the notable exceptions being the US, China, Russia, and India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/armenias-parliament-votes-to-join-the-international-criminal-court-straining-ties-with-ally-russia/article67376736.ece/amp/

3. IEA CRITICAL MINERALS AND CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The International Energy Agency (IEA) hosted the first ever International Summit on critical minerals and their role in clean energy transitions on 28 September 2023 in Paris.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMIT:

The meeting was attended by ministers, industry leaders, investors, international organisations and civil societies from 50 countries, who agreed on six main actions to assure sustainable, long-term and ethical supply chains of vital minerals.
The actions include:
- Advancing the goal of diversified mineral supplies;
- Maximising the potential of technology and recycling;
- Fostering market transparency;
- Improving the accessibility of trustworthy information;
- Establishing incentives for sustainable and responsible production; and
- Stepping up efforts to foster international cooperation.
The summit was built on the ministerial directive issued to the IEA in 2022 to advance its work on:
- vital minerals,
- the constituents of solar panels,
- wind turbines, and
- electric vehicles, among other important clean energy technologies.
Between 2017 and 2022, demand from the energy sector for lithium tripled.
There was a 70 per cent increase in cobalt demand and a rise of 40 per cent in nickel demand too, as per the IEA estimates.
The momentum is expected to continue through 2023 and beyond, the IEA said in its review.

HOW CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS ARE DRIVING A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN MINERAL DEMAND?

From 2017 to 2022, demand from the energy sector was the main factor behind a tripling in overall demand for lithium, a 70% jump in demand for cobalt, and a 40% rise in demand for nickel.
Propelled by rising demand and high prices, the market size of key energy transition minerals doubled over the past five years, reaching USD 320 billion in 2022.
This rapid growth is set to continue.
In the IEA’s Announced Pledges Scenario, demand for critical minerals more than doubles by 2030.
In the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, it grows three and a half times to 2030, topping 30 million tonnes.
Given this trajectory, the development of diverse, resilient and sustainable clean energy supply chains for critical minerals is an essential task.

SPECIFIC CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Supply concentration:
- The supply of critical minerals is concentrated in a few countries, which makes the market vulnerable to disruptions.
- For example, China produces more than 80% of the world’s lithium and cobalt.
Environmental and social impacts:
- The mining and processing of critical minerals can be environmentally and socially harmful.
- For example, the mining of lithium can pollute water supplies and the processing of cobalt can expose workers to harmful chemicals.
Demand growth:
- Demand for critical minerals is growing rapidly, driven by the clean energy transition.
- This is putting a strain on the supply of minerals and driving up prices.

OPPORTUNITIES:

New technologies:
- There are a number of new technologies in development that could reduce demand for critical minerals or make mining and processing more sustainable.
- For example, new battery chemistries could reduce the need for cobalt.
Recycling:
- Recycling critical minerals can help to reduce demand for virgin minerals.
- However, recycling rates for critical minerals are currently low.
Collaboration:
- Governments, businesses, investors, and civil society organizations can work together to secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals.
- For example, governments can provide financial support for new mines and processing facilities, businesses can develop new technologies, and investors can invest in sustainable mining projects.
By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, the world can secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals for the clean energy transition.

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA):

The IEA was founded in 1974 to ensure the security of oil supplies.
Energy security remains a central part of our mission but today’s IEA has a wider mandate to focus on a full range of energy issues, including climate change and decarbonisation, energy access etc.
The IEA was created in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis when an oil embargo by major producers pushed prices to historic levels, and exposed the vulnerability of industrialised countries to dependency on oil imports.
The IEA’s founding members were Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Agency’s “open door” policy has since allowed the IEA to deepen its collaboration with 11 new countries through the Association programme: Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, and most recently, Ukraine, which joined in 2022.
This IEA family of member and association countries now represents over 80% of global energy consumption, up from 40% in 2015.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/renewable-energy/iea-summit-on-clean-energy-minerals-actions-for-sustainable-ethical-supply-chains-agreed-upon-92076

4. THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT (UAPA), 1967

TAG: GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY, GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been invoked against the news portal NewsClick.

EXPLANATION:

On 3^RD October, the Delhi police has raided the office of the news portal NewsClick and the residence of its editor and other staff.
Some of them have been arrested and charged under UAPA which has resulted into huge concern for press freedom in India.
The main allegation in the FIR against NewsClick is that the news portal allegedly received illegal funding from China routed through the United States.
The FIR has been registered under various Sections of the UAPA.
The other provisions invoked against NewsClick include Section 13 (unlawful activities), 16 (terrorist act), 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts), 18 (conspiracy), and 22 (C) (offences by companies, trusts) of the UAPA, along with IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different group) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

PROVISIONS UNDER UAPA:

Among the key provisions invoked is Section 16, which prescribes punishment for terrorist acts.
Section 15 of the UAPA defines “terrorist act”.
- It is punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least five years to life.
- In case the terrorist act results in death, the punishment is death or imprisonment for life.
- This is an offence that describes violent acts that are serious in nature.
The provision describes the terrorist acts as:
- The use of bombs, dynamite or other explosive substances;
- causing death or loss/ damage/ destruction of property;
- disruption of any supplies or services essential to the life of the community in India;
- damage to the monetary stability of India by way of production or smuggling or circulation of high-quality counterfeit Indian paper currency, coin or of any other material.
Section 43D (5) of UAPA places very stringent conditions for obtaining bail.

UAPA:

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been enacted in 1967 that allows the government to designate individuals and organizations as “terrorists” and to detain them without trial for up to 180 days.
The law has been criticized for its vague and overbroad definitions, which allow the government to target anyone it deems to be a threat to national security.
The UAPA has been used to suppress dissent and silence critical voices in India.
The law has been used against journalists, activists, students, and religious minorities. The UAPA has also been used to target political opponents of the government.
The UAPA has been challenged in court on a number of occasions. However, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutionality of the law.

CRITICISMS OF THE UAPA:

The definition of “terrorist” is vague and overbroad, allowing the government to target anyone it deems to be a threat to national security.
The UAPA allows the government to detain people without trial for up to 180 days. This is a serious infringement on the right to liberty.
The UAPA does not provide adequate safeguards for the rights of the accused. For example, it is difficult for accused persons to challenge their detention or to obtain bail.
The UAPA has been used to target journalists, activists, students, and religious minorities. This has had a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression.
The use of the UAPA against NewsClick is just one example of how the law is being used to suppress dissent and silence critical voices in India.
The UAPA is a serious threat to press freedom and democracy in India. It is important to defend press freedom and to stand up for the right of journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/what-uapa-sections-have-been-invoked-against-newsclick-8967236/

5. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY, GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: A departmental working paper by the World Bank on the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) has found that regular toilet use is declining in rural India from 2018-19 onwards.

EXPLANATION:

These findings came amid concerns over the government’s claims that practices such as open defecation and manual scavenging no longer continue in India.
- These findings were solely based on the fact that toilet access had improved after the building of over 100 million toilets.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAPER:

The paper reconciles data from a variety of sources, including the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), National Sample Surveys (NSS), and National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS).
It found out that the largest drop in regular toilet use is most pronounced in states with high Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe socio-economic groups.
States where there has been a sustained decline in regular use of toilets since 2018 were Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh
Whereas seven other States like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have been seeing an uneven decline in toilet use since 2018.
There are a number of possible explanations for this decline.
- One possibility is that the toilets that were built under the SBM-G are not well-maintained, making them unusable or unsafe.
- Another possibility is that people are not using the toilets because they are inconvenient or uncomfortable.
- It is also possible that people are returning to open defecation because they believe it is more hygienic or because they have been forced to do so by social pressure.
The decline in regular toilet use is a serious concern, as it could undermine the gains that have been made in reducing open defecation in rural India.
Open defecation is a major public health problem, as it can lead to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid.

The World Bank paper makes a number of recommendations for addressing the decline in regular toilet use. These recommendations include:

Investing in the maintenance of toilets.
Making toilets more convenient and comfortable to use.
Addressing social norms that discourage the use of toilets.
Providing education and awareness about the importance of using toilets.

STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT:

The government of India has also taken some steps to address the decline in regular toilet use.
For example, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has launched a program to provide subsidies for the repair and maintenance of toilets.
The government has also launched a campaign to promote the use of toilets and to address social norms that discourage it.
It is important to monitor the progress of these efforts and to make sure that they are effective in reversing the decline in regular toilet use.
Open defecation is a major public health problem, and it is essential to ensure that everyone in India has access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities.

SPECIFIC CONCERNS FOR SC/ST HOUSEHOLDS:

The decline in regular toilet use is particularly concerning for SC/ST households, as they are more likely to live in poverty and to have limited access to sanitation facilities.
SC/ST households are also more likely to be socially marginalized, and they may face pressure to return to open defecation.
The government needs to take specific steps to address the needs of SC/ST households in its efforts to reverse the decline in regular toilet use.
These steps could include:
- Providing targeted subsidies for the construction and maintenance of toilets in SC/ST communities.
- Working with community leaders to address social norms that discourage the use of toilets.
- Providing education and awareness about the importance of using toilets in SC/ST languages.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION:

To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put the focus on sanitation, the Prime Minister had launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd October 2014.
Under the mission, all villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States and Union Territories in India declared themselves “open-defecation free” (ODF) by 2 October 2019, by constructing over 100 million toilets in rural India.
To ensure that the open defecation free behaviours are sustained, no one is left behind, and that solid and liquid waste management facilities are accessible.
The Mission is moving towards the next Phase II of SBMG i.e ODF-Plus.
ODF Plus activities under Phase II of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) will reinforce ODF behaviours and focus on providing interventions for the safe management of solid and liquid waste in villages.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/despite-early-gains-of-swachh-bharat-mission-toilet-use-declining-since-2018-19-world-bank paper/article67376731.ece

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (25th AUGUST 2023)

1. LCA TEJAS FIRED ASTRA -AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas successfully test-fired an ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa.

EXPLANATION:

The test launch was monitored by the test director and scientists of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with officials from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
The missile release was successfully carried out from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 ft. The aircraft was also monitored by a Chase Tejas twin-seater aircraft.
The launch would significantly enhance the combat prowess of Tejas and reduce the dependency on imported weapons.

ASTRA

ASTRA is a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial target.
It is designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of DRDO.

Light Combat Aircraft Tejas

The HAL Tejas is an Indian single engine, delta wing, light multirole fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
It was developed from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters but later became part of a general fleet modernisation programme.
In 2003, the LCA was officially named “Tejas”. It is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.
The Tejas is the second fighter developed by HAL with the intention of attaining supersonic performance, after the HAL-24 Marut.
The Tejas achieved initial operational clearance in 2011 and final operational clearance in 2019. The first Tejas squadron became operational in 2016.
LCA has been the flag bearer of the IAF efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet and more importantly a flag bearer of India’s self-reliance in the aerospace sector.

SOURCE: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lca-tejas-successfully-test-fires-astra-beyond-visual-range-missile-11692799694888.html

2. CHANDRAYAAN-3

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: With the successful landing of the Lander Module of ISRO’s third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, India has reached the Moon will now aims to carry out experiments.

EXPLANATION:

The landing has happened at lunar dawn, and the six payloads on board the lander and rover started collecting data soon after to get as much science as possible in the single lunar day or 14 Earth days for which they will remain operable.
Lander and rover of Chandrayaan -2 will build on the knowledge of earlier missions along with carrying out their own lunar exploration.
The Chandrayaan-3 payloads will further the learnings of the two predecessor missions by studying lunar quakes, mineral compositions, and the electrons and ions near the surface of the Moon.
The mission will attempt to study water-ice, the presence of which was detected by Chandrayaan-1.

Mission experiments

The lander has four experiments on board:

The Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) will study the electrons and ions near the surface of the moon and how they change over time.

The Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE) will study the thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region
The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) will measure the lunar quakes near the landing site and study the composition of the Moon’s crust and mantle.
The LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA) is a passive experiment sent by NASA that acts as a target for lasers for very accurate measurements for future missions.

There are two scientific experiments on the rover:

The LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) will determine the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface.
The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) will determine the composition of elements such as magnesium, aluminium, silicon, potassium, calcium, titanium, and iron in the lunar soil and rocks.

Earlier discoveries on the moon by Previous mission:

Discovery of water

The southern polar region of the Moon is known to have deep craters that remain in permanent darkness, with a high likelihood of having water-ice.
The most important discovery made by Chandrayaan-1 was the discovery of water and hydroxyl (OH) molecules in the Moon’s thin atmosphere (exosphere) as well as on the lunar surface.
India’s Moon Impact Probe (MIP) a payload that was deliberately crashed on the lunar surface near the south pole helped study the concentration of water and hydroxyl molecules in the lunar atmosphere.
Another payload called mini-SAR helped detect the subsurface deposits of water-ice in the permanently shadowed regions within the craters near the south pole.
A third payload developed by NASA called Moon Mineralogy Mapper or M3 also helped detect these molecules on the surface of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-2, which was designed to further study the water on the Moon, helped in separately identifying the water and the hydroxyl molecules, and mapping water features across the Moon for the first time

Buried lava tubes

The terrain mapping camera and hyperspectral imager on board Chandrayaan-1 detected an underground lava tube, which, scientists believe, can provide a safe environment for human habitation in the future.
It can protect against hazardous radiation, small meteoric impacts, extreme temperatures, and dust storms on the surface of the Moon.

Magma ocean thesis

The Moon is believed to have been formed after an early piece of the Earth separated due to an impact. The energy generated by the impact is believed to have led to the melting of the Moon’s surface. This is called the magma ocean hypothesis.
The M3 payload on board Chandrayaan-1 picked up a specific type of lighter-density crystals on the surface of the Moon, which could be found on the surface only if it were liquid once.

Solar flares

The Solar X-Ray Monitor on the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter was able to observe many solar microflares outside the active region as well as the elemental abundance from the not-so-bright solar corona.
These observations, which were so far only done for larger solar flares, can give scientists clues to the mystery of coronal heating why the Sun’s atmospheric layer (corona) is a million degrees hot even though the surface is just over 5,700 degrees Celsius.

Mapping of minerals

CLASS X-ray Fluorescence experiment has mapped ~ 95% of the lunar surface in X-rays for the first time. X-ray spectrometers flown to the Moon in the past 50 years together have covered only less than 20% of the surface, according to ISRO.
Both the Chandrayaan missions have mapped even regions from where sample return missions haven’t happened.
These studies have shown that oxygen is abundant as oxides within the minerals on the Moon. This can be exploited as fuel for future missions, scientists believe.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/after-the-landing-the-experiments-lunar-quakes-and-water-ice-on-moon-8906440/

3. NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the National Curriculum Framework was released by the Union Education Minister.

EXPLANATION:

NCF is developed by a steering committee headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K. Kasturirangan.
It aims to overhaul school syllabus across the country in general and to integrate Indian culture and knowledge with the education system.
It is one of the key components of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, that enables and energizes this transformation, informed by the aims, principles, and approach of NEP 2020.

Four Sections of NCF:

NCF for School Education (NCF-SE)
NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education (Foundational Stage)
NCF for Teacher Education
NCF for Adult Education

Objective:

It aims to help in positively transforming the school education system of India as envisioned in NEP 2020, through corresponding positive changes in the curriculum including pedagogy.
It aims to realize the highest quality education for all children, consistent with realizing an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the Constitution of India.

Highlights of the National Curriculum Framework:

Language Learning

The policy emphasizes the importance of learning multiple languages, especially native Indian languages.
Students in Classes 9 and 10 will need to learn three languages, of which at least two will be native to India.
In Classes 11 and 12, students will learn two languages, including one of Indian origin.
Currently, students in Classes 9 and 10 study two languages, and students in Class 11 and 12 study one language.
The NCF expects students to achieve a “literary level” of linguistic capacity in at least one of these Indian languages.

Board Exams

The policy aims to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with board exams to improve their performance and showcase their abilities.
The NCF has stated that all students will be allowed to take Board exams on at least two occasions during any given school year, with only the best score being retained.

Mandatory Subjects

The policy has increased the number of compulsory subjects for Classes 9 and 10 to seven and for Classes 11 and 12 to six.
This is intended to provide a broader and more balanced education to students.

Optional Subjects

Optional subjects have been grouped in three parts in the NCF.
The first optional group includes art education, emphasising on both visual and performing arts, with equal emphasis on making, thinking about, and appreciating artwork.
It also includes physical education and vocational education.
The second group includes Social Science, the Humanities, and interdisciplinary areas.
The third group includes Science, Mathematics, and computational thinking.
Students can choose subjects from any of these groups according to their interests and aspirations.

Flexible Curriculum

The policy has made the curriculum more flexible and interdisciplinary by removing the rigid boundaries between academic and vocational subjects, as well as between different subject areas.
Students can mix and match subjects from different groups and create their personalized learning paths.

Environmental Education

The curriculum for environmental education covers various topics related to the natural and human-made environment, such as ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.
Students are encouraged to develop awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the environment through experiential learning, projects, and field trips.
Environmental education is integrated across all subjects in the Primary and Middle Stages and offered as a separate elective subject in the Secondary Stage.

Content Distribution

For Social Science curriculum for Classes 6 to 8 , the NCF states that 20% content would be from the local level for the Social Science curriculum, 30% content would be from the regional level, 30% would be from the national level, and 20% content would be global.
The ‘Secondary Stage’ has been significantly redesigned to offer more flexibility and choice for students.
There is no hard separation between academic and vocational subjects, or between Science, Social Science, Art, and Physical Education. Students can choose interesting combinations of subjects for receiving their School Leaving Certificates.

SOURCE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/new-ncf-guidelines-2023-two-indian-languages-required-for-grades-9-10-one-for-11-12/articleshow/103022348.cms

4. ECO-SENSITIVE ASPECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Bench withholds green nod granted for fishing harbours near to the Kaliveli bird sanctuary.

Why is the environmental clearance kept in abeyance?

The fisheries department had proposed to build two fishing harbours.
One at Alamparaikuppam in Chengalpet and other at Azhagankuppam in Villupuram both in Tamil Nadu.
It proposed to build with a capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum each.
Two training walls would be built by cutting open a narrow strip of beach area to create a navigation channel for fishing vessels to come into the estuary.
The petitioner established the presence of mangroves, turtle nesting, seagrass beds and sand dunes in the proposed project area, which was also supported by the report of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The NGT bench said that the project cannot be permitted in the absence of a comprehensive EIA.
NGT pointed out that the Department of Fisheries hurried to apply for environmental clearance (EC) to construct two fishing harbours in Kaluveli wetlands.
It applied for EC without revision of Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) and without comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.
Therefore, in the absence of comprehensive EIA studies done scientifically, the environmental clearance granted has to be kept in abeyance.

What are the further orders of the tribunal?

It directed the State Coastal Zone Management Authority not to proceed with the public hearing based on an incomplete draft CZMP.
It cannot permit the harbour project to proceed further till the errors in the CZMP are rectified and the comprehensive shoreline protection management plan is approved.
It gave liberty to the Department of Fisheries to submit a fresh application if there is a change in the scope of the project.
In case the project involves erosion control measures (groynes or training walls), then the proposal should be considered only after the Shoreline Management is finalized by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR).

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

EIA can be defined as the study to predict the effect of a proposed activity/project on the environment.
A decision-making tool, EIA compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits.
EIA systematically examines both beneficial and adverse consequences of the project and ensures that these effects are considered during project design.
It has many benefits, such as protection of environment, optimum utilisation of resources and saving of time and cost of the project.

Decentralisation of Project Clearances:

It classified the developmental projects in two categories:
Category A (national level appraisal): projects are appraised by Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
Category B (state level appraisal): State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) provide clearance to the Category B projects.

The overview of the EIA process is represented below through a diagram:

National Green Tribunal:

The National Green Tribunal is a statutory body, established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members, and Expert Members.
They shall hold office for a term of 5 years and are not eligible for reappointment.
It is established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
It has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals as a Court.
The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai shall be the other four places of sitting of the Tribunal.

