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  • Forex Reserves hit a record high

    India’s foreign exchange reserves touched a lifetime high of $555.12 billion, according to RBI data.

    Aspirants must make a note here:

    1. Authority managing FOREX in India
    2. Components of FOREX
    3. IMF’s SDRs
    4. Emergency use of FOREX

    What are Forex Reserves?

    • Reserve Bank of India Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 set the legal provisions for governing the foreign exchange reserves.
    • RBI accumulates foreign currency reserves by purchasing from authorized dealers in open market operations.
    • The Forex reserves of India consist of below four categories:
    1. Foreign Currency Assets
    2. Gold
    3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
    4. Reserve Tranche Position
    • The IMF says official Forex reserves are held in support of a range of objectives like supporting and maintaining confidence in the policies for monetary and exchange rate management including the capacity to intervene in support of the national or union currency.
    • It will also limit external vulnerability by maintaining foreign currency liquidity to absorb shocks during times of crisis or when access to borrowing is curtailed.

    Where are India’s forex reserves kept?

    • The RBI Act, 1934 provides the overarching legal framework for the deployment of reserves in different foreign currency assets and gold within the broad parameters of currencies, instruments, issuers and counterparties.
    • As much as 64 per cent of the foreign currency reserves is held in the securities like Treasury bills of foreign countries, mainly the US.
    • 28 per cent is deposited in foreign central banks and 7.4 per cent is also deposited in commercial banks abroad.
    • In value terms, the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from about 6.14 per cent as at end-September 2019 to about 6.40 per cent as at end-March 2020.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q. Gold tranche(Reserve tranche) refers to (CSP 2020)-

    (a) A loan system of World bank

    (b) One of the operations of a central bank

    (c) A credit system of WTO granted to its members

    (d) A credit system granted by IMF to its members

    Rising above the 1991 crisis

    • Unlike in 1991, when India had to pledge its gold reserves to stave off a major financial crisis, the country can now depend on its soaring Forex reserves to tackle any crisis on the economic front.
    • The level of Forex reserves has steadily increased by 8,400 per cent from $5.8 billion as of March 1991 to the current level.

  • Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025

    Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre each, according to the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025.

    Action Plan for Vulture Conservation

    • The action plan was approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) October 5, 2020. An earlier one was formulated in 2006 for three years.
    • The new plan has laid out strategies and actions to stem the decline in vulture population, especially of the three Gyps species:
    1. Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
    2. Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
    3. Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)

    Note: These three vulture species were listed by  IUCN, in 2000 as ‘Critically  Endangered’,  which is the highest category of endangerment.

    • This would be done through both ex-situ and in-situ conservation.
    • The plan has also suggested that new veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) be tested on vultures before their commercial release. NSAIDS often poisons cattle whose carcasses the birds pray on.

    Highlights of the new plan

    • A system to automatically remove a drug from veterinary use if it is found to be toxic to vultures, with the help of the Drugs Controller General of India.
    • Conservation breeding of red-Headed vultures and Egyptian vultures and the establishment at least one vulture-safe zone in each state for the conservation of the remnant populations in that state.
    • Coordinated nation-wide vulture counting, involving forest departments, the Bombay Natural History Society, research institutes, non-profits and members of the public.
    • A database on emerging threats to vulture conservation, including collision and electrocution, unintentional poisoning, etc.

    Why protect vultures?

    • Vultures are often overlooked and perceived as lowly scavengers, but they play a crucial role in the environments in which they live.
    • The scavenging lifestyle that gives them a bad reputation is, in fact, that makes them so important for the environment, nature and society.
    • Vultures, also known as nature’s cleanup crew, do the dirty work of cleaning up after death, helping to keep ecosystems healthy as they act as natural carcass recyclers.

  • In news: International Labour Organization

    After 35 years, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO).

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards a greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at:

    (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg

    (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro

    (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris

    (d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi

    About the International Labour Organization

    • The ILO is a UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
    • Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations, it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN.
    • The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
    • The ILO’s international labour standards are broadly aimed at ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity.

    About its Governing Body

    • The Governing body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General.
    • It meets three times a year, in March, June and November.

    Significance for India

    • India will be presiding over the upcoming meeting of the Governing Body to be held in November 2020.
    • India would have the opportunity to interact with the senior officials and social partners of the member states.
    • It will also provide a platform to apprise participants of the transformational initiatives taken by the Government in removing the rigidities of the labour market.

