Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digitalization of power sector
Mains level: Power sector reforms, challenges and measures
Central Idea
- India is replacing conventional electric meters with prepaid smart meters to bring a revolution in the power sector. The majority of smart meter users have begun to experience some of the technology benefits. However, the low uptake of smart meter apps and access to detailed electricity bills are some of the road bumps that need to be solved.
What are Smart Meters?
- Smart meters are next-generation digital electricity meters that measure energy consumption and communicate this information back to the utility company in near real-time.
- Unlike traditional electric meters that require manual reading, smart meters automatically send readings to the utility company, enabling a two-way communication between the meter and the utility.
A study on Smart Meters
- A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that the majority of smart meter users have already begun to experience some of the technology benefits.
- The study covered about 2,700 urban households that use prepaid or postpaid smart meters across six States.
- Half the users reported improvements in billing regularity, and two-thirds said paying bills had become easier.
- Around 40% of users alluded to multiple co-benefits such as a greater sense of control over their electricity expenses, a drop in instances of electricity theft, and improved power supply to the locality.
- In fact, 70% of prepaid smart meter users said they would recommend the technology to their friends and relatives.
- These findings give confidence that India’s smart metering transition is heading in the right direction.
Advantages of Smart Meters over traditional electric meters
- Accurate billing: Smart meters enable accurate billing as they eliminate the need for estimated bills, providing customers with accurate and transparent information about their energy usage.
- Near real-time data: Smart meters provide near real-time data on energy consumption, enabling customers to monitor their usage and make informed decisions about their energy consumption.
- Dynamic pricing: Smart meters have the potential to enable dynamic pricing, where electricity tariffs vary depending on the time of day, season or other factors, incentivizing customers to use energy when it’s cheaper and reducing demand during peak hours.
- Improved energy management: Smart meters allow utilities to better manage energy supply and demand, reduce power outages, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively.
- Energy theft detection: Smart meters can help detect and respond to energy theft, reducing losses for utilities and ensuring a fair distribution of energy costs.
- Customer control: Smart meters provide customers with more control over their energy consumption, allowing them to better manage their energy usage and reduce their bills.
Challenges in the Smart Meter Deployment
- High installation costs: The upfront cost of installing smart meters can be significant, and may be a barrier to adoption for utilities or customers.
- Technical challenges: Installing and integrating smart meters into existing grid infrastructure can be technically complex, requiring significant upgrades to communication networks and other equipment.
- Data privacy and security: Smart meters collect and transmit sensitive customer data, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
- User adoption: Encouraging customers to adopt smart meters can be a challenge, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the technology or if there is a lack of education around the benefits of smart meters.
- Interoperability: Ensuring that smart meters are interoperable with different communication protocols and standards can be a challenge, particularly in areas with multiple utility providers.
- Regulatory challenges: The regulatory environment can also be a challenge, particularly if regulations around smart meters are unclear or if there is resistance from stakeholders such as utility providers or consumer groups.
Ways to improve smart meter deployment
- Education and awareness: Utilities and governments can run awareness campaigns to educate customers about the benefits of smart meters, and how they can help reduce energy consumption and save money. These campaigns should target different socio-economic groups, and provide actionable tips and information on how to use smart meters to their advantage.
- Co-ownership and collaboration: Utilities and government bodies should collaborate to ensure a smooth installation and recharge experience for users, and leverage smart meter data for revenue protection and consumer engagement. Discoms (distribution companies) should take the driving seat and co-own the program with Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs) who are responsible for installing and operating the AMI system.
- Innovative and scalable data solutions: Discoms, system integrators, and technology providers should collaborate to devise innovative and scalable data solutions to effectively use smart meter data to unlock their true value proposition. This would require an ecosystem that fosters innovation in analytics, data hosting and sharing platforms, and enables key actors to collaboratively test and scale new solutions.
- Empower consumers: Policymakers and regulators must strengthen regulations to empower consumers to unlock new retail markets. They must also enable simplification and innovation in tariff design and open the retail market to new business models and prosumagers (producers, consumers, and storage users). Regulations should be put in place concerning phase-out of paper bills, arrear adjustment, frequency of recharge alerts, buffer time, rebates, and data privacy.
- Interoperability: It is crucial to ensure that smart meters are interoperable with different communication protocols and standards. This can be achieved through standardization, certification, and testing programs.
- Pilot programs and learning opportunities: Utilities and governments can run pilot programs to test new smart meter technologies and business models, and learn from the results to scale up successful models.
Conclusion
- India is on a unique journey of meeting its growing electricity demand while decarbonizing its generation sources. Smart meters comprise a critical part of the transition toolbox, by way of enabling responsible consumption, efficient energy management, and cost-effective integration of distributed energy resources. A user-centric design and deployment philosophy will be crucial for the success of India’s smart metering initiative. With the effective implementation, India can improve smart meter deployment and user satisfaction, making the smart-meter revolution a reality.
Facts for prelims:
Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs):
- ERCs are independent statutory bodies established by the government to regulate the generation, transmission, distribution, and trading of electricity in a particular state or region.
- The primary role of ERCs is to protect the interests of electricity consumers by ensuring that electricity is supplied to them at reasonable and affordable rates while ensuring the financial viability of the electricity sector.
- ERCs also have the power to issue licenses to power generation and distribution companies, set tariffs, and adjudicate disputes between stakeholders in the electricity sector.
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Mains Question
Q. India is replacing conventional electric meters with prepaid smart meters to bring a revolution in the power sector. In this light discuss advantages and challenges of deploying smart meters. How India can improve smart meter deployment and user satisfaction, making the smart-meter revolution a reality?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Mains level: Govt policies and actions against NCDs
Central Idea: The article discusses the decision by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to rename and expand its program for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
What are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?
- NCDs are also known as chronic diseases, which are not caused by infectious agents and are not transmissible from person to person.
- NCDs are long-lasting and progress slowly, typically taking years to manifest symptoms.
- Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
- These diseases are often caused by modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental factors.
- NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for around 70% of all deaths globally.
Why in news?
- The addition of many new diseases and health initiatives have prompted the Indian government to expand and rename its NCD program.
Renaming of the NCD Program and Portal
- The Ministry has renamed the NPCDCS as the “National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases [NP-NCD].”
- The application or software named Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Non-Communicable Disease (CPHC NCD IT) will now be renamed “National NCD Portal.”
- The Ministry communicated this decision to the States on May 3, 2023, through a one-page letter and asked them to adhere to the changes.
Implementation and future action
- The NPCDCS is implemented under the National Health Mission across India.
- The letter addressed to Principal Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories advised the government to use the new names for the scheme and portal in all their future references and correspondences with the Indian government.
- Under NPCDCS, 677 NCD district-level clinics, 187 District Cardiac Care Units, 266 District Day Care Centres and 5,392 NCD Community Health Centre-level clinics have been set up.
Burden of NCDs in India
- The study ‘India: Health of the Nation’s States – The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative in 2017’ by the ICMR estimated that the proportion of deaths due to NCDs in India has increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
- The four major NCDs are:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
- Cancers
- Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and
- Diabetes
- The study shared four behavioural risk factors – unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Solutions to mitigate NCD burden
- Promote healthy lifestyle: Encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
- Increase awareness and education: Increase awareness among the public about the risk factors of NCDs and educate them about ways to prevent these diseases.
- Improve healthcare infrastructure: Increase access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure early detection, treatment, and management of NCDs.
- Implement policies and regulations: Implement policies and regulations that promote healthy living, such as increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy food products.
- Foster public-private partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively towards preventing and managing NCDs.
- Increase research and innovation: Increase research and innovation in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of NCDs to develop new and effective interventions.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health Emergency
Mains level: Pandemic recovery
Central Idea: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19. It had in 2020 declared the disease as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Practical effects of WHO declaration
- The classification of COVID-19 as a global emergency is meant to warn political authorities of an extraordinary event that could constitute a health threat to other countries and requires a coordinated response to contain it.
- For the average person, the decision to end the global emergency classification will have no practical effect.
- WHO’s emergency declarations are typically used as an international SOS for countries who need help or to spur countries to introduce special measures to combat disease or release extra funds.
What is PHEIC?
Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a public health emergency is defined as “an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.
Emergencies declared so far
- WHO has previously declared global emergencies for outbreaks of swine flu, Zika, Ebola, polio, and monkeypox.
- Polio was declared nearly nine years ago, and its emergency status has persisted even as officials work to wipe out the disease from a shrinking number of countries.
- MPOX was declared a global emergency last July but technically remains a global emergency.
What criteria does the WHO follow to declare PHEIC?
- PHEIC is declared in the event of some “serious public health events” that may endanger international public health.
- The responsibility of declaring an event as an emergency lies with the Director-General of the WHO and requires the convening of a committee of members.
