Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Police reforms due in India
Prime Minister has pitched the idea of âOne Nation, One Uniformâ for Indian police forces.
One Nation One Uniform
- PM urged that the identity of police across the country should be the same.
- This suggestion is in line with his broader attempt to introduce a uniform set of policies across the country.
How can this be achieved?
- Law and order is a State Subject.
- The Indian Constitution puts police forces under the jurisdiction of state governments, and each of the 28 states have their own police force.
- Both âpublic orderâ and the âpoliceâ are placed in List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with the division of powers between the Union and States.
- In the circumstances, it is unclear how the PMâs suggestion, if the government were to take it up seriously, might be implemented.
Why such move?
Ans. Inconsistencies in attire
- While police personnel in India are often associated with the colour khaki, their uniforms do differ in varying degrees in different regions.
- For example:
- Kolkata Police wear white uniforms
- Puducherry Police constables wear a bright red cap with their khaki uniforms
- Delhi Traffic Police personnel wear white and blue uniforms
Changes in police uniforms
Over the years, police departments of various states have made various attempts to reform uniforms for their personnel.
- Maharashtra: In February 2018, in a bid to prevent colour variation in the uniform of its personnel, the Maharashtra police had decided to provide dope-dyed khaki fabric for its staff. Again, the Maharashtra DGP issued a circular discontinuing the practice of wearing a âtunic uniformâ for officers from the rank of Police Sub Inspectors (PSI) to Deputy Superintendent (DySP).
- Karnataka: In October 2018, the Karnataka Police announced that women personnel would no longer wear khaki saris, rather a khaki shirt and trousers while on duty. This would make it easier for policewomen to do their job and improve their effectiveness in dealing with crime.
- New Delhi: The Delhi Police had asked the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to design fresh uniforms, with an immediate focus on clothing that would be more comfortable.
Other such moves
- In August this year, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers announced that it had implemented the âOne Nation One Fertiliserâ scheme.
- The Centre in August 2019 had introduced the âOne Nation One Ration Cardâ scheme.
- PM has also repeatedly suggested the implementation of âOne Nation, One Electionâ, and adopting a single voter list for all polls.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Air Quality Index
Mains level: Not Much
Air Quality Index (AQI)
- AQI measures how safe the air around you is for breathing. Organizations that report AQI measure the density of various pollutants in the air (such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, etc) at different monitoring stations.
- The widely-used National Air Quality Index (NAQI) given by the Central Pollution Control Board is a 24-hour average.
- Its unit is micrograms per cubic meter.
- A particular amount of one pollutant may not be as harmful as the same amount of another pollutant.
- So, each pollutantâs quantity in the air is adjusted to a common scale (say, 0 to 500) that works for all pollutants.
- Finally, the pollutant with the worst sub-index determines the AQI for that time and location.
What are NAAQ standards?
- The mandate provided to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act empowers it to set standards for the quality of air.
- Hence the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards were notified in November 2009 by the CPCB.
- Prior to this, India had set Air Quality standards in 1994, and this was later revised in 1998.
- The 2009 standards further lowered the maximum permissible limits for pollutants and made the standards uniform across the nation.
- Earlier, less stringent standards were prescribed for industrial zones as compared to residential areas.
Pollutants covered:
- Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),
- Particulate Matter (size less than 10 ”m) or PM 10
- Particulate Matter (size less than 2.5 ”m) or PM2.5
- Ozone (O3)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ammonia (NH3)
(Air Pollutants that most of us NEVER heard of)
- Lead
- Benzene (C6H6)
- Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP)
- Arsenic(As)
- Nickel (Ni)
What are Initiatives taken by India for Controlling Air Pollution?
- System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal
- Air Quality Index:Â AQI has been developed for eight pollutants viz. PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.
- Graded Response Action Plan
- For Reducing Vehicular Pollution: BS-VI Vehicles, Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs),Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure
- New Commission for Air Quality Management
- Subsidy to farmers for buying Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machine
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tambo Art
Mains level: NA
Wayanad farmer creates Ashoka Chakra using Tambo art.
What is Tambo Art?
- Tambo art is an artistic technique that consists of creating a design with different varieties of rice directly in a rice field.
- The origin of this art can be traced to Japan where people plant paddy of various varieties and hues to create the desired images.
- The image of Ashoka Chakra has been created using four varieties of paddy seeds such as Nazar bath, Kala bath, Kaki sala and Ramlee.
- They will ripen in shades that range from brown to golden, light brown to black, green to black and green to white and black.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Hunger Index, NFHS report
Mains level: Issues with GHI parameters
Context
- The fountainhead is a 16-year-old German and Irish organization, which measures and ranks countries on a hunger index at the global, regional, and national levels, but not at the sub-national level where some Indian states fare better. The Global Hunger Indexâs (GHI) stated aim is to reduce hunger around the world. But its methodology focuses disproportionately on less than five-year-old’s.
- Mixing the hunger and nutrition: In common parlance, hunger and nutrition are two different things. Hunger is associated with food scarcity and starvation. It produces images of emaciated people holding empty food bowls.
- Wrong data collection methods: GHI uses childhood mortality and nutrition indicators. But its preamble states âcommunities, civil society organizations, small producers, farmers, and indigenous groups shape how access to nutritious food is governed.â
- Irony of food grain availability: This suggests that GHI sees hunger as a food production challenge when, according to the FAO, India is the worldâs largest producer and consumer of grain and the largest producer of milk; when the per capita intake of grain, vegetables and milk has increased manifold. It is, therefore, contentious and unacceptable to club India with countries facing serious food shortages, which is what GHI has done.
Data according to the latest National Family Health Survey Report
- Comparative state level data collection: The sensational use of the word hunger is abhorrent given the facts. But there is no denying that in India, nutrition, particularly child nutrition, continues to be a problem. Unlike the GHI, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) does a good job of providing comparative state-level data, including the main pointers that determine health and nutrition.
- Crucial health parameters included: NFHS provides estimates of underweight, (low weight for age), stunting (low height for age) and wasting (low weight for height). These conditions affect preschool children (those less than 6 years of age) disproportionately and compromise a childâs physical and mental development while also increasing the vulnerability to infections.
- Undernourishment is included: Undernourished mothers (attributable to social and cultural practices,) give birth to low-birth-weight babies that remain susceptible to infections, transporting their handicaps into childhood and adolescence. NFHS includes undernourishment parameter.
Why nutrition is the best indicator of health?
- Link between nutrition and disease: There are links between the nutritional status of young children with the post-neonatal phase when children suffer from acute respiratory infections and diarrhoeal diseases. Sanitation and hygiene require much more work.
- Diet and food intake is important: Professor V Subramanian at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health writes, âThere is a need to declutter the current approaches to child undernutrition by keeping it simple. I advise against a disproportionate focus on anthropometry (body measurements); instead, the need is to have a direct engagement with actual diet and food intake.â
How to overcome the child nutrition challenge?
- Improving the breast feeding: The first child nutrition challenge relates to breastfeeding. The WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of birth and infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. According to NFHS 5, in India, the percentage improvement of children who were exclusively breastfed when under six months, rose from 55 per cent in NFHS 4 to 64 per cent in NFHS 5. That is progress, but it is not enough. By not being breastfed, an infant is denied the benefits of acquiring antibodies against infections, allergies and even protection against several chronic conditions.
