June Vision 2022
June Vision 2022
June Vision 2022
1 www.visionias.in ©
5.11.11. India Achieved 10% Ethanol Blending Target In 6.4.13. National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) ____ 99
Petrol _______________________________________ 85 6.4.14. National Air Sports Policy (NASP) 2022 ______ 99
5.11.12. REN21’s Renewables 2022 Global Status Report 6.4.15. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
____________________________________________ 85 (UNODC) World Drug Report 2022 ______________ 100
5.11.13. Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy 6.4.16. Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 ____ 86 launches Revised Swachh Certification Protocols to
5.11.14. Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) formulates sustain ODF status ___________________________ 100
performance standards for Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries 6.4.17. Habitus ______________________________ 101
____________________________________________ 86 7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY _____________ 102
5.11.15. 11th World Urban Forum (WUF), 2022 ______ 86 7.1. Private Sector in Space Programe of India __ 102
5.11.16. CDRI _________________________________ 87 7.2. Green Hydrogen _______________________ 104
5.11.17. azooxanthellate corals __________________ 87
7.3. Food Safety ___________________________ 106
5.11.18. Nun cho ga____________________________ 88
5.11.19. Bamboo dwelling bat in Meghalaya ________ 88
7.4. News in Shorts ________________________ 108
5.11.20. Heat Waves 2022: Causes, Impacts and Way 7.4.1. 5G Open Radio Access Network (RAN) ______ 108
Forward for Indian Agriculture ___________________ 88 7.4.2. Web 5.0 _______________________________ 108
5.11.21. Tectonic Linkage To Great Assam Earthquake 88 7.4.3. Liquid-Mirror Telescope (LMT)_____________ 108
5.11.22. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji _____________ 89 7.4.4. Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) __________________ 108
7.4.5. Artemis Accords ________________________ 109
6. SOCIAL ISSUES _________________________90 7.4.6. Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System
6.1. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) ____ 90 Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment
6.2. Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022 _________ 92 (CAPSTONE)_________________________________ 109
6.3. Child Marriage _________________________ 94 7.4.7. Cancer Cure____________________________ 109
6.4. News in Shorts _________________________ 96 7.4.8. Country’s First Liquid Nano Urea Plant ______ 109
6.4.1. SHRESTHA Scheme _______________________ 96 7.4.9. Steel slag ______________________________ 110
6.4.2. PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and 7.4.10. Nixtamalisation ________________________ 110
Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) ____ 96 8. CULTURE ____________________________ 111
6.4.3. Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for 8.1. Sant Tukaram _________________________ 111
the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 ___________________ 96 8.2. News in Shorts ________________________ 111
6.4.4. PM eVIDYA______________________________ 97 8.2.1. Chapekar brothers case __________________ 111
6.4.5. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University 8.2.2. Mumbai Samachar ______________________ 112
Rankings 2023 ________________________________ 97 8.2.3. Kodavas _______________________________ 112
6.4.6. ‘Children in Street Situations (CiSS)’ _________ 97 8.2.4. Bharat Gaurav Train _____________________ 112
6.4.7. ‘Migration in India 2020-2021’ Report ________ 98 8.2.5. Rashtriya Puruskar Portal Launched ________ 112
6.4.8. ‘Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2021’ _ 98
6.4.9. Action Agenda on Internal Displacement ______ 98
9. ETHICS ______________________________ 113
6.4.10. Norms to protect kids working in OTT platforms 9.1. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence ____________ 113
____________________________________________ 99 10. SCHEMES IN NEWS ___________________ 115
6.4.11. WHO Releases World Mental Health Report __ 99 10.1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban ____ 115
6.4.12. Going Online as Leaders (GOAL) Programme _ 99 10.2. Employee State Insurance Scheme _______ 116
Copyright © by
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of
.
2 www.visionias.in ©
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1. CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Why in news?
Recently, Central Information Commission (CIC) achieved a consistent decline in the pendency of RTI (Right to
Information) cases with the constant rise in the disposal of the RTI appeals.
About Central Information Commission RTI Act, 2005
• Genesis of RTI law started in 1986 through Mr. Kulwal v/s
• CIC, a statutory body, has been constituted with Jaipur Municipal Corporation case, in which SC directed that
effect from 2005 under the RTI Act, 2005. The freedom of speech and expression provided under Article 19
jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all implies RTI, as without information the freedom of speech
Central Public Authorities. and expression cannot be fully used by the citizens.
o It consists of Chief Information Commissioner • It replaced the Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
(CIC) and not more than ten Information • RTI Act empower the citizens, promote transparency and
Commissioners (ICs). accountability in the working of the Public Authorities,
o They are appointed by President on the contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the
people in real sense.
recommendation of a committee consisting of
• As per RTI Act 2005, salary of CIC and ICs (at central level)
✓ Prime Minister as Chairperson,
will be equivalent to salary paid to Chief Election
✓ Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.
✓ A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by o However, RTI bill 2019 removes these provisions and
Prime Minister. empowers Central Government.
o CIC is not eligible for reappointment.
• By RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 and the Rules
brought in thereafter, tenure of the commissioners has been cut to three years.
o Earlier, 2005 Act gave them a fixed tenure of five years or a retirement age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
o This was done to ensure that Information Commissioners can use their powers even with the senior-most
officers of the administration without any fear of their jobs.
• Functions of CIC Initiatives taken to improve functioning of CIC
o CIC have the same powers as are vested in a civil • Online portal: 24 hours’ portal service was introduced
court while trying a suit under Code of Civil for e-filing of RTI applications during any part of day or
Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters: night and from any part of the country or abroad.
✓ Summoning and enforcing the attendance of • e-governance: Technology has been harnessed for
persons and compel them to give oral or written developing mobile based applications, e-hearing, e-
evidence on oath and to produce the documents notification etc., facilitating the task of information
or things; seekers in availing remedies under the law.
✓ Requiring the discovery and inspection of • National Federation of Information Commissions of
documents; India (NFICI): Federation was born in 2009 to facilitate
coordination and mutual consultations among CIC and
✓ Receiving evidence on affidavit;
SIC as well as exchange of information on laws and their
✓ Requisitioning any public record or copies interpretation through education, research and
thereof from any court or office; dissemination of knowledge, leading to strengthening
✓ Issuing summons for examination of witnesses administration of RTI Act.
or documents. • RTI (Amendment) Bill, 2019: To further streamline and
o CIC, as the case may be, receive and inquire into a institutionalize the RTI Act of 2005.
complaint from any person,
✓ who has been refused access to any information requested;
✓ who has not been given a response to access to information within the time limit specified etc.
Issues with Central Information Commission
• Poor record management: Ineffective record management systems and procedures to collect information from field
offices lead to delays in processing RTI applications.
4 www.visionias.in ©
o 38% of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) cited the record management system as a reason for delays in
processing RTI requests.
o 79% of the PIOs cited collecting information from field offices as a cause of delay.
• Pendency: The pendency is five times higher than the cases disposed since mid-April 2022. A total of 35,849 appeals
and complaints are currently pending disposal.
• Right to Information Rules, 2019: New rules have given discretion to government to decide on allowances or service
conditions (tenure, salary) which would be “binding” thus increasing government control on CIC.
• Vacancy: The CIC has been vacant for significant periods in four of the last seven years.
• Lack of training: PIOs lacks the required knowledge of act to deal with the RTI application, thus creating delay in the
process of information delivery as the act doesn’t have provision regarding training for appointment of PIO.
Way forward
• Record management: By uploading all the disclosable documents on departmental websites thus reducing burden
on department to provide information and reduce physical document storage and movement.
o Make a separate department for management.
• Training: In-house training of PIOs, training programmes by experts for handling RTI applications and in-house
manuals containing information with regard to provisions of RTI Act, 2005, important court decision, etc. to increase
efficiency of PIOs.
• Awareness: Campaigning through Radio, Television and Print Media, Publication of RTI Act 2005 in regional
language, adding a chapter on RTI Act, 2005 in school/college curriculum, can be used to create awareness among
citizens.
• Quick Disposal: There is a need to enhance the number of information commissioner in CIC in order to quickly dispose
pending cases.
6 www.visionias.in ©
o
PIL is based upon Article 39 A which makes sure that state secures and provides justice without any
discrimination based on caste, religion, creed etc.
o PIL is the power given to the public by courts.
• Public interest cases may arise from both public and private law matters.
o Some of the matters which are considered under PIL are Bonded Labour, Atrocities on women, Environmental
pollution, Food adulteration, Maintenance of heritage and culture etc.
o PIL can be filed in any High Court or directly in the Supreme Court.
• PIL can be filed by:
o Any citizen of India, the petitioner need not be aggrieved person.
o An organization with condition that it should not be filed with a personal agenda but in the interest of the public.
o Court can take awareness of a matter if it is for the maximum public importance and can also appoint an advocate
to handle the case.
SC landmark judgments on PIL
• SP Gupta v. Union of India, 1981: Any member of public or NGO acting bonafide, can invoke writ jurisdiction of HC or SC under Article 226
or 32 respectively, seeking redressal against violation of legal or constitutional rights of persons who due to social or economic or any other
disability cannot approach the Court.
• M.C Mehta v. Union of India, 1987: PIL brought against Ganga water pollution, SC held that petitioner although not a riparian owner
entitled to move the Court for the enforcement of statutory provisions, as he is the personal interest in protecting the lives of the people
using Ganga water.
• Vishaka v. the State of Rajasthan, 1997: SC recognized sexual harassment as a violation of fundamental rights of Article 14, 15 and 21.
• Indian Banks’ Association, Bombay & Ors. v. M/s Devkala Consultancy Service and Ors, 2004: In an appropriate case, where petitioner
might have moved a court in her private interest and for redressal of the personal grievance.
o Court in furtherance of Public Interest may treat it a necessity to enquire into state of affairs of the subject of litigation in the interest
of justice.
o Thus, a private interest case can also be treated as public interest case.
7 www.visionias.in ©
• Timely Disposal: PIL related to exploited and disadvantaged groups should be taken up in a timely manner to further
social development.
• Penalty: PILs filed by lawyers, citizens filed without research and on frivolous grounds should be penalized in order to
address misuse.
9 www.visionias.in ©
o He also suggested that bills of national importance o Election is held in accordance with system of
should be placed before the Council before being proportional representation by means of single
tabled in Parliament. transferable vote.
o It will help to “strengthen the spirit of cooperative ✓ A single transferable vote means electors can
federalism”. vote for any number of candidates in order of
• About ISC their preference. A candidate requires a
o Established under Article 263 of the Constitution, specified number of first preference votes to
which states that the President may constitute win.
such a body if a need is felt for it. • RS polls have a system of open ballot, but it is a limited
✓ In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested form of openness.
the Council should exist as a permanent body, o To check cross-voting, each party MLA shows his
and in 1990 it came into existence through a or her marked ballots to party’s authorised agent,
Presidential Order. before they are put into the ballot box.
o The Council consists of: o Showing a marked ballot to anyone other than
✓ Prime Minister – Chairman one’s own party’s authorised agent will render
✓ Chief Ministers of all States and Union vote invalid.
Territories having a Legislative Assembly – o ‘None of the above (NOTA)’ option is not
Members applicable in RS polls. Also, not voting for the
✓ Administrators of UTs not having a Legislative party candidate will not attract disqualification
Assembly – Members under the anti-defection law.
✓ Six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union
Other facts about Rajya Sabha
Council of Ministers to be nominated by the • Under Article 80(3), the 12 nominated members should
Prime Minister – Members have special knowledge or practical experience in matters
✓ 10 Union Ministers as permanent invitees like literature, science, art etc.
o Function: • 4th Schedule to the Constitution provides for allocation of
✓ Inquiring into and advising on disputes Rajya Sabha seats to the states and Union Territories, on
between states the basis of the population of each state.
✓ Investigating and discussing subjects in which
two states or states and the Union have a 1.5.4. REGISTERED UNRECOGNISED
common interest POLITICAL PARTIES (RUPPS)
✓ Making recommendations for the better
• Election Commission (EC) deleted 111 ‘non-existent’
coordination of policy and action.
parties from the list of registered political outfits.
• The Interstate Council has met only once in the last six
o These 111 Registered Unrecognised Political
years and 11 time since its constitution in 1990.
Parties (RUPPs) were found to be non-existent and
1.5.3. RAJYA SABHA (RS) ELECTIONS violating the Representation of the People Act,
1951.
HELD FOR SEVERAL STATES
• As per ADR, annual audit reports of only about 8.23
• RS is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved. per cent RUPPs and the annual contribution reports of
o Maximum strength of RS is fixed at 250 (presently only about 5.72 per cent are available in the public
245), out of which, 238 (Presently 233 )are domain for 2019-20.
representatives of states and UTs (elected • It is to be noted that EC does not have the power to
indirectly) and 12 are nominated by president. deregister a political party, a reform still pending
o Term of a member is 6 years. approval from the government.
• Rajya Sabha Elections o However, it can take up the issue of financial
o To ensure continuity, one-third of its members irregularities and seek mandatory compliance
retire after every second year. from the parties like sources and manner of
o Representatives of states in RS are elected (under donations, disclosures by companies, details of
Article 80) by elected members of state legislative bank account etc.
assemblies. o EC has initiated action against several registered
o Seats are allotted to states on the basis of unrecognized political parties under Sections 29A
population. and 29C of the Representation of People Act,
1951, for claiming tax exemptions without fulfilling
mandatory requirements.
10 www.visionias.in ©
• Issues with RUPPs: o Strain on public exchequer: In the other
o Many were found to be existing only on paper or constituency in which the seat has been vacated,
letters sent to their addresses returned a by-election would be automatically triggered
undelivered. immediately after the general election.
o Misuse of Income Tax exemption on donations o Negative impact on voter: It further causes voter
given to registered parties misused by some. fatigue (travelling, travel costs etc.) and lose
o Few RUPPs involved in “serious financial interest in electoral process.
impropriety”. • The Legislative Department, ministry of Law and
o Some of the registered parties may be collecting Justice, is the nodal agency in the government to deal
donations and using them for other purposes, with issues related to the EC.
functioning as shell entities and money laundering.
1.5.7. ANTI-DEFECTION LAW
1.5.5 . NATIONAL E -VIDHAN
• Political crisis in Maharashtra has raised discussions
APPLICATION (NEVA)
over legalities of elected MLAs switching parties.
• NeVA system has been developed to make all the work • Anti-defection law provides for disqualification of
and data related to legislative bodies available online MLAs who, after being elected on ticket of a political
for the use of both citizens and the members of party, “voluntarily give up their party membership”.
Assemblies. o It was included under 10th schedule via 52nd
o e-Vidhan is re-designated as NeVA. amendment act, 1985.
***
o Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is Nodal o Any question regarding disqualification arising out
Ministry for rolling out NeVA. of defection is to be decided by the presiding
• NeVA aims to bring all the legislatures of the country officer of the House.
together, in one platform thereby creating a massive • Grounds of Disqualification
data depository. o If member votes or abstains from voting in such
o It will also help in streamlining information related House contrary to any direction issued by his
to various state assemblies, and to eliminate use political party without obtaining prior permission
of paper in day-to-day functioning. of such party and such act has not been condoned
by the party within 15 days.
1.5.6. CONTESTING ELECTIONS FROM o Nominated member, if he joins any political party
MULTIPLE SEATS after expiry of 6 months.
o An independent member, if he joins any political
• Recently, Chief Election Commissioner has made a
party.
fresh push for amending the Representation of
• Exception
People’s Act, 1951 (RPA) to bar people from
o Law allows a party to merge with or into another
contesting from more than one seat.
party provided that at least two-thirds of its
o As an alternative, hefty fine should be imposed on
legislators are in favour of merger.
those vacating one of the constituencies and
o If a person is elected as speaker of Lok Sabha or
forcing a bypoll.
Chairman of Rajya Sabha, then he could resign
• Dinesh Goswami Committee report (1990) and the
from his party, and re-join the party once he demits
170th report of the Law Commission on Electoral
that post.
Reforms (1999) had also included recommendations
for restricting one contestant to one seat. Related information
• As per Section 33(7) of the RPA, one candidate can • In State of Gujarat vs Justice RA Mehta (retired), (2013),
contest from a maximum of two constituencies (more two-judge bench of apex court held that it is up to a
governor not to accept the advice of CM and council of
constituencies were allowed until 1996 when the RPA
ministers (CoM) to dissolve the assembly.
was amended to set the cap at two constituencies). • Article 163 states that governor shall exercise their
• Issues with present provisions: functions upon aid and advice of CoM but not in matters
o Inconsistencies in RPA: Section 70 of RPA bars where Constitution requires that they act at their
candidates from representing two constituencies discretion
in the Lok Sabha/state Assembly, meaning that if a
candidate won both seats, he or she is legally
mandated to vacate one of the seats in favour of
the other.