Implications of a PHEIC being declared
- There are some implications of declaring a PHEIC for the host country, which in the case of the coronavirus is China.
- Declaring a PHEIC may lead to restrictions on travel and trade.
- However, several countries have already issued advisories to their citizens to avoid travelling to China, while others are airlifting their citizens from it.
Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?
- Yes, COVID-19 is still a pandemic, as the virus is here to stay and thousands of people continue to die every week.
- WHO chief Tedros warned that the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.
- Countries need to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.
When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?
- It is unclear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, as the virus is still a public health threat and its continued evolution could cause future problems.
- Pandemics only truly end when the next pandemic begins.
- COVID-19 will continue to spread among people for a very long time but at a much lower level of threat that does not require extraordinary measures taken to try to curb the virus’ spread.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) , Navratna status
Mains level: Public Sector Enterprises
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was recently granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Railways.
About RVNL
- RVNL was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of implementing rail infrastructure projects quickly and raising extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
- The company started operating in 2005 after the appointment of its board of directors.
- RVNL was granted Mini-Ratna status in 2013.
RVNL’s functions
- RVNL has been assigned to undertake project development and execution of works covering the full project lifecycle.
- The company will create project-specific SPVs for individual works if required.
- RVNL will hand over completed railway projects to the concerned zonal railway for operation and maintenance.
Major projects undertaken
RVNL has implemented various projects in the rail sector, including:
- Doubling and electrification of existing lines
- Construction of new lines
- Gauge conversion projects.
Navratna status and its benefits
- Navratna’s status will give RVNL more operational freedom and financial autonomy.
- Enhanced delegation of powers will also be granted to the company.
- Navratna’s status will be a huge boost to RVNL’s progress.
- This status will be especially beneficial for the company as it expands its operations beyond the railway’s sector and into international projects.
Back2Basics: Central Public Sector Enterprises
- The Government runs the CPSEs under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
- The government grants them the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
- The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997.
| |
Maharatna |
Navratna |
Miniratna Category-I |
Miniratna Category-II |
| Eligibility |
Net profit of ₹2,500 crore per annum OR
Net worth of ₹10,000 crore for 3 yrs. |
Score of 60 based on financial parameters AND be a Miniratna with 4 independent directors
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum for last 3 years |
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum OR |
Positive net worth and profit for last 3 years |
| Benefits for investment |
₹1,000-5,000 crore or 15% of net worth |
Up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a project OR 30% of net worth per annum |
Up to ₹500 crore or net worth, whichever is lower |
Up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth, whichever is lower |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: All India Radio
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Centre has ordered that public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) be exclusively referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.
All India Radio: Through history
- The journey of radio broadcasting in India began with the first commercial transmission sent out by the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923.
- In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established and in 1930, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) was set up.
- In 1936, ISBS was renamed as All India Radio (AIR).
- At the time of Independence, AIR covered only two percent of India’s land area and reached just 11 percent of its population.
- Today, AIR has a network of over 262 radio stations, covering 92% of India’s area and nearly all of its population.
- It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects and also has an External Services Division which broadcasts in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching out to more than 100 countries.
- AIR’s News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours.
- FM broadcasting began in 1977 in Chennai and today, AIR has 18 FM stereo channels.
Why the name change?
- The order to exclusively refer to AIR as Akashvani is in line with the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, passed by Parliament.
- Listeners have more of a connect with Akashvani and that the name change is in tune with the law which came into being in 1997.
Importance of AIR
- AIR played a crucial role in communicating momentous events in India’s recent history, prior to the advent of television or digital media.
- AIR’s place in history is cemented due to its role in broadcasting Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in 1947 and Kapil Dev’s mythical 175 run knock in 1983, among other events.
- For many Indians, the Akashvani jingle evokes nostalgia and memories of a bygone era when they woke up to the sounds of the jingle at the break of dawn and started their day with AIR programming.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clearing Corporations
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has de-recognised 6 clearing corporations in India as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) with effect from April 30.
- However, it allowed European banks to continue business with them till April 2023 without penal consequences.
What are Clearing Corporations?
- Clearing corporations, also known as central counterparties (CCPs), are financial institutions that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial markets.
- They help to manage the risk of default by ensuring that each party involved in a trade has the necessary funds or securities to fulfil their obligations.
- Clearing corporations also ensure that trades are settled in a timely and efficient manner.
- In the context of this article, clearing corporations refer to those involved in the clearing and settlement of trades in India’s cash and derivatives market.
Decisions by ESMA
- ESMA has withdrawn recognition of six Indian clearing corporations including- CCIL, Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd, NSE Clearing Ltd, Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing, India International Clearing Corporation, and NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation.
- ESMA asked Indian regulators to sign an agreement to give it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators refused to give supervisory power to foreign entities in Indian clearing corporations.
- ESMA recognised these clearing corporations as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) in the EU region.
India’s rebuttal
- ESMA had asked the RBI and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sign an agreement giving it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators did not agree to give supervisory power to a foreign entity on Indian clearing corporations.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-UAE relations and latest developments
Mains level: One year of India-UAE CEPA, its significance and impact
Central Idea
- The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signifies a deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship between the two countries that goes beyond just economic cooperation. The success of the agreement in stimulating economic growth and providing investment opportunities has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships
Background: India-UAE relationship
- Historical ties: The India-UAE relationship has been shaped by centuries of cultural and economic engagement on the Indian Ocean’s network of exchange. The two countries share historical ties that go back to pre-modern times, with Arab traders having visited the west coast of India since the fourth century AD.
- India’s third-largest trading partner: The UAE emerged as India’s third-largest trading partner, highlighting the two countries’ positive outlook towards economic cooperation.
- Trade partnership strengthened with oil: The India-UAE partnership was forged first on the trade of traditional items, and then strengthened with oil. It found a formal dimension after the creation of the UAE Federation in 1971, and then accelerated in the 1990s when a liberalised India embraced the opportunity to export to the UAE and markets beyond.
- Relationship is today more than an economic partnership: It speaks to the Emirates’s deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship with India, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key partner in India’s foreign policy. The two countries share strong cultural and people-to-people ties, with a significant Indian diaspora in the UAE.
- key partner in India’s development agenda: The UAE has been a key partner in India’s development agenda, including investments in the oil and gas sector, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The UAE has also been supportive of India’s efforts in combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation.
India- UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral trade agreement that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
- The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.
- The CEPA has been in the making for several years, with negotiations starting in 2017 and the agreement finally coming into force on May 1, 2022. The agreement builds on the decades of mutual enterprise between the two countries, with the UAE emerging as India’s third-largest trading partner.
How India- UAE CEPA benefits both the countries?
- Increased trade: The CEPA is expected to significantly increase trade volumes between India and the UAE, with the potential to create new investment opportunities and increase business partnerships. This will help both countries to diversify their trade relationships beyond their traditional trading partners.
- Diversified trade: The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy, allowing for a more diversified trade relationship between the two countries.
- Access to new markets: The CEPA is inspiring innovators and investors, catalysing SMEs, startups, and India Inc to make decisive inroads into new markets, particularly the Emirati market, and from there to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This will benefit both countries in terms of access to new markets and opportunities.
- Support for entrepreneurship: The CEPA provides support for startups in both India and the UAE, enabling them to explore growth and diversification into each other’s markets, as well as other markets in the region and beyond. The India-UAE Startup Bridge will also enable them to attract investment from venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a trade lens to tackle issues such as energy and food security, agriculture, and sustainability, making it a strategic catalyst in addressing vital developmental challenges.
Facts for prelims: UPI in UAE
- Indian travelers can now seamlessly make payments in the UAE using the UPI-based apps.
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with the Mashreq Bank’s NEOPAY to enable UPI-based payments in the Gulf Nation.
- UPI payments will only be possible in UAE shops that have NEOPAY terminals. The user should have a bank account with an Indian bank account along with a mobile app like BHIM that supports UPI payments.
- Currently, UPI payments are accepted in Bhutan and Nepal. It is likely to go live in Singapore by the end of this year.
- Back in 2021, the UPI services were launched in Bhutan in collaboration with its central bank, the Royal Monetary Authority.
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Way ahead?
- Looking ahead, the India-UAE CEPA presents a unique opportunity to further deepen economic and strategic ties between the two countries. Some of the key steps that can be taken to build on the success of the CEPA include:
- Strengthening infrastructure: India and the UAE can collaborate to strengthen infrastructure, including ports, airports, and logistics networks, to facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
- Enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors: The two countries can explore cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and fintech, among others, to promote innovation and economic growth.
- Promoting investment: Both India and the UAE can take steps to promote investment in each other’s markets, including through the creation of investment promotion agencies, bilateral investment treaties, and other measures.
- Strengthening cultural ties: Cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts can be further enhanced to deepen the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
- Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a platform for addressing key developmental challenges faced by both countries, such as energy and food security, sustainability, and agriculture. Further efforts can be made to leverage this platform to achieve meaningful progress in these areas.
