Articles on 27 October 2025

What’s in today’s article?

• Introduction
• Constitutional Changes Post-2019
• Governance Structure of Jammu and Kashmir
• Powers of the Legislative Assembly
• Comparison with Delhi's Governance Model
• Role of the Lieutenant Governor
• Conclusion

Introduction

• The first phase of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to commence on from 18th Sep, 2024.
• This election is particularly significant as it marks the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, fundamentally altering the political and constitutional landscape of the region.
• The new Assembly will represent a Union Territory (UT) rather than a state, introducing substantial changes to the governance structure.

Constitutional Changes Post-2019

• In August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir's statehood was revoked, and it was bifurcated into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature and Ladakh without a legislature.
• This restructuring was made possible through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which amended the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect the new status and provided a fresh framework for governance under Article 239, which governs Union Territories.

Governance Structure of Jammu and Kashmir

• The governance of the new UT of Jammu and Kashmir is unique, akin to the model followed by the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry, but with some distinctions.
• Under Article 239A, the region will have a Legislative Assembly, similar to Puducherry.
• However, the powers of this Assembly will differ substantially from the powers held by states.

Powers of the Legislative Assembly

• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 outlines the specific powers of the Legislative Assembly.
• Section 32 of the Act states that the Assembly may make laws on matters in the State List, except for critical areas like public order and police.
• Additionally, the Assembly can legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, as long as such laws do not conflict with central legislation.
• However, Section 36 introduces an important condition for financial legislation.
• Any Bill related to financial obligations must be recommended by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) before being introduced in the Assembly.
• This gives the LG substantial control over policies that could impact the region’s finances.

Comparison with Delhi's Governance Model

• The governance structure of Jammu and Kashmir can be compared to Delhi, another Union Territory with a legislature.
• However, Delhi's powers are limited, with key areas such as land, public order, and police under the direct control of the LG.
• Disputes between the Delhi government and the LG have often led to legal battles, particularly over control of services (the bureaucracy).
• In Jammu and Kashmir, the LG has similar control over public order, police, and anti-corruption matters.
• The 2019 Act also allows the LG to exercise discretion on issues outside the purview of the Legislative Assembly, thus giving the LG considerable influence in governance.

Role of the Lieutenant Governor

• The Lieutenant Governor in Jammu and Kashmir holds significant authority, as defined under Section 53 of the 2019 Act.
• The LG can act independently in matters beyond the legislative powers of the Assembly, including the All India Services and Anti-Corruption Bureau.
• Moreover, the LG's decisions cannot be easily challenged in court, making the office a powerful administrative entity.
• In the lead-up to the elections, several administrative changes have further extended the powers of the LG.
• These changes include the ability to appoint the Advocate General, law officers, and participate in decisions related to prosecution and sanctions.

Conclusion

• The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections mark a new chapter in the region’s governance, with a drastically altered political and constitutional framework post-2019.
• The region now functions as a Union Territory with a limited legislative assembly, much like Delhi and Puducherry, but with additional checks in place through the enhanced powers of the LG.
• How these changes will impact governance and the balance of power between the Centre and the region remains to be seen, especially as the region moves towards a new political and administrative reality.

Q1. How many UTs in India have a Legislative Assembly?

Three union territories in India have a legislative assembly: Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry.

Q2. Who appoints Lieutenant Governor in India?

In India, according to Article 239 of its Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the President of India. An appointee does not hold office during the pleasure of a fixed tenure and employment works during the pleasure of the President.

Source: What powers will the new Jammu and Kashmir Assembly have?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is World Health Organisation?
• What does declaration as a PHEIC mean?
• What is Monkeypox?
• What is the reason for the current concern?
• Risk for India

Why in News?

The WHO has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries being severely affected.

Since 2022, there have been 99,176 cases and 208 deaths reported from 116 countries. What seems to be worrisome is the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus.

What is World Health Organisation?

• About:
  • Founded in 1948, it is the UN agency responsible for global public health. It has 194 member states.
  • It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It aims to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
  • It is involved in vaccination campaigns, health emergencies and supporting countries in primary care.
  • It is funded by a combination of members' fees based on wealth and population and voluntary contributions.
• India & WHO:
  • India became a party to the WHO constitution in January 1948. India is a member state of the South East Asia Region at the WHO.
  • The first regional director for South East Asia was an Indian, Dr Chandra Mani, who served between 1948-1968.
  • Currently, the post has again been occupied by an Indian appointee, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, who has been in office since 2014.
  • Dr Soumya Swaminathan served as WHO’s chief scientist (2019-2022).

What does declaration as a PHEIC mean?

• A PHEIC is declared for an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease.
• PHEIC label by WHO is designed to trigger a coordinated international response and could unlock funding to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments.

What is Monkeypox?

• About
  • Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic viral disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, the same virus family as smallpox.
  • Zoonotic diseases are those disease that spread from animals to humans.
  • Monkeypox was first discovered in animals in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in captive monkey colonies kept for research purposes.
  • Hence, the name ‘monkeypox’.
• Symptoms
  • People with monkeypox often experience symptoms like fever, body aches and a rash. Most recover within weeks without needing medical care.
  • Complications of the infection include pneumonia, secondary skin infections, confusion, and eye problems.
  • Monkeypox is a largely self-limiting disease — which means it will resolve itself on its own, and will leave no long-term harmful effects on a patient’s health.
  • However, it can lead to death especially in children, and those with weak immune systems.
• Transmission
  • From animals to humans, the infection is known to get transmitted through direct contact with blood, bodily fluid, or lesions in the infected animals.
  • Human-to-human transmission can happen either through large respiratory secretion or contact with lesions of the infected person or contaminated objects.
  • However, unlike with say influenza or Covid-19, transmission of monkeypox through respiratory droplets needs prolonged face-to-face contact.
• Treatment
  • There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox.
  • However, the Vaccinia vaccine, which was used against smallpox, had shown 85% efficacy in monkeypox prevention.

What is the reason for the current concern?

• The spread of clade Ib of the mpox virus (MPXV), primarily transmitted through sexual contact, is causing concern.
• Historically, clade I infections, which are deadlier than clade II, spread through zoonotic events, but sexual transmission of clade I was previously unreported.
• Over 100 cases of clade Ib have emerged in countries neighboring the DRC—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda—where mpox was not previously reported.
• This, alongside a rise in total mpox cases to over 15,600 and 537 deaths this year, underscores the urgency of a coordinated international response.
• WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized the need to control these outbreaks, as recent research shows the virus is now spreading human-to-human and rapidly mutating into new lineages.

Risk for India

• The first case of the more contagious clade Ib mpox infection outside Africa was reported in Sweden, raising concerns that it could spread to other countries through global travel.
• During the 2022 outbreak, India reported 27 cases and one death, primarily from the less deadly clade II, with infections initially linked to international travel but later spreading locally.
• Experts emphasized that the current surge of mpox in Africa, coupled with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain, is a global emergency.

Q.1. What is Poxviridae family?

The Poxviridae family comprises large, complex DNA viruses responsible for diseases like smallpox and monkeypox. These viruses infect both humans and animals, causing symptoms such as skin lesions and fever. Notable for their resilience and ability to evade the immune system, Poxviridae viruses are studied for their impact on public health.

Q.2. What are Zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted between animals and humans, either directly through contact or indirectly via vectors like insects. Examples include rabies, Lyme disease, and COVID-19. These diseases can cause significant public health challenges, as they often emerge unpredictably and can lead to widespread outbreaks.

Source: WHO declares monkeypox a public health emergency of global concern: All you need to know about this viral infection | Indian Express | Aljazeera

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Delimitation Latest News
• Introduction
• Understanding the Legal and Demographic Framework
• Disparities in Population Growth and Representation
• The Argument for Equity-Based Allocation
• Way Ahead
• Conclusion
• Lok Sabha Seat Readjustment FAQs

Delimitation Latest News

• The issue of readjustment of Lok Sabha seats in the context of the new Census is being hotly debated in the country.

Introduction

• India’s political landscape is looking at a significant transformation with the upcoming readjustment of Lok Sabha seats, set to occur after the 2026 Census. 
• This realignment, mandated under Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution, has sparked debates about equity, federal balance, and demographic justice. 
• Contrary to popular usage, the debate isn’t about delimitation (changing constituency boundaries), but rather about seat allocation, determining how many seats each state should have based on population.
• At the heart of the debate lies a critical question: Should states that failed to control population growth be rewarded with more seats in Parliament, thereby gaining disproportionate influence?

Understanding the Legal and Demographic Framework

• The last readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha was carried out based on the 1971 Census. 
• Despite India’s population rising from 54.79 crore in 1971 to an estimated 141 crore in 2025, the number of Lok Sabha seats has remained frozen at 543. 
• This freeze was introduced to give high-growth states time to stabilize population numbers and avoid penalizing those who implemented effective population control.
• As per Article 82, after each decennial Census, the allocation of Lok Sabha seats should reflect population changes. 
• With the 2026 deadline approaching, this constitutional provision is back in the spotlight.

Disparities in Population Growth and Representation

• Northern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen disproportionate population growth due to weaker implementation of family planning.
  • Uttar Pradesh: From 8.38 crore in 1971 to 24.1 crore in 2025
  • Bihar: From 4.21 crore in 1971 to 13.1 crore in 2025
• In contrast, southern states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have successfully stabilized their populations.
  • Kerala: From 2.14 crore in 1971 to 3.6 crore in 2025 (only 68% growth)
• This divergence has created fears in the South that readjustment based solely on population would drastically reduce their political influence. 
• For example, if the standard 10 lakh people per constituency formula is used, Uttar Pradesh could jump from 80 to 240 seats, while Kerala would gain just 16 additional seats, despite decades of effective governance.

The Argument for Equity-Based Allocation

• The concept of India as a "Union of States," enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution, implies a federal structure rooted in equity. 
• If representation is decided purely on the basis of population, without factoring in developmental performance or governance quality, states that controlled population growth will be effectively penalized.
• A possible solution is to use the state with the lowest population growth (Kerala, at 68%) as the baseline for increasing seats across all states.
• Under this approach:
  • Uttar Pradesh would get 134 seats
  • Kerala would get 34 (from 20)
  • Tamil Nadu around 66 (from 39)
• This method balances the need for democratic representation with fairness and encourages responsible governance.

The Broader Implications of Seat Allocation

• Raising the total Lok Sabha strength to 800 or more, as is possible with the new Parliament’s chamber capacity, may superficially solve the problem but will still create a massive north-south divide in political power if done solely based on raw population numbers.
• Key concerns include:
  • Rewarding poor governance and high fertility rates with political influence
  • Marginalizing states that have demonstrated governance maturity
  • Undermining the federal structure and principle of cooperative federalism
• Political tensions are already brewing. Tamil Nadu’s CM M.K. Stalin has taken the lead in voicing southern concerns.
• A recent Chennai conclave of southern and Punjab-based leaders reflects growing anxiety over losing political relevance due to population-based reallocation.

Way Ahead

• A rational, equitable approach is essential. Here’s what can be considered:
  • Adopt a fixed growth-based seat allocation multiplier, such as 68%, across all states
  • Delink representation from mere numbers, and include performance indicators like human development, gender ratio, education levels, etc.
  • Convene an inter-state commission to create consensus on a balanced model
  • Promote a long-term framework where demography is aligned with development and governance performance

Conclusion

• India’s upcoming Lok Sabha seat readjustment exercise must reflect not just demographic shifts but also fairness and federal harmony. 
• A mechanical approach based solely on population threatens to fracture the spirit of cooperative federalism and penalize progressive states. 
• A more sensitive, equity-driven formula, like using Kerala’s growth rate as the national standard, can offer a balanced way forward. 
• In a Union of States, every voice deserves fair and proportionate representation, not one dictated by fertility rates but by a shared commitment to progress.

Lok Sabha Seat Readjustment FAQs

Q1. Why is the Lok Sabha seat readjustment happening now?

Ans. It is mandated under Article 82 of the Constitution after every Census, with the next due after 2026.

Q2. What is the major concern regarding this seat allocation exercise?

Ans. Southern states fear loss of political influence due to lower population growth compared to northern states.

Q3. How does the current freeze on seats relate to population control efforts?

Ans. The freeze till 2026 was meant to incentivize population control and prevent penalizing progressive states.

Q4. What is the proposed equitable formula for seat redistribution?

Ans. A 68% seat increase across all states, based on Kerala’s population growth since 1971, has been suggested.

Q5. How could unequal seat allocation affect India’s democracy?

Ans. It could lead to political imbalance, undermine federal principles, and reward states with poor governance records.

Source :TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Heat Action Plans in India Latest News
• Heat Action Plan (HAP)
• Early Onset of Extreme Heat in India
• Rising Heatstroke Deaths in India
• Key Highlights of the Study
• Way Forward: Need for a Comprehensive National Heat Strategy
• Heat Action Plans in India FAQs

Heat Action Plans in India Latest News

• A new study has revealed that most Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in Indian cities fail to incorporate long-term strategies to combat extreme heat. Even cities with such strategies struggle with effective implementation. 
• The study, ‘Is India Ready for a Warming World? How Heat Resilience Measures Are Being Implemented for 11% of India’s Urban Population in Some of Its Most At-Risk Cities’, was carried out by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), a New Delhi-based research organisation. 
• It warns that inadequate planning could lead to more heat-related deaths due to intensifying heat waves.

Heat Action Plan (HAP)

• A Heat Action Plan (HAP) is an early warning and preparedness system designed to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. 
• It includes both immediate and long-term measures to enhance preparedness, improve information-sharing, and coordinate responses to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related health risks.

Key Recommendations of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

• Immediate Measures
  • Use of forecasts and early warning systems to alert the public and authorities.
  • Public awareness campaigns on heatwave risks.
  • Establishment of heat shelters and cooling centres.
  • Provision of clean drinking water to prevent dehydration.
  • Ensuring hospitals are equipped with necessary supplies and trained healthcare workers to handle heat-related illnesses.
• Long-Term Strategies
  • Urban planning initiatives such as tree planting to reduce heat impact.
  • Use of heat-resistant building materials to counter the urban heat island effect.
  • Implementation of cool roofing technologies to lower indoor temperatures.
  • Strengthening coordination among government agencies, healthcare providers, community organisations, and emergency services for better heatwave preparedness.

Implementation of HAPs in India

• According to a July 2024 response in the Lok Sabha, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is implementing HAPs in 23 heatwave-prone states in collaboration with state governments.

Early Onset of Extreme Heat in India

• February saw record-breaking temperatures, with heatwaves officially reported in Goa and Maharashtra.
• Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra have already crossed 40°C.
• 31 States and Union Territories recorded night temperatures at least 1°C above normal, with 22 States/UTs experiencing 3°C to 5°C higher temperatures.

Rising Heatstroke Deaths in India

• Data from NDMA shows an increasing trend in heatstroke-related deaths between 2020 and 2022, with fatalities rising from 530 in 2020 to 730 in 2022. 
• However, in 2024, reported cases dropped to 269 suspected and 161 confirmed heatstroke deaths.
• Despite NDMA’s report, non-profit organisation HeatWatch reported 733 heatstroke deaths in 17 Indian states between March and June 2024, raising concerns over heatwave preparedness and data accuracy.

Key Highlights of the Study

• Researchers identified nine Indian cities with populations over 1 million that are expected to face the highest increases in dangerous heat index values. 
• The study was based on 88 interviews with officials from city, district, and state governments, as well as representatives from disaster management, health, city planning, and labour departments.

Key Findings of the Study

• Short-Term Measures in Place
  • All nine cities had emergency measures such as access to drinking water and adjusted work schedules to tackle immediate heat risks.
• Lack of Long-Term Strategies
  • The study found that essential long-term actions were either absent or poorly implemented.
  • These long-term actions include cooling solutions for vulnerable populations, insurance for lost work, fire management services for heat waves, and electricity grid upgrades.
• Misaligned Urban Planning Efforts
  • Efforts like increasing urban shade and green spaces lacked a targeted approach for populations most at risk from extreme heat.
• Health System-Focused Strategies
  • Most long-term measures focused on strengthening healthcare responses rather than preventing heat-related impacts in the first place.
• Institutional and Financial Constraints
  • The study highlighted that a lack of coordination between municipal, district, and state government departments was the biggest obstacle to effective long-term heat action planning. 
  • Additionally, inadequate funding was a significant barrier to implementing sustainable heat resilience strategies.

Way Forward: Need for a Comprehensive National Heat Strategy

• Adaptation strategies are gaining importance as global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions remain slow.
• Solutions like affordable cooling devices pose environmental risks due to ozone-depleting refrigerants.
• Sustainable alternatives such as green buildings, passive cooling, and green infrastructure must be integrated into urban planning.
• India must develop a national heat strategy and incorporate it into its National Adaptation Plan before COP30 in Brazil.

Heat Action Plans in India FAQs

Q1. What is a Heat Action Plan (HAP)?

Ans. A Heat Action Plan is a preparedness strategy to mitigate extreme heat effects through early warnings and urban cooling solutions.

Q2. Why do Indian cities lack long-term heat strategies?

Ans. Poor coordination, funding shortages, and misaligned urban planning hinder the implementation of sustainable heat resilience measures.

Q3. Which Indian cities face the highest heat risks?

Ans. Nine major cities with populations over 1 million are projected to experience the most dangerous heat index increases.

Q4. What immediate measures are included in HAPs?

Ans. Early warnings, public awareness, cooling centers, water provisions, and medical preparedness are key short-term actions.

Q5. What is the way forward for India’s heat resilience?

Ans. India must integrate green buildings, passive cooling, and a national heat strategy into its climate adaptation plans.

Source: IE | TH | TH

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• MSMEs in India
• Significance of MSMEs and Problems Faced by Them
• Government’s Initiatives to Boost MSME Sector
• Understanding the Latest Tax Compliance Guidelines for the MSMEs
• What are the Concerns Raised by Big Companies and the MSMEs?

Why in News?

• The Union Budget 2023-24 introduced a new provision in the Income-Tax (IT) Act that aims to secure payments to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within 45 days of supply of goods or services.
• However, this provision has resulted in a peculiar problem - large companies cancelling orders to registered MSMEs and placing these with unregistered MSMEs.

MSMEs in India:

• MSMEs are often called the powerhouse of the Indian economy as they contribute significantly to employment generation, exports, and overall economic growth.
• They reportedly account for more than 11 crore jobs and contribute around 27.0% of India's GDP.
• The sector consists of around 6.4 crore MSMEs, with 1.5 crore of them registered on the Udyam portal and employs around 23.0% of the Indian labour force, making it the 2nd-largest employer in India after agriculture.
• They account for 38.4% of the total manufacturing output and contribute 45.03% of the country's total exports.

Significance of MSMEs and Problems Faced by Them:

• Significance of MSMEs for Indian economy: Labour intensive sector, promotes inclusive growth, leads to financial inclusion and promotes innovation.
• Problems faced by MSMEs:
  • Problem of dwarfism: While dwarfs (firms that continued to remain small despite ageing) consume vital resources (could possibly be given to infant firms), they contribute less to job creation and economic growth as compared to infant firms.
  • Lack of funding: Most (90%) of the MSME funding comes from informal sources.
  • Poor integration of digital technologies: Integration of technologies such as big data, AI and virtual reality (Industry 4.0) into manufacturing operations in the sector is still in its infancy.
  • Environmental impact: The sector lacks cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship, which produce environment friendly products, promotes energy efficiency and has the potential to accelerate the transition to a circular and low carbon economy.

Government’s Initiatives to Boost MSME Sector:

• The Government of India has correctly identified MSME ecosystem development as a top priority for achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• The ambitious ‘Make in India’ campaign in India aims to propel the country up the manufacturing value chain and position it as a global manufacturing hub.
• Production linked incentives (PLI) schemes and the recently launched zero effect zero defect (ZED) certification are assisting in the promotion and growth of the sector.
• The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is also creating opportunities for self-employment and microenterprises, with over 7 lakh microenterprises being helped to become economically viable.
• Digital Saksham initiatives, as well as the interlinking of the Udyam, e-Shram, National Career Service (NCS) and Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portals, demonstrate the promise of targeted digitalisation schemes.

Understanding the Latest Tax Compliance Guidelines for the MSMEs:

• In India, businesses usually record expenses when they happen (accrual basis), even if they haven't paid for them yet.
• However, Section 15 of the MSMED Act 2006, and newly enacted Section 43B(h) of the IT Act says that businesses must pay these MSME Registered Enterprises within 15 days/ up to 45 days if they have an agreement.
• If a business doesn't comply with this regulation, they won't be able to deduct these payments as expenses in the same year they incur them. This means their taxable income and business taxes could go up.
• Also, in case of late payment to an MSME registered unit, the payer will be responsible to pay interest on the amount due.

What are the Concerns Raised by Big Companies and the MSMEs?

• Bigger companies started flagging concerns about ballooning tax liability and many MSME owners reported cancellation of orders due to the new tax clause.
• MSMEs also pointed out that big companies are shifting business to unregistered MSMEs, as it lends them the flexibility to not meet the mandatory provision and continue with a longer payment cycle of 90-120 days.
• While some MSME associations have approached the Supreme Court against the new norm, the Union MSME Ministry is learnt to have reached out to industry players for solutions.

The Ministry has asked stakeholders to suggest ways to resolve the issues arising from the I-T Act and to recommend possible alternate mechanisms for timely clearance of MSME bills.

Q.1. What is the significance of the zero effect zero defect (ZED) certification?

Through the journey of ZED Certification, MSMEs can reduce wastage substantially, increase productivity, enhance environmental consciousness, save energy, optimally use natural resources, expand their markets, etc.

Q.2. What is the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)?

PMEGP is a central sector scheme administered by the Ministry of MSME to generate employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of the country through setting up of new self-employment ventures/projects/micro enterprises.

Source: I-T clause to ensure MSMEs are paid on time creates hurdle

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• The Current Indian Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women
• Salient Provisions of the Aparajita Bill
• Other Similar State Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women
• Difficulties in Introducing State Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women

Why in News?

• The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill 2024, which mandates the death penalty in rape cases if the victim dies or is left in a permanent vegetative state, was unanimously approved by the state Assembly.
• This comes while West Bengal is still roiling under the public demonstrations against the rape and killing of a young doctor at Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The Current Indian Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women:

• The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 amended Indian Penal Code (IPC) to allow death penalty in rape cases when it led to death or left the victim in a persistent vegetative state, and in cases of repeat offenders.
• The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2018 provided for death penalty for rape and gang rape of girls below the age of 12.
• The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 keeps all the old penal provisions and adds that gang rape of a woman under 18 is punishable by death.

Salient Provisions of the Aparajita Bill:

• The Bill amends provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS), the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS), and the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO) in the state.
• Provisions of BNS amended:
  • In cases where aggravating circumstances are present (such as rape by a public servant, etc), the Bill adds the words “or with death” at the end of the description of the maximum punishments (imprisonment for life).
  • In rape cases where the victim dies or is left in a permanent vegetative state, the Bill makes the death penalty mandatory in such cases.
  • In cases of gang rape, the Bill provides for the death penalty for the gang rape of a woman above age 18.
  • For repeat offenders, the Aparajita Bill replaces the punishment of simple “imprisonment for life” with “rigorous imprisonment for life”.
  • For disclosing the identity of a rape victim and for publishing information relating to court proceedings in rape cases, it also increases the jail terms.
  • In cases of acid attacks, the Bill removes the lighter punishments (prison terms less than life and fine) with “rigorous imprisonment for life” as the only punishment.
• Provisions of POCSO Act amended: The Bill provides for the death penalty for penetrative sexual assault, where the highest punishment currently is life imprisonment.
• Provisions of BNSS amended:
  • The Bill reduces the time provided under BNSS to complete the investigation into the relevant BNS and POCSO offences from two months to 21 days (which can be extended by another 15 days if necessary).
  • The Bill also reduces the time given to complete the trial after the chargesheet is filed from two months to 30 days.
• Task Forces, Special Courts:
  • The Aparajita Bill provides for special institutions (like Special Police Teams to investigate crimes against women) with the express purpose of investigating, hearing, and deciding rape cases on strict timelines.
  • For example, the Bill creates a special Aparajita Task Force in every district to investigate cases of rape.
  • The Bill also introduces Special Courts in every district for the purpose of expeditious completion of inquiry or trial in rape cases, and to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor respectively.

 Other Similar State Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women:

• Before West Bengal, the Andhra Pradesh (Disha Bill) and Maharashtra (Shakti Bill) Assemblies had passed laws prescribing the death penalty for rape by amending the criminal laws in force at the time.
  • The Disha Bill2019 introduced the death penalty as punishment for the crimes of rape, including against a minor below 16 years of age, gang rape and for repeat offenders.
  • The Shakti Bill 2020 too introduced the death penalty in rape cases and provided shortened timelines for concluding the investigation and trial.
  • Neither Bills has received the mandatory assent of the President yet.
• Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh (in 2017) and Arunachal Pradesh (in 2018) Assemblies introduced the death penalty for the rape or gangrape of a woman up to 12 years of age.

Difficulties in Introducing State Laws to Curb Sexual Assaults on Women:

• The Aparajita Bill will now be presented to the Governor of West Bengal who will send it to the President, who will then decide whether to give her assent and allow the Bill to come into force.
• Why is the President's assent crucial?

• In Mithu versus State of Punjab case (1983), the Supreme Court ruled that ‘mandatory’ death sentence
  • Violates fundamental rights of equality before law (Art 14) and right to life (Art 21), and
  • Would result in "unfair, unjust and unreasonable procedure" that can deprive a person of his/her life.

Q.1. What is the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023?

The BNS 2023 is a new criminal code that will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. The BNS is intended to provide justice instead of punishment, and to remove traces of a colonial mindset. The BNS came into effect on July 1, 2024.

Q.2. What is the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS)?

The BNSS was introduced to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It amends provisions on bail, expands the scope of property seizure, and alters powers of police and magistrates.

