What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Main ethnic groupings of Manipur
• Insurgency in Manipur
• Naga Insurgency
• Charge sheet filed by NIA accusing NSCN

Why in News?

• In March 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet in a court in Guwahati. The charge sheet accuses the "China-Myanmar module" of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).
• According to the NIA, this group is helping members of two banned Meitei outfits. These outfits are the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL). The NIA claims that these groups are being supported to infiltrate India.

Main ethnic groupings of Manipur

• The Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zomi-Mizo are the three main ethnic groupings in Manipur.
• The Meiteis, the largest community, account for about 53% of the State’s total population of 27.21 lakh (2011 Census).
• The Nagas and the Kuki-Zo which are categorised into 34 Scheduled Tribes constitute 17% and 26% of the population respectively.

Insurgency in Manipur

• About
  • There is an ongoing armed conflict between India and a number of separatist rebel groups in Manipur.
  • This insurgency in Manipur is part of the wider Insurgency in Northeast India which combines elements of a national liberation war as well as an ethnic conflict.
• Historical background
  • Following the brief Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the Kingdom of Manipur was conquered by Britain.
    • After this war, Manipur kingdom became a British protectorate.
  • Manipur became a part of India in October 1949 and became a separate state in 1972.
• Rise of insurgency
  • Manipur's incorporation into the Indian state led to the formation of a number of insurgent organisations.
    • These groups demanded the creation of an independent state within the borders of Manipur, and dismissed the merger with India as involuntary.
  • The insurgency problem in Manipur came into existence in the late 1960s and 1970s.
    • There was no problem of insurgency when Manipur merged into India.
  • The first separatist faction, United National Liberation Front (UNLF), was founded in November 1964.
  • Later, the insurgency took another form when the Kuki-Naga clashes started to take place in the 1990s where hundreds were killed.
    • The clashes and killings happened after the NSCN demanded that Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas be included in its proposed ‘Greater Nagaland’ project in the 1980s.
  • The insurgent groups demanded an independent land for the Kuki-Zo people.
• Are there other active insurgent groups?
  • There are nearly 30 Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur, of which 25 are under tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Government of India and the state.
    • In 2008, 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups under the umbrella of the United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) signed a tripartite SoO pact with the MHA and the Manipur government.
  • In February 2024, when the pact came up for an annual extension, the Manipur government refused to send a representative.
    • Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has accused the groups of violating the ground rules and instigating violence in the State.

Naga Insurgency

• Background:
  • The Naga National Council (NNC) was formed in April 1946 to carry out social and political upliftment of the Nagas.
  • After the return of the radical leader of Naga cause, Angami Zapu Phizo, from Burma in 1947, the faction of NNC demanding full impendence grew strong.
• Shillong Accord and the split of NNC
  • The Shillong Accord was signed in 1975 by Government of India with a section of the NNC leaders.
  • As part of the accord, the leaders agreed to abjure violence and work towards the solution of the Naga problem within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
  • It was opposed by Phizo, Isak Swu and Muivah. Later, Isak Swu and Muivah formed the "National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)" in January 1980.
  • Later, NSCN split into two factions, namely NCSN (I-M) led by Isak & Muivah and NCSN (K) led by Khaplang.
• Demand for Greater Nagaland
  • The NSCN-IM, has been demanding:
    • ‘Greater Nagaland,’ an extension of Nagaland’s borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, to unite more than 1.2 million Nagas,
    • a separate flag and
    • a constitution.
• Naga Peace Accord
  • Since 1997, NSCN (I-M) has been involved in negotiations with the Government of India and signed many ceasefire agreements.
• 2015 Framework Agreement (FA)
  • On August 3, 2015, the Centre signed a framework agreement with the NSCN (I-M) to resolve the Naga issue.
  • The agreement was only a framework, with many details still to be hammered out.
    • Talks were being held regularly to chart out the finer details of the FA.
    • In June 2022, talks broke down after the NSCN accused the interlocuter appointed by the Centre of excluding three political points.

