India and Saudi Arabia are in talks to sign a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to obtain formal assistance from each other in investigations related to criminal cases.
Why in news?
Saudi Arabia is only among a dozen other countries that does not have either an MLAT or any other bilateral agreement with India to facilitate such investigations.
India has so far signed MLATs with 45 countries, and is also in talks to finalise MLATs with Italy and Germany.
What are MLATs?
The MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties entered between countries for providing international cooperation and assistance.
These agreements allow for the exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters between the signing countries.
Benefits of Treaty
It enhances the effectiveness of participating countries in the investigation and prosecution of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance.
It will provide a broad legal framework for tracing, restraining and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime as well as the funds meant to finance terrorist acts.
It will be instrumental in gaining better inputs and insights in the modus operandi of organized criminals and terrorists.
These in turn can be used to fine-tune policy decisions in the field of internal security.
Enforcing MLATs in India
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal Ministry and the Central authority for seeking and providing mutual legal assistance in criminal law matters.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) may be involved in this process when such requests are routed through diplomatic channels by these Ministries.
Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) speaks of reciprocal arrangements to be made by the Centre with the Foreign Governments
Why is India seeking such a treaty with Saudi?
In the past, Saudi Arabia has deported several terror suspects on India’s request.
The treat would help in getting a conviction for an accused in a court of law, based on evidence gathered through the mutual agreement.
In its latest audit reports tabled in Parliament, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), as mandated by the Constitution of India, has highlighted several issues with various ministries and departments related to operational and financial irregularities.
In this context, this edition of the Burning Issue will tell the latest reports of CAG and explain the office of CAG in India.
Few noticeable latest reports of CAG
About Assam’s NRC: The CAG has flagged serious irregularities, including “haphazard development” of software for the exercise, making it prone to data tampering, and flagged undue profits worth crores amassed by the system integrator (SI) by violating the Minimum Wages Act during the update exercise of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.
About CPSE: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has also raised concern over the high number of vacancies for the post of independent directors in 59 of the 72 (82 per cent) listed central public sector enterprises (CPSEs).
About DRDO: According to another CAG report, the DRDO took 17 to 569 weeks for the submission of proposals in 29 projects, which had a cascading effect on sanctioning of the project. The delays resulted in changes in the technology to be used, import of the said items by users, and non-availability of the required item with the users.
About Plastic waste management: In a compliance audit report, CAG has said that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has mechanisms to assess the generation of plastic waste, but none for its collection and safe disposal. Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, could not be implemented effectively and efficiently due to a lack of an action plan by the MoEF&CC and the ministry is also lacking in effective coordination with pollution control boards.
About CAG
“I am of the opinion that this dignitary or officer is probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India. He is the one man who is going to see that the expenses voted by Parliament are not exceeded, or varied from what has been laid down by Parliament in the Appropriation Act. If this functionary is to carry out the duties — and his duties, I submit, are far more important than the duties even of the Judiciary” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Constitution of India provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
His duty is to uphold the Constitution of India and the laws of Parliament in the field of financial administration.
He is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. He is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both levels- the centre and state.
History of office of CAG
The role of the CAG evolved in British India with Lord Canning initiating a major administrative drive before the Mutiny of 1857.
In May 1858, a separate department was set up with an Accountant General, who was responsible for accounting and auditing the financial transactions under the East India Company.
After Mutiny, the British Crown took over and passed the Government of India Act 1858. This laid the foundation stone of the Imperial Audit. Sir Edward Drummond took charge in 1860 as the first Auditor General and the term ‘Comptroller and Auditor General of India’ was first used in 1884.
Under the Montford Reforms of 1919, the Auditor General became independent of the government. The Government of India Act 1935 strengthened the position of the Auditor General by providing for Provincial Auditors General in a federal set-up.
Constitutional provisions related to CAG
Art. 148: broadly speaks of the CAG, his appointment, oath and conditions of service
Art. 149: broadly speaks of the Duties and Powers of the CAG
Art. 150: The accounts of the Union and the States shall be kept in such form as the President may, on the advice of the CAG, prescribe.
Art. 151: Audit Reports: The reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India relating to the accounts of the Union shall be submitted to the president, who shall cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
Types of Audit performed by CAG
Regulatory Audit: It is an audit to ascertain whether the money spent was authorized for the purpose for which they were spent and also that the expenditure incurred was in conformity with the laws, rules and regulations.
Supplementary Audit: CAG takes up supplementary audits in PSUs, even after the commercial audits are done by the auditors appointed by the CAG, for the detection of leakages.
Propriety Audit: It focuses on whether the expenditure made is in the public interest or not i.e. it moves beyond mere scrutiny of expenditure to question its wisdom and economy to identify cases of improper expenditure and waste of public money.
Efficiency Audit: Efficiency audit as the name suggests answers the question of whether the money invested yields optimum results. The main purpose of the efficiency audit is to ensure that the investment is prioritized and channeled into its most profitable utilization.
Performance Audit: Performance audit answers whether the government programs such as NREGA have achieved the desired objectives at the lowest cost and given the intended benefits. It generally does not get into the merits-demerits of a particular policy/scheme but rather looks into the effectiveness with which the scheme is implemented and any deficiencies thereof.
Environmental Audit: This is a relatively new area of concern for the CAG keeping in mind the challenges facing India with respect to the conservation and management of the environment. More than 100 audits on environmental issues like bio-diversity, pollution of rivers, waste management have been conducted by the CAG to identify critical issues and suggest possible solutions by involving all stakeholders.
Independence of the Institution of CAG
For the effective functioning of this important institution of the CAG it is paramount to ensure independence. There are several provisions enshrined in the Constitution to safeguard CAG’s independence.
He is appointed by the President by a warrant under his hand and seal and his oath of office requires him to uphold the Constitution of India and the laws made thereunder.
He is provided with security of tenure and can be removed by the President only in accordance with the procedure mentioned in the Constitution (same as a judge of SC).
He is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he ceases to hold his office.
His salary and other service conditions though determined by the Parliament cannot be varied to his disadvantage after appointment.
His administrative powers and the conditions of service of persons serving in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department shall be prescribed by the President only after consulting him.
The administrative expenses of the office of CAG, including all salaries, allowances and pensions of persons serving in that office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India and are not subject to the vote of Parliament.
Sources of the Audit Mandate of CAG
Constitution– The existence and mandate of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India emanate from Articles 148 to 151 of the Constitution. Article 149 stipulates the Duties and Powers of the Comptroller and Auditor General
Statute– DPC Act, 1971 (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service Act) lays down the general principles of Government accounting and the broad principles in regard to the audit of receipts and expenditure
Regulations– Regulations on Audit and accounts as framed and notified in the official Gazette.
Scope of audit– Within the audit mandate, the Comptroller and Auditor General is the sole authority to decide the scope and extent of the audit to be conducted by him or on his behalf.