Source: Bengal bill proposes death or life in jail till death for all rape cases | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Nuclear Sector Latest News
• Introduction
• Background: India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape
• Key Features of the Proposed Move
• Private Sector Participation
• Strategic Importance of the Decision
• Safeguards and Regulatory Control
• Conclusion
• Nuclear Sector FAQs

Nuclear Sector Latest News

• The Indian government is contemplating permitting foreign firms to acquire up to 49% ownership in nuclear power facilities, according to three government officials.

Introduction

• India is preparing for a major shift in its energy strategy by considering allowing up to 49% foreign investment in its nuclear power sector. 
• This landmark move aims to strengthen the country’s clean energy capacity, reduce dependency on coal, and contribute significantly to carbon emission reduction goals. 
• If implemented, it would mark the first time India opens its tightly controlled nuclear energy sector to substantial foreign participation.

Background: India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape

• Nuclear energy plays a relatively small but strategic role in India's electricity mix, currently contributing just over 8 GW, roughly 2% of the installed capacity. 
• India's nuclear energy infrastructure is governed strictly by state-owned entities under the Atomic Energy Act of 1960, with no provision for private or foreign ownership till now.
• In 2008, India signed a civil nuclear agreement with the United States, opening doors for billion-dollar deals with American firms. 
• However, concerns over the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, particularly regarding unlimited liability during accidents, deterred foreign participation.

Key Features of the Proposed Move

• Allowing 49% Foreign Investment
  • The proposed policy will permit foreign companies to own up to 49% equity in nuclear power plants. 
  • This foreign ownership would not be automatic; it would require prior government approval to ensure stringent scrutiny.
• Legal Amendments
  • To facilitate this change, the government plans to amend two critical legislations:
  • The Atomic Energy Act, 1960: To allow private sector companies to build, own, and operate nuclear plants and engage in atomic fuel mining and manufacturing.
  • The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: To modify liability norms that have been major deterrents for foreign and private investments.
• The draft proposals are expected to be tabled before the federal cabinet soon, with an aim to pass the amendments during the Parliament’s monsoon session in July 2025.

Private Sector Participation

• Besides foreign firms, Indian private conglomerates like Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta have also shown interest. 
• Together, they are discussing potential investments amounting to around $26 billion in the nuclear sector.

Strategic Importance of the Decision

• Meeting Carbon Reduction Goals
  • India’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 relies heavily on expanding its clean energy portfolio. 
  • Expanding nuclear energy capacity is crucial, especially to meet night-time electricity demands when solar and wind energy are insufficient.
• Target: 100 GW Nuclear Capacity by 2047
  • The government aims to expand nuclear energy capacity from around 8 GW today to 100 GW by 2047, a 12-fold increase. 
  • This ambitious target underscores the urgency behind liberalizing the nuclear energy sector.
• Boosting Global Cooperation
  • The move could facilitate deeper energy partnerships with countries like the United States, France, and Russia. 
  • Foreign firms such as Westinghouse Electric, GE-Hitachi, Electricité de France (EDF), and Rosatom have expressed interest in participating as technology suppliers, contractors, or service providers.

Safeguards and Regulatory Control

• Despite the opening up, stringent regulatory oversight will continue. 
• Foreign investments will require case-by-case government approvals, and the core principles of nuclear non-proliferation and safety will remain uncompromised.

Conclusion

• India’s plan to allow 49% foreign investment in nuclear power plants represents a historic transformation of the sector. 
• By inviting global expertise and capital, India is not only addressing its urgent energy and environmental needs but also strengthening its strategic partnerships. 
• While the move faces legislative and regulatory hurdles, it signals India's determination to align its energy policy with its climate and growth ambitions.

Nuclear Sector FAQs

Q1. What percentage of foreign investment is India considering for its nuclear power plants?

Ans. India is considering allowing up to 49% foreign investment in nuclear power plants.

Q2. Why is India opening its nuclear sector to foreign investment?

Ans. To boost nuclear energy capacity, reduce coal dependency, and meet carbon reduction targets.

Q3. What legal changes are proposed to allow foreign investment in the nuclear sector?

Ans. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1960, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

Q4. Which Indian companies are showing interest in nuclear investments?

Ans. Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta are among the interested companies.

Q5. What is India’s nuclear energy capacity expansion target by 2047?

Ans. India aims to expand its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

Source: TOI | ET

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Key Allegations Against Gautam Adani
• Legal Framework and the Adani Group's Response
• Immediate Fallout of the Indictment of Adani Group Chairman
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and six others in a $250 million (Rs 2,029 crore) bribery and fraud case.
• The charges include offering bribes to Indian government officials to secure lucrative solar energy contracts, misleading investors, and obstructing justice.

Key Allegations Against Gautam Adani:

• Defendants named:
  • Gautam Adani (Chairman of Adani Group).
  • Sagar Adani (Executive Director of Adani Green Energy Ltd).
  • Vneet Jaain (CEO, Adani Green Energy Ltd).
  • Former Azure Power executives and a Canadian institutional investor’s employees.
• Key allegations:
  • Bribery for solar energy contracts:
    • The accused allegedly bribed Indian officials to buy solar power from the state-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
    • The bribes were linked to contracts projected to generate $2 billion in profits over 20 years.
    • Gautam Adani reportedly had direct meetings with government officials to advance the scheme.
  • Fraudulent capital raising:
    • The defendants are accused of raising funds from US investors under false pretences.
    • Misrepresentations were made to hide the bribery scheme while securing billions from international investors.
  • Obstruction of justice: The accused allegedly obstructed the investigation into the bribery conspiracy.

Legal Framework and the Adani Group's Response:

• US indictment process:
  • An indictment formally accuses individuals of crimes, allowing them to prepare their defence.
  • The case falls under US jurisdiction due to the involvement of US investors and markets.
• Adani Group's response:
  • The Adani Group denied all allegations, emphasising its commitment to governance and compliance.
  • A spokesperson stated that the charges are allegations and do not establish guilt and the company is prepared to seek all possible legal recourse.

Immediate Fallout of the Indictment of Adani Group Chairman:

• Financial impact:
  • Adani Group cancelled a $600 million bond offering intended for foreign currency loan repayment.
  • Shares of Adani companies dropped significantly, with Adani Green Energy losing 18.76% and Adani Energy Solutions falling by 20%.
  • Kenyan President has cancelled a $736 million PPP deal with the Adani Group to construct power transmission lines after US indictments.
• Political reactions:
  • Congress Party in India reiterated its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into alleged Adani-related scams.
  • Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called for the appointment of a credible SEBI chief to oversee investigations.

Conclusion:

• The indictment of Gautam Adani and associates in the US underscores global scrutiny of corporate malpractices.
• The case highlights serious allegations of corruption, investor fraud, and regulatory violations, with widespread financial and political repercussions.

Q.1. What is the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)?

The SECI is a company of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, established to facilitate the implementation of the National Solar Mission (NSM). It is the only Central PSU dedicated to the solar energy sector.

Q.2. What effects do US prosecutors' indictments of Gautam Adani have on India-US relations?

While the US-India business relationship may face scrutiny, it’s unlikely to be significantly impacted, particularly given the recent $500m US deal with Mr Adani for a port project in Sri Lanka.

News: Gautam Adani, nephew Sagar Adani indicted in US, accused of offering Rs 2,000 crore in bribes to govt officials for power contracts | IE | ToI

What’s in today’s article?

• About Bandhavgarh National Park
• About National Green Tribunal
• Mandate of NGT
• NGT’s Power to Initiate Suo Moto Action
• News Summary

About Bandhavgarh National Park

• Bandhavgarh National Park, located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife reserves.
• Known for its high density of Bengal tigers and rich biodiversity, the park is a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
• Geography and Terrain:
  • Location: Situated in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Area: Covers an area of approximately 1,536 square kilometres, including its buffer zones.
  • Landscape: Features a mix of rugged hills, dense forests, grasslands, and meadows, with the Bandhavgarh Fort perched atop a prominent hill.
  • Water Bodies: The park has several perennial streams and waterholes, ensuring a consistent water supply for its wildlife.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Flora:
    • Predominantly covered with Sal forests, along with grasslands and bamboo stretches.
    • The park also boasts medicinal plants and diverse tree species such as Dhobin, Tendu, and Saja.
  • Fauna:
    • Tigers: Bandhavgarh is famous for its tiger population, with one of the highest densities in the world.
    • Other Mammals: Includes leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, jackals, and various species of deer like sambar and chital.
    • Birds: Home to over 250 bird species, including Indian rollers, crested serpent eagles, and paradise flycatchers.
    • Reptiles: Houses various snakes, lizards, and other reptiles.

About National Green Tribunal

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• Objectives:
  • Effective and expeditious disposal of cases that are related to the protection and conservation of the environment, forests, and other natural resources.
  • To give relief and compensations for any damages caused to persons and properties.
  • To handle various environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
• After Australia and New Zealand, India became the third country in the world to establish a specialized environmental tribunal.
• 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'.
• An order/decision/award of the Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.

Mandate of NGT

• The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act. These include the following:
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• This means that any violations pertaining only to these laws, or any order/decision taken by the Government under these laws can be challenged before the NGT.
• Importantly, the NGT has not been vested with powers to hear any matter relating to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and various laws enacted by States relating to forests, tree preservation etc.
• NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
• An appeal against order/decision/award of the NGT lies to the Supreme Court, generally within ninety days from the date of communication.

NGT’s Power to Initiate Suo Moto Action

• There is no specific provision in the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 permitting the NGT to take up cases on its own.
• However, it can act on letters or communication addressed to it raising environmental concerns.

News Summary

• The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu notice of the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, allegedly caused by the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet.
• Notices have been issued to key authorities, including the principal chief conservator of forests (Madhya Pradesh), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). These authorities have been directed to respond within a week.
• Key Findings and Concerns:
  • Cause of Death: Preliminary investigations suggest the elephants consumed Kodo millet contaminated with mycotoxins, likely due to fungal infestation during damp conditions. This contamination can lead to severe health risks, including liver and kidney damage, in both wildlife and livestock.
  • Legal Implications: The incident may violate the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, raising questions about environmental compliance.
  • Broader Risks: The NGT expressed concerns about the implications of such contamination, noting its potential impact on other wildlife and livestock that come into contact with the tainted crop.
• Action Taken by the NGT:
  • The NGT has transferred the case to its Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal.
  • Authorities are required to submit affidavits addressing the issue and present findings from the forensic analysis of millet samples.
  • The NGT highlighted the seriousness of this matter, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that strengthens its authority to intervene in environmental matters.
• Significance:
  • This case underscores the critical need for stringent monitoring of wildlife habitats and food sources to prevent contamination-related fatalities.
  • It also highlights the broader implications of environmental non-compliance and its impact on biodiversity.

Q1. What is the basic difference between Buffer Zone and Core Zone?

The main difference between a core zone and a buffer zone is that the core zone is the most protected area, while the buffer zone is less protected and allows some human activity.

Q2. What is a Biodiversity Hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.

News: NGT Issues Notice to Madhya Pradesh, Centre on Bandhavgarh Elephant Deaths

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• Background
• About Import Management System
• Reasons Behind the Introduction of Import Management System
• News Summary

Why in the News?

• The Union government is expected to extend the existing import management system for imports of certain IT hardware products including laptops and tablets for three months.

Background

• In November 2023, the Union Government had imposed restrictions on import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers and ultra-small computers and servers with immediate effect.
• Subsequently, the government conducted consultations on a new system through which it aimed to monitor the sources from which IT hardware is being imported.
• The government eventually introduced the Import Management System for certain category of electronic goods.

About Import Management System

• The Import Management System (IMS) of the Indian Government is a framework designed to streamline and regulate the import of goods into India.
• Managed primarily by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), IMS aims to facilitate efficient import processes, ensure compliance with various regulations, and maintain the quality and safety of imported products.
• Objectives of IMS:
  • To protect domestic industries by regulating the inflow of goods that could negatively impact local markets.
  • To safeguard public health, safety, and the environment by controlling the import of hazardous or substandard products.
  • To ensure that all imports comply with Indian laws and standards, maintaining the quality of goods entering the country.
  • To enhance ease of doing business by providing a transparent and streamlined process for importers.
• Key Features of IMS:
  • Regulation and Control: IMS helps in monitoring and regulating the import of goods by enforcing import policies, including restrictions, quotas, and licensing requirements for specific items.
  • Licensing and Permits: Importers must obtain licenses or permits for restricted items through the IMS. This helps in controlling the entry of sensitive goods that could impact national security, health, or the environment.
  • Documentation and Compliance: IMS facilitates the submission of required documents such as import licenses, bills of entry, and certificates of origin. It ensures that all imported goods comply with Indian standards and regulations.
  • Risk Management: The system uses risk management tools to identify and screen high-risk consignments, ensuring that prohibited or substandard goods do not enter the country.
  • Tariff and Non-Tariff Measures: IMS enforces both tariff and non-tariff measures to regulate imports, such as import duties, anti-dumping duties, and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, which protect domestic industries and consumers.
  • Facilitation of Trade: By providing guidelines and assistance to importers, IMS aims to make the import process more efficient, reducing the time and cost associated with bringing goods into India.

Reasons Behind the Introduction of Import Management System

• China Factor:
  • Data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives us a broad picture of India’s dependence on China with regard to the import of electronic goods such as laptops, computers etc.
  • Indeed, India’s imports of the aforementioned class of electronic goods have been steadily rising.
  • Whereas in 2019-20, India’s imports of electronic goods stood at $5.3 billion, that figure climbed to $10.3 billion in 2021-22, before declining slightly to hit $8.7 billion in 2022-23.
  • Given this fact, a rise in indigenous manufacturing would not only help India reduce its dependence on its diplomatic and business rival but would also help indigenous manufacturers expand their footprint globally.
  • The introduction of Import Management System could force IT hardware companies to establish new supply chains, as China is unlikely to be classified as a trusted geography.
• Security Factor:
  • Another factor behind the restrictions imposed on this class of electronic goods is concerns about ‘security’.
  • The restrictions may have been brought in to guard against electronic hardware coming in with “in-built security loopholes that may potentially endanger sensitive personal and enterprise data”.
  • Across the world, many red flags have been raised about cybersecurity with regard to Chinese-manufactured electronics.

News Summary

• The Union government is expected to extend the existing import management system for IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, by three months, with the current review deadline set for September 30, an official source said.
• The system monitors imports of laptops, personal computers, and other IT hardware without disrupting market supply.
• Imports of these items stood at $8.4 billion in 2023-24, mainly from China, against an authorisation limit of about $9.5 billion.
• The authorisation allows importers to apply for multiple permissions, valid until September 30, 2024. Over 100 applications, including those from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo, were approved on the system’s first day, allowing imports worth nearly $10 billion.
• The extension would cover the entire current year, preventing any disruption, according to the official.

Q1. What is meant by Custom Duty?

Customs duty refers to the tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders. In simple terms, it is the tax that is levied on import and export of goods. The government uses this duty to raise its revenues, safeguard domestic industries, and regulate movement of goods.

Q2. What is meant by Anti Dumping Duty?

Anti-dumping duties are taxes imposed on imported goods in order to compensate for the difference between their export price and their normal value, if dumping causes injury to producers of competing products in the importing country.

Source: Govt. may extend import management system for laptops, tablets for 3 months

Business Standard

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Government’s Plan under the PM Professorship Initiative?
• Another Major Announcement at the Meeting of the ANRF
• What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?
• Governing Board and Executive Council of the ANRF
• What is the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF)?

Why in News?

• The government plans to engage retired scientists and professors as mentors for universities with lower rankings under the 'Prime Minister Professorship' initiative.
• The decision was taken during the inaugural Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) chaired by the Prime Minister of India.

What is the Government’s Plan under the PM Professorship Initiative?

• The government plans to engage "accomplished" retired scientists and professors as mentors for faculty at universities with lower rankings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
• The mentorship will be given by scientists and professors from national laboratories and top institutions like the IITs.
• The government will provide substantial funding, postdoctoral support, and necessary resources to build research groups in these universities.
• This seeks to enhance the research capabilities of higher education institutions.
• While specific details of the programme are yet to be finalised, the proposal will be sent to the executive council for further approval.

Another Major Announcement at the Meeting of the ANRF:

• Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme: Another major announcement was the launch of the PAIR programme.
• Objectives of the PAIR programme:
  • It is designed to foster collaboration between research-intensive institutions and those with limited research capabilities.
  • PAIR aims to create a mentorship environment to strengthen research across the country.
• What is the urgency behind launching such a programme?
  • Less than 1% of India's 40,000 higher education institutions (HEIs) are currently engaged in research activities.
  • The PAIR initiative seeks to rectify this by establishing a "Hub and Spoke" framework that will enable systematic growth in research excellence across universities.

What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?

• The ANRF has been established with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act 2023 and as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• It will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country.
• It aims to seed, grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• It will -
  • Forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and
  • Create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries.
• With the establishment of ANRF, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 has been subsumed into ANRF.

Governing Board and Executive Council of the ANRF:

• The Governing Board of the ANRF:
  • It is headed by the Prime Minister of India to provide strategic direction to the Foundation and monitor the implementation. 
  • Other members of the Board are:
    • The Union Ministers of Science and Technology, Education as Vice Presidents,
    • The Principal Scientific Advisor as Member Secretary, and
    • Secretaries to the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Scientific and Industrial Research.
• Executive Council:
• The Executive Council of the ANRF undertakes implementation and its functions include:
  • Considering applications for the grant of financial assistance,
  • Prescribing regulations regarding applications for financial assistance,
  • Preparing the budget of the Foundation and maintaining its accounts, etc. 
• The Principal Scientific Advisor will be the chairperson of the Council. 

What is the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF)?

• About:
  • TheNIRF was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education) in 2015 (first edition came in 2016).
  • The framework, which is the first-ever effort by the Government of India, outlines a methodology to rank HEIs across the country.
  • While participation in the NIRF was initially voluntary, it became mandatory in 2018 for all government-run educational institutions.
• Ranking parameters:

• Significance:
• The NIRF process gives detailed feedback regarding a HEI’s strengths and weaknesses.
• It assists institutions in gaining a better understanding of their annual performance as well as their competitors and peer performers.
• This provides benefits such as attracting industry for better placement and serving as a credible resource for parents and students to learn about the HEIs.
• The NIRF indirectly assists top-performing institutions in building their brand and gaining widespread recognition without incurring additional marketing and branding costs.

● How to improve NIRF Ranking?

 Q.1. What is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

The NEP 2020 aims to provide high-quality education to all and transform India into a knowledge society. The NEP 2020 is based on five guiding pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.

Q.2. What is the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)?

SERB is a statutory body established in 2009 for promoting basic research in science and engineering and to provide financial assistance to scientists, academic institutions, R&D laboratories, etc. It was succeeded by an act called Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act 2023 which formed ANRF in the year 2024.

Source: Govt mulls mentorship of low-ranked varsity faculty by retired professors from top institutes| PIB

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• News Summary: The State of India’s Scheduled Areas
• Constitutional provision regarding administration of Scheduled Areas
• A place for ST communities
• Scheduled Area governance
• Who decides a Scheduled Area?
• The identity of a Scheduled Area
• Various recommendations on identity of a Schedule Area
• Way forward

Why in news?

• India’s 705 Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities – making up 8.6% of the country’s population – live in 26 States and six Union Territories.
• This article analyses the state of India’s Scheduled Areas.

News Summary: The State of India’s Scheduled Areas

Constitutional provision regarding administration of Scheduled Areas

• Article 244, pertaining to the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas, is the single most important constitutional provision for STs. 
• Articles 244(1) provides for the application of Fifth Schedule provisions to Scheduled Areas notified in any State other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. 
• The Sixth Schedule applies to these states as per Article 244(2).

A Place for ST Communities

• Scheduled Areas cover 11.3% of India’s land area, and have been notified in 10 States: 
  • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
• STs left out
• As per various Adivasi organisations, villages have been left out in the 10 States with Scheduled Areas and in other States with ST population. 
• As a result, 59% of India’s STs remain outside the purview of Article 244. 
• They are denied rights under the laws applicable to Scheduled Areas, including the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 and the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
• In 1995, the Bhuria Committee, constituted to recommend provisions for the extension of panchayat raj to Scheduled Areas, recommended including these villages, but this is yet to be done. 
• The absence of viable ST-majority administrative units has been the standard bureaucratic response.
  • This argument has been used to demand the denotification of parts of Scheduled Areas where STs are now a minority due to the influx of non-tribal individuals.

Scheduled Area governance

• Tribal Advisory Council
• The President of India notifies India’s Scheduled Areas. States with Scheduled Areas need to constitute a Tribal Advisory Council with up to 20 ST members. 
• They will advise the Governor on matters referred to them regarding ST welfare. 
• The Governor will then submit a report every year to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.
• Role of Governor
• The Governor can repeal or amend any law enacted by Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly in its application to the Scheduled Area of that State. 
• The Governor can also make regulations for a Scheduled Area, especially to prohibit or restrict the transfer of tribal land by or among members of the STs, and regulate the allotment of land to STs and money-lending to STs.
• Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA 1996
• PESA empowered the gram sabhas to exercise substantial authority through direct democracy.
• It stated that structures at the higher level do not assume the powers and authority of the gram sabha.
• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act – a.k.a. FRA – 2006
• Here, too, the gram sabhas are the statutory authority to govern the forests under their jurisdiction.

Who decides a Scheduled Area?

• The Fifth Schedule confers powers exclusively on the President to declare any area to be a Scheduled Area.
• In 2006, the Supreme Court held that the identification of Scheduled Areas is an executive function.

The identity of a Scheduled Area

• Neither the Constitution nor any law provides any criteria to identify Scheduled Areas. 
• But based on the 1961 Dhebar Commission Report, the guiding norms for their declaration are: 
  • preponderance of tribal population, 
  • compactness and reasonable size of the area, 
  • a viable administrative entity such as a district, block or taluk, and 
  • economic backwardness of the area relative to neighbouring areas.
• No law prescribes the minimum percentage of STs in such an area nor a cut-off date for its identification.

Various recommendations on the identity of a Schedule Area

• 2002 Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes Commission
  • It had recommended that all revenue villages with 40% and more tribal population according to the 1951 census may be considered as Scheduled Area on merit.
• Bhuria Committee
  • The Bhuria Committee recognised a face-to-face community, a hamlet or a group of hamlets managing its own affairs to be the basic unit of self-governance in Scheduled Areas.
  • But it also noted that the most resource-rich tribal-inhabited areas have been divided up by administrative boundaries, pushing them to the margins.
• Enactment of PESA settles this debate
• PESA’s enactment finally settled this ambiguity in law. It defined the village and empowered gram sabhas.
• However, gram sabhas are yet to demarcate their traditional or customary boundaries on revenue lands in the absence of a suitable law.

Way forward

• Any living areas or groups of living areas in states and union territories where Scheduled Tribes (STs) are the largest community should be declared as Scheduled Areas, even if they are not connected. 
• These areas should also include forest lands where the Forest Rights Act of 2006 applies, and the boundaries within regular lands as defined by the state laws.
• Additionally, the boundaries of villages, local governing bodies (panchayats), regions (talukas), and districts should be adjusted to make sure that these areas are fully recognized as Scheduled Areas.

Q1) What is FRA 2006?

The Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 recognizes the rights of traditional forest dwellers to forest resources. The act was passed in 2006 to address the historical injustice done to traditional forest dwellers in India. It was intended to protect the right to life and livelihood of scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.

Q2) What is PESA?

PESA stands for the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. It's a law that was enacted in 1996 by the Government of India. The act extends the provisions of Panchayats to the Fifth Schedule Areas, which are areas with a preponderance of tribal population. The act ensures self-governance through traditional Gram Sabhas for people living in the Scheduled Areas of India.

Source: What do the home lands of India’s ST communities look like?

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Parliamentary oath?
• Who was Uda Devi?
• Who was Maharaja Bijli Pasi?

Why in News?

Earlier, a newly-elected MP from Faizabad, took his oath in the Lok Sabha. During the ceremony, he mentioned Veerangana Uda Devi and Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who are important figures in the Pasi (Dalit) community.

What is Parliamentary oath?

• About
  • The third schedule of the Constitution contains the parliamentary oath.
  • Through this, members swear or affirm to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India, uphold India's sovereignty and integrity, and faithfully discharge their duties.
• Evolution of oath over the years
  • The draft Constitution, prepared by the committee chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, initially did not invoke God in any oaths, emphasizing a solemn and sincere promise to uphold the Constitution. 
  • During the Constituent Assembly discussions, members like K.T. Shah and Mahavir Tyagi proposed amendments to include God in the President's oath.
    • They argued that it would provide a divine sanction for believers while allowing non-believers to affirm solemnly. 
  • Despite disagreements, Ambedkar accepted the amendments, recognizing the significance of invoking God for some individuals. 
  • The last modification to the oath came with the Constitution (Sixteenth Amendment) Act, 1963.
    • This amendment added the commitment to uphold India's sovereignty and integrity, following recommendations from the National Integration Council.
• Process 
  • Before taking the oath or affirmation, MPs must submit their election certificate to the Lok Sabha staff. 
    • This requirement was introduced after a 1957 incident where a mentally unsound individual posed as an MP and took the oath. 
  • MPs can then take their oath or affirmation in English or any of the 22 languages specified in the Constitution. 
  • MPs must use the name on their election certificate and adhere to the text of the oath. 
  • Deviations, such as adding suffixes or phrases, are not recorded, and MPs may be asked to retake the oath. 
  • While oaths and affirmations are a personal choice, 87% of MPs swore in the name of God in the last Lok Sabha, with the remaining 13% affirming allegiance to the Constitution. 
  • Some MPs alternate between swearing by God and affirming across different terms.
• Invoking different icons during oath taking ceremony in Parliament
  • During the oath-taking ceremony in Parliament, elected members often invoke or mention various icons, historical figures, or personalities who hold significance to them personally or to their constituency or community. 
  • This can include mentioning leaders, historical figures, social reformers, or cultural icons who have made significant contributions to society or who represent important values and aspirations. 
  • These mentions can highlight the diversity and richness of India's cultural and historical heritage, as well as the personal or political affiliations of the elected members.