Conclusion
- The UAE-India CEPA has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships, leading the nations to build competitive, resilient, sustainable, and vibrant economies.
Mains Question
Q. India-UAE completed its one year of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) implementation. In this background discuss impact on the Bilateral Trade.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maharashtra's Aspirational Cities Programme
Mains level: Urbanization challenges and measures
Central Idea
- Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) aims to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance. The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. The success of the ACP could have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s economy and lead to ease of living in urban areas.
Urban population of India
- According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population of India was 377 million, which accounted for 31.16% of the total population. Around 590 million people would live in the cities by 2030.
- While cities constitute about 3 per cent of the land in the country, they generate 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute substantially to economic growth and opportunities.
- There is a robust relationship between the index of cities’ liveability and the country’s GDP per capita suggesting that long-term growth is only feasible if the city attributes in terms of providing equitable access to basic services, residences, and improved economic management are woven seamlessly through digital service delivery platforms.
Challenges of urbanization in Maharashtra
- Deficient Infrastructure: Maharashtra’s cities are grappling with issues of deficient infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, public transport, water supply, and waste management systems.
- Air Pollution: Urbanization has led to an increase in air pollution in Maharashtra’s cities, primarily due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
- Social Inequities: The growth of informal settlements and slums in Maharashtra’s cities has led to social inequities, with the urban poor lacking access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
- Mobility and Migration: Maharashtra’s cities continue to face the challenge of frequent mobility and migration, with an inward net movement of people for better livelihood opportunities.
- Vulnerabilities to Disasters and Climate Change: Rapid urbanization has increased the vulnerability of Maharashtra’s cities to disasters and climate change, such as floods and heatwaves.
- Poor Urban Planning: Many of the challenges faced by Maharashtra’s cities are a result of poor urban planning, with a lack of coordination between various government departments and inadequate implementation of policies and programmes.
What is Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP)?
- The Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) is an initiative of the Government of Maharashtra aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in the state by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance.
- The ACP has identified 57 cities that have been proposed for the programme. Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra.
- The performance of the 57 selected cities would be monitored and ranked quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform with indicators on the themes of urban infrastructure, education, urban services, skill development, and climate change.
- The ACP is based on three priority areas: inclusive urban development, scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring outcomes, and citizen participation in civic affairs.
The Maharashtra government’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) focuses on three priority areas
- Inclusive Urban Development: The ACP aims to bring an integrated approach to urban programming that involves all development sectors. This is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of urban development reach all sections of society, including the most vulnerable.
- Scientific Data Methods: The ACP seeks to adopt scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring the outcomes of both state and central schemes. This will provide a better understanding of the impact of various policies and programmes on the ground.
- Citizen Participation: The ACP aims to enhance the voice and participation of citizens in civic affairs through physical and digital means. This is aimed at ensuring that governance is citizen-centric and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Other key features of Maharashtra’s ACP
- Improved Governance: The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. This is aimed at ensuring that the governance of cities is efficient, transparent, and accountable.
- Service Level Benchmarking: Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra. This will enable the state government to monitor and rank the performance of the 57 selected cities quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform.
- Provision of Adequate Potable Tap Water: The ACP agenda includes provisioning adequate potable tap water to all households by taking advantage of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Reformed Property Tax: The ACP aims to reform property tax by delinking it from the reasonable rental value method and adopting the market value of the property as a base for assessment.
Facts for prelims
What is Urban 20 (U20)?
- Within the G20 ecosystem, a city diplomacy initiative called the Urban 20 (U20) was launched in December 2017.
- As one of the formal Engagement Groups under G20, the U20 forum was meant to collectively raise critical urban issues of G20 cities during the G20 negotiations.
- Despite U20’s concerted efforts to run parallel to G20, the absence of any written constitution, procedures, or formal agreement has made U20 unable to effectively address the aspirations and concerns of cities.
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Conclusion
- It is time to accept the reality that New India is moving from its villages to the cities, and therefore, the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. The ACP is an example of a policy that puts people first as part of urban development. This effort by the Government of Maharashtra is strategically contextualised with the Viksit Bharat vision for India in 2047.
Mains Question
Q. New India is moving from its villages to the cities which highlights the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. In light of this discuss how Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) could help to address the challenges of urbanization
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 355
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Recently, unrest in the state of Manipur was triggered by a decision of the High Court to pursue a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community.
- In view of the prevailing unprecedented burning situation, the Centre has imposed Article 355 in the state, in an effort to control the situation, according to reliable sources.
What is Article 355?
- Article 355 of the Indian Constitution is a provision that empowers the Union government to protect every state in India against external aggression and internal disturbances.
- It is a provision under Part XVIII of the Constitution, titled “Emergency Provisions”.
- It is based on the principle of “duty to protect” enshrined in the Constitution, which makes it mandatory for the Union government to protect every state from external and internal threats.
Restrictions under Article 355
Under Article 355, the Union government has the power to issue directions to any state to ensure compliance with the Union’s laws and regulations. However, there are certain restrictions on this power:
- The directions can only be given when there is a failure of the state machinery to comply with or give effect to any Union law or regulation.
- The directions should be of an urgent nature and may not extend beyond the necessary period for remedying the failure of the state machinery.
- The state government should be given an opportunity to submit its views before the issuance of such directions.
- The Union government cannot use this power to intervene in the internal affairs of a state unless there is a failure of the state machinery.
Duration of restriction
- The duration of the assistance provided under Article 355 is not specified in the Constitution.
- The Union government can withdraw its assistance when the situation is normalized or when the state government requests it to do so.
- The duration of the assistance provided under Article 355 is subject to judicial review and can be challenged in court if it violates any fundamental rights or constitutional provisions.
Circumstances of imposition
Article 355 can be invoked by the President of India in certain circumstances, such as:
- When a state fails to comply with or to give effect to any of the directions given by the Union under the Constitution.
- When the security of India is threatened by external aggression or internal disturbance.
- When there is a threat to the unity and integrity of India due to any violent activities by any group or organization.
- When a state requests for assistance from the Union to maintain public order and the Union is satisfied that the situation in the state cannot be controlled by the state’s own forces.
- When a state fails to provide adequate protection to minorities, particularly in cases of communal violence.
- When a state government fails to ensure that the constitutional machinery is maintained in the state.
Reasonable restrictions
It is important to note that the use of Article 355 is subject to certain restrictions:
- The President cannot use this article on his/her own initiative; it must be done on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
- The use of Article 355 does not authorize the President to intervene directly in the affairs of the state.
- The President can use this article only to give directions to the state government, and not to the state legislature or the judiciary.
- The use of Article 355 should be limited in duration and scope, and should not result in the permanent erosion of the state’s autonomy or the violation of its constitutional rights.
Centrestage of the row: Meitei Community
- Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills.
- The Imphal Valley is dominated by the non-tribal Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population.
- The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
- The Meiteis are largely Hindus followed by Muslims, while the 33 recognized tribes are broadly classified into ‘Any Naga tribes’ and ‘Any Kuki tribes.’
Behind the ST status: The Meitei Argument
- The Manipur High Court directed the State government to submit a 10-year-old recommendation for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.
- The ST status is needed to “preserve” the community and “save the ancestral land, tradition, culture, and language” of the Meiteis.
- The Meiteis were recognized as a tribe before the merger of the State with the Union of India in 1949.
Tribal groups’ opposition to the ST Status
- Advantaged community: Many tribal groups say the Meiteis have a demographic and political advantage besides being more advanced than them academically and in other aspects.
- Benefits at others cost: They feel the ST status to the Meiteis would lead to loss of job opportunities and allow them to acquire land in the hills and push the tribals out.
- Already benefited: The language of the Meitei people is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and many of them have access to benefits associated with the SC, OBC, or EWS status.
- Political vendetta: The demand for ST status is a ploy to attenuate the fervent political demands of the Kukis and Nagas, as well as a tacit strategy of the dominant valley dwellers to make inroads into the hill areas of the State.
Immediate triggers of unrest
- Some tribal groups with vested interests are trying to scuttle Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh’s crusade against drugs.
- The anti-drug drive began with destroying poppy fields and the theory that “illegal settlers” from Myanmar — ethnically related to the Kuki-Zomi people of Manipur — are behind clearing forests and government lands to grow opium and cannabis.
- The first violent protest on March 10 was against the eviction of the residents of a Kuki village.
- The large-scale arson and violence claiming the life of at least one person on May 3 and 4 followed a “tribal solidarity rally” against the reported move to include the Meiteis in the ST list.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
Mains level: CBDC used for foreign payments
Central Idea: RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Shankar commented on CBDC platforms and their potential impact on cross-border payments during the G20 TechSprint.