11 www.visionias.in ©
1.5.8 . NATIONAL E -GOVERNANCE o Improvement in country's e-Governance
landscape (from 2019) highlighted by:
SERVICE DELIVERY ASSESSMENT
✓ Increase in e-Service Delivery,
(NESDA) 2021 REPORT
✓ Rise in use of integrated/centralized portals
• Department of Administrative Reforms & Public for delivery of e-Services,
Grievances (under Ministry of Personnel, Public ✓ Improvement across assessment parameter
Grievances & Pensions) had constituted NeSDA in 2019 scores.
to assess State, UT and Central Ministries on depth and o e-Services of Finance and Local Governance &
effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery. Utility Services sectors were most widely used.
o Biennial study helps the respective governments o Amongst all States and UTs, Kerala had the highest
improve their delivery of citizen centric services overall compliance score.
and shares best practices across the country to o Among North-East and Hill States, Meghalaya and
emulate. Nagaland are leading States and among UTs,
• e-Governance is use of Information and Jammu & Kashmir ranked the highest.
Communication Technology (ICT) at all level of • Recommendations: Mandatory Sector-specific Service
Government to transform relations with citizens, Focus to attain SDG Goals, Adoption of Standards for
businesses, and other arms of government. Uniformity in Governance, Focus on security and
• Key highlights of NeSDA 2021 privacy, Embracing New Age Technologies etc.
12 www.visionias.in ©
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
Why in news? About WTO
• The World Trade Organization is the only international organization
12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO was
that deals with the rules of trade between countries.
held recently. • Founded in 1995, the WTO is run by its 164 members, and all
Key takeaways of the conference decisions are taken through consensus and any member can
exercise a veto.
A series of deals on contemporary issues was o It is the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and
agreed to under the “Geneva Package”: Trade (GATT), a group founded in 1948 whose rules created the
modern multilateral trading system.
Particulars Features
Curtailing harmful fishing • There would be no limitation on subsidies granted or maintained by developing or least-
subsidies on illegal, unreported developed countries for fishing within their exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
and unregulated (IUU) fishing • Also, technical assistance and capacity building shall be provided to such countries through
for the next four years the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism.
Global Food Security • Binding decision to exempt food purchased by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP)
for humanitarian purposes, from any export restrictions to address food shortages.
E-commerce transmissions like • Members agreed to continue the long standing moratorium on custom duties on e-
music, e-books, films etc. commerce transmissions until the subsequent Ministerial Conference or until March,
2024, whichever is earlier.
Covid-19 vaccine • Temporary waiver of certain requirements under the Agreement on Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) concerning the use of compulsory licences
to produce covid-19 vaccines for 5 years.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary • The Declaration commits WTO members to launching a work programme to identify new
(SPS) Declaration challenges in the implementation of the WTO's SPS Agreement.
13 www.visionias.in ©
Implications for India Other Unresolved Issues for India at WTO
• Agricultural subsidies: The WTO views India’s Minimum
• Curtailing of Fisheries subsidy: Experts are of the Support Price (MSP) as a trade distorting measure and placed
view that although exemptions are provided but, it under amber box provisions at WTO meaning it has to be
four years are not sufficient and would push small capped at 10 per cent of the total value of concerned product.
Indian fishers towards an uncertain future. o India has challenged this on the arguments that the
o Also, there is no mention of Special and primary agenda for MSP and other price support
Differential Treatment (given to developing mechanism is not export promotion but food security.
countries under WTO agreements) guidelines. • Non-tariff barriers to trade: These include Technical barriers
• Exemptions for World Food Programme: A blanket to trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
(SPS).
exemption for food exports could constrain its
o India has been urging towards rationalization and
work in ensuring domestic food security. standardization of these non-tariff barriers.
o Also, India’s demand to seek a permanent • Negotiations on Non-trade issues like environment and
solution on public stockholdings (PDS system) labour standards. India has stated that for the time being,
of food grains has been pushed to MC13 in ‘non-trade’ must be completely kept out of the negotiating
2023. table.
• Waiver of IPR on Covid-19 vaccine production: The • Recognition of Geographic Indications (GI): The current
TRIPS decision will boost vaccine equity, trading arrangement does not recognize the GI Tags
accessibility & affordability and will enable ease of domestically provided to goods which decreases the
authorisation for production of patented vaccines in marketability of the product in the global markets.
o India suggests extension of higher levels of protection to
India for domestic requirements as well as exports.
the GI for products like Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea.
o But, the current agreement is a watered down
• Investment Facilitation: India argues that developing
version of the original proposal made by India
countries should be given flexibility for application of TRIMS
and South Africa in 2020 which demanded a (Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures) in
broader intellectual property waivers on domestic policy while permitting foreign investment.
vaccines as well as treatments and tests.
• E-Commerce Transactions: India has asked the WTO to review the extension of the moratorium on custom duties as
developing countries including India faced the brunt of the financial consequences of such a moratorium.
o Extending duty-free market access due to the moratorium resulted in a loss of $10 billion per annum globally —
95% of which was borne by developing countries (UN Conference on Trade and Development report).
o India and South Africa had sought to preserve policy space for the digital advancement of developing countries
by letting them generate more revenues from customs and thereby facilitate more investment.
Challenges faced by WTO and its solutions
The World Trade Organization (WTO) faces an existential crisis and its main functions are progressively becoming
ineffective. There are calls for substantial reform of the organisation due to following reasons:
Issue Challenge Potential solutions
Ineffective against China’s The WTO has not been able to counter China’s WTO needs to strengthen its enforcement
policies tariff manipulation and unfair trade practices. capacity to deal with such practices to become
a credible trading system.
Changed Global Economic Developing countries like India play a large role The operational framework of WTO needs to
distributions in the trading regime in the current era. be revised to consider this changed economic
balance.
Dysfunctional WTO appellate The U.S. has systematically blocked the Concerted efforts need to be made to make
body appointment of new Appellate Body members the appellate body functional and dispute
(judges) which it believes has resulted in settlement system operational.
unfavorable rulings for the US in its trade
disputes.
Long decision-making process As the decision making is through consensus, it Member countries need to iron out the
takes a long time and most of the time political differences to arrive at a common ground.
and ideological differences come in a way of
reaching a consensus.
14 www.visionias.in ©
Lack of inclusiveness With an increasingly global trading system, Efforts need to be made at making the
exclusion of some countries makes it a less organisation fully representative.
effective organization. Countries such as Iran,
Iraq, Lebanon and Uzbekistan have not joined
WTO yet.
Move towards Since the pace of negotiations in the WTO has Rules and procedures of WTO need to evolve
bilateral/regional/plurilateral been slowing, countries are increasingly moving to remain relevant in the emerging scenario.
trading regimes towards other forms of trading regimes such as
RCEP.
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries to Strengthening WTO’s dispute settlement
impose comprehensive export bans and system is the need of the hour to tackle the
restrictions resulting in disruptions in the global emergent situation.
supply chains. There is potential for more trade
disputes to arise in the future.
16 www.visionias.in ©
• Political backlash: BRI projects are built using low-interest loans as opposed to aid grants. Some BRI investments
have involved opaque bidding processes and required the use of Chinese firms. As a result, contractors have inflated
costs, leading to cancelled projects and political backlash.
o In 2018, in Malaysia, there was a campaign against overpriced BRI initiatives.
o Use of sovereign land for building China's military installations is another concern.
• Slow progress due to implementation issues: As per a report, 35% of the BRI infrastructure project portfolio has
encountered major implementation problems, such as corruption scandals, labour violations, environmental
hazards, and public protests.
• Environmental costs: The BRI has been criticized for causing severe and irreversible impacts on the environment and
jeopardizing progress towards long-term sustainable development.
India’s concerns over BRI
• Geopolitical concerns: India is particularly concerned about the BRI infrastructure and connectivity projects in the
smaller South Asian countries and Indian Ocean littoral states.
o India has traditionally viewed this region as its back yard over which it has historically maintained a position of
influence.
o It is apprehensive that the BRI projects will enhance China’s stature and undermine India’s influence over those
states.
• Sovereignty and security concerns: India is opposed to one of the flagship projects of the BRI i.e. China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) which connect China’s Xinjiang autonomous region with Pakistan’s Balochistan Province.
o The project runs through (Pakistan-controlled) Kashmir and hence it ‘violates Indian sovereignty.
o Deployment of security personnel by China and Pakistan for the CPEC is another cause of security concern for
India
o Further, since Gwadar is a deep-water port, it arguably gives Pakistan and China a strategic advantage in the IOR
over India’s role as the regional power.
What are the other Alternatives to BRI?
• EU’s Global Gateway Project: The project aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027
to underpin a lasting global recovery.
o It will support smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting highest social and environmental
standards, in line with international norms and standards.
o It is a European Strategy to boost smart, clean, and secure links in digital, energy and transport as well as
strengthen health, education, and, research systems across the world.
o EU’s Global Gateway provides a positive
India’s response
offer for its partners by financing them
• MAUSAM project to strengthen bilateral ties with countries in
under fair and favourable terms in order to the Indian Ocean region.
limit the risk of debt distress in contrast • SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) concept with
with China’s BRI multiple objectives such as:
• Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC): Another o protecting maritime interests,
attempt put forth by India and Japan in 2017 is o enhancing economic and security cooperation in the littoral,
AAGC. This bilateral partnership intends to o promoting collective action to deal with maritime threats,
foster quality and sustainable (social and o building greater trust and promoting respect for maritime
transport) infrastructure, development rules, norms and peaceful resolution of disputes.
projects, and connectivity in Africa. • Increased aid, investment and other economic engagements to
counter Chinese influence in neighbours like Nepal, Sri Lanka and
o It aims to promote a "free and open" world
Maldives.
order, while also providing an alternative to
China's increasing investments and influence in Africa.
17 www.visionias.in ©
2.3. NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
Why in news?
NATO Summit was held recently in Madrid (Spain) amid Russia-Ukraine War.
Some Key outcomes
2022 Strategic Concept It is NATO's guiding document which reflects the emerging security reality.
• It identifies Russia as the most significant and direct threat to Allied security,
• Addresses China for the first time and
• Includes other challenges like terrorism, cyber and hybrid threats, maritime security etc.
Support to Ukraine • A strengthened Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, including support in areas like
and other partners at secure communications, anti-drone systems and fuel.
risk
Adapting the Alliance • Agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by NATO as an organisation by at least 45 per cent by
to emerging challenges 2030, down to net zero by 2050.
• Launch of the NATO Innovation Fund, which will invest EUR 1 billion over the next 15 years in start-
ups developing dual-use emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.
About NATO
• NATO was formed in 1949 with the aim of acting as a deterrent to the threat of Soviet expansion in Europe after
World War II.
• Purpose: The organization acts as a collective security alliance with the aim of providing mutual defense through
military and political means if a member state is threatened by an external country. (Article 5 of the NATO charter).
o Article 5 has been invoked once, by the United States, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
• Founders: Its 12 founding members are the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France,
Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal.
o Finland and Sweden are on the cusp of joining NATO.
• Story of NATO Expansion:
o The Soviet Union responded to NATO by creating its own military alliance with seven other Eastern European
communist states in 1955, dubbed the Warsaw Pact.
o But after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, a number of former Warsaw Pact countries became NATO
members. This includes Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia among others.
o The most recent additions were Montenegro in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2020, bringing the total number
of NATO member states to 30.
✓ NATO's Open door policy (Article 10 of the charter), allows any European country that can enhance and
contribute "to the security of the North Atlantic area" to join.
• Major Non-NATO Ally Status: It is a designation given by the US government to close allies that have strategic working
relationships with the US Armed Forces but are not members of the NATO.
o The US has designated 30 other countries including Japan, S.Korea, Japan, Israel etc. as major non-NATO allies.
o The status confers a variety of military and financial advantages such as participation in defence research
projects and counter-terrorism initiatives, buy depleted uranium ammunition etc. that otherwise are not
obtainable by non-NATO countries.
Issues with NATO
Relevance of NATO in contemporary times • Conflicts and Difference of opinion among members:
NATO leaders have fundamentally different views
• To deal with a rapidly changing security environment: about terrorism, Russia, and European security.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, terrorism, growing global o Conflicts among NATO members — for example,
uncertainty, more sophisticated and disruptive cyber Greece and Turkey — have sharpened.
and hybrid threats, and exponential technological • Lack of a clearly-defined mission
change continues to represent a global security • The alliance is losing its edge in strategic competition
challenge and a threat to stability. with an increasingly technologically advanced, militarily
o It played an important role in the international capable and politically aggressive Russia.
security ambit.
18 www.visionias.in ©
✓ NATO condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine as it gravely undermines international security and
stability, and is a blatant violation of international law and offers unwavering support for Ukraine’s
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
✓ For nearly 20 years, NATO Allies and partner countries had military forces deployed to Afghanistan to ensure
that the country would not again become a safe haven for international terrorists.
✓ NATO remains a key pillar in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) with its support of the
Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
o It is the longest surviving inter-governmental security organisation of the world and its membership has
increased over the period of time. Why NATO is focusing on China?
• Response to COVID: NATO responded to the COVID- NATO has justified its new focus on China as a “collective
19 crisis by protecting military personnel, facilitating defence” against what it views as Chinese encroachment on
the airlift of critical medical supplies, and harnessing European interests:
resources to deliver innovative responses. • Key ports, such as the Port of Piraeus in Greece, one of the
o NATO’s Eastward Expansion: Key decisions taken largest in Europe, are now majority-owned by Chinese
at the recent summit point towards NATO’s companies.
eastward expansion from Europe to Asia-Pacific. • Increased Chinese naval patrols in the Atlantic ocean
region.
This highlights its ensuing role in establishing
• China’s rising interest in the Arctic Sea.
peace and stability in the Asian region.
• Extensive cyberattacks on Western commercial and
o China has been named in the NATO’s document
military targets by Chinese state.
for the first time. • Claims of Chinese ownership over the resource-rich waters
o For the first time, four Indo-Pacific countries- of South China Sea, an strategically vital waterway.
Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic
of Korea joined a NATO summit, to deepen cooperation and address global challenges.
2.4. BRICS
Why in news?
BRICS Leaders adopted the ‘Beijing Declaration’ in 14th BRICS Summit, convened under the Chairmanship of China, in
virtual format.
Highlights of the Summit
• India proposed initiatives: India
called for strengthening of the
BRICS Identity and proposed
establishment of Online
Database for BRICS documents,
BRICS Railways Research
Network, and strengthening
cooperation between MSMEs.
o India will be organizing BRICS
Startup event this year to
strengthen connection
between Startups in BRICS
countries.
• Denial of Safe Haven to
Corruption: BRICS welcomed the
BRICS Initiative on Denial of Safe
Haven to Corruption which
further strengthen anti-
corruption capacity building
through education and training programs and enhance anti-corruption exchanges and cooperation within
multilateral frameworks.
19 www.visionias.in ©
About BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)
• The BRICS grouping aims to promote peace, security, development and cooperation in the world.
• It also aims at making a positive impact on the development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and
fairer world.
• The notion behind the coinage of BRICS was that the nations' economies would come to collectively dominate global
growth by 2050.
• Recently, Iran and Argentina have applied to join the BRICS mechanism. This could be the first expansion of the
group since South Africa was included in 2010.
Opportunities for India in BRICS
• Economic and trade interests: Intra-BRICS trade, while modest, presents opportunities for India in key markets,
including China, which remains an important commercial partner despite security tensions. India also supports the
BRICS goal of shielding members from the economic fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
o Managing relations with China: Groupings like the BRICS and the SCO afford both India and China the opportunity
to “decouple” their strategic contest from the other dimensions of the relationship.
• Multi-aligned foreign policy: Participation in a non-Western grouping balances India’s growing partnerships with
the West.
o India often equates BRICS with its participation in other “Western-led” groupings such as the Quad, which helps
in highlighting its commitment to strategic autonomy and multi-aligned foreign policy.
• Quest for International status: BRICS membership elevates India’s global profile and presents an opportunity to
project India as a truly international player.
Concrete progress made by BRICS
• Establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangements (CRA): The agreement for the
establishment of the BRICS NDB as well as CRA worth US$ 100 billion each during the sixth Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in July
2014.
o NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, has been established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and
sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging and developing countries.
o The CRA intends to provide liquidity through currency swaps in response to actual or potential short-term balance of
payments crisis.
• IMF reforms: BRICS has succeeded in bringing incremental changes in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the years.
The joint efforts of BRICS culminated in the 2010 Reform Proposal on Quota and Governance.
o Subsequently, the quota of the IMF was doubled, with a total 6% share transferred to the emerging and developing
countries. The votes of China, Russia, Brazil, and India was increased and reached a total of 14.18%.
