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Distribution: yearly

  • PM E-Bus Seva Scheme: 10,000 Electric Buses to Transform Urban Mobility

    e-bus

    Central Idea

    • The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility and promoting green transportation across India.

    PM E-Bus Seva: Scheme Overview

    • E-Bus Definition: The scheme’s core revolves around e-buses, which are buses powered solely by zero-emissions electricity sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
    • Scope and Cost: The PM e-bus Sewa scheme is estimated to cost ₹57,613 crore, with the Central government contributing ₹20,000 crore.
    • Operational Support: The scheme is designed to provide operational support to bus services for a period of 10 years.

    Implementation Strategy

    • Two Segments: The scheme will be executed in two distinct segments:
      1. 10,000 E-Buses: In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be introduced through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
      2. Infrastructure Upgrades: In 181 other cities, green urban mobility initiatives will focus on improving infrastructure, bus priority, charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and automated fare collection systems.
    • Depot Infrastructure: For the first segment, the development and enhancement of depot infrastructure, including power substations, will be undertaken to support the new e-buses.
    • Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment growth.

    Coverage and Funding

    • Coverage: Cities with populations of three lakh and above, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states, are included in the scheme’s ambit.
    • Funding Model: States or cities will manage bus services and payments to bus operators, with the Central government providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme. This approach promotes decentralized management.

    Positive Impacts

    • Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric buses will significantly reduce noise and air pollution, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
    • Carbon Emission Reduction: Electric mobility aligns with India’s commitment to curb carbon emissions and combat climate change.
    • Economies of Scale: Aggregating electric bus procurement is expected to achieve economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and encouraging their adoption.

    Conclusion

    • The PM e-bus Sewa scheme signifies India’s ambitious stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.
    • It also highlights the government’s commitment to job creation, as well as its determination to transform the transportation sector into a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of commuting.

  • Caste Census

    caste census

    Central Idea

    • The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on August 18 concerning the legality of Bihar’s ongoing caste survey has generated significant legal and socio-political debates.
    • This article delves into the intricacies of the caste survey, the legal challenges it faces, the implications for affirmative action, and concerns over data privacy.

    Must read:

    [Sansad TV] Mudda Aapka: Bihar Caste Census

     Bihar Caste Survey: Legal Battles

    • Petitions Challenging Survey: Multiple petitions contesting the Bihar caste survey have been filed in the Supreme Court, alleging the state government’s encroachment on the Union government’s powers.
    • High Court Ruling: On August 1, the Patna High Court permitted the state to proceed with the survey, deeming it legally sound, initiated with due competence, and aligned with compelling public interest.
    • Supreme Court Involvement: The Supreme Court declined to stay the survey on August 14, clearing the way for the ongoing data collection process.

    Nature of the Caste Survey

    • Government Initiative: Launched on January 7, the two-phase caste survey intends to collect detailed socioeconomic information to inform better government policies for marginalized groups.
    • Scope and Data Collection: The survey encompasses data on caste and economic status for a population of 12.70 crore in Bihar’s 38 districts.
    • Survey Progress: The first phase, a house listing exercise, was conducted from January 7 to January 12. The halted second phase resumed after the High Court’s verdict and aims to complete by mid-August.

    Legal Contentions against the Survey

    • Constitutional Powers: Petitioners contend that the state lacks authority to conduct a census as it is solely within the Union government’s purview, as per the Constitution and Census Act.
    • Privacy Concerns: Challenges raised about data collection intruding on individuals’ right to privacy, given sensitive questions about religion, caste, and income.
    • Data Security: Some argue that the data collected should not be shared with political parties, as it raises concerns about privacy and potential misuse.

    High Court’s Rationale for Upholding Survey

    • Affirmative Action: The High Court recognized the survey’s aim to identify and uplift backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes for equal opportunities.
    • Competence of State Government: The Court ruled that the survey aligns with the state’s authority for better administration and policy framing.
    • Legitimacy of Caste Identification: The Court referred to Indra Sawhney’s ruling to affirm caste identification’s validity for ameliorating social backwardness.

    Expected Implications

    • Efficacy in Battling Discrimination: Advocates argue that caste surveys are crucial to addressing caste discrimination and mapping socio-economic deprivations for a more egalitarian society.
    • Potential for Expansion: A successful Bihar survey could lead to other states demanding similar surveys, which the Union government is resisting.
    • Social and Political Impacts: The survey has the potential to reshape social and political dynamics by addressing the invisibility of upper castes and bolstering Mandal politics.

