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  • [Sansad TV] Diplomatic Dispatch: Operation Dost & India’s role as First Responder

    [Sansad TV] Diplomatic Dispatch: Operation Dost & India’s role as First Responder

    In this article, we will discuss Operation Dost and India’s increasing profile as a first responder and net security provider.

    Context

    • On 6th of February, a massive earthquake struck southern Turkiye and Syria affecting millions of people in the region.
    • Immediately on receiving news of this tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected people.

    What is Operation Dost?

    • Operation Dost is an ongoing search and rescue operation initiated by India to aid Syria and Turkey, after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake devastated both countries on 6 February 2023.
    • The Indian Army prepared its rescue teams with relief materials within 12 hours after disaster struck (much before the Turkish Army was mobilised).

    How swiftly did India respond?

    • Rescue ops: The NDRF has already flown close to 100 rescue workers along with dog squads to help with efforts, using specialised CSSR (Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue) equipment and techniques.
    • Doctors’ dispatch: A military medical contingent has set up a field hospital in Turkiye for a 30-bed facility and specials, x-ray machines, ventilators, generators and ambulances
    • Relief material: About 25 Tonnes of relief material, protective gear, clothes, emergency medicines, medical items have already reached, more to follow
    • Tech support: India provided Garuda Aerospace’s drones to the most affected areas to identify those trapped under rubble, along with modified Kisan drones carrying medications, food, and supplies.

    Central Idea: HADR Diplomacy

    • Disaster relief diplomacy, also known as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) diplomacy, refers to a country’s efforts to provide aid and support to other countries affected by natural disasters or conflicts.
    • This approach to diplomacy involves a country’s deployment of personnel, resources, and aid to provide assistance to those in need.
    • It involves the sharing of expertise, resources, and knowledge to provide relief and support during times of crisis.

    Features of HADR Diplomacy

    • Multipronged approach: HADR diplomacy is typically a multilateral effort, involving partnerships between multiple countries, international organizations, and local authorities. This approach allows for a coordinated response to a disaster and promotes international cooperation.
    • Capacity-building: HADR diplomacy involves building up a country’s capacity to provide assistance during times of crisis. This includes training personnel, acquiring equipment and supplies, and developing disaster response plans.
    • Focus on vulnerable populations: HADR diplomacy is often focused on supporting vulnerable populations affected by disasters, such as women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
    • Long-term support: HADR diplomacy goes beyond immediate disaster relief efforts and often involves long-term support for affected communities. This can include rebuilding infrastructure, providing healthcare and education, and promoting economic recovery.
    • Emphasis on communication and information sharing: HADR diplomacy involves effective communication and information sharing between different agencies, governments, and organizations. This is essential for coordinating a response to a disaster and ensuring that resources are used effectively.
    • Respect for local culture and customs: HADR diplomacy involves an understanding and respect for local culture and customs. This helps ensure that relief efforts are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of the affected population.

    Why is it used?

    • Soft power tool: It is mixed with solidarity and empathy at a time when suffering populations require as much help as possible.
    • Building ties: Disaster relief diplomacy can be used to build strong ties between countries and promote international cooperation.
    • Responsible global actor: Disaster relief diplomacy can also serve as a means to demonstrate a country’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and help build its reputation as a responsible global actor.

    India and HADR Diplomacy

    india
    • India’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capacities tying into its diplomacy have grown significantly. It began after the 2011 Tsunami.
    • The Quad was also conceived out of an initial blueprint to build disaster response systems in the region.

    Instances of India sending aid to natural disaster-hit countries

    • Maldives: After the 2004 Tsunami, the Indian government announced a composite package worth five crore rupees. Under “Operation Castor”, 50 sorties were undertaken and four aircraft and two Naval ships were engaged in relief operations. Repairing and restoring generators and communication, providing drinking water, and setting up medical camps on ships was also done.
    • Sri Lanka: India sent its forces to carry out rescue operations, called “Operation Rainbow”, in Sri Lanka hours after the Tsunami struck the country on December 26, 2004. Not only this, India provided medical assistance to thousands of victims by setting up medical camps in coordination with the local civil and military health authorities. Preventative medication and vaccines were also supplied.
    • Myanmar: When cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar in 2008 killing at least 20,000 people, India was among the first countries to send aid to them. It gave 125.5 tonnes of relief material, including medicines, clothing, utensils, water tanks, tents and tarpaulin.
    • Japan: The 2011 Tsunami wreaked havoc in Japan. Apart from providing relief materials, India also sent 46 members of the NDRF to search and rescue in the town of Onagawa. It was their first overseas operation. The team included a doctor, three officers, six inspectors, two paramedics and constables and carried 9,000 kg of equipment and food.
    • Nepal: In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, the NDRF deployed 16 of its urban search and rescue (USAR) teams, which comprised more than 700 rescuers in the country. They rescued 11 injured persons and retrieved 133 dead bodies from the rubble. The teams also organised six medical camps and attended to 1,219 persons. Indian authorities sent more than 1,176 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal.