  • [Burning Issue] Uproar over AP CM’s letter to CJI

    The judiciary is weakened by the very act of publication when legal remedies are not accessed. When that happens, ‘We the People’ are the losers.

    Andhra Pradesh CM has stirred a hornet’s nest by writing to the Chief Justice of India complaining about a Supreme Court judge for allegedly influencing posting of cases in the State High Court. The alleged Judge is slated to be the next Chief Justice of India, and some judges of the AP High Court has opened the proverbial can of worms. This has led to a tricky situation.

    Confronting the judiciary: With alleged Misconduct

    • He alleged that some High Court judges are hostile to his government and are deliberately striking down his regime’s decisions and orders.
    • In effect, he has accused many judges of misconduct, corruption and political bias.
    • Such an open conflict between the judiciary and a Chief Minister is without precedent.
    • In view of the above, the CM urged the CJI to consider initiating steps to ensure that the State’s judicial neutrality was maintained.

    How are allegations of misconduct against judges dealt with?

    • The Constitution protects the independence of judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court by making them removable only through a long process of impeachment.
    • However, not all forms of misconduct will warrant impeachment. There could be other kinds of impropriety too.
    • There are times when serious complaints of this sort are received, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is called upon to examine them.
    • Since 1997, judges have adopted an ‘in-house procedure’ for inquiring into such charges.

    Handling the complaint

    • The complaint by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister will have to be examined by the CJI from the perspective of whether it can be rejected as baseless, or it requires a deeper investigation.
    • In details annexed to his letter, the CM has cited several writ petitions in which adverse orders were passed against his regime.
    • Therefore, a key question would be: do the charges pertain merely to the merits of judicial orders, or are they serious enough to warrant a probe?

    Consequences of this Letter

    (1) Impacts on Democratic Functioning

    The confrontation and mistrust between two the organs of the state are not conducive for the smooth working of democracy.

    (2) Politicization of Judiciary

    The serious accusation by a sitting CM brings out to the foreground the weakness of Judiciary. Similar kind of charges might be levelled by opposition parties when it comes to power. All this leads to the undue politicization of the sacrosanct Judiciary.

    (3) Scandalization of the Courts

    Every judgement delivered the judges involved in this controversy will be questioned which is not good even from Institutional perspective. Such type of allegations and counter allegation will create doubts in minds of Public about the ability to get justice from formal system.

    (4) Surpassing the limited propriety

    The limits of propriety are being stretched, as the allegations have taken distinctly political overtones. It is disturbing enough that some judicial orders are seen in a political light, or lend themselves to such an interpretation. It becomes quite ominous if these charges give rise to open threats and abuse.

    (5) Unclear charges

    The problem is that allegations of possible judicial bias, which are difficult to establish, are combined with those of misconduct, a serious charge. Regardless of what happens, it may end the recriminations. India can ill-afford a public perception that judges have strong political loyalties.

    (6) Public disclosure has led to media trials

    The letter and its public disclosure have somehow compromised the dignity and independence of the apex court. This has also interfered with administration of justice and scandalized the court in the eyes of the people by sensationalizing the issue.

    (7) A case for constitutional impropriety

    Article 121 and Article 211 of the Constitution expressly bar the Parliament and State Legislatures to discuss the conduct of any Judge. The Constitution confers such immunity having regard to the onerous responsibility of judges in discharging constitutional functions. However, it is subject to a decision by the CJI on the touchstone of the applicable contempt laws in the country.

    (8) A bigger dilemma

    This case is not just about accused judge or the charges levelled against him and his judgements. It is equally about the duty and responsibility of CJI to stand like a shield not only to safeguard the honour and reputation of a brother judge but also to protect the institutional integrity of the highest forum of justice in the land.

    A trial of the Judiciary itself

    • The Supreme Court has not been immune to serious blows and allegations from within and without.  The institution has been more fragile ever since the press conference addressed by four former judges.
    • There is a rise in personal attacks through the captive or the social media which can be a devastating weapon of disinformation against a judge who cannot mount a counterattack on the same platform.
    • Their aim, more often than not, is not to point out flawed judgments or administrative failures, but rather to weaken the judiciary and bend it to their own narrow interests.
    • The attacks have snowballed during the last six years. The courts, strong and invincible as they may look from the outside, have preferred caution rather than aggressive responses.