Who was Uda Devi?

• Uda Devi, born in Ujirao, Lucknow, was part of the royal guard of Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh and took part in the 1857 Mutiny. 
• She is known for mobilizing people to fight against the British. 
• On November 16, 1857, she fought bravely near the Gomti River in Lucknow, reportedly killing at least three dozen British soldiers before being killed herself. 
• Every year on November 16, events are held in central Uttar Pradesh to commemorate her martyrdom. 
• Uda Devi remains an important icon, especially for the Dalit community.

Who was Maharaja Bijli Pasi?

• Bijli Pasi is a well-known figure among the Pasis of central Uttar Pradesh, including districts like Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Barabanki, Bahraich, Sultanpur, and Allahabad. 
• He is one of the most prominent Pasi leaders, having ruled parts of UP during the medieval period. 
• The ruins of his fort still stand in Lucknow, where a statue of him has also been erected. 
• Other notable Pasi figures from this region include Daldev, Baldev, and Kakoran.

Q.1. Who was Begum Hazrat Mahal? 

Begum Hazrat Mahal was a prominent figure during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. As the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh, she led the resistance against the British East India Company's rule, becoming an icon of Indian independence struggle.

Q.2. What is eighth schedule of Indian Constitution?

The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the 22 languages recognized by the Republic of India. These languages are officially recognized for use in Parliament, state legislatures, and for official communication between the Union and state governments.

Source: Decode Politics: Who are the two Pasi icons invoked by new MP from Ayodhya in his oath | Business Standard

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• Background
• Key Findings of the Study
• Significance of the Study
• Measures Taken by Govt. of India to Address Rising Cases of Cancer

Why in the News?

• A new study by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), a premier cancer treatment and research institute, has estimated that the productivity loss of the country due to oral cancer in year 2022 was approximately $5.6 Billion.

Background

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s cancer scenario is burdened with oral cavity cancer being the most common among men.
  • India accounts for almost a third of the global incidence and mortality related to oral cancer.
• Despite strides in oral cancer diagnosis and treatment, escalating healthcare costs strain both providers and patients financially.
• Moreover, these cancers are becoming increasingly common among the younger age groups, in contrast to the western world.
• This can put a significant strain on the productivity of the economy.
• To tackle these issues, Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director, ACTREC, led research to quantify the economic loss resulting from premature mortality related to oral cancer in India.

Key Findings of the Study

• Years lost
  • The study said that the 671 years were lost to early (29.8per cent) and advanced cancers (70.2per cent).
  • Considering the retirement age in India being 62 years, 91 per cent of the deaths or incurable recurrence of cancers were in the premature age groups. The median age is of 41.5 years.
• Middle class affected
  • Both early (70 per cent) and advanced (86 per cent) stage cancers were from a middle-class socioeconomic status.
  • 53 per cent requiring some form of insurance schemes or financial support in order to complete treatment.
• Productivity lost

Productivity lost due to premature mortality among females and males was ₹57,22,803 rupees and ₹71,83,917 rupees, respectively per death.

• The amount of money that society lost because of early-stage oral cancer was around ₹31,29,092 rupees for each person affected.
• For advanced-stage cancer, it was about 71,72,566 rupees per person.
• Looking at how many people died from oral cancer in the country, the total cost of lost productivity in India in 2022 was about $5.6 billion.
• This is about 0.18 percent of all the money the country made that year.

Significance of the Study

• Oral cancer is caused due to tobacco consumption including smokeless tobacco, betel-quid chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, unhygienic oral condition, and sustained viral infections that include papillomavirus.
• In India, oral cavity cancer has emerged as the most prevalent cancer among men with the country contributing to almost a third of the global incidence and mortality.
• Doctors say that this study re-emphasizes the need for early screening for the younger age group.

Measures Taken by Govt. of India to Address Rising Cases of Cancer

• The above table highlights the estimated number of mortalities of cancer cases State/UTs wise during 2020 to 2022.
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
• Government of India provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the NP-NCD. Cancer is an integral part of NP-NCD.

The programme focusses on the following aspects:

• strengthening infrastructure,
• human resource development,
• health promotion & awareness generation for Cancer prevention,
• early diagnosis,
• management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer.
• Population-based initiative
  • A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs i.e., diabetes, hypertension and common cancers has been rolled out in the country under NHM and also as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care.
  • Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the three common cancers i.e., oral, breast and cervical.
  • Screening of these common cancers is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.
  • Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), health insurance cover of ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary or tertiary care hospitalization to over 60 Crores beneficiaries is provided.
• Financial assistance
  • Financial assistance is provided to poor patients belonging to families living below poverty line, suffering from major life-threatening diseases including cancer.
  • These assistances are provided under Umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Health Minister’s Discretionary Grant (HMDG).
  • Financial assistance up to a maximum of ₹1.25 lakh is provided under HMDG to defray a part of the treatment cost and the maximum financial assistance provided under the Umbrella Scheme of RAN is ₹15 lakhs.
• Availability of drugs
  • Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy stores have been set up in some hospitals/institutions.
  • These have been set up with an objective to make available Cancer drugs at a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price.

Q1. What do you mean by Non-communicable diseases?

Non-communicable diseases are diseases that are not spread through infection or through other people, but are typically caused by unhealthy behaviours. They are the leading cause of death worldwide and present a huge threat to health and development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Q2. Why is Cancer difficult to cure?

 Normal cells have 'safety' mechanisms in place that stop them from growing or dividing too much, and every day our immune system kills off cells that could have become a problem. Cancer cells have lost these mechanisms and can hide from the immune system, so they survive and continue to grow out of control.

Source: Oral cancer is ravaging India’s workforce, costing $5.6 billion in economic loss, says Tata Memorial study | Expresshealthcare

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is 3D Printing?
• What is Ghost Gun?

Why in News?

Luigi Mangione, the person suspected of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was carrying a “ghost gun” when he was apprehended.

The police suspect Mangione’s gun may have been made using a 3D printer.

What is 3D printing?

• Background
  • Invented in the 1980s, 3D printing burst into the mainstream around the 2010s, when many thought it would take over the world. 
  • The technology, however, at the time was expensive, slow and prone to making errors. 
  • In recent years, some of these flaws have been done away with, making 3D printing more prevalent than ever before.
• About
  • 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by adding material layer by layer.
  • It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity and colour.
  • This process allows for more efficient and customized production compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing methods.
• Some notable examples
  • 3D printing is being used in a host of different industries like healthcare, automobile and aerospace. 
  • In May 2023, aerospace manufacturing company Relativity Space launched a test rocket made entirely from 3D-printed parts, measuring 100 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide. 
    • Shortly after its take off, however, it suffered a failure.
  • At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the healthcare industry used 3D printers to make much-needed medical equipment, like swabs, face shields, and masks, as well as the parts to fix their ventilators.

What is Ghost Gun?

• About
  • Ghost guns are untraceable firearms, often made using 3D printers and assembled from various parts, including metals and plastics. 
  • These guns lack serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace. 
  • Kits for assembling such weapons were initially popular among hobbyists in the US, symbolizing libertarian ideals, but have now gained popularity among criminals due to their anonymity.
• Concerns
  • The ease of creating ghost guns bypasses background checks required for commercial firearm sales. 
  • This incident highlights the evolution of 3D printing technology and raises concerns about its misuse in crafting precision equipment like firearms.
• A Growing Threat in the US
  • Untraceable and Increasingly Prevalent
    • Ghost guns, formally known as Privately Made Firearms (PMF), are becoming a significant problem in the US due to their untraceable nature.
  • Sharp Rise in Recoveries
    • In 2022, the US Department of Justice recovered 25,785 ghost guns, reflecting a staggering 1,300% increase since 2016.
    • Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 38,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered during domestic seizures.
• Recent Trends
  • The number of ghost guns recovered and traced increased significantly:
  • 19,273 in 2021, up from 8,504 in 2020, according to the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
  • Are ghost guns legal in the US?
  • Biden’s 2022 Rule for Ghost Guns
    • President Joe Biden introduced a rule in 2022 requiring ghost guns to adhere to the same regulations as commercial firearms.
    • The rule mandates serial numbers and background checks for buyers.
    • The measure faces legal challenges in the Supreme Court, with no final ruling yet.
  • Arguments Supporting Ghost Guns
    • Advocates claim ghost guns are for hobbyists and align with the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.
    • Supporters argue individuals have a right to build firearms for personal use.
  • Existing Legal Framework
    • The Gun Control Act of 1968 permits private citizens to construct guns for personal use without mandatory registration or traceability, provided they are not sold.

Q.1. What are ghost guns, and why are they a concern in the US?

Ghost guns are untraceable firearms made using 3D printing or assembly kits. They lack serial numbers and bypass background checks, making them attractive to criminals and challenging for law enforcement to track.

Q.2. How has ghost gun usage evolved in the US?

Between 2016 and 2022, ghost gun recoveries in the US surged by 1,300%. In 2022, over 25,000 ghost guns were recovered, underscoring their growing prevalence and the challenges they pose to public safety.

News: Ghost gun: what is the weapon found with UnitedHealth CEO’s murder suspect Luigi Mangione | Investopedia | ABC News

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• About the Panama Canal
• The Panama Canal System’s Operation
• Potential Dangers the Panama Canal Faces from Climate Change
• What Can Be Done to Restore the Panama Canal's Significance?

Why in News?

• The decline in water levels of Lake Gatun, the artificial reservoir key to the Panama Canal system’s operation, as a result of climate change induced drought, is posing an existential threat to the canal.

About the Panama Canal:

• Location:
  • It is an artificial 82-km (51-mile) waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, cutting across the Isthmus of Panama.
  • It was constructed by the US (at a cost of 375 million dollars) and the first ship passed through the canal on August 15, 1914.
  • The US government owned and operated the canal until 1999 when the Panamanian government started controlling one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.
• Significance:
  • Vital strategic asset:
  • The US has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the canal, as ~72% of transiting ships are either going to or coming from U.S. ports. 
  • For the US, the canal’s strategic significance encompasses national security, defense capabilities, diplomatic relations, and logistical resilience.
• Shorter transit routes:
  • It saves approx. 12,600 km in a trip between New York and San Francisco.
  • Thus, enabling ships to avoid the lengthy and hazardous voyage around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.
• Environmental benefits: By providing a shortcut, the canal contributes to the reduction of carbon emission and helps mitigate the environmental impact of global maritime transportation. 
• Global supply chain: The Canal connects 180 maritime routes that reach 1,920 ports in 170 countries, and about 5% of global maritime trade transits through it.

The Panama Canal System’s Operation:

• The Panama Canal is not a simple channel of water connecting two larger water bodies.
• This is because the elevation of the Pacific Ocean is slightly higher than the Atlantic.
• This difference means that for a ship entering the canal through the Atlantic, it needs to gain elevation during its journey to the Pacific.
• Hence, the canal works on a highly-engineered system, which uses a system of locks and elevators to lift and drop vessels to the required sea level at either end of the canal.
• The locks are either flooded (to gain elevation) or drained (to lose elevation), and act as water elevators. These locks are serviced using artificial lakes and channels.
• Most of this water is supplied from Lake Gatun (the artificial reservoir key to the Panama Canal system’s operation) using the force of gravity (no pumps are needed).

Potential Dangers the Panama Canal Faces from Climate Change:

• The Panama Canal needs massive amounts of fresh water to facilitate the passage of ships. For instance, the passage of a single ship needs more than 50 million gallons (almost 200 million litres) of water.
• While over 36 ships pass through the canal each day on average (Dec 2023), traffic has dropped to as low as 22 ships a day now (that too with a reduced cargo).
• A drought driven by the El Niño meteorological phenomenon has reduced water in the Lake Gatun, causing lengthy and costly disruptions to international trade and supply chains.
• Historically, there has been a rainfall shortage on average once every 20 years due to major El Niño events.
• However, the year 2023 is the 3rd major rainfall deficit (in the last 26 years) and this permanent problem stems from a larger issue of climate change, which threatens humanity.

What Can Be Done to Restore the Panama Canal's Significance?

• Using ocean water to work the system of locks: However, this will increase the salinity of Lake Gatun, which is also the source of drinking water for more than half of Panama’s 4.4 million people.
• Creating a second source of water for the canal: Recently, Panama’s Supreme Court ordered to build a $1.6 billion dam across Rio Indio, which will fix the problem for the next 50 years.
  • However, the reservoir of the dam will flood the homes of people, predominantly from the lower socio-economic strata.
  • They will have to be relocated, and will lose lands and livelihoods that they have had for decades.

Q.1. What is the El Niño meteorological phenomenon?

The term El Niño refers to a warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Due to this, rainfall is below average over Indonesia and above average over the central or eastern Pacific.

Q.2. What is the significance of the Suez Canal?

The Suez Canal is considered to be the shortest link between the east and the west due to its unique geographic location. It is an important international navigation canal linking the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said and the Red Sea at Suez.

Source: Why climate change poses an existential threat to Panama Canal

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
• Need for Robust ULBs
• Key Findings from the CAG Report on ULBs
• Call for Strengthening ULBs
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged significant concerns about the health of urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states, which cater to 241 million residents.
• The report reveals systemic weaknesses in financial management, staffing, and functional autonomy, undermining the goals of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

What is the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

• About: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and established them as the lowest unit of governance in cities and towns.
• Deals with: It established a framework for urban governance in India by decentralisation of powers and authority.
• Constitutional provisions:
  • The amendment added Part IX-A to the Constitution, which deals with municipalities and is made up of Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
  • The amendment mandates the devolution of 18 functions to ULBs [Schedule 12 (Article 243W)], including urban planning, public health, and water supply.

Need for Robust ULBs:

• With 50% of India’s population expected to reside in urban areas by 2050, strong urban governance systems are essential.
• Empowered ULBs can play a pivotal role in ensuring economic, environmental, and democratic vibrancy in cities.

Key Findings from the CAG Report on ULBs:

• Incomplete devolution of powers:
  • The 1992 amendment aimed to decentralise 18 functions to ULBs, but only 4 functions have been devolved with complete autonomy after 30 years.
  • States have failed to comply with the "in-spirit reading" of the amendment, as observed in 393 ULBs across 18 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, MP, Maharashtra, etc.
• Financial gaps and dependency:
  • Urban local bodies face a 42% gap between their resources and expenditure.
  • Only 32% of revenue is internally generated, with the rest coming from Union and state government funding.
  • Property tax, a major revenue source, showed only 56% realisation of the total demand.
• Limited expenditure on development:
  • Merely 29% of ULB expenditure is directed towards developmental and programmatic work.
  • Insufficient investment in civic programs hampers urban growth and quality of life.
• Staffing issues:
  • Urban bodies face an average 37% vacancy rate in sanctioned staff positions.
  • Recruitment powers are restricted, with ULBs in 16 states having limited or no control over staffing.

Call for Strengthening ULBs:

• Recommendations by CAG:
  • Enhance financial autonomy: Grant ULBs control over taxation and user charges.
  • Improve revenue collection mechanisms: Streamline property tax and other revenue sources.
  • Focus on fund utilisation: Ensure optimal use of allocated funds for development.
  • Strengthen decentralisation: Revive the agenda of empowering ULBs politically and administratively.
• Call for collaboration: Since empowering ULBs is a national priority, cooperation between the government, academia, and civil society is essential to reaching this objective.

Conclusion:

• The CAG’s findings emphasise the urgent need to revamp the financial and administrative structures of ULBs.
• Empowering these "first-mile governments" is critical for sustainable urban governance and achieving the goals of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
• Therefore, States must facilitate laws and policies to strengthen ULBs. Urban local bodies should be actively involved in planning and governance functions.

Q.1. What is the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India?

The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India, passed in 1992, strengthened the Panchayati Raj system and made it a part of the administrative process.

Q.2. What is the office of CAG in India?

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is the supreme audit institution of India, established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.

News: What is ailing urban local bodies in 18 states: CAG flags 42% resource-expenditure gap, 37% staff vacancy | ToI

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• India’s Foreign Trade
• Latest Trends of India’s Foreign Trade
• India’s Trade Deficit with its Major Trading Partners

Why in News?

• According to the latest data of the Ministry of Commerce & India, India has recorded a trade deficit (difference between imports and exports) with 9 of its top 10 trading partners in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24.

India’s Foreign Trade:

• Overview:
  • Foreign trade in India includes all (merchandise + services) imports and exports to and from India and it accounted for 48.8% of India's GDP in 2018.
  • At the level of the Central Government, trade is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • In 2022, India was the number 15 in total exports, the number 8 in total imports.
  • According to the Commerce Ministry data, China was India's top trading partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18 and also in 2020-21.
  • Before China, the UAE was the country's largest trading partner. The US was the largest partner in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
• Exports (merchandise):
  • The top exports of India are Refined Petroleum ($86.2B), Diamonds ($25.9B), Packaged Medicaments ($19.5B), Jewellery ($12.6B), and Rice ($11.1B).
  • It exports mostly to the United States ($82.9B), United Arab Emirates ($31.6B), Netherlands ($17.6B), China ($15.3B), and Bangladesh ($13.8B).
  • In 2022, India was the world's biggest exporter of Diamonds ($25.9B), Rice ($11.1B), etc.
• Imports (merchandise):
  • The top imports of India are Crude Petroleum ($170B), Coal Briquettes ($58.7B), Gold ($35.8B), Petroleum Gas ($32B), and Diamonds ($26.1B).
  • It imports mostly from China ($110B), UAE ($51B) and the US ($48.5B), Saudi Arabia ($46.2B), and Russia ($40.4B).
  • In 2022, India was the world's biggest importer of Coal Briquettes ($58.7B), Diamonds ($26.1B), Palm Oil ($11.1B), Mixed Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers ($7.88B), and Nitrogenous Fertilizers ($7.37B).

Latest Trends of India’s Foreign Trade:

• As per the data from the economic think tank GTRI, China has overtaken the US as India's largest trading partner, with a total two-way commerce of $118.4 billion, in the FY 2023-24.
  • India's exports to China rose by 8.7% to $16.67 billion, while imports increased by 3.24% to $101.7 billion.
• On the other hand, exports to the US dipped slightly to $77.5 billion, and imports decreased by about 20% to $40.8 billion (the two-way commerce stood at $118.3 billion).
• The UAE with USD 83.6 billion, was the third largest trading partner of India. It was followed by Russia ($65.7 billion), Saudi Arabia ($43.4 billion), and Singapore ($35.6 billion).

India’s Trade Deficit with its Major Trading Partners:

• Latest trends:
  • India’s trade deficit with China rose to $85 billion, Russia to $57.2 billion, Korea to $14.71 billion and Hong Kong to $12.2 billion in 2023-24 against $83.2 billion, $43 billion, $14.57 billion and $8.38 billion in 2022-23.
  • India has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the U.S. in 2023-24 and America is one of the few countries with which India has a trade surplus along with the U.K., Belgium, Italy, France and Bangladesh.
  • India's total trade deficit in the last fiscal narrowed to $238.3 billion as against $264.9 billion in the previous fiscal.
• What can be drawn from these latest trends?
  • Imports are not always bad if a country is importing raw materials or intermediary products to boost manufacturing and exports.
  • However, it can cause the country's currency to depreciate because more foreign currency is needed for imports.
  • This depreciation makes imports more expensive, worsening the deficit and increasing external debt.
  • This can deplete foreign exchange reserves and signal economic instability to investors, leading to reduced foreign investment.

What needs to be done to cut the trade deficit? Boosting exports, reducing unnecessary imports, developing domestic industries, and managing currency and debt levels effectively.

Q.1. What is the share of services in India's total foreign trade?

With 4.6% of all services traded globally, India ranks seventh in the world as a commercial service exporter as of 2023.

Q.2. What is India's foreign trade policy (FTP) 2023?

The FTP 2023 aims at process re-engineering and automation to facilitate ease of doing business for exporters. It also focuses on emerging areas like dual use high end technology items, facilitating e-commerce export, collaborating with States and Districts for export promotion.

Source: India in trade deficit with nine of top 10 trading partners in 2023-24 | ET

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Council of Europe (COE)?
• What is Framework convention?
• What is AI Convention of Europe?
• EU’s AI convention - Significance
• EU’s AI Convention – Impact

Why in News?

Recently, the Council of Europe (COE) adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, known as the 'AI convention,'.

What is the Council of Europe (COE)?

• About
  • The Council of Europe (CoE) is an international political organization that was founded in 1949 to protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 
  • It is the oldest intergovernmental organization in post-World War II Europe and has the most member states, which cooperate voluntarily.
• Headquarter
  • The CoE is based in Strasbourg, France and has close ties with the European Union.
• Member
  • It has 46 members including the Holy See, Japan, and the U.S., plus countries of the EU bloc and others.
• CoE's areas of concern
  • It addresses issues of common concern to its members, including human rights, crime prevention, drug abuse, environmental protection, bioethical issues, and migration.

What is Framework convention?

• About
  • A framework convention is a legally binding treaty that outlines broad commitments and objectives, establishing mechanisms to achieve them. 
  • Specific targets are left to be determined by subsequent agreements.
• Protocols
  • Agreements negotiated under a framework convention are called protocols. 
  • E.g., the Convention on Biological Diversity is a framework convention, while the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety addresses living modified organisms under it. 
  • Similarly, a future 'Protocol on AI Risk' could be established under Europe's AI convention.
• Significance of the Framework Convention Approach
  • This approach provides flexibility while encoding core principles and processes to achieve objectives. 
  • Parties to the convention can decide how to meet these objectives based on their capacities and priorities.

What is AI Convention of Europe?

• About
  • This agreement is a comprehensive convention covering AI governance and links to human rights, democracy, and the responsible use of AI.
  • It will be opened for signature in Vilnius, in Lithuania, on September 5.
• Aims and Definition
  • The AI convention ensures that activities involving artificial intelligence systems comply with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 
  • It describes an AI system as a machine-based system that uses input to generate outputs like predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence both physical and virtual environments.
  • Hence, the definition of AI in the convention aligns with the EU AI Act and the OECD's definition.
• Scope of the AI Convention
  • Coverage
    • The convention applies to all activities within the lifecycle of AI systems that could impact human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
  • Public and Private Sector Responsibilities
    • Public Authorities: The convention is applicable to AI activities conducted by public authorities or private entities acting on their behalf.
    • Private Actors: Risks and impacts from AI activities by private entities not covered by public authorities must be addressed in alignment with the convention's objectives and purpose.
  • Exemptions for National Interests
    • Articles 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 of the convention provide broad exemptions for national security interests, research, development and testing, and national defense. 
    • Consequently, military applications of AI are excluded from the convention.
  • Inclusion of Private Sector
    • The inclusion of the private sector in the convention's scope was contentious, leading to a compromise. 
    • Article 3(b) provides flexibility for parties to address private sector activities without completely exempting them.
  • Protection of Core Values
    • Human Rights (Article 4): The convention mandates the protection of human rights.
    • Democratic Processes and Rule of Law (Article 5): It emphasizes maintaining the integrity of democratic processes and respect for the rule of law. 
      • Although disinformation and deep fakes are not specifically mentioned, parties are expected to take measures against them under Article 5.
  • Flexibility for Enhanced Commitments
    • Article 22 allows parties to exceed the commitments and obligations specified in the convention, encouraging further proactive measures.

EU’s AI convention - Significance

• No New AI-Specific Rights
  • The AI convention does not introduce new human rights specific to AI. 
  • Instead, it emphasizes that existing human and fundamental rights, protected by international and national laws, must remain safeguarded during the application of AI systems.
• Government Obligations
  • The convention primarily directs its obligations towards governments, which are expected to implement effective remedies (Article 14) and procedural safeguards (Article 15).
• Protection of Core Values
  • The convention adopts a comprehensive approach to mitigate risks from AI applications regarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 
  • This approach recognizes the dynamic nature of AI technology and the challenges it presents.
• Balance Between Innovation and Risk
  • Despite potential challenges and debates, particularly around the European notion of the rule of law, the convention is considered timely. 
  • It strikes a crucial balance between fostering innovation in AI and addressing risks to human rights.
• Challenges
  • Implementing the convention poses challenges, especially as AI regulation frameworks are still evolving and technology advances rapidly, often outpacing existing laws and policies.

EU’s AI Convention – Impact

• Regional Influence
  • The AI convention could inspire similar conventions at the regional level in other parts of the world, promoting global standards in AI governance.
• Indirect Effect on the U.S.
  • As the U.S. is a member of the Council of Europe (COE), the AI convention might indirectly influence AI governance in the U.S., which is significant given its status as a hub for AI innovation.
• European Values and Norms
  • A potential downside is that the AI convention might be seen as heavily influenced by European values and norms in technology governance.
  • This could lead to perceptions of bias.

Q.1. What is Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?

The Cartagena Protocol is an international agreement managing the movement of living modified organisms from one country to another. It aims to protect nature from the potential risks posed by such organisms by establishing procedures countries can use to make informed decisions on the import of such organisms. 

Q.2. What is Holy See?

The Holy See is the central government of the Roman Catholic Church and is often referred to as "the Vatican". It is a sovereign juridical entity under international law, and is headed by the Pope, who is also the ruler of Vatican City State.

Source: How Europe’s AI convention balances innovation and human rights | Explained | Council of Europe | Britannica

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India's e-Retail Market FAQs Latest News
• Government Initiatives Boosting E-commerce in India
• E-Retail Slowdown
• Key Drivers of E-Retail Growth
• India's e-Retail Market FAQs

India's e-Retail Market FAQs Latest News

• India's e-commerce market has reached $60 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV), becoming the world's second-largest online shopper base. 
  • GMV is the total value of merchandise that's sold over a given period through a customer-to-customer (C2C) exchange site.
• However, growth slowed to 10-12% in 2024, down from the historical 20%, due to higher inflation and stagnant real wages, according to a Flipkart-Bain report. 
• Despite short-term challenges, long-term prospects remain strong, driven by three key trends: quick commerce, trend-first commerce (especially in fashion), and hyper-value commerce.

