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  • Covid is no longer an Emergency: what changes?

    Central Idea: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an end to the global emergency status for COVID-19. It had in 2020 declared the disease as Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

    Practical effects of WHO declaration

    • The classification of COVID-19 as a global emergency is meant to warn political authorities of an extraordinary event that could constitute a health threat to other countries and requires a coordinated response to contain it.
    • For the average person, the decision to end the global emergency classification will have no practical effect.
    • WHO’s emergency declarations are typically used as an international SOS for countries who need help or to spur countries to introduce special measures to combat disease or release extra funds.

    What is PHEIC?

    Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a public health emergency is defined as “an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease; and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.

    Emergencies declared so far

    • WHO has previously declared global emergencies for outbreaks of swine flu, Zika, Ebola, polio, and monkeypox.
    • Polio was declared nearly nine years ago, and its emergency status has persisted even as officials work to wipe out the disease from a shrinking number of countries.
    • MPOX was declared a global emergency last July but technically remains a global emergency.

    What criteria does the WHO follow to declare PHEIC?

    • PHEIC is declared in the event of some “serious public health events” that may endanger international public health.
    • The responsibility of declaring an event as an emergency lies with the Director-General of the WHO and requires the convening of a committee of members.

    Implications of a PHEIC being declared

    • There are some implications of declaring a PHEIC for the host country, which in the case of the coronavirus is China.
    • Declaring a PHEIC may lead to restrictions on travel and trade.
    • However, several countries have already issued advisories to their citizens to avoid travelling to China, while others are airlifting their citizens from it.

    Is COVID-19 still a pandemic?

    • Yes, COVID-19 is still a pandemic, as the virus is here to stay and thousands of people continue to die every week.
    • WHO chief Tedros warned that the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.
    • Countries need to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.

    When will the COVID-19 pandemic end?

    • It is unclear when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, as the virus is still a public health threat and its continued evolution could cause future problems.
    • Pandemics only truly end when the next pandemic begins.
    • COVID-19 will continue to spread among people for a very long time but at a much lower level of threat that does not require extraordinary measures taken to try to curb the virus’ spread.

     

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  • [Burning Issue] Manipur Ethnic Violence

    manipur

    Context

    • The Northeastern state of Manipur has been witnessing violent clashes between different ethnic groups since February 2023.
    • The latest round of unrest erupted on May 3, when a tribal student union organized a march to protest against the demand of the non-tribal Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The march turned violent and the police imposed a curfew and shoot-at-sight orders to control the situation.
    • In this context, this edition of the Burning Issue will elaborate on these clashes and the fundamentals involved in this issue.

    Cause of the current violence

    • The tensions started brewing when the state government launched an anti-drug drive that targeted poppy cultivation in the hill districts. The tribals alleged that the drive was a pretext to evict them from their lands and accused the government of favouring the Meiteis.
    • Also in April 2023, The Manipur High Court’s order to expedite the recommendation for granting ST status to the Meiteis further inflamed the tribal sentiments and led to the massive protest on May 3.

    Manipur High Court’s Ruling

    • The court directed the government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the tribe list of Manipur.
    • It observed that the petitioners and other groups have been fighting for a long time for this inclusion, suggesting that it is an important issue for the community.
    • The court has directed the government to submit its recommendation after considering the case of the petitioners, preferably within four weeks of receipt of the order.

    Merger of Manipur with the Union of India:

    • Pre-1947: Manipur was a princely state under British colonial rule. The Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh, was the ruler of the state.
    • August 1947: The Maharaja of Manipur signed the Instrument of Accession, agreeing to accede to the Indian Union.
    • 1972: Manipur, along with Meghalaya and Tripura, became a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

    Who are the Meiteis?

    • Largest community: The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur.
    • Community’s Language: They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
    • Geographical Distribution: Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills. The Imphal Valley is dominated by the Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population. The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
    • Major Festivals: festivals of meiteis are Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, Yaosang among others. Also, The Manipuri martial art Thang-ta had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule.

    Tribal groups’ opposition to the ST Status

    • Advantaged community: Many tribal groups say the Meiteis have a demographic and political advantage besides being more advanced than them academically and in other aspects.
    • Benefits at others’ cost: They feel the ST status to the Meiteis would lead to loss of job opportunities and allow them to acquire land in the hills and push the tribals out.
    • Already benefited: The language of the Meitei people is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and many of them have access to benefits associated with the SC, OBC, or EWS status.
    • Political vendetta: The demand for ST status is a ploy to attenuate the fervent political demands of the Kukis and Nagas, as well as a tacit strategy of the dominant valley dwellers to make inroads into the hill areas of the State.

