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  • India’s disputed Compensatory Afforestation (CAMPA) Policy at odds with new IPCC report

     

    Central idea

    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Synthesis Report, where the IPCC notes the significance of preserving natural ecosystems to mitigate climate change.
    • The report has raised concerns about the ongoing policy of afforestation in India that allows forests to be cut down and replaced elsewhere.

    Afforestation in India

    • Afforestation has become an increasingly contested policy in India.
    • The government has pledged to add “an additional (cumulative) carbon sink of 2.5-3 GtCO2e through additional forest and tree cover by 2030”.

    Why is CAMPA invoked in the IPCC report?

    • India’s Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) has been accused of facilitating the destruction of natural ecosystems in exchange for forests to be set up elsewhere.

    What is CAMPA?

    • CAMPA is a body established by the Indian government in 2002 on the orders of the Supreme Court.
    • The purpose of CAMPA is to promote afforestation and regeneration activities as a way of compensating for forest land that has been diverted to non-forest uses, such as for dams, mines, and other development projects.
    • The Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 requires project proponents to identify land elsewhere for afforestation and pay for the afforestation exercise.
    • The money paid by project proponents is deposited in a fund overseen by CAMPA.

    Controversies surrounding CAMPA

    • Unutilised fund: The money paid to CAMPA sits in a fund, but most of the fund remained unspent until 2013, leading to criticism of facilitating the destruction of natural ecosystems. In 2006-2012, the fund grew from Rs 1,200 crore to Rs 23,600 crore.
    • Threatening endangered landscape: CAMPA also came under fire for funding projects that endangered landscape connectivity and biodiversity corridors.
    • Unsustainability of artificial plantation: CAMPA has been accused for planting non-native species or artificial plantations that don’t compensate for the ecosystem loss.

    Why is forestation under CAMPA unsustainable?

    • Natural ecosystems sequester more carbon: This report highlights the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and reducing the conversion of natural ecosystems to mitigate climate change.
    • Renewable energy installation is more sustainable: The IPCC report also found that solar power has more mitigating potential than reducing the conversion of natural ecosystems, and wind power was the third highest.

    Conclusion

    • Preserving natural ecosystems should be recognized as an essential means to mitigate climate change, and environment impact assessments should include climate costs.
    • Policies such as afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and renewable energy must be carefully evaluated to reduce the impact of the climate crisis.

     

  • Disqualification of a MP over Criminal Charges

    disqualification

    Central idea: A politician has been sentenced to two years in jail by a Surat court in a 2019 defamation case filed against him for his remarks about the surname of a community. This conviction could lead to his disqualification.

    Disqualification of a Lawmaker

    Disqualification of a lawmaker is prescribed in three situations-

    1. Constitutional provisions: First is through Articles 102(1) and 191(1) for disqualification of a member of Parliament and a member of the Legislative Assembly respectively. The grounds here include holding an office of profit, being of unsound mind or insolvent or not having valid citizenship.
    2. Defection: It is in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides for the disqualification of the members on grounds of defection.
    3. Representation of The People Act (RPA), 1951: It provides for disqualification for conviction in criminal cases.

    Disqualification under RPA, 1951

    • It provides for disqualification for conviction in criminal cases.
    • Section 8 of the RPA deals with disqualification for conviction of offences.
    • The provision is aimed at “preventing the criminalisation of politics” and keeping ‘tainted’ lawmakers from contesting elections.

    Section 8(3) states: “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.”

    Appeal and stay of disqualification

    • The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker.
    • In a 2018 decision in ‘Lok Prahari v Union of India’, the Supreme Court clarified that the disqualification “will not operate from the date of the stay of conviction by the appellate court.”
    • This means that Gandhi’s first appeal would be before the Surat Sessions Court and then before the Gujarat High Court.

    Changes in the Law

    • Under the RPA, Section 8(4) stated that the disqualification takes effect only “after three months have elapsed” from the date of conviction.
    • Within that period, lawmakers could file an appeal against the sentence before the High Court.
    • However, in the landmark 2013 ruling in ‘Lily Thomas v Union of India’, the Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the RPA as unconstitutional.