About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
- CBDC is a central bank-issued digital currency which is backed by some kind of assets in the form of either gold, currency reserves, bonds and other assets, recognised by the central banks as a monetary asset.
- The present concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, but a CBDC is different from virtual currency and cryptocurrency.
- Cryptocurrencies are not issued by a state and lack the legal tender status declared by the government.
Hurdles in Cross-Border Payments
- Fragmented and truncated data formats: Lack of standardization in data formats creates inefficiencies in cross-border payments. Fragmented and truncated data formats create additional costs and delays in the processing of transactions.
- Complex processing of compliance checks: Cross-border payments require compliance with different regulatory frameworks in different jurisdictions. Compliance checks can be complex and time-consuming, causing delays and additional costs.
- Limited operating hours: Traditional banking systems have limited operating hours, which can cause delays in cross-border payments. International time zone differences also contribute to these challenges.
- Legacy technology platforms: Traditional banking systems still rely on legacy technology platforms, which can be slow and outdated. This can lead to inefficiencies and delays in cross-border payments.
- Long transaction chains: Cross-border payments often involve multiple intermediaries, which can lead to long transaction chains. Each intermediary adds additional costs and can increase the time it takes for a transaction to be completed.
- Funding costs: Cross-border payments require funding in multiple currencies, which can lead to additional costs. Exchange rate fluctuations can also impact the cost of cross-border payments.
- Weak competition: The lack of competition in the cross-border payments industry can contribute to inefficiencies and high costs. The dominance of a few large players can limit innovation and hinder the development of more efficient solutions.
Potential benefits with CBDC
- Less intermediaries: CBDC can reduce the need for multiple intermediaries in cross-border payments, leading to a faster and more efficient process.
- Enhanced efficiency: It can increase the speed and efficiency of cross-border payments by reducing processing times and delays.
- Enhanced integration: It can enable better integration between different payment systems, reducing fragmentation and increasing interoperability.
- Enhanced technical compatibility: It can be designed to work with existing payment infrastructure, making it easier to adopt and integrate into the current system.
- Enhanced safety: It can provide enhanced security measures that can help mitigate the risk of fraud and cyber-attacks in cross-border payments.
- Mitigation of cross-currency risks: CBDC can help mitigate risks associated with cross-border and cross-currency transactions, such as exchange rate fluctuations, currency conversion fees, and transaction processing delays.
How can this be implemented to practice?
|
Description |
Examples |
| Model 1 |
Enhancing Compatibility Among Domestic CBDC Systems |
Many central banks are working to enhance the compatibility of domestic CBDC systems. Common international standards are required, which require regulatory coordination and market practices. |
| Model 2 |
Interlinking CBDC Systems |
CBDC networks are linked up by synchronizing payment actions without the need for a trusted third party or a common platform. |
| Model 3 |
Establishing a Single mCBDC System |
Cross-border payments are processed through a jointly operated “corridor network”. |
RBI’s push for CBDC adoption @ G20
- RBI emphasized the need for increased adoption of CBDCs across countries for them to play a role in the cross-border payments arena.
- Countries need to decide to create CBDCs and create an infrastructure for various CBDCs to interface for CBDCs to be effective in cross-border payments.
- RBI suggested India’s model of digitization, where the basic infrastructure was created by the public sector and the fintech/financial/start-up ecosystem was allowed to create innovative solutions, could also be successful with CBDCs globally
Conclusion
- CBDCs could bring about a significant change in the sphere of cross-border payments, but coordination across countries and between the public and private sectors is essential for that to happen
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Washington Declaration, NPT
Mains level: US nuclear establishments near China
Central Idea: The context is the recent visit of the South Korean President to the US to commemorate the 70th anniversary of US-South Korea bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries signed the “Washington Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence strategy against North Korea’s regional aggression.
Washington Declaration: Key Terms
- Nuke deployment by US: According to the declaration, an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula.
- Intel mechanism: A nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics, and South Korea would receive Intel from the US regarding nuclear advancements.
- Joint training: The US will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
- Deterrence creation: The declaration reaffirmed the Non-Proliferation Treaty implying that South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities and would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.
Implications of the treaty
- Big power politics: While the existence of the agreement is based on the security needs of South Korea, the policy reflects big power politics where the interests of the larger power (US) takes precedence.
- US proprietorship over the nukes: The US is the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear arsenal of the US in the event of a nuclear confrontation.
- Maintaining stability: The assurance that the US and its nuclear weapons would protect its allies by being responsible for maintaining stability in the region aligns with the larger goal of non-proliferation.
US Stance on South Korea’s Nuclear Capabilities
- Fouled the SK nuclear program: South Korea’s nuclear development programme supported by former president Park Chung Hee was hindered due to US pressure.
- Strategic arms reduction: The US withdrew one hundred nuclear weapons from South Korea in the 1990s as part of their “Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty” to make North Korea unarm itself.
- Renewed interest after North Korea’s Rise: The Nuclear Posture Review 2022 reflects a shift in the US narrative where it is now concerned about the progressing nuclear capacities of North Korea.
Regional and domestic responses
- China: It said it undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries.
- North Korea: Kim Jong-Un’s sister warned that the declaration would only result in making peace and security of North-East Asia and the world be exposed to more serious danger.
Conclusion
- Overall, the Declaration is an important step in the direction of creating a more overt and close coordination among the US allies in the Indo-Pacific.
- It seeks to deal with not only North Korea but also moves of China and Russia.
Back2Basics: Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
The NPT is an international treaty signed in 1968 that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Key facts about the NPT include:
- Members: There are currently 191 parties to the treaty, including the five recognized nuclear-weapon states (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK).
- Three main pillars: Non-proliferation, Disarmament and Peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Non-nuclear-weapon states: They are parties to the treaty agree not to acquire nuclear weapons and to accept International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on their nuclear activities.
- Nuclear-weapon states: They are the parties to the treaty agree not to transfer nuclear weapons or technology to non-nuclear-weapon states.
- 5 year review: The treaty is reviewed every five years at a conference of parties, with the most recent review conference taking place in 2015.
- Criticisms: NPT has been criticized for not doing enough to promote disarmament, and for perpetuating a system of haves and have-nots in which certain states have nuclear weapons while others do not. However, proponents argue that the treaty has helped to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cantonments
Mains level: ULBs in India
Central Idea: The Union government has kicked off a plan to abolish the 62 cantonments around the country as “archaic colonial legacies”. The first cantonment to be renamed a military station is Yol in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the plan?
- The plan is to carve out the military areas in all cantonments and convert them into “exclusive military stations” with the Army exercising “absolute control” over them.
- The civilian areas, in turn, will be merged with the local municipalities, which will be responsible for their maintenance among other things.
- The Army moved away from the concept of cantonments after independence, mainly due to the friction between military and civilian authorities.
- But some major cantonments continued to exist. Ex. Pune Cantonment, Agra Cantonment etc.
What are Cantonments?
- Cantonments in India are permanent military stations where a group of military personnel are stationed for administrative purposes.
- These cantonments are governed by the Cantonments Act, 2006 which provides for municipal administration and control of these areas.
- There are 62 cantonments in India which are located in various states across the country.
- These areas are maintained by the Defence Estates Organization (DEO) under the Ministry of Defence, and are distinct from military bases or barracks which are temporary locations for military personnel.
- Cantonments are generally considered to be areas with better infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country.
Their features
- Cantonment Boards are democratic bodies comprising elected and nominated members.
- In terms of Entry 3 of the Union List (Schedule VII) of the Constitution of India, Urban Self Governance of the Cantonments and the Housing Accommodation therein is the subject matter of the Union.
- The Station Commander of the Cantonment is the ex-officio President of the Board, and an officer of the IDES or Defence Estates Organisation is the Chief Executive Officer who is also the Member-Secretary of the Board.
- They have equal representation of elected and nominated/ex-officio members to balance official representation with democratic composition.
- They maintain ecological balance while providing better civic facilities to the residents.
History of establishments
- The Cantonments Act, 1924 was enacted by the British to regulate the municipal administration of Cantonments.
- After India’s independence, the Cantonments Act, 1924, was modified to suit the democratic setup of the country.
- The Cantonments Act, 2006, replaced the Cantonments Act, 1924, and aims to provide greater autonomy and accountability to the Cantonment Boards.
Categories
There are four categories of Cantonments, depending on the size of the population residing inside a Cantonment:
- Category I: Cantonments having a population of more than 50,000.
- Category II: Cantonments having a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
- Category III: Cantonments having a population of less than 10,000.
- Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAI20 engagement group and India’s presidency
Mains level: SAI20 and CAG's leadership and sustainable economic growth
Central Idea
- Under India’s presidency, the G20 leaders will be focusing on collective progress, equity, and inclusive growth, with the summit theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future. India’s commitment to green development, circular economy, and lifestyle behavior changes aim to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20, the Engagement Group for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) of G20 countries in Goa in June.