    Arguments in Favour

    • “Prior Recognition as Tribe: The petitioners contended before the High Court that the Meitei community held the status of a tribe before the integration of the princely state of Manipur with the Union of India in 1949. They also claimed that the community’s recognition as a tribe was lost after the integration.
    • Cultural Preservation: The Meiteis’ demand for ST status was based on the need to protect and preserve their culture, ancestral land, tradition, and language. The petitioners argued that granting ST status would aid in safeguarding the community’s cultural identity.
    • Advocacy for Constitutional Safeguards: The Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has been actively advocating for ST status for the Meitei community since 2012. They claimed that the community has been deprived of constitutional safeguards due to their exclusion from the ST list.
    • Population Decline: The STDCM argued that the Meitei community has been gradually marginalized in their ancestral land, resulting in a decline in their population. According to the 2011 Census data, the Meitei population, which was 59% of the total population of Manipur in 1951, has now reduced to 44%.
    • Contempt Proceedings Against HAC: Meitei community members have filed contempt proceedings against the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Assembly for opposing their inclusion under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

    Current situation

    • In view of the prevailing unprecedented burning situation, the Centre has imposed Article 355 in the state, in an effort to control the situation, according to reliable sources.

    What is Article 355?

    • Article 355 of the Indian Constitution is a provision that empowers the Union government to protect every state in India against external aggression and internal disturbances.
    • It is based on the principle of “duty to protect” enshrined in the Constitution, which makes it mandatory for the Union government to protect every state from external and internal threats.

    Restrictions under Article 355

    • Under Article 355, the Union government has the power to issue directions to any state to ensure compliance with the Union’s laws and regulations. However, there are certain restrictions on this power:
    • The directions can only be given when there is a failure of the state machinery to comply with or give effect to any Union law or regulation.
    • The directions should be of an urgent nature and may not extend beyond the necessary period for remedying the failure of the state machinery.The state government should be given an opportunity to submit its views before the issuance of such directions.The Union government cannot use this power to intervene in the internal affairs of a state unless there is a failure of the state machinery.The duration of the assistance provided under Article 355 is not specified in the Constitution.
    • The duration of the assistance provided under Article 355 is subject to judicial review and can be challenged in court if it violates any fundamental rights or constitutional provisions.

    Moving Forward

    • Encouraging dialogue: The ongoing conflict in Manipur reflects a deep-seated ethnic divide and lack of trust between various communities. Both the state and central governments must engage in a transparent and fair dialogue with all stakeholders to address their concerns.
    • Maintaining law and order is crucial to prevent any innocent lives from being affected or lost during the unrest.
    • Avoiding misinformation spread: Civil society and media should promote harmony among different groups and refrain from spreading misinformation and rumors.
    • Embracing each other: The people of Manipur must understand that violence is not the answer to any problem and that peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance are necessary for a sustainable future.

    Conclusion

    • The conflict between the Meiteis and tribals in Manipur stems from long-standing political, economic, and cultural grievances. The Meiteis, who dominate the valley region, seek Scheduled Tribe status to protect their identity and rights from outsiders, while the tribals from various ethnic groups in the hills oppose this demand, fearing a loss of their privileges and autonomy.
    • The lack of development in Manipur is also a reason for the rumbling suspicion between the hill and valley areas. Both the Union and the state governments must rectify this at once to help develop better relations between the hill and valley. This is essential for peaceful co-existence.

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  • Rail Vikas Nigam gets Navratna Status

    Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was recently granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Railways.

    About RVNL

    • RVNL was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of implementing rail infrastructure projects quickly and raising extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
    • The company started operating in 2005 after the appointment of its board of directors.
    • RVNL was granted Mini-Ratna status in 2013.

    RVNL’s functions

    • RVNL has been assigned to undertake project development and execution of works covering the full project lifecycle.
    • The company will create project-specific SPVs for individual works if required.
    • RVNL will hand over completed railway projects to the concerned zonal railway for operation and maintenance.

    Major projects undertaken

    RVNL has implemented various projects in the rail sector, including:

    • Doubling and electrification of existing lines
    • Construction of new lines
    • Gauge conversion projects.