- Better nutritional practice: The second issue relates to young child feeding practices. At root are widespread practices like not introducing semi-solid food after six months, prolonging breastfeeding well beyond the recommended six months and giving food lacking in nutritional diversity. NFHS 5 shows that the improvement has been marginal over the last two reports and surprisingly, states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, UP and Gujarat are at the tail end.
- Continuation of nutrition programmes: Almost one dozen nutrition programmes have been under implementation since 1975. Several more have been added of late, but most beneficiaries of these food distribution programmes are kids attending anganwadis or schools, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating mothers. This must continue but new-Borns, infants, and toddlers need attention too. Monitoring weight is an indicator, not a solution.
- States must be encouraged: States should be urged to examine the NFHS findings to steer a new course to improve the poshan practices for the youngest and the most vulnerable sections of society.
- Better child rearing practices: Helping mothers to better the lives of their infants and toddlers right inside the home by measuring and demonstrating how much diet, food intake and child-rearing practices matter.
Conclusion
- We should lose no more time over the GHI rankings, which are distorted and irrelevant. India has successfully overcome much bigger problems reduced maternal and child mortality, improved access to sanitation, clean drinking water and clean cooking fuel. Our focus should be on nutrition rather than hunger.
Mains Question
Critically analyze the Indiaâs hunger problem in light of Global Hunger Index. What are initiatives of Government of India to overcome hunger and nutrition challenge?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brief information about Various welfare schemes
Mains level: welfare schemes, advantages and issues.
Context
- Over the past three years, over 50% of existing central government sponsored schemes have been discontinued, subsumed, revamped or rationalized into other schemes. The impact has been varied across Ministries.
Social welfare Schemes which are discontinued, subsumed or revamped
- Schemes under Ministry of women and child development: There are just three schemes now out of 19 schemes, i.e., Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Mission Shakti itself replaced 14 schemes which included the âBeti Bachao, Beti Padhaoâ scheme.
- Schemes under Ministry of animal husbandry and dairy: Just two schemes remain out of 12. Additionally, the Ministry has ended three schemes which include Dairying through Cooperatives, National Dairy Plan II, etc.
- Schemes under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmersâ Welfare: There are now three out of 20 (Krishonnati Yojana, Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperatives and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), while there is little information on the National Project on Organic Farming or the National Agroforestry Policy.
Government spending on fertilizers
- Declining fertilizer subsidies: Subsidies having been in decline over the last few years; actual government spending on fertilizers in FY2021 reached âč1,27,921 crore. In the FY2122 Budget, the allocation was âč79,529 crore (later revised to âč1,40,122 crore amidst the COVID19 pandemic). In the FY2223 Budget, the allocation was âč1,05,222 crore.
- Price rise in NPK fertilizers: Allocation for NPK fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) was 35% lower than revised estimates in FY2122. Such budgetary cuts, when fertilizer prices have risen sharply after the Ukraine war, have led to fertilizer shortages and farmer anguish.
- Reduced budget of MGNREGA: The allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) went down by approximately 25% in the FY2223 Budget earlier this year, with the allocated budget at âč73,000 crore when compared to the FY21-22 revised estimates of âč98,000 crore. The Economic Survey 2022-23 has highlighted that demand for the scheme was higher than pre-pandemic levels as rural distress continues. Anecdotal cases show that actual funding disbursal for MGNREGA has often been delayed, leading to a decline in confidence in the scheme.
- The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan: The GKRAY (June 2020, for a period of 125 days) sought to provide immediate employment and livelihood opportunities to the rural poor; approximately 50.78 crore person days of employment were provided at an expenditure of approximately âč39,293 crore (against an announced budget of âč50,000 crore, Ministry for Rural Development). The scheme subsumed 15 other schemes. With between 60 million to 100 million migrant workers who seek informal jobs, such a scheme should have been expanded.
- Delayed payments for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA): ASHA, who are the first responders, there have been delays in salaries for up to six months. Regularisation of their jobs continues to be a struggle, with wages and honorariums stuck at minimum levels. There is one more example. Biodiversity has also been ignored.
- Less funding or wildlife habitat development: Funding under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declined: from âč165 crore (FY18-19), to âč124.5 crore (FY19-20), to âč87.6 crore (FY2021). Allocations for Project Tiger have been slashed âč323 crore (FY18-19) to âč194.5 crore (FY20-21). A pertinent question is about meeting climate change obligations in the face of funding cuts.
What are the reasons behind slashing of Funds?
- Funds lying idle: There are challenges such as funding cuts, disbursement and utilization of funds. As of June 2022, âč1.2 lakh crore of funds meant for central government sponsored schemes are with banks which earn interest income for the Centre.
- Some of the unutilized funds: For instance, the Nirbhaya fund (2013) with its focus on funding projects to improve the public safety of women in public spaces and encourage their participation in economic and social activities is an interesting case; âč1,000 crore was allocated to the fund annually (2013-16), and remained largely unspent. As of FY2122, approximately âč6,214 crore was allocated to the Nirbhaya fund since its launch, but only âč4,138 crore was disbursed. Of this, just âč2,922 crore was utilised; âč660 crore was disbursed to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, but only âč181 crore was utilised as of July 2021.
Various reasons for corruption in implementation of welfare programmes:
- Lack of scrutiny:Â Government schemes are meant to implement at local level. Lack of effective scrutiny through timely inspections, audits lead to unaccountability and gross mismanagement of funds.
- Lack of awareness:Â Due to illiteracy and unawareness of various government schemes and its provisions lead to corruption. False beneficiaries, fake documents are used to misuse funds meant for the benefit of schemes.
- Weak enforcement of laws:Â Weak enforcement of laws for punishing corrupt has led to a sense of fearlessness among corrupts. Indiaâs anti-corruption law has failed to punish the corrupt and instil fears regarding corruption.
- Political inaction:Â Most of the time, officials involved in corruption have political backing. Many times politicians or their family members are involved in corruption. Thus, any effort to punish the culprit goes in vain due to political interference.
- Centralised administration:Â The welfare bureaucracy is deeply centralised that comes at the cost of building a local government system that is genuinely responsive to citizen needs.
- Judicial delays:Â Judiciary in India is overburdened. A case of corruption drags for years. In the meantime, the culprit is able to destroy the evidence against him and influence the judiciary.
- Weak local governance:Â Local governance is must for effective implementation of welfare programmes. Due to absence of strong Panchayats and lack of effective local scrutiny the programmes are used as an opportunity for corruption.
What should be the way forward?
- State should get more funding for welfare: Rather than downsizing government schemes and cutting funding, one should right size the government. After the Goods and Services Tax reform, the Centre-State relationship has been transformed, with fiscal firepower skewed towards the Centre.
- Need of efficient civil services: Our public services require more doctors, teachers, engineers and fewer data entry clerks. We need to build capacity for an efficient civil service to meet todayâs challenges, i.e., providing a corruption free welfare system, running a modern economy and providing better public goods.