Government Initiatives Boosting E-commerce in India

• Digital Infrastructure & Policy Support
  • The Indian government has launched key initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Start-up India, and Skill India, driving e-commerce growth. 
  • The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has surpassed ₹4 lakh crore GMV in FY24, enhancing procurement efficiency.
• Expanding E-commerce Access
  • Collaborations like CSC-ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) aim to extend e-commerce to rural areas. 
  • The National Retail Policy focuses on digitization and ease of business, while FDI in B2B e-commerce is now allowed up to 100%.
• Regulatory & Tax Measures
  • Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules 2020 ensure fair competition. 
  • 5G expansion is expected to further accelerate digital commerce adoption.

E-Retail Slowdown

• India’s private consumption growth has slowed from 11% (2017–19) to 8% (2022–24), driven by high inflation and stagnant real wages. 
• This has impacted e-retail, with growth dropping to 10–12% in 2024, compared to historical rates of over 20%.

Expected Rebound and Future Growth

• Fiscal and monetary policy interventions are anticipated to revive e-retail growth, particularly from the 2025 festive season. 
• By 2030, the market is expected to reach $170–190 billion, growing at over 18% annually. 
• As India's GDP per capita crosses $3,500–4,000, discretionary spending is set to rise, with nearly 1 in 10 retail dollars projected to be spent online.

Key Drivers of E-Retail Growth

• High-frequency categories like grocery, lifestyle, and general merchandise will fuel e-retail expansion, making up two-thirds of total online spending by 2030. 
• E-retail penetration in these segments is expected to grow 2–4 times over this period.

Rise of Tier-3 and Smaller Cities

• Online shopping adoption is shifting from Tier-2 to Tier-3 cities, with 60% of new shoppers since 2020 coming from smaller cities. 
• The Northeast has 1.2 times higher e-retail penetration than the rest of India. 
• Additionally, 60% of new sellers since 2021 are from Tier-2 or smaller cities, diversifying the seller base.

Quick Commerce’s Rapid Expansion

• Quick commerce dominates e-grocery, accounting for two-thirds of orders and 10% of total e-retail spending. 
• It is projected to grow over 40% annually until 2030, expanding across new categories and geographies.

Trend-First and Hyper-Value Commerce on the Rise

• Trend-first fashion is set to grow fourfold, reaching $8–10 billion by 2028, with over half of sales happening online. 
• Hyper-value commerce, driven by ultra-low-price assortments, has grown from 5% of e-retail GMV in 2021 to over 12% in 2024, gaining traction among lower-middle-income consumers in smaller cities.
  • Hyper-value commerce refers to a retail model that focuses on offering ultra-low-priced products to attract cost-conscious consumers.

India's e-Retail Market FAQs

Q1. Why has India's e-retail market growth slowed in 2024?

Ans. High inflation and stagnant real wages reduced consumer spending, causing e-retail growth to drop from 20% to 10-12%.

Q2. What are the key drivers of e-retail growth in India?

Ans. Quick commerce, trend-first fashion, hyper-value commerce, and expanding digital infrastructure fuel long-term e-retail expansion in India.

Q3. How is the Indian government supporting e-commerce?

Ans. Initiatives like Digital India, ONDC, and 100% FDI in B2B e-commerce promote sector growth and accessibility.

Q4. What role do smaller cities play in e-retail growth?

Ans. Tier-3 cities drive e-commerce expansion, contributing 60% of new shoppers and sellers since 2020.

Q5. What is the future outlook for India’s e-retail market?

Ans. By 2030, India’s e-retail market may reach $170–190 billion, driven by increasing discretionary spending and digital commerce adoption.

Source: IE | CNBCTV18 | IBEF

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)?
• What is Foreign Exchange Regulation Act or FERA?
• What is the difference between FEMA and FERA?
• FEMA amendments on cross-border share swaps

Why in News?

The Department of Economic Affairs has amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to support the global expansion of Indian companies through cross-border share swaps, mergers, and acquisitions.

These changes, following the Union Budget's focus on simplifying foreign investment rules, aim to help Indian companies grow internationally.

What is Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)?

• About
  • FEMA came in 1999 as a successor to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act or FERA of 1973, with changing economic conditions in a post-liberalisation India.
  • The act seeks to regulate foreign exchange transactions, currency transactions, and foreign payments in order to promote orderly development and maintenance of the foreign exchange market in India.
• Objective
  • The objective of FEMA is:
    • to facilitate external trade and payments,
    • to promote the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India, and
    • to regulate the transactions related to foreign exchange.
• Functions
  • The FEMA regulates various aspects of foreign exchange transactions, including acquisition and holding of foreign exchange, payment and settlement of foreign exchange transactions, export and import of currency, and other related activities.
  • The act also empowers the RBI to make rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of the act. Violation of the provisions of FEMA can result in penalties and fines.

What is Foreign Exchange Regulation Act or FERA?

• Background
  • FERA was designed for an era in India marked by a shortage of foreign exchange.
  • It was aimed at conserving forex to ensure it was utilised only in the interest of the development of the country.
• About
  • FERA came into effect in 1973 and was aimed at regulating foreign exchange transactions and payments in the country.
  • The act provided the Indian government with extensive powers to regulate foreign exchange transactions.
  • This included the power to impose restrictions on the use of foreign exchange, to regulate the flow of foreign exchange, and to prohibit transactions that were deemed to be against the national interest.

What is the difference between FEMA and FERA?

• Overall, FEMA is a more modern and liberalized law compared to FERA, which was considered to be more restrictive and focused on control and regulation.
• FEMA seeks to promote foreign investment in India by simplifying the rules and regulations related to foreign exchange transactions, while FERA was seen as a hindrance to foreign investment in India.

FEMA amendments on cross-border share swaps

• About the news
  • The Union Finance Ministry announced key amendments to foreign exchange regulations.
  • This includes mandatory government approvals for investments from countries sharing land borders with India.
• Key highlights
  • The amendments:
    • simplify cross-border share swaps,
    • standardize definitions like "control," and
    • align the treatment of downstream investments by OCI-owned entities with those by NRIs on a non-repatriation basis, encouraging more NRI participation in Indian markets.
  • Government clearance is now required for any share transfer involving border-sharing countries, regardless of the sector.
  • The rules also extend non-FDI status for non-repatriation investments to OCIs and standardize control definitions across laws, impacting foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).
  • The amendments follow the Union Budget's push to simplify FDI rules, promote the use of the Indian Rupee in overseas investments, and align the definition of "startup" with updated DPIIT standards.
• This revised startup definition, which raises the turnover threshold to ₹100 crore and extends the recognition period to 10 years, aims to attract more foreign investment.
  • The updates also introduce provisions for equity share swaps, permitting them with government approval.
  • These changes are part of efforts to create a more foreign-investor-friendly environment and enhance the ease of doing business in India.
  • The amendments also enable FDI in white-label ATMs to enhance financial inclusion.
• White-label ATMs (WLAs) are ATMs operated by non-bank entities, allowing customers of any bank to withdraw cash and access other banking services.

These ATMs do not display the logo of any specific bank and charge fees for transactions.

Q.1. What are White-label ATMs (WLAs)?

White-label ATMs (WLAs) are ATMs operated by non-bank entities, allowing customers of any bank to withdraw cash and access other banking services. Unlike traditional ATMs, WLAs do not display any specific bank's logo. They aim to increase financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding access to banking services.

Q.2. What are foreign portfolio investors (FPIs)?

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are international investors who invest in a country's financial markets, primarily in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets, without taking control of the companies. FPIs seek short-term profits and can influence market dynamics. They are regulated to ensure stability and transparency in the host country's economy.

Source: Govt notifies FEMA amendments on cross-border share swaps | RBI | Times of India | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• About Lithium
• Applications of Lithium
• Where is Lithium Found Naturally?
• Future of Lithium Production
• News Summary

Why in the News?

• Exploration of lithium in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district has moved a step further with one block advancing to the second round of auctions and promising deposits now being found in the initial exploration of another block.

About Lithium

• Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal.
• Lithium is a special metal in many ways. It's light and soft — it can be cut with a kitchen knife and so low in density that it floats on water.

Applications of Lithium

• The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Lithium is often dubbed as “white gold” for electric vehicles.
• Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminium and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter.
  • Aluminium-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.
• Lithium has no known biological role. It is toxic, except in very small doses.

Where is Lithium Found Naturally?

• Lithium makes up a mere 0.0007 per cent of the Earth's crust and it's only found locked up in minerals and salts.
• With 9.3 million tonnes, Chile has the world’s largest known lithium reserves.
• Chile is followed by Australia (6.2 million tonnes).
• In 2023, the Geological Survey of India, found that 5.9 million tonnes have been found in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi district of J&K.
  • India now has the third largest resource of lithium globally, but it will take time to convert it to reserves.
• India is followed by Argentina (2.7 million tonnes) and China (2 million tonnes).
• Global lithium production surpassed 100,000 tonnes for the first time in 2021, quadrupling from 2010. Currently, Australia alone produces 52% of the world’s lithium.

Future of Lithium Production

• As the world produces more batteries and EVs, the demand for lithium is projected to reach 1.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2025 and over 3 million tonnes by 2030.
• Based on the above demand projections, production needs to triple by 2025 and increase nearly six-fold by 2030.

News Summary

• Lithium exploration in Chhattisgarh's Korba district has advanced, with one block moving to the second auction round and another showing promising deposits.
• This is a good news as recently, India has been seeing setbacks in the Lithium mining sector. For example, cancelled auction in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district due to low investor interest and halted exploration in Manipur's Kamjong district due to local resistance.
• Exploration efforts in Manipur, Ladakh, and Assam have been less successful.
• Local resistance stopped work in Manipur’s Kamjong district, Ladakh’s Merak block yielded poor results, and exploration plans in Assam’s Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts were abandoned.
• Amongst these challenges, the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funded a private company that found lithium deposits in Korba ranging from 168 to 295 parts per million (ppm).
• Since November, the Mines Ministry has auctioned 38 critical mineral blocks, including lithium blocks in J&K and Chhattisgarh.
  • While the Korba block attracted investors, the Reasi block did not and is being re-auctioned.
• Preliminary surveys in Korba showed lithium concentrations in bedrock samples ranging from 10 to 2,000 ppm, while Reasi’s deposits exceeded 200 ppm.
• Despite mixed domestic results, India has secured lithium assets abroad, such as in Argentina’s Catamarca province through Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), and is exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka and Australia.

Q1. What is an Ore in Mining?

Ore is natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals concentrated above background levels, typically containing metals that can be mined, treated and sold at a profit. The grade of ore refers to the concentration of the desired material it contains.

Q2. What do you mean by rare earth elements?

The rare earth elements (REE) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium. Rare earth elements are an essential part of many high-tech devices.

Source: Amid setbacks, first signs of progress in lithium mining in Chhattisgarh | Mining Technology

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Deepwater transshipment port?
• Why India needs a container transshipment port?
• What is Vizhinjam International Seaport Project?
• What are the features of the Vizhinjam port?

Why in News?

India’s first deepwater transshipment port, the Vizhinjam international seaport near Thiruvananthapuram, received its first mothership (a mothership refers to a large cargo vessel that acts as a central hub for the transshipment of goods.).

The MV San Fernando, carrying 2,000 containers, was given a grand welcome at the port. The berthing of the ship was part of a trial run at the port before it is slated to open for commercial operations.

What is Deepwater transshipment port?

• Deepwater port
  • A deepwater port is a manmade structure that are used as ports or terminals to transport, store, or handle oil or natural gas.
  • These structures can be fixed or floating, and are located beyond state seaward boundaries.
  • They can include: Pipelines, Pumping stations, Service platforms, Mooring buoys.
• Transshipment port
  • A transshipment port is a port where goods are offloaded and loaded onto a different ship to continue their journey to their final destination.

Why India needs a container transshipment port?

• Lacks infrastructure to deal with ultra-large container ships
  • India has 13 major ports. However, the country lacks a landside mega-port and terminal infrastructure to deal with ultra-large container ships.
  • Hence, nearly 75 per cent of India’s transshipment cargo is handled at ports outside India, mainly Colombo, Singapore, and Klang.
  • In fiscal 2021-22, the total transshipment cargo of India was about 4.6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), out of which about 4.2 million TEUs were handled outside India.
• Othe benefits
  • Developing such ports will accrue significant benefits such as forex savings, foreign direct investment, increased economic activity at other Indian Ports.
  • It will also lead to the development of related logistics infrastructure, employment generation, improved operation/logistics efficiencies and increase in revenue share.
  • Several other allied businesses viz. ship chandlery-ship supplies, ship repair, crew change facility, logistics value-added services, warehousing and bunkering also come up at the transshipment port.
• Increased economic activities
  • A deepwater container transshipment port can attract a large share of the container transshipment traffic.
• Currently, this is being diverted to Colombo, Singapore and Dubai.
  • It can also ensure India’s economic development and open up immense job opportunities.

What is Vizhinjam International Seaport Project?

• Located in Vizhinjam (near Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, this transshipment deepwater multipurpose seaport project is being built by Adani Ports and SEZ Private Limited.
• It is being built on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model.
  • DBFOT model is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In this model, a private partner is responsible for:
• Designing the project
• Building the project
• Financing the project
• Operating the project during the contracted period
• Transferring the project back to the public sector
  • The DBFOT model is usually used for large-scale infrastructure projects.
  • The private partner is granted a concession by the public sector to finance, design, construct, own, and operate the project for a period of 20 to 30 years.
  • After that period, the project is returned to the public entity that originally granted the concession.
• According to the agreement, out of the total investment, Adani Group is supposed to invest Rs 2,454 crore and another Rs 1,635 crore will be mobilised from the state and central governments as viability gap funding.
• The Kerala government has also gave 500 acres of land.
• The DBFOT deal is for 40 years, with provisions extending for 20 years.

What are the features of the Vizhinjam port?

• India’s first international deepwater transshipment port
  • This is India’s first international deepwater transshipment port with a natural depth of more than 18 meters, scalable up to 20 meters.
• This depth is crucial to get large vessels and mother ships.
  • It is designed to cater to container transshipment, multi-purpose, and break-bulk cargo.
  • The cost of movement of containers to and from foreign destinations is likely to come down.
• Strategic location
  • The port is located ten nautical miles from the international shipping route.
  • The port is expected to compete with Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for winning trans-shipment traffic.
• Increased capacity and minimum maintenance
  • Its capacity in the first phase is one million TEU, which can be increased to 6.2 million TEU.
  • Other features include minimal littoral drift along the coast and virtually no requirement for any maintenance dredging.
• Economic benefits
  • The project is expected to generate 5,000 direct job opportunities, apart from giving a boost to an industrial corridor and cruise tourism.
  • Vizhinjam port offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels with state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle Megamax container ships.

Q.1. What is a deepwater port?

A deepwater port is a manmade structure located beyond state seaward boundaries, designed to transport, store, or handle large quantities of goods, including oil or natural gas. It can be fixed or floating, featuring pipelines, pumping stations, and mooring buoys.

Q.2. What is design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model?

The Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) where a private entity designs, builds, finances, operates a project for a specified period, and then transfers it back to the public sector.

Source: ‘Monumental moment’: Vizhinjam port welcomes its first mothership | US Maritime Administration | Frontline | The Hindu

What’s in Today’s Article?

• UGC Regulations Latest News
• Introduction
• Scope and Applicability of the New Regulations
• Key Conditions for Granting Equivalence
• The Online Application and Review Process
• Transition from AIU to UGC
• Impact on Students and Institutions
• Safeguarding Standards and Ensuring Integrity
• Conclusion
• UGC Equivalence Certificate for Foreign Degrees FAQs

UGC Regulations Latest News

• The UGC has announced a new set of regulations to streamline the process of recognising and granting equivalence to academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions.

Introduction

• In a significant reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025.” 
• These regulations are set to bring much-needed clarity, transparency, and structure to the process of validating foreign academic degrees for Indian students and institutions.
• Effective from April 2025, the regulations replace the role previously held by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in issuing equivalence certificates. This marks a shift toward a more regulated and standardized system, led by the UGC, to align India’s education framework with global best practices.

Scope and Applicability of the New Regulations

• The new UGC framework covers academic qualifications, degrees, diplomas, and certificates, obtained from foreign institutions, including offshore campuses. 
• These certificates will be recognized for:
  • Admission into Indian higher education institutions
  • Pursuing research in India
  • Employment, wherever a UGC-recognized qualification is mandated
• However, professional qualifications governed by statutory councils such as those in medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, and architecture remain outside the purview of this framework.
• Notably, the regulations also apply to school-level qualifications earned abroad for admission into Indian undergraduate programs, provided the student has completed at least 12 years of school education.

Key Conditions for Granting Equivalence

• The regulations define clear eligibility criteria for recognizing a foreign qualification:
  • The awarding institution must be recognized by accreditation authorities in its home country.
  • Entry-level requirements (like credits, thesis, or internships) should align with comparable programs in India.
  • The program must be pursued in full compliance with the foreign institution’s standards.
• Qualifications earned via distance or online learning will also be eligible an inclusion based on public feedback on the 2023 draft regulations. 
• However, degrees acquired through franchise arrangements (where institutions operate under the name of a foreign entity but lack actual affiliation) will not be recognized.

The Online Application and Review Process

• The UGC will operate a dedicated online portal for processing equivalence applications. Here’s how the process will work:
  • Applicants submit their documents and relevant details on the portal.
  • A standing committee of subject experts evaluates the application within 10 working days.
  • The UGC will communicate its decision within 15 days of submission.
  • In case of rejection, a review committee will re-examine the application if appealed by the applicant.
• Once granted, the equivalence certificate will be valid for academic and professional purposes across UGC-regulated institutions in India.

Transition from AIU to UGC

• Until now, equivalence certificates were issued by the AIU—a registered body comprising public and private universities. 
• While functional, this system lacked a statutory regulatory framework, often leading to procedural inconsistencies and delays.
• With the UGC stepping in, this process will now be more accountable, transparent, and directly aligned with national education reforms. 
• UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar stated that this move is a critical part of NEP 2020’s thrust on internationalisation and academic mobility.

Impact on Students and Institutions

• The updated regulations are expected to benefit multiple stakeholders:
  • Students returning from abroad: A streamlined, predictable process to integrate into India’s higher education or job market.
  • Academic Institutions: A clear and consistent method to assess foreign qualifications during admissions.
  • Employers: Standardized documentation to verify the legitimacy and relevance of a candidate’s foreign degree.
• Furthermore, by recognizing offshore campus degrees and online learning modes, the UGC is acknowledging the evolving nature of global education.

Safeguarding Standards and Ensuring Integrity

• By emphasizing recognition from legitimate accrediting bodies and rejecting franchise-based arrangements, the UGC aims to uphold the integrity of Indian higher education. 
• This move ensures that only reputable foreign institutions’ qualifications are accepted, thus protecting students from fraudulent or subpar courses.
• The system also supports a fair mechanism for redressal and review, strengthening trust among stakeholders.

Conclusion

• The 2025 UGC regulations mark a forward-thinking reform in India’s education policy landscape. 
• By shifting the responsibility of issuing equivalence certificates from AIU to UGC, the government ensures better transparency, consistency, and alignment with international standards.
• With the rise in Indian students studying abroad and the push for India to become an international education hub, this regulatory framework is both timely and transformative.

UGC Equivalence Certificate for Foreign Degrees FAQs

Q1. What is the purpose of UGC’s new equivalence certificate regulation?

Ans. To provide a transparent and structured process for recognizing foreign academic qualifications for higher studies and employment in India.

Q2. Are qualifications from online or distance learning programs eligible?

Ans. Yes, the regulations now include distance and online programs, based on feedback to the draft version.

Q3. Who will issue the equivalence certificate under the new system?

Ans. The UGC, through an expert committee and a dedicated online portal.

Q4. Do the new regulations apply to all foreign degrees?

Ans. They apply to most degrees but exclude professional programs like medicine, law, nursing, and architecture.

Q5. What happens if an equivalence application is rejected?

Ans. Applicants can request a review, which will be handled by a separate UGC-constituted review committee.

Source: IE | IE | TH

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Semiconductor manufacturing in India
• Chip assembly plant in Gujarat

Why in News?

The union cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, has approved the proposal of Kaynes Semicon to set up a semiconductor unit in Gujarat with an investment of INR 3,300 Cr. This is the fifth semiconductor unit, and the fourth assembly unit, to receive Cabinet approval.

The proposal was approved under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

Semiconductor manufacturing in India

• Need for domestic manufacturing of semiconductors
  • Foundation stone of modern electronics industry
    • Semiconductors and displays are the foundation of modern electronics industry.
    • These are critical components that power electronics - from computers and smartphones to the brake sensors in cars.
  • To reduce import dependency
    • As India does not produce any semiconductors, the country’s demands are met with imports. 
    • The demand for semiconductors in India will reportedly reach around USD 100 billion by 2025, up from the current demand of USD 24 billion.
  • To overcome the disruption in supply-chain
    • The absence of local manufacturing affected India the most during the lockdown imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Geopolitical significance
    • In the current geopolitical scenario, trusted sources of semiconductors and displays hold strategic importance.
    • These are key to the security of critical information infrastructure.
    • E.g., The Department of Telecommunications has in the past raised concerns over possible bugs in the telecom equipment sold by the Chinese company.
  • Steps taken by the Govt to promote indigenous semiconductor industry 
    • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
      • Launched in 2022, ISM aims to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem within the country. 
      • This initiative, housed under the Digital India Corporation, is tasked with catalysing semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and design capabilities in India.
      • As an independent business division, the ISM possesses the necessary administrative and financial autonomy to drive the program’s efficient implementation. 
      • Moreover, it boasts an advisory board comprising leading global experts in the semiconductor domain, ensuring strategic guidance and expertise. 
    • SemiconIndia Programme
      • The Union Cabinet approved the Semicon India Programme in 2021 with a budget of INR 76,000 crore. 
      • The program aims to create a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in India.
      • It does so by offering attractive incentives to companies involved in various semiconductor-related sectors, including Silicon Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound Semiconductors, Sensors, and Semiconductor Packaging.
    • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
      • Uder this, support is provided to 100 domestic companies of semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), etc. 
      • The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) is the nodal agency for implementing the DLI Scheme.
    • Modified Scheme for Setting up of Semiconductor Fabs
      • The Modified Scheme for Setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India provides a 50% fiscal support of the project cost for the setting up of semiconductor fabs in India.
      • This scheme is part of the Semicon India program.
    • Fiscal Support 
      • The Central Government has announced incentives for every part of supply chain including electronic components, sub-assemblies, and finished goods.
      • In total, Government has committed support of Rs. 2,30,000 crore (USD 30 billion) to position India as global hub for electronics manufacturing with semiconductors as the foundational building block.
    • Chips to Startup (C2S) programme
      • The government has also introduced the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme aims to train 85,000 engineers (Bachelors, Masters and Research level combined) qualified in ESDM disciplines over a period of 5 years.
        • ESDM – Electronic System Design and Manufacturing 

Chip assembly plant in Gujarat

• About the news
  • In a significant move towards building a robust semiconductor ecosystem, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to establish a semiconductor manufacturing unit in Sanand, Gujarat. 
  • This initiative, which involves an investment of ₹3,300 crore, is expected to enhance India's semiconductor production capabilities.
• Key highlights of the plant
  • The capacity of this unit will be 60 lakh chips per day.
  • The chips produced in this unit will cater to a wide variety of applications which include segments such as industrial, automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, mobile phones, etc.
• India’s ambitions to become a major chip hub
  • India is striving to become a major semiconductor hub, similar to the United States, Taiwan, and South Korea, by attracting foreign companies to establish operations within the country. 
  • Notably, India has approved an $11 billion fabrication plant by Tata Electronics in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip and three chip assembly plants by Tatas, US-based Micron Technology, and Murugappa Group’s CG Power with Japan’s Renesas. 
  • Additional proposals include a ₹78,000-crore fabrication plant by Israel’s Tower Semiconductor and a ₹4,000-crore assembly plant by Zoho, highlighting the country's growing ambitions in the semiconductor industry.

Q.1. What is the significance of the ₹3,300-crore chip assembly plant in Gujarat?

The ₹3,300-crore chip assembly plant in Gujarat is a crucial step towards building a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, reducing import dependency, and positioning India as a global chip manufacturing hub.

Q.2. How does the India Semiconductor Mission support the semiconductor industry?

The India Semiconductor Mission supports the semiconductor industry by offering financial incentives and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and design in India.

Source: Cabinet OKs `3,300-cr chip assembly plant in Gujarat | PM India | India Semiconductor Mission | PIB | Economic Times

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Increasing bilateral trade between India and Russia
• Existing payment settlement mechanism between India and Russia
• Payment issues faced by India and Russia
• New investment options for Russia

Why in News?

The RBI has allowed Russian entities to invest their rupee balance in various options like government securities, bonds, equity, and loans. This may soon end Russia's struggles with payments to India.

Increasing bilateral trade between India and Russia

• Trade statistics
  • Russia is now India’s second largest import source, after China, surpassing the UAE and the US. 
  • In 2023-24, India’s imports from Russia increased 32.95 per cent to $ 61.44 billion, while its exports were at $4.26 billion, creating a trade deficit of $ 57.18 billion.
  • Most of India’s import from Russia comprises oil, but there are also imports of defence equipment, fertilisers, edible fats and oil and precious and semi-precious stones and jewellery. 
  • While payment for defence equipment was largely in rupee, payment for Russian oil was taking place in other currencies.
  • Reasons behind the increase in bilateral trade
  • Since the start of Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, Moscow has been hit by Western banking and economic sanctions. 
  • Against this backdrop, it found a ready market for its goods, especially crude oil, in India and offered steep discounts. 
    • Russia is now the largest supplier of oil to India, displacing traditional players such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
  • India, unlike the West, chose to not join the list of countries formally imposing sanctions on Moscow.