    Navratna status and its benefits

    • Navratna’s status will give RVNL more operational freedom and financial autonomy.
    • Enhanced delegation of powers will also be granted to the company.
    • Navratna’s status will be a huge boost to RVNL’s progress.
    • This status will be especially beneficial for the company as it expands its operations beyond the railway’s sector and into international projects.

    Back2Basics: Central Public Sector Enterprises

    • The Government runs the CPSEs under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
    • The government grants them the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
    • The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997.
      Maharatna Navratna Miniratna Category-I Miniratna Category-II
    Eligibility Net profit of ₹2,500 crore per annum OR

    Net worth of ₹10,000 crore for 3 yrs.

    		 Score of 60 based on financial parameters AND be a Miniratna with 4 independent directors

    Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum for last 3 years

    		 Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum OR Positive net worth and profit for last 3 years
    Benefits for investment ₹1,000-5,000 crore or 15% of net worth Up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a project OR 30% of net worth per annum Up to ₹500 crore or net worth, whichever is lower Up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth, whichever is lower

     

     

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  • All India Radio (AIR) to be renamed Akashvani

    radio

    Central idea: The Centre has ordered that public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) be exclusively referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.

    All India Radio: Through history

    • The journey of radio broadcasting in India began with the first commercial transmission sent out by the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923.
    • In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established and in 1930, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) was set up.
    • In 1936, ISBS was renamed as All India Radio (AIR).
    • At the time of Independence, AIR covered only two percent of India’s land area and reached just 11 percent of its population.
    • Today, AIR has a network of over 262 radio stations, covering 92% of India’s area and nearly all of its population.
    • It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects and also has an External Services Division which broadcasts in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching out to more than 100 countries.
    • AIR’s News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours.
    • FM broadcasting began in 1977 in Chennai and today, AIR has 18 FM stereo channels.

    Why the name change?

    • The order to exclusively refer to AIR as Akashvani is in line with the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, passed by Parliament.
    • Listeners have more of a connect with Akashvani and that the name change is in tune with the law which came into being in 1997.

    Importance of AIR

    • AIR played a crucial role in communicating momentous events in India’s recent history, prior to the advent of television or digital media.
    • AIR’s place in history is cemented due to its role in broadcasting Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in 1947 and Kapil Dev’s mythical 175 run knock in 1983, among other events.
    • For many Indians, the Akashvani jingle evokes nostalgia and memories of a bygone era when they woke up to the sounds of the jingle at the break of dawn and started their day with AIR programming.

  • Europe de-recognizes 6 Indian clearing corporations

    Central Idea

    • The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has de-recognised 6 clearing corporations in India as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) with effect from April 30.
    • However, it allowed European banks to continue business with them till April 2023 without penal consequences.

    What are Clearing Corporations?

    • Clearing corporations, also known as central counterparties (CCPs), are financial institutions that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial markets.
    • They help to manage the risk of default by ensuring that each party involved in a trade has the necessary funds or securities to fulfil their obligations.
    • Clearing corporations also ensure that trades are settled in a timely and efficient manner.
    • In the context of this article, clearing corporations refer to those involved in the clearing and settlement of trades in India’s cash and derivatives market.

    Decisions by ESMA

    • ESMA has withdrawn recognition of six Indian clearing corporations including- CCIL, Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd, NSE Clearing Ltd, Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing, India International Clearing Corporation, and NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation.
    • ESMA asked Indian regulators to sign an agreement to give it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
    • Indian regulators refused to give supervisory power to foreign entities in Indian clearing corporations.
    • ESMA recognised these clearing corporations as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) in the EU region.

    India’s rebuttal

    • ESMA had asked the RBI and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sign an agreement giving it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
    • Indian regulators did not agree to give supervisory power to a foreign entity on Indian clearing corporations.