• Increased trade and exports: According to statistics of WTO, the participation of BRICS in global exports more than doubled
between 2001 and 2011, from 8% to 16%. Between 2002 and 2012, intra-BRICS trade increased 922%, from US$ 27 billion to
US$ 276 billion.
• Establishment of wide ranged and multilevel communication mechanisms: The BRICS’ focus has expanded from economic
development to include other issues and cooperation. It has formed a comprehensive communication mechanism through the
leaders’ summit, and meetings of high-level delegates, foreign ministers, financial ministers, and Central Bank Governors.
Issues persisting in BRICS India in BRICS
• Dominant role of China: Presence of China and • India’s notable contribution to BRICS is proposal of the New
Development Bank which was put on the BRICS agenda by India in
the greater role it seeks to assert within the
2012.
group poses major challenge to India. • India also added the Urbanization Forum to BRICS cooperation
o It could use the group as a platform for mechanisms to bring greater focus on intra-BRICS cooperation to
anti-U.S propaganda framed around U.S. learn from each other’s experience in tackling challenges of rapid
sanctions on Russia and broader U.S. urbanization faced by all BRICS members.
hegemony. This would go against India as • India institutionalized the practice of holding BRICS Academic
it seeks to avoid being seen as part of an Forum meetings as preparatory meetings feeding into the Summit
anti-U.S. bloc. agenda by hosting the first such meeting in 2009.
o Lack in upholding commitments to
sovereign equality and territorial integrity: With China challenging the territorial status quo all around its
20 www.visionias.in ©
periphery, including along its border with India, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, it is increasingly
becoming difficult for the BRICS members to rally around the principles that laid the foundations of this
grouping.
• Bilateral differences: BRICS continues to face the challenges of the lack of a binding ideology and diversity in
terms of socio-cultural and political systems. There are wide disparities among the five nations and also bilateral
differences, posing challenges for intra-BRICS consensus.
• Trade related challenges: India’s total trade with the BRICS countries in 2018-19 stood at $ 114.1 billion and a
majority of this was because of its bilateral trade with China which stood at $ 87.1 billion.
o The reasons for the low trade can be attributed to geographical distance which increases the time and cost to
export.
o Restrictive trade environments is another major reason for low trade with BRICS countries. While the BRICS
economies have significantly reduced tariff rates over the years, import restrictions in terms of non-tariff barriers
exist.
o China’s dominance in terms of trade within the BRICS is another issue for India and forms a hurdle for any
opportunities that India could avail.
• Slow progress on multilateral reforms: BRICS may have raised the issue of UNSC reform but this is more
declaratory in nature than a serious attempt to overhaul the UNSC. Reforms of the global multilateral order has
been put on the backburner.
• Others:
o BRICS economies share some domestic and socio-economic challenges that must be addressed independently of
their group activism, viz. inequality (economic, social and political), corruption, improvements in health care
and education, and human rights.
o With parallel groupings like IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) already at work, a major challenge for BRICS is to
neatly manage the overlap in mandates that can arise in such situations.
Road Ahead
• Overcome diversities and seek common interest: The BRICS, through the BRICS-plus framework, can provide a
gateway to alternative liberalisation and economic integration impulses vis-a-vis the developed world.
• Enhance the efficiency of BRICS institutions via contested multilateralism: The rise of NDB like mechanisms will
further elevate the standing of developing countries on the international stage. Such burgeoning multilateral
financial mechanisms, together with the WB and IMF will compete and cooperate in innovation.
• Reprioritising Counterterrorism in BRICS agenda: Despite the divergent foreign and security policy priorities of the
BRICS states, the group unanimously acknowledges terrorism as a serious threat to their national, regional and
international security.
• Strengthening cooperation: There is a greater need to formalise BRICS cooperation on global financial sector
reforms and be assertive in norm-setting that leads to financial flows earmarked for separate needs, such as climate
change mitigation, resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and green technologies.
o The BRICS must support post-pandemic growth and development in emerging countries and push for much
enhanced multilateral efforts by furthering its deep connect with the Global South.
22 www.visionias.in ©
• Cooperation on global issues: EU is on the front foot in designing global rules in new fields. It has initiated a global
debate on rules to protect personal data; is aiming to set a global precedent for ethical, human-centric standards for
the use of artificial intelligence and so on.
Concerns in India-EU relations as evident from stalled negotiations over FTA
• Diverging positions on Russia’s role during the Crimean crisis.
• Italian marine issue: The 2012 arrest of Italian marines not only affected ties between Italy and India but also led
to increased tensions with the EU.
• Other issues in FTA: Like access to trade in services, non-tariff barriers on trade in goods, agreement on India’s IPR
Regime, data secure designation for India and acceptance for an Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism.
• Human rights: EU members expressed concerns about the human rights situation in India, such as difficulties faced
by Indian women and minority groups as well as the closure of Amnesty International’s offices in India.
• Untapped Trade potential: India accounts for 2.1% of EU total trade in goods in 2021, well behind China (16.2%) and
the USA (14.7%).
Other Common areas of interests
o Technical barriers to trade (TBT),
• Blue Economy/Western Indian Ocean: The EU’s Blue Growth Initiative,
sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) which seeks to harness maritime wealth, corresponds with India’s call to
measures, deviation from embrace a “Blue Revolution.”
internationally-agreed standards, • Indo-pacific: EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy has much to complement New
as well as discrimination based on Delhi’s goals in the region as it focuses on infrastructure investments,
legislative or administrative resilient supply chains, and emerging technology.
measures affects a wide range of • Climate Change: The EU and India, as the world’s third and fourth largest
sectors. emitters of greenhouse gases, share a common interest in fighting climate
o The absence of a FTA is the biggest change and facilitating the transition to a sustainable economy.
impediment to a dynamic, • Connectivity: India and EU have announced comprehensive Connectivity
economic and trade relationship. Partnership on supporting resilient and sustainable connectivity both in
India and in third countries and regions, including Africa, Central Asia and
Road Ahead the Indo-Pacific that will provide an alternative to China's mega Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI).
• Emerging prospects of collaboration
in the post-pandemic world: There
Changing scenario in India-EU relations i.e., strengthening of the relations
are on-going debates in the EU over the Though these issues were not completely resolved, but overtime following
need to diversify supply chains to changes in the geopolitical scenarios eclipsed above issues-
reduce reliance on other countries for • Both players were instrumental in ratification of Paris agreement. EU
crucial products like pharmaceuticals. and its members actively support India led International Solar Alliance
This could be one area for (ISA) .
developmental cooperation between • The impact of the 2009 recession and Brexit nudged both sides into
India and the EU. a franker engagement with each other. This led the EU to recognize the
o India’s pharmaceutical importance of India as an economic partner. Post-Brexit, India too no
manufacturing capabilities coupled longer takes the EU for granted
with access to European healthcare • Turbulence in the Middle East (West Asia) is incentivizing greater EU-
India security dialogue on their shared extended neighbourhood, which
technologies can provide new
stretches from Istanbul to Islamabad and from Moscow to Mauritius.
avenues for enhancing partnerships
o This Eurasian arc of growing instability is of critical importance to
and promoting innovation between EU and India’s aspirations to become net security providers and
the partners. stabilize their peripheries.
• Early conclusion of FTA: The BTIA is • Formidable rise of China is swiftly altering the balance of power in the
crucial because both India and the EU Eurasian heartland.
are large markets and India’s • Finally, the EU and India also have similar stakes in the liberal,
demographic dividend can help the EU multilateral order and to protect global commons cooperatively, from
with the movement of skilled labour trade and the internet to nuclear non-proliferation and the freedom of
and professionals. Also, the increased navigation.
market access will further integrate the services sector, increasing the scope for cooperation and joint ventures.
23 www.visionias.in ©
• Strengthening political dialogue: There is a need to upgrade the yearly dialogue between the high
representative/vice president of the EU and the Indian minister for external affairs to a regular strategic dialogue.
• Launching concrete trilateral/cooperation projects in pilot partner countries : Establish regular bilateral, as well
as trilateral dialogues on/with Africa, to discuss security, economic issues, as well as connectivity. Further,
dialogue on Afghanistan and Central Asia in the appropriate settings should be intensified.
24 www.visionias.in ©
• Strain of diplomatic relations: The Indus Water Treaty gets affected by the overall developments in the India-Pakistan
relationship.
o As the diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan saw a downward spiral in recent times, some
observers in India called for abrogation of the treaty.
• Compounding effect of climate change: Melting of glaciers may increase water flow in the short term, but it will also
deplete groundwater recharge in the long run. Similarly erratic rainfall bringing further challenges to address potential
flood risks. This is likely to aggravate tensions around issues of water distribution and flow management.
• Conflict-resolution method through a third-party guarantor: The World Bank is the guarantor of IWT and relies on
the riparian to report any issue related of illegal intervention in the river flows. However, there is no definite way of
knowing if illegal intervention really happened or it is only a case of low seasonal flows due to climate variability.
• No regular data sharing as planned in the treaty: The flow data sharing is significantly important to understand the
dynamics of river basin in totality.
Way Forward
While the treaty may have served some purpose at the time it was signed , following efforts could be made to overcome
the current bilateral challenges and optimize the use of Indus Water System resources:
• Globally advocating India’s position: Over the years, India has been a generous upper riparian state as it has utilized
only about 93% of its stipulated water storage capacity. Further, only about 25% of the total estimated capacity of
electricity that can be harnessed from the three western rivers in Kashmir has been tapped so far.
o This position could be advocated to counter Pakistan’s attempts to internationalize the issue by involving World
Bank.
• Seeking cooperation: Efforts could be made to seek cooperation with Pakistan in areas wherever it is possible. For
example, Article VII of the IWT talks about “future cooperation” and calls for taking up joint studies and engineering
works on the rivers.
• Changing approach: Both countries could also benefit from focusing more on a sub-basin level instead of managing
the area with a singular holistic approach. Interventions at the sub-basin level that can account for contextual factors,
such as the socio-economic composition of the area and the existing hydrology, would make the action more effective.
• From rationality to relationality: To achieve a stronger Indus Water Treaty, both states must shift from acting based
on the rationality of water (water sharing) and focus instead on its relationality (benefit sharing). Relationality expands
the definition of water from surface water (water quantity), to water quality, preservation of wetlands and
biodiversity, soil erosion, conjunctive use of ground and surface water, and nature-based solutions.
• Renegotiating the treaty: A parliamentary panel has recommended renegotiating the treaty with Pakistan to address
the impact of climate change on water availability in the Indus basin and other challenges which are not covered
under the treaty.
• Incorporate contemporary principles of international watercourse laws such as Helsinki Rules: This is crucial to balance
the rights and duties of the riparian states and for the holistic and integrated water resources management of the Indus river
system.
o The Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers is an international guideline that assert the
rights of all bordering nations to an equitable share in the water resources and is applicable to all drainage
basins that cross national boundaries, except where other agreement between bordering nations exists.
Conclusion
Indus Water Treaty is often cited as an example of the possibilities of nonviolent coexistence that exist despite the
troubled rapport between both neighbouring countries.
25 www.visionias.in ©
India’s current mechanism of cooperation in river water sharing with other countries
26 www.visionias.in ©
• The present engagement is therefore seen as change in India’s approach with respect to Taliban.
• The government has however clarified that the ongoing visit did not amount to granting diplomatic recognition to
the Taliban regime in Kabul.
28 www.visionias.in ©
o Defence and Security: Maritime cooperation to o Currently, it has 13 members: India, Iran, Russia,
maintain peace and security in the region through Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey,
regular military exercises like Desert Eagle. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Ukraine and Syria.
✓ Both countries jointly committed to fight • INSTC Significance for India
extremism and all forms of terrorism, o Will cut down the transportation costs of goods
including cross-border terrorism. (by almost 30%) as well transportation time
o People-to-people: UAE has the highest number of (almost half compared to suez canal) between
Indian diaspora (3.5 million) contributing high India and Russia.
remittances to India ($17.06 billion in 2019). o Will help India to gain smooth access into Central
o Space collaboration: ISRO launched UAE's 1st Asia and beyond and will help to expand trade and
nanosatellite Nayif-1. investment links.
o Reduce dependence on current trading partners,
2.8.2. WEST SETI POWER PROJECT especially energy connectivity, through
• India will be taking over West Seti hydropower project realignment of supply chains.
in Nepal nearly four years after China withdrew from it. o It is also being seen as India’s answer to China’s
o It is planned on Seti river in Nepal’s far west Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
region. • Other Planned Corridors Connecting India with Russia
• Nepal is rich in power sources with an estimated and Europe
potential for 83,000 MW. o Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor
connecting India-Russia.
• India is viewed as a feasible market for Nepal, but
o India’s Arabian-Mediterranean (Arab-Med)
there has been some uncertainty over India’s inability
Corridor connecting India with mainland Europe
to deliver projects on time.
via Piraeus port of Greece and Middle East.
30 www.visionias.in ©
4. SECURITY
4.1. AGNIPATH SCHEME
Why in News?
Union Cabinet approved Agnipath Scheme-a recruitment
scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces.
About Agnipath Scheme
• It is a major defence policy reform to usher in a new era in
the Human Resource policy of the three Services.
o Idea of a short-term recruitment model or ‘Tour of
Duty’ (ToD) was first mooted around two years back
for the selection of officers and jawans, for a limited
number of vacancies.
• Youth (from 17.5 years to
23 age group) selected
under this scheme will be
known as Agniveers who
will be enrolled for a period
of four years. They would
form a distinct rank in the
Armed Forces, different
from any other existing
ranks.
• Upon the completion of
four years of service,
Agniveers will be offered an
opportunity to apply for
permanent enrolment in
the Armed Forces.
o Up to 25% of each
specific batch will be
enrolled in regular
cadre based on
objective criteria
including performance
during their four-year
engagement period.
Global practices
A careful analysis of methodology of induction, retention, and release of armed forces personnel in various developed countries
shows similar kind of reforms in recruitment. For ex:
• Russian military is a hybrid format combining a traditional cadre-and-reserve conscript system (includes one year of training
and one year of service) and a contract-professional system.
• In Israel period of active-duty conscript is 32 months for men and 24 months for women, followed by a decades-long period
of compulsory reserve duty.
• For French soldiers there are two types of enlistment: 1 year contract or 3-5 years contract (both renewable).
Concerns related to scheme
• Building cohesion: Time period for Agnipath is too short to build cohesion as it is built over a long period of living,
training and experiencing rigours of field/operational/high altitude/counter-insurgency tenures together.
55 www.visionias.in ©
• Might not attract best candidates: as they are likely to apply for more permanent avenues like police or paramilitary
forces first. This might result in young aspirants opting for the army as second or third choice.
• Unfair to the potential recruit: as the absence of a continued employment guarantee at the expiry of four years when
he’s still in his 20s and without the skillsets or credentials required to thrive in the civilian/corporate world, could be
demoralizing.
• Less training time: It reportedly takes two to three years to train a member of the army, but as a part of the Agnipath
scheme, soldiers will only be trained for six months.
• Untested scheme: For a scheme that will be the principal mode of recruitment across the three services, there has
been no independent study, pilot project and/or test run to ascertain the viability of the scheme.
o Defence analysts have allegedly pointed out that the Russian soldiers who were trained for a limited amount of
time before they went to war in Ukraine have performed disastrously.
• Potentially militarize the society: With their ambitions of serving in the military for a full 15 years, frustrated and
unemployed, the demobilised Agniveers could fall prey to the lure of crime syndicates and radical political outfits.
• Disturbing the regional balance: With the scheme calling for recruitment on an all-India basis, rather than by state
allotments, army’s ranks could well become northern
states heavy, disturbing regional balance within the
military.
Way forward
• Scheme needs to be linked to other manpower
management related reforms based on optimisation/
reduction of manpower and restructuring/ reorganisation.
• Educational qualification can be raised to 10+2 and a more
stringent all-India merit-driven entrance examination with
psychological tests must be introduced for a shift towards
a more tech-savvy armed forces.
• Due care must be taken to ensure that the Agnipath
scheme does not upset the regimental ethos of the Indian
Army.
• Amendments such as the extension of their initial service
period and mandatory re-enlistment of at least 50% of Agniveers as recommended by some veterans could be
considered.
• Reduced training period will have to be offset by focused training and employment of other innovative methods.
Also, Army leadership will have to employ innovative devices to inculcate loyalty and camaraderie in quick time.
• It is important to ensure that Agniveers are absorbed gainfully in the society, lest they become a potential threat to
the society.
• Incentivise this new scheme. For instance, in the US the short-term duty soldiers undergo education at government
expense.
About Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme
• Executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), TDF
4.2. DEFENSE aims to create an ecosystem for promoting self-reliance by building indigenous
MODERNISATION state-of-the-art systems for defence application.
Why in news?
Recently, limit of funding of
innovative defense projects under
Technology Development Fund
(TDF) has been raised to Rs 50
crore per project, from the present
limit of Rs 10 crore.