- Making public service delivery effective: Rather than having a target of fewer government schemes, we should raise our aspirations towards better public service delivery.
Conclusion
- Welfare schemes are absolutely necessary where large population still lives under poverty. Inflation and unemployment further exacerbate the problem. Rather than reduction or cutting the funds government should rationalize the spending on welfare schemes.
Mains Question
Why is there continuous decline in spending on various welfare schemes? How can government rationalize its spending on welfare schemes?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LiFE movement
Mains level: climate change, COP, Indias leadership in climate actions
Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20 unveiled the action plan for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individuals and communities for action to protect and preserve the environment.
What is LiFE?
- Importance of individual efforts: Mission LiFE makes environmental protection and conservation a participative process and recognizes the importance of each effort no matter how small or big to save the environment both at the level of the individual and at the level of the community.
- Chaning utilization attitude: The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on âmindful and deliberate utilizationâ instead of âmindless and wasteful consumptionâ.
- Creating social networks: The LIFE Movement aims to utilize the power of collective action and nudge individuals across the world to undertake simple climate-friendly actions in their daily lives. The LIFE movement, additionally, also seeks to leverage the strength of social networks to influence social norms surrounding climate.
- Creating Pro-planet people: The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely âPro-Planet Peopleâ (P3), who will have a shared commitment to adopt and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.
- Seeks to behavioral change and individual actions: Through the P3 community, the Mission seeks to create an ecosystem that will reinforce and enable environmentally friendly behaviors to be self-sustainable. LIFE recognizes that small individual actions can tip the balance in the planetâs favour.
Do you know pro-planet initiatives worldwide?
- Denmark: Â Denmark promotes the use of bicycles by limiting parking within the city Centre and providing exclusive bike lanes.
- Japan: Japan has its unique âwalk-to-schoolâ mandate, which has been in practice since the early 1950s.
Why is the need for such movement?
- Wrong perception about conservation: Environment protection, has for far too long been perceived as a policy issue by the general masses. There has been a perception that only national governments and international organizations can do something to protect the Earth and environment.
- Mindless consumption of resources: The human race is plundering Planet Earth at a pace that far outstrips its capacity and ability to support life. A recent study says that if the current rate of consumption were to continue, by 2050, humans would need two more planets, in addition to the Earth, to continue to exist.
- Declining natural resources and beauty: This means that we could be staring at major climatic crises in the years to come and our future generations may never get to experience the beauty of nature, the glaciers, the oceans, the snow and the rivers, that we have been fortunate to see and experience.
- Unsustainable consumption pattern: What threatens our existence more than anything else is the pace at which we are producing and consuming. The consumption pattern of the world is mindless and pays scant regard to the environment.
- Attitude change through mission LiFE: Mission LiFE tries to remind the world that the mindset of âuse and throwâ must immediately be replaced by âreduce, reuse and recycleâ so that our scarce resources are not overexploited, and the world doesnât crumble under the weight of all the waste that it is generating by the second.
- Small efforts big Impact: Mission LiFE is a philosophy which shows how this can be made possible. It shows the power of small efforts to make big impacts. It believes in the individualâs capacity to change the world. It is the mantra to reverse historical and cultural wrongs wrecked upon the environment. Mission LiFE is the call to action for citizens and governments to save the planet.
What are Indiaâs efforts for LiFE?
- Environment friendly culture: In India, the cultural ethos of limiting needs and treating the environment and its resources with reverence has produced very visible results. India constitutes 17 per cent of the worldâs population, but our contribution to global carbon emissions is only four per cent.
- Less carbon footprint per head: Against the developed worldâs carbon footprint of four tonnes per head, the carbon footprint of an average Indian counts to only 1.5 tonnes.
- Multiple global initiatives: Despite not being part of the problem, with numerous global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the One Sun One World One Grid initiative, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, India has taken the lead in presenting and building solutions for the world by bringing the global community together.
- Focus on collective actions of world community: The need to build these global alliances to fight climate change stems from the understanding that only collective action can save the world from the vagaries of climate change that are increasingly becoming a reality and are rising in ferocity.
- Mindful utilization of resources: India offering knowledge from its religious and cultural ethos to the world, Mission LiFE aims to pull the world away from a âmindless and destructiveâ consumerist approach towards a âmindful and deliberate utilizationâ of resources. It is also, at the same time, an effort to prevent India from heading that way.
- Shift towards sustainable policies: India is already working towards building a circular economy and moving towards a stage where all our energy requirements are met through the use of renewables. Our policies are all aligned towards ensuring sustainable development, where nature is not disregarded for development but where the most marginalized are not left to their destiny by denying them development.
Conclusion
- Actions against climate change is not just a fervent hope but an emergent necessity. Through mission LiFE India is trying to portray climate crisis from individual perspective. Mission LiFE has a potential to transform climate change movement into the mass movement.
Mains Question
How Mission LiFE will help in conservation of Environment? Critically analyze the Indiaâs efforts to make LiFE a successful mission?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gilgit Baltistan
Mains level: Not Much
Defence Minister has said that the mission of full integration of Jammu & Kashmir that started on August 5, 2019 will be complete when Gilgit-Baltistan and areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will reunite with India.
Gilgit-Baltistan: How Pakistan occupied it?
- During the first Indo-Pak war of October 1947, Pakistan occupied 78,114 sq. km of the land of Jammu and Kashmir, including the âNorthern Areasâ.
- The Northern Areas is the other name of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) that Pakistan has used for administrative reasons because it was a disputed territory.
- In 2020, it became the fifth State of Pakistan after Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
GB through history
- The political nature of Gilgit-Baltistan has been directionless from the beginning.
- Pakistan initially governed the region directly from the central authority after it was separated from âAzad Jammu and Kashmirâ on April 28, 1949.
- On March 2, 1963, Pakistan gave away 5,180 sq km of the region to China, despite local protests.
- Under PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the name of the region was changed to the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA).
- Pakistan passed the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order in 2009, which granted âself-ruleâ to the âNorthern Areasâ.
Its geographical features
- It is home to K-2, the second-tallest mountain in the world.
- Tourism remains restricted by many factors, including military hostility, though the region has some of ancient Buddhist sculptures and rock edicts.
- It is also home to an old Shia community, which often finds itself subjected to persecution in Pakistanâs urban centers.
- At present, a Governor and an elected Chief Minister rule the region, which is divided into Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Ghizer and Hunza-Nagar.
Geographic significance of the region
- Geographic tri-junction of Himalaya, Hindu Kush and Pamir, GB possesses the most startling views of natural beauty.
- Apart from several high-altitude lakes, the region is also home to three of worldâs longest glaciers outside of the polar region, including the worldâs highest war field, the Siachen glacier.
Strategic importance of GB
- GB is home to some of the worldâs most important and contentious strategic points capable of creating unremitting wars.
- The region holds extreme volatility and if gets subjected to desuetude can cause a ruckus in the entire regions of South Asia, Central Asia and China, ultimately affecting the entire world.
- The mountain province consists of 3 core divisions: Gilgit, Baltistan and Diamer.
- This region is further divided into 10 districts along with its Shaksgam valley â which was gifted to China by occupier Pakistan in 1963 border agreement â of 5,180 square km.