    India’s traditional rivalry with Turkiye

    Ankara’s long-standing stance on Kashmir and backing Pakistan, especially at the United Nations (UN), pushed some to ask why India was offering aid if Turkiye did not back India’s sovereignty.

    Setting differences aside, why is India helping Turkey?

    • In the case of India providing earthquake relief to Turkey, there are several factors that likely influenced India’s decision:
    • Humanitarian considerations: The primary reason for providing assistance in times of disaster is to help those in need, regardless of political or strategic considerations. The earthquake in Turkey was a humanitarian crisis, and India likely felt compelled to provide assistance to help alleviate the suffering of those affected.
    • Diplomatic reset: Disaster relief efforts can also serve as a means of promoting diplomatic relations between countries. By providing aid to Turkey, India may have been seeking to build goodwill and improve its relationship with the country.
    • Shared interests: Despite past disagreements and conflicts, India and Turkey share some common history, culture and interests such as economic and strategic ties. Providing aid to Turkey may have been a way for India to demonstrate its commitment to these shared interests.
    • International reputation: As a rising global power, India likely sees disaster relief efforts as a means of demonstrating its commitment to global humanitarian efforts and building its international reputation. By providing HADR, India has established itself as a responsible global actor.
    • Cultural and people-to-people ties: India and Turkey share cultural and historical ties, with both countries having a rich cultural heritage. Ex. Ankara granting e-visa facilities to Indian tourists and Bollywood films being popular among Turkish masses.

    While past conflicts and disagreements may influence international relations, countries often engage in aid and diplomatic efforts with countries they may have had past grievances with for a variety of reasons.

    Diplomatically, what did India gain?

    • Bilateral ties reset: In this case, India’s assistance to Turkiye comes at a time when ties are still tense- particularly over unwarranted Turkish statements and aids to radicalists in Kashmir.
    • Global responder image: Especially in the year of India’s G20 presidency, India’s assistance burnishes its image as a leader of the developing world.
    • Military capability on display: This disaster portrayed India’s swift response to rescue operations by mobilizing transporters, field hospitals, and technical teams within hours. It somehow portrays India’s preparedness for War.
    • Improves response time: Op dost would help India with future calamities in India or anywhere in the world.
    • Economic benefits: India’s HADR diplomacy has also brought economic benefits to the country. By providing aid and support to other countries, India has developed trade and economic relationships, and gained access to new markets and resources.

    How can Turkiye benefit from this?

    • Preferring India over appeasing Pakistan: It is becoming increasingly obvious that Turkey is getting disenchanted with Pakistan by and by, the most important factor behind its animosity towards India. The number of illegal Pakistanis.
    • Battling domestic economic crisis: Turkey, which is undergoing a big economic crisis with historically high inflation of 80 percent, has to be pragmatic, not ideological, so as to win more friends than foes.
    • Attracting more Indian tourists: Indians are now the third-largest Asian tourists in Turkey after China and Indonesia. Indian businesses, from food to technology, have been gradually expanding their presence in Turkey.
    • Rebuking its ideals of Khilafat: Turkey perhaps realizes now its failure to emerge as the leader a grouping consisting of Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, and Qatar, in an attempt to break Saudi and UAE’s ideological supremacy within the Islamic world.
    • Rebuilding ties with Israel: Turkey re-established diplomatic relations with Israel after more than a decade of tensions that erupted in 2010 when Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists in Gaza. India can help them come closer.

    Conclusion

    • Providing relief and aid to not just neighboring, but in the extended neighborhood of West Asia bodes well for the kind of diplomacy India is aiming to conduct in the future.
    • Public diplomacy, such as HADR capacities, remains one of the most effective tools to build capacities on a people-to-people level, conduct of which needs to be done in a humble way.

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  • GST Appellate Tribunal gets nod

    The GST Council reached a broad consensus on setting up GST Appellate Tribunal; likely to be included in Finance Bill 2023.

    What is GST Appellate Tribunal?

    • The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
    • It will function as an independent body to hear appeals against orders passed by the GST authorities or the Appellate Authority.
    • The tribunal will be composed of a national bench and various regional benches, headed by a chairperson appointed by the central government.
    • The proposed tribunal is expected to help expedite the resolution of disputes related to GST and reduce the burden on the judiciary.

    Under GST, if a person is not satisfied with the decision passed by any lower court, an appeal can be raised to a higher court, the hierarchy for the same is as follows (from low to high):

    1. Adjudicating Authority
    2. Appellate Authority
    3. Appellate Tribunal
    4. High Court
    5. Supreme Court

    Why need such Tribunal?

    • Unburden judiciary: GST Appellate Tribunal will help resolve the rising number of disputes under the 68-month old indirect tax regime that are now clogging High Courts and other judicial fora.
    • Improve efficiency of GST System: Overall, the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system in India.
    • Independent mechanism: The proposed Tribunal will provide an independent and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes related to GST.
    • Avoid tax evasion: It will help to expedite the resolution of disputes, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and promote greater certainty and predictability in the GST system.