SOURCE:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ngt-withholds-green-nod-granted-for-fishing-harbours-near-kaliveli-bird-sanctuary/article67231940.ece

5. INDIA AND THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Murmansk also known as the capital of the Arctic region and the beginning point of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), is witnessing the rising trend of Indian involvement in cargo traffic. India has been showing greater interest regarding the NSR for a variety of reasons.

Why is the Arctic region significant to India?

The Arctic region is located above the Arctic Circle and includes the Arctic Ocean with the North Pole at its centre.
India’s economic security, water security, and sustainability may be impacted by the Arctic region’s vulnerability to unprecedented climatic change.
The area also constitutes the largest hydrocarbon potential area that has not yet been explored on earth.
As per experts, the region may hold over 40 percent of the current global reserves of oil and gas. There may also be significant reserves of coal, zinc, and silver.

How is India’s engagement with the Arctic?

India’s engagement with the Arctic can be traced back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in February 1920 in Paris.
India is undertaking several scientific studies and research in the Arctic region. This encompasses atmospheric, biological, marine, hydrological and glaciological studies.
Apart from setting up a research station, Himadri, at Svalbard, in 2008, the country launched its inaugural multi-sensor moored observatory and northernmost atmospheric laboratory in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
Till last year, thirteen expeditions to the Arctic were successfully conducted.
In May 2013, India became an observer-state of the Arctic Council along with five others including China.

What is NSR?

The Northern Sea Route (NSR), which crosses four seas of the Arctic Ocean, is the quickest shipping route for moving goods between Europe and nations in the Asia-Pacific area.
The route covering 5,600 km and begins at the boundary between the Barents and the Kara seas (Kara Strait) and ends in the Bering Strait (Provideniya Bay).

As per one research paper, distance savings along the NSR can be as high as 50% compared to the currently used shipping lanes via Suez or Panama.
The 2021 blockage of the Suez Canal, which forms part of the widely-used maritime route involving Europe and Asia, has led to greater attention on the NSR.

What are the driving factors for India to participate in the NSR development?

Since India has been importing more crude oil and coal from Russia lately, NSR offers a dependable and secure transportation route.
The NSR, as a transit route, assumes importance, given India’s geographical position and the major share of its trade associated with sea transportation.
The Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project is being examined as one linking with another organise international container transit through the NSR.
The 10,500 km long CVMC, passing through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea and Malacca Strait, will bring down transport time to 12 days.
This is almost a third of what is taken under the existing St. Petersburg-Mumbai route of 16,000 km.
The possibility for China and Russia to influence the NSR jointly is being discussed by experts.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-india-and-the-northern-sea-route/article67230900.ece

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (14th AUGUST 2023)

1. CAG AUDITS NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (NSAP)

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY; GS 2: GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The CAG report found several irregularities in National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

EXPLANATION:

The CAG report found several irregularities in beneficiary payments, the most glaring being that all states, except for Haryana and Kerala, did not maintain a database of eligible beneficiaries.
This led to several eligible beneficiaries being left out of the scheme while payments worth several crores were made to ineligible persons.
Around Rs 79 crore has been transferred to ineligible beneficiaries under the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) between 2017 and 2021. Of this, Rs two crore was paid to beneficiaries even after their deaths.
At the same time, many eligible beneficiaries were likely to have been excluded from the welfare programme either due to non-maintenance of Below Poverty Line (BPL) lists or due to states not carrying out periodic surveys to identify eligible beneficiaries.
Additionally, ineligible payments of Rs 15.11 crore under IGNDPS as disability pension was paid to 21,322 people in 16 states / UTs. In these cases, the percentage of disability was either below 80 per cent or could not be ascertained.
Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Mizoram, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Ladakh are among the States that made the highest numbers of ineligible payments.
The beneficiaries were to be selected from the BPL list until the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) was finalised. Though the governments are mandated to identify beneficiaries using SECC once it is finalised, they continued to use BPL lists that were not regularly updated.
In the absence of proactive identification and non-maintenance of database of eligible beneficiaries as intended, the scheme was being implemented in a demand-driven mode where benefits were provided to only those beneficiaries who applied for pensions/benefits under NSAP themselves.
The eligible beneficiaries who were unaware/lack resources to apply for the benefits were left out of ambit of NSAP,” the report revealed.
Further, funds of Rs 57.45 crore earmarked for NSAP were diverted for other schemes and purposes in six states/UTs, while funds amounting to Rs 18.78 crore were lying idle for a period ranging from one to five years in eight states/UTs.

NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (NSAP)

NSAP was launched on 15th August, 1995 to provide social security to the destitute population living below the poverty line and vulnerable groups in 1995.
The programme includes five sub-schemes, of which three Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) are pension schemes.
The other two sub-schemes are the National Family Benefit Scheme which provides one-time assistance to the bereaved family in the event of death of the breadwinner and the Annapurna scheme, which ensures food security to eligible old age persons who are not covered under IGNOAPS.
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognizing the concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the matter.

Objective of NSAP

It is a social security and welfare programme to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary bread winner, belonging to below poverty line households.

Components of NSAP

The NSAP at its inception in 1995 had three components namely

National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS,
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and
National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS). The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was subsequently transferred on 1st April, 2001 from the Ministry of Rural development to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes, namely –

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS),
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS),
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS),
National Family Benefit Scheme NFBS) and

Eligibility and scale of assistance

For getting benefits under NSAP the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family according to the criteria prescribed by the Govt. of India.
The other eligibility criteria and the scale of central assistance under the sub – schemes of NSAP are as follows. Besides the central assistance, states / UT contribute an equal amount as their share.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/rs-79-crore-transferred-to-ineligible-beneficiaries-under-nsap-finds-cag-91122

2. PRADHAN MANTRI UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN (PM-USHA)

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY; GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: 14 States as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are yet to join Centre’s flagship education scheme which mandates the implementation of the National Education Policy. It is important in order to avail funds worth almost ₹13,000 crore for the next three years, under the Centre’s flagship scheme for State-run higher education.

EXPLANATION:

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre mandates National Education Policy implementation.
However, some Opposition-ruled States are against MoU, given that PM-USHA scheme has 60:40 funding split between Centre and States, with no extra money for NEP reforms.
The Centre says it holding discussions to iron out differences with dissenting States.
The MoU is to show the willingness of States and UTs to participate in the PM-USHA scheme and it will help in the better implementation of the scheme.

NEP reforms need more funds:

The MoU which makes it mandatory for States to undertake the administrative, academic, accreditation, and governance reforms detailed in the NEP, including an academic credit bank, entry and exit flexibility, and the Samarth e-governance platform has irked some State governments.
Opposition states remarked that this MoU does not say anything about finding funds for changes envisaged under the NEP.
Centre however, said that multiple consultations had been undertaken before finalising the structure of PM-USHA. The MoU contains clauses regarding proper planning, implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
Commitment on planning and drafting the proposals by the State by aligning it with NEP will lead to integration between NEP and PM-USHA.
The Centre points that PM-USHA reduces the fragmentation of resources by streamlining the number of scheme components to six.
More flexibility has been given to States/UTs to undertake activities as per felt needs. Unit costs of some components have been rationalised for tangible outcomes.
States and UTs have also been given the flexibility to identify their focus districts on the basis of various indicators, such as low gross enrolment ratio, gender parity, population proportion of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
These districts will be prioritised under the scheme to address the diverse needs of each State or UT.

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

In the light of the National Education Policy, RUSA scheme has been launched as Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
PM-USHA is the new name for the Ministry’s scheme to improve the quality of higher education in State Universities through curricular and programme changes, teacher training, physical and digital infrastructure, accreditation, and enhancing employability while ensuring equity, access, and inclusion.
It provides an outlay of ₹12,926.10 crore between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
The first phase of the scheme was launched in 2013 and the second phase was launched in 2018.
PM USHA covers government and government-aided institutions of the States and UTs. As the demand for higher education is increasing continuously over the years, there has been an unprecedented expansion in the number of institutions, universities, and volume of students in the country.

Focus Areas:

a) Equity Access and inclusion in higher education
b) Developing Quality Teaching & Learning processes
c) Accreditation of Non Accredited Institutions and improving accreditation
d) ICT – based Digital Infrastructure
e) Enhancing Employability through Multidisciplinary.

Institutional Structure of PM USHA:

1)Central Level

National Mission Authority : Chaired by Minister of Education.
PAB : Chaired by Secretary Higher Education , GoI
National Project Directorate
Technical Support Group

2)State Level

State Higher Education Council (SHEC)
State Project Directorate
State Technical Support Group

3)Institution Level

Board of Governors
Project Monitoring Unit

Scope of PM- USHA : 1) Focus Districts and 2) Challenge method selection of institutions
1) Focus Districts :

Maximum 50% District of the State will be considered as focus District
• Lack of access to government colleges
• Low GER,
• Population proportion for females, transgender, SC, ST,OBCs
• Aspirational /Boarder Area, left wing extremism prone area
• Gender parity

2) Challenge method selection of institutions:

Institutions will be short listed by the state by giving priority to the focus areas.
On the basis of pre defined criteria weightages will be given to different institutions for
proposal submission.
The proposal bill be submitted and it will be evaluated by MoE and approval will be done by PAB at central level.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/education/14-states-yet-to-sign-mou-with-centre-needed-to-avail-higher-education-funds/article67191204.ece

3. ADITYA L1: INDIA’S FIRST MISSION TO STUDY THE SUN

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Aditya L1 spacecraft, assembled and integrated at the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

EXPLANATION:

Aditya L1’s payloads are expected to provide crucial information for understanding the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics etc.
The Aditya L1 mission will be launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which also launched Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter spacecraft in 2013.
The launch is likely to take place in August-end or September.

Aditya L1

Aditya L1 shall be the first space based Indian mission to study the Sun. The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth.
A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses.
This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time.
The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors.
Using the special vantage point L1, four payloads directly view the Sun and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1.
It will provide important scientific studies of the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium.
The suits of Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide most crucial informations to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particle and fields etc.

The major science objectives of Aditya-L1 mission are:

Study of Solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics.
Study of chromospheric and coronal heating, physics of the partially ionized plasma, initiation of the coronal mass ejections, and flares
Observe the in-situ particle and plasma environment providing data for the study of particle dynamics from the Sun.
Physics of solar corona and its heating mechanism.
Diagnostics of the coronal and coronal loops plasma: Temperature, velocity and density.
Development, dynamics and origin of CMEs.
Identify the sequence of processes that occur at multiple layers (chromosphere, base and extended corona) which eventually leads to solar eruptive events.
Magnetic field topology and magnetic field measurements in the solar corona .
Drivers for space weather (origin, composition and dynamics of solar wind .

Aditya-L1 Payloads:

The instruments of Aditya-L1 are tuned to observe the solar atmosphere mainly the chromosphere and corona.
In-situ instruments will observe the local environment at L1. There are total seven payloads on-board with four of them carrying out remote sensing of the Sun and three of them carrying in-situ observation.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indias-first-mission-to-study-the-sun-is-getting-ready-for-launch-isro-aditya-l1/article67192992.ece

4. ENGINEERING OF ACINETOBACTER BAYLYI BACTERIA TO DETECT CANCER

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Researchers at the University of California have engineered a specific species of bacteria that can detect cancer in its early stages by incorporating tumour DNA into its system.

EXPLANATION:

According to a study that was published in the journal Science, an engineered bacteria may one day be able to detect cancer wherever it may be hiding in the human body’s intestines.
The goal of the research is to turn these bacteria into a probiotic sensor in the gut that can carefully examine, identify, and report any intestinal disorders.
This discovery is significant since colon cancer rates are growing and early identification in persons under 50 is critical.
Acinetobacter baylyi, a kind of bacterium, has been effectively manipulated by a team at the University of California.

ACINETOBACTER BAYLYI BACTERIA

These bacteria are normally non-pathogenic.
They are naturally competent to take up DNA by horizontal gene transfer.
These bacteria become resistant to a specific drug only when they took up DNA containing a cancer-associated mutation in a specific oncogene.
These species are gram-negative aerobic bacteria that are coccobacillary in shape. (Cocci are sphere-shaped bacteria, while bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria. Bacteria that fall between these two shapes are called coccobacilli).

HOW DOES THIS BACTERIA DETECT CANCER?

Acinetobacter baylyi bacteria is known for its ability to absorb DNA from their surroundings.
It has been programmed to seek specific DNA sequences common in colorectal cancers.
When it incorporates tumour DNA into its system, an antibiotic-resistance gene gets activated.
This gene enables the growth of the bacteria on feces-derived antibiotic-containing agar plates.
It demonstrates the presence of cancer cells.

WAY FORWARD TO ITS USE

It might take some time before the approach is approved for use in clinical trials because the research is still in its early stages.
The effectiveness and safety of the engineered bacteria still need to be meticulously tested.
The bacteria are being engineered to recognise KRAS mutations (The KRAS gene belongs to a class of genes known as oncogenes), which are present in roughly 40% of colorectal malignancies, some lung cancers, and the majority of pancreatic tumours.
For it to be genuinely effective in humans, researchers need to show that Acinetobacter baylyi is safe for oral ingestion and that it consistently yields accurate results when identifying cancer cells in faecal samples.
The level of effectiveness of this bacterial biosensor in comparison to colonoscopy, a more invasive diagnostic procedure, needs to be examined as well.
This discovery is significant since colon cancer rates are growing and early identification in persons under 50 is critical.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/engineered-bacteria-cancer-dna-8888930/

5. INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL PENSION SYSTEM (NPS) STATEMENT OF TRANSACTION WITH CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT STATEMENT (CAS)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY; GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The PFRDA has integrated the NPS Statement of Transaction with CAS is in line with the Centre’s goal to establish a comprehensive record of each person’s financial assets.

EXPLANATION:

The National Pension System (NPS) subscribers now have access to a consolidated view of their personal assets in the securities market because of the updated mark-to-market values provided by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and SEBI.
It includes the investors’ Demat account holdings as well as their mutual fund holdings.
This will benefit over 1.35 crore NPS subscribers.
It is expected to provide a simplified and secured way to stay informed on NPS investments through CAS.

PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PFRDA)

It is a statutory regulatory body set up under PFRDA Act enacted in 2014.
It is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance for overall supervision and regulation of pension in India.
Its objective is to promote old age income security and protect the interests of NPS subscribers.
It is ensuring the orderly growth and development of pension market.
COMPOSITION OF THE AUTHORITY:
The Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and not more than six members, of whom at least three shall be Whole-Time Members, to be appointed by the Central Government.

NATIONAL PENSION SYSTEM (NPS)

The Central Government has introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from 2004 (except for armed forces).
PFRDA the regulatory body for NPS, has appointed Protean eGov Technologies Limited as Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) for National Pension System.
CRA is the first of its kind venture in India which will carry out the functions of Record Keeping, Administration and Customer Service for all subscribers under NPS.
National Pension System (NPS) is an important milestone in the development of a sustainable and efficient voluntary defined contribution pension system in India.
It has the following broad objectives:
Provide old age income.
Reasonable market-based returns over the long term.
Extending old age security coverage to all citizens.
NPS is structured into two tiers:
Tier-I account:
This is the non-withdrawable permanent retirement account into which the accumulations are deposited and invested as per the option of the subscriber.
Tier-II account:
This is a voluntary withdrawable account which is allowed only when there is an active Tier I account in the name of the subscriber.
The withdrawals are permitted from this account as per the needs of the subscriber as and when claimed.

CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT STATEMENT (CAS)

It is a single/combined account statement which shows the details of financial transactions made by an investor during a month across all Mutual Funds and also other securities held in Demat mode.
CAS is issued for those accounts wherein a financial transaction has been made during a month and wherein unit holders are identical, identified by Income Tax Permanent Account (PAN).
CAS is generated on a monthly basis in respect of the PANs common to the RTAs and the Depositories.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/pfrda-integrates-nps-statement-with-cas/article67190612.ece

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (2nd AUGUST 2023)

1. SELF RELIANT INDIA (SRI) FUND

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: As a part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, the Rs 50,000 crore Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund has been set up to infuse Rs. 50,000 crore as equity funding in those MSMEs which have the potential and viability to grow and become large units.

EXPLANATION:

Under this fund, there is a provision of Rs 10,000 Crore from the government and Rs 40,000 crore through private equity and venture capital funds.
The fund operates through a mother-fund and daughter-fund structure for equity or quasi-equity investments.
NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL) operates as Mother Fund in SRI Fund.
It is registered as a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with SEBI.
The fund aims to enhance equity support to MSMEs and improve listing on stock exchanges as more enterprises get into the formal sector.
The fund’s tenure is 15 years which may be extended as per AIF guidelines and subject to approvals from NVCFL and contributors.

How does the SRI fund work?

Employing a fund-of-funds strategy, the SRI fund invests in SEBI-registered Category I and Category II AIFs called daughter funds, which in turn invest in MSMEs.
The government is the sole anchor investor in the fund, with the initial support of Rs 10,006 crore as the mother fund.
The corpus is expected to be enhanced to Rs 50,000 crore with Rs 40,000 crore from daughter funds during the 15-year tenure of the fund, while the investment or commitment period is 13 years.

How many daughter funds are empanelled?

According to NSIC Venture Capital Fund (NVCFL), there are 44 daughter funds viz., TATA Capital Healthcare Fund, Aavishkaar India Fund, SVL-SME Fund, Gaja Capital India Fund, Avaana Sustainability Fund, ICICI Ventures’ India Advantage Fund S5 I and more.
The investment manager of the fund is SBICAP Ventures – the private equity arm of State Bank of India (SBI).
The target return for the daughter fund is a gross IRR (internal rate of return) of 12 per cent per annum. Gross IRR is referred to the return on investment without taking into account any management fees and costs.
Management fees for daughter funds should not be more than 2 per cent per annum.

Are there preferred sectors for investment under SRI fund?

According to NVCFL, SRI is a sector-agnostic fund to support MSMEs in agriculture, pharma, auto, chemicals, etc., undertaking manufacturing or services business except for investments in gambling, self-help groups, and any illegal or unlawful activities.

What type of MSMEs will be targeted for investments?

As per the fund’s guidelines, MSMEs with a “defined business plan for growth indicating positive funds flow” will be targeted.
Moreover, compound annual growth of the business for the previous three years will also be considered.
The Fund will also factor in non-monetary aspects in terms of employment, reduction in regional disparity, overall economic development and establishment of supply chains with depth and resilience.
The investment made and equity diluted is based on the assessment of the MSME borrower.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/sme/self-reliant-india-sri-fund-equity-infusion-in-msmes-nears-rs-5000-crore/3190674/

2. ULLAS: NAV BHARAT SAKSHARTA KARYAKRAM

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023 introduced the mobile application the ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. The occasion coincided with the third anniversary of NEP 2020.

EXPLANATION:

The ULLAS initiative aims to revolutionise education and literacy across the nation by fostering a comprehensive learning ecosystem that caters to every individual, bridging gaps in basic literacy and critical life skills.
Its focus extends to promoting functional literacy, vocational skills and essential life skills such as financial literacy, legal literacy, digital literacy and empowerment of citizens to participate in nation-building.
The newly-unveiled logo and slogan, “ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram”, symbolise the campaign’s enthusiasm and vigour in spreading knowledge and education to every corner of the country.
The initiative aims to ignite the flame of curiosity and continuous learning in each individual, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing in communities across India.
It also fosters a culture of continuous learning and knowledge-sharing in communities across India.

Target Group of the initiative:

The app serves as a digital gateway to engage learners with diverse educational resources through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT.
Learners and volunteers can register through self-registration or via surveyors.
The programme primarily targets citizens aged 15 and above who missed the opportunity to attend formal schooling.
It operates through volunteerism, encouraging volunteers to participate as DUTY or Kartavya Bodh towards nation-building.
Student volunteers will be incentivised with credits in school/university and appreciation through certificates, letters of appreciation, felicitation, among other means.