Top Priority areas for SAI20 deliberations Under India’s presidency
- The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20 in Goa in June this year.
- Two priority areas have been selected for SAI20 deliberation:
- Blue economy
- Responsible Artificial Intelligence
What is SAI20?
- SAI20 stands for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) of G20 countries.
- It is a forum where SAIs from G20 countries can engage with each other to share their experiences and expertise in auditing public policies and governance practices.
- The group meets annually to discuss important issues related to public auditing and to develop joint initiatives to promote good governance and accountability in their respective countries.
What is Blue Economy?
- Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ecosystem.
- Gunter Pauli’s book, The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs” (2010) brought the Blue Economy concept into prominence.
- The UN first introduced blue economy at a conference in 2012 and underlined sustainable management, based on the argument that marine ecosystems are more productive when they are healthy. In fact, the UN notes that the Blue Economy is exactly what is needed to implement SDG 14, Life Below Water.
- The term ‘blue economy’ includes not only ocean-dependent economic development but also inclusive social development and environmental and ecological security.
Key functions and significance of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs)
- Independent audits: SAIs conduct independent audits of government finances and operations to ensure that public funds are being used in accordance with the law, and that government agencies are operating effectively and efficiently.
- Promoting transparency and accountability: SAIs promotes transparency and accountability by making audit reports publicly available, and by providing information to the public about government spending and operations.
- Improving governance: By identifying weaknesses and inefficiencies in government operations, SAIs can help to improve governance and promote more effective use of public resources.
- Supporting the legislative branch: SAIs supports the legislative branch by providing information and analysis that can help lawmakers make informed decisions about government programs and policies.
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations: SAIs ensure compliance with laws and regulations by reviewing government operations and financial statements to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Fostering international cooperation: Through international organizations such as the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), SAIs collaborates and share best practices with their counterparts in other countries to promote good governance and accountability globally.
Facts for prelims
What is Compendium of Asset Accounts of Natural Resources?
- The Compendium of Asset Accounts of Natural Resources is a comprehensive report prepared by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in line with the United Nations system of Environmental and Economic Accounts.
- It is the first-ever country-wide compendium of natural resource accounting methodologies and provides a guide for the Indian government to utilize natural resources optimally.
- The report covers various aspects of natural resources such as forests, minerals, water, and land, and includes accounts of physical quantities, values, and transactions related to these resources.
- The main objective of the compendium is to improve the management of natural resources and promote sustainable development.
|
How CAG can lead the SAI20 engagement group?
- Setting the agenda: The CAG can set the agenda for SAI20 deliberations, identifying priority areas for discussion and ensuring that they align with the broader goals of the G20 and the United Nations.
- Providing technical expertise: The CAG can provide technical expertise in auditing and public finance management, which can help other SAIs in the group to develop their capacity and improve their performance.
- Developing audit toolkits: The CAG can take the lead in developing audit toolkits, which can help SAIs in the group to assess development in coastal stretches, track marine water quality, and promote sustainable development.
- Building consensus: The CAG can work towards building consensus among SAIs in the group, promoting constructive dialogue and agreement on how to improve auditing of performance in specific areas of ocean-based activities.
- Strengthening accountability: The CAG can use SAI20 to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in ocean-based activities, which can help ensure that economic growth benefits are shared fairly across generations.
Conclusion
- The toolkits being prepared by SAI20 under the leadership of the CAG of India will be presented at the SAI20 Engagement Group meet, which will provide a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue and agreement to improve auditing of performance in specific areas of ocean-based activities. This collaborative effort would not only build capacity for auditors across SAI20 member countries but also help regional auditing communities by providing a common and replicable auditing tool.
Mains Question
Q. The Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) will chair SAI20 (Supreme Audit Institutions) of G20 countries this year. In this light discuss the role of SAI 20 and How CAG can lead the engagement group for sustainable economic growth?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NOTTO
Mains level: Liberalizing organ transplant rules in India
Central Idea: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is working on a transplant manual as a step-by-step guide for the implementation of organ donation and transplantation programmes in hospitals and a standard course for training transplant coordinators.
Organ transplant in India: Key statistics
- According to data accessed from the Health Ministry, the number of organ transplants has increased by over three times from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022.
- Of the 15,561 transplants, a majority — 12,791 (82%) — are from live donors and 2,765 (18%) are from cadavers (the dead).
- Up to 11,423 of the 15,561 organ transplants are for the kidney, followed by liver (766), heart (250), lung (138), pancreas (24) and small bowel transplants (3).
- Most of these transplants occur in private hospitals, the numbers in government hospitals are relatively lower.
About National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)
- In 2019, the GoI implemented the NOTP for promoting deceased organ donation.
- Organ donation in India is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
Types of Organ Donations
- The law allows both deceased and living donors to donate their organs.
- It also identifies brain death as a form of death.
- Living donors must be over 18 years of age and are limited to donating only to their immediate blood relatives or, in some special cases, out of affection and attachment towards the recipient.
(1) Deceased donors:
- They may donate six life-saving organs: kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and intestine.
- Uterus transplant is also performed, but it is not regarded as a life-saving organ.
- Organs and tissues from a person declared legally dead can be donated after consent from the family has been obtained.
- Brainstem death is also recognized as a form of death in India, as in many other countries.
- After a natural cardiac death, organs that can be donated are cornea, bone, skin, and blood vessels, whereas after brainstem death about 37 different organs and tissues can be donated, including the above six life-saving organs
(2) Living donors:
They are permitted to donate the following:
- one of their kidneys
- portion of pancreas
- part of the liver
Features of the NOTP
- Under the NOTP a National Level Tissue Bank (Biomaterial Centre) for storing tissues has been established at National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), New Delhi.
- Further, under the NOTP, a provision has also been made for providing financial support to the States for setting up of Bio-material centre.
- As of now a Regional Bio-material centre has been established at Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
More moves for facilitation: Green Corridors
- Studies have suggested that the chances of transplantation being successful are enhanced by reducing the time delay between harvest and transplant of the organ.
- Therefore, the transportation of the organ is a critical factor. For this purpose, “green corridors” have been created in many parts of India.
- A “green corridor” refers to a route that is cleared out for an ambulance carrying the harvested organs to ensure its delivery at the destination in the shortest time possible.
Recent amendments
(1) No Age Bar
- Now an individual of any age can register for organ transplant.
- People beyond 65 years in need of an organ donation will also be eligible to get one.
- The government has decided to do away with a clause in the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) guidelines as the clause violates the Right to Life.
(2) Doing away with domicile compulsion
- Earlier an organ recipient could register for a prospective transplant in domicile State.
- States like Gujarat had made it mandatory for registered patients to furnish a domicile certificate to be eligible for a transplant.
- In November last year, the Gujarat High Court quashed the discriminatory policy of the State government.
About NOTTO
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a national level organization set up under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network
- National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank)
[I] National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network
- This has been mandated as per the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
- The network will be established initially for Delhi and gradually expanded to include other States and Regions of the country.
- Thus, this division of the NOTTO is the nodal networking agency for Delhi and shall network for Procurement Allocation and Distribution of Organs and Tissues in Delhi.
- It functions as apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
[II] National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank)
- The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011 has included the component of tissue donation and registration of tissue Banks.
- It becomes imperative under the changed circumstances to establish National level Tissue Bank to fulfill the demands of tissue transplantation including activities for procurement, storage and fulfil distribution of biomaterials.
- The main thrust & objective of establishing the centre is to fill up the gap between ‘Demand’ and ‘Supply’ as well as ‘Quality Assurance’ in the availability of various tissues.
The centre will take care of the following Tissue allografts:
- Bone and bone products
- Skin graft
- Cornea
- Heart valves and vessels
Various issues involved
- Lack of awareness: Lack of awareness leads to myths and misconceptions about organ donation, which further discourages people from donating organs.
- Religious and cultural beliefs: Some religious and cultural beliefs view organ donation as a desecration of the body, which hinders organ donation.
- Lack of infrastructure: India faces a shortage of medical infrastructure and facilities for organ donation.
- Legal and regulatory challenges: India’s organ donation system is heavily regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
- Socioeconomic factors: Poverty and lack of education can lead to reduced access to information and medical services, making it difficult for people to donate organs.
- Organized crime: Organized criminal networks involved in organ trafficking and commercialization also create challenges for organ donation in India.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma against organ recipients, particularly those who receive transplants from other communities or castes, is also a challenge in promoting organ donation in India.
Way forward
- Developing a National Organ and Tissue Donation Registry: The registry could maintain a database of donors and recipients, along with their medical history and compatibility information.
- Setting up Mobile Organ Donation Units: These units could be equipped with medical personnel and equipment to conduct donation procedures in remote areas.
- Crowdfunding for Organ Transplant Surgeries: This could be used as a means to raise funds for organ transplant surgeries, especially for underprivileged individuals who cannot afford the cost of treatment.