    Issues with present litigation

    • Compliance issues: The GST system is relatively new in India, having been implemented in 2017, and there have been several issues with compliance and interpretation of rules and regulations.
    • Complex adjudication hierarchy: The current dispute resolution mechanism involves multiple layers of adjudication, starting with the GST officer and as mentioned above.
    • Time consuming process: This process can be time-consuming, costly, and burdensome for taxpayers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

    How is it being established?

    • The proposed GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to be included in the Finance Bill 2023.
    • This means that it will become a part of the central government’s budget, and will have legal standing.

    Do you know?

    Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) was the first Tribunal in India to be created on 25th January, 1941 and is also known as ‘Mother Tribunal’! And it functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice and not the obvious looking Ministry of Finance.

    Back2Basics: What is a Finance Bill?

    • A Finance Bill is a proposed legislation that is introduced by the government to implement the financial proposals of the Union Budget for the upcoming financial year in India.
    • It is a comprehensive document that outlines the government’s revenue and expenditure for the year, including changes in tax laws, tariffs, customs duties, and other fiscal measures.
    • Since the Union Budget deals with these things, it is passed as a Finance Bill.

    Types of Finance Bills

    • There are different kinds of Finance Bills — the most important of them is the Money Bill. The Money Bill is concretely defined in Article 110.
    • In India, there are three types of Finance Bills that can be introduced in the Parliament:
    1. Annual Finance Bill: This is the most common type of Finance Bill and is introduced by the government every year to give effect to the tax proposals announced in the Union Budget. It contains provisions related to taxation, expenditure, and revenue collection for the upcoming financial year.
    2. Finance Bill (Money Bill): A Money Bill is a type of Finance Bill that contains only provisions related to taxation and expenditure, but does not include any other matter. Money Bills are deemed to be passed by the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, and do not require approval from the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
    3. Finance Bill (Non-Money Bill): This type of Finance Bill contains provisions related to taxation and other matters, such as changes in the structure of regulatory bodies or the introduction of new policies. Unlike Money Bills, Non-Money Bills must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to become law.

    How is money bill different from Finance Bill?

    • A Money Bill is certified by the Speaker as such — in other words, only those Financial Bills that carry the Speaker’s certification are Money Bills.
    • Article 110 states that a Bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions dealing with all or any of the following matters:

    (a) the imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax;

    (b) the regulation of the borrowing of money or any financial obligations undertaken

    (c) the custody of the consolidated Fund or the Contingency Fund of India, the payment of moneys into or the withdrawal of moneys from any such Fund;

    (d) the appropriation of moneys out of the consolidated Fund of India;

    (e) the declaring of any expenditure to be expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or the increasing of the amount of any such expenditure;

    (f) the receipt of money on account of the Consolidated Fund of India or the public account of India or the custody or issue of such money or the audit of the accounts of the Union or of a State; or

    (g) any matter incidental to any of the matters specified in sub clause (a) to (f)

     

     

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  • The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC)

    The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) has decided to involve international property consultancy firms to speed up the process of making money by selling or leasing the land owned by the government.

    What is NLMC?

    • NLMC is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 to carry out monetisation of government and surplus land holdings of public sector undertakings (PSU).
    • It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and is set up with an initial authorised share capital of ₹5,000 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹150 crore.
    • It is a firm, fully owned by the government, to carry out the monetisation of government and public sector assets in the form of surplus, unused or underused land assets.

    Aims and objectives

    • Monetize underutilised or unused land parcels of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
    • Facilitate the monetisation of assets belonging to PSUs that have ceased operations or are in line for a strategic disinvestment.
    • Transfer of revenue rights: When the government monetises its assets, it essentially means that it is transferring the revenue rights of the asset (could be idle land, infrastructure, PSU) to a private player for a specified period of time.
    • Govt as facilitator: In such a transaction, the government gets in return an upfront payment from the private entity, regular share of the revenue generated from the asset, a promise of steady investment into the asset, and the title rights to the monetised asset.

    Significant outcomes of land monetization

    • Maximum value realization: It will help monetise them in an efficient and professional manner, maximizing the scope of value realisation.
    • Speed up the process: The setting of the NLMC will speed up the closure process of the CPSEs and smoothen the strategic disinvestment process.
    • Capitalize land assets: It will also enable productive utilisation of these under-utilized assets by setting in motion private sector investments.
    • Economic revitalization: It will boost new economic activities such as industrialisation, boosting the local economy by generating employment and generating financial resources for potential economic and social infrastructure.
    • Advisory to the govt: Besides managing and monetising, the NLMC will act as an advisory body and support other government entities and CPSEs in identifying their surplus non-core assets.

    Need for land monetization

    There are different reasons why the government monetizes its assets.

    • New sources of revenue: One of them is to create new sources of revenue essential to fulfil the government’s target of achieving a $5 trillion economy.
    • Plummeting underutilized assets: Monetisation is also done to unlock the potential of unused or underused assets by involving institutional investors or private players.
    • Capital generation: It is also done to generate resources or capital for future asset creation, such as using the money generated from monetisation to create new infrastructure projects.