    Lily Thomas Verdict

    • The Lily Thomas verdict was a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 2013.
    • The verdict struck down a provision in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), which allowed convicted lawmakers to continue in office if they filed an appeal within three months of their conviction.
    • The provision, which was part of Section 8(4) of the RPA, had been criticized for allowing convicted politicians to continue to hold public office while their appeals were pending in higher courts, and for contributing to the criminalization of politics in India.The verdict was seen as a major step towards cleaning up Indian politics and ensuring that convicted criminals do not get to occupy public offices.

     

     

  • What does ‘Guillotine’ refer to in legislative parlance?

    Central idea: Amidst the ongoing stalemate in Parliament, some MPs said the government may guillotine the demands for grants and pass the Finance Bill without any discussion in the Lok Sabha.

    What is a Guillotine?

    • A guillotine is an apparatus designed for efficiently carrying out executions by beheading.
    • It consists of a large, weighted blade that is raised to the top of a tall, erect frame and released to fall on the neck of a condemned person secured at the bottom of the frame, executing them in a single, clean pass.
    • The origin of the exact device as well as the term can be found in France.
    • The design of the guillotine was intended to make capital punishment more reliable and less painful in accordance with new Enlightenment ideas of human rights.

    Guillotine Motion in Parliament

    • In legislative parlance, to “guillotine” means to bunch together and fast-track the passage of financial business.
    • It is a fairly common procedural exercise in Lok Sabha during the Budget Session.
    • After the Budget is presented, Parliament goes into recess for about three weeks, during which time the House Standing Committees examine Demands for Grants for various Ministries, and prepare reports.
    • After Parliament reassembles, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) draws up a schedule for discussions on the Demands for Grants.
    • Given the limitation of time, the House cannot take up the expenditure demands of all Ministries; therefore, the BAC identifies some important Ministries for discussion.
    • It usually lists Demands for Grants of the Ministries of Home, Defence, External Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development and Human Resource Development.

    Why use such a motion?

    • Members utilise the opportunity to discuss the policies and working of Ministries.
    • Once the House is done with these debates, the Speaker applies the “guillotine”, and all outstanding demands for grants are put to vote at once.
    • This usually happens on the last day earmarked for the discussion on the Budget.
    • The intention is to ensure the timely passage of the Finance Bill, marking the completion of the legislative exercise with regard to the Budget.

     

  • 23rd Mar 23 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini Test 15 (Pollutants, Important Keywords in Environment)

    23rd Mar 23 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini Test 15 (Pollutants, Important Keywords in Environment)

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  • 23rd Mar 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    23rd Mar 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Changing Geopolitical Landscape and India’s Diplomacy

    Geopolitical

    Central Idea

    • The changing geopolitical landscape, characterized by realignments and recalibrations among major powers, demands nimble, flexible, and open-ended diplomacy from India, as it faces the challenges posed by the deepening partnership between Russia and China.

    Geopolitical

    Changing geopolitical landscape

    1. Geopolitical Churn overview:
    • Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida aims to elevate Indo-Pacific partnership with India.
    • Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Moscow to consolidate the Eurasian alliance with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
    • Recalibration of relations among major middle powers, such as the thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
    • Such events signify the ongoing realignment of major powers in the world.\
    1. Realignment and Dealignment:
    • The breakdown of the post-Cold War world order has accelerated due to Russian aggression against Ukraine and the conflict over Taiwan.
    • Countries are adapting to the breakdown of the old order at different speeds and with varying senses of urgency.
    • Some trends in the geopolitical landscape are enduring, while others represent short-term adjustments.
    1. Middle East Dynamics:
    • Saudi-Iran rapprochement could be tactical or strategic, but the regional powers have some room for bargaining with both Russia-China and the West.
    • Domestic crises in Turkey and Iran might encourage them to scale down their foreign policy adventurism.
    1. East Asia Developments:
    • The recent summit between South Korea and Japan marked the first meeting between the two leaders in nearly twelve years.
    • The volatile domestic politics of South Korea and its deep economic relationship with China make the regional dynamic uncertain.
    • India needs to navigate this shifting regional landscape with agile diplomacy.
    1. Russia-China Partnership:
    • The deepening partnership between Russia and China poses challenges for India.
    • Different perspectives on how this partnership might affect India-Russia relations.