Duties and Fuctions of the CAG
Duties
He audits the accounts related to all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, the Consolidated Fund of each state and UT having a legislative assembly.
He audits all expenditures from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public Account of India as well as the Contingency Fund and Public Account of each state.
He audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government and the state governments.
He audits the receipts and expenditures of all bodies and authorities substantially financed from the Central or State revenues; government companies; other corporations and bodies, when so required by related laws.
Functions
He audits all transactions of the Central and state governments related to debt, sinking funds, deposits, advances, suspense accounts and remittance business.
He audits the accounts of any other authority when requested by the President or Governor e.g. Local bodies.
He advises the President with regard to the prescription of the form in which the accounts of the Centre and states shall be kept.
He submits his audit reports relating to the accounts of the Centre to the President, who shall, in turn, place them before both houses of Parliament.
He submits his audit reports relating to the accounts of a State to the Governor, who shall, in turn, place them before the state legislature.
He ascertains and certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty and his certificate is final on the matter.
He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
He compiles and maintains the accounts of state governments. In 1976, he was relieved of his responsibilities with regard to the compilation and maintenance of accounts of the Central government due to the separation of accounts from the audit.
He submits 3 audit reports to the President: an audit report on appropriation accounts, an audit report on finance accounts and audit report on public undertakings.
However, there are the following Limitations on the Powers of CAG
Report is post-facto: i.e. after the expenditure is incurred and has only prospective value in improving systems and procedures.
Secret service expenditure: such expenditure is outside the purview of the CAG and he cannot call for particulars of expenditure incurred by the executive agencies, but has to accept a certificate from the competent administrative authority that the expenditure has been so incurred.
Rising PPP investments: Since the legislation, the government has increased its participation with the private sector through the PPT (public-private-transfer) and BOT (build-own-transfer) models. However, the rules have not undergone a significant change and CAG does not have the power to audit PPP (Public Private Partnership) investments.
NGO’s, PRI and ULB’s out of audit ambit: There is no provision for auditing of funds that are given to an NGO and elected local bodies. Also, CAG presently does not have the full authority to audit the PRIs and ULBs. In most states, the Examiners functioning under the Finance Department audit the accounts of local bodies.
DRDAs also not auditable: (District Rural Development Authority) today are managing large sums of money for rural development yet they also are outside the purview of CAG audits.
Denial of documents: the path to obtain the relevant documents to carry out their tasks and make a report on its basis has never been easy for audit department. It has also been involved in several cases where the necessary documents were denied to the CAG and the powers of the CAG had to be reinstated by the Judiciary. In the past, almost 30% of the documents demanded by CAG officials have been denied to them.
Mode of Appointment: The present selection process for the CAG is entirely internal to the Government machinery; no one outside has any knowledge of what criteria are applied, how names are shortlisted and how a final selection is made. There is a lack of clarity on the criterion, the definition of the field of choice, and the procedures for the selection of this high constitutional functionary.
Word audit not defined: The word ‘audit’ has not been defined in either the Constitution or in the CAG Act, 1971. We have so far been going by 150 years of history, tradition, existing provisions and international practice. The CAG has not formulated its own policy in the above reports and has only gone by policy prescriptions recommended internally at various levels within the government.
Way forward
Bring PPP and PRIs under CAG: Former CAG Vinod Rai recommended that all private-public partnerships (PPPs), “Panchayti Raj Institutions” and societies benefiting from government funds should come within the ambit of the CAG.
Enhance the CAGs powers to access information: He also requested to enhance the CAGs powers to access information under the audit act. As of 2013, it was estimated that 60% of government spending does not come under the scrutiny of CAG.
Amend CAG Act: He also suggested amendments to the CAG Act, 1971 to bring it in line with the current times privatization and IT revolution.
Application of the latest technologies: such as AI and Big Data in the audit process can help CAG better perform its duties. In this regard, CAG came out with a Big Data management policy in 2016 and also established a Centre for Data Management and Analytics in Delhi
A collegium kind of body: should be formed the choosing the person for CAG’s office to end the monopoly of the Executive.
Conclusion
No doubt that this organization has come a long way from that time to where it’s standing today but like every institution constantly requires amends, rectifications, and upgradation to catch up to the modern times.
We can hope that by implying these reforms, this organization will enhance the transparency of the system through which the lucid imagery of our democracy would be clearly visible.
The Central government raised interest rates on eight of the 12 small savings schemes by 20 to 110 basis points for the January to March 2023 quarter.
Small Savings Schemes
Small Savings Schemes are a set of savings instruments managed by the central government with an aim to encourage citizens to save regularly irrespective of their age.
They are popular as they provide returns higher than bank fixed deposits, sovereign guarantee and tax benefits.
How are they managed?
Since 2016, the Finance Ministry has been reviewing the interest rates on small savings schemes on a quarterly basis.
All deposits received under various schemes are pooled in the National Small Savings Fund.
The money in the fund is used by the Centre to finance its fiscal deficit.
What are the different saving schemes?
The schemes can be grouped under three heads –
Post office deposits
Savings certificates and
Social security schemes
(1) Post Office Deposits
Under this we have the savings deposit, recurring deposit and time deposits with 1, 2, 3 and 5 year maturities and the monthly income account.
The savings account currently pays an interest of 4% per annum and can be opened individually or jointly with an initial investment of Rs 500.
The recurring deposit that pays 5.8% a year compounded quarterly matures after 60 months from the date of opening.
It allows investors to save on a monthly basis with a minimum deposit of Rs 100 per month.
Investments under the 5-year time deposit up to Rs 1.5 lakh further qualifies for benefit under section 80C of Income Tax Act.
(2) Savings Certificates
Under this, we have the National Savings Certificate and the Kisan Vikas Patra.
The National Savings Certificate pays interest at a rate of 6.8% per annum upon maturity after 5 years. The interest that is earned is reinvested into the scheme every year automatically.
The NSC also qualifies for tax saving under Section 80C of the income tax act.
The Kisan Vikas Patra, which is open to everyone, doubles your one-time investment at the end of 124 months signifying a return of 6.9% compounded annually.
The minimum investment amount is Rs 1000 while there is no upper limit.
(3) Social security schemes
In the third head of social security schemes, there is Public Provident Fund, Sukanya Samriddhi Account and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.
Public Provident Fund
The Public Provident Fund is a popular saving option for long term goals like retirement.
It pays 7.1% a year and qualifies for tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Upon maturity of the account after 15 years, it can be extended indefinitely in blocks of 5 years.
The accumulated amount and interest earned are exempt from tax at the time of withdrawal.
Sukanya Samriddhi Account
The Sukanya Samriddhi Account was launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign exclusively for a girl child.
The account can be opened in the name of a girl child below the age of 10 years.