    Possible challenges for NLMC

    (1) Volatile market situation

    • The performance and productivity of the NLMC will also depend on the government’s performance on its disinvestment targets.
    • In FY 2021-22, the government has hardly been able to raise expected amounts through various forms of disinvestment.

    (2) Issues with transfer of rights

    • The process of asset monetisation does not end when the government transfers revenue rights to private players.
    • Identifying profitable revenue streams for the monetised land assets, ensuring adequate investment by the private player and setting up a dispute-resolution mechanism are also important tasks.

    (3) Unattractiveness of PPP Model

    • Posing as another potential challenge would be the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a monetisation model.
    • For instance, the results of the Centre’s PPP initiative launched in 2020 for the Railways were not encouraging.

    (4) Red tapism

    • The success of the initiative will depend on a range of factors, including the availability of suitable land parcels, market demand etc.
    • It will be highly dependent upon the ability of the government to execute the transactions efficiently.

    Conclusion

    • The government’s move to monetize its vast land assets is aimed at reducing the fiscal burden and boosting infrastructure development in the country.
    • By bringing in international property consultants to help with the process, the government hopes to improve efficiency and transparency, and maximize the returns on its land assets.
    • If successful, the government’s land monetization drive could provide a much-needed boost to the economy and create new opportunities for private investment in the real estate sector.

     

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  • How is the Stock Market regulated in India?

    stock

    The Supreme Court asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the government to produce the existing regulatory framework in place to protect investors from stock market volatility.

    Central idea

    • After short-seller Hindenburg Research published a report accusing the Adani Group of stock market manipulation and accounting fraud, its shares plummeted.
    • Investors were reported to have lost lakhs of crores.

    Laws governing the Indian Stock Market

    • The securities market in India is regulated by four key laws —
    1. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (SEBI Act)
    2. Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA) and
    3. Depositories Act, 1996
    4. Companies Act, 2013
    • The framing of these laws reflect the evolution and development of the capital market in India.

    Brief explanation of each acts-

    (1) Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (SEBI Act)

    (2) Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA)

    • The SCRA empowers SEBI to recognise (and derecognise) stock exchanges, prescribe rules and bye laws for their functioning, and regulate trading, clearing and settlement on stock exchanges.

    (3) Depositories Act, 1996

    • As part of the development of the securities market, Parliament passed the Depositories Act and SEBI made regulations to enforce the provisions.
    • This Act introduced and legitimised the concept of dematerialised securities being held in an electronic form.
    • Today almost all the listed securities are held in dematerialised form.

    (4) Companies Act, 2013

    • It is an Act of the Parliament on Indian company law that regulates incorporation of a company, responsibilities of a company, directors, and dissolution of a company.
    • It stipulates the type of Companies that can be formed such as- Public Ltd., Pt. Ltd., One Person Company ex.

    Key role-player: SEBI

    • SEBI set up the infrastructure for doing this by registering depositories and depository participants.
    • The depository regulations empower SEBI to regulate functioning of depositories and depository participants by prescribing eligibility conditions, periodic inspections and powers to impose penalties including suspending or cancelling the registration as well as monetary penalties.

    You should know this!

    Shares and stocks both represent ownership in a company, but they are not the same thing

    • A share is a unit of ownership in a company. It represents a portion of the company’s capital, and the shareholder is entitled to a corresponding portion of the company’s profits or losses.
    • A company can issue different types of shares with varying rights, such as voting rights or dividend payments.
    • Stock, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to the total capital raised by a company through the issuance of shares.
    • It represents the ownership of a company as a whole, rather than an individual unit of ownership.
    • So, shares are a component of stock, and owning shares of a company means owning a portion of the company’s stock. Stock represents the aggregate value of a company and includes all its shares.

    Can SEBI step in to curb market volatility?

    • No direct meddling: While SEBI does not interfere to prevent market volatility, exchanges have circuit filters — upper and lower — to prevent excessive volatility.
    • Issue directions: SEBI can issue directions to those who are associated with the market, and has powers to regulate trading and settlement on stock exchanges. Using these powers, SEBI can direct stock exchanges to stop trading, totally or selectively.
    • Instant regulation: It can also prohibit entities or persons from buying, selling or dealing in securities, from raising funds from the market and being associated with intermediaries or listed companies.

    What about stock exchanges?

    • The SCRA has empowered SEBI to recognise and regulate stock exchanges and later commodity exchanges in India; this was earlier done by the Union government.
    • In fact, the term “securities” is defined in the SCRA and powers to declare an instrument as a security remain vested in SEBI.
    • The rules and regulations made by SEBI under the SCRA relate to listing of securities like equity shares, the functioning of stock exchanges including control over their management and administration.
    • These include powers to determine the manner in which a settlement is done on stock exchanges (and to keep them with the times for e.g. T+1) etc.
    • It seeks to protect the interests of investors by creating an Investor Protection Fund for each stock exchange.