    Why Judiciary must probe the case?

    Whether the writing to CJI is in itself wrongdoing or is making it public an act of contempt of the court — may differ. But, the more important question is whether the CJI should examine the matter or just dump it.  Here are the five reasons for the CJI to take a serious look into the matter. 

    (1) Credibility of the Institution

    The credibility of the institution of judiciary is of paramount importance. Involved persons are mortals and temporary. But, the institutions are permanent. 

    (2) Maintaining the Public faith

    An open hearing is the character of the adjudication process. Whether the CM’s decision to make his letter to the CJI public is acceptable or not is a different debate altogether.  That doesn’t mean his complaint loses its relevance and the obligation of the Supreme Court to inquire into it is annulled.

    (3) Every case isn’t an attack on Judiciary

    The complaint should not be treated as an attack on the judiciary, as he categorically named the judges in his letter to the CJI. The Constitution of India has envisaged action against judges for judicial ‘misconduct’, according to Article 124(4).

    (4) There exists an established mechanism

    The Supreme Court announced a mechanism in 2015 for receiving and considering complaints against judges. Any person can complain against the judges. A three-member committee must be constituted.  This committee can either reject the complaint; or may recommend to the Parliament to initiate proceedings of impeachment if the contents of the complaint are of very serious nature.

    (5) Upholding the Constitution

    The judiciary draws its powers from the Constitution and magnificence from the unflinching faith of the people. The CM is a Constitutional Head vested with specific powers and responsibilities. He holds an important constitutional position and that in itself is the basis of the complaint. The CJI should give importance to what was said in the complaint rather than who lodged it.

    (6)Test of the grievance redressal mechanism

     How the CJI & SC is going to handle this case will set a precedent to deal with the misconduct of Judges in future. If the process is not robust, fair & transparent then the calls for greater executive control on Judiciary will increase to the scale of the pre-NJAC verdict.

    The solutions do not lie in token one-rupee fines but in balanced and calibrated action.

    Way forward

    Since we all have a vested interest in an independent and impartial judiciary, for that effective remedies for judicial misbehaviour must be found.

    • It is nobody’s case that the judiciary is immune from the investigation into misbehaviour and misconduct, the question is who has the power and the authority to investigate serious misconduct by a sitting judge.
    • Misbehaviour by judges is too serious an issue to experiment with. It needs clear mechanisms of accountability to the general public.
    • The right thing would probably be for the honourable CJI to order an inquiry into the letter in accordance with the apex court’s internal procedure.  
    • Opportunistic attacks on the judiciary must be discouraged.  On the other hand, effective remedies for judicial misbehaviour must be found, for which the impeachment is one of the option to consider.
    • In a longer run, the judiciary, civil society and the political class must come together on a common platform to devise a systematic approach in which adhocism; favouritism and impunity are kept at an arm’s length.
    • There is a need for lawful creation of an arrangement and structure which are fair, impartial, just, constitutional, and safeguard the separation of powers.

    Conclusion

    • Aspersions and allegations against them ought not to be made lightly for sensationalism without substantive and positive evidence. Nothing short of the faith of the people in the judiciary and the rule of law is at stake.
    • A fair, independent judiciary whose integrity is unimpeachable is the bedrock of the Indian democracy, and the CJI must save it by taking up this issue. With the spirit of everyone is equal before the law.
    • The Judiciary owes it to its own institutional history to keep its unblemished character supreme and its dignity sacrosanct, as it is an exemplar of democratic values.

    References

    https://thewire.in/law/andhra-cm-jagan-declares-war-on-justice-ramana-next-in-line-to-be-chief-justice-of-india

    https://www.dailyo.in/politics/chief-justice-of-india-andhra-pradesh-high-court-jaganmohan-reddy-justice-nv-ramana/story/1/33759.html

    https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-jagan-letter-to-cji-need-free-judiciary-it-is-for-a-judge-to-withstand-pressure-says-justice-ramana-6762198/

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/unpleasant-spectacle-the-hindu-editorial-on-jagan-mohan-reddys-complaint-against-supreme-court-judge/article32856516.ece

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-hindu-explains-what-can-cji-bobde-do-about-charges-levelled-against-judges-by-the-andhra-pradesh-chief-minister/article32883894.ece

    https://www.indialegallive.com/column-news/bobdes-burden/

  • Didn’t clear UPSC prelims 2020? This is for you.