The National Policy on Education 2020:

The NEP 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirty-four-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.
It is built on the foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and Accountability and is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary.

Outcomes of NEP 2020:

Universalization from Early childhood care and education (ECCE) to Secondary Education by 2030, aligning with SDG 4
Attaining Foundational Learning & Numeracy Skills through National Mission by 2025
100% GER in Pre-School to Secondary Level by 2030
Bring Back 2 Cr Out of School Children
Teachers to be prepared for assessment reforms by 2023
Inclusive & Equitable Education System by 2030
Board Exams to test core concepts and application of knowledge
Every Child will come out of School adept in at least one Skill
Common Standards of Learning in Public & Private Schools

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/centre-launches-ullas-mobile-application-promote-basic-literacy-check-whom-it-is-for-11690766375585.html

3. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAG ACCORDED TO SEVEN PRODUCTS

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Seven products from across India, including four from Rajasthan, were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

EXPLANATION:

Seven products from across India, including four from Rajasthan, were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
The GI tags were secured by ‘Jalesar Dhatu Shilp’ (a metal craft), ‘Goa Mankurad Mango’, ‘Goan Bebinca’, ‘Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft’, ‘Bikaner Kashidakari Craft’, ‘Jodhpur Bandhej Craft’, and ‘Bikaner Usta Kala Craft’.

Goa Mankurad Mango: This variety of mango is also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur. The Portuguese named the fruit malcorada, which means ‘poor coloured’, and with time, it became mank urad aam (mango) in Konkani.

Goan Bebinca: Bebinca, also known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts’, is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding.

Jalesar Dhatu Shilp: This craft belongs to Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district. These include gurus (anklets), giants (bells) and other decorative metal craft and brassware. The Thatheras community, which resides in a mohalla (locality) named Hathuras, makes these products.

Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: According to the documents submitted to the GI Registry, weapons are exquisitely ornamented by a complicated process of etching designs, heating, and then cooling, intertwined with embedding gold and silver wire and finally polishing it.

Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: These are traditionally created on cotton, silk or velvet with a variety of fine stitches and mirror-work, mainly for objects associated with marriage, especially gift items. The mirrors are believed to repel the ‘evil eye’ with their reflective surfaces. The weaving of fabrics by hand used to be done by the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts.

Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: It is the Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing. Bandhej is one of the most famous textile art forms in Rajasthan. The fabrics used for Bandhej are muslin, silk and voile. Cotton thread is used for tying the fabric.

Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: It is also known as gold Takashi or gold manual work due to the prominence of its long-lasting golden colour. Untreated raw camel hide is processed and moulded by the Dapgar community of leather craftspeople for the requirements of the Usta.

What is Geographical Indications Tag?

A geographical indication (GI) tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
The following types of goods are covered under the ambit of GI –

Agricultural (example, Basmati rice)
Natural (example, Makrana marble)
Handicrafts or of any industry (for example, Kashmiri pashmina)
Foodstuff (example, Dharwad pedha)

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, along with the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002 govern GI registrations and goods.
It is in compliance with the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights

(TRIPS ) The agreement of WTO prescribes minimum standards for the protection of GI that all WTO members must provide.

According to Section 58(1) of the GI Act, in any case where the validity of the registration of a geographical indication is questioned, the case would be under the jurisdiction of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has complete jurisdiction over the GI goods in India, including, but not limited to, their registration and application process.

Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB):

It is a quasi-judicial body that was constituted in September 1958 and entrusted with the task of adjudication of disputes pertaining to copyright registration, and assignment of copyright.
The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) has the appellate jurisdiction.
It grants licenses in respect of works withheld from public, unpublished Indian works, production and publication of translations and works for certain specified purposes.
It also hears cases in other miscellaneous matters instituted before it under the Copyright Act of 1957.
The website of the IPAB boasts of being the only tribunal in India which has an international influence.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/gi-tags-for-goan-mangoes-and-bebinca-crafts-from-rajasthan-and-up/article67147303.ece

4. PAHARIS AND PADDARIS PROPOSED FOR THE SCHEDULED TRIBES STATUS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR.

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY; GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Justice G D Sharma Commission was appointed by Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir in March 2020 to identify groups that were socially, educationally, and economically backward.

The Commission in its report recommended ST status for Gadda Brahmins, Kolis, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group.

EXPLANATION:

The government has brought a Bill to include four communities, Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group, in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is one of the four Bills relating to the Union Territory that were introduced in Lok Sabha.

STATUS OF ST COMMUNITIES IN J&K

The dominant ST communities in J&K are the Gujjars and Bakerwals.
They live in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Kupwara.
Bakerwals are nomadic and they migrate with their livestock to the higher reaches in the summer and return before the onset of winter.
Gujjar-Bakerwals are the third largest group after Kashmiris and Dogras in J&K.
They were given ST status in 1991, along with the two smaller groups of Gaddis and Sippis.
This entitled these four communities to 10% reservation in government jobs and admission to educational institutions.
In 2019, they were empowered politically after the Centre announced a 10% quota for them in Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in J&K.
The proposed expansion of the ST list has triggered unrest among the Gujjar-Bakerwal, who apprehend a shrinking of their share of the quota benefits pie. The Bill says the amendment “may entail additional expenditure on account of benefits to be provided to persons belonging to the said [four] communities”.
Gujjar-Bakerwal leaders are especially agitated with the proposed ST status for Paharis and Paddaris.
Gadda Brahmins and Kolis are very small communities. Gadda Brahmins are a branch of the Gaddis while Kolis are a sub-caste of Sippis, and both these communities are already in the ST list.

PAHARI ETHNIC GROUP

The Paharis are Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, and people of Kashmiri origin who settled in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
In 1989, the J&K government recommended that Paharis should be included in the list of STs along with the Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis, and Sippis.
It was rejected on the ground that there was no caste/ tribe of that name in its records.
An Advisory Board was setup for Development of Pahari Speaking People. The Board defined Paharis as all people living in Rajouri and Poonch except those who were STs.
The Paharis finally got 4% reservation in jobs and educational institutions in 2019.
Justice G D Sharma Commission was appointed which recommended ST status for Gadda Brahmins, Kolis, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group.
The report was sent to the Tribal Affairs Ministry, and the Registrar General approved it in 2022.

PADDARI TRIBE

They live in the remote Paddar area of the hilly Kishtwar district, which is spread over two tehsils, the Paddari homeland borders Zanskar (Ladakh) in the north and the east, Pangi in Himachal Pradesh in the south, and the rest of J&K in the west.
The 2011 census recorded the Paddari population at 21,548, comprising 83.6% Hindus, 9.5% Buddhists, and 6.8% Muslims.
The people of the area, including those who have come from elsewhere to settle there, speak the Paddari language.
Gujjar-Bakerwal opposition to the proposed inclusion of the Paddari Tribe in the ST list is based on the argument that they do not constitute a single ethic group but are a mix of individuals from different castes and religions who speak a particular language.
Justice G D Sharma Commission recommended ST status for Paddari Tribe.

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES (NCST)

It was established by amending Article 338 and inserting a new Article 338A 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), and (ii) the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) w.e.f.19 February 2004.
Consultations by the union and the states
Under Art. 338A: Union and every State Govt. to consult the Commission on all major Policy matters affecting Scheduled Tribes.

CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS FOR STs

EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL SAFEGUARDS

Art. 15(4) – Special provisions for advancement of other backward classes (which includes STs).
Art. 29 – Protection of Interests of Minorities (which includes STs).
Art. 46 – The State shall promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and, of the Scheduled Castes, and the Scheduled Tribes, and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
Art. 350 – Right to conserve distinct Language, Script, or Culture.
Art. 350 – Instruction in Mother Tongue.
SOCIAL SAFEGUARD
Art. 23 – Prohibition of traffic in human beings and beggar and other similar form of forced labour.
Art. 24 – Forbidding Child Labour.
ECONOMIC SAFEGUARDS
Art.244 – Clause (1) Provisions of Fifth Schedule shall apply to the administration & control of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State other than the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura which are covered under Sixth Schedule, under Clause (2) of this Article.
Art. 275 – Grants in-Aid to specified States (STs &SAs) covered under Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution.
POLITICAL SAFEGUARDS
Art.164 (1) – Provides for Tribal Affairs Ministers in Bihar, MP, and Orissa.
Art. 330 – Reservation of seats for STs in Lok Sabha.
Art. 332 – Reservation of seats for STs in State Legislatures.
Art. 334 – 10 years period for reservation (Amended several times to extend the period.
Art. 243 – Reservation of seats in Panchayats.
Art. 371 – Special provisions in respect of NE States and Sikkim.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/who-are-the-paharis-and-paddaris-proposed-for-st-status-in-jk-8870220/

5. SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES (OBCs)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Over the years, a perception has taken root that only a few affluent communities among all the OBCs have benefited from the quota. There is an argument that a “sub-categorisation” of OBCs quotas within the 27% quota is needed in order to ensure “equitable distribution” of the benefits of reservation.

EXPLANATION:

Commission set up to examine the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has submitted its report to the President.
The Commission consisted of four-members was headed by Justice G Rohini, a retired Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.
The commission was tasked with suggesting corrective actions regarding the benefits available under the 27% quota for OBCs cornered by a few castes.

NEED FOR SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OBCS

OBCs get 27% reservation in central government jobs and admission to educational institutions.
There are more than 2,600 entries in the Central List of OBCs.
Few affluent communities among all have benefited from the quota.
Sub-categorisation of OBCs (quotas within the 27% quota) is needed to ensure “equitable distribution” of the benefits of reservation.
Justice Rohini Commissionwas examined the matter, intervened in the sub-categorisation debate, and ruled that the 2005 decision of ‘E V Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh’ must be revisited.
‘Chinnaiah’ had held that no special sub-quota can be introduced within the quota for SCs and STs for the benefit of castes or tribes that were more backward than the others on these lists.

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE ROHINI COMMISSION

The commission’s brief was originally to:
Examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities.
Work out the mechanism, criteria, norms, and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs.
To identifying the respective castes or communities in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.
The commission wrote to the government that it had noted several ambiguities in the list and recommended for the rectification before the sub-categorised central list is prepared.

FINDINGS OF THE COMMISSION

The commission analysed the data of 1.3 lakh central government jobs under the OBC quota over the preceding five years.
They also analysed OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, including universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs and AIIMS, over the preceding three years.
The analysis showed 97% of all jobs and education seats have gone to 25% of OBC castes.
95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities.
37% of the total 983 OBC communities were found to have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions.
994 OBC sub-castes had a representation of only 2.68% in recruitments and admissions.
This analysis suffered from limitations due to the absence of updated population data.

SOURCE:https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/rohini-panel-report-what-is-sub-categorisation-of-obc-8871628/

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (21st JULY 2023)

1. ZOMBIE FIRES

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Canada’s extreme wildfire season offers a glimpse of new risks in a warmer, drier future. As global temperatures rise, zombie fires are also spreading farther north and into the Arctic.

EXPLANATION:

Earlier, the blanket of wildfire smoke spread across large parts of the U.S. and Canada, signifying apocalyptic orange skies and air pollution levels.
These fires are not just burning in trees and grasses. New research on the exceptional Arctic fire seasons of 2019 and 2020 points to fires moving into the ground as well. These underground fires are known as “zombie fires”.
First, as the organic-rich Arctic soils dry up because of changing climate conditions, they can burn slowly and release vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere.
Second, soil fires that spread underground are harder for firefighters to tame and extinguish, thus demanding more resources for longer periods of time.
In areas where carbon-rich peatlands are common, people are dealing with fires smouldering to depths dozens of feet underground.
As these soil fires don’t die easily, as recent research finds that Arctic soil fires can smoulder through the winter and reignite during early spring when temperatures rise, hence the nickname “zombie fires.”

What is a zombie fire?

Most people picture wildfires as catastrophic flames consuming trees and grasses.
Zombie fires are ground fires that do not flame but burn more slowly and have the tendency to spread deep into the ground and spread laterally.
The result is that ground-smoldering fires are not only less visible, but they are also less accessible and require digging up and dousing with lots of water.
These smouldering fires also produce more smoke because of their lower temperature of combustion.
Ultra-fine particles in smoke are particularly harmful to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and can be carried far and wide by winds.
Because of the slow combustion process and the abundance of fuel in the form of carbon and oxygen, smouldering ground fires can also burn for months and sometimes years.
Some of these ground fires can become so massive that they release smoke plumes that cover vast geographical regions.
In 1997, peat fires in Indonesia sent dangerous levels of smoke across Southeast Asia and parts of Australia and increased carbon emissions. They were ignited by slash-and-burn activities to plant palm plantations and amplified by drought conditions during a severe El Niño event.

Reasons:

Wildfires have been a natural part of the northern forest and tundra ecosystems for thousands of years.
Rising temperature: The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification, i.e. the Arctic has already exceeded a 2 C (3.6 F) increase compared with pre-industrial times.
Changes in atmospheric circulation: It creates periods of extreme heat, dry out vegetation and reduces moisture in soils, and, importantly, leads to more frequent lightning strikes that can spark blazes.
Lightning: Although lightning remains infrequent at very high latitudes, it is expected to increase and expand over larger territories into the far north as the climate warms and generates more storms that can produce lightning. In 2022, thousands of lightning strikes helped spark one of Alaska’s worst fire seasons on record.
Peatleads: As the Arctic warms and fires move farther northward, peat soils rich in dead plant material burn at an accelerated rate. Northern ecosystems store twice as much carbon in their peat and permafrost as the atmosphere, and both are increasingly vulnerable to fire.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/-zombie-fires-in-the-arctic-canada-s-extreme-wildfire-season-offers-a-glimpse-of-new-risks-in-a-warmer-drier-future-90711

2. BACTERIOPHAGES

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: With antibiotic resistance rising, scientists think bacteriophages which hunt and kill bacteria could cure bacterial infections.

EXPLANATION:

Outbreaks of viral diseases, such as smallpox, influenza, HIV, and COVID-19, have killed billions and fundamentally shaped societies throughout human history.
But not all viruses are bad; similar to bacteria, “good” or “friendly” viruses can also be beneficial for health.
Scientists now talk of a virome which is all the different types of viruses that a human body hosts in bodies which contribute to health, much like the bacterial microbiome.
A person has 380 trillion virus particles living (or existing) in the body right now, i.e. 10 times more than the number of bacteria.
These viruses lurk in our lungs and blood, live on our skin and linger inside the microbes in our guts.
There are viruses that kill cancer cells and help break down tumours, others that train our immune system and help them fight pathogens and even some that control gene expression in pregnancy.

Bacteriophages: Anti-bacterial guard dogs

The vast majority of viruses inside us are bacteriophages which are the viruses that kill bacteria in our microbiomes.
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are harmless to human cells as they do not recognize them as their bacterial prey.

Mechanism of Bacteriophages:

They work by hunting down bacteria and attaching themselves to the surface of a bacterial cell before injecting viral DNA material into the cell.
The viral DNA then replicates inside the bacteria, sometimes by borrowing the DNA replication hardware of the bacteria.
Once enough new viruses have been created inside the bacterial cell, the cell then bursts to release the new viral particles.
All this takes just 30 minutes, meaning one virus can become many in a couple of hours.

Phage therapy:

The advantages of phages lie in their effectiveness against every multi-resistant pathogen. Phages are extremely precise in their elimination of bacterial strains that won’t disturb the gut microbiome, as is the case with antibiotics.
Phages could be a huge boon in our fight against antibacterial resistance.
Due to the scarcity of antibiotics in Soviet-era Russia, phages were used to treat bacterial infections, and their use has continued in countries like Georgia, Ukraine and Russia for decades.
However, Phage therapy must be precisely tailored to the bacteria that cause an infection in a patient, as bacteria do also develop resistance to phage therapies.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/bacteriophages-good-viruses-fight-bacteria-8848914/

3. WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INDEX (WEI) AND THE GLOBAL GENDER PARITY INDEX (GGPI)

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY; GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: According to a UN report, only 1% of women live in countries with high gender parity, and female empowerment. In India, women empowerment, gender parity was found to be ‘low’ despite ‘medium’ human development.

EXPLANATION:

They are a first-of-its-kind report that presents a comprehensive analysis of the progress made in the human development of women and girls was jointly created by two UN agencies, i.e. UN Women and UN Development Programme.
The bodies collated data from 114 countries and analysed them based on the twin indices of the Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) and the Global Gender Parity Index (GGPI).
This report highlights the global challenges faced by women and provides a roadmap for targeted interventions and policy reforms. The report introduces two new indices:
The Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) measures women’s power and freedom to make choices.
The Global Gender Parity Index (GGPI) evaluates the status of women relative to men in core dimensions of human development and exposes gaps in parity between women and men.
Combined, these indices offer a comprehensive assessment of countries’ progress in achieving gender equality.
The WEI focuses solely on women, measuring their power and freedom to make choices and seize opportunities in life.

Findings of the report:

According to the report by the United Nations, only an abysmal 1% of women across the world live in countries that have managed to achieve both high women empowerment and gender parity.
The report noted leadership roles and decision-making still mostly lie with men and are unavailable to women.
As per WEI, on average, women are empowered to achieve only 60 per cent of their full potential.
As measured by the GGPI, women were also found to achieve 28 per cent less than men across key human development dimensions.
None of the 114 countries analysed achieved full women’s empowerment or complete gender parity.
More than 90 per cent of the global population of women live in countries with low or middle women’s empowerment and low or middle performance in achieving gender parity.
In India, women’s empowerment and gender parity were both found to be ‘low’, although it was assessed to be in the ‘medium’ category in terms of human development.
It was found that about 8 per cent of women and girls live in countries with low or middle women’s empowerment but high performance in achieving gender parity.
The report identified areas where comprehensive policy action is needed:

Health policies: Support and promote long and healthy lives for all, with a focus on universal access to sexual and reproductive health
Equality in education: Address gaps in skills and quality of education, especially in fields such as STEM, to empower women and girls in the digital age
Work-life balance and support for families: Invest in policies and services that address work-life balance, including affordable quality childcare services, parental leave schemes, and flexible working arrangements
Women’s equal participation: Set targets and action plans for achieving gender parity in all spheres of public life and eliminate discriminatory laws and regulations that hold women back
Violence against women: Implement comprehensive measures focused on prevention, changing social norms, and eliminating discriminatory laws and policies

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INDEX (WEI)

The WEI is a composite index designed to measure progress in the multi-dimensional aspects of women’s empowerment.
Empowerment is considered a factor of both women’s achievements as well as of gender parity with men.
WEI measures progress on women’s empowerment by aggregating results across five key areas (or “domains”). Each domain is comprised of a series of metrics (or “indicators”) which quantifies performance in this domain.

THE GLOBAL GENDER PARITY INDEX (GGPI)

It is a socioeconomic index usually designed to measure the human development of males and females.
It measures attempts to eliminate gender disparities and emphasizes the plight of girls with unequal access in third-world countries.
It is often used in order to identify nations and regions that are in need of economic development and equality.
For any development indicator, one can define the GPI relative to this indicator by dividing its value for females by its value for males.
A GPI value less than one is an indication that gender parity favours males, while a GPI value greater than one designates that gender parity is in favour of females.
The closer a GPI is to one, the closer a country is to achieving equality of access between males and females. A nation is said to have achieved gender parity when its GPI value falls within the range of 0.97 and 1.03.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/world/only-1-women-live-in-countries-with-high-gender-parity-female-empowerment-un-report-90685

4. U.S.-INDIA STRATEGIC CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP (SCEP)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS; GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: India and the US emphasized the need for joint action and collaboration to navigate the global energy transition during the Ministerial meeting of the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP).