Charge sheet filed by NIA accusing NSCN

• Significance
  • The charge sheet was filed against five persons and is the first official statement of links between the NSCN-IM and Imphal valley-based insurgent groups during the current ethnic crisis.
    • On 3 May 2023, ethnic violence erupted in India's north-eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills.
    • Tensions boiled over when Kukis began protesting against demands from the Meiteis to be given official tribal status.
    • The Kukis argued that this would strengthen their already strong influence on government and society, allowing them to buy land or settle in predominantly Kuki areas.
  • The NIA said the accused criminally conspired with intent to carry out violent terror attacks targeting the rival Kuki-Zo community with prohibited arms.
    • These arms and ammunition were looted from various government sources.
• NSCN’s stand
  • The NSCN issued a statement, accusing the Indian security forces of helping the Kuki militant groups to wage war against the Meitei revolutionary groups in Myanmar.

Q.1. What is the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?

The NIA Act was enacted on 31-12-08 and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was born. At present NIA is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.

Q.2. What is Suspension of Operations (SoO)?

Suspension of Operations (SoO) is a tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups that was signed in 2008. The agreement requires insurgents to remain in designated camps and keep their weapons in locked storage for regular monitoring.

Source: What are the NIA’s allegations against NSCN? | Explained

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Indian Express

The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Cervical cancer?
• Key highlights of the study

Why in News?

• The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is reducing cases of cervical cancer. This reduction is happening across all socio-economic groups. Most cases are being prevented in more deprived groups. This information comes from a major study funded by Cancer Research UK.
• The researchers at the Queen Mary University of London carried out the longest follow-up on the effectiveness of the HPV vaccination programme in England.

What is Cervical cancer?

• About:
  • Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact.
  • The body’s immune system usually gets rid of the HPV infection naturally within two years.
  • However, in a small percentage of people the virus can linger over time and turn some normal cells into abnormal cells and then cancer.
  • It is preventable as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.
• Prevalence in India
  • Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer type and the second leading cause of cancer death in women of reproductive age (15-44) worldwide.
  • According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO), India accounts for approximately one-fifth of the global burden.
  • India witnesses 1.23 lakh cases and approximately 67,000 deaths each year (one woman every eight minutes).
• Prevention
  • Cervical cancer screening and vaccination are two effective preventive measures.
  • There is still little awareness among women about this cancer prevention, and less than 10% of Indian women are screened.
  • All women aged 30-49, regardless of symptoms, should be screened for cervical cancer and their adolescent daughters vaccinated against HPV.
• Vaccines available in India
  • CERVAVAC is India’s first indigenously developed vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. It has been developed by Serum Institute of India (SII).
    • It is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it is effective against at least four variants of cancer-causing Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
    • It is based on VLP (virus-like particles), similar to the hepatitis B vaccine, and provides protection by generating antibodies against the HPV protein.
      • VLP approach stimulates an immune response from the body resulting in production of antibodies.
  • Besides CERVAVAC, two vaccines licensed globally are available in India;
    • a quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil, marketed by Merck) and
    • a bivalent vaccine (Cervarix, marketed by Glaxo Smith Kline).
      • These vaccines are costly and hence are unaffordable for the vast majority of Indians.
• Vaccine to be part of the universal immunisation programme
  • An affordable and indigenously developed HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is now ready.
  • It will likely be included by the Union government in its universal immunisation programme.

Key highlights of the study

• More cases were prevented in the most deprived group
  • As per the study, the HPV vaccine is cutting cases of cervical cancer right across the socio-economic spectrum, with most cases being prevented in more deprived group.
    • Due to a typically higher incidence of cervical cancer in more deprived groups, researchers found that more cases were prevented in the most deprived group, compared to the least deprived group.
• Huge success of the school-based vaccination programme
  • The study reflected the huge success of the school-based vaccination programme, showing that well-executed public health interventions can help to reduce health inequalities.
• HPV vaccination works
  • Researchers found that over 12 years, the HPV vaccine reduced cervical cancer rates by nearly 90%.
  • It also reduced pre-cancerous conditions by around 95%. This reduction was seen in women who received the vaccine at 12-13 years old in England.
    • The HPV vaccination programme was first introduced to England in 2008.
  • The study shows the vaccine is much more effective when given to children at 12-13 years old than later in life.