    Didn’t clear UPSC prelims 2020? This is for you.

    The result is out and it has not turned out to be a favorable one! Is this the end? What should be your next move? Just wait, take a pause. We’ve something to talk. Please read below and then we’ll talk.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

    The quote above is apt for who couldn’t clear the UPSC Prelims 2020 exam. A failing result is devastating. No one expects to fail anything they attempt. Especially after you go in with supreme confidence having studied for months and yet fail somehow in the Prelims. What you do next tells more about yourself than flying through the exam and passing with ease. 

    But you do not have to worry. Failure is natural; especially in the journey for UPSC success stories. So what do you need to do to cope to bounce back in just 9 months (remember, next Prelims is in 9 months)?

    Keys to Getting Back on the Horse:

    #1. Failure is feedback. This approach is an agile lifestyle principle. Apply it to your exam results as you do for anything else in your life. Now you know what you need to improve upon. Moderate proficiency requires more mock questions and some further reading. Below proficiency requires a second look as to how you are studying the materials and reviewing your notes. You need to change and find what works for you.

    #2. Review Prelims Questions. You must go back and review the answers, especially those you answered incorrectly. Civilsdaily Detailed Answer Key explains as to why the answer is correct or incorrect. Use that explanation to apply to your review. They should give you a result as to which domains you remain strong in and which need improvement.

    #3. Don’t Panic! Panicking isn’t going to take you anywhere. Accept that failing an exam is something perfectly normal to happen during your academic life. There are two things you need to know: you’re not alone and you can get a better result. This is just one more obstacle to overcome, one more story to tell, and an experience that will help you do better on the next exam.

    #4. Take the time to grieve. First official right of one who has failed UPSC CSE Prelims: the right to grieve! You have a great excuse to take a break and do something like a marathon of your favourite TV series, going out with your friends, drinking a wee bit more than usual, or forgetting about your diet and eating all the chocolate you deserve. But don’t overdo it! One shall not grieve more than 24 hours: life goes on and you have to get back on the bandwagon.

    #5. Get things in perspective. After the grief period is over, it’s a good time to get everything in perspective. Just stop for a moment and reflect on what went wrong. Think about what you did and didn’t do during your study period, and ask yourself: “what could I have done differently?” Maybe you should try out different ways to approach your study sessions so that they become more enjoyable and less heavy and boring. 

    Maybe you did not give enough prelims mock tests. Maybe you’ve procrastinated so much that you didn’t cover every topic you should have; maybe you were afraid of asking for help to understand a particularly difficult issue. What’s important here is to get to the core of the problem and figure out what you’re going to do differently when you retake the exam.

    #6. Get help if you need it. Don’t feel embarrassed about asking for help. It’s a way of showing you want to understand something and don’t take pride in staying ignorant.

    Talk to your guru, ask your friends to organise a study group, or simply fill our Samanvaya form and we will talk with you. We all need help sometimes!

    #7. Plan for success. If you are going for it again and doing resits and retaking classes, then identify your weak spots and have a plan in place to focus on upping your game. Identify the mistakes you made in the last attempt. It can be because you did not do enough revisions; it might be because you did not attempt enough prelims mock tests; it might be because you gave a certain subject less priority; it may be because of the pandemic effects; it might be plain simple luck of 1-2 marks in the end. But whatever it is, you have to make sure that you do not commit them again and face UPSC Prelims 2021 with better planning and approach.

    #8. Do it for yourself and not for other people. Given that UPSC Prelims can be such a public thing I often have to remind my mentees that they should first and foremost take the exams and tests for themselves. Too much worrying about what other people might think or say, or trying to do it to prove your worth is a highway to massive amounts of unnecessary and unhelpful stress. If you thrive under such pressure, great, keep doing it, but if you are someone that crumbles under the weight of such responsibility, a shift in mindset and focus might be required.