     

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  • Free Webinar: 10 things an IAS* Topper would ensure for a rank in UPSC 2024 that ‘Most Aspirants will IGNORE’ | Pranav’s (IAS, AIR 65) Masterclass (Join FREE)

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    From Failing Prelims to AIR 65: Pranav Vijayvergiya’s 10-Step Strategy for Sure-shot Success in UPSC 2024

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  • 5th May 2023 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini test 28 (Current affairs developments in Economics) 

    5th May 2023 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini test 28 (Current affairs developments in Economics) 

    [WpProQuiz 1330]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1330]

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  • CEPA is the Growth Engine For India-UAE Bilateral Trade

    CEPA

    Central Idea

    • The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signifies a deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship between the two countries that goes beyond just economic cooperation. The success of the agreement in stimulating economic growth and providing investment opportunities has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships

    Background: India-UAE relationship

    • Historical ties: The India-UAE relationship has been shaped by centuries of cultural and economic engagement on the Indian Ocean’s network of exchange. The two countries share historical ties that go back to pre-modern times, with Arab traders having visited the west coast of India since the fourth century AD.
    • India’s third-largest trading partner: The UAE emerged as India’s third-largest trading partner, highlighting the two countries’ positive outlook towards economic cooperation.
    • Trade partnership strengthened with oil: The India-UAE partnership was forged first on the trade of traditional items, and then strengthened with oil. It found a formal dimension after the creation of the UAE Federation in 1971, and then accelerated in the 1990s when a liberalised India embraced the opportunity to export to the UAE and markets beyond.
    • Relationship is today more than an economic partnership: It speaks to the Emirates’s deep, fraternal, and strategically important relationship with India, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key partner in India’s foreign policy. The two countries share strong cultural and people-to-people ties, with a significant Indian diaspora in the UAE.
    • key partner in India’s development agenda: The UAE has been a key partner in India’s development agenda, including investments in the oil and gas sector, renewable energy, and infrastructure. The UAE has also been supportive of India’s efforts in combating terrorism and enhancing security cooperation.

    India- UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

    • The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is a bilateral trade agreement that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
    • The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.
    • The CEPA has been in the making for several years, with negotiations starting in 2017 and the agreement finally coming into force on May 1, 2022. The agreement builds on the decades of mutual enterprise between the two countries, with the UAE emerging as India’s third-largest trading partner.

    How India- UAE CEPA benefits both the countries?

    • Increased trade: The CEPA is expected to significantly increase trade volumes between India and the UAE, with the potential to create new investment opportunities and increase business partnerships. This will help both countries to diversify their trade relationships beyond their traditional trading partners.
    • Diversified trade: The CEPA covers a wide range of subjects, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and competition policy, allowing for a more diversified trade relationship between the two countries.
    • Access to new markets: The CEPA is inspiring innovators and investors, catalysing SMEs, startups, and India Inc to make decisive inroads into new markets, particularly the Emirati market, and from there to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This will benefit both countries in terms of access to new markets and opportunities.
    • Support for entrepreneurship: The CEPA provides support for startups in both India and the UAE, enabling them to explore growth and diversification into each other’s markets, as well as other markets in the region and beyond. The India-UAE Startup Bridge will also enable them to attract investment from venture capitalists and angel investors.
    • Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a trade lens to tackle issues such as energy and food security, agriculture, and sustainability, making it a strategic catalyst in addressing vital developmental challenges.

    CEPA

    Facts for prelims: UPI in UAE

    • Indian travelers can now seamlessly make payments in the UAE using the UPI-based apps.
    • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with the Mashreq Bank’s NEOPAY to enable UPI-based payments in the Gulf Nation.
    • UPI payments will only be possible in UAE shops that have NEOPAY terminals. The user should have a bank account with an Indian bank account along with a mobile app like BHIM that supports UPI payments.
    • Currently, UPI payments are accepted in Bhutan and Nepal. It is likely to go live in Singapore by the end of this year.
    • Back in 2021, the UPI services were launched in Bhutan in collaboration with its central bank, the Royal Monetary Authority.

    Way ahead?

    • Looking ahead, the India-UAE CEPA presents a unique opportunity to further deepen economic and strategic ties between the two countries. Some of the key steps that can be taken to build on the success of the CEPA include:
    • Strengthening infrastructure: India and the UAE can collaborate to strengthen infrastructure, including ports, airports, and logistics networks, to facilitate the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
    • Enhancing cooperation in emerging sectors: The two countries can explore cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and fintech, among others, to promote innovation and economic growth.
    • Promoting investment: Both India and the UAE can take steps to promote investment in each other’s markets, including through the creation of investment promotion agencies, bilateral investment treaties, and other measures.
    • Strengthening cultural ties: Cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts can be further enhanced to deepen the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
    • Addressing developmental challenges: The CEPA provides a platform for addressing key developmental challenges faced by both countries, such as energy and food security, sustainability, and agriculture. Further efforts can be made to leverage this platform to achieve meaningful progress in these areas.