Existing payment settlement mechanism between India and Russia

• India and Russia put in place a rupee payment system to circumvent the Western countries’ banking and economic sanctions against Russia following its attack on Ukraine in February 2022. 
• Under the mechanism, a number of Russian banks, opened their rupee vostro accounts with authorised dealer banks in India for enabling rupee trade between the two countries.
  • A Vostro account is a bank account that a correspondent bank holds on behalf of another bank, often a foreign bank.
  • In this context, a rupee vostro account is a special account that authorized Indian banks open and maintain for the banks of their partner trading countries. 
  • The account holds the foreign bank's holdings in the Indian counterpart in rupees. 
  • When an Indian trader wants to pay a foreign trader in rupees, the amount is credited to the vostro account.

Payment issues faced by India and Russia

• Dollar and existing channel like SWIFT were not an option
  • As part of war-induced sanctions on Moscow, the U.S., the EU, and the U.K. have blocked multiple Russian banks from accessing the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
    • SWIFT is a global secure interbank system whose primary function is to facilitate the secure exchange of financial messages between banks and other financial institutions. 
    • These messages typically involve instructions for transferring funds, such as payment orders, securities trading information, and other types of financial transactions.
  • The West had targeted one of its biggest traded goods — energy — for which transactions have traditionally been dollar-dependent.
    • Western countries did so by imposing a price cap of $60 per barrel.
  • While India is not a formal signatory, it has tacitly agreed to maintain the price cap as much as possible.
  • Also, banks and traders did not want to get involved in transactions that breach the oil cap over fears of repercussions for their funds.
    • Until recently, the blends of oil India was importing from Russia were largely below the price cap fixed by G-7 countries and India was able to pay for the oil using dollars. 
    • However, Russia has lowered its discounts due to high demand from China and lower grade oil is now in short supply.
  • Challenges to rupee-rouble mechanism
  • This mechanism was considered as an alternative payment mechanism to settle dues in rupees instead of dollars or euros.
  • However, as per the reports, this mechanism could not take off due to factors. This includes:
    • scepticism on the rupee-rouble convertibility as the rouble’s value is kept up by capital controls and not determined by the market.
    • Russia finds the rupee to be volatile.
  • The unforeseen surge in oil trade between India and Russia in one year alone has led to a massively ballooning trade deficit. 
    • India’s trade deficit with Russia touched $43 billion in 2022-23.
    • India imported goods worth $49.35 billion while its exports were at $3.14 billion. 
  • This has led to staggering amounts of Indian rupees in Russian banks that cannot be used by Russia in its war efforts.

New investment options for Russia

• Background
  • The rising unused rupee balance for Russian entities in these accounts was a big concern for Russia.
  • It was trying to repatriate some of it through various means including converting it to dirhams or yuan.
  • In this backdrop, new mechanism was launched to enable Russia to invest the rupee balance in India itself.
• New mechanism
  • The RBI enabled countries holding rupee accounts to invest in government securities’/treasury bills in India. 
  • Recently, a FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulation has been amended making it easier for foreign investors to trade in derivatives.
  • Russia is also being allowed to invest in equity and debt.
  • India is also trying to identify projects for Russian entities to invest in, such as the Vande Bharat sleeper trains project.
    • Russian investments in India will not attract Western sanctions as these are rupee investments.

Q.1. What is Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT)?

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a cooperative that provides a secure messaging system for international money transfers between banks. SWIFT is the industry standard for financial message syntax and allows financial institutions to securely exchange electronic messages and information about financial transactions. 

Q.2. What is a vostro account?

A vostro account is a record of money that a correspondent bank holds for another bank, usually in the domestic currency of the country where the money is deposited.

Source: Russia halts rupee repatriation as India offers bouquet of investment options, say sources | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, laid out a roadmap for the country for the coming years.

From hosting the 2036 Olympics to championing a Secular Civil Code, PM Modi emphasised India's collective progress and empowerment of every citizen.

Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

• On Viksit Bharat
  • The vision for a developed Bharat by 2047 hinges on the collective resolve of 140 crore citizens.
  • By marching forward together, we can overcome challenges and achieve a prosperous and modern nation.
  • The goal is to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by embracing modernization, innovation, and technology across all sectors, from tourism to agriculture.
  • A key aspect is reducing government interference in citizens' lives.
  • Additionally, mandating at least two annual reforms in each of the 3 lakh institutions across the country could result in 25-30 lakh reforms annually.
  • This will boost public confidence and driving progress towards a 'Swarnim Bharat' by 2047.
• On defence
  • India is becoming self-reliant in the defence sector.
  • It has gradually emerged and is establishing itself as an exporter and manufacturer of various Defence Equipment.
• On financial sector, economy
  • India has successfully doubled per capita income and made significant progress in employment and self-employment.
  • Reforms in the banking sector have strengthened our banks, making them a crucial support for the poor, middle-class families, and MSMEs.
  • Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, India has swiftly improved its economy, with a focus on modern infrastructure and Ease of Living driving economic growth.
  • Massive infrastructure developments, including railways, airports, ports, and road networks, have been achieved in the past decade.
  • The aim is to make India the third-largest economy, with a commitment to work three times harder, faster, and on a larger scale to realize the nation's dreams sooner.
  • All elected representatives are urged to ensure Ease of Living on a mission mode.
• On farmers
  • Transformation in the agriculture sector is the crucial need of the hour.
  • We must strengthen the nutrition of the world and also support the small farmers of India.
  • India and her farmers have the potential to create a global food basket of organic food.
  • 60,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ (ponds) have been revived and replenished.
• On world affairs
  • G-20 was never held in such a grand manner before.
  • Bharat has the capability to organize major international events and possesses unparalleled hospitality. Bharat does not mean a threat to anyone.
  • He expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh soon returns to normalcy.
  • The primary concern of our 140 crore citizens is to ensure the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh.
  • Bharat has always desired that our neighbouring countries pursue a path of contentment and peace.
• Our commitment to peace is deeply rooted in our culture.
• On empowerment and development
  • We chose reforms to uplift the poor, middle class, underprivileged, urban population, and youth by empowering them and addressing their aspirations.
  • Last-mile connectivity has ensured access to education and healthcare in remote areas, fulfilling the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
  • Lifting 25 crore people out of poverty affirms our momentum toward achieving our dreams.
  • Inclusive initiatives like Indian sign language, Sugamya Bharat, and support for the transgender community ensure dignity and equality for all.
  • The ‘Trividh Marg’ (three-way route) embodies the spirit of service to all, with a duty to uplift and empower neglected regions, marginalized communities, small farmers, tribals, women, laborers, and workers.
• On education
  • 75,000 new seats will be introduced in the medical sector in the next 5 years.
  • The spirit of ancient Nalanda University will be revived, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research.
  • We want to develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad.
  • We also want to create such institutions that attract people from abroad to come to Bharat instead.
  • India’s talent should not be hindered because of language. The strength of the mother tongue empowers even the poorest child in our country to fulfil their dreams.
  • National Research Foundation was created, providing it with a legal framework to develop a permanent system that continuously strengthens research.
  • The govt has decided to allocate one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in the Budget so that the ideas of our country’s youth can be realized.
• On women safety, empowerment
  • In the last decade, 10 crore women have joined self-help groups, becoming key agents of social transformation through financial empowerment.
  • One crore mothers and sisters joined women self-help groups and are becoming ‘lakhpati didis’.
  • Funds allocated to women self-help groups will be increased from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs.
• Till date, a total of nine lakh crore funds has been channeled via banks to these self-help groups.
  • The government extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in sectors like defense and space.
  • Society must address crimes against women seriously, ensuring swift investigations and harsh punishments to create a deterrent and restore trust in the government, judiciary, and civil society.
• On developing industry
  • Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for economic development.
  • One District One Product is the new wave now.
  • Bharat will become an industrial manufacturing hub and the world will look up to it.
  • We must embrace the call of "Design in India" and move forward with the dream of "Design in India and Design for the World."
  • India's commits to become a global leader in semiconductor production.
  • India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products.
• Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing games.
  • Bharat's contribution to global growth is substantial, our exports are continuously rising, our foreign exchange reserves have doubled, and global institutions have increasingly placed their trust in Bharat.
  • We are proud that our toy industry has also become a name to reckon with in the global market. We have started exporting toys.
  • Today India has a large hub of manufacturing ecosystem of mobile phones and we have started exporting them all over the world.
• On railways
  • Government is committed to make its railways a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
• On renewable energy
  • India has achieved more in the renewable energy sector than G 20 Nations collectively.
  • India is working hard to become self-reliant in the energy sector.
  • The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is set to provide new strength, and its benefits will be felt by the average families in our country, particularly the middle class, when their electricity bills become free.
• Those who generate electricity from solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, can also reduce their fuel costs.
  • The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise.
• On Sports
  • The aim is to train India's youth and become the skill capital of the world.
  • 1 lakh youth should be inducted into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families.
  • The goal is to host the 2036 Olympics in India, and preparations are actively progressing toward this ambition.
• On law and justice
  • The current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code, one that is discriminatory.
• Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society.
  • After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code.
  • India should come forward to embrace the concept of "One Nation One Election".
  • Over 1,500 laws were eliminated to ensure citizens are not trapped in a web of legal complexities.
  • We have replaced the centuries-old criminal laws with new criminal laws known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, whose idea at core is to ensure justice for citizens as against British ideology of reprimand and punishment.
• On housing
  • Four crore pukka homes have given a new lease of life to the poor.
  • Three crore new homes have been promised in an effort to further this national agenda.

Q.1. What is Universal Civil Code (UCC)?

The Universal Civil Code (UCC) refers to a single set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion. It aims to ensure equality and uniformity in legal rights and duties, replacing religion-specific laws currently in place in India.

Q.2. What is Amrit Sarovars?

Amrit Sarovars are water bodies revived and rejuvenated under a government initiative in India to conserve water and promote sustainability. The project aims to create 75 such ponds in each district, enhancing water availability, supporting agriculture, and improving the local ecosystem, contributing to rural development and environmental conservation.

Source: 5 takeaways from PM Modi’s I-Day speech: Framing UCC as ‘secular civil code’ to message on women’s safety| Times of India | Indian Express | India Today

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Legal and Procedural Requirements for Relocation
• Debate Surrounding Village Relocations from Tiger Reserves
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has intervened in the debate surrounding village relocations from tiger reserves.
• The commission responded to complaints against the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) June advisory requesting state forest departments to submit action plans for village relocations.

Legal and Procedural Requirements for Relocation:

• Families living inside tiger habitat:
  • As per NTCA, 591 villages comprising 64,801 families live inside critical tiger habitats, also known as core areas, in 54 tiger reserves across 19 states.
  • So far, 251 villages with 25,007 families have been relocated outside tiger reserves.
• Legal requirements:
  • Under the Wildlife Protection Act, areas free of human settlements can be created in the core of tiger reserves.
  • However, this is to be done after recognising the rights of tribal communities under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, and with the informed consent of the Gram Sabha concerned.
• Procedural requirements (Voluntary Village Relocation Program [VVRP] of the NTCA):
  • Additionally, before the voluntary relocation,
    • The state government has to conclude (based on consultations with ecological and social scientists),
    • That the activities of the tribal communities or forest dwellers or their presence are sufficient to cause irreversible damage to tigers and their habitat.
  • They have to also conclude that there is no other reasonable option for the community to co-exist with tigers.
• Compensation:
  • The NTCA had raised the relocation compensation for families opting for voluntary relocation from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021.
  • Those accepting the resettlement package receive two hectares of land, homestead land, house construction assistance, a financial incentive, and basic amenities, including water, sanitation, electricity, and telecommunication.

Debate Surrounding Village Relocations from Tiger Reserves:

• Opposition to NTCA's advisory:
  • NTCA advised state forest departments to prioritise the relocation of villages from core tiger habitats across 54 tiger reserves.
  • However, this advisory prompted pushback from over 150 tribal rights groups and activists.
  • The petition to NCST pointed out that the NTCA letter did not dwell on the legal and procedural requirements, making it violative of laws.
  • They argued that NTCA's approach violates FRA and the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act 2006, as village relocation should be voluntary.
• NCST take on NTCA advisory:
  • NCST requested an update from NTCA on village relocations and their adherence to NCST's prior recommendations.
  • The commission also seeks an action-taken report from the Union Environment Ministry and NTCA on its 2018 recommendations to revise the compensation for villagers who voluntarily relocate from tiger reserves.
  • The NCST wants to ensure this package aligns with the 2013 Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act’s guidelines and entitlements.

Conclusion:

• NCST’s intervention underscores the need to balance tiger conservation with tribal rights, ensuring that relocation policies comply with legal requirements.
• By engaging with NTCA, the Environment Ministry, and tribal representatives, NCST aims to create a fair relocation framework that respects both conservation goals and tribal communities’ rights.

Q.1. What is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)?

The NCST is a constitutional body in India that works to protect the social, economic, educational, and cultural interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Q.2. What is the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006?

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 legally recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities and tribal populations in India.

News: Scheduled Tribes panel to seek report from NTCA on villages’ relocation from tiger reserves

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Balanced fertilization?
• Feriliser consumption in India
• What is Nutrient-based subsidy?
• Challenges in promoting balance fertilization
• Opportunity 
• Conclusion

Why in News?

The fiscal ended March 2024 saw urea consumption hit a record 35.8 million tonnes (mt), 16.9% higher than the 30.6 mt in 2013-14. Hence, it is expected that balanced fertilisation is likely to be a key policy goal for the government taking over after the Lok Sabha elections.

What is Balanced Fertilization?

• Balanced fertilisation discourages farmers from applying too much urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) or muriate of potash (MOP), which only have primary nutrients in high concentrations.
• It means supplying these primary (N, phosphorus-P and potassium-K), secondary (sulphur-S, calcium, magnesium) and micro (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum) nutrients in the right proportion, based on soil type and the crop’s own requirement at different growth stages.

Fertiliser Consumption in India

• Urea consumption hit a record in Financial Year 2023-24
  • The fiscal ended March 2024 saw urea consumption hit a record 35.8 million tonnes (mt), 16.9% higher than the 30.6 mt in 2013-14.
• Impact of neem-coated urea on the consumption
  • The consumption of urea, containing 46% nitrogen (N), actually fell during 2016-17 and 2017-18.
  • This was attributed to the mandatory coating of all urea with neem oil from May 2015.
    • Neem coating was intended to check illegal diversion of the highly-subsidised urea for non-agricultural uses, including by plywood, dye, cattle feed and synthetic milk makers. 
    • Neem oil supposedly also acted as a mild nitrification inhibitor, allowing more gradual release of nitrogen. 
    • Improved nitrogen use efficiency, in turn, brought down the number of urea bags required per acre.
• Consumption of urea has only gone up during the last six years
  • Despite compulsory neem-coating, and the government reducing the bag size from 50 to 45 kg in March 2018, the consumption of urea has only gone up during the last six years.

What is Nutrient-based subsidy?

• About
  • The nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) system, instituted in April 2010, was expected to promote balanced fertilisation. 
  • Under it, the government fixed a per-kg subsidy for N, P, K and S. 
  • The subsidy on any fertiliser was, thereby, linked to its nutrient content.
• Underlying idea behind the introduction of NBS
  • The underlying idea was to induce product innovation.
  • Also, the idea was to wean away farmers from urea, DAP (18% N and 46% P content) and MOP (60% K), in favour of complex fertilisers containing N, P, K, S and other nutrients in balanced proportions with lower concentrations.
• Performance of NBS
  • NBS achieved its objective initially. Between 2009-10 and 2011-12, DAP and MOP consumption declined, while that of NPKS complexes and single super phosphate (SSP: 16% P and 11% S) rose. 
  • But NBS failed simply because it excluded urea. 
    • With its maximum retail price (MRP) being controlled, and cumulatively raised by just 16.5 per cent – from Rs 4,830 to Rs 5,628 per tonne – post the introduction of NBS, consumption of urea increased.

Challenges in promoting Balance Fertilization

• Restoration of controls
  • The last couple of years have seen even non-urea fertilisers being brought under price control, first informally and formally since January 2024.
  • The MRPs of these fertilisers were earlier set by the companies selling them, with the govt merely paying a fixed per-tonne subsidy linked to their nutrient content.
  • As per the experts, the restoration of controls has worsened the nutrient imbalances.
    • The current MRP of DAP, at Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag, is below the Rs 1,470 for the 10:26:26:0 and 12:32:16:0 NPKS complex fertilisers, notwithstanding their containing less N and P. 
    • Even 20:20:0:13, which accounted for nearly 5.4 mt out of the total 11.1 mt of NPKS complexes consumed in 2023-24, is retailing at Rs 1,200-1,225 per bag, only marginally lower than DAP. 
    • DAP has, thus, become the new urea, with farmers inclined to over-apply both.
• Most widely consumed complex fertilizer contains no K (Potassium)
  • For MOP, MRP of Rs 1,650 per bag now incentivises neither farmers to apply directly nor companies to incorporate it into complexes. 
  • The most widely consumed complex fertiliser, 20:20:0:13, contains no K. 
  • That isn’t good, considering that potassium boosts the immunity of crops against pests and diseases as well as uptake of nitrogen.
• Proper price hierarchy among non-urea fertilisers
  • An immediate challenge is to ensure proper price hierarchy among non-urea fertilisers. 
  • That would mean pricing DAP the highest, MOP the lowest and complexes in between.
  • DAP use should be restricted mainly to rice and wheat. Other crops can meet their P requirement through complexes and SSP.

Opportunity 

• Import-dependent in fertilisers
  • India is heavily import-dependent in fertilisers, be it of finished products or intermediates and raw materials. 
  • High global prices add to the country’s foreign exchange outgo and also the government’s subsidy burden.
• Cooling of international prices
  • Landed prices of imported urea and other fertilsers have dropped significantly.
    • The price dips would have been more but for the Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting vessel movements from the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. 
    • Ships carrying DAP and rock phosphate from Morocco’s Jorf Lasfar port, which reached India in 24-26 days, are taking 40 days at present.
  • The cooling of international prices, nevertheless, gives some flexibility for the govt to rationalise MRPs of fertilisers and promote balanced plant nutrition.

Conclusion

The Centre, in January, approved the launch of sulphur-coated urea, containing 37% N and 17% S. Its MRP has been fixed at Rs 266.50 per bag, the same as for regular neem-coated urea. But in this case, the bag will have only 40 kg, as against 45 kg for the latter – in effect, translating into a 12.5% price hike.

One can expect many more such “balanced fertilisation” moves in the months ahead.

Q.1. What is fertilser?

Fertilizer is a substance that provides nutrients to plants to help them grow and thrive. It can be natural or synthetic, organic or inorganic, and can be applied to soil or plant tissues.

Q.2. What is di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)?

Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) is a water-soluble fertilizer that contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for plants. It's made by reacting ammonia with phosphoric acid and is the most widely used phosphorus fertilizer in the world.

Source: How the next government will push ‘balanced fertilisation’

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?
• Why are FTs under Criticism in Assam?
• How the SC’s Verdict Humanised Citizenship Law in India?
• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019
• National Register of Citizens (NRC)

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court declared an Assam resident (Md Rahim Ali) a citizen of India, overturning the decision of a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) in the state.
• Because of minor discrepancies in spellings and dates in the documents produced by him, the FT declared him a foreigner, holding that he had entered India illegally on or after the cut-off date of March 25, 1971.

What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

• These are quasi-judicial bodies entrusted with determining the citizenship status of those accused of being or labelled as foreigners.
• These are established as per the Foreigners’ Act 1946 and the Foreigners’ Tribunal Order 1964.
• The Foreigners Act 1946 is a colonial legislation that preceded the Constitution of India.
• Post-independence, the Foreigners’ Tribunals were established in 1964 by an executive order of the Home Ministry.
• Under Article 323B of the Constitution (inserted by the Constitution [42nd Amendment] Act 1976), tribunals may be established (by the appropriate legislature) by law.

Why are FTs under Criticism in Assam?

• About 3 lakh people in Assam were declared Doubtful Voters in 1997 without any inquiry or notice. They were excluded from the Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC).
• Although the Foreigners’ Tribunal Order of 1964 mandates that notices shall mention the “main grounds”, notices issued by FTs generally do not mention any ground.
• Until March 2019, as many as 1.17 lakh people had been declared foreigners, and people had to defend themselves without knowing the charges.
  • This is because the Foreigners Act 1946 puts the burden of proof on the person who is alleged to be a foreigner.
• The recent SC judgement could have an immediate positive bearing on the cases pending with the FTs.

How the SC’s Verdict Humanised Citizenship Law in India?

• On the burden of proof: While the burden of proof may be on the accused under the Foreigners Act, the apex court held that this burden is to be discharged only after the state has shared the material on which the allegation is founded.
  • The supply of this material is an integral part of the classic rule of natural justice - no one shall be condemned unheard.
• Minor discrepancies in documents cannot result in loss of citizenship: The judgement will alleviate the anxieties of many people worried about minor spelling mistakes in their and their parents’ names following the enactment of the CAA 2019, and the proposal to have a nationwide NRC.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019:

• About:
  • The Act seeks to amend the definition of illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Jains and Christian (but not Muslim) immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.
  • They will be granted fast track Indian citizenship in 5 years (11 years earlier).
  • The Act (which amends the Citizenship Act 1955) also provides for cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration where the OCI card-holder has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other law in force.
• Who is eligible?
  • The CAA 2019 applies to those who were forced or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the ground of religion. It aims to protect such people from proceedings of illegal migration.
  • The cut-off date for citizenship is December 31, 2014, which means the applicant should have entered India on or before that date.
  • The act will not apply to areas covered by the Constitution's sixth schedule, which deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • Additionally, the act will not apply to states that have an inner-line permit regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram).

National Register of Citizens (NRC):

• About NRC:
  • The NRC is an official record of those who are legal Indian citizens. It is mandated by the 2003 amendment of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • It includes demographic information about all the legal citizens of India so that the illegal immigrants can be identified and deported.
  • So far, such a database has only been maintained for the state of Assam.
• Why was NRC updated for Assam?
  • A write petition had been filed before the SC demanding the deletion of illegal migrants' names from voter lists in Assam.
  • In 2014, the SC ordered the updation of the NRC, in accordance with Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003 in all parts of Assam.
  • An individual had to demonstrate that they or their ancestors were in Assam on or before March 24, 1971.
  • The process officially started in 2015 and the updated final NRC was released on August 31, 2019, with over 1.9 million applicants failing to make it to the NRC list.
  • Those who were not included in the final NRC list or were tagged as 'D' (doubtful) have the right to file an appeal with the Foreigners Tribunal.
  • Only Foreigners Tribunals have the authority to declare a person a foreigner.

Q.1. What is Article 323B of the Indian Constitution?

Article 323B of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of tribunals for the adjudication of disputes in various matters. These tribunals play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and specialized resolution of disputes in specific areas.

Q.2. Why was the Foreigners Act 1946 enacted?

The Foreigners Act empowers the Indian government to detain a person until deportation back to their country of origin.

Source: 12 years after Assam man was declared a foreigner, Supreme Court restores citizenship: ‘A miscarriage of justice’ | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Enemy Property
• Laws dealing with enemy property in India
• Court orders on the issue of enemy properties

Why in News?

The Indian government is set to auction a parcel of land in Uttar Pradesh that once belonged to the family of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. The land, measuring around 13 bighas in the Kotana Bangar village of Baghpat district, is being sold under The Enemy Property Act.

In this regard, the Union Home Ministry has posted a notice on the land.

Enemy Property

• About
  • Enemy property is property left behind by the people who migrated to enemy countries.
  • Under The Enemy Property Act, properties belonging to individuals who migrated to enemy countries (such as Pakistan or China) after wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971 are seized by the Indian government.
• The Act ruled that the heirs of people who migrated to Pakistan and China would not have any right to succession over the property left by their ancestors.
  • These properties are managed by the Custodian of Enemy Property and can be sold by the government as per legal provisions.
• Background
  • Following the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, many people migrated from India to Pakistan, leading the Indian government to seize their properties under the Defence of India Rules (framed under the Defence of India Act, 1962).
  • These properties were handed over to the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.
  • Similar action was taken for properties left behind by those who moved to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
  • The Tashkent Declaration of January 1966 included a provision for India and Pakistan to discuss the return of such properties.
  • However, Pakistan sold off these properties in 1971, leaving the issue unresolved.
• Enemy property in India - Statistics
  • Apart from the company shares, most enemy property is in the form of land and buildings.
  • There are 13,252 enemy properties in India, valued at over Rs1 lakh crore.
  • Most of these properties belong to people who migrated to Pakistan, and over 100 to those who migrated to China.
  • Uttar Pradesh (5,982) has the highest number of enemy properties, followed by West Bengal (4,354).
  • The central government launched a survey in the past year to further identify and monetise these properties. Many of these properties have gone under encroachment and unauthorised occupancy.

Laws dealing with enemy property in India

• The Enemy Property Act of 1968
  • This act ensured that properties of individuals or firms from enemy nations remained vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.
  • The government owns enemy properties across various states, such as in Karnataka, where six prime properties in Bengaluru are valued at approximately ₹500 crore.
• Amendment introduced in 2016
  • In 2017, Parliament passed the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016.
  • This bill updated the 1968 Act and the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
  • This amendment broadened the definition of "enemy subject" and "enemy firm" to include legal heirs and successors, even if they are Indian citizens or citizens of non-enemy countries.
  • The amended law states that enemy property continues to vest in the Custodian even after the enemy’s death, change of nationality, or other status changes.
  • The Custodian can sell these properties with government approval, and the central government can direct the Custodian on how to manage and dispose of them.
• Need for such amendments
  • The amendments to the Enemy Property Act were introduced to prevent claims of succession or transfer of properties left by individuals who migrated to Pakistan and China after the wars.
  • The primary goal was to counter a court ruling that undermined the Custodian's authority.
  • The statement of objects and reasons in the Bill explained that various court judgments had weakened the Custodian's powers, making it difficult for the Custodian to act under the original 1968 Act.