The scheme guarantees a return of 7.6% per annum and is eligible for tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
The tenure of the deposit is 21 years from the date of opening of the account and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh can be invested in a year.
Senior Citizen Savings Account
And finally, the 5-year Senior Citizen Savings Account can be opened by anyone who is over 60 years to age.
It carries an interest of 7.4% per annum payable quarterly and qualifies for Section 80C tax benefit.
These time-tested and safe modes of investments don’t offer quick returns, but are safer when compared to market-linked schemes.
A political party recently marked the 138th foundation day of Indian National Congress (INC) on December 28.
How the INC was founded?
The INC came into being on December 28, 1885.
The English bureaucrat Allan Octavian Hume is credited as the founder of the organisation.
On that day, 72 social reformers, journalists and lawyers congregated for the first session of the INC at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
Stated objectives of INC included-
First, the fusion into one national whole of all the different elements that constitute the population of India.
Second, the gradual regeneration along all lines, spiritual, moral, social, and political, of the nation thus evolved; and
Third, the consolidation, of, the union between England and India.
Real motive behind: ‘Safety Valve’ Theory
At that point, the aim of this group was not to demand independence from the ongoing colonial rule but to influence the policies of the British government in favour of Indians.
Its objective is often described as providing a “safety valve” as the time, through which Indians could air out their grievances and frustration.
As Mr. Hume explained, the: Congress organization was ‘only one outcome of the labours of a body of cultured men, mostly Indians, who hound themselves together to labour silently for the good of India.’
Transformation towards freedom movement
Ans. Famous for 3P’s: Prayers, Protest and Petitions
The party’s work continued, to shift the colonial administrators’ attitudes and policies on the rights and powers allowed to Indians.
The members frequently protested issues of British colonialism, such as the Bengal famine and the drain of wealth from India.
However, these protests were at this point usually limited to prayers, petitions and protests, including writing letters to the authorities.
As the British rule continued, there grew differences in what the party’s functioning should be like.
Strength of INC
Diverse participation: One of the biggest strengths of the party, which helped it appeal to a broad section of Indian society, was having members who held different ideological positions.
Pan-India organization: Its popularity grew across every corner of India.
Early criticism of INC
Non-effective: Hume and the party were criticised, by the British for attempting to change the existing systems that favoured them and by some Indians for not achieving significant results.
Elite-organization: The party largely consisted of educated, upper-class people who were likely to have studied abroad.
Splits and reconvening
In Surat in 1906, the divisions between the ‘moderates’ led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Surendranath Banerjea, and the ‘extremists’ led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak came to the fore and there was a split.
While Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai wanted the Congress to boycott the visit of the Prince of Wales in protest against the Bengal Partition a year prior, the moderates opposed any such move.
But by 1915, the Bombay session saw these two groups coming together again as one.
The pattern of splits and eventual cohesion continued well after Indian independence, even after the party came to completely dominate successive general elections under PM Jawaharlal Nehru.
Important sessions of INC
Year
Session
President
Importance
1885
Bombay
W C Banerjee
First session
1888
Allahabad
George Yule
First English President of INC
1896
Calcutta
Rahimtullah M. Sayani
National song ‘Vande Mataram’ sung for the first time
1906
Calcutta
Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji coined the term Swaraj.
1907
Surat
Rash Behari Ghosh
Party splits into extremists and moderates
1911
Calcutta
Bishan Narayan Dar
National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ sung for the first time
1916
Lucknow
Ambica Charan Mazumdar
Reunion of Congress and Lucknow Pact, Joint session with the Muslim league
1917
Calcutta
Annie Besant
First Woman President of the INC
1919
Amritsar
Motilal Nehru
Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre took place
1924
Belgaum
M K Gandhi
Only session where MK Gandhi was the President
1925
Kanpur
Sarojini Naidu
First Indian Woman President of INC
1927
Madras
M A Ansari
Independence Resolution was put forward
1928
Calcutta Session,
Motilal Nehru
All India Youth Congress formed
1929
Lahore
Jawaharlal Nehru
Poorna Swaraj Resolution @ 26th January, Civil Disobedience Movement launched
1931
Karachi
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
A resolution on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Progress was passed. Gandhi-Irwin pact was endorsed and Gandhiji was nominated to represent INC in the second round table conference
1936
Lucknow
Jawaharlal Nehru
Idea of Socialism was imbibed
1938
Haripura
Subhas Chandra Bose
National Planning Committee set up under Nehru, Haripura Resolution passed, which demanded Poorna Swaraj, including the princely states as well.
1940
Ramgarh
Abul Kalam Azad
He was the longest-serving President of INC during British rule.
Quit India Movement started in 1942
1946
Meerut
J.B. Kripalani
Last session before Indian independence
Try this PYQ:
Q.Consider the following statements
The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Astronomers and scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) while studying the Omega Centauri have found that hot stars and white dwarfs emitted less ultraviolet radiation than expected.
Omega Centauri
It is the most massive globular cluster system in our galaxy.
It was first identified as a non-stellar object by Edmond Halley in 1677 and as globular star cluster orbiting Milky Way galaxy by John Herschel in 1830s.
It contains approximately 10 million stars and is about 16,000 light-years away.
It also includes stars of a variety of ages, whereas other globular clusters contain stars from only one generation.
It is the largest and brightest globular cluster in the Milky Way.
What is a globular cluster?
A globular cluster is a spheroidal conglomeration of stars.
Globular clusters are bound together by gravity, with a higher concentration of stars towards their centres.
They can contain anywhere from tens of thousands to many millions of member stars.
They orbit mostly in the extended stellar halos surrounding most spiral galaxies.
How are they formed?
No one knows precisely how globular clusters formed. Or what role, if any, they played in the development of galaxies.
We know globular clusters are the oldest, largest and most massive type of star cluster. And globular clusters contain the oldest stars.
Their age is determined by their almost complete lack of what astronomers call metals, the heavier elements forged in star interiors.
Our Milky Way has over 150 globular clusters
Our own Milky Way has over 150 globular clusters, with perhaps more, hidden by galactic dust.
The Andromeda galaxy (M31), our neighboring spiral galaxy, appears to have around 300 globular clusters.
Difference between a globular cluster and an open cluster
Globular clusters are big, symmetric and old. They can reach 300 light-years in diameter and contain 10 million stars. On the other hand, open star clusters, contains sibling stars, scattered through the disk of our galaxy and presumably other galaxies.
Globular star cluster are very symmetrical in shape, and are densest toward their centers. Open star clusters are irregular in shape and loosely grouped together.
Globular clusters orbit in the halo of our galaxy. Plus, center around the galaxy’s core and expanding above and below the galactic disk. Open star clusters tend to orbit within the disk.
Globular star clusters contain million of stars. Yet some globular clusters, like Omega Centauri, contain millions of stars. Open star clusters contain only hundreds of stars.