56 www.visionias.in ©
More on News
• To facilitate increased funding for innovative TDF products, Union Budget for 2022-23 has reserved 25 per cent of
the defence R&D budget for private industry, start-ups and academia.
• Enhanced funding will further boost the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence.
Need for Defense Modernisation
• Challenging strategic environment: that encompasses a wide swathe of geography, from the Western Pacific to the
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to western borders with Pakistan to standoff along Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Changing landscape of warfare: Future battle space will be shaped by combination of cyber and AI-based
autonomous weapons, using precision targeting and adaptive-learning techniques and superiority in these will
determine the outcome of future battles.
• Reducing import dependency: As per the latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, India
along with Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest arms importers between 2017-21, each accounting for 11% of all
global arms sales.
• Regional Power: To act as a net security provider in the region, India needs to acquire self-sufficiency in terms of the
development of advanced defence hardware and technology.
• Enhancing capabilities for additional responsibilities like disaster response, evacuation missions, Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise etc.
57 www.visionias.in ©
o Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme: It has been established to promote self-reliance in
defence technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
For improving • Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created to provide “effective leadership at the top level” to the three
military wings of the armed forces. This is addition to creation of new Department of Military Affairs for better
organization management of military resources and procurement.
• Integrated Battle Groups: IBGs are brigade-sized, agile, self-sufficient combat formations, which can
swiftly launch strikes against adversary in case of hostilities.
• Theatre commands with tri-service capabilities: The armed forces are envisaged to be reorganized in
multiple Theatre commands in which all the three services will operate in a regionally integrated manner
Other efforts • 15th Finance Commission has recommended constitution of a dedicated non-lapsable Modernisation
Fund for Defence and Internal Security (MFDIS).
• Task Force has been constituted to assess the current AI capabilities and necessary steps for inclusion
of AI in Defence.
• DRDO also has two dedicated laboratories, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR),
Bengaluru and DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory (DYSL)-AI, Bengaluru for application-oriented research
in AI.
• DRDO has established 10 Centres of Excellence in collaboration with various academia institutes all
over the country to develop critical technology for enabling futuristic requirements of Armed Forces.
• Ministry of Defence launched 75 AI products/technologies during first-ever ‘AI in Defence’ symposium
& exhibition.
Challenges to Defense Modernisation
• Lack of investment in R&D: India is funding around 6% (on defence R&D) of the Defence Budget whilst, USA and China
are spending approximately 12% and 20%, respectively.
• Lack of Private sector Participation: especially MSMEs which can play a critical role in developing niche technologies
and providing solutions that are critical for modernization.
• Limited Public Sector Manufacturing Capacity and Capability: Agencies like Ordnance Factories, DRDO, HAL etc. are
limited and overburdened and is marred with several issues.
• Absence of a concrete Defense Industrial Base: Participation of the private sector in Defense manufacturing has been
limited. The primary reason for this can be attributed to absence of communication platforms between industry and
defense.
• Slow decision-making process: Despite multiple avenues available for procurement and development, production
and acquisition contracts take close to 7 to 9 years for finalization before the production starts.
Way forward
• Identifying long term requirement capability: as building complex platforms like ships, submarines, tanks and fighter
jets has a long lead time which is constantly challenged by the race to keep-up with changing technology.
• Fostering innovation through Board of Research for Advanced Defence Sciences (BRADS): Rama Rao Committee
recommended the creation of BRADS, to function on the lines of Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) in USA, for operational flexibility and bureaucracy-free research environment.
• Conducive Financial Framework: to nurture and develop the defence production sector. For example, in South Korea,
government raised funds through a special defence tax during early phase of defence incentivization.
• Adopt 5Is: There is need to adopt the concept of 5 Is (Identify, Incubate, Innovate, Integrate and Indigenize) to
accelerate progress, reduce costs and achieve modernisation in a time bound manner.
• Human Resource Development: Scientific and technologically trained pool of manpower, enhancing R&D skills and
technological expertise of public and private sector would be the key to achieving modernization.
• Development of Industry-defence-academia linkage to strengthen research capabilities.
58 www.visionias.in ©
4.3. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF (CDS)
Why in News?
Ministry of Defense (MoD) issued a notification which broadens the scope of eligible officers for the post of the Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS).
More on News
• Notification specifies the professional qualifications and age limitations for military generals to be eligible for
appointment as CDS.
• Officers from all three services are required to meet broadly the same two qualifications:
o First, an officer must be either serving, or retired, in the rank of general or lieutenant general (three-star
generals).
o Second, his age should be below 62 years on the date of his appointment.
o The central government has reserved the right to extend the tenure of the CDS to a maximum of 65 years.
• New notification will make a large number of officers eligible for CDS, thus providing a wider pool for the selection.
About Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
• CDS was created to increase efficiency & coordination among the Armed Forces and reduce duplication.
• Aimed to
o Achieve better results at all levels through effective coordination between the Armed Forces and the Civil
Services.
o Help facilitate inter-service integration and better civilian-military coordination in the Nation's Higher Defence
Organisation.
o Strengthen the process of Joint Planning, Operations and Procurement, thereby making Armed Forces more
effective and efficient.
• CDS does not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide
impartial advice to the political leadership.
59 www.visionias.in ©
Need of CDS
Duties and functions of CDS include
• Better advice to political executive: CDS • To head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in Ministry of
rises above inter-services rivalry and Defence (MoD) and function as its Secretary.
provide holistic advice on critical issues • To act as the Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all Tri-
such as joint strategy and planning, Service matters.
weapons procurement, manpower • To function as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff
allocation and joint operations. Committee and to administer the Tri-Service
o Can act as an arbitrator when the organizations/agencies/commands.
Chiefs of Staff express divergent views • To be a member of Defence Acquisition Council (chaired by Defence
on an issue, such as the use of military Minister) and function as the Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command
resources in the battlefield. Authority.
• To ensure optimal utilisation of infrastructure and rationalise it
• Integration of armed forces: CDS is
through jointness among the Services.
principally responsible for getting the • To implement Five-Year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Two-
armed forces better integrated rather Year roll-on Annual Acquisition Plans, as a follow up of Integrated
than operating in silos. Capability Development Plan.
o The job includes the creation of new • Bring about reforms in the functioning of three Services aimed at
military commands which integrate augmenting combat capabilities of the Armed Forces.
armed forces to fight together.
• Constantly changing security dynamic: Requires India’s military needs to be efficient in combat and in averting
adversaries, which is achievable only if the military is integrated.
• Prioritizing procurement: CDS can help meet country’s military requirements in a manner that operational
capabilities of forces are not compromised, and at the same time, needs are met with the available monetary
resources.
• Global similarity: Many major countries of the world have created the post of CDS to bring more jointness and
integration in their Armed Forces. These include Italy, France, China, UK, USA, Canada, and Japan.
Challenges
• Other pending reforms might make it less effective: Without other structural reforms, including creation of unified
theatre commands, questions are bound to be raised about the wisdom of appointing a CDS.
• Domination of Army: It is argued that CDS will establish the Army’s domination and other services may be reduced
to a supporting role.
• Balancing procurement requirements in the current procurement ecosystem. For example, while the Air Force is
embarking on a programme for 114 new fighters, the Navy is running a parallel and unrelated procurement
programme. This runs contrary to what the office of the CDS was set up for.
• Gender balance in forces: CDS will have to deal with involving women in the military following the recent court order
barring gender discrimination.
Conclusion
With the creation of CDS, India embarked upon a much-delayed process of integration of the armed forces and the
defence establishment.
CDS holds key to modernization of forces and therefore must be supplemented by other structural reforms such as
indigenous R&D, production of equipment, fostering innovation etc. to improve the future readiness of the forces.
62 www.visionias.in ©
5. ENVIRONMENT
5.1. 50 YEARS OF STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE
Why in news?
Recently, Stockholm+50 meeting was held at Stockholm, Sweden to commemorate the 50 years since the 1972 United
Nations Conference on the Human Environment (also known as the Stockholm Conference), which made the
environment a pressing global issue for the first time.
More about news
• Stockholm+50 theme: A healthy planet for the prosperity of all — our responsibility, our opportunity.
• Stockholm+50 agenda:
o To share experiences and initiatives to protect the planet.
o Sustainable recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic.
About Stockholm conference
• It was the UN's first major
conference on international
environmental issues, and
marked a turning point in the
development of international
environmental politics.
• It was organized in 1972 to
coordinate global efforts to
promote sustainability and
safeguard the natural
environment with the theme
‘Only One Earth’.
o 122 countries adopted the
Stockholm Declaration on to 26 principles and an action plan.
• The three dimensions of this conference were:
o Countries agreeing not to harm each other’s environment or the areas beyond national jurisdiction;
o Action plan to study the threat to Earth’s environment; and
o Establishment of an international body called the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to bring in cooperation
among countries.
• Outcome & success of Stockholm Conference
o Establishment of UNEP: UNEP was created as a result of the conference.
✓ UNEP is the global authority that sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation
of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within UN system, and serves as an
authoritative advocate for the global environment.
o Paradigm shift: It started the contemporary “environmental era”. In many ways, it made multilateral governance
of planetary concerns mainstream. This led to more than 500 multilateral environmental agreements being
adopted in the last 50 years.
✓ Most of the conventions related to planetary crises like the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) etc. have their origin in the Stockholm Declaration.
o Sustainable development: The Stockholm Conference identified a theme of sustainable development, that has
been at the center of international environmental discourse.
✓ 20 years later, the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development – the Earth Summit – in Rio de
Janeiro provided an answer by embracing sustainable development – development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
63 www.visionias.in ©
o Establishing Key Principles
✓ Precautionary principle: The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was the first
multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) that codified precautionary measures in 1985.
✓ Polluter-pays principle (PPP): It mandates that those producing pollution should bear the costs of managing
it to prevent damage to human health and the environment.
o Multi stakeholder
approach: It opened
the door to broader
participation in
sustainable
development arena,
by welcoming non-
governmental
organizations (NGOs),
Indigenous Peoples,
the scientific
community, and the
private sector and
established the
Environmental Forum.
o Start of
Environmental
diplomacy: It led to
establishment of
environmental
ministries all over the
world. Until 1972, no country had an environmental ministry. In India, Ministry of environment and forest was
set up in 1985.
Stockholm 50+ Recommendations for actionable agenda
• Placing human well-being at the center of a healthy planet and prosperity for all.
• Recognizing and implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
• Adopting system wide changes in our current economic system.
• Accelerate transformations of high impact sectors.
• Help developing countries tackle environmental challenges by providing access and support for digital and technological
solutions.
64 www.visionias.in ©
✓ But the talks ended without the Glasgow Dialogue being added to the formal negotiating agenda.
o Draft of a “global goal on adaptation” (GGA), which aims to reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience and
increase the capacity of people and the planet to adapt to the impacts of climate change, was discussed.
o Negotiations around the Adaptation Fund and to get international carbon markets up and running under Article
6 of the Paris Agreement.
What is carbon budget?
o Additional work streams included those
• The carbon budget is the maximum amount of cumulative net
focusing on the gender action plan, global anthropogenic CO2 emissions that would result in limiting
the Koronivia joint work on global warming to a given level with a given likelihood.
agriculture and Action for Climate • According to Working Group-III's (WG3) contribution to the
Empowerment, which focuses on public Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), historical cumulative net CO2
involvement in climate action. emissions between 1850 and 2019 amount to about-
o 4/5th of the total carbon budget for limiting global warming
What is Climate Equity?
to 1.5°C (50% probability); and
• Climate equity ensures the just distribution of o 2/3rds of the total carbon budget to limit global warming to
the benefits of climate protection efforts and 2°C (67% probability).
alleviates unequal burdens created by climate • The carbon budget is important because stock of greenhouse
change. gases in the atmosphere has a long life.
o For instance, India contributes 6 per cent to the annual
• It ensures that the climate goals are achieved in global emissions but is only responsible for 3 per cent of the
a sustainable manner, without unjust burden or stock.
fallouts on certain sections. o While the developed countries are responsible for
• The principle of equity has been interpreted historically exhausting around 70 per cent of the stock.
synonymously with the principle of common but
differentiated responsibilities and respective
capabilities (CBDR/RC) which acknowledges the
different capabilities and differing
responsibilities of individual countries in
addressing climate change.
o According to the principle, higher
responsibility of climate action, including
contribution in climate finance, emission
reduction targets etc., is to be placed upon
developed countries since they have been
historically responsible for large share of
GHG emissions, exhausting the carbon
budget.
o Also, developmental and economic benefits of past emissions, have made developed nations more capable to
undertake this responsibility and further aid climate mitigation and adaptation efforts across the globe.
• Further, the concept of climate equity also applies to individual level, where climate change is expected to
disproportionally affect vulnerable and marginalised communities who are least responsible for climate change
emissions.
What is the significance of addressing climate equity in Climate Change negotiations?
India has stressed that countries should acknowledge Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s suggestions
on the global carbon budget and equity.
• Social and economic transformation required for climate mitigation: Deeper emissions reduction from developed
countries alongside accelerated financial support for developing countries to strengthen their climate action
strategies can become a critical enabler to enhance mitigation action.
• Enable just transition towards low-emissions development: Transfer of technology and finances, concentrated in
developed nations, can be utilised by developing countries to transition to lower emission pathways in the future.
• Ensure sustainable development: Developing countries need access to a fair share of carbon budget to achieve their
developmental rights and achieve sustainable development goals.
65 www.visionias.in ©
• Fundamental to international co-operation on climate change: In the ongoing climate negotiations, climate equity
is a contentious issue among developing and developed nations, especially with respect to funding of Loss and
damage.
• Other benefits:
o Ensures accountability & responsibility for those benefiting from the root causes that drive climate change.
o Manages the negative consequences of climate mitigation on vulnerable populations.
Does Paris climate agreement ensure climate equity?
Several enabling decisions were taken during COP 26 in Glasgow for ensuring climate equity, including establishment
Glasgow Dialogue was established on funding for loss and damage, Global goal on adaptation, institutionalising the
functions of the Santiago Network on loss and
damage, etc. About Loss and Damage (L&D)
• It refers to impacts of climate change that cannot be adapted to,
But the negotiations saw several setbacks as well: and where losses are permanent.
• It covers both slow-onset processes like sea-level and
• Undermining historic responsibility: All temperature rise, and extreme events such as floods, hurricanes
countries have been requested to revisit and and tropical cyclones.
strengthen their climate pledges by the end of • Financing for L&D is seen as climate reparations, paid by historical
2022 with no differentiation and no concrete emitters, in accordance with the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
targets. • Loss and damage impacts are felt disproportionately by small
o This not only denies fair share to island nations who have had negligible emissions with estimated
developing nations in the remaining costs of L&D by 2030 ranging from $290-580 billion.
carbon budget, but also enhances the
possibility of exceeding the climate goals creating additional impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Targeted action against fossil fuels, calling for a “phasedown of unabated coal” and “phase-out” of inefficient fossil-
fuel subsidies. Doing so will disproportionately impact developing countries who are dependent on coal and fossil
fuel, especially in their efforts to provide accessible and affordable energy to large number of citizens living with either
limited or no access to modern energy at all.
• Absence of financial mechanism for addressing loss and damage: Discussion have been restricted to technical
assistance and insurance based interventions and does not address liability and compensation from developed
nations due to push back from countries like US and the European Union.
• Allowing Carbon credits generated under the Kyoto Protocol to be carried over into the Paris mechanism: This
would make limiting global warming to 1.5°C more difficult, necessitating larger commitment from developed nations.
Way Forward
• Establishment of a Glasgow Loss and Damage Facility as a financial mechanism to respond to current climate damage
can help vulnerable nations. Such finance must be grant-based so that countries are not further indebted by a crisis
they contributed little to.
• Developed countries should enhance their emission reduction targets to give developing countries’ tier fair share in
the carbon budget, which is essential to achieve their developmental rights.
• Creating mechanisms for technological and financial transfers to aid countries in transitioning towards low emission
pathways.
• Enhancing accessibility of adaptation fund for vulnerable communities.
67 www.visionias.in ©
o Mobile App for SUP Grievance Redressal (CPCB) to empower citizens to check sale/usage/manufacturing of SUP
in their area and tackle the plastic menace.
o Monitoring module for SUP (CPCB), for local bodies, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control
Committees (PCCs) and CPCB, to inventorize details of SUP production/ sale & usage in commercial
establishments at district level, and on-ground enforcement of ban on SUP.
• Directions have been issued at national, state and local level: For example-
o All leading petrochemical
industries to not supply
plastic raw materials to
the industries engaged in
banned SUP production.
o SPCB/PCCs to
modify/revoke consent to
operate issued under
Air/Water Act to industries
engaged in banned SUP
production.
o Customs Authority to stop
the import of banned SUP
items.
o Local authorities to issue
fresh commercial licenses
with the condition that
SUP items will not be sold
on their premises.