    Conclusion

    • The legal battle over the Bihar caste survey has wide-ranging implications on data privacy, constitutional powers, and social equity.
    • As the Supreme Court takes up the case, its decision will not only determine the fate of this particular survey but could set a precedent for future caste surveys and their role in fostering a more inclusive and just society.

  • Multidimensional Poverty Reduction in India: A Closer Look

    poverty

    Central Idea

    • PM highlighted a significant milestone achieved during his government’s first 5-year term – the liberation of 13.5 crore Indians from the clutches of multidimensional poverty.
    • This achievement, as substantiated by the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of millions across various dimensions of well-being.

    Understanding Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

    • Holistic Evaluation: The MPI gauges deprivations across health and nutrition, education, and standard of living, offering a comprehensive assessment of poverty that extends beyond traditional monetary measures.
    • Three Dimensions: Health is evaluated through nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, and maternal health. Education encompasses years of schooling and school attendance. The standard of living is assessed through variables like sanitation, drinking water, and access to financial services.
    • Technical Collaborators: The methodology behind India’s MPI draws inspiration from the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), with OPHI and UNDP collaborating to formulate the national index.

    Notable Achievements and Data

    • Decline in Poverty: The poverty headcount ratio – the proportion of multidimensionally poor individuals – witnessed a remarkable drop from around 25% to under 15% between the periods of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21).
    • Significant Impact: This reduction signifies that a staggering 13.5 crore Indians liberated themselves from multidimensional poverty during this period.

    poverty

    Comparison with Historical Records

    • Historical Context: The MPI’s multidimensional nature makes direct comparisons with India’s traditional poverty estimations challenging. However, the Global MPI 2023 report underscores that 415 million Indians emerged from poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
    • Distribution over Time: Economists elucidate that out of the 415 million, 270 million transitioned out of poverty from 2005-06 to 2015-16, with the remaining following thereafter.
    • Discrepancies in Ratio: The Global MPI cites India’s poverty ratio as 16.4%, while Niti Aayog’s MPI places it at 14.96%, due to variations in metrics and definitions.

    Traditional Poverty Measurement

    • Historical Monetary Measure: Since 1901, poverty in India has been estimated using monetary measures that ascertain the income needed for subsistence or a minimum standard of living.
    • Creation of Poverty Line: Expert committees headed by D T Lakdawala (1993), Suresh Tendulkar (2009), and C Rangarajan (2014) established a poverty line based on consumption expenditure data.
    • Unresolved Data Issues: The absence of updated consumption data since 2011 has led to economists using alternative sources like NFHS data and CMIE data to estimate poverty, which has introduced uncertainty.

    Conundrum of Middle-Class Definition

    • Ambiguity in Classification: India lacks an official middle-class definition, making it challenging to ascertain whether those emerging from poverty automatically join the middle class.
    • Income Disparity: Private research by PRICE categorizes the middle class based on annual income between ₹5 lakh and ₹30 lakh, a considerable jump from the income levels of individuals transitioning from poverty.
    • Survey Insights: As per PRICE’s survey, out of India’s population of 1,416 million, 432 million fall under the “Middle Class” category, while 732 million are classified as “Aspirers.”

    Conclusion

    • The reduction of 13.5 crore individuals from multidimensional poverty is a testament to India’s commitment to holistic development.
    • While multidimensional poverty indices gauge well-being across dimensions, traditional poverty estimation methods use monetary measures.
    • India’s achievements reflect its focus on inclusive growth, emphasizing improvements in health, education, and living standards.
    • As the nation continues its journey, these achievements illuminate the path towards building a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient society.

  • What are Deemed Forests?

    deemed forest

    Central Idea

    • The Odisha government has rescinded a contentious order that declared the discontinuation of the ‘deemed forests’ category under the amended Forest Act.
    • This reversal comes after concerns were raised regarding the implications of the order on forest classification and protection.