Sudhanshu sir, senior faculty and Program Director for CUET, will be discussing the most important themes according to the nature and syllabus of CUET 2023. This is going to be important if your want to ace CUET 2023
Often, college is said to be the best time of your life, according to an old saying. While there’s no denying the fun that comes from throwing the craziest themed parties, living on your own, and finally getting a taste of adulthood. College is also the Gateway to a fulfilling career.
Sudhanshu Mishra.
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At the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), member countries adopted the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF) that includes four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030.
Conservation through ecological representative: Among the 23 targets, Target 3, colloquially known as “30×30,” requires that “at least 30 percent of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, are effectively conserved and managed through ecologically representative.
Area-based conservation measures: Such area should be well-connected and equitably governed systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.
Protected area: Place-based conservation has usually taken the form of Protected Areas wherein human occupation or at least the exploitation of resources is limited. The definition provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its categorisation guidelines for protected areas has been widely accepted across regional and global frameworks.
Different level of protection: There are several kinds of protected areas that vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international organisations involved.
Currently only 17% is protected: Currently, about 17 percent of terrestrial and 8 percent of marine areas are within documented protected and conserved areas.
Less than desirable quality: The quality of these areas has fallen far short of the commitments; less than 8 percent of land is both protected and connected. In the face of such a lacuna, the 30×30 target represents a significant commitment.
What are the challenges towards conservation of biodiversity areas?
Improving the quality: One of the main challenges will be to improve the quality of both existing and new areas, as biodiversity continues to decline, even within many Protected Areas. Protected and conserved areas will need to be better connected to each other for movement of species, and for ecological processes to function.
Large countries have to take big steps: Demographically large, high population density countries, and the very high density small and city-states are unlikely be able to bring significant additional terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas under Protected Area management.
Addressing animal and human settlement: Moreover, species range shifts due to the effects of impacts of climate change will have to be taken into account. Challenges faced by Protected Areas that are experiencing coastal squeeze due to rising sea level on one side, and hard human settlements on the other will also have to be addressed.
Investment for management: All of these measures will require significant investments for effective management and community involvement, particularly those areas that harbour megafauna. The track record of the Global North, thus far, has been poor in meeting its commitments on financial support for climate and biodiversity initiatives.
What should be the way forward?
Better connectivity: Innovative area-based conservation measures will have to be considered for better connectivity for movement of species megafauna in particular between protected and conserved areas. Areas adjoining and or connecting Protected Areas that are not formally managed for conservation will have to be considered for protection; agricultural lands.
Conservation development mechanism: Akin to the Clean Development Mechanism under the climate convention, UNFCCC, a carbon offset scheme allowing countries to fund greenhouse gas emissions-reducing projects in other countries and claim the saved emissions as part of their own efforts to meet international emissions targets.
Mobile protected areas: Innovative management will be required for Protected Areas that are experiencing coastal squeeze due to rising sea level on one side, and hard human settlements on the other. In high altitude and coastal areas, Protected Areas will have to be conceived as mobile rather than static, confined to a set of geographical coordinates. Mangrove and alpine ecosystems
Conclusion
Only declaring the certain area as protected area will not improve the quality of protected area and it is mere a lip service to conservation efforts. Investment backed by effective, result oriented and time bound action plan for place-based conservation should be the path ahead.
Mains Question
Q. What is 30×30 target under CBD? What are the challenges in area-based conservation and suggest the way forward?
India-China relations have been under enormous strain in recent years. The Indian foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, on many occasions has stated that India-China relations are going through an extremely difficult phase. For the two to return to normalcy in the relationship, he added that it will depend on three mutuals: mutual sensitivity, mutual respect and mutual interest.
Statement by Wang Yi: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China is ready to work with India in improving bilateral ties.
Statement said China will work with India for steady China-India growth: Speaking at a symposium on the international situation and China’s foreign relations in 2022, Wang reportedly said that both countries “have maintained communication through the diplomatic and military-to-military channels, and both countries are committed to upholding stability in the border areas. We stand ready to work with India in the direction toward steady and sound growth of China-India relations.
Statement against the backdrop of Tawang clash: The Chinese foreign minister’s statement comes against the backdrop of the December 9 clash near Tawang in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, where soldiers on both sides sustained minor injuries.
No sign of taking a back step: Even though the two sides managed to bring the Tawang situation under control, the reality is that the number of forces on deployment on either side of the border after the Galwan clash two years back shows no sign of being pulled back, a stark reminder of the far-from-normal state of relations between India and China.
Despite of commander level talks, no fruitful negotiation on disengagement: Despite 17 rounds of military talks at the army commander level, the two sides have not been able to resolve their differences and accomplish a complete disengagement of their military forces.
Statement by India: Following the 17th session of military talks last week, the Indian Ministry of Defense issued a statement that blandly stated that both sides will maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector and that they agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
Is there any positive change in Chinese strategic thinking?
Chinese foreign policy is just the same: It is unclear if Wang’s comment on India-China relations reflects any fundamental change in China’s foreign policy. Clearly, there has been no general softening of China’s attitude.
Speech was a part of diplomacy: The minister’s statement on India was part of a long speech taking stock of China’s diplomacy and foreign relations in 2022.
Particular focus on United states: In the statement, there was a particular focus on the troubled nature of its ties with the United States, calling out Washington’s erroneous China policy. Wang went on to say that it was U.S. stubbornness in seeing China as its peer competitor and Washington’s “blatant blockade, suppression and provocation against China” that has put the relationship in “serious difficulties.
Concerned about Taiwan: The minister noted Taiwan is a red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. He also made note of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan to which the minister said that China has taken firm and resolute measures, which have strongly deterred anti-China elements in the United States and the Taiwan independence forces.
Indirect reference to QUAD: The Quad, which comprises the U.S., Japan, India and Australia, also found an indirect mention in Wang’s speech. He stated that China is opposed to “bloc confrontation and zero-sum competition.
Aggressive with each of India’s security partner: Each of India’s new security partners among the Quad countries has been subjected to China’s aggressive behavior in military, political and economic terms, which has brought a new depth of strategic purpose to the Quad.
Way ahead
India’s relationship with China has been teetering from bad to worse over the last 32 months since the standoff in Ladakh began, and it seems unlikely to improve unless Beijing’s calculus vis a vis India and the region undergoes a drastic change.
On the current status of the ties Indian foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, remarked that “the state of the border will determine the state of the relationship.”
While Delhi’s G20 leadership may bring opportunities for engagement with Beijing, what is required first is a clear vision and a grand strategy to deal with the China challenge, instead of reacting to each crisis as it emerges
Conclusion
Inconsistencies, both in China’s words and also between words and actions, will likely reduce the willingness of other countries, including India, to take seriously China’s statements about wanting a reset of ties.