    Safeguards against fraud

    • Fraud undermines regulation and prevents a market from being fair and transparent. To prevent the two key forms of fraud, market manipulation, and insider trading, SEBI notified-
    1. Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Regulations, 1995
    2. Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, 1992
    • These regulations, read with provisions of the SEBI Act, define species of fraud, who is an insider and prohibit such fraudulent activity and provide for penalties including disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.
    • It must be noted that violation of these regulations are predicate offences that can lead to a deemed violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

    Do you know?

    • SEBI has been given the powers of a civil court to summon persons, seize documents and records, attach bank accounts and property, and to carry out investigations.
    • Using these powers, SEBI has acted against entities and individuals like Satyam, Sahara India, Ketan Parekh and Vijay Mallya.

     

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  • Underwater noise emissions pose threat to Indian Marine species: Study

    noise

    Central idea: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale.

    What is Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE)?

    • Underwater noise emissions (UNE) refer to sounds that are produced underwater as a result of various human activities such as shipping, oil and gas exploration, military sonar, and construction.
    • UNE can have a significant impact on marine life, as many marine animals rely on sound for communication, navigation, and foraging.
    • Excessive underwater noise can interfere with these activities, and can even cause physical harm to marine animals in some cases.
    • As a result, there is growing concerned about the potential impact of UNE on marine ecosystems, and efforts are being made to better understand and mitigate these impacts.

    UNE and marine life

    • Impacts behavioural aspects: The main form of energy for multiple behavioural activities of marine mammals, which include mating, communal interaction, feeding, cluster cohesion and foraging, is based on sound.
    • Threats posed by UNE: The sound that radiates from ships on a long-term basis affects them and results in internal injuries, loss of hearing ability, change in behavioural responses, masking, and stress.

    Key findings about Indian waters

    • Continuous shipping movement is identified to be a major contributor to the increase in the global ocean noise level.
    • The UNE or underwater sound pressure levels in the Indian waters are 102-115 decibels, relative to one microPascal (dB re 1µ Pa).
    • The East Coast level is slightly higher than that of the West, where there is an increase by a significant value of about 20 dB re 1µPa.
    • “The frequencies of ships’ underwater self-noise and machinery vibration levels are overlapping the marine species’ communication frequencies in the low-frequency range of less than 500 Hz.
    • This is called masking, which could have led to a change in the migration route of the marine species to the shallow regions and also making it difficult for them to go back to the deeper water.

     

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  • Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first Aubrite in 170 years

    meteorite

    Central idea: A rare and unique meteorite, known as the Diyodar meteorite, was discovered in Banaskantha, Gujarat in December 2022. It is significant because it is the first aubrite to be found in India in 170 years.

    What are Aubrites?

    • Aubrites are a type of meteorite that are believed to have formed on a different planet in the early solar system.
    • They are known for their unusual mineralogy and composition and are believed to have originated from a differentiated parent body, such as an asteroid or a planetesimal.
    • They are primarily composed of a mineral called enstatite, which is a magnesium-rich silicate. They also contain other minerals such as nickel-iron, troilite, and chromite.
    • Aubrites are relatively rare, comprising only about 0.1% of all known meteorites.
    • They are believed to have formed under highly reducing conditions, with very little oxygen present.

    Meteorite found in Diyodar, Gujarat

    • The Diyodar meteorite is thought to be around 4.5 billion years old, and it is believed to have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
    • Its discovery provides scientists with an opportunity to study the composition and structure of these unique meteorites.
    • This, in turn, can help researchers to better understand the early solar system and the processes that led to the formation of planets.

    Its composition

    • Around 90% of the meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
    • Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4); orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure.
    • Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems. Spodumene was historically used as lithium ore.
    • Rocks with pyroxene have also been used to make a crushed stone that is used in construction.

     

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  • The question in the minds of students: How to be future-ready?

    students

    Central Idea

    • Intelligent Machines are revealing glimpses of a future envisaged long ago in science fiction as they steadily morph from human-assist systems to systems-as-human. The currently indispensable face obsolescence. The question in the minds of students entering college is this: How to be future-ready?

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    Learn quickly to swim through these rapidly evolving times

    • Work at the edges of disciplines: Now, one not only needs to be competent in a major area but also learn new topics quickly and deeply and be able to work at the edges of disciplines, while innovating constantly.
    • Skills are new oil: Capability is judged not only by grades, but also by skills demonstrated in complex situations.
    • Rapidly changing times: Worth will also be measured vis-a-vis Artificial Intelligence. Critical and original thinking, quality communication, IQ-EQ balance, and ethics will remain important strengths for swimming through these rapidly evolving times.
    • Change is already in the air: Students and institutions are evolving, the former much faster, to assimilate advancements and prepare for the times ahead.
    • Colleges must enable students to follow flexible pathways: There are options for dual degrees, minors, specialisations across disciplines in their home institutions as well as certifications from worldwide venues. External experiences like internships in industry, academia, research institutions and start-ups add value to a candidate’s capability repertoire.

    students

    What is needed to prepare for entering the world?