Q.1. What are Virus-like particles (VLPs)?

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are molecules that resemble viruses but lack infectivity because of the absence of viral genetic material. They are usually protein multimers with structured, repetitive, high-density display of epitopes and thereby able to elicit a strong T- and B-cell–mediated immune response.

Q.2. What is International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an intergovernmental agency that is part of the World Health Organization (WHO). The IARC's mission is to research the causes of cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and develop scientific strategies for cancer control.

Source: HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer cases in deprived groups: study

What’s in today’s article?

• Background
• What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?
• Financial Activities & Services Performed by NBFCs
• News Summary
• What are the RBI’s Gold Loan Norms?
• Need for Reinforcing These Norms
• How Will the RBI’s Scrutiny Affect NBFCs?

Background

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earlier this month asked gold loan lenders to stick to regulatory norms while lending.
• This has been decided in a bid to tighten its grip over Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• The RBI has recently increased its scrutiny of NBFCs after it found certain NBFCs to be flouting regulatory norms.
• Recently, the RBI banned IIFL Finance from issuing fresh gold loans after the firm was found violating lending norms.

What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?

• Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956.
• It is engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority.
• Difference Between NBFCs and Banks:
  • NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;
  • NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself;
  • Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.
• Systematically Important NBFCs:
  • NBFCs whose asset size is of ₹500 crore or more are considered as systemically important NBFCs.
  • The rationale for such classification is that the activities of such NBFCs will have a bearing on the financial stability of the overall economy.

Financial Activities & Services Performed by NBFCs

• Financial Services: NBFCs offer a variety of financial services, including loans and credit facilities, asset financing, leasing, hire-purchase, investment in securities, and managing portfolios of stocks and shares.
• Credit Provision: They play a significant role in providing credit to different sectors, especially underserved markets and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that might not have easy access to traditional banking services.
• Investment: NBFCs are involved in investment activities such as acquiring shares, stocks, bonds, debentures, and securities issued by the government or other market players.
• Specialized Financing: Many NBFCs focus on niche markets and specific financial products, such as microfinance, infrastructure finance, housing finance, and insurance services.
• Regulation: In India, NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which sets guidelines for their operations, including capital adequacy, risk management, and governance practices.
• Role in Economy: NBFCs complement the banking sector by providing financial services to segments that are not fully served by banks. They help in deepening the financial markets and increasing financial inclusion.

News Summary

• The RBI has increased its scrutiny of NBFCs after it found certain NBFCs to be flouting regulatory norms.
• In March, the RBI banned IIFL Finance from issuing fresh gold loans after the firm was found violating lending norms.

What are the RBI’s Gold Loan Norms?

• The RBI stipulates lenders to comply with certain norms while lending money in lieu of gold.
• For instance, lenders are not allowed to lend any amount of money that is greater than 75% of the value of the gold that is submitted as collateral by the borrower.
• This is to ensure that banks have sufficient cushion to absorb any losses by selling the gold in case the borrower defaults on the loan.
• The RBI also mandates that when a loan is disbursed to a borrower, no more than ₹20,000 can be disbursed in the form of cash. The remaining loan amount needs to be deposited in the borrower’s bank account.
• It also instructs lenders to conduct the auction of any gold (in case a borrower defaults) in a fair and transparent manner in locations that are accessible to the borrowers.

Need for Reinforcing These Norms

• The gold loan portfolio of NBFCs has increased at an aggressive pace since the pandemic. It is growing over four-fold from about ₹35,000 crore at the end of financial year 2020 to about ₹1,31,000 crore by the end of FY 2023.
• The RBI may fear that such aggressive lending by NBFCs is happening in widespread violation of lending norms.
• This could potentially cause systemic trouble in the future as the gold loan industry grows in size rapidly.

How Will the RBI’s Scrutiny Affect NBFCs?