- Promoting Living Donor Transplants: Living donor transplants can help increase the number of organs available for transplantation.
- Incentivizing for Organ Donation: Incentives could be introduced to encourage more people to donate organs. This could include tax breaks, priority access to medical treatment, and other benefits.
- Leveraging Technology: Technology could be used to develop better donor and recipient matching algorithms, create virtual waiting lists, and streamline the donation and transplantation process.
- International Collaboration: India could collaborate with other countries to share best practices, leverage technology, and develop new approaches to organ donation and transplantation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AI
Mains level: Regulation of AI
Central idea: The European Parliament has recently reached a preliminary deal on a new draft of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, after two years of drafting and negotiations.
Regulating AI
- The need for regulation of AI technologies has been highlighted worldwide.
- EU lawmakers have urged world leaders to hold a summit to brainstorm ways to control the development of advanced AI systems.
EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act
- The aim of the AI Act is to bring transparency, trust, and accountability to AI technologies and to mitigate risks to the safety, health, fundamental rights, and democratic values of the EU.
- The legislation seeks to address ethical questions and implementation challenges in various sectors, from healthcare and education to finance and energy.
- It seeks to strike a balance between promoting the uptake of AI while mitigating or preventing harms associated with certain uses of the technology.
- It aims to strengthen Europe’s position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market and ensure that AI in Europe respects the 27-country bloc’s values and rules.
- The Act delegates the process of standardization or creation of precise technical requirements for AI technologies to the EU’s expert standard-setting bodies in specific sectors.
Details of the Act
- Defining AI: AI is broadly defined as “software that is developed with one or more of the techniques that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing the environments they interact with.”
- Four risk-category: The Act outlines four risk categories:
- Unacceptable: The use of technologies in the unacceptable risk category is prohibited with little exception, including real-time facial and biometric identification systems in public spaces, China-like systems of social scoring, subliminal techniques to distort behavior, and technologies that exploit vulnerabilities of certain populations.
- High: The focus is on AI in the high-risk category, prescribing pre-and post-market requirements for developers and users of such systems and establishing an EU-wide database of high-risk AI systems. The requirements for conformity assessments for high-risk AI systems must be met before they can make it to the market.
- Limited and minimal: AI systems in the limited and minimal risk category can be used with a few requirements like transparency obligations.
Recent proposal on General Purpose AI
- Recent updates to EU rules to regulate generative AI, including language model-based chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are discussed.
- Lawmakers are debating whether all forms of general-purpose AI will be designated high-risk.
- Companies deploying generative AI tools are required to disclose any copyrighted material used to develop their systems.
Reaction from the AI Industry
- Some industry players have welcomed the legislation, while others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on innovation and competitiveness.
- Companies are worried about transparency requirements, fearing that they may have to divulge trade secrets.
- Lawmakers and consumer groups have criticized the legislation for not fully addressing the risks associated with AI systems.
Global governance of AI
- The US currently lacks comprehensive AI regulation and has taken a hands-off approach.
- The Biden administration released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR) that outlines the harms of AI and five principles for mitigating them.
- China has come out with some of the world’s first nationally binding regulations targeting specific types of algorithms and AI.
- China enacted a law to regulate recommendation algorithms, with a focus on how they disseminate information.
- While India is still stuck with the Personal Data Protection Bill.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Press Freedom Index
Mains level: Freedom of press in India and global propaganda
Central Idea: India’s ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has slipped to 161 out of 180 countries, according to the latest report released by global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
What is Press Freedom Index?
- The PFI is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters without Borders since 2002.
- It is based upon the organisation’s own assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.
- It defines press freedom as “the ability of journalists as individuals and collectives to select, produce, and disseminate news in the public interest independent of political, economic, legal, and social interference and in the absence of threats to their physical and mental safety.”
- It intends to reflect the degree of freedom that journalists, news organisations, and netizens have in each country, and the efforts made by authorities to respect this freedom.
- It does not measure the quality of journalism in the countries it assesses, nor does it look at human rights violations in general.
Irony of the rankings
- In 2022, India was ranked at 150.
- Pakistan has fared better when it comes to media freedom as it was placed at 150, an improvement from last year’s 157th rank.
- Afghanistan was ranked 152nd. This raises some questions about the methodology of the index.
Global scenario
- Sri Lanka also made significant improvement on the index, ranking 135th this year as against 146th in 2022
- Norway, Ireland and Denmark occupied the top three positions in press freedom, while Vietnam, China and North Korea constituted the bottom three.
Back2Basics: Freedom of Press and Constitutional Provisions
- The Supreme Court in Romesh Thappar v. the State of Madras, 1950 observed that freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.
- It is guaranteed under the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19, which deals with ‘Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.
- Freedom of the press is not expressly protected by the Indian legal system but it is impliedly protected under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution.
- The freedom of the press is also not absolute.
Reasonable restrictions
- A law could impose only those restrictions on the exercise of this right, it faces certain restrictions under Article 19(2), which are as follows:
- Sovereignty and integrity of India
- Security of the State,
- Friendly relations with foreign States
- Public order, decency or morality
- Contempt of court
- Defamation
- Incitement to an offence
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OPS, NPS and CGPS
Mains level: Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) Analysis
Central Idea
- The debate on pensions is heating up as several state governments announce their reversion to the old pension scheme (OPS). However, economists have frowned upon this move, citing two major reasons. Firstly, since the state has to bear the full burden of pensions, it may become fiscally unsustainable in the long run. Secondly, an unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the budget can come at the cost of other welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.
What is mean by pension?
- A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.
What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?
- The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
- Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
- This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.
What is the National Pension System (NPS)?
- The Union government under PM Vajpayee took a decision in 2003 to discontinue the old pension scheme and introduced the NPS.
- The scheme is applicable to all new recruits joining the Central Government service (except armed forces) from April 1, 2004.
- On the introduction of NPS, the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 was amended.
What are two arguments against reverting to the old pension scheme?
- Fiscal Unsustainability: Since the State has to bear the full burden of pensions, it will become fiscally unsustainable in the medium to long run.
- Trade-Off with Welfare Expenditure: Such an unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the Budget can only come at the cost of other more pressing welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.
The commonality between the two arguments
- Both arguments assume that the fiscal revenues are fixed, which is not necessarily the case if the government has its priorities right.
- Both arguments assume that unsustainable rise in pension allocation in the Budget can only come at the cost of other more pressing welfare expenditures allocated to the poor and marginalized sections.
Why Public sector workers are asking for a guaranteed pension in place of the NPS?
- Fluctuating pension returns: The NPS is market-based, which means that the pension returns fluctuate according to the returns prevailing in the market. This creates uncertainty and makes it difficult for employees to plan for their post-retirement life.
- Guaranteed pension: Public sector workers are looking for a guaranteed pension that will provide them with a fixed amount after retirement. This will ensure a stable and predictable post-retirement life for them.
- Employee contribution: In the new contributory guaranteed pension scheme (CGPS), a large part of the pension will be funded by the employees themselves. This is in contrast to the old pension scheme (OPS) where no contribution was required from the employees.
- Protection against market fluctuations: The CGPS provides protection to employees against market fluctuations. If the market return happens to be higher than the guaranteed pension, the State gets to pocket the difference. On balance, the additional burden on the CGPS may be marginal compared to the NPS.
- Burden-sharing: The CGPS ensures that the burden of uncertainty does not fall on employees alone. In the OPS, elite workers gain at the cost of their brethren lower on the income ladder. However, in the CGPS, the burden is only the employer’s contribution part, exactly as in the NPS.
Potential disadvantages of a CGPS
- Higher contribution burden on employees: Under the CGPS, employees will continue to contribute a fixed percentage of their basic pay towards their pension. This may put a higher burden on them compared to the current system, where their contribution fluctuates based on market returns.
- Additional administrative burden: Implementing a new pension scheme like CGPS may involve additional administrative burden and costs for the government, which could be challenging to manage efficiently.
- Uncertainty of market returns: While the CGPS guarantees a fixed pension amount, it does not provide any certainty on the market returns. If the market returns are lower than expected, the government will have to bear the burden of paying the difference between the guaranteed pension and the actual pension.
Facts for prelims: CGPS vs NPS
| Parameter |
Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) |
National Pension scheme (NPS) |
| Type of Scheme |
Guaranteed Pension Scheme |
Market-linked Pension Scheme |
| Contributions |
Made by both employee and employer |
Made by the employee only |
| Pension Amount |
Guaranteed 50% of the last drawn salary, adjusted for inflation |
Market-linked, varies according to returns |
| Risk |
Risk is shared by both employee and employer |
Risk is borne entirely by the employee |
| Burden on exchequer |
Burden is only on the employer’s contribution part |
Burden is on the entire pension amount |
| Upside |
State gets to pocket the excess if the market return is higher |
No upside for the State |
| Fiscal sustainability |
Can be sustainable with proper rationalisation of taxes |
Unsustainable in the medium to long run |
Way ahead
- The government could consider implementing the Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) as an alternative to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) for public sector workers.