    1. Move across disciplines
    • A combination of core and transdisciplinary professional competence: To be prepared for the future, one needs to learn new things quickly and thoroughly, constantly sharpening one’s cutting edge. This attitude needs to be ingrained at this stage.
    • Average performance and shallow knowledge are a recipe for disaster: It is also necessary to demonstrate personal excellence in a few relevant areas. Completing tasks well is really important.
    1. Learn to add value to machine intelligence
    • Grasp and utilise Automation effectively: Automation is not only relieving us of mundane work but slowly and steadily encroaching upon tasks meant for so-called intelligent humans and doing them better. One must effectively grasp and utilise it rather than fear and shy away.
    • For instance, learn from open sources: Many students are building amazingly smart systems using open-source platforms and off-the-shelf components with ambitions to take on giants.
    • Using Artificial Intelligence with consciously: Learning to add value to machine intelligence for solving complex problems better is the mantra here. For this, one needs to understand how it works, what are its current limitations and pitfalls, develop deeper insights and innovate. Blind usage of Artificial Intelligence could be dangerous.
    1. Learn to collaborate
    • Ability to work both alone as well as in a group: The next proficiency to develop is to be able to work both alone as well as in a group, to creatively ideate, lead and collaborate towards success. Often, people who work alone find it difficult working in a team and vice versa. Now both aptitudes are required.
    • Entrepreneurial spirit of sprinting is must: One requires a special bonding of steadiness with speed, constant ideation with dogged persistence. Such an entrepreneurial spirit of sprinting a long-distance race steadily, sometimes in a team, sometimes alone will be needed at every stage of a career, whether at the peak of success or in the trenches of failure.
    1. Remain human
    • Intellectual-emotional balance: Technology has an interesting way of transforming human beings into automatons without the victim being aware. With extensive usage, people begin to think and behave the way machines work. Therefore, a critical aspect to nurture is to remain human.
    • Learn to replenish the mind and body regularly: It is vital to nourish a soulful side through sports, arts, culture, philosophy and humanitarian work, not just as part of a curriculum, but as a passion where one can be blissfully immersed, forgetting everything else for some time.

    students

    Conclusion

    • In the rapidly-evolving world, the key to success is to be future-ready by developing a unique combination of skills that set us apart from machines. Colleges and universities must enable students to follow flexible pathways, combining core and transdisciplinary professional competence, completing tasks well, and developing personal excellence in relevant areas. By embracing these ideas and staying ahead of the curve, we can be confident in our ability to thrive in an increasingly automated and technology-driven world.

    Main question

    Q. The future of society is not as much dependent on whether machines will become human-like but more on whether humans will become machines. Discuss

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  • An Overview : UAPA and The Concerns

    UAPA

    Central Idea

    • India’s anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has been misused and turned into a tool of terror. There are two examples of this misuse in recent times. In 2021, Muhammad Manan Dar, a young Kashmiri photojournalist, was arrested and imprisoned for documenting the daily lives of common Kashmiris with his camera. A year earlier, another journalist, Sidheeque Kappan, was charged with participating in a plot to ignite rioting in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh.

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    Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act (UAPA)

    • Background: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an anti-terrorism law in India that was first introduced in 1967.
    • Purpose: The purpose of UAPA is to prevent unlawful activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India.
    • Amendments: UAPA has undergone several revisions since its introduction, with each revision making the law more stringent. Till 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and cession of territory. Following the 2004 amendment, terrorist act was added to the list of offences.
    • Provisions: UAPA provides for the designation of individuals and organizations as “terrorists” and allows for their arrest and detention without trial for up to 180 days.
    • Criticisms: UAPA has been criticized for being used to stifle dissent and suppress political opposition. Critics argue that the law is vague and overbroad, allowing for its misuse and abuse.

    What is Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA)?

    • Overview: TADA was an anti-terrorism law in India and enacted in 1985 and was in force until 1995. It was enacted to strengthen the legal framework to deal with terrorist activities in India.
    • Provisions: TADA provided for the detention of suspects without trial for up to 180 days. It also allowed the setting up of special courts to conduct trials in cases related to terrorism and provided for the admissibility of confession made to a police officer. TADA also made certain activities punishable as terrorist acts, including illegal arms trade, financing terrorism, and disrupting the sovereignty of India.
    • Criticism: TADA was also criticized for its vague and broad definition of terrorism, which allowed for the targeting of political dissidents.
    • Repeal: TADA was allowed to lapse in 1995 after it was deemed to be incompatible with the Indian Constitution and the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The law was replaced with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in 2002, which was also criticized for its draconian provisions and misuse by law enforcement agencies.

    What is Prevention of Terrorism Act 2004 (POTA)?