EXPLANATION:

Highlights of the meeting:

A joint statement said that both sides renewed their commitment to work towards a just, orderly and sustainable energy transition, which prioritizes access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy supply.
The statement said that during the meeting, both the countries noted the growing importance of bilateral energy cooperation between the countries while underscoring the critical importance of bilateral clean energy engagement.
They highlight the achievements of the SCEP in strengthening energy security, creating opportunities for clean energy innovation, addressing climate change and creating employment generation opportunities.
They reviewed the mandates of SCEP, which over the years has deepened collaboration across a wide breadth of clean energy work streams, including clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, and increased collaboration in emerging technologies.
Both sides recognised the importance of producing green/clean hydrogen as a critical energy source for global decarbonisation and agreed to support each other’s national hydrogen missions.
The sides also acknowledged that successfully achieving ambitious climate and clean energy aspirations necessitates coordinated efforts on development of energy transition roadmaps, capacity building, job skilling, and sharing of best practices at all levels of government.
In that context, the sides agreed to work toward development of net zero villages in India to support the clean energy transition.”

Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP):

A high-level U.S.- India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership was announced jointly by the Indian Prime Minister and US President on the margins of the April 2021 Leaders’ Summit on Climate.
It aims to advance shared climate and clean energy goals.
The Agenda 2030 Partnership includes two tracks in the form of the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue.
The SCEP was earlier established as the Strategic Energy Partnership in 2018 and had replaced the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue, the previous intergovernmental engagement for energy cooperation.
The SCEP advances energy security and innovation with greater emphasis on electrification and decarbonization of processes and end uses, scaling up emerging clean energy technologies while finding solutions for hard-to decarbonize sectors.
Engagement with the private sector and other stakeholders will remain a priority.

The Strategic Clean Energy Partnership’s Renewable Energy Pillar objectives are aligned to drive faster deployment of renewable energy for inclusive and resilient development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities.
The overarching goal is to enhance equitable economic development, universal energy access, and energy security in India, with broader benefits through South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region as a whole.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/india-us-stress-on-joint-action-for-global-energy-transition-11689709121376.html

5. BURA CHAPORI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, in Assam’s Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, violence erupted, leaving one woman, Rahima Khatun, dead and six others, including three forest guards, injured.

EXPLANATION:

The picturesque location first made news in February,2023 when it was at the centre of a massive eviction exercise during which the forest department cleared 1,282 hectares of land where more than 2,000 people had set up homes.

Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a protected area located in the state of Assam in India. It is located in Sonipat district, 40 km from Tezpur town and 181 km away from Guwahati.
This wildlife sanctuary covers 44.06 km2 on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River.
The area was declared a Reserved forest in 1974; it became a sanctuary in 1995.
It comprises of a mosaic of wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems.
It forms an integral part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem and is a notified buffer of the Kaziranga Tiger reserve.

Biodiversity

This sanctuary is home to the different mammals. Reptiles and fish are also found here.
Mammals: Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and elephants.
Several wetlands within the wildlife sanctuary also make it an ideal breeding place for several species of migratory birds during the winter season.
Bird: Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Open billed Stork, Teal, and Whistling Duck among others.
The grassland is also rich in various kinds of medicinal herbs and plants.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-assam-eviction-flare-up-leaves-mother-of-2-dead-what-was-the-need-to-shoot-8847244/

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (12th JULY 2023)

1. NARI ADALAT

TAG: GS 2: JUDICIARY

THE CONTEXT: The Centre is launching a unique initiative of setting up women-only courts at the village level as an alternate dispute resolution forum for issues like domestic violence, property rights and countering the patriarchal system.

EXPLANATION:

The scheme would be launched on a pilot basis in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir from August and would be extended to the rest of the country over the next six months.
The Nari Adalat though does not hold any legal status.
This platform leverages their potential as advisers and leaders within their communities, functioning as a pressure group.
The Nari Adalat of each village would have 7-9 members, half of which would be the elected members of the gram panchayat and the other half women like teachers, doctors and social workers would be nominated by the villagers.
It will cater to individual cases of all women and girls who require assistance or have grievances within the local community.
Its main functions include raising awareness about the government schemes and legal rights and entitlements of women and resolving cases falling within its jurisdiction.
The services provided will include alternate dispute resolution and grievance redressal, counselling, evidence-based decision making, pressure group tactics, negotiation, mediation among others.
Additionally, the platform will engage with citizens, promoting awareness about women’s rights, legal opinions, various schemes and collecting public feedback.
Members known as Nyaya Sakhis or legal friends will be nominated or selected by the gram panchayat. The head of Nari Adalat called the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi or chief legal friend will be chosen among the Nyay Sakhis. The tenure of the head will be generally six months after which a new one will be selected.
The scheme would be run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, which is dedicated to strengthening women’s safety, security and empowerment.
The implementation process will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development and Common Service Centers operated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information technology.
The matters redressed through these Lok Adalats are related to family affairs, matrimonial disputes, bigamy, succession, and motor vehicle accident disputes related to labour.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):

The concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism is capable of providing a substitute to the conventional methods of resolving disputes.
ADR offers to resolve all type of matters including civil, commercial, industrial and family etc., where people are not being able to start any type of negotiation and reach the settlement.
Generally, ADR uses neutral third party who helps the parties to communicate, discuss the differences and resolve the dispute.
It is a method which enables individuals and group to maintain co-operation, social order and provides opportunity to reduce hostility.

Few important provisions related to ADR:

The Acts which deals with Alternative Dispute Resolution are Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and, The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987
Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 provides elements of settlement outside the court and refers to methods as : Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation or Lok Adalat.

Lok Adalat:

Lok Adalat is called ‘People’s Court’ presided over by a sitting or retired judicial officer, social activists or members of Legal profession as the chairman.
National Legal Service Authority(NALSA) along with other Legal Services Institutions conducts Lok Adalats on regular intervals for exercising such jurisdiction.
Any case pending in regular court or any dispute which has not been brought before any court of law can be referred to Lok Adalat.
There is no court fees and rigid procedure followed, which makes the process fast.

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996: This Act unites and manages the laws associated with domestic arbitration, international business arbitration, and the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. It also defines the law related to conciliation

The Legal Services Authority Act, 1987: The Act envisions that no one will be denied access to justice because of disability or economic reasons, and aims to educate the public about the law, offer free legal aid, and establish Lok Adalats.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coming-women-only-courts-for-alternative-dispute-resolution/article67053956.ece

2. OUTCOMES OF THE RECENT GST COUNCIL MEETING

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY; GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, 50^th meeting of GST council took place in which decision to levy a uniform 28 per cent tax on full face value for online gaming, casinos and horse-racing among others were taken.

EXPLANATION:

Highlights of the meeting:

Decision taken to levy a uniform 28% tax on full face value for online gaming, casinos and horse-racing to align it with the regulation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Tax on online gaming companies would be imposed without making any differentiation based on whether the games required skill or were based on chance.
There will be an amendment to Schedule III of the GST Act and bringing in online gaming into the actionable claim list. However, betting, gambling and lottery are already in it and online gaming and horse racing will be included also into it.
Decision was taken to reduce the rate for uncooked/ unfried snack pellets and imitation zari thread.
The GST Council exempted GST on import of cancer drug Dinutuximab, and food used in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), along with satellite launch services provided by private operators.
Food and beverages consumed in cinema halls will attract a GST of 5 per cent, equivalent to the levy charged in hotels and restaurants, instead of 18 per cent which was being charged by many cinema halls for composite food packages.
The Council also recommended setting up of mechanism for appellate tribunals .
Demands for state-wise benches were presented by various states, and the Council approved setting up of as many as 40 benches in phases.
The definition of utility vehicles has been tweaked to allow the levy of 22 per cent cess over and above the 28 per cent GST rate.

GST Council

GST council was established under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution.
It serves as the apex committee responsible for recommending modifications, reconciliations, and exemptions related to GST.

Objectives of GST Council

To ensure a smooth implementation of the GST, regulate the goods and services tax regime in India.
To harmonize tax laws across states, to simplify the tax structure, eliminate cascading taxes, and reduce compliance costs.
To monitor all the taxation processes to avoid fraudulent processes.

Regulation of Online gaming in India:

IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023) enacted for online gaming regulations:

It mark an important milestone for the Indian online gaming industry.
It contains rules for safeguarding Indian gamers and their funds against online scams and frauds,.
It aims to encourage responsible gaming, and protect young and vulnerable users against online abuse and indecency.
It has introduced the following concepts:
Permissible online game: This includes permissible online real money games and all other online games which are not real money games.
Permissible online real money game: This includes only such games which have been verified by a self-regulatory body (“SRB”)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/gst-council-impose-28-per-cent-tax-online-gaming-firms-8827305/

3. MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI)

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY; GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: As per UNDP Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), 415 million Indians came out of multidimensional poverty in 15 years. The UN report noted that deprivation in all indicators declined in India.

EXPLANATION:

Highlights of the index:

The UN report noted that deprivation in all indicators declined in India and “the poorest States and groups, including children and people in disadvantaged caste groups, had the fastest absolute progress.
A total of 415 million people moved out of poverty in India within just 15 years from 2005-2006 to 2019-2021 highlighting the remarkable achievement by the world’s most populous nation.
It said that 25 countries, including India, successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years, showing that rapid progress is attainable. These countries include Cambodia, China, Congo, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia, and Vietnam.
According to the report, people who are multidimensionally poor and deprived under the nutrition indicator in India declined from 44.3% in 2005/2006 to 11.8% in 2019/2021, and child mortality fell from 4.5% to 1.5%.
Those who are poor and deprived of cooking fuel fell from 52.9% to 13.9% and those deprived of sanitation fell from 50.4% in 2005/2006 to 11.3% in 2019/2021.
In the drinking water indicator, the percentage of people who are multidimensionally poor and deprived fell from 16.4 to 2.7 during the period, electricity (from 29% to 2.1%) and housing from 44.9% to 13.6%.
According to the 2023 release, 1.1 billion out of 6.1 billion people (just more than 18%) live in acute multidimensional poverty across 110 countries. Sub-Saharan Africa (534 million) and South Asia (389 million) are home to approximately five out of every six poor people.
Nearly two-thirds of all poor people (730 million people) live in middle-income countries, making action in these countries vital for reducing global poverty. Although low-income countries constitute only 10% of the population included in the MPI, these are where 35% of all poor people reside.

The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

It was developed in 2010 by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme .
The Global MPI is released annually by UNDP and OPHI.
The MPI is published along with the Human Development Index (HDI) in the Human Development Report.
It measures poverty uses health, education and standard of living indicators to determine the incidence and intensity of poverty experienced by a population. It has since been used to measure acute poverty across over 100 developing countries.
The global MPI monitors poverty reduction and informs policy, showing how people experience poverty in different aspects of their daily lives from access to education and health to living standards such as housing, drinking water, sanitation and electricity.
The MPI as a poverty index can be pictured as a stacked tower of the interlinked deprivations experienced by poor individuals, with the aim of eliminating these deprivations.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-registers-remarkable-reduction-in-poverty-with-415-million-people-coming-out-of-it-in-15-years-united-nations/article67066698.ece

4. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: Supreme Court asks ED chief to quit; but upholds amendments

Bench holds that back-to-back service extensions given to the ED chief in 2021 and 2022 were both invalid and illegal; it however, gave him time till July 31 to quit office for “smooth transition

EXPLANATION:

What is the issue?

The Supreme Court asked Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director to quit four months before his third extension ends. However, court upheld statutory amendments which facilitate the tenures of Directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the ED to be stretched piecemeal.
CBI and ED chiefs have fixed tenures of two years. However, amendments enacted in 2021 to the Central Vigilance Commission Act, the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act and the Fundamental Rules allow them a maximum three annual extensions.
Earlier the court had directed the government to stop giving extensions which was overruled by the government through amendments.
By upholding the 2021 amendments, the court disagreed with the submissions made by its own amicus curiae, which had urged the court to strike down the amendments. As the amendments went against the very principle of insulating the Central investigative agencies from government pressure.

High Level Committees

2021 amendments require High Level Committees to recommend the officers for service extensions.
A five-member panel composed of the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Vigilance Commissioners had to recommend if an ED Director was worthy of an extension in service.
In case of the CBI Director, a High-Level Committee of the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and the Chief Justice of India had to recommend.
Besides, the committees were required to record reasons in writing in support of their recommendations.
The court further said the 2021 amendments were enacted by the Parliament. They could not be declared unconstitutional lightly.

Enforcement Directorate (ED):

The Directorate of Enforcement is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated with investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
It functions under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance.
ED with its headquarters at New Delhi, is headed by the Director of Enforcement.
The statutory functions of the Directorate include enforcement of following Acts:

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA): It is a criminal law enacted to prevent money laundering and to provide for confiscation of property derived from, or involved in, money-laundering. ED has been given the responsibility to enforce the provisions of the PMLA by conducting investigation to trace the assets derived from proceeds of crime.
The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA): It is a civil law enacted to consolidate and amend the laws relating to facilitate external trade and payments and to and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India. ED has been given the responsibility to conduct investigation into suspected contraventions of foreign exchange laws and regulations.
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA): This law was enacted to deter economic offenders from evading the process of Indian law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts. It is a law whereby Directorate is mandated to attach the properties of the fugitive economic offenders and provide for the confiscation of their properties to the Central Government.
Sponsoring agency under COFEPOSA: Under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA), this Directorate is empowered to sponsor cases of preventive detention with regard to contraventions of FEMA.

Directorate of Enforcement

Recruitment of the officers is done directly and by drawing officers from other investigation agencies.
It comprises officers of IRS (Indian Revenue Services), IPS (Indian Police Services) and IAS (Indian Administrative Services) and others.
The tenure of the Director is fixed for two years, but can be extended from two to five years by giving three annual extensions.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-holds-piecemeal-extensions-given-to-ed-director-illegal-invalid-in-law/article67067194.ece

5. GREEN WASHING AND THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT.

THE CONTEXT: Recently proposed Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, is leading to complex challenges of greenwashing as various concerns have been raised by environmentalist against the provisions of the bill.

EXPLANATION:

Industrialisation inevitably means usurping greater tracts of forest land and ecosystems, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has been the legislation that has empowered the state to regulate this and impose costs on such industrial exploitation.
However, India’s forest cover has seen only marginal increases, as biennial reports of the Forest Survey of India illustrate.
Growth in forest cover inside officially recorded forests is stagnant, or at best incremental. It is tree cover in orchards, plantations and village homesteads that has been on the rise and supplementing India’s claim that 24% of its area is under forest and tree cover.
India has committed to increasing this number to 33% and adding a carbon sink of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide this way, by 2030, as part of its international climate commitments.
The existing Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 was insufficient for these ends, as it did not incentivise private agro-forestry and tree plantation activities.

Provision of the Forest (conservation) Amendment bill, 2023:

The Bill amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to make it applicable to certain types of land. These include land notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or in government records after the 1980 Act came into effect.
The Act will not be applicable for land converted to non-forest use before December 12, 1996.
It also exempts certain types of land from the purview of the Act. These include land within 100 km of India’s border needed for national security projects, small roadside amenities, and public roads leading to a habitation.
The state government requires prior approval of the central government to assign any forest land to a private entity. The Bill extends this to all entities, and allows the assignment to be made on terms and conditions specified by the central government.
The Act specifies some activities that can be carried out in forests, such as establishing check posts, fencing, and bridges. The Bill also allows running zoos, safaris and eco-tourism facilities.
Forest land authorised by States for non-forestry uses between 1980-1996 would not come under the provisions of the Act.
The amendments effectively mean States can no longer classify unclassified forest land, or patches of trees with forest-like characteristics as ‘forest land’.
The amendments also allow forest land, up to 100 km near India’s borders, to be appropriated, without central approval, for “strategic and security” purposes.

Need of the bill:

The aim is to bring clarity to the country’s forest conservation law by increased provisions and guidelines.
It aims to increase the forest area and to achieve 33% under forest area and adding a carbon sink of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide this way, by 2030,
Certain exemptions under act can fast-track strategic and security-related projects.

Criticism of the bill:

There are no specific conditions laid by the environment ministry for outrightly denying permission for deforestation for development projects.
The amendment Bill, instead of completing the demarcation process on the ground, seeks to limit the applicability of the FC Act only to land recorded as ‘forest’.
The amendment also proposes to redefine the ambit of “non-forest purpose” exemptions. This allows enumerated activities to be carried out on the forest land without prior approval of the central government.

Green Washing

It is a term used to describe a false, misleading action or set of claims made by an organization about the positive impact that a company, product or service has on the environment.
It was first coined in 1986 by environmentalist Jay Westerveld .
In an era where increasing numbers of consumers as well as governments are interested in taking environmentally responsible actions, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives in companies.
The need to demonstrate ESG efforts has led to many organizations making environmental claims that have turned out to be greenwashing.

How the Bill leads to green washing?

The Bill removes the mandatory central government approval for diversion of forests in certain cases and a blanket exemption for projects like zoos, eco-tourism facilities, and reconnaissance surveys has been proposed. Such activities will disturb the forest and end up bringing down the total green cover.
The proposed exemptions leave the Center with a lot of discretionary authority and fewer projects will need to seek forest clearance. It will also assist developers in obtaining necessary forest clerances.
Therefore, these amendments do not really contribute to regenerating natural forest, but rather incentivise afforestation for commercial ends.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/green-washing-the-hindu-editorial-on-amendments-and-the-forest-conservation-amendment-bill-2023/article67067924.ece

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (11th JULY 2023)

1. HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY AND UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY, GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Law Commission of India has recently initiated a fresh deliberation on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and solicited public views on the same. This has resulted in a debate over the institution of Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and its separate treatment under the tax laws of the country.

EXPLANATION:

Hindu Undivided Family and its tax structure:

The concept of HUF is closely tied to the concepts of joint family and coparcenary. This is unique to Hindu personal law (deemed to include Jains, Buddhists & Sikhs).
The existence of the Hindu Undivided Family as a legal entity is based on an acknowledgment of local customs during the British Raj.
The HUF was seen as an institution which operated on a strong sense of blood ties and kinship, with a view to jointly exercise control over familial property among Hindu families.
It gave way for family business arrangements to be based on Hindu personal laws rather than contractual arrangements.
HUF as a legal entity has always portrayed a dual identity one of a family-backed institution and the other of an income-generating entity, solely for the purposes of maintenance of the family.

Tax structure related to HUF:

As per the Income Tax provisions, the HUF is a family which consists of all persons lineally descended from a common ancestor and includes their wives and unmarried daughters.
A HUF has its own Permanent Account Number (PAN) and files tax returns independent of members.
The HUF consists of the ‘karta’ typically the eldest male member of the family with others in the family being coparceners. The ‘karta’ manages the day-to-day affairs of the HUF. Children are coparceners of their father’s HUF.
Income Tax Act, 1886 which specifically recognised the HUF under the term “person”.
When the income tax regime was overhauled in 1922, the idea of the HUF as a distinct category of tax payer was incorporated into the law. The Income Tax Act, 1922 formed the basis of the post-independence Income Tax Act, 1961, which is currently in force and recognises the HUF as a person under Section 2(31)(ii)

How Hindu Undivided Families receive beneficial tax treatment

From 1922 to 1961, there was a practice of granting an additional exemption limit to the HUF when compared with other forms of taxpayers (including individuals).
This resulted in the HUF paying lesser tax than other similarly placed taxpayers, despite earning the income in the same manner as others. This preferential exemption regime was done away with under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The institution of the HUF as a separate tax entity provides an avenue for Hindu families to reduce their tax burden in a number of ways.
Lastly, Section 10(2) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 provides that any sum received by an individual as a member of the HUF out of the HUF income is not to be included in her total income.
Additionally, the HUF is entitled to claim expenses, exemptions and several deductions from its taxable income. This further reduces the tax burden of a Hindu family.