Economic Potential
- Home to valuable earthy resources, GB is rich in mineral deposits.
- These include metallic, non-metallic, energy minerals, precious stones and different rocks of industrial use.
- The southern areas of this region have substantial deposits of nickel, lead, copper and zircon.
- In its northern regions, it contains deposits of iron, silver, gold, garnet and topaz.
- Almost all of its mining potential is untapped and capable of generating ample wealth.
Chinese vested interest
- Gilgit-Baltistan is important for China as it is the gateway for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Significantly, the ongoing stand-off with China at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh has a Gilgit-Baltistan connection.
- The Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road of India is viewed as a tactical roadway to access the Karakoram Pass, which provides China crucial access to Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan.
Why should India reclaim GB?
- Gilgit Baltistan is an integral part of Indian Territory illegally occupied by Pakistan.
- It is the key to the destruction of Chinese influence in South Asia; the string of China-Pakistanâs pearl necklace and also the Brahmastra for India against China.
- India controlling GB can turn out to be the worst nightmare for China and eventually for Pakistan
Can India take back the BG/POK?
- India can certainly get back POK, Gilgit-Baltistan as all of that territory belongs to India.
- However, military use could trigger a nuclear response from Pakistan as the trigger is in the hands of terrorists and the army.
- Diplomatic channels are another option but it will take too much time.
- Pakistan now is appearing to destabilize all way worse than Sri Lanka did. It might collapse some day in near future.
Try this PYQ:
If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there?
- Oak
- Rhododendron
- Sandalwood
Select the correct option using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NBDSA
Mains level: Not Much
The NBDSA has fined the news channel for turning a news debate on hijab into a âcommunal issueâ and not adhering to guidelines.
What is the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA)?
- The NBDSA is a self-regulatory agency set up by news and digital broadcasters.
- It is an independent body set up by the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA), which serves as a representative of private television news, current affairs and digital broadcasters.
- It describes itself as âthe collective voice of the news, current affairs and digital broadcasters in India.â
- Funded entirely by its members, the NBDA has 26 news and current affairs broadcasters (comprising 119 news and current affairs channels) as its members.
- Various senior members of Indian media organisations serve on its Board of Directors.
Composition of the NBDSA
- The body includes a Chairperson who is to be an eminent jurist, and other members such as news editors, and those experienced in the field of law, education, literature, public administration, etc.
- They are to be nominated by a majority of the Board.
- Former Supreme Court judge and jurist AK Sikri is currently serving as the Chairperson.
Functioning of NBDSA
- Within this structure, it lays-down and foster high standards, ethics and practices in news broadcasting, including entertaining and deciding complaints against or in respect of broadcasters.
- These standards mention a focus on objectivity, impartiality, maintaining discretion when reporting on crime against women and children, not endangering national security, etc.
Powers and authorities
- NBDSA may initiate proceedings on its own and issue notice or take action in respect to any matter which falls within its regulations.
- This can also be through complaints referred to the Authority by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting or any other governmental body, or by anyone else via its website.
- A âtwo-tierâ procedure is in place for redressing grievances, where any person aggrieved by the content of any broadcast is required to first make a complaint to the concerned broadcaster and then the Authority if dissatisfied.
Why was the channel fined?
- The NBDSA held that the programme was in violation of the principles relating to impartiality, neutrality, fairness and good taste and decency.
- It said that it did not have any problem with the subject but with the narrative of the debate.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Blue Flag Certification
Mains level: Not Much
The globally recognised and coveted international eco-label ‘Blue Flag’ has been accorded to two new Indian beachesâââMinicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, both in Lakshadweep.
What is Blue Flag?
- The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label or certification that is given to coastal locations around the world as a badge of environmental honour.
- The programme is run by the Copenhagen, Denmark-headquartered Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organization.
- It seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
- It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001 when South Africa joined.
- Certification is awarded annually. A total 5,042 beaches, marinas, and tourism boats in 48 countries have been awarded the label so far.
Criteria for certification
It has 33 stringent criteria under four major heads for the beaches, that is-
- Environmental Education and Information
- Bathing Water Quality
- Environment Management and Conservation and
- Safety and Services
Total blue beaches in India
India now has 12 blue beaches. The other 10 Indian beaches on the list, according to the FEE site, are-
- Shivrajpur in Gujaratâs Devbhumi Dwarka district
- Ghogla beach in Diu
- Kasarkod (Uttara Kannada) and
- Padubidri (Udupi) in Karnataka;
- Kappad (Kozhikode) in Kerala
- Eden beach in Puducherry
- Kovalam (Chennai) in Tamil Nadu
- Rushikonda (Visakhapatnam) in Andhra Pradesh
- Golden beach in Puri, Odisha; and
- Radhanagar Swarajdeep in Andaman and Nicobar
About the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
- The FEE is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- It was founded in 1981 as the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE).
- Currently, it has 77 member countries.
Its other programmes include:
- Green Key
- Eco Schools
- Young Reporters for the Environment
- Learning about Forests
- Global Forest Fund
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Overhauser Magnetometers
Mains level: Not Much
Indian scientists have developed an indigenous Overhauser Magnetometer, one of the most accurate magnetometers extensively used by all magnetic observatories around the world.
What are Overhauser Magnetometers?
- A magnetometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
- OVH magnetometers are known for their higher accuracy, higher sensitivity, and efficient power consumption.
- They find applications in all magnetic observatories worldwide as well as in international space programs.
- It has so far been imported for such purposes in India.
Feats achieved
- The performance of this indigenously made magnetometer is at par with a commercial OVH sensor that is currently installed at the magnetic observatories of IIG.
- The Indian OVH sensor reproduced the geomagnetic diurnal variations accurately and precisely.
- It showed the signatures of various space weather events such as geomagnetic storms, sudden impulses, etc.
- It would also be of potential help to develop a sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument.
Benefits of OVH magnetometers
- OVH magnetometers reduce the cost of sampling and sensing experiments essential for geomagnetic sampling.
- It can reduce Indiaâs dependence on commercial OVH magnetometers for performing geomagnetic field measurements.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AIIB
Mains level: Not Much
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is scheduled to lend $500 million to Pakistan in this month.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia, began operations in January 2016.
- It aims to stimulate growth and improve access to basic services by furthering interconnectivity and economic development in the region through advancements in infrastructure.
- AIIB has now grown to 102 approved members worldwide.
- The US & Japan are not its members.
- It is a brainchild of China. It has invested in 13 member regions.
Capital and shareholding of AIIB
- It has authorized capital of US 100 billion dollars and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion.
- It offers sovereign and non-sovereign finance for projects in various sectors with an interest rate of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.15 % and a repayment period of 25 years with 5 years in grace period.
- China is the largest shareholder in AIIB with a 26.06% voting power, followed by India with 7.62% and Russia with 5.92% voting power.
Try this question from CSP 2019
Q.With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements
- AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
- India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
- AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MSP
Mains level: Issues related to MSP
Context
- The CACP recommendations on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the mandated six Rabi crops wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed and mustard, and safflower are arrived by considering several factors.
What is MSP?