    • Objective: To provide the government with legal tools to combat terrorism and punish those who support or engage in terrorist activities.
    • Key Provisions: Broad powers to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities. Power to detain suspects for up to 180 days without charge. Use of confessions made to police officers as evidence in court
    • Criticism: Potential for misuse and infringement on civil liberties. Could be used to target religious and ethnic minorities. Could be used to silence political dissent
    • Repealed: 2004 by the United Progressive Alliance government, citing concerns about misuse and potential for human rights abuses.
    • Replacement: Some provisions of POTA were incorporated into the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which remains in force in India today.

    Worrying statistics

    • UAPA has one of the worst records for prosecution success.
    • According to a PUCL report in 2022, less than 3 per cent of arrests made under the UAPA resulted in convictions between 2015 and 2020.
    • Only 1,080 of the 4,690 people detained under the UAPA between 2018 and 2020 received bail, according to the report.
    • Unlike TADA and POTA, UAPA has never been constitutionally reviewed. Its repeated abuse is a blot on our democracy.

    UAPA

    Some of the key concerns regarding the UAPA

    • Misuse: The UAPA has been criticized for being misused by authorities to target human rights defenders, activists, and dissenters. Critics argue that the act has been used to stifle free speech and to quell any form of peaceful protests.
    • Lack of accountability: The UAPA allows for the designation of an individual or organization as a terrorist entity, without providing adequate means for challenge or appeal, which many argue is against the principles of natural justice.
    • Vagueness: The definitions of “terrorist acts” under the UAPA are broad and vague, and can be interpreted in a way that infringes on the freedom of speech and assembly, leading to the potential for misuse.
    • Restrictions on bail: The UAPA has provisions that make it difficult for people charged under the act to obtain bail, as it requires that the accused show that they are not guilty, shifting the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused.
    • Excessive punishment: The UAPA provides for harsh punishments, including life imprisonment and the death penalty, for offenses related to terrorism, which many argue are disproportionate and infringe on human rights.

    Why UAPA is necessary?

    • Legal tools to investigate: The UAPA provides the government with legal tools to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in terrorist activities.
    • Special courts to conduct trials: It allows for the setting up of special courts to conduct trials in cases related to terrorism and provides for stringent punishment for offenses related to terrorism. It also allows the government to designate individuals or organizations as terrorist entities and freeze their assets.
    • Necessary measure to maintain sovereignty and integrity: The act is aimed at countering not just terrorism but also other forms of unlawful activities, such as organized crime, money laundering, and trafficking. It is considered to be a necessary measure to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, and to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
    • To balance national security and civil liberties: It is necessary to strike a balance between national security and protection of civil liberties. The act can be an effective tool in the fight against terrorism, as long as it is implemented in a fair and just manner and its provisions are not misused to stifle legitimate forms of dissent or activism.

    Conclusion

    • Concerns over the UAPA highlight the need for a balanced approach in the fight against terrorism, one that protects national security while also ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

    Mains question

    Q. UAPA is continuously in the headlines from the time of its inception. Discuss the concerns and necessity of such Act.

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  • 18th Feb 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    18th Feb 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • [Burning Issue] Air India Aircraft Deal and its Significance

    air

    Context

    • Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) placed two mega orders, adding up to a staggering 470 aircraft — for 250 planes with Europe’s Airbus consortium, and 220 with Boeing Co. of the United States.
    • This is the largest order placed by an airline in one go anywhere in the world, beating the 2011 order by American Airlines for a combined 460 aircraft. The biggest order by an Indian carrier before this was IndiGo’s 300-aircraft order in 2019.
    • In this context, this edition of the Burning Issue will elaborate on the deal and its impact on the Indian aviation sector. The topic will be relevant for the GS3 Mains Paper under the subheading Infrastructure development and Airports.

    Details of the Air India order

    • The deal includes seventy of the 470 aircraft wide-body or twin-aisle planes for long-haul flights.
    • Airbus has got the bigger order, but the Boeing order includes an option for a 70-plane top-up, taking the possible order size to 540 aircraft.
    • The mega order cost for Airbus and Boeing aircraft is estimated between $70 billion and $80 billion.
    • Ever since Air India returned to the Tata Group, the new owners have been focussed on sprucing up the product offering, while also planning an extensive expansion for the airline.
    • A five-year roadmap–Vihaan.AI–was prepared with the objective of substantially growing the airline’s network and fleet in a bid to put it on a “path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership”.

    About Indian Aviation Industry

    • One of the fastest-growing: The Indian aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
    • Undergone a significant transformation: Over the last decade, it has undergone a significant transformation, with the rise of low-cost carriers, increased competition, and modernization of airport infrastructure.
    • Growth: The Indian aviation industry has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to become the third-largest aviation market by 2025.
    • Domestic and International Market: The Indian aviation industry has a mix of domestic and international airlines. The domestic market is dominated by low-cost carriers such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and GoAir, while the international market is dominated by full-service carriers such as Air India and Jet Airways.
    • Government Support: The Indian government has been supportive of the aviation industry’s growth and has introduced several initiatives to encourage investment and development in the sector. These include the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) called UDAN, which aims to improve connectivity to remote and underserved regions in the country.
    • Infrastructure Development: In recent years, there has been significant investment in airport infrastructure in India. The country has over 100 operational airports, and several new airports are under construction or in the planning stages.
    • Skilled Workforce: The Indian aviation industry has a skilled and well-trained workforce, with several world-class aviation training institutions. Indian pilots and cabin crew are in high demand globally.