Issues related to PWM in India
• Lack of adequate infrastructure and technology for segregation, collection and disposal of plastic waste in a cost-
and resource-efficient way.
• Limited manpower and financial and operational capability in the local authorities and municipal bodies responsible
for enforcement of the ban.
• Limited capacity in India to provide biodegradable replacements due to lack of adequate infrastructure and
technology.
• Loss of livelihood due to closure of plastic manufacturing units, impact on small vendors etc.
• Challenges in bringing behavioral change among consumers, especially since alternatives to everyday SUP items are
expensive.
• Large consumption makes transitioning in a short period difficult.
• Disposal of existing stocks of SUP with vendors and SUP littered in the streets/beaches, buried in landfills etc.
• Poor performance of EPR regime in India.
• Technological and financial challenges faced by plastic bag manufacturers to comply to new norms.
• Unwillingness among plastic industry with demand of longer transitionary period.
o Sectors like Fast Moving Consumer Goods companies (FMCG) will be adversely impacted due to their
dependence on plastic straws, plates etc.
Way forward
• Restrain plastic demand and enhance circularity through:
o Fiscal instruments that disincentivise the production and use of plastics, such as tax on plastic packaging.
o Policies that enhance product design to increase their durability and favour reuse and repair.
• Enhance accessibility and affordability of SUP-alternatives and compostable plastics by incentivising production by
promoting innovation, providing tax benefits, etc.
68 www.visionias.in ©
• Close leakage pathways by Investments in waste collection and sanitary landfills as well as improved collection of
litter. It should be accompanied with enhanced recycling.
• Identify and target priority areas of source and distribution of plastics.
• Combining plastics and climate mitigation policies and achieving emission reduction in the sector by shifting energy
use in plastics-related activities (e.g. production and conversion) to less carbon intensive sources.
• The government has advised a range of complementary initiatives for ULBs to strengthen enforcement, reduce
demand of SUPs and raise awareness-
o Identify SUP-alternatives (such as cloth/jute/plastic bags, degradable cutleries, etc.) readily available in the
market and create awareness about such alternatives among citizens.
o Requesting companies to setup Bottle Banks (where users can get paid for dropping off PET bottles) or subsidized
reusable plastic bottle booths at different locations as part of EPR mandate.
o Establishing Thaila (bag)/Bartan (Utensils) kiosks or bhandars to provide citizens with alternatives to SUP.
o Deploying ‘Swachhata raths’ in all public places, markets, and other high footfall areas to spread awareness
against use of SUP.
69 www.visionias.in ©
Analysis of the Forest Conservation Rules 2022 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016
• Compensatory afforestation: Rules aims to make land • Compensatory Afforestation (CA) refers to
afforestation and regeneration activities carried out as
availability for compensatory afforestation easier.
a way of compensating for forest land diverted to non-
o But it is necessary to ensure, that these
forest purposes.
compensated tree lots or plantations offer the same • The act establishes National and State Funds for the
ecological features and services as the natural forest same purpose.
that is diverted. • 90% of the all monies collected for compensatory
• Tribal rights: Rules states that only the state government afforestation by a State/UT shall be transferred to the
will now be responsible to ensure that the rights of the State Fund and the balance 10% to the National Fund.
forest dwellers are secured, that too after the union o The monies received in the National and State fund
government has given its final approval. shall be an interest bearing and non-lapsable
o Rules goes against the Gram Sabha’s decision under under public account.
the Forest Rights Act 2006 who is the authority to • National and State Authority
o Their function is to manage and utilise the
initiate the process for determining the nature and
respective funds for the purposes of this Act such
extent of individual or community forest rights and
as conservation and development of forest and
issuing certificate that the forest rights recognition wildlife.
process is complete.
• Lack of proper scrutiny: Rules seek to simplify and shorten the process of appraising any infrastructure or other
development project involving the diversion of forest land.
o However, rules don’t scrutinise the impacts of projects for less than 5 hectares.
Conclusion
The new rules ease and streamlines the procedure for development purpose, but it is also necessary to secure traditional
rights of tribal and other forest-dwelling communities over forestlands through their consent and make development
more inclusive.
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
• The Act provides that the gram sabha, or village assembly, will initially pass a resolution recommending whose rights to
which resources should be recognised. This resolution is then screened and approved at the level of the sub-division and
subsequently at the district level.
• The rights granted under the act are:
o Title rights: It is ownership to land that is being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers as on 13 December 2005, subject to a
maximum of 4 hectares
o Use rights: Use of minor forest produce and its ownership, grazing areas, pastoralist routes, etc.
o Relief and development rights: For rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement; and to basic amenities,
subject to restrictions for forest protection.
o Forest management rights: To protect forests and wildlife.
70 www.visionias.in ©
• Other highlights of the judgment:
o Extended boundary shall prevail if the existing ESZ goes beyond
1 km buffer zone or if any statutory instrument prescribes a
higher limit.
o No new permanent structure will be allowed within the ESZ.
o Mining within national wildlife sanctuary or national park is not
permitted.
o Activity already being undertaken, within the 1km or extended
ESZ, but lying outside the ambit of prohibited activities may
continue with permission.
o The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of each State/UT has
been directed to make a list of subsisting structures at the ESZs
and submit a report to the court within 3 months.
o The requirements could be diluted if there is “overwhelming
public interest”.
o In respect of PAs for which the proposal of a State/UT has not been given, the 10 kilometres buffer zone as ESZ
shall be implemented, according to MoEFCC guidelines, till a final decision is arrived.
About Eco-sensitive zones (ESZs)
• ESZ or Ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) are ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas
designated to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development under the Environment
Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
• It is notified by Central Government, i.e. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), under
Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Identification of activities undertaken within an ESZ, generally
• Background of ESZs in India:
classified under 3 categories:
o 2002: ‘Wildlife Conservation Strategy-
Prohibited Commercial mining, setting of saw mills, polluting
2002’ was adopted envisaging lands falling industries, major hydroelectric projects etc.
within 10 Kms of the boundaries of Regulated Felling of trees, Establishment of hotels and resorts,
National Parks and Sanctuaries to be (Restricted drastic change of agriculture system, widening of
notified as Eco fragile zones. with roads, introduction of exotic species etc.
✓ All the Chief Wildlife Wardens were safeguards)
requested for listing out such areas for Permissible Rainwater Harvesting, Organic farming, Ongoing
notification as eco-sensitive areas. Agricultural and Horticulture practices by local
✓ Many states didn’t comply due to communities, Adoption of green technology for all
concerns regarding impact of ESZ on activities etc.
habitations and developmental activities.
o 2005: Addressing concerns of the states, National Board of wildlife decided that delineation of ESZs should be
site specific and related to regulation, rather than prohibition, of specific activities.
o 2006: In Goa Foundation v. Union of India, the SC ordered all States/UTs to comply to 2005 order.
✓ The court also contemplated notification of the areas within 10 km of the boundaries of the PAs as ESZs if
there is delay in site-specific preparation of ESZ for individual States/Union Territories.
o 2011: The ‘Guidelines for declaration of ESZ around Extent of ESZs as per 2011 guidelines
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries’ were • As a general principle the width of the ESZ could go up
notified by MoEFCC to deal with the process and to 10 kms around a PA as provided in the Wildlife
procedures to be adopted for declaring ESZ. Conservation Strategy-2002.
• Statutory Provisions related to declaration of ESZs are • Sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically
dealt in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Environment important patches, crucial for landscape linkages,
(Protection) Act 1986 (EPA) and Environment even beyond 10 kms width, are also included in the
(Protection) Rules, 1986 (EPR). ESZ.
• The distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of
regulation may not be in uniform all around and are
kept PA specific.
71 www.visionias.in ©
Issues related to creation of ESZs
• Opposition from States: Several states like Kerala, Karnataka etc. have been lobbying for reduction in areas
demarcated as ESZs due to
impact on developmental
activities and revenue.
• Lack of participatory planning
exercises while implementing
the ESZ.
• Enforcing a one-size-fits-all ‘1
km’ buffer zone in all protected
areas will be difficult.
• Lack of ground investigation
for proposals with areas being
randomly marked on
topographic sheets.
• Community protests: There
have been demands that
human settlements located close to the forest boundary must be exempted from ESZs as it restricts land-use change,
affecting livelihood prospects of local residents.
• Practical difficulties: The density of human population around the forest lands is high in some regions, making
implementation of ESZ regulations tough.
Way Forward
• Undertaking participatory planning of ESZs which addresses the needs and aspirations of the local and indigenous
people while protecting the environment and biodiversity.
• Conducting on ground investigations to verify environmentally fragile zones identified by satellite images.
• Promoting eco-friendly livelihood practices such as natural farming, agroforestry etc. in areas lying in notified ESZs
and building capacity among locals for the same.
• Building consensus among States though negotiations.
• Extensively studying the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife before giving permission.
73 www.visionias.in ©
Way Forward Government initiatives to tackle the crisis
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A campaign for water conservation and
• Increase water use efficiency in the
water security, with focus on water stressed districts and blocks.
agricultural sector through: o Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign focuses on saving
o Promotion of modern micro-irrigation and conserving rainwater
methods such as drip and sprinkler, • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to make provision of tap water supply
o Incentivising crop diversification to less to every rural household of the country by 2024.
water intensive crops. • National Water Mission aims to ensure integrated water resource
o Enhancing adoption of sustainable management helping to conserve water, minimize wastage and
ensure more equitable distribution both across and within states.
agricultural practices like mulching, System
• Mission Amrit Sarovar is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75
of Rice Intensification (SRI), etc. water bodies in each district of the country.
• Governance reforms: • Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) lays emphasis on community
o Adopt a One Water approach in policy participation and demand side interventions for sustainable ground
making that considers recognizes all water water management in identified water stressed areas in seven States
resources – surface water, groundwater, of the country.
• New guidelines on groundwater extraction of CPCB with provisions
stormwater, and wastewater as a single
like- mandatory requirement of applying for NOC for new and existing
integrated system. industries, group housing societies, and private water supply tankers.
o Invest in enhancing capacity and • Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) developed by NITI
efficiency of existing treatment plants and Aayog to enable effective water management in Indian states.
establish new and efficient sewage
treatment facilities.
o Accurate pricing of water to discourage over use.
• Restoration of water bodies and recharge of aquifers:
o Nature-based solutions like specially curated “blue-green infrastructure” such as rain gardens, restored rivers
with wet meadows, wetlands constructed for bio-remediation, etc.
o Maintenance of existing water bodies through regular de-siltation.
o Undertaking low-cost artificial aquifer recharging techniques suitable to local conditions.
• Circular water economy:
o Promote use of Greywater and Unconventional water resources through stringent monitoring procedures and
appropriate treatment.
o Wastewater treatment and recycling for non-drinking purposes in residential complexes.
74 www.visionias.in ©
• Awareness generation and community led interventions:
o Adopting participatory water management approach.
o Encourage creation of traditional water harvesting structures like temple tanks, baolis etc.
o Conducting restoration drive to clean up existing water bodies.
79 www.visionias.in ©
India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The Government of India is strongly committed to the 2030 Agenda, including the SDGs. India’s national development goals
and its “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” or “development with all, and for all,” policy initiatives for inclusive development
converge well with the SDGs.
• National Action on the SDGs in India
o NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs.
NITI Aayog has undertaken a mapping of schemes and relate to the SDGs and their targets, and has identified lead and
supporting ministries for each target.
o In addition, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been leading discussions for
developing national indicators for the SDGs.
• State Governments and local government are a crucial driving force for SDG progress
o States have been advised to undertake a similar mapping of their schemes, including centrally sponsored schemes. State
governments are key to India’s progress on the SDG Agenda and paying keen attention to visioning, planning, budgeting,
and developing implementation and monitoring systems for the SDGs.
o Many of the Government’s flagship programmes such as Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Skill India, and Digital India are
at the core of the SDGs and State and local governments play a pivotal role in many of these programmes.
o The 15 of the 17 SDGs directly relate to activities undertaken by local governments in the country. Hence the role of local
governments is equally important.
Conclusion
The prevalence of challenges like climate change, global hunger, internal and external conflict have showcased the
importance of Sustainable Development approach. But with the advent of energy efficient technology and recognition
of the importance of inclusive development, a harmonious relation between development, social equity and
environment is possible. Therefore, it is imperative for India to develop effective methods for implementing, monitoring,
and measuring the progress of SDGs.
80 www.visionias.in ©
o Most of the uranium deposits around the world are of low grade but there are quite a few medium to high grade
deposits especially in Canada and Australia.
• All isotopes of uranium are radioactive and over time they decay to other lighter elements.
o The most common isotope of Uranium is U-238 with a relative abundance of 99.3%. The second most common
is U-235 with a relative abundance of 0.7% and the rest occur in trace amounts.
o U-235 is fissile and so neutrons emitted during fission can cause other U-235 nuclei to fission also, releasing a lot
of energy.
✓ This reaction is the basis of operation for the world’s current nuclear power stations and is the major reason
why uranium is a valuable mineral resource.
• India is one of the few countries in the world which has mastered all the stages of nuclear fuel cycle – starting from
uranium exploration, mining, extraction and conversion, through fuel fabrication, to reprocessing and waste
management.
Uranium Mining in India
• India is both a producer and importer of • India has been surveying and exploring uranium since 1949.
uranium and given its limited reserves it o According to the UCIL, mining operations at Jaduguda began in
consumes all the uranium it produces. 1967, and it is also India’s first uranium mine.
Uranium Mining • Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research is to
identify and evaluate uranium resources required for the successful
• Uranium resources can be extracted from implementation of Atomic Energy program of the country.
the ground in three ways: open pit, o After the AMD completes the final exploration of uranium, it
underground, and in-situ leach (ISL). hands over information/data to Uranium Corporation of India
o Open pit: When uranium is found near Limited (UCIL).
the surface - usually no more than 100 o In India, UCIL is the only organisation responsible for mining
and processing of uranium ore for commercial purposes.
meters deep, it can be extracted via
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act as well as
open pit mining. In this method, soil and
Mineral Conservation & Development Rules along with Mineral
waste rock is removed by heavy Conservation Rules further guide mining and exploration of uranium.
equipment, allowing the ore to be
accessed.
o Underground: For mines more than 100 m below the surface, the quality and amount of uranium is sufficient,
underground mines will be established.
o In situ leach (ISL) mining: In this method, the ore is deep underground so it cannot be mined with open pits, and
there may be other factors which make it more practical than other underground mining methods. It leaves very
little environmental disturbance at the
ground surface level.
Challenges in Uranium mining
• Small Low-Grade Deposits: Most of the
uranium deposits established in India so far falls
under the category of low grade.
• Radiation hazard: Underground mines can
present a radiation hazard to miners. Without
proper air ventilation, radon can collect in the
mineshafts, where it is inhaled by miners.
• Environmental degradation: Uranium mining
has widespread effects, contaminating the
environment and groundwater with radioactive
dust, radon gas, water-borne toxins, and increased levels of background radiation.
• Negative public perception: about nuclear and mining industries.
Way Forward
• Technology upgrade: Technology towards uranium exploration needs to be improved / upgraded for locating better
grade, large, buried deposits.
81 www.visionias.in ©
• Mobilisation of manpower: A dedicated training centre at one of the operating units or one attached to any academic
institute of national repute may help inculcating professionalism within the work force.
• Managing waste: With greater public awareness of health hazards and stringent environmental guidelines, the
generation and management of tailings (solid and liquid waste) shall become a crucial part of uranium mining sector.
• Acquiring stakes in uranium properties abroad: The recent developments in international nuclear co-operation
provide opportunity for meeting the energy situation through import of fuel from favourable countries.
o However, the preferred path of pursuing the three-stage nuclear power programme of the country shall continue
to require more indigenous fuel in future.
• Raising awareness: Adverse public perception on uranium mining needs to be cautiously dealt through many socio -
economic programmes in different platforms involving community and civic society.
• Global Cooperation: Advantages of global co-operation should be fully exploited by assimilating the global technology
and adopting the best practices in uranium production sector.
83 www.visionias.in ©
5.11.8. CARBON DIOXIDE (CO 2 ) LEVELS 5.11.9. COMMISSION FOR AIR QUALITY
ARE NOW COMPARABLE TO WHAT THEY MANAGEMENT (CAQM) BANS USE OF
WERE 4 MILLION YEARS AGO COAL IN DELHI, NEARBY CITIES FROM
JANUARY 2023
• CO2 measured at Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline
Observatory (MLABO), Hawaii, run by US National • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued directions to ban the use of coal in
peaked for 2022 at 421 parts per million (ppm) in May. industrial, domestic and other miscellaneous
o MLABO is a benchmark site for measuring CO2 on applications to bring down greenhouse gas emission.
the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano, world’s largest o However, use of low-sulphur coal in thermal
active volcano. power plants has been exempted from the ban.
o Other gases measured include carbon o Ban on use of coal will come into force with effect
monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide from October 1 in areas having PNG (piped
etc. natural gas) infrastructure and supply and from
• Since 1958, MLABO has been a site for daily record of January 1, 2023 in areas where PNG supply is still
global atmospheric CO2 concentration under Keeling not available.
