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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP): A Step in the Right Direction

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    ACP

    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.

    ACP

    The Maharashtra government’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) focuses on three priority areas

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.

    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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    Also Read:

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning

     

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  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    Article 355 imposed in Manipur

    | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    manipur

    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:

    1. When a state fails to comply with or to give effect to any of the directions given by the Union under the Constitution.
    2. When the security of India is threatened by external aggression or internal disturbance.
    3. When there is a threat to the unity and integrity of India due to any violent activities by any group or organization.
    4. 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.
    5. When a state fails to provide adequate protection to minorities, particularly in cases of communal violence.
    6. 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:

    1. The President cannot use this article on his/her own initiative; it must be done on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
    2. The use of Article 355 does not authorize the President to intervene directly in the affairs of the state.
    3. The President can use this article only to give directions to the state government, and not to the state legislature or the judiciary.
    4. 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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  • RBI Notifications

    CBDC for efficient Cross-Border Payment

    | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    cbdc

    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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  • Nuclear Diplomacy and Disarmament

    What is the Washington Declaration?

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    washington

    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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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    All Cantonments to be disbanded: Centre

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    cantonment

    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:

    1. Category I: Cantonments having a population of more than 50,000.
    2. Category II: Cantonments having a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
    3. Category III: Cantonments having a population of less than 10,000.
    4. Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.

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  • G20 : Economic Cooperation ahead

    SAI20 and India’s Presidency of G20

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    SAI20

    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:
    1. Blue economy
    2. 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.

    SAI20

    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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     Also read:

    Blue Economy: India’s G20 Presidency Offers An Opportunity

     

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  • Organ & Tissue Transplant- Policies, Technologies, etc.

    Govt. to release Manual for Organ Donation & Transplantation

    | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    organ

    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.

    1. National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network
    2. 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:

    1. Bone and bone products
    2. Skin graft
    3. Cornea
    4. 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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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    EU’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    eu 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:
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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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  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    India drops 11 places to rank 161 in World Press Freedom Index

    IOCRPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    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:
    1. Sovereignty and integrity of India
    2. Security of the State,
    3. Friendly relations with foreign States
    4. Public order, decency or morality
    5. Contempt of court
    6. Defamation
    7. Incitement to an offence

     

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS): A Considerable Alternative

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Scheme

    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.

    Scheme

    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.

    Scheme

    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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    Also read:

    Reversal To Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Potential Impact

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