    Understanding ‘Deemed Forests’

    • Definition: ‘Deemed forests’ refer to areas that are not formally classified as forests by central or state authorities in official records.
    • Legal Ambiguity: The term ‘deemed forests’ lacks a clear legal definition, including under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
    • Broad Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s T N Godavarman Thirumulpad Case (1996) embraced an expansive interpretation of forests. It encompassed statutorily recognized forests, irrespective of their reservation status, under the Forest Conservation Act.
    • Inclusive Scope: ‘Forest land’ within Section 2 of the Act extends beyond the dictionary meaning to include areas recorded as forests in government records, regardless of ownership, according to the court.

    Recent Relevance and Controversy

    • News Spotlight: The issue of ‘deemed forests’ has gained attention, particularly in Odisha and Karnataka, where allegations of unscientific classification and impact on agriculture and mining persist.
    • Calls for Reclassification: Advocates assert that ‘deemed forests’ should adhere to the dictionary meaning of forests, irrespective of ownership. Concerns have been raised about arbitrary classifications affecting farmers and mining activities.
    • Classification Challenges: Critics argue that the existing subjective classification lacks a well-defined scientific criterion, leading to conflicts and hardships for communities.

    Forest Classification in India

     

    The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forest cover in 4 classes:

    1. Very Dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density of 70% and above.
    2. Moderately dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 40% and 70%.
    3. Open forests: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 10% and 40%.
    4. Scrubs: All forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10%.

     Motivations behind Reclassification

    • Reassessment in 2014: The Centre initiated a review of forest categorization in 2014 to address the classification process’s shortcomings.
    • Need for Objective Criteria: While the dictionary definition guided initial classifications, a lack of objective criteria resulted in subjective designations that hindered clarity and fairness.
    • Addressing Hardships: Officials classified land as ‘deemed forest’ without considering local needs, leading to difficulties for farmers and communities dependent on such lands.
    • Commercial Demands: Some regions categorized as ‘deemed forests’ hold commercial value for mining, prompting calls for reclassification.

    Implications in Odisha

    • State-Level Identification: Since 1996, Odisha had designated nearly 66 lakh acres as ‘deemed forest’ with the assistance of district-level expert committees. However, many of these areas were not officially recognized as forests in government records.
    • Controversy and Debate: The decision sparked controversy as experts and activists raised concerns about the potential ramifications of discontinuing the ‘deemed forest’ classification. The move could impact conservation efforts and the legal status of these lands.

    Conclusion

    • The Odisha government’s decision to reverse the order discontinuing the ‘deemed forests’ category underscores the significance of clear forest classification and protection policies.
    • The episode emphasizes the intricate balance between legal interpretations, conservation imperatives, and policy implementation in the realm of environmental protection.
    • Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to align policies with legal frameworks to ensure sustainable forest management and safeguard the delicate ecological balance.

  • Places in news: Murmansk Port

    murmansk

    Central Idea

    • India’s engagement with Russia’s Arctic region has been strengthening with India-bound goods constituting the maximum share of cargo handled this year by Murmansk, located about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow.

    About Murmansk Port

    • Murmask Port is a major seaport located in northwestern Russia, specifically in the city of Murmansk.
    • The port was established in 1916 as a supply point for the Russian military during World War I.
    • It is situated in the city of Murmansk, which is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in Russia.
    • It is located on the Kola Peninsula on the shores of the Barents Sea.
    • The port serves as a crucial gateway to the Arctic region.
    • The port is an important node along the Northern Sea Route, a shipping route that connects Europe and Asia via the Arctic Ocean.
    • Its ice-free waters enable year-round maritime activities, making it an important hub for shipping and trade in the Arctic.

    Significance of the Port

    • Murmansk Port is strategically located near rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas in the Arctic region.
    • It plays a role in facilitating the export of these resources.
    • The port is well-connected to various transportation networks, including railroads, pipelines, and roads.
    • It serves as a hub for moving goods to and from the Arctic and the rest of Russia.

  • President pays tribute to Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua

    kanaklata

    Central Idea

    • On the eve before Independence Day, President of India paid tributes to great women freedom fighters like Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua.