Curve. • Significance of the ban
o Named after Dr. Charles David Keeling, it is the o Reduce pollutants including particulate matter
longest uninterrupted instrumental record of (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), CO2 and CO.
atmospheric CO2 in the world. o Save 1.7 million tonnes of coal annually which is
• CO2 measured at MLABO this year is used in industrial applications in NCR.
o 50% higher than pre-Industrial Revolution levels • About CAQM
of 280 ppm (1.8 ppm higher over 2021). o It is a statutory body established under the
o About the same level as 4.1 to 4.5 million years Commission for Air Quality Management in
ago in the Pliocene era, when temperatures were National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act,
3.9 degrees Celsius hotter and sea levels were 5 to 2021.
25 meters higher than now. ✓ It was first established in 2020 through an
• CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, gradually Ordinance.
causing global warming. o Head: Headed by Chairperson with at least 15
• Main anthropogenic causes behind CO2 emission are- years’ experience in the field of environment and
burning of fossil fuels (for transportation, energy pollution or 25 years of administrative experience.
production etc.). Deforestation, land use changes, o Appeal: CAQM orders, directions etc. can be
livestock etc. challenged at the National Green Tribunal.
• Functions of CAQM
o Coordinate actions on monitoring of air quality.
o Planning and executing plans to prevent and
control air pollution in NCR.
o Conduct research and development through
networking with technical institutions.
84 www.visionias.in ©
• About FCA (Regulation of Supply, Distribution & Prevention
o It was introduced after the 42nd Constitutional of Malpractices) Order, 2005 by permitting direct
Amendment- moving Forests from the State List to sale of Bio-ethanol (E100).
Concurrent List. o Ethanol Blended Programme (EBP) to increase
o It came into force to address deforestation and indigenous production of Ethanol.
made it necessary for states to get Centre’s • India is world’s fifth largest producer of ethanol after
permission for using forest land for “non forestry the US, Brazil, EU and China.
purposes” and also created a Forest Advisory • Significance
Committee to recommend such re-classification. o Reduce Pollution
o Non-forestry purpose means clearing of any forest o Combustion of ethanol made from biomass is
land or portion for any purpose other than considered atmospheric carbon neutral because
reafforestation. as the biomass grows, it absorbs CO2, which may
✓ Cultivation of tea, coffee, spices, rubber, offset the CO2 produced when the ethanol is
palms, oil-bearing plants, horticultural crops or burned.
medicinal plants are also non-forestry o Help lower India’s energy import dependency and
purpose. thus, lowering the crude oil import bill.
✓ However, any work relating to conservation, o Profitable for farmers and sugar mills
development and management of forests and
wildlife is not considered as non-forest 5.11.12. REN21’S RENEWABLES 2022
purpose. GLOBAL STATUS REPORT
About Central Zoo Authority (CZA) • India specific findings:
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for o India added around 15.4 GW of renewable power
establishment of CZA (1992) to complement and capacity in 2021, third highest after China (136
strengthen the national effort in conservation of the GW) and the US (43 GW).
rich biodiversity of the country. o India is now the third-largest market in the world
• CZA consists of a Chairman, ten members and a for new solar PV capacity and ranked fourth in the
Member Secretary. world for total solar energy installations (60.4
• Every Zoo in India needs CZA recognition for its GW) following China (305.9 GW).
operation. o India ranked 2ndin new Solar Water Heating
Capacity addition, 3rd in Hydropower capacity
5.11.11. INDIA ACHIEVED 10% ETHANOL
addition and 5th in Ethanol production addition in
BLENDING TARGET IN PETROL 2021.
• The original target for 10% ethanol blending in petrol o $24.3 billion was allotted for its solar energy
was November 2022. schemes, providing incentives to domestic and
o Central government had also set the target of 20% international companies to set up battery
ethanol blending in petrol (also called as E20), by manufacturing plants.
2025. • REN21 is the only global community of actors from
• An ethanol blend is defined as a blended motor fuel science, governments, NGOs and industry working
containing ethyl alcohol that is at least 99% pure, collectively to drive the rapid uptake of renewables.
derived from agricultural products, and blended o It was created in 2004 as an outcome of the
exclusively with gasoline. Bonn2004 International Conference on
o Since it is plant-based, it is considered to be a Renewable Energy.
renewable fuel. • India’s Initiatives in Renewable energy: India invested
• Measures taken to improve ethanol blending $11.3 billion in renewables in 2021 with number of
o Government has fixed remunerative prices of running schemes and policies such as:
ethanol from maize & FCI rice. o Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam
o Government is encouraging sugar mills and Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)
distilleries to enhance their distillation capacities o Solar Parks Scheme
for which Government is facilitating them to avail o National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 etc.
loans from banks for which interest subvention up
to 6% is being borne by Government.
o The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG)
has amended Motor Spirit & High-Speed Diesel
85 www.visionias.in ©
5.11.13. ELECTRICITY (PROMOTING time), battery running at high and low
temperatures etc.
RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH GREEN
• EVs are powered by battery electric power. Different
ENERGY OPEN ACCESS) RULES, 2022
types of batteries are available Li-ion, Solid state,
• Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Promoting Nickel-Metal Hydride etc.
Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) o However, Li-ion batteries are most preferred
Rules, 2022. because of their high power-to-weight ratio, high
• Key highlights energy efficiency, low self-discharge etc.
o Reduction in the limit of Open Access Transaction • Issues with EV batteries
from 1 MW to 100 KW for green energy. o Incidents of fires due to defects in battery cells and
✓ This aims to enable small consumers also to design.
purchase renewable power through open o Reliability of Battery Performance (range) as it
access. varies with ambient conditions and age of battery.
o Increase transparency in approval process of OA. o Disposal of EV batteries with concerns over its cost
✓ OA approvals will be granted in 15 days or else and toxic disposal of the batteries.
it will be deemed to have been approved • Steps Taken
subject to fulfilment of technical o Constitution of a Probe Committee to look into
requirements. It will be through national fire incidents reasons.
portal. o Regenerative braking to increase its range by
o Uniform renewable purchase obligation on all recovering energy.
obligated entities in the area of a distribution o Re-use of EV batteries in factories and home
licensees. energy battery storage systems.
o Green certificates for consumers if they consume o BIS to publish battery standards for various
green power. passenger and goods carrying vehicles.
o Cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge About BIS
shall not be applicable if green energy is utilized
for production of green hydrogen and green • BIS came into existence, through BIS Act, 1986. It was
ammonia. established into National Standard Body of India under
• Significance of the move BIS Act 2016.
o To ensure the access to affordable, reliable, • BIS is involved in various activities such as
sustainable and green energy for all. o Certification: a manufacturer is given the self-
o To promote generation, purchase and marking rights of BIS standards mark (ISI mark).
consumption of green energy including energy o Hallmarking: of gold, silver jewellery, gold bullion
from Waste-to-Energy plants. etc.
o To streamline overall approval process for o ECO mark: to environmentally friendly products.
granting OA, including timely approval, etc. o Compulsory Registration Scheme: for categories
o To enable simplified procedure for OA to green of electronics items.
power. o Laboratory services: to cater to the testing need of
o To help in achieving India’s commitment of 500 samples generated from conformity assessment
GW of non-fossil fuel by 2030. schemes.
88 www.visionias.in ©
5.11.22. MAWSYNRAM AND
CHERRAPUNJI
• Mawsynram and Cherrapunji together get more rainfall
in a day than entire country's average in June.
• Both Cherrapunji or Mawsynram lies on the Windward
side of the Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district.
• It has immense rainfall from the South West Monsoon
through the Bay of Bengal Branch as it is in the Pathway
of these winds.
o The location is bordered by the 'hills on three
sides'. The south-west winds are blocked by the
mountains leaving the Bay of Bengal monsoons
get stuck to this place.
89 www.visionias.in ©
6. SOCIAL ISSUES
6.1. ACCREDITED SOCIAL HEALTH ACTIVIST (ASHAS)
Why in News?
India’s ASHAs are among the six recipients of the WHO Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award.
More on News
• The honour recognizes contributions to advancing global health, leadership, and commitment to regional health
issues.
• A total of six recipients were given the awards. These
included Dr. Paul Farmer, Dr. Ahmed Hankir, Ludmila Sofia
Oliveira Varela, Polio workers in Afghanistan, and Yōhei
Sasakawa.
About Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Workers
• ASHA workers are female community health workers
instituted as community-based health functionaries under
the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched in
2005.
o With launch of National Urban Health Mission in 2013,
it was extended to urban settings.
• The core of the ASHA programme has been an intention to
build the capacity of community members in taking care of
their own health and being partners in health services.
• ASHA workers are chosen through a process that involves
community groups, self-help groups, Anganwadi Institutions, block nodal officer, district nodal officer, the village
health committee and the general body of the village.
o There are
around 10.4
lakh ASHA
workers across
the country,
with the largest
workforces in
states with high
populations –
Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, and
Madhya
Pradesh.
o Goa is the only
state with no
such workers,
as per the latest National Health Mission data available from 2019.
• According to the guidelines laid down by the National Health Mission, these women are preferably between 25 and
45 years of age and preference is given to candidates who have qualified up to the tenth standard.
o The education criteria is relaxed only if no qualified person is available.
o In most cases, women from the village itself are selected as ASHA workers who operate within the local
community.
• Since they are considered “volunteers”, governments are not obligated to pay them a salary.
90 www.visionias.in ©
o They receive performance-based incentives for promoting India’s universal immunisation programme, referral
and escort services for the government’s Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme, and construction of
household toilets.
Challenges faced during COVID-19
o All this adds up to only between₹6,000-
• At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASHA workers faced
8,000 a month. several attacks in different parts of the country during their door-to-
Difficulties faced by ASHA Workers door visits for surveillance.
• Despite the higher risk of contracting COVID-19, had limited or no
• Inadequate Compensation: Among the access to basic PPE, such as masks, gloves and hand sanitisers.
Anganwadi workers (AWW) and Auxiliary • They experienced difficulty in arranging transport and breakdown of
Nurse Midwife (ANM) and ASHAs, ASHAs services at remote health facilities.
are the only ones who do not have a fixed • ASHAs reported hostile attitudes of the communities they served
salary. due to the breakdown of social relations, trauma due to displacement,
• Socio-cultural factors: Since women have and loss of family members, particularly their husbands.
less representation in the village council
and have little role in decision making with matters related to village therefore for ASHAs to initiate community action
is not very feasible.
• Poor infrastructure: such as inadequate transports caused difficulty in implementing their regular duties.
• High Workload: Other than the regular defined tasks, ASHAs routinely must take on other work (from other
government departments) beyond the scope of their roles.
• Other demotivating factors: Shortage of medicines, lack of training, family disapproval, attitude of health staff at the
referral centers, and non-cooperation of the auxiliary nurse midwife/Anganwadi Worker.
Anganwadi workers (AWW) Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) ASHAs
Under • Integrated Child Development • National Rural/Urban Health Mission • National Rural/Urban
Scheme of Services (ICDS) Scheme (Ministry (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Health Mission
of Women and Child (MoH&FW)) (MoF&HW)
Development)
Based at • Anganwadi center • Health sub-center and visits villages • Village level
in addition to providing care at the
sub-center.
Key roles • Providing early childhood care • Create awareness on factors that • Focuses on promotion of
and development of the determine health status. Maternal and Child
beneficiaries i.e., children in the • Counsel women, families, and Health, including
age group of 0-6 years, pregnant adolescents on birth preparedness. immunizations and
women, and lactating mothers. • Curative care and supplies. institutional-based
• Guiding ASHAs. deliveries
Incentives • Honorarium as decided by the • Honorarium as decided by the • Receive performance-
Government of India. Government of India based incentives
• Also, performance linked
incentive is provided.
Way Forward
• Higher remuneration: Indian States need to develop mechanisms for higher and timely incentives followed by fixed
monthly payments for ASHAs.
• Capacity Building: In-built institutional mechanisms are created for capacity-building and avenues for career
progression for ASHAs to move to other cadres such as ANM, public health nurses and community health officers are
to be opened.
• Making ASHAs permanent employees: Considering the extensive shortage of staff in the primary health-care system
and diverse functions being undertaken by ASHAs, it is a policy option that is worth serious consideration.
• Extending social sector benefits: Including health insurance (for ASHAs and their families) should be considered.
Possibility of ASHAs automatically being entitled and having access to a broad range of social welfare schemes needs
to be institutionalized.
91 www.visionias.in ©
• External review needed: To conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the program to understand approaches
to effectively scale the program and strengthen strategies to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain ASHAs.
• Special training: Their role vis-a-vis specific lethal child related conditions, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, needs to
be specifically elaborated and their training needs to be enhanced to contribute for the same.
• Community connect: Success and sustainability of the ASHA program can be enhanced by community sensitization
and increasing the knowledge of communities about the jobs and responsibilities of ASHA workers.
92 www.visionias.in ©
▪ To set the minimum standards of physical infrastructure, laboratory and diagnostic equipment and
expert manpower.
▪ To supervise the functioning of State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Boards;
o State/ Union territory Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board by each state and UT having a
legislature at state level.
o National Assisted Reproductive Technology and
Surrogacy Registry for the purposes of registration
of surrogacy clinics.
• Other features of the Act
o It seeks for regulation of surrogacy clinics through
registration and prohibits taking services of
unqualified professionals or inducing women to
become surrogates through advertisements or
other means.
o Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother: A willing
woman shall act as a surrogate mother and be
permitted to undergo surrogacy procedures on fulfilment of following conditions:
✓ Shall possess an eligibility certificate issued by the appropriate authority.
✓ A married woman having a child of her own and between the age of 25 to 35 years.
✓ No woman shall act as a surrogate mother by providing her own gametes.
✓ Shall possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy and surrogacy procedures.
✓ No woman shall act as a surrogate mother more than once in her lifetime.
o Eligibility criteria for intending couple: The eligible couple should have a ‘certificate of eligibility ‘and ‘certificate
of essentiality’ issued by the authorities in charge. (refer infographics)
o A child born out of surrogacy procedure shall be deemed to be a biological child of the intending couple or
intending woman.
o Conducting surrogacy procedures for commercial purposes shall be punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to five years and with fine which may
extend to five lakh rupees for the first Issues with the act
• Exclusionary in nature: The Act exclusively allows a man and a
offence.
woman alone, who are legally married under Indian laws, to
Significance of act avail of surrogacy services, thus prohibiting non-binary and
• Progressive move: It aim to clean up India’s same sex couples from experiencing the joy of parenthood.
hitherto unregulated surrogacy industry by • In Devika Biswas v. Union of India, the Apex Court held that
Right to Reproduction was an essential facet of the ‘Right to
bringing thousands of ART and surrogacy clinics
Life’ under Article 21.
under the ambit of the law. • Issues with the Definition of ‘infertility’ restricted to failure to
• Protection of the rights of the surrogate mother: conceive: It does not cover all cases in which a couple is unable
Due to the absence of legal regulations, surrogate to bear a child.
mothers faced multiple challenges, • Banning commercial surrogacy denies a legitimate source of
including exploitation, unhygienic living income of the surrogates, further limiting the number of
conditions, and unfair treatment. women to willingly surrogate.
• Safeguards the rights of the child: Abandonment
of child due to genetic or other disability, or changing of couple’s social or marital status is legally not allowed.
• Promotes medical tourism in the country: India is a huge market for surrogacy as is reflected from the fact that in
2012, the size of India's surrogacy industry was $2 billion a year with more than 3,000 fertility clinics engaged in this
across the country.
Conclusion
In India the major obstacle to surrogacy is balancing the different interests of both parties. On one side, it is the duty of
the State to prevent the exploitation of surrogate mothers and protect the rights of the unborn child, while on the other
hand, the right of the women to make their own reproductive choices and the rights of the intended parents. India’s
regulation of surrogacy is still struggling to find the right balance between these conflicting interests.
93 www.visionias.in ©
6.3. CHILD MARRIAGE
Why in news?
Every fourth woman surveyed in the age group of 20 to 24
was married before they turned 18: National Family Health
Survey-5 (NFHS-5).
More findings about child marriage in NFHS-5
• Age at first marriage
o Marriage before legal age: 38% of women age 20-49
marry before the legal minimum age of marriage
of 18 years, and 23% of men age 25-49 marry before
the minimum legal age of marriage of 21 years.