Court orders on the issue of enemy properties

• Significant legal case regarding enemy property
  • A significant legal case regarding enemy property involved the estate of the erstwhile Raja of Mahmudabad in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Raja moved to Pakistan in 1957, becoming a Pakistani citizen, while his wife and son, Mohammed Amir Mohammad Khan, remained Indian citizens.
  • Under the Enemy Property Act of 1968, the Raja’s estate, which included valuable properties in Hazratganj, Sitapur, and Nainital, was classified as enemy property.
• SC Judgement
  • After the Raja’s death, his son claimed the properties, and in 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor.
  • This verdict led to a surge of claims from relatives of people who migrated to Pakistan, presenting deeds of gift to reclaim enemy properties.
• Ordinance introduced in 2010
  • To counter this, the UPA government issued an Ordinance in 2010 that blocked courts from ordering the release of enemy properties.
  • This nullified the 2005 Supreme Court ruling, and the Custodian regained control of the Raja's estate.
  • A Bill was introduced in Parliament but lapsed.
  • Eventually, the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance, 2016 was promulgated and replaced by a Bill that became law in 2017, reinforcing government control over enemy properties.

Q.1. What is the Enemy Property Act, and why is Musharraf's land being auctioned under it?

The Enemy Property Act allows the Indian government to seize properties left behind by individuals who migrated to enemy countries like Pakistan. Musharraf’s land is being auctioned under this law as part of government efforts to manage such assets.

Q.2. How many enemy properties exist in India, and where are they located? 

India has over 13,000 enemy properties, valued at over ₹1 lakh crore, with the highest concentration in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These properties were left behind by individuals who moved to Pakistan and China after wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971.

Source: Pervez Musharraf’s ancestral land in UP to be auctioned under Enemy Property Act: What it means | Forbes India | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Makhana?
• What is Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana?
• Demand by Bihar Govt

Why in News?

The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana, an aquatic crop.

The state has also flagged lack of manpower at the Darbhanga (Bihar)-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana.

What is Makhana?

• About
  • Makhanas are also known as fox nuts, Euryale ferox, lotus seeds, gorgon nuts and phool makhana.
  • Botanical name - Euryale ferox Salisb
  • Basically, it is an aquatic crop, belonging to the family of Nympheaceae.
• Cultivation
  • This plant, which is grown commercially, is often found in stagnant water bodies like ponds, swamps, oxbow lakes, ditches, and certain low-lying areas.
  • It thrives naturally in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.
  • Farmers typically sow the seeds in shallow water, and the plants are allowed to grow until they flower and produce seeds.
• Harvesting
  • Harvesting usually occurs during the summer months. The mature seeds are collected from the water, dried in the sun, and then roasted to remove the hard outer shell.
  • The process of roasting and popping is essential to convert the hard seeds into the light, crunchy, and edible form we recognize as makhana.
• Areas where makhana is produced
  • Makhana plant or Euryale ferox Salisb is a native of South-East Asia and China, but is now distributed and exported to different parts of the world.
  • In the initial years of commercial production, the plant’s distribution was limited to tropical and sub-tropical regions of South-East and East Asia and other countries.
• This includes Japan, Korea, Russia, North America, Nepal, Bangladesh to name a few.
  • In India, the makhana seeds are distributed in different states including West Bengal, Bihar, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Eastern Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
• However, the commercial cultivation and processing is limited to North Bihar, Manipur, parts of West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
• Indian States Producing Makhana
  • Traditionally the Indian state of Bihar has been the hub of makhana cultivation and production.
  • The focused and major lotus seeds producing districts includes Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar.
• It should be noted that 80% of the total production of processed makhana seeds comes from 4 districts of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Purnia and Saharsa.
• Out of these districts, Madhubani and Darbhanga lead the production.
• Nutritional Value of Makhana
  • Fox nut has a low Glycemic Index (GI)
    • It means that is slowly absorbed by the body and does not shoot the sugar level in human beings and is also helpful for people suffering for diabetes.
  • High Fiber Content
    • High fiber acts as an absorbent and is helpful for the body ,in heart management, keeping the body fit and fine.
  • Low in Calories
    • Fox nuts can be eaten on a daily basis in different forms to regulate normal body functions.
    • High in Potassium and also contains Vitamin B1, carotene, iodine, iron, and phosphorous in addition to calcium.
    • The natural sodium content in phool makhana is insignificant which is also helpful to manage blood pressure.

What is Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana?

• The ICAR-NRC for Makhana, Darbhanga, was sanctioned by the Department of Agricultural Research & Education.
• It was sanctioned as a new scheme during the IX Five Year Plan period (1997–2002) for Conservation, Research & Development of the makhana crop.
• It started functioning from February 2002.
• However, in 2005, the NRC for Makhana was merged and brought under the administrative control of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER), Patna.
  • With this move, the national tag of the NRC for Makhana was revoked.
• In May 2023, the Central government restored the status of Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga to “National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.
  • It added other aquatic crops including fish in its mandate.
• However, the NRC for Makhana was transferred under the administrative control of the ICAR’s Agricultural Engineering Division and attached to the Ludhiana-based ICAR-Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering & Technology.

Demand by Bihar Govt

• Declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana
  • The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana.
  • It has also flagged lack of manpower at the Darbhanga-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana and told the Centre it was in bad shape.
• Bihar – hub of makhana production
  • About 85 per cent of the country’s makhana production comes from Bihar.
  • About 10 lakh people are directly or indirectly involved in its cultivation and production process.
  • Most of the farmers who cultivate the GI-tagged makhana — in Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Madhubani and Sitamarhi districts of the state — come from poor backgrounds.
• Darbhanga-based ICAR-NRC in bad shape
  • The Darbhanga-based ICAR-NRC for Makhana has only 10 employees against a sanctioned strength of 42.
  • There’s no administrative staff and a full-time director was never appointed.
  • Bihar govt has emphasized that the ICAR-NRC for Makhana in Darbhanga needs to be upgraded, and its administrative headquarters should be moved to Patna.

Q.1. What is GI Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific region, attributing its unique quality, reputation, or characteristics to that location, thus protecting and promoting regional products and heritage.

Q.2. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price at which it purchases crops from farmers, ensuring them a minimum profit and protecting them from market fluctuations and low prices, thereby encouraging agricultural production and stability.

Source: Bihar govt seeks MSP for makhana, flags ‘bad shape’ of research centre | Makhana.Org | NDTV Food

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is a Care Economy?
• Key Issues Related to the Care Economy in India
• Key Features of the National Policy to Increase Female Workforce Participation
• Key Barriers to Women’s Workforce Inclusion, Government Initiatives and Way Ahead
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The Indian government is set to unveil a comprehensive national policy aimed at increasing female labour force participation, focusing on creating an enabling environment through a robust care economy framework.
• Key ministries are collaborating to address the challenges women face in balancing caregiving responsibilities with employment.

What is a Care Economy?

• It refers to the sector of economic activity that encompasses the provision of care and support services, particularly those related to health, education, childcare, eldercare, etc.
• It encompasses paid and unpaid care work crucial for human survival, welfare, and labor force participation.
• It helps to address material, emotional, and developmental requirements but is sometimes unrecognised or undervalued, resulting in a "hidden care economy".
• This dilemma prompted the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995, which pushed for identifying and appreciating women's contributions in caregiving, domestic work, and volunteerism.

Key Issues Related to the Care Economy in India:

• High percentage outside workforce: Over half of India’s women (53%) remain outside the labour force, largely due to unpaid caregiving duties, in stark contrast to only 1.1% of men.
• Unpaid domestic and household work: According to India’s Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023-24, around 36.7% of females and 19.4% of the workforce are involved in unpaid household work.
• Gender disparities in domestic work: The National Statistical Office (NSO) Time Use Survey 2019 shows that 81% of Indian females aged 6 and above spend over five hours daily on unpaid domestic activities.
• Caregiving time differences: Among those 6 years and older, 26.2% of females spend over two hours daily on caregiving versus 12.4% of males, indicating the disproportionate share borne by women.

Key Features of the National Policy to Increase Female Workforce Participation:

• Focus on the care economy:
  • The proposed policy emphasises the development of a care economy.
  • A care economy includes:
    • Direct care: Activities such as feeding children and caregiving.
    • Indirect care: Tasks like cooking, cleaning, and other domestic services.
    • Broader services: Healthcare, education, and personal assistance.
• Caregiving infrastructure: Developing support structures to reduce the caregiving burden on women and encourage labour market participation.
• Core skilling package: A specialised training program for caregivers, particularly for childcare, is under consideration.
• Childcare for informal sector workers: Childcare facilities, especially for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), will be a critical component.

Key Barriers to Women’s Workforce Inclusion, Government Initiatives and Way Ahead:

• Barriers:
  • According to a ILO report, low educational attainment, limited job opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure are critical factors keeping women out of the workforce.
  • Cultural norms around caregiving heavily restrict women’s labour market access, especially in rural areas, reinforcing existing gender inequalities.
• Existing initiatives - Palna scheme:
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development operates the ‘Palna’ scheme, which provides Anganwadi-cum-crèche facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
  • Key highlights of the scheme include:
    • Services offered: Nutritional support, health monitoring, immunisation, cognitive development, and education.
    • Current status: As of now, 1,000 Anganwadi creches are operational.
• Way ahead:
  • To address the high percentage of women outside India’s workforce due to care responsibilities, substantial investments in the care economy - especially in early childhood care and education (ECCE) - are essential.
  • Such initiatives cannot only foster gender equality but also unlock economic potential by enabling more women to enter and thrive in the workforce.
  • Nations like Belarus, Bulgaria, and Sweden maintain lower proportions of women outside the workforce (less than 10%) by investing in ECCE, roughly 1% of their GDP.

Conclusion: The national policy document intends to close the gender gap in the workforce by tackling systemic impediments and improving support mechanisms, thereby empowering women and increasing their economic participation.

Q.1. How is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) increasing female labour force participation in India?

MGNREGS is a gender-neutral Scheme which promotes participation of women by providing wage parity with men, provision of a separate schedule of rates of wages for women, facilities for crèche, work-side sheds for children, and child care services.

Q.2. What was the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995?

The Beijing Declaration was a resolution adopted by the UN at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995. The resolution adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the equality of men and women.

News: Centre working on national policy paper on female labour force participation

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?
• SSLV development is complete

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the third and final developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The SSLV-D3 placed the Earth observation satellite EOS-08 precisely into orbit. This also marks the completion of ISRO/Department of Space’s SSLV Development Project.

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, and India’s private space industry can now produce SSLVs for commercial missions.

What is Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?

• About
  • SSLV is the new small satellite launch vehicle developed by ISRO to cater for the launch of small satellites.
  • It has a three-stage launch vehicle, having a lift-off weight of about 120 tonnes and is 34 metres in length and 2 metres in diameter.
  • It is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
  • VTM is the last liquid-propellent based stage of the rocket which is used to correct the velocity just before injecting the satellites into orbit. 
• Uses
  • The SSLV missions are useful to launch small-sized satellites weighing anywhere between 10 to 500kg into the Low Earth Orbit.
  • Going by their size and weight, these are typically referred to as mini, micro or nano satellites.
  • They are low on cost and intended satellite insertion into orbits takes a shorter flight time.
  • SSLV are best suited for commercial and on-demand launches.
  • Previously, satellite projects built by college students and private players involved in the space sector have benefitted from SSLV missions.
• India’s journey towards SSLV
  • The first SSLV mission — SSLV-D1 — carrying two satellites, including EOS-02 and AzaadiSat, in August 2022, was a failure.
• The insertion of the two satellites after their separation took place into a 356 km circular orbit instead of the intended elliptical orbit.
  • In its second attempt with the SSLV-D2 in February 2023, ISRO tasted success.
• The rocket inserted three satellites onboard into the intended 450 km circular orbit following a 15-minute flight.
  • SSLV-D3 has been launched recently.
• Significance
  • Seamless launch of small satellites
    • The launch of small satellites has until now been dependent on ‘piggy-back’ rides with big satellite launches on ISRO’s PSLV.
    • Against this backdrop, the SSLV is intended to cater to a market for the launch of small satellites into low earth orbits.
  • Suited for launching multiple microsatellites
    • SSLV is perfectly suited for launching multiple microsatellites at a time and supports multiple orbital drop-offs.
    • The new launch vehicle has been designed keeping in mind commercial launches of small satellites with a quick turn-around time for the missions.
  • Shift the burden from PSLV
    • SSLV will shift the burden of commercial launches from Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV).
    • The SSLV is likely to cost a fourth of the current PSLV.

SSLV development is complete

• About the News
  • ISRO successfully completed the third and final developmental flight of its SSLV, marking the vehicle's readiness for commercial launches and opening the door for industry-led manufacturing through technology transfer.
  • The SSLV-D3 mission was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
  • The mission placed two satellites—EOS-08, an earth observation satellite, and SR-0 Demosat—into a 475 km circular low-earth orbit.
• Manufacturing and launch of SSLV for commercial purposes
  • ISRO is exploring two routes for the commercial launch of this vehicle.
  • One is through NSIL, which will fund and realise the rockets required for commercial purposes, and the other is through technology transfer, which InSpace will handle.
• Payloads on SSLV-D3
  • ISRO's EOS-08, the primary payload of the SSLV-D3 mission, is a 175-kg experimental satellite equipped with three new technologies.
  • The Electro-Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR) captures day and night images in mid-wave and long-wave infrared for various applications like surveillance, disaster and environmental monitoring, and fire detection.
  • The Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) payload demonstrates the use of reflected GPS signals for ocean wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, and flood detection.
  • Additionally, the SiC UV Dosimeter payload will study UV radiation exposure on the crew module, aiding the Gaganyaan mission preparations.
• Second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam
  • Second rocket launchport of the ISRO is being developed at Kulasekarapattinam in coastal Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district.
  • This will be extensively and exclusively used for commercial, on-demand, and small satellite launches in the future.
  • The existing Sriharikota spaceport will handle launches to orbits that require the rocket to fly eastwards.

Q.1. What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to an orbit around Earth at an altitude between 160 to 2,000 kilometers (100 to 1,200 miles). Satellites in LEO travel rapidly, completing an orbit in about 90 minutes. This orbit is ideal for communications, Earth observation, and scientific research due to its proximity.

Q.2. What is InSpace?

InSpace (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) is a regulatory body established by the Indian government to promote, authorize, and oversee private sector activities in space. It facilitates private participation in space missions, fosters innovation, and ensures compliance with regulations, aiming to boost India's commercial space industry.

Source: After launch success, ISRO says SSLV development is complete | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre| Times of India

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Rural Wages vs Economic Growth
• Factors Behind Stagnant Rural Wages
• Steps Taken to Address the Issue of Low Rural Wages
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The Indian economy has shown impressive growth in recent years, yet rural wages remain stagnant, especially in real terms.
• Hence, there is the need to explore the dichotomy between macroeconomic growth and the subdued rise in rural wages, examining contributing factors and potential mitigation through government schemes.

Rural Wages vs Economic Growth:

• Economic growth overview:
  • India’s GDP grew at an average rate of 4.6% from 2019-20 to 2023-24, reaching 7.8% over the last three fiscal years (April-March).
  • Agricultural sector growth rates were also robust, averaging 4.2% and 3.6% for the same periods.
• Wage growth data:
  • The Labour Bureau compiles daily wage rate data for 25 agricultural and non-agricultural occupations, collected every month from 600 sample villages spread over 20 states.
  • From 2019 to 2024, rural wages grew by 5.2% annually in nominal terms; however, adjusted for inflation, the real growth was -0.4%.
  • Even in the current fiscal year, wage growth remains low, highlighting a disconnect between GDP growth and real wage gains.

Factors Behind Stagnant Rural Wages:

• Rising female labour force participation (LFPR):
  • The female LFPR has risen sharply, from 24.5% in 2018-19 to 41.7% in 2023-24, with rural female LFPR jumping to 47.6%.
  • According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, programs like Ujjwala, Har Ghar Jal, and Swachh Bharat have freed up time for rural women, enabling their entry into the workforce.
  • Higher workforce participation, especially among rural women, has led to a larger labour pool, exerting downward pressure on wages due to a supply-demand imbalance.
• Shift in labour demand:
  • Although more women are entering the labour force, most are finding employment in agriculture, not higher-paying industrial jobs.
  • Economic growth in India has leaned towards capital-intensive industries that require less labour, further limiting wage growth in rural areas.
  • With more workers in agriculture, where productivity per worker is already low, additional labour supply only depresses wages further.

Steps Taken to Address the Issue of Low Rural Wages:

• Income transfer schemes:
  • State initiatives: Various state governments have introduced income support schemes targeting women, amounting to around Rs 2 lakh crore annually.
  • Impact of transfers: Programs like Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana provide significant financial support to women, supplementing their low wages and offering a buffer in challenging times.
• Central government schemes:
  • The Centre’s income transfer schemes, including
    • Rs 6,000-per-year aid to farmer households (PM-KISAN) and
    • the free-grain scheme (PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana [PMGKAY]),
• Also help mitigate low rural income levels.

Conclusion:

• Despite substantial economic growth, rural wage growth remains subdued, with real wages barely improving.
• While government interventions provide some relief, addressing the root causes of stagnant rural wages - such as limited labour demand in higher-paying industries and the oversupply of rural labour - is essential for achieving inclusive economic prosperity.

Q.1. What is the labour force participation rate (LFPR)?

The LFPR is the percentage of a country's working-age population that is either employed or actively looking for work. It's calculated by dividing the total number of people in the labour force by the total working-age population, and then multiplying by 100.

Q.2. What is Ladki Bahin Yojana of the Maharashtra government?

The "Ladki Bahin Yojana" is a scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month to women aged between 21 and 65 years, aiming to improve their economic independence, health, nutrition, and decision-making power within their families.

News: Explained: The paradox of stagnant rural wages

What’s in Today’s Article?

• MSME Reclassification Latest News
• Overview of the Classification Changes
• Support for the Revised Norms
• Concerns Raised by Micro and Small Enterprise Bodies
• Broader Implications for the MSME Sector
• Future Considerations
• MSME Classification 2025 FAQs

MSME Reclassification Latest News 

• The Union Budget 2025 introduced a significant revision in the classification criteria for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), triggering strong reactions from various industry stakeholders.

Overview of the Classification Changes

• Effective April 1, 2025, the investment and turnover limits for all MSME categories have been increased substantially. 
• Specifically, the investment cap has been raised by 2.5 times, while turnover thresholds have been doubled. This means:
  • Micro enterprises: now include firms with investment up to ₹2.5 crore (from ₹1 crore) and turnover up to ₹10 crore (from ₹5 crore)
  • Small enterprises: ₹25 crore investment (up from ₹10 crore), ₹100 crore turnover
  • Medium enterprises: ₹125 crore investment (up from ₹50 crore), ₹500 crore turnover
• The government believes these changes will help businesses scale operations, access capital more easily, and contribute to employment generation.

Support for the Revised Norms

• Industry groups such as the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) have welcomed the revised limits. 
• FISME Secretary General argued that the revision was necessary to:
  • Reflect inflationary pressures and rising input costs
  • Allow medium enterprises to grow vertically rather than duplicating operations horizontally
  • Attract greater foreign investment in MSMEs without losing access to government benefits
• He also noted that Indian businesses often avoid growth beyond small-scale classification due to fear of losing incentives. 
• The revised norms aim to counter this trend by making the classification more inclusive.

Concerns Raised by Micro and Small Enterprise Bodies

• On the other hand, various organisations representing micro and small enterprises, have voiced strong opposition to the move. 
• In a letter to the Ministry of MSME, the organizations warned that:
  • Medium enterprises, which constitute less than 0.01% of the MSME base, might monopolize benefits meant for the 99.99% micro and small units.
  • Public procurement quotas (25% for micro and small units) and credit access under priority sector lending will disproportionately favour larger players.
  • Micro units already struggle to access credit, as banks often prefer lending to medium units to meet their targets with fewer clients.
• Organisations have also demanded that the earlier classification be restored or a separate department be created for micro and small enterprises to safeguard their interests.

Broader Implications for the MSME Sector

• The revised classification is expected to significantly affect the structure and support systems within the MSME ecosystem. Key issues at stake include:
• Public Procurement Access
  • With medium enterprises now falling into the "small" bracket, competition for public contracts under the mandated 25% procurement quota may become more intense, potentially side-lining micro units.
• Credit Distribution
  • Despite formal provisions for microenterprise credit (8% of total priority sector lending), practical access remains limited. Larger units are more attractive to banks due to lower risk and higher ticket sizes.
• Post-Pandemic Recovery Challenges
  • Stakeholders contend that recovery from the COVID-19 impact remains uneven, and the timing of the revision is premature. 
  • The last National Sample Survey data on MSMEs dates back to 2015-16, raising concerns about policy decisions being made without updated evidence.
• Missing Middle Problem
  • The policy aims to bridge the “missing middle” by encouraging small firms to scale up. Many firms have historically stayed small to retain government benefits, leading to inefficient horizontal expansion. The new limits intend to reverse that trend.

Future Considerations

• As India pushes for a robust and globally competitive MSME sector, periodic policy recalibrations are inevitable. 
• However, it remains crucial that the voices of micro and small businesses, the backbone of India’s industrial landscape, are not drowned out by the louder voices of larger firms.
• The success of the reclassification will depend on how equitably the benefits are distributed and whether genuine efforts are made to address access to credit, market linkages, and ease of doing business at the grassroots level.

MSME Classification 2025 FAQs

Q1. What are the new thresholds for MSME classification in 2025?

Ans. The investment and turnover limits have been raised by 2.5 times and 2 times, respectively, across all MSME categories.

Q2. Why are micro and small enterprises opposing the new classification?

Ans. They fear that medium enterprises will capture benefits meant for smaller firms, including credit and public procurement opportunities.

Q3. What benefits do MSMEs receive under the current policy?

Ans. MSMEs enjoy priority sector lending access, public procurement quotas, and various subsidies.

Q4. How does the new classification impact credit availability?

Ans. Smaller firms worry that banks will prefer lending to larger firms within the MSME definition to meet lending targets efficiently.

Q5. What is the “missing middle” in India’s MSME ecosystem?

Ans. It refers to the lack of medium-sized enterprises, as firms avoid vertical growth to retain MSME benefits, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency.

Source: IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Hunger and India
• Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Why in News?

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was officially launched during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its primary objective is to accelerate efforts toward the eradication of hunger and poverty globally while promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Hunger and India

• What is Hunger?
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines hunger as food deprivation, or undernourishment, as the habitual consumption of too few calories to provide the minimum dietary energy an individual requires to live a healthy and productive life, given that person’s sex, age, stature, and physical activity level.
• Hunger and India
  • India is ranked 105th among 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, indicating a ‘serious’ level of hunger.
  • Notably, India’s GHI score of 27.3 is a cause for concern, especially when compared to its South Asian neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall into the “moderate” category.

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• The Need for the Alliance
  • The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015 by all UN Member States, set targets to end poverty, hunger, and ensure food security by 2030.
  • However, the Covid-19 pandemic reversed progress, leading to a rise in extreme poverty and declining nutrition standards, particularly in the Global South.
  • Projections indicate 622 million people will live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day by 2030.
  • 582 million people are expected to live in hunger by 2030, the same as in 2015.
  • Global conflicts, climate change, and inequalities have further weakened progress.
• About
  • The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, connecting nations with resources to tackle hunger.
  • Led by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the initiative focuses on cash transfers, school meals, and support for farmers.
• Aims/objectives
  • The alliance aims to eradicate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Its key objective is to remove all nations from the FAO Hunger Map by fostering collaboration and resource mobilization.
• Membership and Structure
  • Members: 148, including 82 countries; African Union and European Union; 24 international organizations; 9 financial institutions; 31 philanthropic and non-governmental organizations.
  • Available to non-G20 countries since July 2024.
  • Early members include Brazil, Bangladesh, and G20 members, with participants spanning all continents.
• Key Pillars of the Alliance
  • National: Coordination of public policies specific to eradicating hunger.
  • Knowledge: Integration of data and technologies for evidence-based solutions.
  • Financial: Large-scale resource mobilization to fund programs.

• Strategic Commitments
  • Income Distribution: Reach 500 million people through income support programs by 2030.
  • School Meals: Provide school meals to 150 million children in high-hunger regions.
  • Financial Mobilization: Leverage multilateral banks to raise billions for anti-poverty initiatives.
• Funding
  • No exclusive fund; relies on contributions from members and institutions like FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
  • Estimated operational cost: $2-3 million annually.
• Technical Office
  • Based at FAO with functional autonomy.
  • It is expected that the headquarters of this alliance will be based in Brasilia or another Global South country.
• Key Activities
  • Regular Summits Against Hunger and Poverty.
  • Creation of a High-Level Champions Council to oversee alliance activities.
• Other features
  • Facilitates sharing of best practices among members.
  • Provides technical expertise or financial support for national hunger and poverty eradication policies.
  • Includes a policy basket with over 50 instruments for targeted support in areas like: School meals; Cash transfers; Support for smallholder and family farming; Socio-economic inclusion programs; Maternal and early childhood interventions; Water access solutions.
  • The Alliance acts as a matchmaking platform, connecting countries in need with donors and support organizations.

Q.1. What is the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty?

The alliance, launched at the G20 Summit, aims to eradicate hunger and poverty globally by 2030. It focuses on cash transfers, school meals, and resource mobilization to support sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Q.2. Why was the Alliance created?

Due to setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing global challenges, hunger and poverty eradication efforts needed renewed action. The alliance connects nations with resources to tackle these issues effectively.

News: Knowledge nugget of the day: Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty | G20 Brazil 2024 | The Guardian

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Background of the present case
• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 [AFSPA]

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court has closed all proceedings related to an FIR against 30 army personnel accused of a botched operation in Nagaland in 2021, which resulted in the death of 13 civilians.
• The SC bench stated that Nagaland, being a state under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, requires sanction from the competent authority to prosecute armed forces personnel under Section 6 of the Act. The two-judge bench, however, said its order would not prevent the Army from taking any disciplinary action against the personnel.
• The competent authority, in an order dated February 28, 2023, had denied granting this sanction, leading the court to close the case.