    [A] Matangini Hazra

    • Early Life and Dedication: Born in 1869 in Hogla village, West Bengal, Matangini Hazra’s early life was marked by poverty and lack of formal education. She married at a young age and was widowed by 18. Devoted to social causes, she emerged as a dedicated freedom fighter.
    • Gandhian Influence: During the Nationalist movement, Hazra’s admiration for Mahatma Gandhi earned her the nickname “Gandhiburi” in her village. She actively participated in protests, earning her several arrests and jail sentences.
    • Quit India Movement: A prominent leader during the Quit India Movement of 1942, Hazra led a procession of around 6,000 protesters, mostly women, towards the Tamluk police station. She was shot three times by British police during a confrontation, and she passed away at the age of 73 while chanting “Vande Mataram.”
    • Legacy: Matangini Hazra’s sacrifice inspired revolutionaries to establish local governments. In 1977, the first statue of a woman revolutionary in Kolkata Maidan was dedicated to her. Schools, streets, and neighborhoods across Bengal are named after her as a tribute to her immense contribution to the freedom struggle.

    [B] Kanaklata Barua

    • Young Martyr: Kanaklata Barua, a symbol of courage, was just 17 years old when she became a martyr. She led the Mrityu Bahini procession to unfurl the Tricolour at Gohpur police station in Assam during the Quit India Movement.
    • Daring Spirit: Despite the age limit for joining the Mrityu Bahini being 18 and above, Barua’s determination led her to be an exception. Just two days into joining, she was at the head of the procession, holding the Tricolour.
    • Tragic End: In a confrontation with the police at the police station, Barua refused to let go of the flag, even as bullets rained down. She fell, holding onto the flag until another volunteer took it from her. Her bravery and sacrifice left an indelible mark on the movement.
    • Legacy: Kanaklata Barua’s story continues to inspire generations. In her honor, the Coast Guard named a Fast Patrol Vessel “ICGS Kanaklata Barua” in 2020, ensuring that her legacy lives on as a testament to her remarkable spirit and dedication to India’s freedom.

  • Annapurna Food Packet Scheme in Rajasthan

    Central Idea

    • Rajasthan’s government launched the Annapurna food packet scheme as part of its welfare initiatives, aiming to support 1.10 crore people, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.

    Annapurna Food Packet Scheme

    • The scheme primarily benefits families identified through the National Food Security Act (NFSA) survey, encompassing poor and destitute families.
    • It also extends beyond NFSA beneficiaries to encompass families that received ₹5,500 pandemic assistance, totalling around 1.05 crore beneficiaries.

    Benefits and Contents

    • Monthly Distribution: Eligible beneficiaries can collect Annapurna food packets monthly from fair price shops (FPS) at no cost.
    • Content Details: Each packet contains essential items – 1 kg gram pulses, sugar, and iodized salt, 1 litre soybean refined edible oil, 100 grams each of chilli powder and coriander powder, and 50 grams of turmeric powder.
    • Commission to FPS: FPS will receive a ₹10 commission per packet distributed, incentivizing their participation.

    Back2Basics: National Food Security Act (NFSA)

    • The NFS Act was enacted on 12th September 2013, with retrospective effect from 5th July 2013.
    • It integrates legal entitlements for prevailing food security initiatives of the GoI, encompassing the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
    • The NFSA enshrines a legal right for individuals belonging to “eligible households” to acquire food grains at subsidized rates.

    Features

    • Recognizing Maternity: The NFS Act acknowledges the importance of maternal health by incorporating maternity entitlements within its provisions.
    • Coverage Spectrum: While the Midday Meal Scheme and ICDS are accessible to all, the PDS caters to about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).
    • Special Benefits: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and specific categories of children enjoy the privilege of daily free cereals, enhancing their nutritional security.
    • Subsidized Rates: The act establishes central issue prices (CIPs) for food grains, offering rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Rs 1/kg through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

  • Karnail Singh Isru’s contribution in Goan Liberation

    karnail

    Central Idea

    • Karnail Singh Isru, a valiant activist, is remembered with reverence and admiration on India’s Independence Day.
    • He made the ultimate sacrifice while participating in the Goa Liberation Movement, striving for the state’s accession to India.

    Who was Karnail Singh Isru?

    • Birth and Childhood: Born on September 9, 1930, in Chak 30 village (now in Pakistan), Isru lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. His upbringing was marked by a strong sense of justice and a longing for freedom.
    • Inspired by National Heroes: Isru’s admiration for national heroes like Bhagat Singh and Udham Singh, along with their dedication to the freedom movement, ignited a fire within him. Their struggle against colonial oppression left a deep impact on his young mind.