Mains question
Q. India-China relations, though occasionally showing signs of peace and cooperation, have often been afflicted by tension and mistrust. China is inconsistent in words and actions. Discuss.
The presidency, which India has recently assumed for the period between 1 December 2022 and 30 November 2023, will likely open more avenues for cooperation on multiple fronts with countries like Saudi Arabia, a key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, also a member state of G20.
Fourth largest trading partner: Since the last few years, India-Saudi Arabia relations have become comprehensive and robust, with the kingdom not only becoming New Delhi’s fourth largest trading partner but also an important collaborator in the joint combat against all forms of terrorism, money laundering, and terror financing.
18% of India’s energy Imports: It is noteworthy that the bilateral trade in the fiscal year 2021-2022 stood at US$42.8 billion, and the kingdom alone accounts for 18 percent of India’s energy import, which reflects the significance of the country from the standpoint of New Delhi’s energy and economic security calculus.
Collaboration on defence corridor: Simultaneously, military-security and defence cooperation have also gained momentum, which has been triggered by a certain commonality of security threats and challenges, and the interests of the respective governments to collaborate in the defence industrial sector (within the ambit of their military modernisation programmes).
Non-oil areas of cooperation: The ties between the two countries, now, are not only concentrated on the oil-energy trade alone (as it has been the pattern) but both sides have started to explore the possibilities of working together on domains such as renewable energy, climate change, healthcare, food security, education, technology, etc.
Partnership in Green and clean energy
Collaboration with Indian companies: In November 2020, Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, called on foreign investors to “invest on their own” or to collaborate with Indian companies in the country’s green energy sector.
Reducing dependency on hydrocarbon: Similarly, Saudi Arabia, striving to reduce its dependency on a hydrocarbon-based economy, is investing in the same sector.
Saudi Vision 2030 programme: In line with its Saudi Vision 2030 programme, it launched (in 2021) the Saudi Green Initiative which works on “increasing Saudi Arabia’s reliance on clean energy, offsetting emissions, and protecting the environment.
Ambitious targets by both country: Riyadh, ushering in a new era of energy diplomacy, is building partnerships with countries that have similar ambitions. This, to a great extent, has facilitated the need to expand cooperation with India in the renewable energy sphere. While the Indian government works towards generating 450 Gigawatt about 60 percent of electricity using renewable and clean sources, Saudi Arabia also aims at about 50 per cent, both to be achieved by the year 2030.
India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in health sector and during Covid19
Cooperation with west Asia region: India has stepped up its healthcare-related engagements with the wider West Asian region, and, particularly in matters related to the production of vaccines, joint medical researches, exchange of best-fit practices, and so on.
Healthcare professionals to Saudi Arabia: During the peak of the aforementioned pandemic, the Indian government assisted its Saudi counterpart in their fight against this outbreak, mainly by dispatching hundreds of Indian healthcare professionals.
Vaccine acceptancy: Saudi Arabia was also one of the few countries that recognised “Serum Institute of India’s Covishield as an approved COVID-19 vaccine” for any travellers who wanted to enter the kingdom.
MoU on health and medical products: Now, what could act as a catalyst in elevating the interactions from the existing level is the Indo-Saudi Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on health and medical products regulations that were signed during the 2019 visit of Modi to Riyadh.
Cooperation in Food Security
Investment by Saudi and UAE: It could be noted that, in 2019, to act as a safeguard from any food insecurity, UAE and Saudi Arabia GCC states decided to invest in India’s organic and food processing industries.
Win-win situation in food cooperation: With India’s expertise in the field of crop production and overall agricultural activities, and also being a net exporter of agricultural commodities (especially rice), strengthening of partnerships could prove to be highly beneficial for the populace of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and other GCC countries that continue to depend on external sources for their food security, mostly owing to the lack of fertile soil.
Conclusion
While India-Saudi Arabia ties are expected to grow further, there also exists a potential for collaboration beyond this bilateral engagement. This is precisely because, in the emerging international order, there is also a growing call for a collective response to the multidimensional crises the world is facing today.
Mains Question
Q. Briefly describe the India-Saudi Arabia relationship? How both countries are collaborating on clean energy and food security?
30th December, at 7 PM | UPSC Mega Workshop Day AIR 267, Soham Mandhare: Most important themes for UPSC Prelims 2023 and strategy for the next 145 days. | FREE Registration Open
The UPSC 2023 is just knocking at the door. And the Prelims exam is scheduled for May 28th, 2023. That’s just 4.5 months away.
Acknowledging the high unpredictability, an infallible strategy, and previous years’- based trend analysis is of utmost importance. If you want to crack UPSC with a rank in 2023, no random study in current affairs, nor every chapter from every subject is required.
The Best Way of clearing Prelims is to have a clear vision of essential themes, a plan for dealing with current affairs, and the ability to maintain clarity of the syllabus
AIR 267, Soham Mandhare
UPSC Topper AIR 267, UPSC 2021 will be discussing the most important themes from Current Affairs and GS syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2023. These are going to be the most relevant and probable topics for the upcoming prelims.
The zoom link will be emailed to you post-registration
Key takeaways: How to make a timetable for UPSC?
Selective and smart study through UPSC trend-validated topics and themes: 50 Most Important themes for UPSC Prelims 2023 that will guarantee your 120+
What should be your Prelims 2023 approach for the next 4.5 months even if you have just started the preparation for UPSC 2023? Strategy for the next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and like that, will be shared with you.
The rock-steady strategy made by Rankers for UPSC Prelims 2023 for the next 4.5 months.
How do UPSC rankers pick specific and certain topics both from current affairs and static GK which are more important than the others? How to build a topper’s thinking and how to cover the UPSC syllabus? The syllabus, and not the books, must be completed.
Trend analysis of past 6 years’ papers of UPSC Prelims by Soham Mandhare. Lessons to be learned. ‘Pattern Analysis. UPSC is the most dynamic in nature. So, the most important step is to analyze the pattern of the exam. Find ‘Do’s & ‘Don’ts’ in current affairs.
How to attempt Mock Tests! How to read & revise PYQs. ‘What to read & what not to read?
How to Understand the expectations of UPSC, and devise an evolving adaptive strategy for UPSC 2023 Prelims and Mains. If your strategy didn’t work, how to restrategize will also be elaborated. What should be your approach for the next 4.5 months even if you have just started the preparation? Strategy for the next 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and like that, will be shared with you.
Short-time smart Revision techniques that are common, standard, and used frequently. What exactly are they?
How to take full advantage of the FREE CivilsDaily’s Preparatory Package and personalized mentorship session
Last but not the least, apart from all the above discussion everyone joining the session can ask their doubts, fear, queries, Etc
The Election Commission of India said that it has developed a prototype for a Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) which would enable remote voting by migrant voters.
Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
Electronic voting is the standard means of conducting elections using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India.
The system was developed and tested by the state-owned Electronics Corporation of India and Bharat Electronics in the 1990s.
They were introduced in Indian elections between 1998 and 2001, in a phased manner.
What are Remote EVMs?
Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVM) can handle multiple constituencies from a single remote polling booth.
The idea is to implement voter portability as a pilot project in the upcoming Assembly elections in nine states in 2023.
This means that if the pilot is successful then in the 2024 general elections voter portability can be fully implemented.
Need for RVMs
Ensuring participative elections: The inability to vote due to internal migration is one of the prominent reasons to be addressed to improve voter turnout and ensure participative elections.
Migration-based disenfranchisement: There were multifarious reasons for a voter not opting to register in a new place of residence, thus missing out on exercising the right to vote.
Increasing voter turnout: The voter turnout in General Elections 2019 was 67.4% and the ECI is concerned about the issue of over 30 crore electors not exercising their franchise and also differential voter turnout in various States/UT.
Significance of the move
Panacea to migration-led deprivation: Out-migration due to the need to work, marriage, and education, is predominant among the rural population in overall domestic migration.
Increasing voter turnout: Approximately 85% of the internal migration is within the States.
Multiple booth targeting: This modified form of EVM can handle up to 72 multiple constituencies from a single remote polling booth.
Challenges for RVMs
Many political parties have already flagged the inherent issues such as-
Defining domestic migrants
Implementation of Model Code of Conduct
Ensuring secrecy of voting
Facility of polling agents for identification of voters
Process and method of remote voting and
Counting of votes
Technical issues
Amendment to legacy laws: Among the laws and rules which would need an amendment to implement remote voting is The Representation of People’s Act of 1950 and 1951, The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Vagueness over Migration: The definition of migrant voter would also need to be reworked with respect to retaining registration at the original place in the context of the legal construct of “ordinary residence” and “temporary absence”.
Territorial constituency concept: The territorial constituency concept of remote voting and defining remoteness itself that is an outside constituency, outside the district or outside state will need to be dealt with.
Administrative challenges: These include enumerating remote voters-self declaration, ensuring secrecy of voting at remote locations, provision of polling agents at remote voting booths, and ensuring identification of voters to avoid impersonation.
Acceptance issues: Acceptance of EVMs has been a contested issues. This has somehow eased after the introduction of the voters-verifiable paper-audit trial (VVPAT).
Way forward
The initiative, if implemented, can lead to a social transformation for the migrants and connect with their roots as many times they are reluctant to get themselves enrolled at their place of work.
Frequently changing residences, not enough social and emotional connect with the issues of an area of migration will no longer remain obstacles.
The State Information Commission of Tamil Nadu has been the worst performing as far as responsiveness under the RTI Act is concerned, furnishing only 14% of the information sought for 2021-22.
State’s responses to RTI
Maharashtra was second-worst, sharing 23% of the information asked for.
Only 10 ICs provided full information in response to the RTI applications filed as part of this assessment.
These included Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand and northeastern States of Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura.
Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh returned around 40% of the appeals or complaints received by them.
What is the Right to Information (RTI)?
RTI is an act of the parliament that sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information.
It replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
Under the provisions of RTI Act, any citizen of India may request information from a “public authority” (a body of Government or “instrumentality of State”) which is required to reply expeditiously or within 30.
In case of a matter involving a petitioner’s life and liberty, the information has to be provided within 48 hours.
The Act also requires every public authority to computerize their records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish certain categories of information so that the citizens need minimum recourse to request for information formally.
What led to the introduction of RTI in India?
There has been a variety of internal and external pressures on governments to adopt RTI.
Corruption and scandals: The crisis was brought into force due to a lack of transparency in the working of the government.
Modernization and the Information Society: The expansion of the Internet into everyday life has increased the demand for more information by the public, businesses and civil society groups.
International pressure: The World Bank, the IMF and others have pressed countries to adopt laws to reduce corruption and to make financial systems more accountable.
Wider recognition of Public Interest: Public interest is a nebulous concept, not defined in any freedom of information laws, understandably so, as it is a very subjective concept.
Governing of the RTI
The Right to information in India is governed by two major bodies:
Central Information Commission (CIC) – Chief Information commissioner who heads all the central departments and ministries- with their own public information officers (PIO)s. CICs are directly under the President of India.
State Information Commissions (SIC)– State Public Information Officers or SPIOs head over all the state department and ministries. The SPIO office is directly under the corresponding State Governor.
State and CIC are independent bodies and CIC has no jurisdiction over the SIC.
Constitutional backing of the RTI
The Indian constitution has an impressive array of basic and inalienable rights termed as fundamental rights contained in part-III.
These include the right to equal protection of the laws and the right to equality before the law, the right to freedom of speech and expression also the right to life and personal liberty.
Since RTI, is implicit in the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, it is an implied FR.
These are backed by the right to constitutional remedies that is, the right to approach the supreme court and high court under Article 32 and 226 respectively in case of infringement of any of FRs.
The state is not only under an obligation to respect the FRs of the citizens but also equally under an obligation to ensure conditions under which the right can be exercised.
The objective of the right to information act is to protect these constitutional rights.
Benefits of RTI
Greater accessibility of information: A person can seek information from any public authority in the form of copies, floppy disks, sample material etc under RTI.
Efficient governance: RTI Act helps us in knowing the efficiency of the government functioning.RTI has become a reality consistent with the objectives of having a stable, honest, transparent and efficient government.
Citizen’s participation: Information under RTI can be sought easily by requesting the public officer and assistant public officer in any public authority.
Government obligation: Obtaining information from any public authority is obligatory for them.
Maintenance of public record: Under RTI Act, it is the duty of public authorities to maintain records for easy access and to publish within 120 days the name of the particular officers who should give the information and in regard to the framing of the rules, regulations etc.
Empowerment of Citizens: Every citizen has been empowered to be informed about anything that affects their life directly or indirectly.
Limitations to the RTI
Not an absolute right: The RTI and Right to Privacy are not absolute rights, both the rights, one of which falls under Article 19(l)(a) and the other under Article 21 can obviously be regulated, restricted and curtailed in the larger public interest.
Subjected to restrictions: The RTI, being integral part of the right to freedom of speech, is subject to restrictions that can be imposed upon that right under Article 19 (2).
Limitations under the rules: Rule 4 of RTI Act puts word limit (No. of words needed in different language is different to express the same idea) as 250 words. Word Limit, The Hidden power of Information Officer, is the cause of rejection of an application.
Only information already available on record is accessible: The RTI Act provides access only to that information that existent and is available in records of the public authorities.
Certain information may constitute contempt of court: Any information, the disclosure of which is expressly barred by any Court of law or tribunal or, which may constitute contempt of Court under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971, cannot be released.