- MSP is a part of Indiaâs Agriculture Price Policy. The MSP for various crops is announced by the central government at the beginning of every crop season on the recommendation of CACP.
- MSP is price at which the government purchases crops from the farmers. It is the guaranteed âminimum floor priceâ that farmer must get from the government in case the market price of the crops falls below the MSP.
- The Rationale behind MSP is to support the farmer from excess fall in the crop prices, it is like an insurance policy for the farmers to save them from price falls.
- The most important aim of the MSP policy is to save the Indian farmer from making distress sales. In the event of glut and bumper harvest, when market prices fall below the announced MSP, the government through its agencies buys the entire stock offered by the farmers at the MSP.
What are the factors included in MSP calculation?
- Factors taken into consideration are as follows:
- Cost of production,
- Supply and demand situation of various crops in domestic and global markets,
- Domestic and world prices along with trade opportunities,
- Terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture sector,
- Optimal utilization of land, water and other production resources,
- A minimum of 50 per cent mark-up over the cost of production.
- Though on the surface the list looks comprehensive, there are two missing concerns given the present-day challenges, necessitating a change in the MSP formula.
- Acreage
- Water usage
- Rising MSP leads to water conflict: There is ample data-based evidence to show the causal relation between acreage and MSP movements. Rising MSPs of water-intensive crops has resulted in some of the water conflicts over river basins as shown by recent studies in the Cauvery and the Teesta River basins.
- MSP for rice and wheat: This is also because MSP for rice and wheat, where government agencies like Food Corporation of India play a role in procurement, has created a reference for market prices. Ever since the MSP was introduced in the late 1970s, it became the âfloorâ price-setter for rice and wheat.
- Higher MSP for water consuming cereals: Between 1980 and 2000, the MSPs of rice and wheat increased at a much faster rate than those of the âcoarseâ cereals (like jowar, bajra and ragi) which eventually led to movement of the terms-of-trade (defined as ratio of prices of competing crops, e.g., rice and millets) in Favour of the water-consuming cereals.
- Shifting of High acreage to High MSP crop: This led to acreages moving largely in Favour of water consuming staples, whose crop-water requirements are many times of that of the drier millets. In the case of Cauvery and Teesta, the introduction of dry season paddy and its expansion created reliance on irrigation thereby Fuelling demand for water.
- Non promotion of rabi millets: Though the MSP formula claims to take into account land and water use, it needs to be noted here that there is a need for Rabi millets (e.g., ragi) to be promoted through MSPs. This is because the millets are less water-consuming as compared to many other alternatives including wheat. However, there does not seem to be any MSP announced for Rabi millets.
- Higher MSP for less water consuming crop is needed: In the process, it will be crucial to take into consideration the estimates of irrigation water need for specific crops, redefine the Rabi basket by including millets, and declare a higher MSP for less water-consuming crops vis-Ă -vis the high-water consuming crops.
Nutritional security in MSP calculation
- Nutritional security is not included in MSP calculation: The other consideration that is missing from the MSP formula is the consideration of the nutritional security. Ideally, the MSP regime should remunerate those crops that have a higher nutritional value per unit of resource use.
- Rabi crops are more water efficient: Ragi is the most efficient water user in producing calories. Bajra followed by wheat and ragi are the better performers in terms of water efficiency in producing iron. For the case of fiber, ragi is the most water efficient crop followed by barley and maize demonstrating the same water efficiency.
- Rabi crops are nutrition rich: Maize is the most efficient water user in producing carbohydrates with ragi being second and wheat third. With reference to fat production, bajra takes the first position followed by ragi and wheat. Ragi is the best performer in the case of calcium production. Wheat and ragi do equally well with phosphorus production per unit of water at the margin.
- Missing MSP estimate: However, so far, the MSP formula has not taken into consideration the health and the nutritional aspect. Irrespective of the season, the nutritional aspect needs to be figured into the MSP recommendations, and more nutritional crops should command higher support prices.
Conclusion
- Present MSP regime is biased in Favor of rice and wheat. MSP can be utilized as great tool to achieve crop diversification by incentivizing cultivation of water efficient and nutrition rich millets. India can achieve the regional as well as financial balance in distribution of MSP by proper estimation of MSP and promotion accordingly.
Mains Question
How is MSP calculated? Analyse the linkages of MSP and water conflict and suggest the solution to overcome the water inefficiency by MSP.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: private investment in manufacturing and economic growth
Context
- Last month, Finance Minister asked captains of industry what was holding them back from investing in manufacturing. She likened industry to Lord Hanuman from the Ramayana by stating that industry did not realize its own strength and that it should forge ahead with confidence. She said, âThis is the time for India, we cannot miss the busâ.
What is present situation of private investment?
- Tax cut rate of domestic companies: In the hope of revitalizing private investment, the government had in September 2019 cut the tax rate for domestic companies from 30% to 22% if they stopped availing of any other tax SOP (standard operating procedure).
- Weak private investment: Expert says that Indian private sector investment has been weak for almost a decade now. If we look at drivers of economic growth right now, there are amber lights flashing. The export story will be under threat because of the global slowdown, the governmentâs ability to support domestic demand would also be limited as the fiscal deficit comes down.
- Impact of k-shaped recovery: Because of the K-shaped recovery, private consumption is only concentrated in some parts of the income pyramid.
- Investment to GDP ratio: As in the June edition of the Ministry of Financeâs Monthly Economic Review, the fixed investment to GDP ratio was 32% in 2021-22. However, there is need for caution in reading the most recent data, as they are subject to revision.
- The National Accounts Statistics: It provides disaggregation of gross capital formation (GCF) by sectors, type of assets and modes of financing; over 90% of GCF consists of fixed investments.
- No change in investment distribution: The investment distribution has hardly changed over the last decade, with the public sectorâs share remaining 20%.
- Fall in share of agriculture and industry: Between 2014-15 and 2019-20, the shares of agriculture and industry in fixed capital formation/GDP fell from 7.7% and 33.7% to 6.4% and 32.5%, respectively.
- Rise in service sectors: Servicesâ share rose to 52.3% in 2019-20 compared to 49% in 2014-15.The rise in the services sector is almost entirely on transport and communications. The share of transport has doubled from 6.1% to 12.9% during the same period. Within transportation, it is mostly roads.
- Decline in the share of investment: Its share in the investment ratio (column 2.1) fell from 19.2% in 2011-12 to 16.5% in 2019-20. This indicates that âMake in Indiaâ failed to take off, import dependence went up, and India became deindustrialised. Import dependence on China is alarming for critical materials such as fertilizers, bulk drugs (active pharmaceutical ingredients or APIs) and capital goods. Instead of boosting investment and domestic technological capabilities, the âMake in Indiaâ campaign frittered away time and resources to raise Indiaâs rank in the World Bankâs Ease of Doing Business Index.
- Decline in foreign capital in GFC: The contribution of foreign capital to financing GCF fell to 2.5% in 2019-20 from 3.8% in 2014-15 (or 11.1% in 2011-12). With declining investment share, industrial output growth rate fell from 13.1% in 2015-16 to a negative 2.4% in 2019-20, as per the National Accounts Statistics.
What is Consumer’s demand situation?