Impacts of Uniform Civil Code on Hindu Undivided Family:

Granting an additional tax treatment which lowers the tax burden only on the basis of religion is arbitrary and contradict Article 14 of the Constitution.
If the UCC is ultimately implemented, the concept of HUF is tend to be dismissed.
This may need an amendment in the Income Tax Act on the similar line as contained in the “Kerala Joint Hindu Family System (Abolition) Act, 1975” which provided that all the institutions of HUF will not be recognised in the state of Kerala.
So, not only the provisions about the rights of persons taking birth after coming into force of UCC but also provisions about the existing joint family will have to be made either under the UCC or under the Income Tax Laws.
The law may provide that all the assets of erstwhile HUF shall be deemed to have been divided and distributed amongst all the members who are entitled to get a share in the assets of the HUF.
The properties cannot be divided in pieces, a deemed partition would be assumed and all the members shall hold the immovable property as tenant in common and a member will become a full-fledged owner for his share of the joint family property.

UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

In India the purpose of Uniform Civil code is to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in the country with a common set of rules governing every citizen.

Indian constitution on uniform civil code:

A uniform civil code will mean a set of common personal laws for all citizens. Currently, for example, there are different personal laws for Hindus and Muslims. Personal law covers property, marriage and divorce, inheritance and succession.
Article 44 of the Constitution calls upon the State to endeavour towards securing a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
It falls within Part IV of the Constitution titled as Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and states that The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
There are a number of cases where the Supreme Court has referred to Article 44 and the concept of uniform civil code, mainly to highlight the monotonous attitude of the executive and the legislature in the implementation of the directive.

International scenario on uniform civil code:

Israel, Japan, France and Russia are strong today because of their sense of oneness which we have yet to develop and propagate.
Virtually all countries have uniform civil code or for that matter uniform law- civil or criminal.
The European nations and US have a secular law that applies equally and uniformly to all citizens irrespective of their religion.
The Islamic countries have a uniform law based on shariah which applies to all individuals irrespective of their religion.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/expert-explains-hindu-undivided-family-ucc-8823492/

2. CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Chandrayaan-3 will be the world’s first mission to soft-land near the lunar south pole. All the previous spacecrafts have landed a few degrees latitude north or south of the lunar equator.

EXPLANATION:

Chandrayan-3 is set to be launched from Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota as, India’s third lunar mission.
It is a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission, which partially failed after its lander and rover couldn’t execute a soft-landing on the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3 will reach the lunar orbit almost a month after its launch, and its lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyaan, are likely to land on the Moon.
Notably, the landing site of the latest mission is more or less the same as the Chandrayaan-2e near the south pole of the moon at 70 degrees latitude.
The furthest that any spacecraft has gone from the equator was Surveyor 7, launched by NASA, which made a moon landing way back in 1968. This spacecraft landed near 40 degrees south latitude.

Why hasn’t any spacecraft ever landed near the lunar south pole?

Most of the landings on the Moon so far have happened in the equatorial region.
Even China’s Chang’e 4, which became the first spacecraft to land on the far side of the moon the side that does not face the earth landed near the 45-degree latitude.
It is easier and safer to land near the equator. The terrain and temperature are more hospitable and conducive for a long and sustained operation of instruments.
The surface here is even and smooth, very steep slopes are almost absent, and there are fewer hills or craters.
Sunlight is present in abundance, at least on the side facing the earth, thus offering a regular supply of energy to solar-powered instruments.
The polar regions of the Moon, however, are a very different, and difficult, terrain. Many parts lie in a completely dark region where sunlight never reaches, and temperatures can go below 230 degrees Celsius.
Lack of sunlight and extremely low temperatures create difficulty in the operation of instruments. In addition, there are large craters all over the place, ranging from a few centimetres in size to those extending to several thousands of kilometres.

Why do scientists want to explore the lunar south pole?

Due to their rugged environment, the polar regions of the Moon have remained unexplored.
There are indications of the presence of ice molecules in substantial amounts in the deep craters in this region.
India’s 2008 Chandrayaan-1 mission indicated the presence of water on the lunar surface with the help of its two instruments onboard.
In addition, the extremely cold temperatures here mean that anything trapped in the region would remain frozen in time, without undergoing much change. The rocks and soil in Moon’s north and south poles could therefore provide clues to the early Solar System.

Why don’t some parts of the lunar polar regions receive any sunlight?

Unlike the Earth, whose spin axis is tilted with respect to the plane of the Earth’s solar orbit by 23.5 degrees, the Moon’s axis tilts only 1.5 degrees. Because of this unique geometry, sunlight never shines on the floors of a number of craters near the lunar north and south poles. These areas are known as Permanently Shadowed Regions, or PSRs.
In a 2019 report, NASA said, “Water that happens to find its way into PSRs may remain there for long periods of time.
Data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon which measures temperatures across the Moon indicate that some surfaces are cold enough so that water is stable at the surface.

Chandrayaan mission of India:

Chandrayaan 1:

Chandrayaan-1 was the first lunar space probe of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
It found water on the Moon. It mapped the Moon in infrared, visible, and X-ray light from lunar orbit and used reflected radiation to prospect for various elements, minerals, and ice.
It was launched in 2008 by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle launched, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island, Andhra Pradesh state.
It launched a small craft, the Moon Impact Probe (MIP), that was designed to test systems for future landings and study the thin lunar atmosphere before crashing on the Moon’s surface.
MIP impacted near the south pole, but, before it crashed, it discovered small amounts of water in the Moon’s atmosphere.

Chandrayaan 2:

Chandrayaan-2 launched in, 2019, from Sriharikota by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.
The spacecraft consisted of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. The orbiter will circle the Moon in a polar orbit for one year at a height of 100 km.
The mission’s Vikram lander was planned to land in the south polar region where water ice could be found under the surface.
Vikram carried the small Pragyan rover. Both Vikram and Pragyan were designed to operate for 1 lunar day (14 Earth days).
India would have been the fourth country to have landed a spacecraft on the Moon after the United States, Russia, and China if landed properly.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/chandrayaan-3-moon-south-pole-significance-8823703/

3. BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEVs)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Battery electric vehicles are at the heart of the government’s push for net zero. As it is clear that electrification is the future, the roadmap to achieve the same is not so clear.

EXPLANATION:

The EVs that qualify for a clear upfront tax incentive are the ones referred to as BEVs.
India’s electric mobility plan is largely focussed on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with Li-ion seen as the most viable battery option for now.

Issues in BEV push:

Upfront Subsidy: There is need of an elaborate system of incentives as the electric push works only if it is backed by state subsidies.
Charging network: A World Bank analysis found that investing in charging infrastructure is 4-7 times more effective in EV adoption than providing upfront purchase subsidies. There is need of development of infrastructure.
Value chain: There is need to diversify the country’s dependency on Li-ion batteries in the EV mix. India is almost entirely dependent on imports from a small pool of countries to cater to its demand as more than 90% of the global Li production is concentrated in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia alongside Australia and China.

New technologies

Hybrids: The hybrid technology is seen as a good intermediate step towards achieving the all-electric goal. Hybrids typically have improved fuel efficiency through electrification of the powertrain, but do not require the charging infrastructure base that is an essential for BEVs. However, hybrids too have the issue of Li-ion batteries being the main source, even though the self-charging mode obviates the need for charging points.
Ethanol & flex fuel: A flex fuel, or flexible fuel, vehicle has an internal combustion engine, but unlike a regular petrol or diesel vehicle, it can run on more than one type of fuel, or even a mixture of fuels such as petrol and ethanol.
FCEVs & Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are practically zero emission, but a major hurdle to their adoption has been the lack of fuelling station infrastructure.
Hydrogen Ice: Hydrogen Ice vehicles are similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, with a few tweaks to prep them to run on hydrogen.

Government Measures:

The Government of India is continuously showing its support to develop India as a global leader in the EV sector. Several schemes and incentives have been launched by the government to boost the demand for electric vehicles.
FAME-II: The FAME India initiative was launched in 2015 to reduce the usage of petrol and diesel automobiles. It aims to incentivize all types of vehicles. The four focus areas of the Fame India Scheme are as follows: Demand for technology, Pilot Projects, Technology development, Infrastructure for Charging.
The FAME II scheme: It was introduced in 2019 to drive greater adoption of EVs in India. The scheme was supposed to end in 2022. But now, In the budget for FY2022-23, the Government of India has decided to extend the FAME-II scheme till 31 March 2024.
PLI scheme: The Department of Heavy Industry launched the Production Linked Incentive for Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage (PLI-ACC Scheme). Its goal is to entice domestic and international investors to invest in India’s Giga scale ACC manufacturing facilities.
Special E-mobility Zone: The government plans to establish dedicated mobility zones for electric vehicles. Only electric vehicles or comparable vehicles will be permitted to operate in the zones identified by the administration. It will help curb overcrowding due to private vehicles.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/the-problem-with-battery-electric-vehicles-8822335/

4. INDIAN MONSOON

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Unceasing rains over the weekend have brought north India to its knees, with deluges, landslides, and waterlogging in cities due to western disturbances.

EXPLANATION:

The IMD said the intense rainfall over north India is because of an interaction between western disturbance and monsoonal winds.
The excessive rains in many parts of India in the first eight days of July have bridged the rainfall deficit for the entire country (243.2 mm, which is two per cent above the normal of 239.1 mm).

Monsoon in India:

Indian monsoon is the most prominent of the world’s monsoon systems, which primarily affects India and its surrounding water bodies.
It blows from the northeast during cooler months and reverses direction to blow from the southwest during the warmest months of the year. This process brings large amounts of rainfall to the region during June and July.
The southwest monsoon that starts around the first week of June, making the first landfall in Kerala. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year, as India receives 70-90 percent of its annual rainfall during this monsoon

Factors causing monsoon:

Location of India near equator
Frequent westerly winds occur at the surface almost constantly throughout the year
Jet streams
Westerly subtropical jet stream still controls the flow of air across northern India
Availability of energy in the atmosphere,
Intertropical convergence zone
Coriolis effect
Indian Ocean Dipole
Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation

Western Disturbances:

A western disturbance is an extratropical storm originating in the mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent
It extends as east as up to northern parts of Bangladesh and South eastern Nepal.
It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies.
It is global phenomena with moisture usually carried in the upper atmosphere, unlike their tropical counterparts where the moisture is carried in the lower atmosphere. In the case of the Indian subcontinent, moisture is sometimes shed as rain when the storm system encounters the Himalayas. Western disturbances are more frequent and stronger in the winter season.
Western disturbances are important for the development of the Rabi crop , which includes the locally important staple wheat.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/video/climate-change/incessant-rainfall-brings-north-india-to-its-knees-90513

5. LAMBANI EMBROIDERY

TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: As part of the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, a Guinness world record was created for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’.

EXPLANATION:

Over 450 women artisans and cultural practitioners from Lambani a nomadic community of Karnataka came together to create embroidered patches with GI-tagged Sandur Lambani embroidery.
The display titled ‘Threads of Unity’ celebrates the aesthetic expressions and design vocabulary of Lambani embroidery.

Lambani embroidery:

The Lambani embroidery is an intricate form of textile embellishment characterised by colourful threads, mirror-work and stitch patterns.
It is practised in several villages of Karnataka such as Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, Kadirampur, Sitaram Tanda, Bijapur and Kamalapur.
The Lambani craft tradition involves stitching together small pieces of discarded fabric to create a beautiful fabric.
The embroidery traditions of the Lambanis are shared in terms of technique and aesthetics with textile traditions across Eastern Europe, West, and Central Asia.
The Lambani embroidery is an amalgam of pattern darning, mirror work, cross stitch, and overlaid and quilting stitches with borders of “Kangura” patchwork appliqué, done on loosely woven dark blue or red handloom base fabric.
Lambani embroidery is commonly mistaken as Kutchi (Kachhi) embroidery because of mirror work, but shells and coins are unique to this type of embroidery. Also, the stitches used are different.
The 14 types of stitches used in Lambani embroidery are Kilan, Vele, Bakkya, Maki, Suryakanti Maki, Kans, Tera Dora, Kaudi, Relo, Gadri, Bhuriya, Pote, Jollya, Nakra. Products made with such embroidery have wonderful textures and a bohemian style, making them very popular with tourists.
A distinctive design range is its revival and use of local mud-resist handloom fabric, and the mirrors, shells and white ornamental trims that are a traditional part of Lambani as well as the Irikil saris of Dharwad-Hubli and other local fabrics.
Some of the villages around Hampi, where this craft is practiced are Kadirampur, Mariyammanahalli, Sitaram Tanda, Kamalapur, Keri Tanda.

Lambani community:

Lambani elsewhere known as “Banjaras”, originally came from Marwar are semi-nomadic people who reside mostly in Southern and Middle India.
As with many tribal groups, especially those with a nomadic heritage, there is a modern tendency to either isolate or assimilate.
The Lambani women practice a unique mirror and embroidery craft, which they mostly use for making their own traditional dresses or for giving to their daughters for their weddings.

About Hampi:

Hampi also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Vijayanagara district, east-central Karnataka.
It predates the Vijayanagara Empire and is an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple.
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It was a fortified city.
Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets.
Hampi and its nearby region remained a contested and fought-over region claimed by the local chiefs, the Hyderabad Muslim nizams, the Maratha Hindu kings, and Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan of Mysore through the 18th century.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-g20-meet-a-guinness-effort-to-shine-light-on-karnatakas-lambani-craft-8825059/

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (14th JUNE 2023)

1. GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX 2023

TAG: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Global Slavery Index 2023 have been recently released. According to it, on any given day in 2021, as many as 50 million people were living in “modern slavery”. Among these 50 million, 28 million suffer from forced labour and 22 million from forced marriages. Of these 50 million, 12 million are children. To be sure, the phrase “modern slavery” has a specific definition.

EXPLANATION:

What is modern slavery?

According to the index, “modern slavery” refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuses of power.
Modern slavery is an umbrella term and includes a whole variety of abuses such as forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, forced or servile marriage, and the sale and exploitation of children.
The schematic alongside provides a broad framework of what all modern slavery covers.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations also resolve to end modern slavery. Target 8.7 of the SDGs states: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.”

What is the Global Slavery Index?

The index presents a global picture of modern slavery. It is constructed by Walk Free, a human rights organisation and is based on data provided by the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, which, in turn, is produced by International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This is the fifth edition of the Global Slavery Index and is based on the 2022 estimates.
However, the initial estimates are regional and to arrive at country-wise estimates, the index uses several representative surveys.

What are the country-wise findings?

There are three sets of key findings.

The first looks at the prevalence of modern slavery. The prevalence refers to the incidence of modern slavery per 1000 population. On this count, the following 10 countries are the worst offenders: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Afghanistan, Kuwait.
These countries share some political, social, and economic characteristics, including limited protections for civil liberties and human rights,” states the index.
Following are the countries with the lowest prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Finland.
However, apart from prevalence, the index also calculates the countries hosting the maximum number of people living in modern slavery. Here the list is as follows: India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, United States.
Collectively, these countries account for nearly two in every three people living in modern slavery and over half the world’s population. Notably, six are G20 nations: India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Türkiye, and the US,” points out the index.

2. LEPTOSPIROSIS

TAG: GS 2: HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Leptospirosis is a disease that surges in the monsoon month. The disease is an occupational hazard for people working in agricultural settings. Its severity ranges from a mild flu-like illness to being life-threatening

EXPLANATION:

Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world today.
It is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease that tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding.
The disease is more prevalent in warm, humid countries and in both urban and rural areas.
However, the numbers at the global and regional levels aren’t exact because of misdiagnosis (its symptoms mimic those of dengue, malaria, and hepatitis), limited access to reliable diagnostics, lack of awareness among treating physicians, and lack of environmental surveillance.

What causes the disease?

The disease is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans, or leptospira. It is a contagious disease in animals but is occasionally transmitted to humans in certain environmental conditions.
The carriers of the disease can be either wild or domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs.
The cycle of disease transmission begins with the shedding of leptospira, usually in the urine of infected animals.
According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, infected animals can continue to excrete the bacteria into their surroundings for a few months, but sometimes up to several years.

Which people are at risk?

Humans become part of the cycle when they come in direct contact with this urine or indirectly, through soil and water that contain leptospira bacteria. A person is more likely to contract leptospirosis if they have cuts or abrasions on their skin.
The disease is also considered an occupational hazard for people working in agricultural settings, with animals, or in sanitary services that bring them into contact with contaminated water.
Recreational activities in contaminated lakes and rivers are also reported to increase the risk of leptospirosis.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

The severity of a leptospirosis infection ranges from a mild flu-like illness to being life-threatening.
The infection can affect many organs, reflecting the systemic nature of the disease. This is also why the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis are often mistaken for other diseases.
In milder cases, patients could experience a sudden onset of fever, chills, and headache – or no symptoms at all. But in severe cases, the disease can be characterised by the dysfunction of multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the brain.
Animals exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms and indications. In cattle and pigs, the disease can potentially cause reproductive failure, stillbirths, and weak calves or piglets. Dogs experience a range of symptoms, including fever, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, renal failure, and even death.

What are the misconceptions about leptospirosis?

Preventing leptospirosis requires appropriate and adequate health education, community health empowerment, and preventive habits.
The disease has been called “ili jwara” in Kannada and “eli pani” in Malayalam, both meaning “rat fever. This usage has fed the common belief that rats are the sole cause of the disease, which is not true.
Leptospirosis has a spectrum of reservoir hosts, including pigs, cattle, water buffaloes, goats, dogs, horses, and sheep. Further, seasonal patterns such as the onset of the monsoon can also potentially facilitate the disease’s incidence and transmission.
The incidence of the disease is also linked to extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes, when people are exposed to contaminated water.
Similarly, poor waste management, a high density of stray animals, faulty drainage systems, and unhygienic sanitation facilities are major drivers of the disease in urban areas. In rural parts, these are contaminated paddy fields, dirty livestock shelters, and poor water-quality and sanitation.

How can we prevent leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis control can benefit from a ‘One Health’ approach. ‘One Health’ is an interdisciplinary approach that recognises the interconnections between the health of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Preventing animals from getting infected is also important to reduce the risk of leptospirosis spreading and to limit farmers’ economic losses (when the disease causes reproductive failures in pigs and cattle). This in turn requires sanitary animal-keeping conditions, which is also desirable to improve the animals’ health and to prevent the spread of many diseases.
Given the spike in leptospirosis during the monsoons, it is best to take precautions, including washing one’s arms and legs with an antiseptic liquid after handling animal waste and after working in water.

3. NUTRIENT-BASED SUBSIDY (NBS)

TAG: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: CACP recommends Centre to bring urea under NBS regime to check overuse. Disproportionate use of urea in agriculture over the years has been one of the primary reasons for worsening plant nutrient imbalance

EXPLANATION:

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended the Centre to bring urea under the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) regime to address the problem of imbalanced use of nutrients.
According to CACP report, fertiliser response and efficiency has continuously declined over decades mainly due to imbalanced use of nutrients, deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients and depletion of soil organic carbon, while fertiliser subsidy has been rising.

Issue:

Urea does not come under NBS, which includes non-urea fertilisers like phosphorous and potassium.
Keeping urea out of NBS essentially means that the government has retained direct control over MRP of urea and its subsidy.
The MRPs of other fertilisers have been under indirect control by virtue of NBS policy.
Manufacturers of these fertilisers have the freedom to fix MRP within “reasonable limits”, and a fixed per-tonne subsidy linked to their nutrient content is given.
This has caused their MRPs to increase over the years, whereas urea’s price has remained unchanged. This has led to tilting of the usage of fertilisers in favour of urea because farmers have overused it, owing to its low pricing, thus resulting in deteriorating soil health.
India is one of the largest producers and consumers of fertilisers in the world, and fertiliser consumption has increased significantly over the years.