Information causes a breach of privilege: The Constitution of India provides some privileges to the Parliament and the State Legislature, so it is clear that such information cannot be issued by the public authority.
Information relating to Intellectual Property and trade secrets: Any information, including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property cannot be disclosed.
Way Forward
Speedy disposal: The increasing backlog of cases is exacerbated by the fact that most Commissions are functioning at reduced capacity.
Prioritization of cases: There should be a prioritization of cases dealing with information related to life and liberty.
Digitalization: Governments should put in place a mechanism for online filing of RTI applications and bring all authorities under one platform.
Reducing technicalities: The technicalities of filing an RTI application should be more simplified. The literacy rate of rural India is quite low and thus they find it quite difficult to comply with the procedural.
Protecting whistleblowers: There is an urgent need to protect the whistle blowers who are targeted or attacked so easily.
The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) are investigating Noida-based firm after the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan by drinking health syrup contaminated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
India’s response to these deaths
It is certainly the responsibility of the importing country to test medicines before releasing them in their market.
After being informed about the incident, India’s apex regulatory body, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) opened investigations and lifted control samples.
Issue: India’s credibility at stake
India is one of the leading exporters of medicines.
PM Modi recently stressed that Indian drugs had earned the world’s trust and that India could be called the ‘pharmacy to the world’.
However, such negative reports on the quality and safety of our medicines will be a massive blow to the country’s image as a source of cheap generic drugs to the world.
Issues highlighted by the incident
Smuggling of cheap drugs: Inquiry reveals that these were imported from an Indian manufacturer, not under public tender but privately.
Ignorance by authorities: The drug which is banned for domestic consumption has got exported and led to fatalities. This is a huge blissful mistake by Indian Authorities.
Lack of inspection: There are not enough drug inspectors in the country to conduct as many inspections as is ideally required in such as vast set-up.
Inadequacies in quality-check: Despite huge production units, there are not an adequate number of laboratories to test the samples in time if all the samples that should be lifted for testing are picked up.
Blot on credibility: The matter, if not properly handled, can damage the perception that Indian medicines are trustworthy for many countries and the global South.
Possible factors behind this tragedy
There are rackets of counterfeit Indian medicines turning up in many countries.
Some of these were coming from unregistered producers in India, who would produce medicine depending on what cost was paid to them without concern for quality.
In some cases, competitors from other countries were known to make counterfeit medicines with Indian markings and dump them in markets where Indian pharmaceuticals were well regarded.
Way forward
The pharmaceutical trade is vital and must be protected from predatory practices and violations of regulatory norms.
Regulatory mechanism on both sides should be strengthened.
Importers should be given lists of recognised Indian manufacturers.
Training should be provided to drug controllers to curtail the menace of counterfeit and poor-quality medicine entering from India.
Back2Basics: Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
A/c to WHO, Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
It can cause kidney and neurological toxicity and has been associated with several cases of mass poisoning when consumed via drugs.
The chemical tastes sweet and is water-insoluble.
The toxic effects of the chemical include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury.
There has been a proposal from the district administration to rename the Western Maharashtra city of Ahmednagar as ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar’, after the 18th century Malwa queen, Ahilyabai Holkar.
History of Ahmednagar
Ahmednagar lies in the Western region of Maharashtra.
It has been a part of some prominent kingdoms, starting from 240 B.C. when the vicinity is mentioned in the reference to the Mauryan Emperor Ashok.
The Rashtrakuta Dynasty, the Western Chalukyas, and then the Delhi Sultanate ruled over the region in the Medieval period.
In the last case, the rule was not direct, and a revolt by Afghan soldier Alladin Hasan Gangu led to the establishment of the Bahmani kingdom in the Deccan.
After some time, Ahmednagar (then known as Nizamshahi) became one of the five independent kingdoms to emerge from that empire.
How did the city of Ahmednagar first get its name?
In 1486, Malik Ahmad Nizam Shah became the Bahmani Sultanate’s Prime Minister.
He fought back an attempt by the king to dislodge him from power, and defeated the army of the Bahamani kingdom near Ahmednagar in May 1490.
Finally, in 1494 he laid the foundation of a city close to where he defeated the army, on the left bank of Sina river, and named it after himself: Ahmednagar.
Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?
Born in Chondi village of Ahmednagar to the village head Mankoji Shinde, on May 31, 1725, Ahilyabai was one of the few women rulers of Medieval India.
While the education of girls and women was rare at that time, Mankoji insisted on it for his daughter.
When she was eight years old, Malhar Rao Holkar, the army commander to Peshwa Bajirao, is believed to have spotted her at a temple service in Chondi.
Impressed by her devotion and character, he decided to get his son, Khande Rao, married to her.
Ahilyabai took control of Malwa after her husband’s death in the Battle of Kumbher against the king of Bharatpur in 1754.
Her Administration
She brought about two important changes in the administration, both divergences from the traditions of her era.
She vested the military power in Tukoji Holkar, a confidante of her father-in-law though not related.
She separated the state’s revenue from the personal use of the ruling family. Her personal expenses were met from inherited wealth and the land holdings she had.
Role in demolished temple re-construction
From Gangotri to Rameshwaram, and from Dwarka to Gaya, she spent money on rebuilding temples destroyed under the Mughal rule.
The most significant one, however, is the current Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
Destroyed by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb to build the Gyaanvapi mosque, the temple was restored in its current form by Ahilyabai in the year 1780, 111 years after its destruction.
The Somnath temple, witness to the regular destruction by a host of aggressors over the centuries, was restored in 1783 by all the Maratha confederates, with a significant contributions from Ahilyabai.
With temples and rest areas in Kedarnath, Srisailam, Omkareshwar and Ujjain, Ahilyabai contributed to the improvement of facilities at other holy sites hosting Jyotirlingas too.
Conclusion
Ahilyabai died in the year 1795 at the age of 70.
Her legacy is not documented in a structured way in history textbooks or popular references either.
Part of the problem is the general absence of any non-Mughal, non-British narratives in contemporary Indian history books.
Union Home Minister said that borders can be permanently secured only when border villages are populated by patriotic citizens who are concerned for the country, asking the border-guarding forces to use the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) for the same.
Vibrant Village Programme
The program aims to improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China.
Infrastructure will be improved in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Under the programme, residential and tourist centres will be constructed.
It will also provide for improvement in road connectivity and development of decentralized renewable energy sources.
Apart from that, direct access of Doordarshan and education related channels will be provided. Support will be provided for livelihood.
Key focus areas
It focuses on livelihood generation, road connectivity, housing, rural infrastructure, renewable energy, television and broadband connections.
This objective will be met by strengthening infrastructure across villages located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Need for such scheme
The programme is a counter to China’s model villages but the name has been carefully chosen so as to not cause any consternation in the neighbouring country.