- Average Consumer sentiment index: Private companies invest when they are able to estimate profits, and that comes from demand. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economyâs (CMIE) consumer sentiment index is still below pre-pandemic levels but is far higher than what was seen 12-18 months ago.
- Buoyant Aggregate demand: RBIâs Monetary policy report dated September 30 says, Data for Q2 (ended Sept) indicate that aggregate demand remained buoyant, supported by the ongoing recovery in private consumption and investment demand. It shows that seasonally adjusted capacity utilization rose to 74.3% in Q1 the highest in the last three years.
- High household savings: Along with household savings intentions remaining high, might hold the key to the investment cycle kicking in.
Conclusion
- Both public and private investment is necessary for sustainable growth trajectory of any economy. Global uncertainty, Ukraine war, oil prices have added to the skepticism of private investors. However, Indiaâs macroeconomic performance is much better than those of developed and developing economies. Private investors must take these into account before holding back their investment.
Mains Question
Q. What role private investment plays in Indian economy? Analyse the post-pandemic private investment situation in India?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FATF
Mains level: FATF, grey listing and blacklisting, Money laundering and terror financing
Context
- On October 21, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, announced the removal of Pakistan from its Grey List. The announcement was expected.
What is FATF?
- Inter-governmental organization: The FATF, a 39-member inter-governmental organization with its headquarters in Paris, was set up in 1989 by the Group of Seven (G7) countries with the aim of setting global standards for countering the menace of money laundering.
- Terror financing included under FATF mandate: Following the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, the objective of countering the financing of terrorism was added to the FATFâs mandate. Later, its objectives were further expanded to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
How FATF functions?
- Three level mandate: The FATF seeks to fulfil its three-pronged mandate by drawing up a list of guidelines. Known as the FATF Recommendations or FATF Standards, these are meant to ensure a coordinated global response to prevent.
- organized crime,
- corruption and
- Terrorism
- Domestic plus international regulatory measures: They encompass a range of domestic legislative, regulatory and enforcement actions, as well as international cooperation measures, that states are expected to adopt and implement.
- Consensus based decision: The FATF and its associate, or regional, members such as the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) take their decisions on the basis of consensus. More than 200 countries and jurisdictions are committed to implementing the FATFâs recommendations.
- Monitoring the adherence to recommendations: The FATF monitors adherence to its recommendations by periodic evaluations of the anti-money laundering (AML), combating financing of terrorism (CFT) and proliferation financing (PF) regimes of member countries and jurisdictions which voluntarily submit to its monitoring.
- Strategic deficiencies by countries: Countries which exhibit strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT/PF regimes are placed under a scheme of âincreased monitoringâ informally known as Grey Listing.
- Action plan to address the deficiencies: States placed under the Grey List are expected to swiftly put in place the requisite measures to address their deficiencies on the basis of Action Plans drawn up and evaluated through a process of consultation with the FATF.
- Serious strategic deficiency: States that exhibit serious strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT/ PF regimes are placed under a Black List formally known as High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action.
- Serious economic consequences may follow: While Grey Listing amounts to a warning, Black Listing entails serious economic consequences by making it incumbent on governments, international lenders and commercial entities to conduct enhanced due diligence checks while transacting business with the designated countries and, in extreme cases, apply âcounter-measuresâ against offenders.
Present status of listing by FATF?
- Grey listing: Following the removal of Pakistan, there are 23 countries on the FATFâs Grey List.
- Black listing: There are only three countries on the Black List, North Korea, Iran and Myanmar. These listing processes of the FATF are driven predominantly by the pulls and pressures of international power politics and not merely by technical parameters.
How Pakistan has been grilled by FATF for Terror financing?
- In 2008 Pakistan removed from listing: Pakistan has been placed in and removed from the Grey List in the past too. The first time was from February, 2008 to June, 2010, when it was removed from the list after it supposedly demonstrated progress in improving its AML/AFT regime.
- Mumbai terror attack and grey list: The terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 took place while Pakistan was on the Grey List for the first time. The second time was from February, 2012 to February, 2015, by the end of which period it had supposedly made significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime.
- Osama bin laden killing: The elimination of Osama bin Laden in the American raid on Abbottabad on May 2, 2011 took place after Pakistanâs exit from the Grey List for the first time and before its placement on the list for the second time.
- From 2018-2022: Pakistan was placed in the Grey List for the third time in June, 2018 and remained there till October, 2022. During this period, it was compelled to put in place several legislative, administrative and regulatory measures to improve its compliance with international AML/CFT standards.
- Action against individual and organisations: In recent years, there has been increasing realisation among FATF members that it is the effectiveness of action taken against individuals and entities of concern rather than pro-forma technical complianceâ that should form the basis of judging the extent of adherence to FATF standards.
- Conviction of hafiz Saeed: It is this more realistic approach coupled with the implicit threat of being moved from the Grey List to the Black List that finally compelled Pakistan to prosecute, convict, fine and jail, on terrorism financing charges, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) Amir, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, LeTâs chief operational commander, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sajid Majeed aka Sajid Mir, âoperational managerâ of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, after having pronounced him missing and dead.
- Jaish-e-Mohammed: A disingenuous attempt by Pakistan to persuade a visiting FATF verification team in August-September 2022 that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Amir, Maulana Masood Azhar, had escaped to Afghanistan was strongly countered by a spokesman of the Afghan Taliban.
How Pakistan manages pressure form FATF?
- with the support of USA: It is well known that much of the diplomatic heavy lifting to place Pakistan in the Grey List in June 2018 and keep it on the list for an extended period of time was done by the US. There had been a feeling among those following developments at the FATF that American pressure on Pakistan would continue till such time as the US needed Pakistan to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table and once the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was completed, the pressure on Pakistan would ease. Subsequent developments have validated this assessment.
- Help of China and turkey: Although the threat of being moved from the Grey List to the Blacklist remained hanging over Pakistanâs head, this was never a realistic possibility, considering the likely opposition to any such move by Pakistanâs staunch friends in the FATF, such as China, Malaysia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia
Conclusion
- India will have to continue mustering all available instruments and options to deny Pakistan operating space to wield the jihadi weapon, till such time as there is convincing evidence of a consensus among the generals in Rawalpindi that the weapon has outlived its utility and needs to be renounced once and for all.
Mains Question
How FATF is useful international forum for fight against terrorism? How was Pakistan forced by FATF to take actions against mastermind of 26/11 attack?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Battery Swapping
Mains level: Read the attached story
Battery Swapping could only be leveraged up to a certain limit and was not a complete solution to push electric vehicle (EV) adoption says some auto industry.
What is Battery Swapping?
- Battery swapping is a mechanism that involves exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones.
- This provides the flexibility to charge these batteries separately by de-linking charging and battery usage, and keeps the vehicle in operational mode with negligible downtime.
- Battery swapping is generally used for smaller vehicles such as two-wheelers and three-wheelers with smaller batteries that are easier to swap, compared to four-wheelers and e-buses, although solutions are emerging for these larger segments as well.
What is BaaS?
- Battery-as-a-service (BaaS) is seen as a viable charging alternative.