    What is driving Indian Aviation Sector Growth?

    • Already third largest domestic market: India is the third largest domestic aviation market after China and the US. The annual domestic air traffic in pre-covid 2019 for India stood at 144 mn passengers.
    • Income growth and demographic dividend: Increasing income levels, an aspirational middle class, competition between low-cost carriers and enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
    • Potential to become the 3rd largest international market: The government and the industry say India could become the third largest international — not just domestic — aviation market given the huge gap between potential and current air travel penetration.

    How will Indian aviation shape up?

    • A major shift could happen in the market: So far, IndiGo’s been the largest player with strong promoter support but there are visible signs of competition from Air India and Akasa Air. Indian airlines will eye a greater share of outbound international traffic from the current level of around 45%.
    • While Air India is expected to cross foreign carriers in flights to US and Europe, IndiGo is eyeing Europe and East Asia by 2024. The government has asked airlines and airports to work towards multiple international hubs in India.
    • According to IBEF, India is poised to improve its position from the 7th largest in civil aviation to the third largest in the next 10 years. Given India’s demography and increasing purchasing power, domestic air traffic will certainly move higher.

    Significance of the deal

    • Aspirational Air India: It has put Air India in the league of “aspiring” global airlines. The debt-ridden carrier, which was taken over by the Tata Group in early 2022, plans to turn into “a world-class proposition”. Experts say the bulk order indicates Air India’s intent to reclaim its “pole position” in the domestic aviation market, as well as expand its presence in international routes, BBC reported.
    • Reduce Dependence on Foreign Flyers: the large fleet that will be acquired by Air India will help in reducing the dependence of Indian flyers on foreign carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and other Middle Eastern airlines. These orders directly synergize Air India’s fleet with Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines – all part of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance,
    • Help enter markets like the US: The purchase of wide-bodied aircraft like the A350s will allow Air India to enter markets like the US and Australia directly by offering non-stop flights from India to these places.
    • Cater to the need of Indian aviation: Air India’s new fleet will help in catering to the needs of India’s growing aviation market. Demand for air travel is again seeing a surge in India and other parts of Asia after the COVID-19 pandemic. As per ICRA, with 986 lakh flyers, domestic air traffic increased 63 per cent year-on-year between April and December 2022 in India.
    • May give a boost to Make in India and employment: The deal can also create jobs for Indians. The Tata group chairman has hinted that some of the aircraft parts could be manufactured in India, which will boost domestic manufacturing and create job opportunities.
    • Improves India’s global Standing: the deal is “important for the industry because, given the recent turbulence in the China market, the alternative growth market in India,”
    • Political signals: “India is also sending a strong political signal that it wants to remain attached to the West at a time when it has appeared ambiguous on Russian sanctions,”

    Impacts on bilateral relations

    • India-France: At a virtual event attended by the Tata Sons chairman and French president Emmanuel Macron said that the Air India deal reflects deepening ties between India and France, as well as the successes and aspirations of India’s civil aviation sector. This achievement shows that Airbus and all its French partners are fully dedicated to developing new areas of dedication with India.
    • India-US: The Indian prime minister and US President Biden acknowledged the Air India and Boeing deal as a “shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation”. The two leaders also expressed a desire to bolster bilateral cooperation in space, semi-conductors, supply chains and defense co-production.
    • India-UK: British prime minister Rishi Sunak also said the Airbus-Air India deal would generate employment opportunities around the UK. This is one of the biggest export deals to India in decades and a huge win for the UK’s aerospace sector.

    Challenges

    • Funding: When the Tatas took over the company, they had absorbed around ₹15,300 crores of the total debt of ₹61,562 crore belonging to the bleeding air carrier. Thus, it will be challenging for AI to raise a loan of US $50-60 billion to fund the deal.
    • Mere customer: if the Make-in-India clause is not added to the deal’s final agreement, India could end up being a ‘mere customer’ of goods with the least direct benefit to the Indian economy.
    • Operating costs are high: The Indian aviation industry has many difficulties, including high operating costs. This is caused by a multitude of things, including exorbitant fuel costs, airport fees, and taxes. If all these continued, the profit from these new aircraft will remain low.
    • Infrastructure Barriers: The Indian aviation industry is further hampered by outdated air traffic control systems, insufficient ground support services, and restricted airport capacity.
    • Regulatory Framework: The regulatory framework is a source of difficulties for the Indian aviation industry.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the Indian aviation industry has come a long way in recent years and is poised for further growth in the future. There will be a shakeout in India’s aviation sector, with the ‘Maharajah’ once more ascending the throne to reign supreme over India’s skies.
    • With a large jump in international air carriers from India, the deal promises to make India an international hub for air travel. The government’s support, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workforce will be critical to ensuring the industry’s success in the years ahead.

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