Nutrient-Based Subsidy(NBS) Scheme:

NBS scheme, which governs the subsidy on P&K fertilizers, has been instrumental in ensuring the availability of essential nutrients to farmers at subsidized prices since 1 April, 2010.
It aims at ensuring Nation’s food security, improving agricultural productivity and ensuring the balanced application of fertilizers.
NBS is applicable for Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP, 18-46-0), Muriate of Potash (MOP), Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP, 11-52-0), Triple Super Phosphate (TSP, 0-46-0), Single Super Phosphate (SSP, 0-16-0-11), Ammonium Sulphate (AS – (Caprolactum grade by GSFC and FACT) and 16 grades of complex fertilizers which. Primary nutrients, namely Nitrogen ‘N’, Phosphate ‘P’ and Potash ‘K’ and nutrient Sulphur ‘S’ contained in the fertilizers.
The government has now approved the revision in NBS rates to provide 25 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers during the rabi and kharif seasons.
This decision by the Cabinet brings two significant benefits. Firstly, it ensures the availability of diammonium phosphate DAP and other P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable, and reasonable prices during the Kharif season.
This will enable farmers to access essential fertilizers necessary for their agricultural activities. Secondly, the decision rationalizes the subsidy on P&K fertilizers, ensuring effective and efficient utilization of government resources.

4. CHILD TRAFFICKING

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: The United Nations World Day Against Child Labour 2023 emphasises how social injustices, such as poverty and lack of education, create precarious conditions for children.

EXPLANATION:

Child labour a form of modern slavery includes any work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that harms their physical or mental development, per the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition.
The practice includes, and is not limited to, trafficking, sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and exploitation in armed conflicts. 12% of those in forced labour are possibly children, ILO noted.
Child trafficking manifests in the form of domestic labour, forced child labour across industries, and illegal activities such as begging, organ trade and commercial sex purposes.
Eight children were trafficked every day in India in 2021 for labour, begging and sexual exploitation per data from the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
One such practice happens in the name of ‘khadama’, where girls go to Gulf countries to work as housemaids.
This data only includes confirmed cases of trafficking, which does not account for “missing children.” One child goes missing every eight minutes in India with millions ending up in domestic slavery, sex work and forced labour.
Global prevalence of child trafficking

Domestic work (21%)
Begging (10%)
Hospitality sector (7%)
Street and small-scale retail (6%)
Illicit activities (6%)
Agriculture (5%)
More than 40% of children trafficked were recruited by a family member or relative.

Status of India:

The 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the U.S. Department of State categorises India as Tier 2 in terms of progress. It implies that India “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.”
Countries in tier 2 are those where a) the estimated number of victims is very significant or is significantly increasing and the country is not taking proportional concrete actions; b) the country has failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat rising cases.
India doesn’t have a composite anti-trafficking law that addresses prevention, protection, rehabilitation and compensation of survivors. There are, however, separate regulations that address different crimes related to trafficking.

Laws governing anti-trafficking crimes

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA) is targeted at stopping immoral trafficking and sex work. It went through two amendments, in 1978 and 1986. Experts have criticised PITA for falsely presuming that all trafficking is done for sex work only, and say that it criminalises sex workers without providing sufficient legal recourse or scope for rehabilitation.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, prohibits and penalises the act of child marriage. In August 2021, the NGO Save the Children warned of a rise in child marriage and sexual abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prevents children from partaking in certain employments and regulates the conditions of work for children in other fields. In 2016, an amendment completely banned the employment of children below 14 years; adolescents aged 14-18 years are allowed to work in family-related businesses but not in fields that have “hazardous” working conditions.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, prohibits systems of labour where people, including children, work under conditions of servitude to pay off debt, and also provides a framework for rehabilitating released labourers.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, which governs laws relating to children alleged and found to be in conflict with law.
The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, makes commercial dealing in human organs a punishable offence.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which seeks to prevent commercial sexual exploitation of children.
India set up Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in 2007. AHTUs are tasked with “addressing the existing gaps in the law enforcement response,” “ensuring a victim-centric approach which ensures the ‘best interest of the victim/ survivor’ and prevents ‘secondary victimization/ re-victimisation of the victim,” and developing databases on traffickers.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, revised Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with buying and selling of any person as a slave, to include the concept of human trafficking. Two sections — 370 and 370A — form the framework “to provide a comprehensive definition of human trafficking and also provide for strict punishment,” the Ministry of Home Affairs noted.

What is the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill?

MWCD published the Draft Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill in June 2021, with 11 chapters detailing measures to prevent, protect and rehabilitate victims.
There are specified penalties for offences divided into “trafficking” and “aggravated trafficking”.
The Bill built upon its 2018 iteration: it widened the scope of “victims” to include transgender persons and others, introduced mechanisms for the prevention and rehabilitation of victims (such as providing shelter and food) and extended the framework to include cross-border trafficking cases.
The Bill proposes district- and State-level “anti-trafficking units” with designated police officers and a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau which looks after investigations involving two or more States. Investigations are required to be completed within 90 days of the offender’s arrest, and there are appointed sessions courts for speedy trials measures which could potentially address low conviction rates. The Bill, expected to be tabled in the parliament’s 2022 monsoon session, was not brought up.

5. WORLD’S FIRST CARBON-NEUTRAL AIRLINE

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: World’s first carbon-neutral airline is facing law suit. In this regard, lets look into the issue and the mechanisms involved.

EXPLANATION:

Issue:

Delta Air Lines in 2020 marketed itself as the “world’s first carbon-neutral airline”, investing $1 billion to work on reducing fuel usage and investing in carbon removal techniques. Recently it is facing lawsuit the first of its kind against a U.S. airline’s climate claims arguing Delta Air Line’s assertions were bogus, misleading and false.
The ‘green airline’ tag is a contested commodity, as flyers and companies alike are realising that flying is a significant contributor to carbon pollution (accounting for more than 2% of all greenhouse-gas emissions).
Aviation emissions could grow by 300-700% by 2050, per estimates.

What does the lawsuit say?

Delta relied on “carbon offsetting”, shorthand for a slew of ways companies can reduce or remove carbon emissions from the environment. Activities like planting trees, shifting to cleaner fuel, funding carbon capture techniques in theory balance out a company’s carbon emissions.
A 2021 Guardian investigation found the carbon offset systems of most airlines are “flawed” and deceptive.
In 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is home to 300 airlines across 120 countries, pledged to achieve net zero by 2050, in a move that was criticised as “greenwashing”.

What are carbon credits?

Carbon offsets work like a game of Monopoly, except instead of money, companies deal in carbon emissions. A company gets “carbon credits” for investment in offset projects, tokens which represent an amount of carbon dioxide which would have been funnelled out of the atmosphere due to these initiatives.
Each credit is equal to a metric ton of CO2, which would have caused global warming. These credits allow companies to continue emitting carbon in one place (say, aeroplane travel), with the promise their offsets are reducing emissions elsewhere (in distant rainforests).
The voluntary carbon-offset market is expected to grow from $2 billion in 2020 to around $250 billion by 2050,
The United Nations in 2008 formalised this idea by setting up the Reducing Emissions From Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), believing that the incentives from offsetting will help nations achieve climate goals.
There are also blind spots built into the offset system. The voluntary carbon offset market is self-regulated: there are middlemen in the form of organisations like REDD+ that connect credit buyers and sellers. There are “certification” standards set by companies like Verra which allow companies to create and register their carbon-offsetting projects (the Gold Standard is considered among the most rigorous credit programs).
Offset programs work only when they remove or reduce carbon emissions that wouldn’t have been eliminated otherwise, what is called “additionality”. Proving additionality is a structural challenge, for it is hard to track the genuine progress of activities on the ground.

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (10th JUNE 2023)

1. ONSET OF THE MONSOON

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon has set in over the Kerala coast on 8 june, along with 2016 and 2019, is the most that the monsoon’s onset has been delayed in the last couple of decades the rains hit the Kerala coast on June 8 in those two earlier years as well. In 2022, the monsoon arrived over the Kerala coast on May 29, earlier than its expected date.

EXPLANATION:

What is meant by the “onset of the monsoon” over the Kerala coast?

The onset of the monsoon over Kerala signals the beginning of the four-month (June-September) southwest monsoon season, during which India gets more than 70% of its annual rainfall.
Onset does not mean the first rain of the season. That can start happening in certain places even before the onset is declared ‘onset’ is a technical expression with a specific definition and IMD announces the onset of the monsoon only after certain precisely defined and measurable parameters are met.

What are these conditions, which determine the onset of monsoon?

According to the IMD, the onset of the monsoon happens when there is a significant transition in the large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IMD essentially looks at the consistency of rainfall over a defined geography, the intensity of the rainfall, and the wind speed.
RAINFALL: The onset is declared if at least 60% of 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain for two consecutive days at any time after May 10. The onset over Kerala is declared on the second day, as long as specific wind and temperature criteria are also fulfilled. The 14 enlisted stations are: (I) Minicoy, (ii) Amini, (iii) Thiruvananthapuram, (iv) Punalur, (v) Kollam, (vi) Alappuzha, (vii) Kottayam, (viii) Kochi, (ix) Thrissur, (x) Kozhikode, (xi) Thalassery, (xii) Kannur, (xiii) Kasaragod, and (xiv) Mangaluru.
WIND FIELD: The IMD says that the depth of westerlies should be up to 600 hectopascal (1 hPa is equal to 1 millibar of pressure) in the area that is bound by the equator to 10ºN latitude, and from longitude 55ºE to 80ºE. The 10th parallel North passes through Kochi; and the area bound by the 55th and the 80th meridians East stretches from the middle of Iran to about Chennai. The zonal wind speed over the area bound by 5-10ºN latitude (Maldives to Kochi) and 70-80ºE longitude (Arabian Sea to Chennai) should be of the order of 15-20 knots (28-37 kph) at 925 hPa.
HEAT: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value which is a measure of the energy emitted to space by the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere — should be below 200 watt per sq m (wm2) in the area between the 5ºN and 10ºN latitudes, and 70ºE and 75ºE longitudes.

Does a delayed onset mean cascading delays across the country and for the rest of the season?

A delay in the onset over Kerala can potentially delay the arrival of the monsoon in other parts of the country, especially in the southern states, which normally start getting rain within days of the monsoon reaching the Kerala coast. The monsoon covers the entire country by July 15.
A delayed onset over Kerala does not automatically or invariably mean delays in the arrival of the monsoon over other parts of the country.
The northward progression of the monsoon after it has hit the Kerala coast is not uniform it depends on local factors, including the creation of low-pressure areas. The monsoon may stall over certain places in certain years; or it may progress faster than usual.
A delay or an early arrival has no bearing on the quality or amount of rainfall, or its regional distribution across the country.

2. MANUAL SCAVENGING

TAG: GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: Despite stating over the last few years that manual scavenging had been eliminated in the country, and that the only remaining threat was hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has now said that only 508 districts out of the total 766 districts in the country have declared themselves manual-scavenging free.

EXPLANATION:

Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks. India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR). The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal.

Developments:

According to the scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers, the 58,000 identified sewer workers have been given a one-time cash pay-out of ₹40,000 each. In addition, around 22,000 of them (less than half) have been connected to skills training programmes.
However, the scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers has now been merged with the NAMASTE scheme for 100% mechanisation of sewer work. The FY 2023-24 Union Budget showed no allocation for the rehabilitation scheme and ₹100 crore allocation for the NAMASTE scheme.
The guidelines for this scheme are yet to be finalized. The scheme will require over 4,800 urban local bodies across the country to identify and profile all septic tank/sewer workers in their respective areas, provide them occupational training and safety equipment, and sign them up for health insurance under the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme.
To incentivise mechanisation, the scheme also provides for capital subsidies for sewer workers willing to mechanise their work and become empanelled with the concerned local body.

Laws to Prevent Manual Scavenging:

The Employment of Manual Scavenging and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993: It is an act to provide for the prohibition of employment of manual scavengers as well as construction or continuance of dry latrines and for the regulation of construction and maintenance of water-seal latrines and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Provision in the constitution: Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual has been enshrined in the Preamble to the Apart from that, article 47 of the Constitution, inter alia, provides that the State shall regard raising the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties.
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013): 2013 Act goes beyond prohibitions on dry latrines, and outlaws all manual cleaning of insanitary latrines, open drains, or pits. The 2013 Act further recognizes a constitutional obligation to correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by manual scavenging communities by providing extensive rehabilitation assistance to them and to their families.
The Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavenging, 2007 (SRMS): The objective of SRMS is to provide assistance to the identified manual scavengers and their dependants for their rehabilitation in alternative occupations. The scheme is being implemented at the national level through the NSKFDC.
National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It is a wholly owned Govt. of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (M/o SJ&E) was set up as a Company “Not for Profit” under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. NSKFDC is in operation since October, 1997, as an Apex Corporation for the all round socio-economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependants throughout India, through various loan and non-loan based schemes.
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE): Namaste is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) as a joint initiative of the MoSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). NAMASTE would also aim at providing access to alternative livelihoods support and entitlements to reduce the vulnerabilities of sanitation workers and enable them to access self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities and break the intergenerationality in sanitation work.

3. GROUND LEVEL OZONE

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: According to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), parts of the Delhi-NCR region witnessed ground-level ozone readings exceeding the national standards on 87 out of 92 days in the summer period between March and May. The worst affected parts in the area are New Delhi and South Delhi neighbourhoods.

EXPLANATION:

Based on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data on ozone levels from 58 stations across Delhi-NCR, the CSE analysis noted that although the spatial spread number of stations exceeding the standard across the core NCR of ground-level ozone has been lower this year, its duration has increased.
Moreover, the region is seeing a rare phenomenon where ozone levels remain elevated hours after sunset ground-level ozone should ideally become negligible during the night. Another issue is that the pollutant, which once used to be prominent only during the summers, has become a yearlong problem.

What is ground-level ozone?

Also known as tropospheric ozone, ground-level ozone is “a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface (up to 2 miles above the ground) as per Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
It is not directly emitted into the air but rather produced when two primary pollutants react in sunlight and stagnant air. These two primary pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, ground-level ozone is called a “secondary” pollutant.
NOx and VOCs come from natural sources as well as human activities. About 95 per cent of NOx from human activity comes from the burning of coal, gasoline and oil in motor vehicles, homes, industries and power plants. VOCs from human activity come mainly from gasoline combustion and marketing, upstream oil and gas production, residential wood combustion, and from the evaporation of liquid fuels and solvents.
Ground-level ozone is likely to breach safety standards on hot summer days in urban areas, but can also reach unhealthy levels during colder months.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentioned on its website that the pollutant can also travel long distances due to wind and affect rural areas also.

What are the harmful effects of ground-level ozone?

The CSE analysis said as ground-level ozone is a highly reactive gas, it has serious health consequences.
Those with respiratory conditions, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and particularly children with premature lungs and older adults are at serious risk.
This can inflame and damage airways, make lungs susceptible to infection, aggravate asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis and increase the frequency of asthma attacks leading to increased hospitalization.
The pollutant can also affect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks and wildlife refuges. Significantly, it can harm sensitive vegetation during the growing season too.

What is the situation of ground-level ozone in India?

In recent years, ground-level ozone has become a serious public health issue in India, as per the CSE analysis.
It quoted the 2020 State of Global Air report, which stated that age-standardised rates of death attributable to ground-level ozone are among the highest in the country and the seasonal 8-hour daily maximum concentrations have recorded one of the highest increases in India between 2010 and 2017– about 17 per cent.

4. KAKHOVKA DAM

TAG: PRELIMS: PLACE IN NEWS

THE CONTEXT: Kakhovka Dam has been destroyed unleashing floodwaters across the war zone. Ukraine said Russia had destroyed it, while Russian officials gave conflicting accounts, some saying it was destroyed by Ukrainian shelling and others saying it collapsed due to earlier damage.

EXPLANATION:

It was a huge Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River that separates Russian and Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine.
The dam is 30 metres (98 feet) tall and 3.2 km (2 miles) long, was built in 1956 as part of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.
The reservoir also supplies water to the Crimean peninsula, which Russia claims to have annexed in 2014, and to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is also under Russian control.
It holds an 18 km3 reservoir, a volume about equal to the Great Salt Lake in the U.S. state of Utah.

Possible impacts:

With water levels surging higher, many thousands of people are likely to be affected.
Ukraine’s southern Kherson region are at risk of flooding.
There is a risk that water levels in the North Crimea Canal, which carries fresh water to the Crimean peninsula from the Dnipro river, could fall after rupture of the dam.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, gets its cooling water from the reservoir. It is located on the southern side, now under Russian control. However, The U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency said there is no immediate nuclear safety risk.

5. NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (NIRF)

TAG: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced the India Rankings 2023 of higher education institutions. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras in Chennai remained the best educational institution in overall rankings for the fifth consecutive term. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru ranked as the best university in the country for eight years in a row.

EXPLANATION:

This is the eighth consecutive edition of India Rankings of HEIs in India. “With the addition of new category (Innovation) subject domain (Agriculture & Allied Sectors) and expansion of ‘Architecture’ to ‘Architecture and Planning’, the existing portfolio of India Rankings has increased to 13 categories and subject domains that have been ranked in India Rankings 2023.
The top 100 in the overall category of higher education institutions consist of 44 centrally funded technical institutes, Central universities, 24 State universities, 13 deemed universities, 18 private universities, four agriculture and allied sector institutions, and three management institutions.

Findings:

Miranda House, Delhi is ranked the best college.
Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad is the top management institute.
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad is ranked number one for pharmaceutical studies.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi is ranked the best medical college.
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai is the top dental college.
National Law School of India University, Bengaluru is ranked the best law college in the country.
IIT-M has also been ranked the best engineering college for the eighth consecutive year (from 2016 to 2023).
IISc Bengaluru stood first in ‘Research Institutions’ category, too, for the third consecutive year.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi took the top slot in ‘Agriculture and Allied Sectors’. IIT-Kanpur topped the ‘Innovation’ category.

National Institutional Ranking Framework:

It is under the Union Ministry of Education(MoE).
This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. The methodology draws from the overall recommendations broad understanding arrived at by a Core Committee set up by MoE to identify the broad parameters for ranking various universities and institutions
The five broad categories of parameters identified in the NIRF are “Teaching, Learning and Resources,” “Research and Professional Practices,” “Graduation Outcomes,” “Outreach and Inclusivity,” and “Perception”.
Each of these five parameters have 2 to 5 sub-parameters. A total number of 16-18 sub-parameters are used for the ranking of HEIs in different categories and subject domains. Institutions are ranked based on total sum of marks assigned for each of these five broad groups of parameters.

Parameters and sub parameters:

1)Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)

Student Strength including Doctoral Students (SS)
Faculty-student ratio with emphasis on permanent faculty (FSR)
Combined metric for Faculty with PhD (or equivalent) and Experience (FQE)
Financial Resources and their Utilisation (FRU)

2)Research and Professional Practice (RP)

Combined metric for Publications (PU)
Combined metric for Quality of Publications (QP)
IPR and Patents: Published and Granted (IPR)
Footprint of Projects and Professional Practice (FPPP)

3)Graduation Outcomes (GO)

Metric for University Examinations (GUE)
Metric for Number of Ph.D. Students Graduated (GPHD)

4)Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)

Percentage of Students from Other States/Countries (Region Diversity RD)
Percentage of Women (Women Diversity WD)
Economically and Socially Challenged Students (ESCS)
Facilities for Physically Challenged Students (PCS)

5)Perception (PR) Ranking

Peer Perception
Academic Peers and Employers (PR)

Discipline-wise methodology for India Rankings

Overall
Universities
Engineering
Management
Pharmacy
Colleges
Architecture and Planning
Law
Medical
Dental
Research Institutions
Innovation
Agriculture & Allied Sectors

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (19th MAY 2023)

1. GREEN OPEN ACCESS RULES 2022

TAGS: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Union New and Renewable Energy Minister has directed the industry to set targets under the Green Open Access Rules 2022, in a bid to accelerate the country’s renewable energy programmes.

EXPLANATION:

Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 has been notified by Ministry of Power.
The Ministry of Power notified Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) as Central Nodal Agency to set up and operate a single window green energy open access system for renewable energy under these Rules.
It was launched in order to further accelerate our ambitious renewable energy programmes, with the objective of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all.
As per the Electricity Act 2003, the tariff is determined by the Appropriate Commission. Accordingly, the tariff for the green energy shall be determined by Appropriate Commission and shall comprise of the average pooled power purchase cost of the renewable energy, cross-subsidy charges, if any, and service charges covering the prudent cost of the distribution licensee for providing green energy to the consumers.
It is a major step towards achieving India’s aims to cut emissions in India to net zero by 2070 and aims to achieve 500 GW renewable power capacity, reduce emissions by one billion tonnes and an emissions intensity of the GDP by 45 percent by 2030.