- Manufacturers can sell EVs in two forms: Vehicles with fixed or removable batteries and vehicles with batteries on lease.
- If you buy an electric scooter with battery leasing, you do not pay for the cost of the batteryâthat makes the initial acquisition almost 40% cheaper.
- Users can swap drained batteries for a fully charged one at a swap station. The depleted batteries are then charged on or off-site.
- The advantages of swapping include low downtimes for commercial fleets, reduced space requirements, and lower upfront costs.
- It is also a viable solution for those who donât have parking spots at home.
Draft Battery Swapping Policy 2021: Key Proposals
- Rationalizing taxes on battery: The draft policy has suggested that the GST Council consider reducing the differential across the tax rates on Lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicle supply equipment. Currently, the tax rate on the former is 18 per cent, and 5 per cent on the latter.
- Incentivization for swapping enabled vehicles: The policy also proposes to offer the same incentives available to electric vehicles that come pre-equipped with a fixed battery to electric vehicles with swappable batteries. The size of the incentive could be determined based on the kWh (kilowatt hour) rating of the battery and compatible EV.
- Terms of contracts for battery providers: The government will specify a minimum contract duration for a contract to be signed between EV users and battery providers to ensure they continue to provide battery swapping services after receiving the subsidy.
- Public battery charging stations: The policy also requires state governments to ensure public battery charging stations are eligible for EV power connections with concessional tariffs. It also proposes to install battery swapping stations at several locations like retail fuel outlets, public parking areas, malls, kirana shops and general stores etc.
- Tariff rationalization: It also proposes to bring such stations under existing or future time-of-day (ToD) tariff regimes, so that the swappable batteries can be charged during off-peak periods when electricity tariffs are low.
- Registration ease: Transport Departments and State Transport Authorities will be responsible for easing registration processes for vehicles sold without batteries or for vehicles with battery swapping functionality.
- Unique identification number (UIN): The policy also proposes to assign a UIN to swappable batteries at the manufacturing stage to help track and monitor them. Similarly, a UIN number will be assigned to each battery swapping station.
- Locations: The NITI Aayog has proposed that all metropolitan cities with a population of more than 40 lakh will be prioritized for the development of battery swapping networks under the first phase, which is within 1-2 years of the draft policy getting finalized.
Why hasnât BaaS taken off yet?
- Hefty taxes: There are economic and operational constraints. Energy service providers offering swapping solutions have to charge 18% goods and services tax (GST) for swapping, compared to 5% GST on the purchase of an EV.
- No incentives yet: Additionally, the governmentâs FAME-II incentives are not offered to vehicles sold with BaaS or swap station operators.
- Lack of interoperability infrastructure: While these are economic disadvantages compared to direct charging solutions, the lack of a dense and interoperable battery swap infrastructure has also hindered the roll-out.
Issues highlighted by industry
- Swapping will require a great deal of battery standardisation which may reduce innovation and would curb investments.
- Other concerns include accountability for a sub-optimal battery brought in to a swapping station or if it caught fire.
- Battery swapping has reduced initial investments by EV owners.
Issues with BaaS
- Standardization of specifications: There is a need for standardization of safety specificationsâas well as theâbattery.
- Safety hazard: Swapping in the various permutations and combinations of batteriesâatâa stationâwhereâtheyâhave not been tested for compatibility could lead to safety hazards.
- Non-competitive nature: Also, mandating only one type ofâbattery toâ be eligible for âconcessionsâ would be âdisadvantageousâ toâ manyâ players.
Significance of battery swapping
- High Cost of EVs: An EV, by industry standards, is 1.5-2x costlier than IC Engine counterpart and at least half the cost is from the battery pack.
- Cost reduction: Many manufacturers are offering batteries separately from a vehicle, reducing the cost. In that case, a fleet owner can buy vehicles without battery and utilize battery swapping.
- Range Anxiety: Another major reason stopping people from buying EVs is range anxiety, or in simple terms, the fear of battery getting empty without finding a charging station.
- Inadequate charging infrastructure: Unlike petrol pumps, EV charging stations are rare to spot and that further increases the range anxiety exponentially, especially while going on a road trip.
- Hazard management: In case of a Swapping Station, one can simply locate a station, go and replace the empty battery with a new one.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN
Mains level: Military coup in Myanmar
Foreign ministers from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting to discuss an intensifying crisis in Myanmar, 18 months after agreeing a peace plan with its military rulers.
What is ASEAN?
- ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia.
- It brings together ten Southeast Asian states â Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam â into one organisation.
- It was established on 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the founding fathers of the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines.
- The preceding organisation was the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) comprising of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
- Five other nations joined the ASEAN in subsequent years making the current membership to ten countries.
Why is the meeting happening?
- ASEANâs peace effort is the only official diplomatic process in play.
- There has been a failure with the junta unwilling to implement a so-called âfive-point consensusâ that it agreed to with ASEAN in April 2021.
- The United Nations has backed the ASEAN plan, but with suspicion the generals are paying lip service and buying time to consolidate power and crush opponents before a 2023 election.
- For ASEAN to remain credible as a mediator, it may need to present a new strategy before the summit.
What is the consensus?
- Immediate end of hostilities
- All parties engaging in constructive dialogue
- Allowing an ASEAN envoy to mediate and meet all stakeholders, and
- ASEAN to provide humanitarian assistance.
- So far, the only success cited by ASEAN chair Cambodia has been allowing some humanitarian access, but that has been limited and conditional.
How has the Junta (Military govt. in Myanmar) responded?
- The military government has accused critical ASEAN members of meddling and warned them not to engage.
- It has accused its opponents of trying to sabotage the ASEAN plan and has justified military offensives as necessary to secure the country and enable political talks.
- Instead of advocating for the five-point ASEAN plan, the generals have instead been pushing a five-step roadmap of their own towards a new election, with few similarities.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GM Mustard
Mains level: GM crops for cultivation
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has yet again cleared the proposal for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) mustard.
What exactly is GM (Hybridized) Mustard?
- Hybridization involves crossing two genetically dissimilar plant varieties that can even be from the same species.
- The first-generation (F1) offspring from such crosses tend to have higher yields than what either parent can individually give.
- Such hybridization isnât easy in mustard, as its flowers have both female (pistil) and male (stamen) reproductive organs, making the plants largely self-pollinating.
- Since the eggs of one plant cannot be fertilised by the pollen grains from another, it limits the scope for developing hybrids.
How has hybridisation been achieved in mustard?
- This has been done by genetic modification (GM).
- Scientists at Delhi Universityâs Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) have developed the hybrid mustard DMH-11.
- It contains two alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
- The first gene (âbarnaseâ) codes for a protein that impairs pollen production and renders the plant into which it is incorporated male-sterile.
- This plant is then crossed with a fertile parental line containing, in turn, the second âbarstarâ gene that blocks the action of the barnase gene.
- The resultant F1 progeny is both high-yielding and also capable of producing seed/ grain, thanks to the barstar gene in the second fertile line.
How did researchers achieve this?
- The CGMCP scientists have deployed the barnase-barstar GM technology to create what they say is a robust and viable hybridisation system in mustard.