- The CGPS would allow the state to pocket any excess returns from the market, rather than bearing the entire burden of uncertain market returns as in the NPS.
- The government should consider rationalizing taxes, such as implementing inheritance and wealth taxes, to increase its revenue and reduce its dependence on fixed fiscal revenues.
- The government should set up a special task force to rationalize pensions and address the issue of pension sustainability in the long run.
- A possible downside to the CGPS is that it may require a higher contribution from employees, which could affect their take-home pay during their working life. However, this could be addressed by offering tax breaks or other incentives to encourage employees to contribute to the scheme.
Conclusion
- The current debate on pensions in India has brought forth the need for a well-designed and sustainable pension scheme that can cater to the needs of public sector workers while being fiscally responsible. The CGPS presents a viable alternative to the OPS and the NPS providing public sector workers with a guaranteed pension after they retire while also being largely funded by the employees themselves. While there may be some challenges in implementing the CGPS, with proper planning and execution, the CGPS could serve as a model for sustainable and equitable pension schemes that can support the growing needs of an ageing workforce in India.
Mains question
Q. The debate on pensions is heating up as several state governments announce their reversion to the old pension scheme. Do you think Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS) presents a viable alternative to the OPS and the NPS?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pacific Island countries
Mains level: Geostrategic significance of Pacific Island countries and India's development diplomacy
Central Idea
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) has strategic importance as it marks the Third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which India is co-hosting along with PNG in Port Moresby. India’s involvement with the region is crucial from a geostrategic perspective as it is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, India is gradually tuning itself towards the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by building development partnerships on critical issues.
Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)
- The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral grouping that aims to enhance India’s relations with the Pacific Islands region. It was launched in November 2014 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji.
- The FIPIC includes 14 Pacific Island countries, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
- The forum serves as a platform for India to engage with the Pacific Island countries on issues such as climate change, renewable energy, disaster management, health, and education, among others.
- The forum also provides an opportunity for India to strengthen its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region and counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Why should India focus on Pacific Island Countries (PICs)?
- Strategic location: The PICs are strategically located in the South Pacific and inhabit almost one-sixth of the world’s population. These islands have occupied common spheres of influence and interest for major superpowers like the US, France, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK).
- Resource-rich region: The PICs are inherently resource-rich in natural minerals and hydrocarbons. They are known for massive biodiversity, diverse ocean life, and extensive mangroves.
- Countering China: China’s foray into the region in the form of resource extraction, increasing naval presence in the South China Sea, and investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has unnerved the neighbourhood. India’s engagement with the Pacific nations is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
- Diplomatic importance: India’s engagement with the PICs is significant for diplomatic reasons, as it can increase India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s foreign policy considerations are progressively being structured around the notion of diplomacy for development. This India Way of foreign policy fits well for the larger Global South.
- Development partnerships: India can build development partnerships with PICs on critical issues including climate resilience, digital health, renewable energy, and disaster risk reduction.
- Economic opportunities: The PICs offer economic opportunities for India, especially in the areas of green transition and climate change, technology transfer, capacity building, encouraging trade and commerce, etc.
Facts for prelims: PIC’s
| Region |
Countries |
Resources |
Strategic Importance |
Physical Location |
| Melanesia |
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu |
Minerals, timber, fish, gold, copper, oil, gas |
Natural resources, biodiversity, proximity to shipping lanes |
1°N to 14°S, 124°E to 168°E |
| Micronesia |
Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau |
Fish, phosphate, coconut products |
Strategic military location, control of the Pacific Ocean, climate change impacts |
1°N to 11°N, 130°E to 176°E |
| Polynesia |
American Samoa, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna |
Fish, forestry, agriculture, tourism |
Tourism, cultural significance, strategic military location |
14°S to 27°S, 123°W to 162°E |
What is Development Diplomacy?
- Development diplomacy is a foreign policy approach that emphasizes cooperation and partnership on development issues with other countries as a means of achieving shared goals and promoting mutual interests.
- The focus is on building relationships with other nations based on shared values and common objectives, rather than on traditional notions of power and influence.
- Development diplomacy recognizes the interdependence of nations in an increasingly globalized world, and seeks to create win-win partnerships that benefit all parties involved.
key initiatives taken by India under Development diplomacy in Papua New Guinea (PNG)
- Line of Credit: India has offered a $100 million Line of Credit (LoC) to Papua New Guinea for infrastructure development.
- Climate resilience: India has partnered with PNG for a project aimed at developing climate-resilient agriculture. Under this project, Indian experts are sharing their expertise on climate-resilient agriculture practices and technology transfer.
- Healthcare: India has offered training for healthcare professionals in PNG, and has also provided medical equipment and supplies.
- Education: India has offered scholarships to students from PNG to study in India, as well as providing vocational training for PNG youth.
- Renewable energy: India has partnered with PNG to promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
- Capacity building: India has provided training for PNG government officials in areas such as public administration, governance, and disaster management.
- Trade and commerce: India have sought to enhance trade and investment relations with PNG, including through the promotion of Indian businesses and the facilitation of PNG investment in India.
Conclusion
- India’s involvement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is crucial from a geostrategic perspective, as it is viewed by the US as a means to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. India’s unique approach to development cooperation fits well for the larger Global South, and it can be a possible pathway for advancing Southern-driven partnerships in the PICs. With the G20 Presidency giving India leverage as an important economy in world politics, the FIPIC can be viewed as a suitable opportunity for New Delhi to realign itself in the emerging world order.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean Development diplomacy? Why India should increase its focus on pacific island countries?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Initiatives for Climate smart agriculture
Mains level: Climate-smart agriculture, digitalization, role of G20 and way ahead
Central Idea
- Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a part of India’s and the G20 countries’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) vision. It is a complex, mega-scale challenge. The objective of CSA is to optimise a country’s agriculture productivity, resilience, and emissions in response to climate change (long-term, irreversible changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, and wind). The G20 can play a key role in addressing the challenge of climate-smart agriculture
What is Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)?
- Sustainable agricultural practice: Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) refers to the sustainable agricultural practices that help to increase food production and farmer incomes, improve resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- CSA aims to achieve three goals simultaneously: (1) sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, (2) adapting and building resilience to climate change, and (3) reducing and/or removing greenhouse gas emissions, where possible.
- It involves a combination of strategies, technologies, and policies that are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each country’s agriculture sector.
Challenges for Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)
- Complex and multi-dimensional: CSA is a complex and multi-dimensional challenge that requires integrated solutions, which may be difficult to implement and require significant investments.
- Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many farmers are not aware of the benefits of CSA and may not have the knowledge or skills to implement it effectively.
- Access to finance: Financing for CSA practices may be limited, especially for smallholder farmers who may lack collateral or access to credit.
- Policy and institutional constraints: Policies and institutions may not be aligned to support the adoption and scaling up of CSA practices.
- Technical and technological challenges: CSA requires the use of appropriate technologies and practices, which may not be available or accessible in some regions.
- Climate change impacts: The impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, may negatively affect the productivity and resilience of agricultural systems, making it difficult to implement CSA practices.
- Data and information gaps: There may be gaps in data and information on the impacts of CSA practices, making it difficult to assess their effectiveness and scale them up.
G20’s role in addressing these challenges
- The G20 must play a key role in addressing the challenge of CSA by adopting the ontological framework, method, and recommendations to set the agenda for research, policy, and practice.
- The G20 must constitute a committee to formulate a systemic agenda for systematic research, policies, and practices for the digitalisation of CSA in a country using the ontology.
- The Think20 Engagement Groups provide research and policy advice to the G20 and are ideal forums to develop the ontological framework as the G20 presidency rotates between the member countries each year.
- The ontology of CSA must be adopted globally as a framework for all G20 countries by adapting the crop and region taxonomies to each country.
- The G20 committee must help countries collaborate in their efforts, coordinate their policies, and communicate their learnings.
- The G20 must set the trajectory for the digitalisation of CSA within the G20 and globally and must provide a ‘map’ for the global effort.