✓ However an overall declining trend of early marriage has been observed in both men and women.
o Median age: The median age at first marriage is 19.2 years among women age 20-49 and 24.9 years among men
age 25-49.
o State with low child marriage age: In West Bengal, about two-fifths of women marry before reaching the legal
minimum age at marriage followed by Bihar.
• Teenage childbearing
o In India, 7% of women age 15-19 have begun childbearing. Teenage pregnancy is relatively high in rural areas.
o The level of teenage pregnancy decreases with an increasing level of schooling. 18% of women age 15-19 with no
schooling have already begun childbearing, compared with only 4% of women who had 12 or more years of
schooling.
Child marriage and its causes
• Child marriage is defined as a formal or informal union before the age of 18. The practice affects mostly girls and
child marriage is widely considered as a violation of human rights and a form of violence against girls.
• The elimination of child marriage by 2030 is a global target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Various causes of child marriage are as given below;
o Cultural and social factor: It is because of social norms in many regions and cultures that parents begin
preparations for a girl’s marriage once she has reached menarche.
✓ In many societies, polygamy tends to be associated with child marriage.
o Prevalence of Poverty and burden of dowry: For many poor families, marrying their daughter at an early age
essentially is a strategy for economic survival; it means one less person to feed, clothe and educate.
✓ Also, huge costs of dowry associated with delayed marriages forces families to marry child at early age.
o Security and safety: Parents marry their child earlier because they think it will protect and secure them from
increased or generalised violence, including sexual violence.
o Lack of education: Little or no schooling strongly correlates with being married at a young age. Educating girls
often is less of a priority and their most important role is considered to be that of a wife, mother and homemaker
which forces them to marry at early age.
o Inadequate implementation of the law: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 requires only marriages
resulting from use of force/threat/fraud/kidnapping or violation of an injunction order of a court to prevent such
a marriage from taking place are null and void, which means child marriages other than these reasons are valid.
94 www.visionias.in ©
Ways to end child marriage
• Education: Access to quality primary and secondary education is seen by parents and community members as the
most effective way to delay marriage.
o However, the current law Right to Free and Compulsory Education 2009 covers children only upto the age of 14
years. Hence law is required to be amended so that children can continue in school up to 18 years and delay
age of marriage.
• Economic empowerment: Programs should be created to sensitize parents on the need to foster within the home an
environment that encourages their daughters to learn to manage finances, make financial decisions, and operate
savings accounts that helps in controlling over their earnings or savings.
• Law enforcement: Not always lack of awareness of the law, but unaccountability, and the ability to use the gaps in
the law leads to child marriage. In this context, compulsory registration of marriages may be a deterrent to child
marriages and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 needs to be reviewed for its effective implementation.
• Communication campaigns: These campaigns help to examine traditional beliefs about marriage and foster
behavioural change from within communities and leads to attain equality, access to education and freedom from
exploitation and discrimination.
• National Plan of Action on Prevention of Child Marriage: A comprehensive National Plan of Action is needed with
regional consultations that can help to address regional problems and eliminate child marriages.
Initiatives by Govt of India to end child marriage
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006: Act is to prohibit solemnization of child marriage, by providing age of marriage for
boys at 21, and for girls at 18 and any marriage of people below this age will be considered as a child marriage which is illegal,
an offence and is punishable under the law.
o Recently, the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in the Parliament to raise age of
marriage for girls to 21.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)’ scheme by Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Child Help line: Government of India has introduced CHILDLINE with short code 1098, a 24X7 telephone emergency outreach
service for children in crisis, including for prevention of child marriages in coordination with police and District Child
Protection Units.
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): It undertakes various activities and programmes from time to
time on the issue of child marriages and related matters. Further, NCPCR requested all States/ UTs to issue directions to all
stakeholders, including Sarpanches and Civil Society Organizations to take proactive steps and preventive measures to stop
child marriages.
95 www.visionias.in ©
Conclusion
Promising interventions such as keeping girls in school, economic empowerment and stringent law enforcement and
investing in such interventions, documenting their impacts, and implementing a broad range of gender transformative
policies will all be key to end child marriages and ensuring a better future both for girls and countries as a whole.
96 www.visionias.in ©
• Similar Initiative o Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay (172)
o National Achievement Survey by the Ministry of and IIT Delhi (174) have improved their rank from
Education, gives a system-level reflection on the previous year.
effectiveness of school education. • QS ranking is an annual publication of university
o School Equality Index by NITI Aayog to evaluate the rankings which comprises the global overall and
performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) subject rankings.
in the school education sector. o It is measured on basis of academic reputation,
• Highlights employer reputation, faculty/ student ratio,
o The top five achievers are Chandigarh, Gujarat, citations per faculty and international student/
Kerala, Delhi, and Maharashtra. faculty ratio.
o No district achieved the ‘Daksh’ rating in both
years. 6.4 .6. ‘CHILDREN IN STREET
o Three Rajasthan districts i.e., Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and SITUATIONS (CISS)’
Jaipur have emerged as best performers.
• National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR) has launched a “CiSS application” under Baal
Swaraj portal to help in rehabilitation process of
Children in street.
o Baal Swaraj is a portal launched by NCPCR for
online tracking and digital real-time monitoring
mechanism of children in need of care and
protection.
✓ The portal has two functions- COVID care and
CiSS.
o The initiative is taken under direction of Supreme
Court.
• CiSS application is used for receiving data of children
in street situations from all states and union
territories, tracking their rescue and rehabilitation
process.
o The standard operating procedure for care and
protection of children in street situations 2.0 (SOP
2.0)categorises any child under ‘Children in Street
Situation’ if the child is living on the streets alone,
living on the streets during the day, or living on
6.4.4. PM EVIDYA the streets with the family.
• The program embodies Article 51 (A) of the
• Use of ICT under PM eVIDYA, particularly during the Constitution, as it provides a platform to the public to
COVID-19 pandemic, wins UNESCO’s recognition report any child in need of assistance and provide any
(UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize). help that they can to children in need.
• PM eVIDYA (by Ministry of Education) unifies all • NCPCR is a statutory body under Commissions for
efforts related to digital/online/on-air education to Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
enable multi-mode access for imparting education by • Baal Swaraj follows six stages framework for the
using technology to minimise learning losses. rehabilitation of children.
• It has been initiated as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat o Collection of the child’s details through the portal.
Abhiyaan. o Investigating the child’s background (Social
Investigation Report) under the supervision of the
6.4.5. QUACQUARELLI SYMONDS (QS) District Child Protection Unit.
WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2023 o Formulating an Individual Care Plan (ICP) for the
• Key findings child.
o Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has o The order of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
emerged as topmost Indian institute, ranking at based on the SIR.
155th spot. o Allocating the schemes and benefits that the
beneficiary can avail of.
97 www.visionias.in ©
o A checklist is made for the evaluation of the • Key findings
progress (Follow Ups). o By the end of 2021, those displaced by war,
violence, persecution, and human rights abuses
6.4.7. ‘MIGRATION IN INDIA 2020-2021’ stood at 89.3 million, up 8% on a year earlier.
REPORT o Nearly 5 million people in India were internally
displaced (people displaced inside their own
• The report (released by Ministry of Statistics and
countries) due to climate change and disasters in
Programme Implementation) is based on first-time
2021.
collection of additional data during the annual round
✓ The largest displacements in the context of
of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July 2020-
disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0
June 2021 on migration aspects.
million)
o It separates the categories of ‘temporary visitors’
o The US was the world’s largest recipient of new
and ‘migrants’.
individual applications followed by Germany.
• Key findings
o 69% of all refugees came from just five countries:
o All-India migration rate was 28.9%, with 26.5%
Syrian Arab Republic (6.8 million), Venezuela (4.6
and 34.9% migration rate in rural and urban areas
million), Afghanistan (2.7 million), South Sudan
respectively.
(2.4 million), and Myanmar (1.2 million).
o Females recorded a higher share of migration rate
o Children account for 30% of the world’s
(47.9%) as compared to males.
population, but 41% of all forcibly displaced
✓ Among females, the highest level of migration
people.
rate was seen at 86.8% for marriage.
o 5.7 million displaced people returned to their
o 48.9% of ‘temporary visitors’ moved to meet
areas or countries of origin in 2021, including 5.3
family/relatives/friends.
million internally displaced people and 429,300
o Reverse migration during the pandemic led to
refugees.
higher rates of unemployment agglomeration in
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
rural areas, which caused rural distress.
(UNHCR)
Conceptual Framework defined in report o A global organization dedicated to saving lives,
Usual Place It is the place (village/town) where the person protecting rights and building a better future for
of Residence has been staying continuously for at least six refugees, forcibly displaced communities and
(UPR) months; or found staying there during the stateless people.
survey with intention to stay there
o Created in 1950, during the aftermath of the
continuously for six months or more.
Second World War.
Migrant A household member whose last usual place
of residence, any time in the past, was
different from the present place of
6.4.9. ACTION AGENDA ON INTERNAL
enumeration was considered as migrant DISPLACEMENT
member in a household.
• United Nation (UN) Secretary-General launched Action
Migration Migration rate for any category of person (say,
Rate for rural or urban, male or female), is the Agenda on Internal Displacement.
percentage of migrants belonging to that • Action Agenda sets out commitments by UN system to
category of persons better resolve, prevent and address internal
Temporary Persons who arrived after March 2020 and displacement crises.
Visitors stayed in the household continuously for a • Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are people who are
period of 15 days or more but less than 6 forced to flee their homes due to armed conflict,
months generalized violence, violations of human rights, or
natural or human-made disasters, climate change
6.4.8. ‘G LOBAL TRENDS: FORCED impacts but who remain within their own country.
DISPLACEMENT IN 2021’ o Number of IDPs has reached more than 59 million
• This annual report was released by UNHCR. people (2021). India also saw 4.9 million internal
• It presents key statistical trends and the latest displacements in 2021.
numbers of refugees, asylum seekers, internally o Challenges face by IDPs: High risk of physical
displaced and stateless persons worldwide as well as attack, sexual assault and abduction, deprived of
numbers of people who have returned to their adequate shelter, food and health services etc.
countries or areas of origin. • Action Agenda sets out UN’s commitments to realize
three goals:
98 www.visionias.in ©
o Help IDPs find a durable solution to their o Strengthening the quality of mental health care by
displacement. diversifying it
o Better prevent new displacement crises from
emerging. 6.4 .12. GOING ONLINE AS LEADERS
o Ensure those facing displacement receive effective (GOAL) PROGRAMME
protection and assistance.
• Recently, Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the 2nd
• In India, IDPs broadly fit into following categories:
phase of the GOAL programme.
Displacements due to natural disasters, development
• GOAL programme is joint initiative of Facebook India
activities, and instances of violence and conflict.
with Ministry of Tribal affairs to provide mentorship to
o Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and Disaster
tribal youth through digital mode.
Management Act, 2005 address first two
• It aims to digitally upskill 10 lakh youth from tribal
categories.
communities and open up opportunities for them
o Also, there is an umbrella scheme of Relief and
using digital technology.
Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates to
provide financial assistance and other facilities. • It will create a platform for Self-Help Groups and
families associated with TRIFED(Tribal Co-operative
6.4 .10. NORMS TO PROTECT KIDS Marketing Development Federation of India) to take
WORKING IN OTT PLATFORMS their products global.
• National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights 6.4.13. NATIONAL TRIBAL RESEARCH
(NCPCR) has published draft guidelines to safeguard INSTITUTE (NTRI)
children in movies, TV shows, social media, OTT
platforms etc. from physical and psychological stress. • The Home Minister inaugurated the NTRI in New Delhi.
o It will work as a premier national level institute
• Key provisions
and nerve-centre of tribal concerns, issues and
o Producers must get a district magistrate's
matters in academic, executive and legislative
approval before including a child in a shoot.
fields.
o Production facilities must make sure that the
o It will provide policy inputs to the Ministry of
workplace is secure and that kids aren't exposed
Tribal Affairs and State Welfare Departments with
to hazardous lighting, irritating chemicals, or
studies and programs to showcase tribal cultural
tainted cosmetics.
heritage under one umbrella.
o A minimum of 20% of child's earnings from the
o It will collaborate and network with other
event must be promptly put into a fixed deposit
institutions and monitor projects of Tribal
account in child's name.
Research Institutes (TRIs), Centres of Excellence
6.4.11. WHO RELEASES WORLD MENTAL (CoEs), etc.
HEALTH REPORT 6.4.14. NATIONAL AIR SPORTS POLICY
Key findings (NASP) 2022
• Almost a billion people, 14% of whom were • Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) recently launched
adolescents, were living with some form of mental National Air Sports Policy (NASP) 2022.
health issues in 2019. • NASP is aimed at providing a safe, affordable and
• Globally, 71% of psychosis patients don’t receive sustainable air sports ecosystem in the country.
treatment. o Its vision is to include India among the top air
• Progress towards Comprehensive Mental Health sporting nations by 2030.
Action Plan (CMHAP) 2013–2030 has been slow. o Eleven air sports including Aerobatics, aero
o Adopted by all the 194 members, CMHAP aims to modelling and rocketry, ballooning, parachuting,
promote mental well-being, prevent mental paragliding and para-motoring etc. will be
disorders, etc. promoted.
• 3 key ways to achieve CMHAP • Objective of NASP, 2022
o Focussed investment in mental health o Enable adoption of international good practices in
o Reshaping environments such as homes, safety including but not limited to, air sports
communities, schools, workplaces and health care infrastructure, equipment, operations,
services maintenance and training.
99 www.visionias.in ©
o Enhance participation and success of Indian • It was formed by merging the United Nations Drug
sportspersons in global air sports events. Control Programme and the Centre for International
o Promote design, development and manufacturing Crime Prevention.
of air sports equipment in India in line with the
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. 6.4 .16. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION -
• Governance structure URBAN 2.0 (SBM - U 2.0) LAUNCH ES
o NASP 2022 covers 11 different air sports and REVISED SWACHH CERTIFICATION
provides a four-tier governance structure (refer PROTOCOLS TO SUSTAIN ODF STATUS
infographic) with Air Sports Federation of India
(AFSI) as the apex governing body. • SBM-U 2.0 has launched the revised Swachh
o ASFI shall be an autonomous body under MCA. Certification Protocols for Open Defecation Free
✓ It represents India at (ODF), ODF+, ODF++, and Water+ certifications.
FédérationAéronautiqueInternationale (FAI), o In October 2021, SBM-U 2.0 (2021-22 to 2025-26)
headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and was launched with focus on sustaining sanitation
other global platforms related to air sports. and solid waste management outcomes achieved
✓ FAI is world governing body for air sports. during SBM.
✓ SBM-U was launched in 2014 in all Urban Local
6.4.15. UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON Bodies, to achieve 100% ODF status through
DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC) WORLD construction of Individual Household Latrines
DRUG REPORT 2022 (IHHLs) and Community/ Public Toilets
(CT/PTs).
• Key findings of Report:
Key interventions against each certification
o Around 284 million people aged 15-64 used drugs
worldwide in 2020, a 26% increase over previous Status When Declared? Intervention
decade. ODF • If not a single • Robust monitoring
✓ Though women are in minority in terms of person is found mechanism
global drug use, the rate of increase in drug defecating in open. ensured by
consumption is more rapid in women than increasing the
number of survey
men.
sample size and
o Continued growth in drug production and
location types.
trafficking ODF+ • ODF status • Focus on
o Illicit drug economies can flourish in situations of conditions and all functionality of
conflict and where rule of law is weak, and can community and CT/PT.
prolong/ fuel conflict. public toilets are • Innovative
✓ Conflict situations in the Middle East and functional and well Operation &
South-East Asia act as a magnet for synthetic maintained. Maintenance
drugs manufacturing. business model for
o Environmental impacts: Deforestation associated sustainability in
with illicit coca cultivation, hugewaste generation long run.
during synthetic drug manufacturing etc. ODF++ • ODF+ status • Mechanized
conditions and cleaning of septic
✓ Dumping of waste can affect soil, water and
Toilets with sludge tanks and sewers.
air directly, and organisms, animals and food and septage • Safe collection &
chains indirectly. management. treatment of used
• As per the report, India is one of the world’s single- water as well as
largest opiate markets in terms of users and likely safe management
vulnerable to increased supply. of faecal sludge.
o There are signs of intensification in trafficking of Water+ • All wastewater • Collection,
opiates originating in Afghanistan. released is treated transportation,
o This can trigger increased levels of trafficking and to a satisfactory treatment, and
associated organised crimes. level (as per CPCB reuse of both used
norms), before water and faecal
About UNODC (HQ: Vienna) releasing to sludge.
environment.
• It was founded in 1997 to fight against illicit drugs and
international crime.