- This system was used to develop DMH-11 by crossing a popular Indian mustard variety âVarunaâ (the barnase line) with an East European âEarly Heera-2â mutant (barstar).
- DMH-11 is claimed to have shown an average 28% yield increase over Varuna in contained field trials carried out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
What has GEAC now done?
- GEAC has recommended the environmental release of DMH-11 for its seed production and testing prior to commercial release.
- In other words, it has given the green signal for commercial cultivation by farmers, with production of seed material being the first step.
- This move was earlier vetoed in 2016 by Environment Ministry.
Why did it take so long for GEAC to clear?
- There has been opposition to GM crops in general, from assorted green groups.
- Major concern is the presence of a third âbarâ gene, which makes GM mustard plants tolerant to the spraying of glufosinate ammonium, a chemical used for killing weeds.
- This, the opponents allege will cause displacement of manual labour engaged in weeding by promoting use of chemical herbicides.
- Another concern is over GM mustard threatening or undermining the population of honey bees.
- Mustard flowers are a source of nectar for honey bees and many other pollinator insects.
Try this PYQ:
Q.With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
- GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
Back2Basics: Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- The GEAC is a statutory body notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- It was formed as the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and was renamed to its current name in 2010.
- It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.
- The body regulates the use, manufacture, storage, import, and export of hazardous microorganisms or genetically-engineered organisms and cells in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mangarh Massacre of 1913
Mains level: Tribal revolts in India
Ahead of PM Modiâs visit to Mangarh Dham in Banswara district, Rajasthan CM has sought the declaration of the memorial for tribals as a monument of national importance.
About Mangarh Massacre
- Mangarh Dham is known for the massacre of tribals by the British Indian Army in 1913.
- This place is widely referred to as Adivasi Jallianwala.
- About 1,500 Bhil tribals and forest dwellers were killed at Mangarh on November 17, 1913, when the British Indian Army opened fire on the protesters.
- The people were gathered to demand abolition of bonded labour system and relaxation in heavy agricultural taxes imposed by the rulers of princely states.
- The tribals in the southern Rajasthan region were led by social reformer Govind Guru.
Course of events
- Govind Guru started his movement among Bhils in the early 1890s.
- The movement had, as its religious centrepiece, the concept of a fire god, which required his followers to raise sacred hearths in front of which Bhils pray while performing the purifying havan called dhuni.
- In 1903, the guru set up his main dhuni on Mangadh Hill.
- Mobilised by him, the Bhils placed a charter of 33 demands before the British by 1910 primarily relating to forced labour, high tax imposed on Bhils and harassment of the guru’s followers by the princely states.
- The Bhil struggle for justice under Govind Guru took a serious turn after the British and local rulers refused to accept the demands and tried to break the Bhagat movement in 1913.
Try this PYQ:
Q. Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century?
(a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products.
(b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas.
(c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas.
(d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Khangkhui Cave
Mains level: NA
A colony of bats was evicted from a Khangkhui Mangsor cave system in Manipur with a Palaeolithic past to make it tourist-friendly.
Khangkhui Mangsor
- The Khangkhui, locally called Khangkhui Mangsor, is a natural limestone cave about 15 km from Ukhrul, the headquarters of Ukhrul district.
- Excavations carried out by Manipurâs archaeologists had revealed the cave was home to Stone Age communities.
- The cave was also used as a shelter by the local people during the Second World War after the Japanese forces advanced to Manipur and the adjoining Nagaland.
Why in news?
- The cave housed large roosting populations of bats belonging to the Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae families.
- They were however killed and evicted from the Khangkhui cave after 2016-17 purportedly to make it more tourist-friendly.
Do you know?
The longest is Krem Liat Prah in the Jaintia Hills, which is 30.957 km long. The word “Krem” means cave in the local Khasi language
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Promoting Hindi language and associated issues
Context
- The unveiling of the Hindi editions of the first professional MBBS books by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bhopal has stirred anti-Hindi agitations, with the Opposition, especially in the South, contending that the move is nothing more than a poll gimmick.
- Example of Non-English countries: Supporters of the move are quoting examples from China, Japan, Ukraine, Russia, and Norway â countries where official languages are the sole medium of instruction in all the technical and non-technical courses.
- Education in mother tongue is effective: If they can do so, why canât we, they argue, especially as it is an established fact that imparting education in a studentâs mother tongue is effective for learning.
Why English is best medium of English education?
- Teaching in local plus English language: Fifty-two medical colleges, out of the total 170 colleges on mainland China, whose graduates can attempt the USMLE (the entrance exam to practice in the US), teach in both Chinese and English. There has been a steep rise in the number of parents interested in enrolling their children â at just three years old â in ESL (English as a Second Language) courses.
- Less resources in Hindi: It is unwise to compare the status of Hindi to Chinese or German, given Indiaâs diversity. Moreover, Hindi, or any other vernacular language, for that matter, offers far fewer resources to support the job-seeking young populace. Learning English, therefore, comes with a promise of roti, kapda, makaan (food, clothes, shelter.)
- Higher demand for English Medium: A few years ago, when newspapers reported on the closing down of government schools in Tamil Nadu, one of the major reasons cited was parentsâ preoccupation with English-medium schools â leading them to deny free cash and food and admit their kids to low-end, mediocre English schools, instead.
- English is a great leveller: When it comes to higher education, English is a great leveller, allowing dialogue to continue with the rest of the world. Medicine, as evidence-based as it is, is constantly evolving with the introduction of novel research. Treating cases sometimes requires consulting multiple books, research papers, and journal articles, for which a sound system of translation needs to be established before we can even begin thinking about phasing out English.
- Issue of Translation: The people involved in the translation process spoke of two things, First, instead of âtranslationâ, the books have been transliterated. The medical terminology remains the same; sentences have only been translated for easier reading. That too, in the most mainstream dialect of Hindi. Second, these books are to be used as âbridge booksâ, and not as replacements for the English ones, designed to address the initial hiccups students are bound to face.
- No clarity on roadmap: The initial announcement also fails to account for the necessary infrastructure. There has been no clarity on whether or how these translations will be incorporated as reading materials, and how they will evolve or change with time. Whether standard books like Harrison and Robbins would also be translated is anyoneâs guess. Translating these tomes only once would not suffice as newer editions every three to five years incorporate significant changes.
- Training of teachers and conferences: Professors and other teaching staff would also need to be trained. Most of all, what about medical conferences, the staple of a medical student? Would they be organised in Hindi moving forward?
- Our medical industry is yet to develop: While basing our argument only on language, we often forget that Chinese healthcare is self-sufficient when it comes to research and protocols, or that Germany has primary resources available in their own language. Our focus right now should be to develop primary resources. Our medical industry is at way too nascent a stage to be speaking of language.
Conclusion
- Offering extra evening classes as done by AIIMS, Delhi could have been a better substitute given that the strength of students who struggle with English makes up about one to two per cent of the entire batch. Besides, no strict distinction exists between Hindi and non-Hindi-speaking states as most institutions have a portion of seats that are filled up by a pan-India entrance exam. Our focus should be on quality of education instead of medium of instruction.
Mains Question
Q. Medical education in English is more viable than local language. Explain. Why Government of India Supports the Medical education in Hindi?
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