    Geopolitical

    Significance of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to India

    • Strengthening the Strategic Partnership: The visit helps to reaffirm and expand the strategic partnership between India and Japan, which is crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries share common concerns about China’s growing influence and assertiveness, and the visit highlights their commitment to working together to address these challenges.
    • Enhancing Defense Cooperation: Kishida’s visit to India provides an opportunity for both countries to discuss ways to enhance defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and collaboration on defense research and development. This collaboration could help both countries build their capabilities to address regional security challenges.
    • Expanding Economic Ties: The visit offers an opportunity to further expand trade and investment relations between India and Japan, which are already robust. Both countries can explore new areas of economic cooperation, such as infrastructure development, technology collaboration, and supply chain diversification, thereby reducing their dependence on China.
    • Focus on Connectivity and Infrastructure: Japan has been actively involved in major infrastructure projects in India, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and high-speed rail projects. Kishida’s visit could lead to further collaboration in connectivity initiatives, both within India and across the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Collaboration on Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Both India and Japan are committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. Kishida’s visit can help strengthen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, low-carbon technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
    • People-to-People Exchanges: The visit can also contribute to enhancing people-to-people exchanges between India and Japan, such as academic exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism promotion, which can foster greater understanding and goodwill between the two nations.

    Value addition

    The deepening partnership between Russia and China in recent years

    • Shared Interests: Both Russia and China have an interest in creating a multipolar world and countering Western dominance. They often share similar perspectives on international issues and work together in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.
    • Economic Ties: China has become Russia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $110 billion in 2020. Both countries have been working to strengthen their economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology.
    • Energy Cooperation: Russia is a major exporter of natural resources like oil and gas, and China is the world’s largest energy consumer. The two countries have signed numerous agreements on energy cooperation, including the construction of pipelines and joint development of natural gas projects.
    • Military Collaboration: Russia and China have increased their military cooperation in recent years, conducting joint military exercises and sharing defense technologies. Russia has been a significant arms supplier to China, helping to modernize the Chinese military.
    • Political Support: Both countries have supported each other on the international stage, often backing each other’s positions in the United Nations and other international forums. For instance, China has supported Russia’s stance on issues like Crimea and Syria, while Russia has backed China on issues related to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
    • Response to Western Sanctions: In the face of Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine, the partnership with China has become increasingly important for Moscow. China has provided economic support to Russia, helping to mitigate the impact of these sanctions.
    • The US Factor: The United States’ strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific and its efforts to counter China’s rise have pushed Beijing closer to Moscow. Likewise, strained US-Russia relations have led Moscow to seek stronger ties with Beijing.

    Russia and China axis: Implications for India

    • Strategic Concerns: A closer Russia-China alliance could potentially undermine India’s strategic interests, as both countries are India’s neighbors and have had historical disputes with it. A stronger partnership between Russia and China could complicate India’s efforts to maintain a balance of power in the region.
    • Impact on India-Russia Relations: India has traditionally enjoyed a strong relationship with Russia, especially in defense cooperation. However, Russia’s growing ties with China could potentially affect this relationship, as Moscow may prioritize its partnership with Beijing over New Delhi.
    • Influence in the Indo-Pacific: A stronger Russia-China partnership could challenge India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries are trying to expand their presence. This might lead to increased competition and tensions between India and the Russia-China alliance.
    • Security Challenges: Increased military cooperation between Russia and China might pose security challenges for India, as it could result in a more assertive and capable China in the region. This could also affect India’s efforts to maintain a stable security environment along its borders.
    • Multilateral Forums: India’s role in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) might be impacted by the Russia-China partnership. India may find it challenging to pursue its interests in these forums if both countries work together to promote their shared goals.
    • Diplomatic Balancing Act: India will need to navigate a delicate diplomatic balancing act as it seeks to maintain strong ties with both Russia and the US, while also pursuing closer relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s rise.
    • Economic Implications: India’s trade and investment relations with Russia and China could be affected by the evolving geopolitical situation. India might need to diversify its economic partnerships to minimize the risks associated with the Russia-China alliance.