Background of the present case

• Killing of 13 People in Nagaland
  • In December 2021, Army para commandos were lying in wait for militants in Nagaland’s Mon district.
  • The commando team was deployed at a site between Tiru and Oting, about 100km from the Myanmar border.
  • They apparently mistook the coal mine workers for their targets in the dark and started firing.
  • They shot and killed six villagers instead, all of them coal mine workers returning home in a van singing songs.
  • Soon after, a village search party attacked the soldiers, leading to firing in which seven more civilians died. A soldier was also killed.
  • Later, another civilian was killed in Mon, dominated by the Konyak tribe, when security forces repelled a mob attack on an Assam Rifles camp.
  • With a population of roughly 3 lakhs, the area inhabited by the Konyaks extends into Arunachal Pradesh, with a sizeable population in Myanmar as well.
  • Known to be one of the fiercest warrior tribes in Nagaland, the Konyaks were the last to give up the practice of head-hunting.
  • Mon is the only district in Nagaland where separatist group NSCN (IM) has not been able to set up base camps, largely due to resistance from the Konyaks.
• Aftermath of killing
  • Formation of enquiry commission
    • Following the incident, which caused wide public outrage in Nagaland and the Northeast, the state government had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
    • Separately, the Army initiated an independent Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
  • Findings of SIT
    • The SIT completed its investigation and, based on its findings, filed a chargesheet in May 2022 at the district and sessions court in Mon.
    • It indicted all 30 personnel of the 21 Para SF team involved in the shooting.
• Need for sanction to prosecute from the Centre
  • These security personnel were operating in areas which are under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958.
  • Hence, there is need for the sanction of prosecution from the Centre for initiating any proceedings against security forces personnel for any actions taken by them while discharging their duties.
• Centre denied sanction to prosecute
  • In February 2023, the competent authority had declined to grant the sanction.
• Present case in the Supreme Court
  • The present case involves two writ petitions filed by the wives of two Indian Army officers, seeking to quash a suo moto FIR registered by the Nagaland Police against army personnel, including their husbands.
  • The FIR was filed under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
    • Sections 302 (murder),
    • 307 (attempt to murder),
    • 326 (grievous hurt),
    • 201 (causing disappearance of evidence),
    • 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and
    • 120-B (criminal conspiracy).
  • A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up to investigate the case, and the petitions also challenge the findings and recommendations of this SIT.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 [AFSPA]

• About
  • The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 to bring under control what the government of India considered disturbed areas.
  • Enacted by Parliament in September 1958, AFSPA was first implemented in the Northeast, and then in Punjab.
  • Under its provisions, the armed forces have been empowered to open fire; enter and search without warrant, and arrest any person who has committed a cognisable offence.
  • Prosecution of the officer on duty needs prior permission of the Central Government.
• Controversial provisions of AFSPA
  • Section 3 – It empowers the Centre to declare any area as Disturb Area without taking consent of the concerned state.
  • Section 4 – Accords certain power to an authorised officer which also include power to open fire at any individual even if it results in death.
  • Under this section, the officer has also been given the power to (a) arrest without a warrant; and (b) seize and search without any warrant any premise.
  • Section 7 – It mandates prior executive permission from central or state authorities for prosecution of a member of the security forces.

Q.1. Why did the Supreme Court close the criminal proceedings against 30 Army personnel in Nagaland?

The Supreme Court closed the case due to the denial of prosecution sanction under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The court ruled that without this sanction, proceedings could not continue.

Q.2. What was the role of the Special Investigation Team in the Nagaland case?

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the Nagaland operation, which led to the deaths of 13 civilians. The SIT's findings indicted 30 army personnel, but prosecution could not proceed without central approval under AFSPA.

Source: 2021 Nagaland killings: Supreme Court sets aside criminal proceedings against 30 Army personnel | Live Law | India Today

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is Aditya L1 Mission?
• Why is Aditya-L1 important?

Why in news?

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the observatory that will study the Sun from 1.5 million kilometres away.
  • It is the space organisation's maiden expedition to study the Sun.
  • It is also ISRO’s second astronomy observatory-class mission after AstroSat (2015).
• It took nearly 63 minutes for one of the heaviest configurations of the PSLV to place the spacecraft in a precise elliptical orbit of nearly 235 km x 19,500 km.

Aditya L1 Mission

• About
  • 
  • Launched by the PSLV-C57, Aditya-L1 mission aims to study prospects of Sun.
    • The solar probe was carried into space by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in ‘XL’ configuration.
  • This mission is India's solar mission where the spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.
    • The Lagrange point as defined by NASA refers to positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the Sun and Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.
    • There are five Lagrange points -L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5.
    • Placing the satellite in a halo orbit around L1 of the Sun-Earth system enables continuous viewing of the Sun without any eclipses or obstructions.
  • The mission will span five years and carry seven specialised payloads designed to observe various aspects of solar activity.
• Trajectory followed
  • 
  • The PSLV initially placed the Aditya L-1 in a lower Earth orbit.
  • Subsequently, the spacecraft’s orbit around the Earth will be raised multiple times before it is put on a path to a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point.
    • A spacecraft can orbit about an unstable Lagrange point with a minimum use of thrusters for stationkeeping.
    • Such an orbit is known as a halo orbit as it appears as an ellipse floating over the plane
    • A halo orbit, however, isnot the usual orbit because the unstable Lagrange point doesn’t exert any attractive force on its own.
  • The spacecraft will finally be stationed 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.
  • The Aditya L-1 will cover its journey to the L1 point in about four months.
• Objectives of the Aditya L-1
  • To expand our knowledge of the Sun, and how its radiation, heat, flow of particles, and magnetic fields affect us;
  • To study the upper atmospheric layers of the Sun called chromosphere and corona;
    • While the corona is the outermost layer, the chromosphere is just below it.
  • To examine coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona;
  • To analyse the corona’s magnetic field and the driver of the space weather;
  • To understand why the Sun’s not-so-bright corona is a million degree Celsius hot when the temperature on the surface of the Sun is just about 5,500 degree Celsius;
  • To help scientists know the reasons behind the acceleration of particles on the Sun, which leads to the solar wind — the constant flow of particles from the Sun;
• Payloads
  • The spacecraft carries seven payloads. Out of these, 4 will be the remote sensing payloads which will study the sun and remaining 3 will be the payloads to study the L1 in situ.
• Remote sensing payloads which will study the sun:
  • Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) for corona/imaging and spectroscopy;
  • Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) for photosphere and chromosphere imaging;
  • Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), which is a soft X-ray spectrometer for Sun-as-a-star observation; and
  • High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), which is a Hard X-ray spectrometer for Sun-as-a-star observation
• The payloads to study the L1 in situ
  • Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), for solar wind/particle analyzer protons and heavier ions with directions;
  • Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA), for solar wind/particle analyzer electrons and heavier ions with directions; and
  • Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers for in situ magnetic field study.

Why is Aditya-L1 important?

• India in the big league
  • It is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun.
  • So far, only two other space agencies have had their spacecraft reach L1 or the Lagrange point: USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Need to study sun from space
  • Studying the Sun from space is essential because the Sun emits various forms of radiation, energetic particles, and magnetic fields in all wavelengths.
  • Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field act as protective shields against harmful solar radiation, making space-based observations crucial for comprehensive understanding.
• Understanding space weather
  • Every planet, including Earth and the exoplanets beyond the Solar System, evolves — and this evolution is governed by its parent star.
  • The solar weather and environment affect the weather of the entire system.
  • Variations in this weather can change the orbits of satellites or shorten their lives, interfere with or damage onboard electronics, and cause power blackouts and other disturbances on Earth.
  • Knowledge of solar events is key to understanding space weather.

Q1) What are Lagrange points?

Lagrange points, also known as Lagrangian points or libration points, are specific positions in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as the Earth and the Moon or the Earth and the Sun, produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These points were first described by the French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange in 1772. There are five Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system, labeled L1 through L5.

Q2) What is photosphere?

The photosphere is the outermost layer of the Sun's surface and the layer that emits visible light. It is the region of the Sun that we typically think of as the "surface" when we observe the Sun from Earth. The term "photosphere" is derived from the Greek words "photo," which means light, and "sphaira," which means sphere, so it essentially translates to "sphere of light."

Source: ISRO successfully places Aditya L1 in orbit an hour after challenging launch | ISRO | The Hindu | The Economic Times | Times of India | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Objective and Intent Behind the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024
• Key Provisions of the Draft Bill that Undermine Creative Independence in India
• Issues with the Provisions of the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024
• Way Ahead for Internet Regulation in India

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) recently circulated the draft version of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024 among a handful of stakeholders from the industry.
• The MIB is learnt to have proposed expanded regulations for independent creators of news content on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and X, which has raised concerns over the freedom of speech and expression.

Objective and Intent Behind the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024:

• Significance of the digital media:
  • As seen in the recent elections, digital media can serve as a vital alternative forum for creators and commentators to scrutinise government policies and demand accountability.
  • It can enable dissenting voices that are ignored by mainstream media and aid in the formation of counter-narratives on key issues.
• Objectives of the bill:
  • This Bill aims to extend the regulations currently applied to traditional television and radio to the internet, and is designed to consolidate existing guidelines and increase accountability among broadcasters.
  • It covers all large influencers, content creators and political commentators, and tries to regulate speech.
• Intent of the bill: Hence, the Bill could significantly undermine creative independence and stymie online freedom of expression in India, both of which are vital for a well-functioning and vibrant democracy.

Key Provisions of the Draft Bill that Undermine Creative Independence in India:

• Reimagines the term “broadcaster”:
  • To include digital news broadcasters, defining them as anyone who “systematically” broadcasts news and current affairs online, including on social media platforms via text, video or audio.
  • This means that commentators on YouTube, Twitter, blogging portals or podcasts discussing current affairs and socio-political issues will all get covered under the Bill.
• Provisions for the digital news broadcasters:
  • These broadcasters with a certain threshold of subscribers/viewers must notify the government, conform to a Programme Code, set up a grievance redressal mechanism, and adhere to a three-tier regulatory structure.
  • For content other than current affairs (for example, a programme providing a historical overview), broadcasters are also required to get pre-certification by a Content Evaluation Committee.
• Penalties for the digital news broadcasters: The Bill empowers the users to raise complaints against Programme Code violations, and gives the central government the power to -
  • Impose penalties,
  • Direct broadcasters to go off-air, and
  • Even prohibit transmission in the interest of sovereignty, security, public order, decency, morality, or foreign relations.
• Extra-territorial application: The current draft potentially brings global content creators, news publishers, and commentators of current affairs within the scope of the Bill.
• Threatening safe harbour: The Bill imposes new obligations on social media intermediaries, including compliance with government demands for information about broadcasters on their platforms.

Issues with the Provisions of the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2024:

• Ignores fundamental differences between TV and the internet:
  • Unlike TV where linear programming is disseminated one to many, content on the internet is demand-based and one-to-one.
  • Applying the same regulations as TV, may significantly increase costs (while reducing speed to market) for smaller-scale content creators and independent journalists.
  • This may lead to serious censorship and can create a chilling effect on free speech.
• Implementation challenges: The extra-territorial application of the provisions is difficult to implement given the global, decentralised nature of the web.
• Add to the regulatory difficulties by introducing parallel legislation: This is because the IT Act 2000 and the accompanying IT Rules already require social media intermediaries to
  • Establish grievance redressal mechanisms,
  • Comply with government orders, and
  • Operate a notice-and-takedown regime for flagged content.

Way Ahead for Internet Regulation in India:

• The constitutional challenges to the IT Rules 2021, which attempted to create government oversight over media, have led to these Rules being stayed by the Courts.
• Therefore, other measures (such as the IT Act 2000) need to be leveraged if the government is worried about fake news or harmful/misleading content.
• The draft Bill requires thorough deliberation and discussion with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders before it is made into law.

Q.1 What are the reasonable restrictions under the Indian Constitution?

Reasonable restrictions as outlined in Article 19 (2) of Constitution allows for restrictions on rights (mentioned under Article 19) in the interests of the security and sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, etc.

Q.2. How is television broadcasting regulated in India?

Program and Advertisement Codes for regulating content broadcast on the television, are issued under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The District magistrate can seize the equipment of the cable operator in case he broadcasts programs that violate these Codes.

Source: Why has the draft Broadcast Services Bill 2024 raised concerns of freedom of speech? | IE

 What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Malaria?
• Key highlights of the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024
• India specific observations in the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024

Why in News?

The 2024 ‘World Malaria Report' has been released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). As per the report, India has made "significant progress" in reducing malaria incidence and mortality.

What is Malaria?

• About
  • Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. 
  • It is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries.
  • It is preventable and curable.
• Transmission of Malaria
  • Malaria is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another; the disease is transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Five species of parasites can cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat.

Key highlights of the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024

• Global Burden (2023):
  • 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths were reported globally.
  • WHO African Region accounted for 95% of deaths, disproportionately affecting young children and pregnant women.
• Global Progress Since 2000:
  • 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million deaths were averted.
  • Case incidence dropped significantly, with steady improvements in many regions.
• Certification of Malaria-Free Countries
  • As of November 2024, WHO has certified 44 countries and one territory, including Egypt most recently, as malaria-free.
    • Certification requires three consecutive years of zero indigenous malaria cases.
  • 25 malaria-endemic countries now report fewer than 10 cases annually, up from 4 in 2000.
• Country-Specific Trends in Malaria Cases
  • Reduction in Cases (2022-2023): Nepal (-58.3%), India (-9.6%), Bangladesh (-9.2%), and Indonesia (-5.7%).
  • Increases in Cases: North Korea (+47.9%), Thailand (+46.4%), and Myanmar (+45.1%).
  • Timor-Leste and Bhutan reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2023.
  • South-East Asia’s Contribution to Malaria Reduction
  • The WHO South-East Asia Region accounted for 1.5% of global malaria cases in 2023, with India contributing nearly half and Indonesia about one-third.
  • Estimated malaria cases in the region dropped by 82.4%, from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023.
  • Malaria deaths in the region fell by 82.9%, from 35,000 in 2000 to 6,000 in 2023, with India and Indonesia accounting for 88% of these deaths.
• Challenges
• Challenges in Africa
  • Despite global progress, Africa remains the region most affected by malaria.
• Funding and Systemic Challenges
  • Funding in 2023 reached $4 billion, far below the $8.3 billion target set by the Global Technical Strategy.
  • Insufficient funding resulted in gaps in insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and other critical tools.
  • Additional challenges include fragile health systems, weak surveillance, and threats such as drug and insecticide resistance.
  • Exacerbating factors include conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and population displacement.
• Recommendations for Equity and Innovation
  • Emphasis on robust data systems to monitor health inequities, with disaggregated data by sex, age, and social factors.
  • Advocacy for equity, gender equality, and human rights as foundational principles of anti-malaria innovation.
  • Engagement of affected communities in designing and evaluating new tools and approaches to combat malaria.
• Call to Action
  • To sustain progress and address persistent challenges, the WHO urges increased investments, innovative approaches, and targeted action in high-burden regions, particularly in Africa.

India specific observations in the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024

• India Exits HBHI Group: Milestone in Malaria Control
  • India has successfully reduced its malaria burden, exiting the High-Burden-High-Impact (HBHI) group of endemic countries. 
  • The country's malaria cases decreased by 69%, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023, and malaria deaths fell from 11,100 to 3,500 in the same period.
• Key Strategies Behind India’s Success
  • Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT):
    • Artemisinin kills most malaria parasites, while a partner drug clears the remaining parasites.
  • Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN):
    • These nets block and kill mosquitoes, reducing mosquito populations and their lifespan when widely used.
  • Targeted Interventions:
    • Focused efforts in forested and tribal areas in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and the North-East improved access to diagnostics, treatments, and drugs.
    • Deployment of new-generation insecticide-treated nets offered enhanced protection.
  • Effective Monitoring and Case Management:
    • Consistent evaluations helped ensure proper implementation of interventions.

Q.1. What are the key findings of WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024?

The report highlights a 69% reduction in India’s malaria cases and deaths from 2017 to 2023. Globally, malaria cases remain a concern, with 263 million reported in 2023, primarily in Africa.

Q.2. How did India achieve its malaria reduction milestones?

India’s success is attributed to combination therapies, long-lasting insecticidal nets, targeted interventions in high-risk areas, and consistent monitoring for improved case management.

News: WHO report says India reduces malaria caseload, deaths by 69% each: Why combination drugs and insecticidal mosquito nets worked | The Hindu | Indian Express

What’s in today’s article?

• What is a Carbon Market?
• Benefits of Carbon Markets
• Criticism and Challenges
• How Carbon Markets Work?
• Global Perspective and the Role of COP29
• Criticisms of Carbon Offsets
• Industry & Government Perspectives
• Conclusion

What is a Carbon Market?

• A carbon market is a system that allows the buying and selling of the right to emit carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
• Governments issue carbon credits, where one credit equals 1,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
• The idea is to control the total carbon released by limiting the number of carbon credits issued.
• Firms or individuals exceeding their emission quotas must buy additional credits from those who emit less than their allowance. This trading creates a financial incentive to reduce emissions.
• The concept first emerged in the 1990s in the U.S., using a cap-and-trade model to regulate sulphur dioxide emissions.
• Now, carbon markets are expanding to include carbon offsets, where businesses pay for environmental projects like tree planting to compensate for their emissions.

Benefits of Carbon Markets

• Internalizing Externalities: Emissions are a classic externality, where businesses do not bear the cost of the pollution they cause. Carbon markets impose a price on emissions, motivating companies to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Market Efficiency: Allowing the trading of credits ensures that firms with lower costs of reducing emissions take more action, optimizing resource allocation.
• Improved Monitoring: Technological advancements have enhanced the tracking and reporting of emissions, making the system more reliable.

Criticism and Challenges

• Manipulation of Supply: Governments might issue excessive credits, reducing their price and failing to curb emissions effectively.
• Lack of Incentives: Firms may engage in virtue signalling by purchasing offsets without ensuring real emission reductions.
• Voluntary Systems: Large corporations often resist government-imposed budgets, preferring voluntary frameworks like the Carbon Disclosure Project.
• Economic Impacts: Critics argue that restricting carbon credits might slow economic growth.

How Carbon Markets Work?

• Cap-and-Trade: Governments set a cap on total emissions and issue credits accordingly. Companies that emit less can sell their unused credits to others.
• Carbon Offsets: Businesses pay for environmental initiatives, such as afforestation, to offset their emissions.
• Price Determination: Market forces of supply and demand decide the price of carbon credits.

Global Perspective and the Role of COP29

• The ongoing COP29 Climate Conference in Baku has approved standards to establish an international carbon market, potentially operational next year.
  • COP stands for Conference of the Parties and it often refers to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) international meeting focusing on climate.
• This move aims to harmonize global efforts to curb emissions and align with the Paris Agreement goals.

Criticisms of Carbon Offsets

• Efficacy Concerns: Some argue offsets are more about public image than actual impact.
• Lack of Verification: Ensuring that projects genuinely offset emissions remains a challenge.

Industry & Government Perspectives

• Large corporations like ExxonMobil support market-based mechanisms over government controls, arguing for flexibility and cost-efficiency.
• Governments must balance environmental objectives with economic growth, navigating complexities in regulating and monitoring emissions.

Conclusion

• Carbon markets offer a promising tool for mitigating climate change by assigning economic value to carbon emissions.
• However, their success depends on robust regulation, transparency, and genuine commitment from all stakeholders.
• By addressing the criticisms and refining the system, carbon markets can significantly contribute to achieving global climate goals.

Q1. What is the UNFCCC and what do they do?

The UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change) is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. UNFCCC stands for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Q2. What is the difference between mitigation and adaptation?

In essence, adaptation can be understood as the process of adjusting to the current and future effects of climate change. Mitigation means preventing or reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere to make the impacts of climate change less severe.

News: How would a carbon market function? | Explained

What’s in today’s article?

• Background
• What are Critical Minerals?
• Examples of Critical Minerals
• Critical Minerals Reserves in the World & India
• Significance/Importance of Critical Minerals
• Steps Taken by Govt. to Explore These Minerals
• Why are some Blocks not Finding Takers?
• When is Domestic Production likely to Begin?

Background

• In June, the Ministry of Mines launched the fourth tranche of critical minerals auction, offering 21 blocks across 14 states.
• To incentivize exploration, the ministry announced a scheme to reimburse up to Rs 20 crore in exploration expenses for license holders.
• License holders can claim up to Rs 20 crore for exploration activities and may receive additional reimbursements if they hand over a block for mining lease within three years.

What are Critical Minerals?

• Critical minerals are raw materials essential for economic and national security, often used in high-tech industries and renewable energy technologies.
• They are typically rare, difficult to mine and substitute, and often vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to limited global production and geopolitical factors.
• The growing demand for these minerals, driven by technological advancements and the global transition to green energy, underscores their critical importance.
• Securing a stable supply of critical minerals is thus a strategic priority for many countries to ensure economic stability and technological progress.

Examples of Critical Minerals

• Lithium:
  • Used in lithium-ion batteries for EVs, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.
  • According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Australia and Chile boast the largest reserves of lithium available in mines around the world today.
• Cobalt:
  • Essential for battery production, aerospace components, and other high-strength alloys.
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is by far the largest global supplier of cobalt, possessing almost half of all cobalt reserves in global mines.
• Graphite:
  • Key for batteries, fuel cells, and high-temperature applications.
  • In 2023, China had the world's largest reserves of natural graphite, at approximately 78 million metric tons.
• Nickel:
  • Important for stainless steel production and battery manufacturing.
  • Australia and Indonesia boast the world’s largest reserves of nickel in global mines today.
• Rare Earth Elements (REEs):
  • Vital for manufacturing electronics, magnets, and military applications.
  • According to estimates, the total worldwide reserves of rare earths amount to approximately 110 million metric tons.
  • Most of these reserves are located within China, estimated at some 44 million metric tons.
  • After China, the major rare earth countries based on reserve volume are Vietnam, Russia, and Brazil.

Critical Minerals Reserves in the World & India

• India does not have reserves of nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, rare earth elements, neodymium and indium, and the country’s requirement of copper and silver are higher than its current reserves.

Significance/Importance of Critical Minerals

• Minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, REEs are essential for the world’s ongoing efforts to switch to greener and cleaner energy.
• The International Energy Agency has said that the world’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the net zero emissions scenario, would translate into very rapid growth in demand for these minerals.
• By 2040, the demand for copper is expected to rise 50%, double for nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements, quadruple for graphite and eightfold for lithium, which is crucial for batteries.
• In India, the lack of ready reserves of critical minerals has resulted in 100% import dependence for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

Steps Taken by Govt. to Explore These Minerals

• Recognizing the risks of relying on a few countries for mineral supplies, the Indian government amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to allow mining concessions for 24 critical minerals.
• This led to the launch of auctions for 20 mineral blocks, including the lithium block in J&K.
• However, initial investor interest was low, resulting in the cancellation of most auctions due to a lack of bidders.
• The first successful auctions resulted in six winners for blocks in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• The results of subsequent auction rounds are still pending, and a fourth tranche, including 10 re-offered blocks, has been initiated.

Why are some Blocks not Finding Takers?

• As per industry experts, the reasons for low interest among miners for some of these blocks include the lack of adequate data on the potential reserves buried within them.
• Technology challenges also affect outcomes. For instance, the lithium block in J&K has clay deposits, and the technology for the mineral’s extraction from clay remains untested globally.

When is Domestic Production likely to Begin?

• The commercialization of India's domestic mineral blocks is still in early exploration stages and is unlikely to yield significant benefits by 2030, according to ICRA.
• To mitigate this risk, the Indian government is encouraging exploration and attracting more miners.
• Additionally, India is acquiring overseas mineral assets, such as a lithium brine mine in Argentina, through a joint venture called Khanij Bidesh India Limited.

India has also joined the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership, which includes major buyers and sellers of critical minerals, to further secure its mineral supply.

Q1. What is an Ore in Mining?

Ore is natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals concentrated above background levels, typically containing metals that can be mined, treated and sold at a profit. The grade of ore refers to the concentration of the desired material it contains.

Q2. What do you mean by rare earth elements?

The rare earth elements (REE) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium. Rare earth elements are an essential part of many high-tech devices.

Source: How is India’s hunt for critical minerals going? | Explained | Mines.gov

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are Clinical Trials?
• Present Situation of Clinical Trials in India
• Waiving Clinical Trials in India

Why in News?

• The Central government has decided to waive the need for clinical trials in India if the drugs are approved in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and EU.
• This move could make drugs made outside of India more accessible and affordable in the local market.

What are Clinical Trials?

• In a clinical trial, investigators enrol participants who meet certain qualifying criteria, then administer the intervention being tested, and finally measure the outcomes.
• Trials can test drugs, medical devices, and even procedures, which should help investigators determine the safety and efficacy of the intervention to a reasonably high degree of confidence.
• In India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) maintains an online public-record system called the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CRTI).
  • Hosted by the ICMR’s National Institute of Medical Statistics, the CTRI is a free, online public-record system to register clinical trials being conducted in India.
  • It was launched in 2007 for use on a voluntary basis and in 2009 the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) mandated all trials to be registered here.

Present Situation of Clinical Trials in India:

• Several medicines already approved by other regulatory authorities in the US, the UK and the EU are not immediately available for Indian patients.
• This is because of certain regulatory requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules made thereunder.
• These include the requirement of conducting a local clinical trial and generating safety and efficacy data before marketing authorisation in India.
• This leads to a delay in launching a new or novel medicine in India, which is anywhere between 5-20 years when compared to western markets.

Waiving Clinical Trials in India:

• Legal provisions:
  • According to an order issued by India’s drug regulatory agency - Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the Central government has authorised the exemption of local clinical trials for approval of new drugs, ‘as per Rule 101’.
  • The Rule 101 of New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules 2019 empowers the Central Licensing Authority (with approval of the Central govt) -
    • To specify the name of the countries (from time to time) for considering waiver of local clinical trial for approval of new drugs and
    • For grant of permission for conduct of clinical trials.
• 5 categories of drugs that will be considered under the waiver:
  • Orphan drugs for rare diseases,
  • Gene and cellular therapy products,
  • New drugs used in pandemic situations,
  • New drugs used for special defence purposes, and
  • New drugs having significant therapeutic advances over the current standard care.
• Need for the waiver: It has been a long-standing demand of the pharmaceutical companies and health experts for enhanced drug accessibility for patients and for research.
• Significance of the waiver for Indian patients:
  • This will significantly benefit both domestic and foreign drug manufacturers by expediting the approval process and facilitating faster access to essential medications for treating diseases like -
    • Cancers, and
    • Rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMA), and autoimmune conditions.
  • There will also be a considerable reduction in the cost of various advanced medicines.
  • This will potentially transform both the pharmaceuticals and the healthcare landscape in India by promoting indigenous innovation and shift from volume to value.