Facts for prelims
|
Initiatives
|
Description
|
| National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) |
A network project launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2011 to enhance resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change |
| Soil Health Card Scheme |
Launched in 2015 to provide farmers with information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommend appropriate soil health management practices |
| Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana |
Launched in 2016 to provide farmers with insurance coverage and financial support in the event of crop losses due to adverse weather conditions |
| Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana |
Launched in 2015 to promote organic farming practices in India and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides |
| National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) |
Launched in 2010 to promote sustainable agriculture practices in India and enhance agricultural productivity and income of farmers |
| Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana |
Launched in 2007 to support agricultural development in India through the provision of financial assistance for various agricultural activities |
| National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) |
Launched in 2016 to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities in India through the use of technology and digital platforms |
| Kisan Credit Card Scheme |
Launched in 1998 to provide farmers with access to affordable credit for agricultural and related activities |
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana |
Launched in 2015 to promote efficient use of water resources in agriculture and enhance water use efficiency in farming |
| Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) |
A farming practice that aims to eliminate the use of synthetic inputs in agriculture and promote natural farming techniques |
Recommendations to the G20
- Outcome Management:
- Productivity: Encourage the adoption of sustainable soil management practices, provide subsidies and financial incentives for efficient irrigation techniques, and invest in R&D of improved seed varieties.
- Resilience: Promote crop diversification, develop a comprehensive risk management strategy, and support agroforestry practices.
- Emissions Management: Develop and implement policies that promote reduced tillage practices, provide financial incentives and support for the adoption of renewable energy technologies, and develop and implement regulations and standards for sustainable livestock management practices.
- Regional Management: Utilise digitalisation tools and technologies to effectively differentiate CSA management across regions in India, gather real-time data and information on regional variations, deliver customised and region-specific extension services to farmers, optimise resource use, and facilitate stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
- Crop Management:
- Differentiation of CSA management across crops: Identify the unique agro-ecological and socioeconomic conditions of each crop and design region-specific policies and programmes that promote CSA practices and technologies.
- Integration of CSA management across crops: Promote the use of integrated crop management practices that focus on optimising resource use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing productivity across multiple crops.
- Precision crop management: Adopt precision agriculture techniques that utilise real-time data and information to optimise resource use and increase productivity.
- Digital Semiotics Management:
- Collect and analyse weather data: India has a vast network of weather stations across the country that collect data on temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, and wind fields. This data can be used to analyse weather patterns and identify trends that affect crop growth and yield. Machine learning algorithms can be used to process the data and provide real-time insights to farmers on weather forecasts, pest and disease outbreaks, and optimal planting and harvesting times.
- Develop crop-specific models: India has a diverse range of crops grown across different regions, each with unique requirements for temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors. Crop-specific models can be developed using data and information on climate
- Promote precision agriculture: Precision agriculture involves the use of digital technologies such as sensors, drones, and satellite imaging to monitor crop health and growth, and provide real-time recommendations to farmers. By incorporating weather data and information into precision agriculture technologies, farmers can make data-driven decisions that are tailored to the local climatic conditions.
- Build farmer capacity: To effectively use data and information on climate variability, farmers need to have the skills and knowledge to interpret and apply this information to their farming practices. Training programmes and extension services can be developed to build farmer capacity in using digital tools and interpreting weather data. These programmes can be designed to be accessible and affordable to all farmers, including smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
- The digitalisation of CSA requires a roadmap. Addressing the challenge of CSA is a prerequisite to meeting the challenge of food security, and digitalisation is essential to this task. The G20 must set the trajectory for the digitalisation of CSA within the G20 and globally and must provide a map for the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals vision.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)? Discuss the challenges for CSA and suggest a way ahead for G20 how it can address these challenges?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the prelims box
Mains level: Oil and Gas policy, volatility and measures taken
Central Idea
- The present government has taken several measures to protect Indian consumers from international oil and gas price volatility. The recent Cabinet decision to approve a series of critical Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas pricing reforms will further advance this objective. These reforms aim to protect Indians from extreme price volatility, promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P), and provide clarity for planned capex investments in gas-based sectors.
Reasons for oil and gas price volatility
- Global supply and demand: The balance between global supply and demand for oil and gas is a key factor in price volatility. If there is a surplus of supply, prices may decrease, while if there is a shortage of supply, prices may increase.
- Geopolitical tensions: Political tensions between countries, such as trade disputes or conflicts, can affect oil and gas prices. For example, if there is a threat of war or supply disruption in a major oil-producing country, prices may rise.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or cold snaps, can impact oil and gas production and distribution, leading to price fluctuations.
- Economic growth: Economic growth can drive up demand for oil and gas, which can lead to higher prices. Conversely, economic slowdowns can reduce demand and lead to lower prices.
- OPEC decisions: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plays a significant role in global oil prices by controlling production levels. Decisions made by OPEC, such as production cuts or increases, can affect prices.
Measures taken by the Indian government to protect consumers from oil and gas price volatility?
- Increasing domestic Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas allocation: This step was taken to provide more clarity for planned capital expenditure investments in gas-based sectors and diverting gas from non-priority sectors to transport and domestic segments.
- APM gas pricing reforms: The recent Cabinet decision to approve a series of critical APM gas pricing reforms will further advance the objective of protecting Indian consumers from extreme price volatility. These reforms achieve two major goals: First, to protect Indians from extreme price volatility, and second, to promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P).
- Benchmarking APM prices: The government decided to insulate domestic gas consumers as well as national oil companies from such volatility by benchmarking APM prices to a slope of 10 per cent of Indian crude basket price to be determined on a monthly basis, together with a ceiling of $6.5/MMBTU and floor of $4.5/MMBTU for nomination fields.
- Reduction in fertiliser subsidies: After these reforms, the reduction in fertiliser subsidies is expected to be more than Rs 2,000 crore each year.
- Incentivising investment in the E&P sector: These reforms will also help incentivise investment in the E&P sector by providing a floor price for mature fields of nomination while also incentivising new wells of nomination fields which will receive 20 per cent higher prices.
- Expansion of gas pipeline network and CGD stations: Since 2014, India has increased the length of its gas pipeline network from 14,700 km to 22,000 km in 2023. The number of CGD-covered districts in India has increased from 66 in 2014 to 630 in 2023 while CNG stations have gone up from 938 in 2014 to 5,283 in 2023.
Facts for prelims
| Type of Oil/Gas |
Production Process |
Applications |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Pollutants |
| Crude Oil |
Extracted from oil wells through drilling |
Transportation, fuel for power generation, industrial uses |
High energy density, easy to transport |
Air pollution, carbon emissions, oil spills |
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide |
| Natural Gas |
Extracted from gas wells through drilling or extracted alongside crude oil |
Power generation, heating, cooking, industrial uses |
Cleanest burning fossil fuel, high energy efficiency |
Methane emissions, can leak during production and transportation |
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) |
Extracted during crude oil refining or extracted alongside natural gas |
Cooking, heating, transportation |
Clean burning, easy to store and transport |
Non-renewable, carbon emissions during production and transportation |
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides |
| Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) |
Extracted alongside crude oil or natural gas |
Transportation, cooking |
Lower emissions than petrol and diesel, cost-effective |
Requires specialized vehicles and refueling stations, less energy-dense than petrol and diesel |
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides |
| Shale Gas |
Extracted through hydraulic fracturing of shale rock formations |
Power generation, heating, cooking, industrial uses |
Abundant, reduces dependence on foreign oil, lower carbon emissions than coal |
Requires large amounts of water, potential for groundwater contamination, methane leaks |
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides |
Way ahead for India’s oil and gas sector
- Encourage and promote domestic oil and gas production: The government should continue to incentivize domestic oil and gas production to reduce dependence on imports and minimize price volatility. This could be achieved by introducing more investor-friendly policies, simplifying regulations, and exploring untapped reserves.
- Develop a comprehensive energy policy: India needs to develop a comprehensive energy policy that outlines a clear vision for the sector’s development and growth. This policy should take into account environmental concerns, technological advancements, and future energy demands.
- Increase investment in infrastructure: The government should invest in building critical infrastructure like pipelines, terminals, and storage facilities to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce transportation costs. This will also enable the country to tap into more remote oil and gas reserves.
- Promote alternative sources of energy: Given the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, India should promote alternative sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This will not only help in meeting India’s climate goals but also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.
- Improve pricing transparency: India should work towards improving pricing transparency in the oil and gas sector. This will help to ensure a level playing field for all players, promote healthy competition, and enable consumers to make informed decisions.
- Strengthen international partnerships: India should strengthen its partnerships with other countries, particularly those in the Gulf region, to ensure a stable supply of oil and gas. This will also help in diversifying sources of energy and reduce dependence on a few countries.
- Foster innovation: The government should incentivize research and development in the oil and gas sector to encourage innovation and promote the use of advanced technologies. This could help in improving extraction techniques, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing resource utilization.
Conclusion
- India’s efforts to protect its consumers from international oil and gas price volatility are commendable. The recent APM gas pricing reforms will further advance this objective and promote more innovation and investments in exploration and production (E&P) and provide clarity for planned capex investments in gas-based sectors. With a growing demand for natural gas, India is well on its way to realizing a gas-based economy as part of its broader energy transition goals. The vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy future for India is steadily becoming a reality.
Mains question
Q. Discuss the factors behind Oil and gas sector being volatile. What are the measures taken by the Indian government to protect consumers from oil and gas price volatility?
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