    India’s diplomacy in response to the changing geopolitical landscape

    • Act East Policy: India has strengthened its focus on East and Southeast Asia, both economically and strategically, through the Act East Policy. This approach aims to deepen India’s engagement with the ASEAN countries, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, promoting regional connectivity, trade, and investment while also addressing shared security concerns.
    • Indo-Pacific Strategy: Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, India has been actively participating in regional forums and partnerships, such as the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States). This strategy aims to maintain a rules-based order, ensure freedom of navigation, and promote regional stability in the face of China’s growing influence.
    • Balancing Relations with Major Powers: India has been navigating its relationships with major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. While India has strengthened its strategic partnership with the US, it also maintains its long-standing ties with Russia, despite Moscow’s growing closeness to Beijing. At the same time, India seeks to manage its complex relationship with China, balancing cooperation on regional and global issues with competition and strategic rivalry.
    • Neighbourhood First Policy: India has been prioritizing its relationships with its immediate neighbors in South Asia, focusing on enhancing connectivity, economic integration, and people-to-people exchanges. This policy aims to foster regional stability, counterbalance China’s growing influence, and promote India’s leadership role in the region.
    • Multilateralism and Global Governance: India has been actively participating in and seeking reforms in global governance institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council reflects its ambition to play a more significant role in shaping global norms and addressing shared challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and international terrorism.
    • Economic Diplomacy: India has been leveraging its economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, promote its exports, and diversify its supply chains. By engaging with various regional trade blocs and negotiating bilateral trade agreements, India aims to integrate itself more closely with the global economy and enhance its economic competitiveness.

    Conclusion

    • As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift and evolve, India needs to adapt its diplomacy to navigate the changing dynamics effectively. The deepening partnership between Russia and China requires India to reassess its strategic relationships and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with both traditional and emerging partners.

    Mains Question

    Q. India-Japan relations have witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. Discuss the strategic significance of the bilateral partnership and also evaluate the challenges in further strengthening the relationship.

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  • Strengthening the Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB)

    Tuberculosis

    Central Idea

    • The fight against tuberculosis (TB) has been going on for over 30 years since it was declared a global health emergency, yet the goal of ending TB by 2030 is still uncertain. The fight against TB needs a renewed focus on three key areas i.e., vaccine development, newer therapeutic agents, and improved diagnostics to meet the goal of ending TB by 2030.

    Background

    • In 1993, the World Health Organization declared TB a global health emergency and the 1993 World Development Report stated that TB treatment for adults was the best buy among all developmental interventions.
    • Since then, the global response to TB has been slow and lacks urgency.

    Global Fund

    • The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria was created in response to the call for action against TB at the G7 summit in Okinawa, Japan, in 2001.
    • The Global Fund has become the single largest channel of additional funding for global TB control.
    • However, it faces constraints due to zero-sum games from donor constituents and competition between the three diseases it finances.

    Tuberculosis

    StopTB Partnership

    • The StopTB Partnership was constituted to mobilize and marshal a disparate set of actors towards the goal of ending TB.
    • It has been adapting to changes, such as using molecular diagnostic tools developed to respond to bioterrorism to diagnose TB and using social safety programs to address the poverty drivers of the TB epidemic.

    Facts for prelims: Basics of TB

    • Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
    • It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
    • TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
    • Symptoms of TB include coughing that lasts for three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
    • TB can be treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant forms of TB are a growing concern.