• The NBFCs expect the RBI’s scrutiny of their lending practices to affect their growth and profitability.
• The RBI’s insistence that no more than ₹20,000 shall be disbursed as cash when a loan is approved, for instance, is expected to make NBFC gold loans less attractive.
• Many NBFCs might also have to become less aggressive in their lending practices as the RBI enforces the loan-to-value rules more strictly.
• Also, measures to make the auction process more transparent and accessible to borrowers could increase the cost of doing business for NBFCs and lead to higher borrowing rates for lenders.
• On the other hand, the RBI believes that its lending norms will make the gold loan business more sustainable and help avoid systemic risks in the long run.

Q1. What is an Overdraft facility?

An overdraft facility allows account holders to withdraw funds exceeding their account balance, up to a predetermined limit set by the bank. It acts as a short-term loan, offering flexibility and quick access to additional funds.

Q2. What is a Residuary NBFC?

Residuary Non-Banking Company is a class of NBFCs whose 'principal business' is to receive deposits, under any scheme or arrangement or in any other manner.

Source: Why is RBI keeping an eye on gold loans? | Explained 

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What Safety Norms Apply to Hoardings?
• What Led to Ghatkopar Incident?
• Who is Legally Responsible for the Ghatkopar Incident?
• What Needs to be Done to Avoid Ghatkopar like Incidents?

 Why in News?

• At least 16 people were killed when a massive 250-tonne advertisement hoarding (on Government Railway Police land) in Mumbai's Ghatkopar collapsed during a dust storm.
• In the wake of this tragedy, it is important to examine the safety regulations pertaining to hoardings and who is legally responsible for the event.

What Safety Norms Apply to Hoardings?

• Local bodies issue licences for advertisement hoardings.
• In Mumbai’s case,
  • The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act 1888 (amended over time) stipulates that written permission of the Municipal Commissioner is needed for erecting such structures.
  • The Policy Guidelines for Display of Advertisements 2018 makes structural stability certification from a registered structural engineer a condition for putting up hoardings.
  • The policy guidelines also say hoardings existing as of May 1, 2014 should be reinstalled incorporating structural stability requirements.
• From a technical perspective, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) lays out specifications for wind loads on hoardings.
  • It gives formulae on how to calculate the force coefficients applicable to these wind-facing structures.

What Led to Ghatkopar Incident?

• The massive hoarding did not meet size norms: But was not brought down by official agencies in spite of being a highly visible hazardous structure.
• Safety norms were apparently liberalised:
  • This was done through the Policy Guidelines for Display of Advertisements 2018 to tap the city’s full financial potential.
  • Also, the MMC Act 1888 provides some regulatory exemptions to hoardings on railway land.
• Administrative lethargy: The Government Railway Police cited an ongoing dispute with the Corporation for not enforcing the safety laws on hoardings.
• No database of permits available: For example, no database of permits could be located on the BMC website in the hoardings section.
• Extreme weather events: The Ghatkopar disaster demonstrates that extreme weather, such as high winds or a cyclone sweeping a city, quickly exposes the weakest infrastructure links, with deadly consequences.

Who is Legally Responsible for the Ghatkopar Incident?

• The government and the owners of the private structures are legally responsible for the incident.
• The right of passage on a public pathway makes several connected individuals liable for negligence in the Ghatkopar case, including
  • The owners of the land,
  • The agency that put up the structure and the line officials responsible for enforcement,
  • The civic officials and police who witnessed flagrant violation of rules but took no action, etc.
• In 2022, the Delhi HC, after fixing the liability of a public sector bank (BoB), granted compensation in a case where a man was struck by a sign board and the head injury led to his death.

What Needs to be Done to Avoid Ghatkopar like Incidents?

• Governments have to show due diligence to avert harm to citizens from official actions.
• Capacity building of the administrative machinery and reducing corruption at the administrative level is the need of the hour.
• The advent of digital boards has brought with it the possibility of moving displays, opening up avenues for different advertisers to use the same screens to show messages, raising rents for hoardings companies greatly.
• The focus should be on strengthening disaster management practices of municipalities to deal with the fallout in crowded cities.
  • In the Mumbai incident, the presence of a petrol pump prevented personnel from using gas cutters, thus reducing the efficiency of disaster management expertise. 
• As climate change is becoming a challenge, the city governments need to review conventional ideas on giant outdoor open-sky hoardings put up close to human activity.

Source: The takeaway from Mumbai hoarding tragedy