    #9. It can be fun once you get into the flow of it. I have a senior who took my various doubts sessions. When asked how he likes to relax his reply was that was epic: “No matter how good things are in other parts of your life such as family, social life, and relationships, UPSC CSE Preparation is a major part of your life, and not to be neglected. Since for now, you have chosen to be in the preparation that you are in, it is up to you for the time being to make the most of what you do. Of course in the long term, you can either change your plan and embark on a new career. But for now, you can get to love more of what you do right now.” So do not let the failure of last Sunday affect your overall outlook towards UPSC preparation. 

    #10. (For So-Called Veterans) Do not postpone your preparation as you do not have 12 months. And this is the most important message for people who have faced failures in prelims multiple times. Next Prelims is in 9 months. You do not have your traditional 364 days wait for the next prelims. Therefore it does not makes sense to wait for WINTERS TO COME (like Whitewalkers) to think about strategy every month!!! I have seen people postponing their preparation each month and eventually it is after Diwali festivities when they get back on the table!!! Or they keep changing resources, timetable etc. By then your half a year is already gone and you are in the same mode as that of last year: “Should I focus on Prelims (as it has been your sore point) or should I go for Mains cum Prelims approach”.

    They are neither here nor there and committing the same mistakes every year. Just never postpone your preparations. Keep it simple. 

    Here’s the sad truth. A lot of people sort of let UPSC Preparation “happen” to them. They let their past failures and wrong decisions dictate the course of their futures. Don’t be one of those people. There are very few failures that can completely prevent you from adapting and retrying. As long as you don’t give up, the vast majority of failures will simply make you smarter and more resilient in the future.

    “The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive.”

    J.K. Rowling on Failure, during a speech at Harvard University in 2008

    Prelims failure is not the end. Rather, it’s a source of insight. If you don’t like where your failures have gotten you, then learn from them and retry smartly. If UPSC Prelims 2020 was Apollo Creed then you have to become Rocky Balboa in 2021! 

    Fill Samanvaya form and let us discuss what your next course of action should be:

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  • UPSC 2020 Prelims Result released | Link inside

    Dear students,

    UPSC has released the result for Prelims CSE 2020 exam. Congratulations to those who have their names in the pdf, Let us gear up for mains. For those who could not make the cut, don’t get disheartened, fill the Samanvaya form (Link below) for guidance on what should be your next strategy.

    The link for results are given below:

    CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) EXAMINATION, 2020

    https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/WR-CSP-20-231020-Engl-F.pdf

    CSP-2020Download

    INDIAN FOREST SERVICE (MAIN) EXAMINATION, 2020

    https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/WR-IFSP-20-231020-Engl-F.pdf

    IFSP-2020Download

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    Talk to senior mentors from Civilsdaily : Click here and fill Samanvaya form for IAS 2021

    We will call you within 24 hours.

  • US Secretary of state Visit to India

    Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo makes his way to India next week, exactly a week before the election. This article discusses the various aspects that could form the part of the discussion.

    Difference in U.S’s and India’s position on Quad

    • He has stated that meeting in India “would include discussions about how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party”.
    • Just a few weeks ago, at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, U.S. Secretary of State had called for collaboration to protect people and partners from the Chinese Communist Party’s exploitation, corruption, and coercion.
    •  In contrast, India has maintained that its membership of the Quad is aligned to its Indo-Pacific policy, and by no means directed against any country.
    • While Chines aggression is changing India’s priorities, any shift in India’s position on the Quad at the U.S.’s prompting must also benefit India.

    What should be the part of U.S.-India collaboration

    • It is critical to study just how India hopes to collaborate with the U.S. on the challenge that Beijing poses on each of India’s three fronts: at the LAC, in the maritime sphere, and in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region surrounding India.
    • On the maritime sphere, discussions will include strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing joint military exercises like the ‘Malabar’ and completing the last of the “foundational agreements” with the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Cooperation (BECA).
    • In Male, the U.S. has announced a defence agreement that will pave the way for a strategic dialogue.
    • And unlike in the past, India has not objected this agreement with Male for entering in its area of influence in the Indian Ocean Region, as it will allow the U.S. to counter Chinese influence there.
    • With Sri Lanka the U.S. is in discussions on infrastructure projects, and progress on its “Millenium Challenge Corporation” (MCC) offer of a five-year aid grant of about $480 million.
    • At a time when India is delaying Sri Lanka’s requests for debt relief, given its own economic constraints, the U.S. aid offer will be seen as one way of staving off China’s inroads into Sri Lanka.
    • Most important will be how the U.S. and India can collaborate on dealing with India’s most immediate, continental challenge from China: at the LAC.
    • Apart from enhancing and expediting U.S. defence sales to India, there is must the U.S. could promise to India.
    • The U.S. must also commit to keeping the pressure on Pakistan on terrorism, despite the U.S. need for Pakistan’s assistance in Afghan-Taliban talks.
    • A firm U.S. statement in this regard may also disperse the pressure the Indian military faces in planning for a “two-front” conflict with China.