    Tuberculosis

    Three key areas that need attention

    1. Vaccine development:
    • The development of an adult TB vaccine is the first area that needs urgent attention.
    • The current vaccine is 100 years old, and the development and wide use of an adult TB vaccine are essential to ending TB.
    • COVID-19 vaccine development process provides insights into accelerating the process.
    • India’s capabilities can play a significant role in vaccine development and equitable distribution.
    1. Newer therapeutic agents for TB:
    • A few new anti-TB drugs are available but face cost and production constraints.
    • Shorter, injection-free regimens are needed to improve compliance and reduce patient fatigue.
    • A continuous pipeline of new drugs is essential to combat drug resistance.
    1. Improved diagnostics:
    • AI-assisted handheld radiology and passive surveillance of cough sounds can revolutionize TB diagnostics.
    • Incentivize biotech startups to disrupt the complexity and price barriers of molecular testing.

    Tuberculosis

    Conclusion

    • India’s leadership role in the G20 and the upcoming StopTB Partnership board meeting in Varanasi provide the perfect opportunity for India to lead the way in ending TB. With the collective will and action of leaders, it is possible to end TB sooner rather than later.
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  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Pollutants, Important Keywords in Environment

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 1 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Telegram LIVE with Sukanya ma’am – 06 PM  – Current Affairs Session

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    23rd Mar 2023

    Pollutants, Important keywords in Environment

    What are Air Pollutants?

    Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution; air pollution is caused by air pollutants.

    Types of Air Pollutants

    Primary Pollutants Secondary Pollutants
    The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants.  The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants.

    Classification of Pollutants

    Particulate Pollutants  Gaseous Pollutants
    1. Lead
    2. Fly Ash
    3. Metallic Oxides
    4. Nanoparticles
    1. Carbon monoxide (CO)
    2. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
    3. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
    4. Ozone (O3)
    5. Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
    6. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
    • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
    • Benzene
    • Ethylene
    • Biological pollutants
    • Asbestos
    • Radon

    Particulate Pollutants

    The particles that pollute the air by being suspended can be defined as particulate pollutants.

    These particles are results of some anthropogenic processes like vehicles, industries, construction sites/activities, etc. or natural sources like pollen, volcanic eruptions, natural gaseous precursors, etc.

    • Their size ranges from 0.001 to 500 micrometers (µm) in diameter.
    Heavy Particulate Matter Suspended Particulate Matter Nanoparticulate Matter
    • More than 10 µm
    • Less than 10 µm
    • Less than 0.02 µm
    • Settles down after a point
    • Floats and moves freely with air currents
    • Very light and harmful
    • Form aerosols

    Gaseous Pollutants

    Gaseous Pollutants Description Impacts
    Carbon monoxide (CO)
    • Highly toxic.
    • Produced from internal combustion engines due to incomplete combustion.
    • Other sources are volcanoes, forest fires, etc.
    • Greenhouse gas.
    • Carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • Produces carboxyhemoglobin reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
    Carbon dioxide (CO2)
    • Heavier than air.
    • Source are volcanoes, fire, etc.
    • Greenhouse gas.
    • CO2 is an asphyxiant gas (asphyxia: a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.).
    • Has other harmful effects if a high concentration of CO2 is inhaled like dizziness, headache, etc.
    • Carbonic rain in high polluted areas.
    Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
    • Used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols, etc.
    • Highly destructive to the Ozone layer.
    Ozone (O3)
    • Very useful in the Stratosphere but harmful at the ground layer.
    • It’s produced due to industries and vehicles.
    • Greenhouse gas.
    • Has toxic effects.
    • Causes watery and itchy eyes.
    Nitrogen oxide (NOx)
    • Various oxides of Nitrogen come under NOX.
    • Caused due to the reaction between oxygen and nitrogen at high temps such as in combustion engines and industries.
    • Aggravates Ashtamatic conditions and other respiratory issues in humans.
    • Plays a major role in the formation of SMOG, acid rain (nitric acid), and the greenhouse effect.
    Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
    • Pungent smelling colorless gas produced from mostly volcanic activities, industrial processes, and production of sulphuric acid.
    • Respiratory issues, premature deaths, and death of certain nerves when inhaled.
    Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
    • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature.
    • Irritations in eyes, skin, nose, and throat.
    • Long-term exposure can cause serious damage to the liver and other organs.
    Benzene
    • Found in petrochemicals and used as a fuel additive
    • Increases cancer risk and a major cause of bone marrow failure.
    Ethylene
    • Used in plastic and chemical industries in the production of Polyethylene and other polymers.
    • Excess exposure can cause headaches and dizziness.
    • Ethylene oxide is a carcinogen.
    Asbestos
    • Occurs naturally as a fibrous mineral.
    • Prolonged exposure and inhalation can be very harmful and can cause fatal illness.
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  • Old Pension Scheme (OPS): A Call for Equitable Distribution of Resources