    Conclusion

    • The UAE-India CEPA has unlocked new possibilities for multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships, leading the nations to build competitive, resilient, sustainable, and vibrant economies.

    Mains Question

    Q. India-UAE completed its one year of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) implementation. In this background discuss impact on the Bilateral Trade.

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    Also read:

    India-UAE Food Security Partnership Stands to Benefit From Multiple Points of Convergence

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

    ACP

    Central Idea

    • Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) aims to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance. The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. The success of the ACP could have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s economy and lead to ease of living in urban areas.

    Urban population of India

    • According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population of India was 377 million, which accounted for 31.16% of the total population. Around 590 million people would live in the cities by 2030.
    • While cities constitute about 3 per cent of the land in the country, they generate 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute substantially to economic growth and opportunities.
    • There is a robust relationship between the index of cities’ liveability and the country’s GDP per capita suggesting that long-term growth is only feasible if the city attributes in terms of providing equitable access to basic services, residences, and improved economic management are woven seamlessly through digital service delivery platforms.

    Challenges of urbanization in Maharashtra

    • Deficient Infrastructure: Maharashtra’s cities are grappling with issues of deficient infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, public transport, water supply, and waste management systems.
    • Air Pollution: Urbanization has led to an increase in air pollution in Maharashtra’s cities, primarily due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
    • Social Inequities: The growth of informal settlements and slums in Maharashtra’s cities has led to social inequities, with the urban poor lacking access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
    • Mobility and Migration: Maharashtra’s cities continue to face the challenge of frequent mobility and migration, with an inward net movement of people for better livelihood opportunities.
    • Vulnerabilities to Disasters and Climate Change: Rapid urbanization has increased the vulnerability of Maharashtra’s cities to disasters and climate change, such as floods and heatwaves.
    • Poor Urban Planning: Many of the challenges faced by Maharashtra’s cities are a result of poor urban planning, with a lack of coordination between various government departments and inadequate implementation of policies and programmes.

    What is Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP)?

    • The Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) is an initiative of the Government of Maharashtra aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in the state by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance.
    • The ACP has identified 57 cities that have been proposed for the programme. Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra.
    • The performance of the 57 selected cities would be monitored and ranked quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform with indicators on the themes of urban infrastructure, education, urban services, skill development, and climate change.
    • The ACP is based on three priority areas: inclusive urban development, scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring outcomes, and citizen participation in civic affairs.

    ACP

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

    1. Inclusive Urban Development: The ACP aims to bring an integrated approach to urban programming that involves all development sectors. This is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of urban development reach all sections of society, including the most vulnerable.
    2. Scientific Data Methods: The ACP seeks to adopt scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring the outcomes of both state and central schemes. This will provide a better understanding of the impact of various policies and programmes on the ground.
    3. Citizen Participation: The ACP aims to enhance the voice and participation of citizens in civic affairs through physical and digital means. This is aimed at ensuring that governance is citizen-centric and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

    Other key features of Maharashtra’s ACP

    • Improved Governance: The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. This is aimed at ensuring that the governance of cities is efficient, transparent, and accountable.
    • Service Level Benchmarking: Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra. This will enable the state government to monitor and rank the performance of the 57 selected cities quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform.
    • Provision of Adequate Potable Tap Water: The ACP agenda includes provisioning adequate potable tap water to all households by taking advantage of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
    • Reformed Property Tax: The ACP aims to reform property tax by delinking it from the reasonable rental value method and adopting the market value of the property as a base for assessment.

    Facts for prelims

    What is Urban 20 (U20)?

    • Within the G20 ecosystem, a city diplomacy initiative called the Urban 20 (U20) was launched in December 2017.
    • As one of the formal Engagement Groups under G20, the U20 forum was meant to collectively raise critical urban issues of G20 cities during the G20 negotiations.
    • Despite U20’s concerted efforts to run parallel to G20, the absence of any written constitution, procedures, or formal agreement has made U20 unable to effectively address the aspirations and concerns of cities.

    Conclusion

    • It is time to accept the reality that New India is moving from its villages to the cities, and therefore, the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. The ACP is an example of a policy that puts people first as part of urban development. This effort by the Government of Maharashtra is strategically contextualised with the Viksit Bharat vision for India in 2047.

    Mains Question

    Q. New India is moving from its villages to the cities which highlights the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. In light of this discuss how Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) could help to address the challenges of urbanization

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    Also Read:

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning

     

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