Q.1. What are the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules 2019?

The New drugs and Clinical rules 2019 set specific requirements for the ethics committee (EC) to forward their report to the Central Licensing Authority (CLA).

Q.2. What is the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)?

The ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It is one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world.

Source: Clinical trial: Government announces waiver for several drugs approved from select countries|

IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Why in News?
• A Short History of the Nation’s Names
• How did ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ Come into the Constitution of India?
• Recent Attempts of Name Change of the Nation

Why in News?

• Opposition politicians have been posting images of an official invitation to a G20  dinner hosted by “The President of Bharat” instead of the usual “President of India”.
• There is speculation of an official change in the name of the country from India to Bharat, even though Article 1 of the Constitution uses the two names interchangeably: “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”

A Short History of the Nation’s Names:

• Bharat:
  • The roots of “Bharat”, “Bharata”, or “Bharatvarsha” are traced back to Puranic literature, and to the epic Mahabharata.
  • The Puranas describe Bharata as the land between the sea in the south and the abode of snow in the north.
  • Social scientists explained Bharata/ the remote past in the sense of a religious and socio-cultural entity [A unity of a common faith and culture - Jawaharlal Nehru], rather than a political or geographical one.
  • ‘Bharata’ refers to the subcontinental territory where the Brahmanical system of society prevails.
  • Bharata is also the name of the ancient king of legend who was the ancestor of the Rig Vedic tribe of the Bharatas, and by extension, the progenitor of all peoples of the subcontinent.
• Hindustan:
  • The name Hindustan is thought to have derived from ‘Hindu’, the Persian equivalent form of the Sanskrit ‘Sindhu’ (Indus), which came into currency with the Persian conquest of the Indus valley that began in the 6th century BC.
  • By the time of the early Mughals (16th century), the name ‘Hindustan’ was used to describe the entire Indo-Gangetic plain.
  • In the mid-to-late eighteenth century, Hindustan often referred to the territories of the Mughal emperor, which comprised much of South Asia.
• India:
  • The Greeks used ‘Indus’ in place of ‘Sindhu/Hindu’. By the time the Macedonian king Alexander invaded India in the 3rd century BC, ‘India’ had come to be identified with the region beyond the Indus.
  • From the late 18th century onwards, British maps increasingly began to use the name ‘India’, and ‘Hindustan’ started to lose its association with all of South Asia.
  • Part of the appeal of the term India may have been its Graeco-Roman associations, its long history of use in Europe, and its adoption by scientific and bureaucratic organisations such as the Survey of India.
  • The adoption of India suggests how colonial nomenclature helped to usher in an understanding of the subcontinent as a single, bounded and British political territory.

How did ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ Come into the Constitution of India?

• In his ‘Discovery of India’, Nehru referred to “India”, “Bharata” and “Hindustan”, but when the question of naming India in the Constitution arose, ‘Hindustan’ was dropped and both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ were retained.
• During the Constituent Assembly debates the “Name and territory of the Union” was taken up for discussion on September 17, 1949.
• Right from the time Article 1 was read out as “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”, a division arose among the members.
• There were quite a few members who were against the use of the name ‘India’, which they saw as being a reminder of the colonial past.
  • HV Kamath suggested that the first article should read, “Bharat, or in the English language, India, shall be…”.
  • Hargovind Pant, who represented the hill districts of the United Provinces, made it clear that the people of Northern India “wanted Bharatvarsha and nothing else”.
• None of the suggestions were accepted, illustrating contrasting visions of the budding nation.
• The draft Article 1 of the Constitution - “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States” - was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on September 18, 1949.
• The five-day special session of Parliament starts on September 18, 2023, and this fuelled speculation of an official change in the name of the country from India to Bharat, especially among Opposition parties.

Recent Attempts of Name Change of the Nation:

• In 2020, the Supreme Court had dismissed a PIL seeking to remove “India” from the Constitution and retain only Bharat in order to ensure the citizens of this country get over the colonial past.
  • The apex court held that “India is already called Bharat in the Constitution itself.”
• In his Independence Day address (2022), the Indian PM had spoken about the “Panch Pran”, stressing the need to decolonise minds and taking pride in India’s civilisational heritage.
• A government booklet on the Indian PM’s upcoming visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit referred to him as the “Prime Minister of Bharat”.

Q1) What is the Indus Valley Civilization?

Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization is the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. The nuclear dates of the civilization appear to be about 2500–1700 BCE, though the southern sites may have lasted later into the 2nd millennium BCE.

Q2) What is Part I of the Indian Constitution?

Part I (The Union and its territories) is a compilation of laws pertaining to the constitution of India as a country and the union of states that it is made of. This part contains four Articles (1 to 4).

Source: India, that is Bharat: A short history of the nation’s names, from the Rig Veda to the Constitution of India | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is a Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC)
• JPCs to Investigate Alleged Financial Crimes

Why in News?

The Opposition has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Hindenburg Research allegations against SEBI’s chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch.

What is a Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC)?

• Background: In India, a structured committee system was introduced in 1993 to provide for greater scrutiny of government functioning by Parliament.
• About a JPC:
  • These are set up by a motion passed in one house of Parliament and agreed to by the other.
  • Its members include MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (in proportion to party strengths there, and therefore representation of LS is double that of RS).
  • Therefore, a JPC is an ad-hoc body,which acts as a mini-Parliament to carry out detailed scrutiny of a specific matter within a specific time frame.
• How many JPCs have there been so far?
  • Although a number of joint committees have been formed since Independence, 4 major JPCs have been formed to investigate significant issues that have caused controversy.
  • These are:
    • Joint Committee on Bofors Contracts;
    • Joint Committee to enquire into irregularities in securities and banking transactions;
    • Joint Committee on stock-market scam; and
    • Joint Committee on pesticide residues in and safety standards for soft drinks.
• The details regarding membership and subjects: These are also decided by Parliament. For example,
  • The motion on the stock market scam constituted a JPC of 30 members (20 were from the LS and 10 from the RS).
  • The motion to constitute the JPC on pesticides included 10 members from the LS and 5 from the RS.
  • The terms of reference for the JPC on the stock market scam asked the committee
    • To look into financial irregularities,
    • To fix responsibility on persons and institutions for the scam,
    • To identify regulatory loopholes and
    • To make suitable recommendations.
• How effective have JPCs been?
  • JPC recommendations have persuasive value and the committee cannot force the government to take any action on the basis of its report.
  • The government may decide to launch fresh investigations on the basis of a JPC report.
  • The government is required to report on the follow-up action taken on the basis of the recommendations of the JPC.
  • The committee then submits ‘Action Taken Reports’ in Parliament on the basis of the government’s reply.
  • These reports can be discussed in Parliament and the government can be questioned on the basis of the same.

JPCs to Investigate Alleged Financial Crimes:

• 2G Spectrum (2013): The JPC report cleared the then PM (Manmohan Singh) of any wrongdoing, claiming he had been misinformed about the process the Department of Telecommunications will use to grant licenses for Unified Access Services.
• Share Market Scam (2001): A JPC was formed, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM, and its report recommended sweeping changes in stock market regulations. However, its recommendations were not fully implemented.
• Securities and Banking Transactions (1992):
  • Allegations that “Big Bull” Harshad Mehta had diverted funds from the public sector Maruti Udyog Limited to his own accounts, leading to a 570-point fall in the Sensex.
  • This led to the formation of JPC during the tenure of PM P V Narasimha Rao.

Q.1. What is the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?

The PAC is constituted by the Parliament of India for the purpose of auditing the revenue and the expenditure of the Government of India. This committee along with the Estimates committee and Committee on Public Undertakings are the 3 financial standing committees of the Parliament of India.

Q.2. Why are parliamentary committees important?

The Parliamentary Committees scrutinises and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation.

Source: Hindenburg allegations: Cong threatens stir if JPC probe not initiated; BJP calls demand a ‘sham’ | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)? 
• What is National Agriculture Code (NAC)?
• What are Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs)?

Why in News?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

What is Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)? 

• About
  • BIS is the national standards body of India that sets standards for products and services, and certifies products. 
  • The BIS is a statutory organization that operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
    • It was established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
  • HQ – New Delhi
• Objectives
  • Harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods
  • To provide thrust to standardization and quality control for growth and development of industry on one hand and to meet the needs of consumers on the other.
• Activities
  • The activities of BIS can be broadly grouped under the following heads:
    • Standards formulation - formulates Indian Standards in line with the national priorities for various sectors
    • International activities – India, through BIS, is represented at various international institutions such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) etc.
      • It is also actively involved in the Regional and Bi-lateral Co-operation Programmes pertaining to standardization, testing, certification, training etc.
      • World Trade Organisation – Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT) Matters - BIS is the National Enquiry Point for WTO -TBT.
  • Product Certification - Presence of BIS standard mark (popularly known as ISI mark) on a product indicates conformity to the relevant Indian Standard.
  • Hallmarking - Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery was started by BIS in April 2000 to provide third party assurance to consumers on the purity of gold jewellery or its fineness.
  • Laboratory services
  • Training services - National Institute of Training for Standardisation
• Consumer Affairs and Publicity

What is National Agriculture Code (NAC)?

• Background
  • The BIS sets standards for products across economic sectors, including agricultural machinery and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. 
  • However, significant areas like agricultural practices, micro-irrigation, and water use remain uncovered by BIS standards. 
  • Policymakers have long felt the need for a comprehensive standards framework, which is now being developed by the BIS. 
• About
  • The National Agricultural Code (NAC) will cover the entire agriculture cycle and provide guidance for future standardization. 
  • It will be divided into two parts: 
    • general principles for all crops and 
    • crop-specific standards for paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses. 
  • The NAC aims to guide farmers, agricultural universities, and officials.
• Objective of NAC
  • To develop a national code for agricultural practices that considers agroclimatic zones, crop types, socio-economic diversity, and the entire agrifood value chain.
  • To promote a quality culture in Indian agriculture by providing a reference for policymakers, agricultural departments, and regulators to incorporate NAC provisions into their schemes, policies, or regulations.
  • To serve as a comprehensive guide for farmers for informed decision-making in agricultural practices.
  • To integrate relevant Indian Standards with agricultural recommendations.
  • To address broader aspects such as SMART farming, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
  • To support capacity-building programs organized by agricultural extension services and civil society organizations.
• Coverage under NAC
  • NAC will extend beyond agriculture machinery standards to encompass all agricultural processes and post-harvest operations, including crop selection, land preparation, sowing, irrigation, soil and plant health management, harvesting, processing, and record-keeping. 
  • It will also set standards for input management like the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides, as well as for crop storage and traceability. 
  • Importantly, the NAC will address emerging areas such as natural and organic farming, and the use of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in agriculture.
• Proposed timeline
  • The BIS has developed a strategy to standardize agricultural practices by forming working panels, consisting of university professors and R&D organizations, to draft the National Agricultural Code (NAC) across 12-14 identified areas. 
  • The tentative deadline for completing the NAC is October 2025. Afterward, the BIS plans to train farmers on the NAC and its standards. 
  • Universities have been requested to organize these training programs, with the BIS offering financial assistance for their implementation.

What are Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs)?

• The BIS is setting up 'Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms' (SADF) at select agricultural institutes to test and implement agricultural practices and technologies based on Indian Standards. 
• To develop these farms, the BIS plans to sign MoUs with 10 prominent agricultural institutes, two of which have already been signed, including one with Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT). 
• The BIS will provide financial assistance for the farms, which will serve as learning sites for officials, farmers, and industry representatives. 
• China has already successfully implemented similar SADFs.

Q.1. What is the National Agriculture Code (NAC) being developed by BIS? 

The NAC is a comprehensive framework designed to standardize agricultural practices across India, covering crop management, sustainability, and emerging areas like natural and organic farming.

Q.2. How will Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs) help farmers? 

SADFs will serve as experimental sites to test new agricultural practices and technologies, providing a learning platform for farmers, officials, and industry professionals to adopt modern techniques.

Source: What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards | Department of Consumer Affairs | Bureau of Indian Standards

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is CARICOM?
• Why PM Modi visited Guyana?
• Key Highlights of the visit

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the small Caribbean country of Guyana, the first visit by an Indian PM in 56 years. He received a warm welcome in Guyana as President Irfan Ali broke the protocol to receive PM Modi at the airport.

During this visit, PM Modi also co-chaired the second India-CARICOM Summit alongside Grenada's PM (who is the current Chair of CARICOM) and other CARICOM leaders.

What is Caribbean Community (CARICOM)?

• About
  • CARICOM is a regional organization established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. 
  • It aims to promote economic integration, shared foreign policy, and functional cooperation among member states while ensuring the sustainable development of the region.
  • Stretching from The Bahamas in the north to Suriname and Guyana in South America, CARICOM comprises states that are considered developing countries.
  • Except for Belize, in Central America and Guyana and Suriname in South America, all Members and Associate Members are island states.
• Members
  • It is a is a grouping of twenty-one countries: fifteen Member States and six Associate Members. 
• Pillars of Integration:
  • Economic Integration: Focuses on creating a single market and economy through the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
  • Foreign Policy Coordination: Ensures member states speak with one voice on international issues.
  • Human and Social Development: Promotes education, health, youth development, and gender equality across the region.
  • Security Cooperation: Aims to address common challenges like crime, border security, and disaster management.

Why PM Modi visited Guyana?

• Strengthening Historical and Cultural Ties
  • Guyana, home to one of the oldest Indian diasporas, has a population of approximately 3,20,000 people of Indian origin, constituting 43.5% of the country's total population.
• Energy Security and Hydrocarbon Cooperation
  • Guyana is emerging as a global oil hub, expected to surpass Venezuela in oil production by 2026. 
  • With massive reserves and rapid GDP growth driven by oil discoveries, Guyana offers India a crucial opportunity to diversify its crude oil imports. 
• Expanding Defence Partnerships
  • India has strengthened Guyana’s defence capabilities by supplying Dornier 228 planes and offering a Line of Credit for the purchase of patrol vehicles, radars etc. 
    • This marks India’s first-ever defence Line of Credit with a Caribbean nation. 
  • Guyana’s growing defence market aligns with India’s strategic and economic interests.
• Enhancing Trade and Economic Cooperation
  • India is partnering with Guyana in diverse sectors, including agriculture, biofuels, IT, and pharmaceuticals. Key contributions include:
    • Building critical infrastructure like the National Cricket Stadium and solar traffic lights.
    • Supporting projects such as regional hospital upgrades, road linkages, and ocean-going vessels.
    • Promoting bilateral trade, which remains low but shows positive growth potential.
• Competing with China’s Influence
  • Guyana’s strategic location and rich resources have attracted significant Chinese investments in infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative. 
  • India is countering this influence by committing to infrastructure projects such as a $100 million road project in Georgetown. 
  • Unlike China, India’s approach focuses on local engagement and long-term partnerships, which are better received by Guyana's population.
• Global South and Strategic Alliances
  • PM Modi’s visit reflects India’s broader strategy to enhance ties with smaller countries as part of its Global South agenda. 
  • Guyana’s economic potential, driven by oil wealth, makes it a pivotal partner in this vision. 

Key highlights of the visit

• PM Modi conferred with The Order of Excellence of Guyana
  • President of Guyana conferred upon PM Modi the highest national award of Guyana, "The Order of Excellence”.
    • He became only the fourth foreign leader to be conferred with the highest National award of Guyana.
• Agreements Across Key Sectors
  • India and Guyana signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in various sectors. These include:
    • Health and Pharmaceuticals: Collaboration on regulation and supply of affordable medicines, including to CARICOM countries.
      • India agreed to establish a Jan Ausadhi Kendra in Guyana to improve access to affordable medicines..
  • Hydrocarbons: Cooperation in crude sourcing, natural gas, infrastructure development, and the entire hydrocarbon value chain.
  • Agriculture: Joint activities, R&D, exchange of information and personnel, and food security initiatives.
    • Cooperation in agriculture was also expanded, with India contributing millet seeds to support Guyana’s food security.
  • Digital Transformation: Capacity building, training, exchange of best practices, and public official collaborations.
  • Banking and Payments: Deployment of India’s UPI-like real-time payment system in Guyana.
• Defence and Capacity Building
  • India committed to skill development and capacity building in Guyana, especially in defence. 
    • Earlier this year, India had gifted two Dornier aircraft to Guyana.
  • PM Modi emphasized cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and food security, highlighting India’s ongoing support for Guyana’s growth.
• Collaboration in New Areas
  • The leaders identified new areas of cooperation, including:
    • Education and Human Capital Development
    • Technology Transfer and Food Processing
    • Ayurvedic Medicine and Vaccine Manufacturing
• Symbolic Initiatives
  • PM participated in the symbolic planting of a sapling under the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative.

Q.1. Why is PM Modi’s visit to Guyana significant?

PM Modi’s visit to Guyana is historic, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. It strengthens India’s ties with the Caribbean, focusing on cultural connections, energy security, defence, and trade collaborations while countering China’s influence in the region.

Q.2. What were the key outcomes of PM Modi’s visit to Guyana?

The visit saw 10 agreements in areas like hydrocarbons, agriculture, and defence. PM Modi was conferred Guyana’s highest national award and co-chaired the India-CARICOM Summit, emphasizing cooperation in infrastructure, education, and digital transformation.

News: Modi first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years, signs 10 pacts to expand ties | MEA | CARICOM | Economic Times | Hindustan Times

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• About Ayushman Bharat Scheme
• About Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
• Progress/Achievements under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
• News Summary

Why in the News?

• Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above made up over 12 per cent of all admissions under the government’s flagship Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, according to data presented in Parliament by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

About Ayushman Bharat Scheme

• Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of Government of India, was launched in 2018 as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017.
• Objective: To achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage.
• This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goal number 3 and its underlining commitment, which is to "leave no one behind."
• Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related components, which are:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
• It provides health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per year to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families for seeking secondary and tertiary care.
• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

About Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

• In February 2018, the Government of India announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming the existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres.
• The goal is to ensure access to quality healthcare closer to the community, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for individuals and families.
• These centres provide free essential medicines and diagnostic services, teleconsultation, and health promotion including wellness activities like Yoga.
• The HWCs also offer annual screening for those 30 years or older for Non Communicable Diseases such as:
  • Hypertension, Diabetes, and three of the most common Cancers in India — oral, breast and cervical.

Progress/Achievements under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

• The scheme crossed the milestone of 30 crore Ayushman cards in January2024.
• In order to reach out to the last mile, NHA has launched ‘Ayushman App’ for Ayushman Card creation.
• With 4.83 crore Ayushman Cards, Uttar Pradesh tops the list of States with the highest number of Ayushman Cards crated. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra stand at number two and three positions with 3.78 crore and 2.39 crore Ayushman cards respectively.
• 48% of treatment provided under the scheme has been availed by the female; thus, gender equity is part of core design of the scheme.
• Further, Ayushman Bharat has successfully catered to 6.2 crore hospital admissions worth more than Rs. 79,000 crores.

News Summary

• The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme data presented in Parliament reveals that beneficiaries aged 70 years and above constituted over 12% of all admissions and nearly 14% of the total expenditure till January 2024.
• Of the nearly 6.2 crore approved hospital admissions till January 2024, 57.5 lakh were for senior citizens aged 70 years and above, with treatment costs amounting to more than Rs 9,800 crore out of the total Rs 79,200 crore spent over the last six years.
  • The government's plan to expand Ayushman Bharat to include all individuals over 70, irrespective of economic status, is set to add nearly 4 crore new beneficiaries.
• Health economist Dr. Indranil Mukhopadhyay highlights that expanding coverage to older people of means will likely increase the policy's utilization and costs.
• The interim budget in February extended the scheme to ASHA and Anganwadi workers, but no further expansion was mentioned in the July budget, with a slight increase in allocation to Rs 7,300 crore.
• India's ageing population is projected to rise from 8.6% in 2011 to 19.5% by 2050, tripling in absolute numbers from 103 million in 2011 to 319 million in 2050.
• Hospital admissions for older individuals exceeded their population share in several states, with Maharashtra leading at 20.49%.
  • In contrast, Tamil Nadu recorded the lowest proportion of admissions (3.12%) but had higher treatment costs for the elderly.

States like Maharashtra, Kerala, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and others had the highest proportions of spending on elderly care.

Q1. What is the goal of the National Health Policy?

The National Health Policy aims to achieve the following goals: It aims to offer superior health services to every age group and gender. The policy focuses on providing universal access to excellent quality health care services at a reasonable cost. Promoting health care orientation in every developmental policy.

Q2. What is National Health Authority?

The National Health Authority or the NHA, formed in 2019, is responsible for implementing India’s flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. NHA has been set-up to implement the PM-JAY at the national level.

Source: Govt spent 14% funds under Ayushman on those over 70 yrs: What does this mean for full cover to the elderly? | PIB

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Hindenburg?
• What is Short selling?
• Background
• Hindenburg’s new allegation
• Stand taken by the SEBI on this controversy

Why in News?

A year and a half after its January 2023 report on the Adani Group, US-based short seller Hindenburg Research has levelled allegations against the chairperson of India’s capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Hindenburg Research has accused Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband of having stakes in offshore funds involved in the alleged Adani money siphoning scandal.

The short seller (Hindenburg Research) seeks to draw a connection between the alleged involvement of two offshore funds, the Buchs' investments, and their various professional associations, suggesting that Ms. Buch may have shown favoritism toward the Adani Group.

What is Hindenburg?

• Hindenburg Research is a U.S.-based financial research firm known for short selling, where it profits from a decline in a company's stock price.
• Founded by Nathan Anderson, the firm specializes in forensic financial research, often uncovering fraud or mismanagement.
• Hindenburg gained significant attention with reports on companies like Nikola and the Adani Group, leading to substantial market impacts.

What is Short selling?

• About
  • Short selling involves profiting from a decline in a stock's price by selling borrowed shares and repurchasing them at a lower price.
  • Short selling can serve many purposes, such as mitigating demand-supply imbalances in scrips and ensuring price efficiency.
  • However, it has also been used as a means of manipulation — or what the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has described as a bear raid.
  • In this context, it raises concerns about intent and credibility.
• Example
  • Anticipating a downward movement, an individual sells 10 shares at ₹100 apiece. The total sale value is ₹1,000.
  • The price of the share decreases to ₹85 apiece and they opt to buy the quantity back. This time it will cost them ₹850 — a direct profit of ₹150.
• Hindenburg and short selling
  • Hindenburg had shorted electric truck maker Nikola Corp in 2020 placing concerns about their functionality.
  • In October 2022, the Nikola’s founder Trevor Milton was convicted by a U.S. jury of fraud for lying to investors about the technology.

Background

• Hindenburg report on Adani
  • In a January 25, 2023 report, Hindenburg accused the Adani Group of decades-long stock manipulation and accounting fraud.
  • The report was released just before Adani Enterprises' Rs 20,000-crore follow-on public offer (FPO), leading to a sharp decline in Adani shares and the eventual cancellation of the fully subscribed FPO.
  • Adani denied the allegations, and most of the group's shares have since recovered.
• Expert committee formed by SC to investigate
  • In March 2023, the Supreme Court formed a six-member expert committee to investigate potential regulatory failures concerning the Adani Group.
  • Separately, the court asked Sebi to specifically investigate if there was:
  • a violation of the minimum public shareholding norms in public limited companies,
  • a failure to disclose transactions with related parties, or
  • any manipulation of stock prices.
• Observation made by SC
  • In May 2023, the expert committee reported that Sebi had found no evidence of money flow violations from offshore entities into Adani companies.
  • By November 2023, the court upheld Sebi's investigation, rejecting the need for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or CBI involvement.
  • SEBI had completed 21 out of 22 probes by March 2024, with the final investigation nearing completion.

Hindenburg’s new allegation

• Hindenburg Research's allegations against SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband revolve around their supposed hidden stakes in offshore funds in Bermuda and Mauritius, which are linked to the Adani Group's alleged stock manipulation.
• Hindenburg suggests a conflict of interest and possible collusion due to the Buchs' investments in these funds.
  • It asserted that this might explain SEBI's reluctance to take meaningful action in the ongoing Adani investigation.
• The allegations also focus on Ms. Buch's professional engagements.
• Hindenburg claims that she retained ownership of her consulting firm, Agora Partners Singapore, during her tenure at SEBI, only transferring it to her husband's name after becoming SEBI Chairperson.
• Furthermore, Hindenburg accuses her husband, Dhaval Buch, of benefiting from his role as a senior advisor at Blackstone, alleging that SEBI's policy changes under Ms. Buch's leadership favored Blackstone's interests in India's real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Stand taken by the SEBI on this controversy

• Sebi defended Madhabi Puri Buch, stating that she has consistently made necessary disclosures regarding her securities holdings and transfers.
• Sebi also noted that Buch has recused herself from cases involving potential conflicts of interest.
• During the Hindenburg probe, Sebi has communicated with over 100 regulators and agencies and examined more than 300 documents.

They advised investors to stay calm and exercise due diligence.

Q.1. What is follow-on public offer (FPO)?

A Follow-On Public Offer (FPO) is a process where a company issues additional shares to the public after its initial public offering (IPO). It allows the company to raise more capital, typically for expansion or debt repayment, and provides existing shareholders an opportunity to buy more shares.

Q.2. What is conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal interests or relationships interfere with their professional duties or responsibilities. This can lead to biased decision-making or actions that favor personal gain over impartiality, undermining trust and fairness in professional or organizational settings.

Source: All you need to know about the Hindenburg-Adani-Buch saga | The Hindu