    Pension

    Central Idea

    • The demand for the old pension scheme (OPS) is growing in India, particularly after some states announced plans to revert to it. The mainstream critique of OPS is centered around inefficiency and fiscal deficit concerns. However, it is crucial to examine the policy from the class and welfare perspectives.

    What is 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.

    Pension

    Did you know: The National Pension System (NPS)?

    • NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
    • NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals.

    Analyzing the Impact of OPS on India’s Socio-Economic Landscape

    1. Inequality and Regressive Redistribution: Under the National Pension System (NPS), the Sixth Pay Commission increased the basic salary of government employees to cover pension contributions and promote post-retirement savings. As a result, the salary of a government employee is higher than the income of more than 90% of the population. The OPS thus acts as a regressive redistribution mechanism favoring a better-off class.
    2. Rising Pension Liabilities: Pension liabilities of the government increased substantially due to the Sixth pay matrix, reaching 9% of total state expenditure. By 2050, pension expenditure will account for 19.4% of total state expenditures, assuming the current growth rate remains constant.
    3. Disproportionate Burden on the Lower Class: The bottom 50% of the population faces the inequitable burden of indirect taxation, six times more than their income. Due to OPS, they must bear the burden of supporting government employees’ pensions, which could push them further into poverty.
    4. Expenditure Challenges and Public Goods: As India’s population ages and public provision of education and healthcare becomes more critical, OPS poses expenditure challenges for providing public goods. This situation compels governments to compress already low social sector expenditures, pushing marginalized groups into further destitution.
    5. Monopolization of Future Labor Markets: The OPS facilitates the monopolization of future labor markets in the private sector by a proprietary class, allowing supervisory bureaucracy to consolidate its position and emerge as a dominant group.

    Pension

    Recommendations for Equitable Resource Distribution

    • Opposition to the OPS should focus on equitable distribution of resources and expansion of universal provisions of public goods.
    • Implement a participatory pension system for government employees to provide more egalitarian outcomes.
    • Tweak the NPS to provide a guaranteed monthly return for lower-rung employees.
    • Address unequal pay among various ranks of employees through administrative reforms.
    • Advocate for progressive taxation of the top 10% and a rationalization of political executives’ pensions and profligacy.

    Facts for prelims: NPS vs OPS

    Parameter National Pension System (NPS) Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
    Type of System Defined Contribution System Defined Benefit System
    Funding Contributions from employee and employer Government-funded
    Investment Market-linked investments in various asset classes No direct investment involved
    Returns Subject to market risks Predetermined and not market-linked
    Pension Amount Depends on accumulated corpus and investment returns Based on last drawn salary and years of service
    Annuity & Lump-sum Withdrawal Minimum 40% corpus used to purchase annuity, remaining can be withdrawn as lump-sum Fixed monthly pension, no annuity or lump-sum withdrawal
    Portability Portable across jobs and sectors Limited to government employees
    Flexibility Choice of investment options, fund managers, and asset allocation No flexibility, pension determined by predefined formula

    Conclusion

    • It is essential to recognize the disenchantment with neoliberalism driving the demand for the OPS. Government employees and policymakers must work together to address the challenges posed by OPS and implement pension reforms that prioritize equitable resource distribution, efficient allocation, and social welfare.

    Mains Question

    Q. Compare and contrast OPS with the National Pension System (NPS) and discuss the impact of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on India’s socio-economic landscape.