    Resolving other key issues with the U.S.

    • Resolution of Trade issues, an area the Trump administration has been particularly tough, and restoration of India’s Generalised System of Preferences status for exporters should also be priority.
    • The government could press for more cooperation on 5G technology sharing, or an assurance that its S-400 missile system purchase from Russia will receive an exemption from CAATSA sanctions.

    Conclusion

    By inviting Secretary of State this close to the U.S. elections, New Delhi has taken a calculated and bold gamble, however, our leaders must drive a harder bargain to consolidate the pay-offs from the visit.

    Back2Basics: What is CAATSA?

    • The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a U.S. federal law that imposes economic sanctions on Iran, Russia and North Korea.
    • The bill came into effect on August 2, 2017, with the intention of countering perceived aggressions against the U.S. government by foreign powers.
    • It accomplishes this goal by preventing U.S. companies from doing business with sanctioned entities.

  • Promotion of nutri-cereals(Millet crop) in India

    Promotion of millet crops serves the dual purpose of securing health and supporting farmers. This article explains the strategy adopted by the government to achieve the same.

    Millet crops in India

    • The three major millet crops currently growing in India are jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet) and ragi (finger millet).
    • India also grows a rich array of bio-genetically diverse and indigenous varieties of “small millets” like kodo, kutki, chenna and sanwa.
    • Major producers include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.

    Advantages of millet cultivation

    • Millets are good for the soil, have shorter cultivation cycles and require less cost-intensive cultivation.
    • These unique features make millets suited for and resilient to India’s varied agro-climatic conditions.
    • Millets are not water or input-intensive, making them a sustainable strategy for addressing climate change and building resilient agri-food systems.

    Reasons for decline in millet production in India

    • In the 1960s before the Green Revolution, millets were extensively grown and consumed in India.
    • With the Green Revolution, the focus, rightly so, shifted to food security and high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
    • An unintended consequence of this policy was the gradual decline in the production of millets.
    • Millets were increasingly seen as “poor person’s food”.
    • The cost incentives provided via MSPs also favoured a handful of staple grains.

    Health issues related to refined food

    • Along with declining millet production, India saw a jump in consumer demand for ultra-processed and ready-to-eat products, which are high in sodium, sugar, trans-fats and even some carcinogens.
    • This demand was again met by highly-refined grains.
    • With the intense marketing of processed foods, even the rural population started perceiving mill-processed rice and wheat as more aspirational.
    • This has lead us to the double burden of mothers and children suffering from micronutrient deficiencies and the astounding prevalence of diabetes and obesity.

    Strategy for promotion of nutri-cereals

    1) Rebranding the cereals as nutri-cereals

    • The first strategy from a consumption and trade point of view was to re-brand coarse cereals/millets as nutri-cereals.
    • As of 2018-19, millet production had been extended to over 112 districts across 14 states.

    2) Incentive through hiking MSP

    • Second, the government hiked the MSP of nutri-cereals, which came as a big price incentive for farmers.
    • From 2014-15 to 2020 MSPs for ragi has jumped by 113 per cent, by 72 per cent for bajra and by 71 per cent for jowar.
    • MSPs have been calculated so that the farmer is ensured at least a 50 per cent return on their cost of production.

    3) Providing steady markets through inclusion in PDS

    • To provide a steady market for the produce, the Modi government included millets in the public distribution system.

    4) Increasing area, production and yield

    • The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is running a Rs 600-crore scheme to increase the area, production and yield of nutri-cereals.
    • With a goal to match the cultivation of nutri-cereals with local topography and natural resources, the government is encouraging farmers to align their local cropping patterns to India’s diverse 127 agro-climatic zones.
    • Provision of seed kits and inputs to farmers, building value chains through Farmer Producer Organisations and supporting the marketability of nutri-cereals are some of the key interventions that have been put in place.