China has established new villages along the LAC in the past few years, particularly across the Arunachal Pradesh border.
While China has been settling new residents in border areas, villages on the Indian side of the frontier have seen unprecedented out-migration.
The Indian government is emphasizing and celebrating its tech startups as an important component of its economic development policy. Prime Minister Modi recently pointed out that the number of Indian ‘unicorns’ technology startup companies with a valuation of US$ 1 billion or more has doubled since 2021. Some sectors within these startups, such as climate tech, do demonstrate strong promise.
Though India has emerged as the third largest ecosystem for startups, funding is becoming a growing problem, with the number of unicorns dropping by half in 2022.
One of the sectors that appear to be not doing very well is the Indian online tech startups.
Good performance during the pandemic: These Indian tech startups did very well during the two-year-long pandemic. With the dramatic increase in work-from-home (WFH) office interactions, online consulting for various services but especially heathcare, online classes at schools and colleges and other educational centres, and other online services and platforms proliferate.
Indian techs became popular for online services: Overnight, technological solutions and electronic communications using virtual platforms, digital payments system, video consultations and edtech all became popular.
As people returning to normal lives Indian techs looks weak: But with the pandemic now relatively under control and people returning to normal lives, the future of Indian startups that provided online services is beginning to look bleak.
Negative assumptions: Going by recent media reports, the future of such tech startup companies is not so bright. Funds are drying up and not all startups are going to survive.
Global uncertainties adding up to the existing problems: Further, issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a spike in global inflation rates, and fears of a possible recession have also brought down the prospects for many startups in general.
Impact of shortage in funding to tech startups
Complete shutdown of many startups: Shortage of capital that is critical for the startups to sustain has led to cost-cutting measures with layoffs, mergers and consolidation and even complete shutdowns of some of them.
Shut down as it unable to find market fit product: According to Inc42, a tech media platform, eight startups shut shop in 2022. These include Matrix Partners-backed SaaS startup, Protonn, which closed its operations in January 2022 since it was unable to find the right product-market fit.
For instance, the funding case of Protonn: Protonn was a Bengaluru and San Francisco-based startup, focused on providing its platform to professionals such as lawyers, graphic designers and nutritionists to launch their businesses online, create videos, conduct live sessions, generate payment links, and track their business’s financial performance. The company had raised US$9 million in seed funding. The company, founded by former Flipkart executives, Anil Goteti and Mausam Bhatt, returned US $ 9 million to its investors.
Problem faced by edtch startups in a post pandemic world
A case of edtech startup Uday: Uday ended its operations in April this year. The Gurgaon-based startup had difficulties finding ways to stay in business in the post-pandemic world. The startup co-founder, Soumya Yadav stated that the company was witnessing the post-pandemic world for the first time, as the kids went back to school, we faced roadblocks in growing the original model of online, live learning. We evaluated multiple different strategies and adjacent pivots however none of them were promising enough.
Financial crunch and laying off the employees by well-established edtechs: Edtech startups such as Vedantu and Unacademy are also facing severe financial crunch, leading to hundreds of layoffs or shutting down certain verticals.
Vedantu for instance: Earlier in the year, Vedantu laid off around 620 employees. Unacademy, earlier in the year, shut down its medical test preparation vertical, USMLE.
Unacademy laying off its verticle: As of November, Unacademy has done three rounds of layoffs, starting with 600-800 employees from its sales and marketing team.
Byjus: Byju’sa rival of Unacademy has also felt the pinch and is reported to have laid off close to 2,500 employees.
SuperLearn: Another startup in the education sector, a Bengaluru-based SuperLearn, shut its operations in June because of “a dearth of funds and diminishing investor confidence.”
Other positive side of the startups
Biotech and healthcare startups did well: While the edtech is possibly the worst hit, startups in the biotech and healthcare sector and e-commerce and fintech may not be as badly affected in the coming year.
Healthcare startups not only survived but also benefitted: Several startups gained from the inadequacy of the Indian healthcare system and thus phenomena like online pharmacy, healthcare-at-home services, and fitness and wellness companies have sprung up and they are likely to stay.
Funds received by healthcare startups will be helpful: Healthcare startups reportedly received funds of around US$2.2 billionn across 131 deals. They also appear to have found an appealing business model that might help them pull on with reasonable success in the coming years.
Way ahead
Nevertheless, there is a likelihood that after seeing a boom and a significant spike in the demand in these sectors in the last two years, there may be some balancing in the next two years.
Another possible way that startups will deal with the financial crunch, lack of adequate response is to consolidate the several different edtech and e-commerce platforms and so, one could expect a few merger and acquisition to come through in the coming years.
Enterprisetech sector saw some of this playing out already. Startups, at least within a few exclusive sectors, have gained fair amount of prominence and appears that they are here to stay despite the possibility of a rough couple of years until issues around funds and market are evened out.
Conclusion
It is evident that not only the economic crisis caused closures, but growing businesses in post-pandemic conditions was proving to be a challenge. Overall, Indian tech startups therefore suggest a mixed picture. Strong government support is positive but business model and market competition issues need to be addressed.
Mains question
Q. Indian edtech startups are witnessing financial crunch however, healthcare start-ups are benefitting in a post pandemic world. Therefore, Indian tech startups suggest a mixed picture. Discuss.
Just 5 days are left for 2022 to get over and you will get to celebrate. But before that CivilsDaily has planned to end your 2022 prep session with a banger of UPSC workshops. The biggest UPSC Workshop of 2022.
UPSC, by exams, checks your attitude and qualities of an officer, the syllabus is just a medium to know these qualities
Sajal Singh
Day 1 with IPS, Shubham Nagargoj: How to cover 6 months of current affairs backlog and keep it up to date till UPSC Prelims?
28 Dec 2022 (Wednesday), 7 pm
Shubham sir, IPS and CivilsDaily’s Supermentor will discuss ways to cover UPSC current affairs backlog of 6 months or more. This is super important for those who have just started preparation for either UPSC 2023 or 2024.
Day 2: How UPSC Topper Areeba, AIR 109 made her UPSC Timetable and set targets?
29 Dec 2022 (Thursday), 7 pm
UPSC Topper AIR 109, UPSC 2021, Areeba Nomaan, CD’s Super Mentor will take a LIVE workshop where she will be share the skills and importance of having a flexible and workable UPSC Timetable.
She will help you breakdown your UPSC prep into small weekly and monthly measurable targets.
Day 3 with AIR 267, Soham Mandhare: Most important themes for UPSC Prelims 2023 and strategy for next 5 months.
30 Dec 2022 (Friday), 7 pm
UPSC Topper AIR 267, UPSC 2021 will be discussing the most important themes from Current Affairs and GS syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2023. These are going to be the most relevant and probable topics for the upcoming prelims.
![[Burning Issue] CAG Audit and its Significance](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/burning.jpg)