    Joining the Goa Liberation Movement

    • Formation of Ideals: Isru’s involvement in student activism and his presidency of the student union highlighted his commitment to social justice. He joined the Communist Party of India (CPI) and embraced rationalist ideals.
    • Goa Liberation Movement: In the 1950s, despite India’s independence, the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli remained under Portuguese rule. CPI sent Satyagarhis, followers of Gandhian principles, to Goa to hoist the Indian flag on Independence Day.

    His Fateful Journey

    • Sahodrabai Rai’s Leadership: Isru, alongside other Satyagarhis, embarked on the march towards Goa under the leadership of Sahodrabai Rai. They aimed to challenge colonial rule and establish India’s sovereignty in the region.
    • Tragedy Strikes: As they entered the Patradevi village in North Goa, Portuguese forces opened fire on the Satyagarhis. Isru’s unwavering determination led him to the forefront, but tragically, he was struck by a bullet in his chest. His sacrifice was a significant moment in the fight for Goa’s liberation.

    Legacy and Remembrance

    • Tributes in Punjab: Isru’s memory is etched in the heart of Punjab, where the government and political parties organize annual functions to honor his sacrifice. A statue, library, park, and school bear his name, reflecting the respect he commands.
    • Recognition in Goa: In Goa, a bronze bust of Isru was installed in the primary school of Patradevi village, commemorating his sacrifice. His bravery and dedication are a source of inspiration for generations.

    Also read:

    In news: Goa Liberation Day

  • ISRO gears up for Aditya-L1 Mission

    aditya-l1

    Central Idea

    • Although the mission launch date is yet to be announced, the Aditya-L1 satellite has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for integration with the launch vehicle, PSLV.

    Aditya-L1 Mission

    • Aditya-L1’s primary objective is to closely observe the Sun and gather insights into its corona, solar emissions, flares, solar winds, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
    • The satellite is equipped with seven advanced payloads for these scientific endeavors.
    • The mission promises round-the-clock imaging of the Sun, enabling an unprecedented understanding of its behavior and impacts.

    Significance of the mission

    • Solar Influence: The evolution of every celestial body, including Earth and distant exoplanets, is intricately linked to its parent star. The Sun’s weather and environment have a profound impact on the entire solar system.
    • Space Weather Impact: Variations in solar activity can disrupt satellite orbits, damage electronics, trigger power blackouts, and induce disturbances on Earth. Accurate knowledge of solar events is essential for comprehending and predicting space weather phenomena.

    L1 Lagrange Point Advantage

    • Continuous Solar Observations: Positioned at the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1) — about 1.5 million km from Earth — Aditya-L1 will be uniquely positioned to observe the Sun without the interference of occultation or eclipses. L1 is an orbital location where gravitational forces create stable regions of attraction and repulsion.
    • L1’s Significance: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO) is stationed at L1 and has facilitated groundbreaking solar research. Aditya-L1’s observations will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of solar behavior.

    Comparison with International Missions

    • Closer than Ever: While NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has ventured closer to the Sun, Aditya-L1 will focus on direct solar observations from a greater distance.
    • Technical Challenges: Many instruments and components for Aditya-L1 are being developed in India for the first time, representing both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation’s scientific and engineering communities.

  • Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit to transform credit accessibility and lending efficiency.

    About the Public Tech Platform 

    • It is developed by the RBI’s subsidiary Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).
    • It aims to streamline the credit delivery process by enabling seamless digital information flow to lenders.
    • It intends to simplify the credit assessment by providing an end-to-end digital ecosystem that facilitates the smooth exchange of essential digital data among stakeholders.

    Features of the Platform

    • Open Architecture: The platform adopts an open architecture model, fostering interoperability and collaboration among various financial sector players.
    • Plug and Play Model: The open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and standards enable seamless integration and interaction among participating entities.
    • Efficiency and Scalability: The platform aims to enhance lending efficiency, reduce costs, expedite disbursement, and scale up lending operations.

    Launch and Scope

    • Calibrated Rollout: The platform is set to launch as a pilot project on August 17, 2023, with gradual access to information providers and use cases.
    • Initial Focus: The pilot phase will focus on credit products like Kisan Credit Card loans, dairy loans, collateral-free MSME loans, personal loans, and home loans.
    • Integration and Services: The platform will integrate services such as Aadhaar e-KYC, state government land records, satellite data, PAN validation, Aadhaar e-signing, account aggregation, and more.