Key Features:

There will be a uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), on all obligated entities in area of a distribution licensees. Green hydrogen/green ammonia has also been included for fulfillment of its RPO. The consumers will be given green certificate beyond their RPO obligation.
It will provide certainty on open access charges to be levied on Green Energy Open Access consumers which includes transmission charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharge and standby charges.
It also enables a simplified procedure for the open access to green power. Open access permits a consumer to purchase power from a source of his/her choice.
The transaction limit would be minimum 100 KW for non-captive consumers. No limit has been kept for captive consumers.
These rules are notified for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants.
Consumers are entitled to demand supply of Green Power from Discoms. Discoms would be obligated to procure and supply green power to eligible consumers.
Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on voluntarily basis.

Green Open Access Registry:

It is a transparent platform through which long term, medium term and short-term open access transactions will be managed and performed to interstate transmission system and intra state transmission system.
The Power Ministry has notified the Grid Controller of India Limited as the central nodal agency to operate the Green Open Access Registry (GOAR) portal which is the single window portal to register and apply for the green energy open access.
This platform will be accessible to all the stakeholders present in the Indian Power Market.
This platform will provide automated transaction workflows to ease the turnaround time of transaction for all open access consumers.

Green energy open access portal:

It will allow consumers with a 100 KW-sanctioned load to get a supply of renewables. The government rules mandate approval for green energy open access to be granted to consumers in a time-bound manner within 15 days.

Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO)

It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). It was formed in March 2010 to handle the power management functions of PGCIL.
It is responsible to ensure the integrated operation of the Grid in a reliable, efficient and secure manner.
It consists of 5 Regional Load Despatch Centres and a National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC).

2. 25 YEARS OF KUDUMBASHREE

TAGS: GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: In her maiden visit to Kerala, President of India inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Kudumbashree, the largest self-help group network in the country. The president had also released a handbook titled chuvadu (footsteps) that codified ideas for the movement’s future and the achievements it has gained so far.

EXPLANATION:

Kudumbashree means “prosperity of the family” in the local Malayalam language is the Kerala government’s ongoing participatory “poverty eradication and women empowerment” mission.
It began in 1998 as a cluster of microcredit neighbourhood groups with thrift and credit activities, creating many crisis managers and entrepreneurs of humble origins over the years.
The collective transformed ordinary women from poverty-ridden families into agents of change and recovery in critical times like the flood and the pandemic.
Now, Kudumbashree is Kerala’s biggest social capital. Its members have risen to become elected members of the three-tier local bodies after enforcing the 33 per cent women reservation (in Kerala local bodies, the percentage of reservations is 50).

Background:

The two immediate contexts for Kudumbashree are the following:

First, in 1997, a three-member task force constituted by the Kerala Government recommended setting up a State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM). However, it became fully operational only in April 1999 with the name Kudumbashree Mission.
The second immediate context was the 73^rdand 74^th Constitution Amendment Acts. The Kerala government used the amendment as an opportunity to deliver poverty alleviation programmes through local participation and self-government institutions.
From the beginning, it has been functioning under the local self-government department by accepting financial support from the union government and NABARD.

Membership:

The Mission conceives women empowerment and community development as central to poverty eradication.
Thus, the membership of the Mission’s community network is limited to women.
During the initial phase, the membership consisted of women from below-poverty-line households but currently all adult women are eligible for membership to the Neighbourhood Groups the basic units of Kudumbashree’s community network.
The membership follows a “one family, one member” rule. However, any women irrespective of this rule can participate in the discussion and activities of the Kudumbashree.

Organization:

A three-tiered community network or self-help groups of women implements this mission.
At the primary level, Kudumbasree is the collective of Neighbourhood Groups (NHG). Area Development Societies (ADS) at the ward level and Community Development Societies (CDS) at the local government level.
The first and the lowest tier of Kudumbashree’s community network is Neighbourhood Groups (or Ayalkootamin Malayalam) consisting of ten to twenty women. The second level consisting of two or more Neighbourhood Groups is Area Development Societies. All Area Development Societies in an area are affiliated to the local self-government level Community Development Society.

Aims:

The mission aims to eradicate poverty through women empowerment.
economic empowerment such as through collective farming, livestock farming, market development
social empowerment such as destitute identification and rehabilitation, and rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons
women empowerment consisting of educational programmes and programmes for the elimination of violence against women.
It also plans income-generating activities involving agriculture or micro-enterprises to be run jointly by members of the network.
It also helps the local self-government institutions (Panchayats in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas) in the preparation and implementation of the local bodies’ anti-poverty plan, women component plan, and other local development schemes.
It also assists the local self-government institutions in the identification of beneficiaries of central (federal) and state (provincial) government’s welfare programmes.
Community Development Society of the network acts as a liasing body with banks for loans for the network’s activities.
It also facilitates capacity building activities by training and providing information to women in particular to assume leadership roles.
It also helps in creating awareness around gender related government initiatives such as prevention of violence against women and legal literacy.

3. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

TAGS: GS 2: HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: The World Health Organisation recommended against using artificial sweeteners to achieve weight loss and prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes. The report emphasized that while there was a need to cut intake of sugar, it should not be replaced by artificial sweeteners.

EXPLANATION:

Artificial sweeteners or non-sugar sweeteners (NSS):

Non-sugar sweeteners or artificial sweeteners are intensely sweet chemicals up to several hundred times sweeter than sugar that are used for sweeten food while only adding very little or no calories.
It provides the sweet taste with very little to no calories. Many diabetics use the sweeteners in their tea and coffee, but there is a growing market for packaged foods and beverages using these sweeteners to offer low-calorie options.
Common NSS include acesulfame K(Ace-K), aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives. Erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener that is widely available in India and abroad under various brand name was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

WHO recommendations:

The WHO guideline on NSS is part of a suite of existing and forthcoming guidelines on healthy diets that aim to establish lifelong healthy eating habits, improve dietary quality and decrease the risk of NCDs worldwide.
While there could be some weight-lossand reduction in Body Mass Index in the short term as the artificial sweeteners bring down the calories consumed, but in the long run they have been linked to weight gain.
The sweeteners have also linked to an increased risk of Type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in the long run. It is also linked to bladder cancer and preterm birth when consumed by pregnant women.
Long-term adverse effects in the form of increased risk of death and disease offset any potential short-term health benefit resulting from the relatively small reduction in body weight and BMI observed in randomized controlled trials.
The recommendation applies to all people except individuals with pre-existing diabetes and includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers.
The recommendation does not apply to personal care and hygiene products containing NSS, such as toothpaste, skin cream, and medications, or to low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols (polyols), which are sugars or sugar derivatives containing calories and are therefore not considered NSS.

4. SUSTAINABILITY AND RELATED INITIATIVES

TAGS: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: There are a number of traditional conservationists who dismiss the works covered under the broader sustainability/nature-based solutions framing it as deceptive. On the other hand, there are hardcore business folks who almost always feel a false sense of piety towards the sustainability agenda.

EXPLANATION:

Sustainability is the ability to maintain or support a process over time. There is need of the strengthening of a better understanding and a space for deeper engagement and collaboration.
While conservation is more action-focused on specific areas (landscape, theme, species), sustainability remains a bit more overarching. It is a strategic process of convening multiple stakeholders around a policy objective and programme strategies that would augment the work being done through conservation approaches.

Environment, Social and Governance:

It is a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria (sometimes called ESG factors).
It typically includes managing and avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain global ecological balance.
It takes the holistic view that sustainability extends beyond just environmental issues.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

It is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders.
CSR is generally understood as being the way through which a company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives (“Triple-Bottom-Line- Approach”), while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders.

ESG vs CSR:

CSR may be used as an internal framework, while ESG provides a measure of assessment for investors. Corporate social responsibility is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade society and the environment whereas ESG provides a more quantitative measure of sustainability.

European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR):

It is an initiative to limit deforestation caused by forestry and agricultural activities all over the world.
EU deforestation-free regulation is part of the EU Green Deal and a broader EU strategy to protect the world’s forests.
While these regulations focus on deforestation caused by illegal timber logging, the new EU deforestation-free regulation covers a broader set of commodities.
The regulation affects seven specific commodities (cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, wood, rubber, and cattle) and their derivatives, as well as products made using these commodities (e.g. leather, cosmetics, chocolate etc.).
The new Regulation will require any companyimporting or exporting these commodities from the EU to prove the products are deforestation-free. This applies to any company, regardless of whether they are EU-based or not, and for legal and illegal sources of deforestation in Europe and overseas.
The Regulation defines a product as deforestation-free when the product itself, its ingredients or its derivatives were not produced on land subject to deforestation or forest degradation after the cut-off date of 31 December 2020. This cut-off date has been suggested to minimize disruption to international supply chains.

Greenwashing:

It is typically corporate action to be perceived as environmentally conscious for marketing purposes without any notable sustainability efforts.
It happens when a company makes an environmental claim about something the organization is doing that is intended to promote a sense of environmental impact that doesn’t exist. The green claim is typically about some form of positive effect on the environment.
Greenwashing is when an organization spends more time and money on marketing itself as environmentally friendly than on actually minimizing its environmental impact.
It’s a deceitful marketing gimmick intended to mislead consumers who prefer to buy goods and services from environmentally conscious brands Whilst some greenwashing is unintentional and results from a lack of knowledge about what sustainability truly is, it is often intentionally carried out through a wide range of marketing and PR efforts. But the common denominator among all greenwashing is that it is not only misleading, but it’s also really not helping to further sustainable design or circular economy.

As the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s common but differentiated responsibilities says:

The aim is minimum disruption and destruction — not to destroy the planet, the environment and the existing human life and ensure that this life remains available to future generations in its totality. With this understanding, countries and companies are building sustainability reporting into everyday action and attempting to turn theoretical issues into concrete actions.

5. MISSION DefSpace AND 100^TH SPRINT (NAVY) CONTRACT

TAGS: GS 3: SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 250^th contract – first under Mission DefSpace and 100^th SPRINT (Navy) contract.

EXPLANATION:

Mission DefSpace:

Recognising the strategic significance of the space domain, Mission DefSpace was launched with 75 Defence Space Challenges to be addressed by the private sector in 2022.
It aims to nurture the Indian Private Space industry through challenges addressing every stage of a space mission from mission planning to satellite data analytics.

Mission DefSpace contract

The first iDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged where one of the winners of the challenge ‘Micropropulsion system for cubesats’. This challenge is being led by the Defence Space Agency.
Cubesats are a class of smallsats, which are modular; low-cost; easy to manufacture, integrate, and launch; and form a critical component for launch-on-demand capabilities. For imagery/Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance/communication purposes, cubesats need to be precisely aligned, hence there is a requirement of a compact micropropulsion system for precise manoeuvring and orbit correction.
InspeCity is developing a gas-based system for this purpose. This technology, once developed, can be integrated with other satellites, including the cubesat swarm being developed under Mission DefSpace.

100^th SPRINT (Navy) contract

‘SPRINT’ initiative:

The initiative aims at inducting at least 75 technologies/products into the Indian Navy by August 2023 as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
The 100^thSPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged where the winner of the Challenge was development of a prototype that is a lightweight ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) based communication system using software defined antenna for Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary satellite communication.

About iDEX

iDEX is being implemented by Defence Innovation Organisation(DIO), established under the Department of Defence Production, MoD.
It will help India become the biggest defence innovation ecosystem in the world in the times to come.
Its objective is to provide the platform of co-creation & co-development in the defence sector. It aims to engage start-ups to contribute to the defence sector and develop defence and aerospace setup in the country.
iDEX has also been able to generate thousands of jobs and attract India’s talent back to the country.
iDEX is working at a path-breaking pace to ensure that its agreements with the start-ups and innovators reach logical conclusions timely, eventually opening a myriad of options for the budding, soon to be unicorns and at the same time addressing the requirement of Services.

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (18th MAY 2023)

1. SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013 (POSH)

TAGS: GS 1: SOCIETY

THE CONTEXT: Ten years after the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH) came into force, the Supreme Court Bench of India has said there are “serious lapses” and “uncertainty” regarding its implementation, issuing directions to the Union, States, and Union Territories to verify if all government bodies had formed Internal Complaint Committees and to ensure that the composition of such panels is in strict adherence with the Act.

EXPLANATION:

How was the PoSH Act formed?

Supreme Court noting the absence of any law “enacted to provide for effective enforcement of the basic human right of gender equality” guarantee against “sexual harassment at workplaces”, laid down a set of guidelines in 1997, christened the Vishakha Guidelines, to fill the statutory vacuum till a law could be enacted.
These were to be “strictly observed in all workplaces” and were binding and enforceable in law.
The Court drew its strength from several provisions of the Constitution including Article 15 (against discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth), also drawing from relevant International Conventions and norms such as the General Recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which India ratified in 1993.
National Commission for Women submitted drafts of a Code of Conduct for the Workplace in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
After this, the Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill was introduced by then Women and Child Development Minister in 2007. The amended Bill came into force on December 9, 2013, as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) or PoSh Act.

How are sexual harassment, the workplace, and an employee defined under the PoSh Act?

The PoSH Act defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome acts such as physical contact and sexual advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
It also lists down five circumstances that would constitute sexual harassment if they are connected to the above-mentioned acts- (i) Implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in employment (ii) Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in employment (iii) Implied or explicit threat about present or future employment status (iv) Interference with work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment and (v) Humiliating treatment likely to affect health or safety.
Under the Act, an employee is defined not just in accordance with the company law. All women employees, whether employed regularly, temporarily, contractually, on an ad hoc or daily wage basis, as apprentices or interns or even employed without the knowledge of the principal employer, can seek redressal to sexual harassment in the workplace.
The law expands the definition of ‘workplace’ beyond traditional offices to include all kinds of organisations across sectors, even non-traditional workplaces (for example those that involve telecommuting) and places visited by employees for work. It applies to all public and private sector organisations throughout India.

Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):

The law requires any employer with more than 10 employees to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) which can be approached by any woman employee to file a formal sexual harassment complaint.
It has to be headed by a woman, have at least two women employees, another employee, and, to pre-empt any undue pressure from senior levels, to include a third party such as an NGO worker with five years of experience, familiar with the challenges of sexual harassment.
Besides, the Act mandates every district in the country to create a local committee (LC) to receive complaints from women working in firms with less than 10 employees and from the informal sector, including domestic workers, home-based workers, voluntary government social workers and so on.
These two bodies have to conduct inquiries in line with the POSH Act and comply with the “principles of natural justice” stated in the Rules of the Act.
A woman can file a written complaint either to the internal or local complaints committee within three to six months of the sexual harassment incident.
There are two ways to resolve the issue by the committee- “through conciliation” between the complainant and the respondent (which cannot be a financial settlement), or committees could initiate an inquiry, taking appropriate action based on what it finds.
The employer has to file an annual audit report with the district officer about the number of sexual harassment complaints filed and actions taken at the end of the year. It also makes the employer duty-bound to organise regular workshops and awareness programmes to educate employees about the Act, and conduct orientation and programmes for ICC members. If the employer fails to constitute an ICC or does not abide by any other provision, they must pay a fine of up to ₹50,000, which increases for a repeat offence.

2. INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY (IPEF)

TAGS: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATION

THE CONTEXT: In November 2019, India walked out from the trade pact called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Fast forward to 2023, and now India along with many of the same countries, but with China replaced by the United States, is getting into the U.S.-driven Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

EXPLANATION:

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF):

It is launched by United States in May 2022.
IPEF is about developing a strategic-economic bloc an integrated economic system centered on the U.S., and, as importantly, excluding China.
Members: India, USA, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
This framework will offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region.
The 14 IPEF partners represent 40 percent of global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade.
The IPEF is designed to be flexible, meaning that IPEF partners are not required to join all four pillars.
Aim: Its purpose is to “advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness for our economies. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to cooperation, stability, prosperity, development, and peace within the region”.

What is different in IPEF from other trade deals?

Traditionally, trade deals used to be mostly about tariffs. The U.S.’s IPEF completely removes the tariff element of typical trade deals.
IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Transpacific Partnership (CPTPP).
IPEF as “a 21st century economic arrangement designed to tackle 21st century economic challenges, ranging from setting the rules of the road for the digital economy; to ensuring secure and resilient supply chains; to helping make the kind of major investments necessary in clean energy infrastructure and the clean energy transition; to raising standards for transparency, fair taxation, and anti-corruption”.
It also seeks commitments to labour and environmental standards, which are highly unpopular in the region.
Unlike other regional FTAs such as the RCEP or CPTPP, the IPEF does not offer increased market access (especially to the US market) through tariff liberalisation and non-tariff concessions.

The IPEF consists of the following four negotiating pillars:

Trade: The IPEF seeks to build “high-standard, inclusive, free, and fair trade commitments and develop new and creative approaches in trade and technology policy that advance a broad set of objectives that fuels economic activity and investment, promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefits workers and consumers”.
Supply Chains:The IPEF will seek “first-of-their-kind supply chain commitments that better anticipate and prevent disruptions in supply chains to create a more resilient economy”. It also intends to establish an early warning system and coordinate crisis response actions.
Clean Energy, Decarbonisation, and Infrastructure: The framework will seek first-of-their-kind commitments on clean energy, decarbonisation, and infrastructure that promote good-paying jobs.
Tax and Anti-Corruption:The IPEF will seek new commitments to enact and enforce effective and robust tax, anti-money laundering, and anti-bribery regimes in line with existing multilateral obligations, standards, and agreements to curb tax evasion and corruption in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s Stand:

India has joined the other three pillars of supply chains, clean economy, and fair economy but not trade. But there is great pressure on it to join trade too. Joining the trade pillar is the worst, but the other pillars too contribute to developing hard new economic architectures and structures that are not tariff-based.

The rise of the ‘Indo-Pacific’:

With the shift of the centre of gravity from the Atlantic to Asia, the new concept of the ‘Indo-Pacific’ has entered the geopolitical discourse, replacing the hitherto dominant ‘Asia-Pacific’ construct, even though its geographic boundaries are not well defined.
Based on maritime geography, the Indo-Pacific refers to a contiguous zone encompassing the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The geographic boundaries of the Indo-Pacific could stretch from East Africa to the west coast of the US and encompass a large number of countries at varying stages of development, with distinct policy agendas and divergent interests.
Bringing together highly heterogeneous countries with high-standard commitments on the digital economy, green infrastructure, clean energy, and social and environmental standards under the rubric of IPEF is a herculean effort.
In the economic realm, the Indo-Pacific is one of the world’s most dynamic regions. The region accounts for more than 60% of the global GDP, and almost 50% of the global merchandise trade passes through its waters.
The region includes the world’s four big economies: the USA, China, Japan, and India. With the engine of global economic growth shifting eastwards, the Indo-Pacific region will gain greater importance in coming years.

3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND FACIAL RECOGNITION POWERED SOLUTION FOR TELECOM SIM SUBSCRIBER VERIFICATION (ASTR)

TAGS: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an artificial-intelligence-based facial recognition tool that it claims has the capability of running checks on subscriber databases of telecom operators to deduce whether it contains multiple connections associated with the same person.

EXPLANATION:

Origin of ASTR:

In 2012, DoT had issued an order to all telecom operators that they would have to share their subscriber database including users’ pictures with the department.
These images constitute the core database on which authorities are running their facial recognition algorithm using ASTR.
The ASTR project was conceptualised and designed between April 2021 and July 2021 by the DoT’s unit in Haryana.