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  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Inter-Services Organizations Bill, 2023

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Inter-Services Organizations Bill, 2023

    Context

    The Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15, 2023.  

    Inter-Services Organisations Bill, 2023

    • It seeks to empower the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of Inter-services Organisations to exercise disciplinary or administrative control over the service personnel under their command, irrespective of their service.  
    • It will empower commanders-in-chief or any other officers posted in tri-services organisations with disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in them.

    Key features

    • Inter-services Organisation (ISO):  Existing ISO will be deemed to have been constituted under the Bill.  These include the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and the National Defence Academy.  The central government may constitute an ISO which has personnel belonging to at least two of the three services: the army, the navy, and the air force.  These may be placed under the command of an Officer-in-Command.  These organisations may also include a Joint Services Command, which may be placed under the control of a Commander-in-Chief.
    • Control of ISO:  Presently, the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of ISO are not empowered to exercise disciplinary or administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services.  The Bill empowers the Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command of an ISO to exercise command and control over the personnel serving in or attached to it.  He/She would be responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring the proper discharge of duties by the service personnel.
    • Superintendence of ISO:  The superintendence of an ISO will be vested in the central government.  The government may also issue directions to such organisations on the grounds of national security, general administration, or public interest.
    • Other forces under central government: The central government may notify any force raised and maintained in India to which the Bill will apply.  This would be in addition to army, navy, and air force personnel.
    • Commander-in-Chief: The officers eligible to be appointed as the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command are: (i) a General Officer of the regular Army (above the rank of Brigadier), (ii) a Flag Officer of the Navy (rank of Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral, Vice-Admiral, or Rear-Admiral), or (iii) an Air Officer of the Air Force (above the rank of group captain).
    • Commanding Officer: The Bill provides for a Commanding Officer who will be in command of a unit, ship, or establishment.   The officer will also perform duties assigned by the Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of the ISO.  The Commanding Officer will be empowered to initiate all disciplinary or administrative actions over the personnel appointed, deputed, posted, or attached to that Inter-services Organisation.

    Need for this Bill

    • Multiple legislations: Currently, the service personnel of Indian Air Force, Army and Navy are governed by the provisions of the Air Force Act, 1950, the Army Act, 1950 and the Navy Act, 1957 respectively.
    • No integrated staff: Under current norms only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under the respective service Acts.
    • Others: The Bill will also pave the way for various other tangible benefits such as expeditious disposal of cases, saving of time and public money by avoiding multiple proceedings and greater integration and joint manship among armed forces personnel.

    Significance of the proposed Bill

    • Integration of forces: There has been a long-felt demand to streamline armed forces due to two hostile neighbors. The legislation seeks to avoid resource duplication and enable synergistic deployment.
    • Increase operational efficiency: The bill along with theaterisation will help reduce the current 17 commands to half a dozen for greater operational capability.
    • Better personnel management: The bill would addresses disciplinary issues in a tri-service environment with personnel from different services.
    • Official integration: With this, equivalence and power will be given to the Commander-in-Chief irrespective of their service.
    • Broader realization of security: Need for three services to collaborate to address emerging challenges in modern warfare. Ultimate objective of national security will become easier to achieve.

    Existing challenges

    • Fixed rules of the three services pose a challenge to change.
    • Incorporating technologies like AI and drone technology in modern warfare is challenging.
    • Logistical issues in certain services make it difficult to formulate joint rules and collaboration.
    • Logistics pose a major challenge to smooth and coordinated implementation.
    • Chief of Defence Services (CDS) is overburdened with multiple roles.

    Way forward

    • Operational power should be given within the joint service command at various levels.
    • Powers should be divided to reduce the workload on service headquarters in operational issues.
    • Synergy can be developed on promotion and marking standards between services.
    • CDS should be the Theatre Commander and the charge of the Department of Military Affairs should be given to another officer.
    • Assets of all services should be placed in a central pool until concrete steps of joint operations are taken
    • A Group of Ministers can be formed to take inputs and suggest a well-coordinated policy.
    • Immediate changes like land use and logistics should be made while complicated issues are deliberated.

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