    5) Intersection of agriculture and nutrition

    • The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been working at the intersection of agriculture and nutrition by -1) setting up nutri-gardens, 2) promoting research on the interlinkages between crop diversity and dietary diversity 3) running a behaviour change campaign to generate consumer demand for nutri-cereals.

    Consider the question “What are the reasons for decline in the millet production in India? What are the steps taken by the government to encourage its production?”

    Conclusion

    As the government sets to achieve its agenda of a malnutrition-free India and doubling of farmers’ incomes, the promotion of the production and consumption of nutri-cereals seems to be a policy shift in the right direction.

  • 23rd October 2020| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement

    Important Announcement:  Topics to be covered on 26th October-

    GS-1 Important Geophysical phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone, etc.

    GS-2 Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.

    Question 1)

    Was the Vesara Style of architecture simple a confluence of Nagara style and Dravida style or did it have its own unique features? Analyse. 10 marks

    Question 2)

    “Although much has changed in the international system since 1945, the world body continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’”. In light of this, elaborate on the issues with the structure of the UN and why it is in the need of the reforms. 10 marks

    Question 3)

    Elaborate on the success of NPCI in transforming the retail digital payments in India. Do you think that making it the for-profit company would help it make more competitive? 10 marks

    Question 4)  

    Imagine that you have been recently appointed as the head of the accounts department in a municipal corporation. Soon after you assumed your duties, you discovered that a clerk in your department was falsifying the payroll account by continuing to carry the names of some employees who have already been terminated. When the clerk picked up the payroll, he would pull out those cheques, endorse and cash them and keep the money. You have no difficulty in recognizing that this clerk is not only involved in unethical conduct but is also clearly violating the law. In this situation, the following two options are available to you. Which amongst these two would you choose as your response? Give logical arguments in the support of your answer. • Your responsibility for the image of the corporation may suggest firing the clerk quietly, involving as few other people as possible. • Your responsibility for maintaining the public trust may demand you to consider formal charges and prosecution. 10 marks

    Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check  here: Click2Join

  • NHRC advisory on Sex Work

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recognised sex workers as informal workers in their advisory on “Human Rights of Women in the context of COVID 19”.

    Try this question for mains:

    Q.Recognizing sex workers as informal workers is a myopic and moralistic objection of human rights activism. Discuss.

    What is the NHRC advisory?

    • The NHRC in an effort to secure the rights of all excluded and marginalised women included sex workers as informal workers in their advisory on ‘Women at Work’.
    • The advisory asked officials to recognise sex workers as informal workers and register them so they are able to avail the benefits of a worker.
    • The Ministries have been asked to issue temporary documents so that the sex workers like all other informal workers, can access all welfare measures and health services.

    Why is the advisory important?

    • The advisory included sex workers among groups that they were considered as part of vulnerable and marginal sections of society thereby consider them as citizens who are deserving of the protection of human rights.
    • To do this, NHRC had sought expert advice, and both the government and constitutional bodies had stood by the protection of the human rights and dignity of sex workers.
    • For many, it is a welcome move and an important milestone in achieving constitutional rights for sex workers.

    Legality check of such work

    • The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act — lays down that the institution of prostitution is illegal.
    • Sex is either a consensual engagement between two adults or it is rape.
    • Commercial sex, if engaged through any institutional process is illegal and liable for prosecution. Hence the Government of India never recognised sex work.

    Criticisms of this advisory

    • The feminists who wish to end sex slavery are critical of this NHRC’s move.
    • There has not been a single instance where a woman has voluntarily gone into prostitution.
    • Therefore they have regarded this as an absolute failure to not provide viable options to women to engage in productive work.

    Back2Basics: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

    • The NHRC is a statutory public body constituted on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of 28 September 1993.
    • It was given a statutory basis by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA).
    • This act defines Human Rights as “Rights Relating To Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

    Functions

    • Proactively or reactively inquire into violations of human rights by the government of India or negligence of such violation by a public servant
    • Protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation

    Composition

    The NHRC consists of The Chairman and Four members (excluding the ex-officio members)

    • A Chairperson, who has been a Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court
    • One member who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, or, One member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court
    • Three Members, out of which at least one shall be a woman to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights
    • In addition, the Chairpersons of National Commissions serve as ex officio members.

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