How ASTR works:

Human faces in subscribers’ images are encoded using convolutional neural network (CNN) models in order to account for the tilt and angle of the face, opaqueness and dark colour of the images.
After that, a face comparison is carried out for each face against all faces in the database, and similar faces are grouped under one directory. Two faces are concluded to be identical by ASTR if they match to the extent of at least 97.5 per cent.
Once the faces are matched, ASTR’s algorithm uses what it describes as “fuzzy logic” to find similarity or approximate matches for the subscriber names.

Benefits of ASTR:

It can potentially bring down cyber frauds by detecting and blocking possible fraudulent mobile connections.
ASTR is capable of detecting all SIMs against a suspected face in less than 10 seconds from a database of 1 crore images.
It also accounts for any typographical errors that might have occurred while the subscriber acquisition form was being filled.

Convolutional neural network (CNN) model:

It is a type of Deep Learning neural network architecture commonly used in Computer Vision. Computer vision is a field of Artificial Intelligence that enables a computer to understand and interpret the image or visual data.

In a regular Neural Network there are three types of layers:

Input Layers: It’s the layer in which we give input to our model. The number of neurons in this layer is equal to the total number of features in our data (number of pixels in the case of an image).
Hidden Layer: The input from the Input layer is then feed into the hidden layer. There can be many hidden layers depending upon our model and data size.
Output Layer: The output from the hidden layer is then fed into a logistic function like sigmoid or softmax which converts the output of each class into the probability score of each class.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Artificial Intelligence(AI) is a vast subset of computer science revolving around the development of smart machines that can perform tasks that typically need some semblance of human intelligence.
It is a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary science, but modern advancements in deep learning and machine learning are bringing it into nearly every area of the tech industry.

Facial recognition:

Facial recognition is a category of biometricsoftware that maps an individual’s facial features mathematically and stores the data as a faceprint. The software uses deep learning algorithms to compare a live capture or digital image to the stored faceprint in order to verify an individual’s identity.

AI face recognition software has the following advantages:

Real-time identification
Anti-spoofing measures
Lessened racial or gender bias due to model training across millions of faces
Can be used across multiple cameras.

4. 4^th POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST

TAGS: GS 3: SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: Defence Ministry Releases Fourth Positive Indigenisation List under make in India to reduce dependence on foreign weapon suppliers.

EXPLANATION:

Positive Indigenisation List:

In pursuit of atmanirbhartain defence, the Ministry of Defence has approved a “positive-indigenisation list” (PIL) of 928 items which will reduce imports worth Rs 715 crore.
The list ranges from line replacement units (LRUs) and subsystems to components, high-end materials, and spares.
The aim of the move is in sync with the government’s overall aim to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence production and to minimise imports by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs).
Gaining self-sufficiency in Defence production would not only guarantee long-term security of our country but also give significant boost to the domestic industry engaged in design, development and manufacturing of weapons and platforms.
This will also augment the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry by involving academia and research institutions.

4th Positive Indigenisation List:

It is the fourth such “positive indigenisation list (PIL)” comprising line replacement units, sub-systems and components used for various military platforms, equipment and weapons.
4th Positive Indigenisation List released during Def Expo 2022 and This list is in continuation to the three similar PILs that were brought out in December 2021, March 2022 and August 2022.
101 more Defence Items will now be procured from indigenous sources. Highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunitions have been included in this list.
As per preliminary estimates, more than 1,75,000 Cr worth orders would be placed on Indian Industry in the next 5-10 years.
This would further stimulate the potential of Domestic Research & Development by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities.
The items which were already indigenised comprised 262 from the first PIL, 11 from the second list and 37 from the third PIL.
The ministry said DPSUs will soon initiate procurement action for these notified items.

How will this take place?

The defence ministry has set specific timelines for import ban of the items, spanning the period from December 2023 to December 2028.
The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of these items through different routes under ‘Make’ category and in-house development through the capabilities of MSMEs and private Indian industry, thereby providing impetus to the growth in economy, enhanced investment in defence and reduction in import dependence of DPSUs.
In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry by involving academia and research institutions.
These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 1,238 (351+107+780) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines.

Reasons for the move:

India is one of the largest importers of arms globally.
According to estimates, Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion in capital procurement over the next five years.
This will reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing.

5. DATA GOVERNANCE QUALITY INDEX (DGQI)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has been ranked second among 66 ministries in the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) assessment for the December quarter (Q3) of FY23.

EXPLANATION:

It is conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog
It aims to measure the maturity level of administrative data systems and their use in decision-making of various ministries and departments on the implementation of central sector schemes and centrally-sponsored schemes.
It also identifies reforms to reach the frontier of seamless data exchange and its synergistic use within the ministry, while defining clear pathways to achieve these goals.

Under the realm of the overall approach, six key themes have been identified under data systems pillar covered by the Data Governance Quality Index:

Data Generation: Data generation measures the ability of the respective ministries/departments to efficiently generate useful data in the course of their programme implementation. It covers areas related to the level of digitization, frequency and granularity of data generation. It also assesses if mobile phones, location tracking and GIS mapping is used to authenticate the generated data.
Data Quality:Data Quality covers processes of scientifically and statistically evaluating data in order to determine whether they meet quality benchmarks. The key areas covered under this theme relate to profiling of data, data quality assessment processes (for e.g. data pipeline design, well defined data schema etc.), data cleaning, use of latest technologies and mobile phones in the process.
Use of Technology:This theme assesses if emerging technologies are being utilized to improve data robustness. It assesses if MIS of ministries/departments have linkages with PFMS for ensuring transparency and Jan-Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile [JAM-trinity (if applicable)] for delivering last mile services. It also measures if emerging technologies like block chain, big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, IoT are being used to collect data or to draw analytical insights from it.
Data Analysis, Use and Dissemination:One of the core themes, it covers if the collected data is being analyzed and used for evidence creation and decision making. It gauges whether ministries/departments are undertaking basic cross-sectional analyses only or regression and predictive analysis as well.
Data Security and HR Capacity:While data security requires an in-depth analysis in itself, the same is briefly captured in the index also to reflect its importance. These were identified to be the minimum requirements expected to be met and are not meant to be exhaustive in nature.

Several existing data maturity models were studied to develop DGQI’s methodology. Three key steps of data preparedness were identified:

(a)Data Strategy to lay down systemic guidelines

(b) Data Systems to ensure smooth processes of data generation, management and its use

The objectives are as follows:

To enable review and assessment of data preparedness of the data/ MIS systems of the Ministries/Departments on objective parameters of a standardized framework.
To prepare a self-assessment diagnostic tool that will enable the M/Ds to internally contemplate the need for improving data systems.
To enable the commissioning agencies to conduct a comparative assessment of data preparedness and source best practices in IT systems which can enable improved cross-learning between the participating agencies.
It iwill help in laying the foundation of more integrated monitoring systems, for e.g., a single, online, API-integrable ‘Overarching Dashboard’ kind of monitoring system of all the CS/ CSS schemes of all M/Ds, ultimately leading to a state-of-the-art data-driven decision making.

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (8th MAY 2023)

1. INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL WATER BODY CENSUS

TAGS: GS-3: ENVIRONMENT

CONTEXT: Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the report of India’s first water bodies census, a comprehensive data base of ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs in the country.

EXPLANATION:

Definition of Water Bodies: First Census Report considers “all natural or man-made units bounded on all sides with some or no masonry work used for storing water for irrigation or other purposes (e.g. industrial, pisciculture, domestic/ drinking, recreation, religious, ground water recharge etc.)” as water bodies.
Objective: The census’s objective was to develop a national database with information on the size, purpose, ownership, status, and conditions of water bodies. It covered all natural and human-made units bounded on all sides for storing water, irrespective of condition or use.
Findings: As per the report, West Bengal’s South 24 Pargana has been ranked as the district having the highest (3.55 lakh) number of water bodies across the country. The district is followed by Andhra Pradesh’s Ananthapur (50,537) and West Bengal’s Howrah (37,301).
Exclusion of Seven specific types of water bodies from the count. They were: 1) oceans and lagoons; 2) rivers, streams, springs, waterfalls, canals, etc. which are free flowing, without any bounded storage of water; 3) swimming pools; 4) covered water tanks created for a specific purpose by a family or household for their own consumption; 5) a water tank constructed by a factory owner for consumption of water as raw material or consumable; 6) temporary water bodies created by digging for mining, brick kilns, and construction activities, which may get filled during the rainy season; and 7) pucca open water tanks created only for cattle to drink water.
Methodology to collect census data: According to the report, “traditional methodology, i.e., paper-based schedules, were canvassed both for rural and urban areas. A “village schedule”, “urban schedule” and “water body schedule” were canvassed, and a smart phone was used to “capture latitude, longitude and photo of water bodies”.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/water-census-ministry-jal-shakti-findings-analysis/article66822865.ece

2. CYCLONE MOCHA BUILDING OVER BAY OF BENGAL

TAGS: GS1: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
CONTEXT: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that a cyclonic or low-pressure area is developing in the Bay of Bengal and can lead to high rainfall in the next few days in the region, from May 8 to May 12. It also said that the weather system was likely to form a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 9, and then intensify into a cyclonic storm.

EXPLANATION:

A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters. Usually, a high temperature anywhere means the existence of low-pressure air, and a low temperature means high-pressure wind.
Formation of cyclones: When warm and humid air rises and cools, the water in the air turns into clouds. As ocean heat and water evaporate from the surface of the ocean, the entire system of clouds and winds rotates and rises. As the air system spins at increasing speed, an eye forms in the middle. The center of the storm is very calm and clear. The difference in temperature between the warm and rising atmosphere causes the air to rise up and become more energetic.
Naming of cyclones: Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). There are six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five Cyclone Mocha’s name is suggested by Yemen and the name originates from the city of Mocha in Yemen, which is located on the Red Sea coast.
Local names of cyclones:
Typhoons – South China Sea and Western Pacific Ocean
Tropical Cyclones – Indian Ocean
Hurricanes -Caribbean Sea
Wily Willies – Western Australia
Baguio- Philippines
Taifu- Japan
Cyclone warning system in India: The Meteorological Department of India is the nodal agency in India responsible for weather monitoring, weather forecasting, and seismology. The Cyclone Warning Center (ACWC) predicts a storm area in the Bay of Bengal and the Cyclone Warning Center (CWC) in the Arabian Sea. The ACWC and CWC sent their reports to the coordinating center, National Cyclone Warning Center (NCWC).

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/imd-cyclone-mocha-formation-details-explained-859653

3. ISRO’S SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS TRAINING (START)

TAGS: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a new introductory-level online training programme called Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START).

EXPLANATION:

The START programme is part of the ISRO’s efforts to enable Indian students to become professionals in Space Science and Technology, as the organisation’s Space Science exploration programme continues to expand into new domains.
The programme is intended to provide students with an introductory-level training in Space Science and Technology, giving them an overview of different facets of the field, research opportunities, and career options.
Aim: START is aimed at postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students of Physical Sciences and Technology. The programme will cover various domains of Space Science, including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Heliophysics and Sun-Earth interaction, Instrumentation, and Aeronomy. It will be delivered by scientists from Indian academia and ISRO centres.
The training will also emphasise the cross-disciplinary nature of Space Science, giving students insights into how the individual aptitudes can be applied to the field.
The START programme is part of ISRO’s efforts to enable Indian students to become professionals in space science and technology, as the organization’s space science exploration program continues to expand into new domains. The programme is expected to help build a human capacity that will lead space science and research in the future.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/isro-to-start-online-training-programme-for-pg-and-and-final-year-ug-students/article66823617.ece

4. MANIPUR VIOLENCE

TAGS: GS 2: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS, ST STATUS, SPECIAL STATUS OF MANIPUR
CONTEXT: Violent protests have erupted in Manipur over the Indian state’s decision to grant a Scheduled Tribe (ST) tag to the Meitei community. Stoking historic tensions, the move has been met with suspicion by Nagas and Kukis, who dominate the state’s population and live in rural areas surrounding the fertile Imphal Valley, home to around 53% of the population. The controversial eviction of local farmers from reserved forests triggered initial opposition, while residents’ frustration mounted at a growing sense of dislocation from the state’s political decisions.

EXPLANATION:

Issue of the violence: The escalation in violence in Manipur has its roots in an over 10-year-old demand by the Meitei community for a Scheduled Tribe tag. The immediate reason for this violence, however, is a Manipur High Court order directing the state government to recommend to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry by May 29, an ST tag for the community. The petitioners have argued that this community had once enjoyed the ST tag prior to the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union and have sought the restoration of this status.
On May 4, as the violence escalated, the Centre invoked Article 355 of the Constitution, which is a part of emergency provisions. It empowers the Centre to take necessary steps to protect a State against external aggression or internal disturbances.

Scheduled Tribe status:

According to the modalities for inclusion first framed in 1999, the proposal for inclusion must originate from the respective State or Union Territory government.
Following this, the proposal is sent to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, which sends it to the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI). If the ORGI approves the inclusion, the proposal is forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Only after the concurrence of these institutions, will the proposal go forward to the Cabinet to bring in the appropriate amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.

Article 371:

It was added in the constitution by 27^th Amendment Act of 1971.
Under this, the President is authorised to provide for the creation of a committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the Hill Areas of the State. The expression ‘Hill Areas’ means such areas as the President may, by order, declare to be Hill Areas.
Governor shall annually, or whenever so required by the President, make a report to the President regarding the administration of the Hill Areas in the State of Manipur and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of directions to the State as to the administration of the said areas.

Emergency provisions:

It is a part of emergency provisions contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution of India, from Article 352 to 360.
Article 355 is found in part XVIII of the Indian constitution which contains emergency provisions that are meant to be used in extremely rare circumstances.
Article 355 States that it shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
This section of the constitution empowers the Union government to declare a state of emergency (through Article 352) or, in other cases, President’s Rule in a particular state of the Union (through Article 356).

https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/why-manipur-violence-is-different-northeast-history-8595766/

5. WOMEN IN THE DEFENCE FORCES OF INDIA

Tags: GS 1: SOCIETY
Context: Continuing the policies of recent years that have been aimed at improving the availability of opportunities for women in the defence forces of India, the Union Ministry of Defence is planning to further increase the participation of women in next year’s Republic Day parade.

EXPLANATION:

An office memorandum issued stated the Republic Day Parade 2024 will have “only women participants” in contingents marching and band tableaux and other performances during the parade at Kartavya Path.
In 2015, For the first time in the country’s history, an all-women contingent from the three forces Army, Air Force and Navy marched down the path between India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Women in the Indian Army:

The Indian Army began inducting women in 1992. They were commissioned for a period of five years in certain chosen streams such as Army Education Corps, Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps and Corps of Engineers.
Combat role in the Indian Army has for long been an exclusive domain for men. Supreme Court judgment has finally accepted gender parity in the Armed by allowing women officers in command positions.
The Army is yet to open core combat arms like infantry, mechanised infantry, and armoured corps for women, even as it has recently inducted five women officers in the Regiment of Artillery, which is a combat support arm.
Consequent to grant of Permanent Commission to Women Officers (WOs), a gender neutral Career Progression policy covering employment and promotional aspects was promulgated on 23.11.2021, providing equal opportunities to women officers in the Arms/Services where they are commissioned.

Women in the Indian Air Force:

Women officers are inducted in all branches and streams of Indian Air Force. Gender neutral approach is facilitating the employment of women officers of Indian Air Force in all combat roles without any restrictions. They are flying fighter aircraft and operating from the length and breadth of the country in all branches of the IAF with pride.
At present, women are serving in Officer’s cadre only in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The strength of women officers, as on March 01, 2023, in the IAF (excluding Medical and Dental branches) is 1,636.
Women officers are empowered to tenate key appointments including Commanding Officers in Combat Units of various field units. The rules in this regard are gender neutral and provide them equal opportunities. Their medical fitness and medical conditions are also factored prior to their effective utilization.

Women in the Indian Navy:

As on date, women are employed in the Indian Navy in the officer’s rank. The strength of women officers in the Indian Navy, as on March 09, 2023, is 748 including Medical and Dental officers.
Permanent Commission to Women Officers: SSC women officers in the Indian Navy are eligible for consideration towards grant of Permanent Commission. As on date, 59 women officers (excluding Medical and Dental officers) have been granted PC.
Entry of Women into NDA: Entry of women candidates into NDA has been permitted from 2022 wherein women officers are being inducted as PC officers. Three vacancies per batch have been allocated at NDA for women candidates of Navy and the first batch has joined in July 2022.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/women-india-republic-day-parade-explained-8596861/

IN THE DOCK: CHILD ABUSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

ISSUES:

THE WAY FORWARD:

THE CONCLUSION:

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

ASER REPORT: CUES FOR REFORM

WHAT IS ASER REPORT?

MORE ON THE NEWS:

FINDINGS OF ASER, 2023:

RECOMMENDATION OF ASER REPORT:

THE CONCLUSION:

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

ARE SOUTHERN STATES BEING PUNISHED FOR THEIR SUCCESS?

ISSUES ARISING:

THE WAY FORWARD

THE CONCLUSION:

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

THE COURT’S ‘NO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO MARRY’ IS WRONG

RELATED KEY JUDGEMENTS:

NEED FOR LEGALISATION:

ISSUES WITH COURT JUDGEMENT:

THE WAY FORWARD:

THE CONCLUSION:

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY, THE SUPREME COURT STOPS SHORT

MORE ON THE NEWS

IS THE RIGHT TO MARRY A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT?: RECENT VERDICT

IIT-B’S ‘VEGETARIAN TABLES’ POLICY: VEGETARIANISM OF PURITY PROMOTES SEGREGATION, HIERARCHY AND EVEN VIOLENCE

RECENT INSTANCES:

CURRENT SITUATION:

AFFECT ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:

ISSUES ARISING:

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (5th OCTOBER 2023)

1. DIRECTORATE OF ENFORCEMENT (ED)

2. PM STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM SVANidhi) SCHEME

3. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 IN CHEMISTRY

4. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

5. DYNAMIC INJUNCTION

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (4th OCTOBER 2023)

1. NOBEL PRIZE 2023 FOR PHYSICS

2. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

3. IEA CRITICAL MINERALS AND CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT

4. THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT (UAPA), 1967

5. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (25th AUGUST 2023)

1. LCA TEJAS FIRED ASTRA -AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE

2. CHANDRAYAAN-3

3. NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK

4. ECO-SENSITIVE ASPECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

5. INDIA AND THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (14th AUGUST 2023)

1. CAG AUDITS NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (NSAP)

2. PRADHAN MANTRI UCHCHATAR SHIKSHA ABHIYAN (PM-USHA)

3. ADITYA L1: INDIA’S FIRST MISSION TO STUDY THE SUN

4. ENGINEERING OF ACINETOBACTER BAYLYI BACTERIA TO DETECT CANCER

5. INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL PENSION SYSTEM (NPS) STATEMENT OF TRANSACTION WITH CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT STATEMENT (CAS)

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (2nd AUGUST 2023)

1. SELF RELIANT INDIA (SRI) FUND

2. ULLAS: NAV BHARAT SAKSHARTA KARYAKRAM

3. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) TAG ACCORDED TO SEVEN PRODUCTS

4. PAHARIS AND PADDARIS PROPOSED FOR THE SCHEDULED TRIBES STATUS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR.

5. SUB-CATEGORISATION OF OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES (OBCs)

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (21st JULY 2023)

1. ZOMBIE FIRES

2. BACTERIOPHAGES

3. WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INDEX (WEI) AND THE GLOBAL GENDER PARITY INDEX (GGPI)

4. U.S.-INDIA STRATEGIC CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP (SCEP)

5. BURA CHAPORI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (12th JULY 2023)

1. NARI ADALAT

2. OUTCOMES OF THE RECENT GST COUNCIL MEETING

3. MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX (MPI)

4. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (ED)

5. GREEN WASHING AND THE FOREST (CONSERVATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2023

TOP 5 TAKKAR NEWS OF THE DAY (11th JULY 2023)

1. HINDU UNDIVIDED FAMILY AND UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

5. MISSION DefSpace AND 100^TH SPRINT (NAVY) CONTRACT

4. 4^th POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LIST