100 www.visionias.in ©
6.4.17. HABITUS o It was popularised by French sociologist Pierre
Bourdieu in his book Outline of a Theory of
• Habitus refers to a collective entity by and into which Practice (1977).
dominant social and cultural conditions of a society • It helps instill a sense of the world in individuals by
are established and reproduced. attributing cultural value to material or immaterial
o What one considers, 'natural', 'taboo', 'neutral' objects.
and 'good' or 'bad' is constructed by one's • It explains how inequality is reproduced through the
habitus. dominant social and cultural conditions that an
individual is accustomed to.
101 www.visionias.in ©
7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
7.1. PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE PROGRAME OF INDIA
102 www.visionias.in ©
• Harvesting talent pool: India has huge talent pool and searching for opportunities. So, participation of private entities
in space sector helps to harvest sizeable talent pool available outside ISRO.
• Transparency and accountability: Expanding the
Other reforms to promote private players in space sector
number of stakeholders with participation of private
• New Space India Limited (NSIL)
entities will ensure more transparency and better
o It is country's first public sector undertaking in the
accountability and regulatory practices. space sector and commercial arm of ISRO aimed at
• Competitiveness: With low cost, innovation and better production and marketing of space-based services,
talent pool in India’s space will make more competitive also empowered to own the operational launch
with respect to globally reputed, private space industry. vehicles and space assets of ISRO.
o On private entrepreneurs’ involvement India will o It enables better collaboration with start-ups and
emerge as a big player in ‘space tourism’ and ‘space private sector players without the hassle of
diplomacy’. government intervention
• Fill communication infrastructure deficit: The vast • Draft Spacecom Policy 2020
o It aims at meeting the growing demands of space-
amount of potential and resources available with the
based communication requirements of the nation
private sector will help the space industry to grow and and advancements in the relevant technologies for
fill in the communication infrastructure deficit by looking self-sustenance in areas of commercial, secured
beyond the traditional modes of internet delivery and and societal communications.
look for space-based solutions.
Concerns over participation of private entities in space sector
• Monopolisation: Space technology is expensive and needs heavy investment and only few rich corporates are there
to avail requirement. Thus, it can lead to monopolisation of the space sector by few rich corporates.
• Profit interest: Private companies will have more profitable interests than developing solutions that cater to the
immediate socio-economic needs of the country.
• Intellectual property issue: The private sector is particularly concerned about issues such as sharing intellectual
property for products developed by them. But currently such intellectual property centric policy in space sector does
not exist.
• National security: There are concerns that private players may leak critical national security information that could
create disaster than progress.
• Policy bottlenecks: India lacks the policy and space law for private sector that can give openness and clarity about
working framework.
Way forward
• Incubator and Grant Programs: Research and development of space technology is a long and costly process. Hence,
setting up incubators and grant programs that support the sector during this initial R&D phase will greatly improve
entrepreneurship and investor participation, as well as increase the success rate of these start-ups.
• Space Qualification: Space qualification refers to the testing and proof of concept demonstration of technologies
while in space. But due to higher costs most start-ups cannot afford. So, with ISRO’s help in launching payload, more
start-ups may be able to afford space qualification tests multiple times.
• Intellectual Property centric policy: There is need to create reforms where local industry can invest in building their
own IP and/or products that can match global standards.
• Legislative framework: India needs to develop a robust legislative framework for space to ensure sustainable and
inclusive growth.
There are areas of space utilization that will be best fulfilled by the private sector and there are areas that are and will
continue to be best fulfilled by the public sector. Thus, the relationship between the two is symbiotic, not parasitic.
103 www.visionias.in ©
7.2. GREEN HYDROGEN
Why in news?
Recently, a report 'Green Hydrogen: Opportunities for Deep
Decarbonisation in India' was released by NITI Aayog that
highlights green hydrogen is critical to India’s net-zero ambitions
by 2070.
Green hydrogen
• Green hydrogen is produced by renewable energy through
electrolysis of water. Electrolyser technology is central to the
green hydrogen production process.
• Alkaline, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and Solid
Oxide Electrolysers are commercially available technologies
for green hydrogen production.
o Alkaline Electrolyzers: Alkaline electrolyzers operate via
transport of hydroxide ions (OH-) through the electrolyte
from the cathode to the anode with hydrogen being
generated on the cathode side.
o Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolysers: In a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser, the
electrolyte is a solid specialty plastic material.
o Solid Oxide Electrolyzers: It uses a solid ceramic material as the electrolyte that selectively conducts negatively
charged oxygen ions (O2-) at elevated temperatures (700°–800°C) to generate hydrogen.
• Applications: Green hydrogen can be consumed through either direct combustion, electricity generation through fuel
cells and industrial processes like ammonia, steel manufacturing and petroleum refinery to be used as chemical
feedstock.
Significance of green hydrogen energy and potential of India
• Reduce carbon emmissions: It can help abate 3.6 gigatons of cumulative CO2 emissions by 2050.
• Enabler of energy security: and reducing energy import. Because green hydrogen can potentially provide a
replacement of fossil fuels in industrial processes.
• Cost effective: While hydrogen can be produced from multiple sources, India’s distinct advantage in low-cost
renewable electricity means that green hydrogen will emerge as the most cost-effective form.
104 www.visionias.in ©
• Demand: It is expected that Hydrogen demand Various initiatives by India in green hydrogen
in India could grow more than fourfold by 2050, • National Hydrogen Mission: National Hydrogen Mission
representing almost 10% of global demand of launched on India’s 75th Independence Day.
which majority of this demand could be met with o The Mission aims to aid the government in meeting its
green hydrogen. climate targets and making India a green hydrogen hub to
• Global manufacturing hub: The Quadrilateral meet the target of production of 5 million tonnes of green
Security Dialogue (Quad) group eyes India as a hydrogen by 2030.
• India’s Green Hydrogen Policy: Government of India have
global manufacturing hub for green hydrogen
framed the policy on Green Hydrogen which provides the
outside the influence of China. following:
o A global green hydrogen market in India will o Green Hydrogen shall be defined as Hydrogen produced by
be an apt alternative to maintain balance in way of electrolysis of water using Renewable Energy.
the Indo-Pacific region. o The waiver of inter-state transmission charges shall be
o It is possible because of India’s economical granted for a period of 25 years to the producer of Green
labour force and land for manufacturing, is Hydrogen.
an ideal location. o Green Hydrogen can be manufactured by a developer by
• Joint interests: Countries such as the US and using Renewable Energy from a co-located Renewable
Japan ready to invest in India and countries Energy plant, or sourced from a remotely located
Renewable Energy plants.
including Germany and Japan, have evinced
o Land in Renewable Energy Parks can be allotted for the
interest in importing green hydrogen from India. manufacture of Green Hydrogen.
Concerns of green hydrogen o The Government of India proposes to set up Manufacturing
Zones and Green Hydrogen production plant can be set up
• Transportation and Storage: Storage and in any of the Manufacturing Zones.
transportation of hydrogen have traditionally o Renewable Energy consumed for the production of Green
been difficult due to the unique characteristics Hydrogen shall count towards Renewable Purchase
of the gas flammability, low density, ease of Obligation (RPO) compliance of the consuming entity.
dispersion, and embrittlement.
• High cost: The cost of green hydrogen production is much
higher than what is produced from fossil fuels, due to high
prices of renewables and rare earth material used as
electrodes.
• High energy consumption: The production of green
hydrogen particular requires more energy than other fuels.
Also, availability of renewable energy is not at par demand.
• Safety issues: Hydrogen is a highly volatile and flammable
element and extensive safety measures are therefore
required to prevent leakage and explosions.
What needs to be done?
• State level actions: Encourage state-level action and policy
making related to Green Hydrogen to complement efforts
at the national-level.
• Capacity building and skill: Encourage capacity building and
skill development across the ecosystem including
government, industry, and academia addressing
technologies.
• Financial mechanism Adequate financial mechanisms such
viability gap funding, production-linked incentive (PLI)
schemes, reduction or exemption of tax and duties like the
GST and custom duties to be encouraged to promote
production of green hydrogen energy.
105 www.visionias.in ©
• Encouraging Electrolyser Manufacturing: Identify and invest in research, development, and commercialisation of
low-cost electrolyser technologies that require minimum rare earth metals.
• Research and Development: Early-stage R&D to enable technologies that reduces the cost of costs of manufacturing
electrolyser components, using advanced techniques such as additive manufacturing.
• Near-term and medium-term targets: This helps to bring down the current costs of green hydrogen to make it
competitive with the existing form of hydrogen.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): It has been mandated by the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 for performing
the following functions.
• Framing of regulations to lay down the standards and guidelines for articles of food and system of enforcing various standards.
• Laying down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies for certification of food safety management
system for food businesses and accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories.
• To provide scientific advice and technical support to Central Government and State Governments for framing the policy and
rules related to food safety and nutrition.
• Collect and collate data regarding food consumption, incidence and prevalence of biological risk, contaminants in food,
residues of various contaminants in food products, identification of emerging risks and introduction of rapid alert system.
• Creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, Panchayats, etc., receive rapid, reliable
and objective information about food safety and issues of concern.
• Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.
106 www.visionias.in ©
Concerns related with food safety
• Inefficient food testing labs: Currently, India has handful accredited labs
about 28 in north, 25 in west, 24 in south and five in the eastern region,
which are very less compared to food products and its demand. Also, these
labs are lacking in required infrastructure and trained human resources.
• Environmental and climate change: Increased climate variability, increased
frequency and intensity of extreme events, use of excessive fertilisers
causing environmental pollution and climate change, which deteriorating
the food quality and resulting to food safety issues.
• New and emerging variants and antibiotic resistance: Due to multiple
mutations there is emergence of new variants of plant disease causing
germs. Also, developed antibiotic resistance are causing threat to food
safety and security.
• Changes in consumer preferences and habits: Lack of awareness regarding
handling and storage of foods in the domestic environment and preference
for processed food with additives and ready to eat food causing major
issues of food safety.
Various initiatives in regard to food safety
• Burden of population and food security: Population
• Eat Right India: It is movement to ensure safe, healthy
growth is an important driver of increased food demand and sustainable food for all Indians with tagline ‘Sahi
and security, but such increased demand directly and Bhojan Behtar Jeevan’ and following initiatives;
indirectly affecting the food safety. o Eat Right Research Awards and Grants
Ways to maintain food safety o Eat Right Creativity Challenge
• Eat Right Campus
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): GMP is a good • Blissful Hygienic Offering to God (BHOG): Encourage
business tool that helps to refine compliance and places of worship to adopt and maintain food safety
performance by the manufacturers/producers. and hygiene in preparation, serving and sale of prasad.
o It is necessary to ensure that • Hygiene Rating of Restaurants: It is a universal system
manufacturers/processors take proactive steps to recognized all over India and provides a single
ensure that their products are safe by eliminating benchmark to rate all fresh food businesses.
contamination and false labelling, thereby protecting the consumer.
• Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure (SSOP): SSOP are written procedures developed and implemented in a
facility to prevent direct contamination or adulteration of the products.
o The facility is required to maintain these written procedures on file, and these must be available to regulating or
government bodies upon request.
• Good Hygiene Practices (GHP): GHP are generally called the prerequisite measures and include an exhaustive list of
measures for staff personal hygiene and training. This ensures that safety practices are used and maintained in food
preparation environment.
• Good Handling Practices: It indicate a comprehensive approach from the farm to the store or consumer, in order to
identify potential sources of risk and indicates what steps and procedures are taken to minimise the risk of
contamination.
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP): HACCP is a means of providing assurance about safety of food. In this
each individual step in a specific process of food chain like raw material procurement, manufacturing, distribution,
usage of food products are considered in detail and evaluated for its potential to contribute to the development of
pathogenic microorganisms or other food hazards.
• Food irradiation: It is the application of ionizing radiation to food that improves the safety and extends the shelf life
of foods by reducing or eliminating microorganisms and insects.
107 www.visionias.in ©
7.4. NEWS IN SHORTS
7.4.1. 5G OPEN RADIO ACCESS NETWORK • World Wide Web is the primary tool used by billions of
(RAN) people to share, read, and write information to
interact with other people via internet.
• Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), WiSig • About different Web versions
Networks Private Limited and VVDN Technologies o Web 1.0 is often referred to as the “read-only”
Private Limited have signed an agreement for Internet made of static web-pages that only
developing 5G Open RAN and other products together. allowed for passive engagement.
o Collaboration aims to leverage the o Web 2.0 (or read and write internet) made the
complementary strengths of Telecom R&D and internet a lot more interactive. Users were now
industry to accelerate the indigenous design, able to communicate with servers and other users
development & deployment of end-to-end 5G leading to the creation of the social web.
solutions. o Web 3.0 (a “read-write-execute” web) , built
• RAN provides the critical technology to connect users leveraging the blockchain technology, will be
to the mobile network over radio waves. It also acts as driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine
a bridge to access all the key applications on the web. learning where machines will be able to interpret
o Current RAN technology is provided as an information like humans.
integrated platform of both hardware and o Web 4.0 services will be autonomous, proactive,
software. self-learning, collaborative, and content-
o Therefore, it is difficult to mix vendors for its generating agents. Fully mature semantic (logical)
different units, and in most cases, they come from and reasoning technologies, as well as AI are the
the same supplier. foundation.
• Idea of Open RAN is to enable operators to mix and
match components from different vendors. 7.4.3. LIQUID-MIRROR TELESCOPE (LMT)
o Open RAN will create a multi-supplier RAN • LMT, India’s first and Asia’s largest liquid-mirror
solution that allows for the separation between telescope, is commissioned at the Devasthal
hardware and software with open interfaces. Observatory of Aryabhatta Research Institute of
Observational Sciences (ARIES) in Nainital
(Uttarakhand).
o ARIES is an autonomous institute under
Department of Science and Technology.
• LMT will observe asteroids, supernovae, space debris
and all other celestial objects.
• Built by astronomers from India, Belgium and Canada,
LMT employs a rotating mirror made up of a thin film
of liquid mercury (a reflective liquid) to collect and
focus light.
o LMT, having a primary mirror that is liquid, cannot
be turned and pointed in any direction and
watches the sky as the Earth rotates.
109 www.visionias.in ©
• Benefits of Nano urea 7.4.9. STEEL SLAG
o Improved agricultural produce with reduced urea
consumption as the efficiency of liquid nano urea • Union Minister of Steel inaugurated the first six lane
is as high as 85-90% in comparison to 25% of highway road made by using Steel Slag at Surat,
conventional urea. Gujarat.
o Significant reduction in urea imports, government • About Steel slag:
subsidies and logistics cost. o It is a by-product of steel making, produced during
o Reduced soil, water and air pollution from urea, the separation of the molten steel from impurities
improving quality of underground water and in steel-making furnaces.
reduction in global warming. o Steel slags is also used in the agricultural sector
o Higher shelf life as no issue of caking on coming due to its ability to correct soil acidity.
into contact with moisture. o It contains some nutrients for the plants and also
• Other Potential Nanotechnology Opportunities in as silicate fertilizer that is capable of providing
Agriculture silicon to the plants.
o Use of Nanoformulations of herbicides, pesticides o Other Applications: Transportation industry,
and other fertilizers. construction, cement production, waste water and
o Use of Nanosensors to identify diseases and water treatment etc.
residues of agrochemicals.
o For genetic improvement of plants to increase 7.4.10. NIXTAMALISATION
productivity, nutritional value or shelf life. • A study has thrown light on how Maya people fortified
their maize with chemical process known as
‘nixtamalisation.
• Nixtamalisation is a method by which the ancient
peoples of Mesoamerica (a term used to describe
Mexico and Central America) like the Maya used to
soak and cook their maize in an alkaline solution and
make it more palatable, nutritious and non-toxic.
o Process ensures that maize contains amino acids,
calcium and Vitamin B2, which can be utilised by
the human body.
o It also eliminates certain mycotoxins present in
maize.
110 www.visionias.in ©
8. CULTURE
8.1. SANT TUKARAM
Why in news? About Varkari
Prime Minister inaugurated the Sant Tukaram Shila (rock) • Varkari can be referred to an individual or group who
Mandir in the temple town of Dehu in Maharashtra. undertakes a pilgrimage to the temple of Lord Vithoba
or Vitthala in the town of Pandharpur in the western
About Sant Tukaram (1608 – 1650) Indian state of Maharashtra
• The journey to Pandharpur commences from various
• He was one of the saints of the Bhakti movement in cities and towns in Maharashtra, each retracing the
Maharashtra and one of the greatest poets in the path embarked upon by important poet saints of the
Marathi language. medieval period who were staunch devotees of Lord
• He was also known as Tukoba, Tukaram Bolhoba Ambile Vitthala.
etc. • The towns and cities include Jalgaon, Paithan,
• Literary works: Daulatabad, Alandi, Dehu, and many more.
o He composed a Marathi genre of literature called o Each city or town is associated with one or more
Abhanga poetry which fused folk stories with saints of the bhakti movement in Maharashtra
such as Muktabai, Eknath, Janardanswami,
spiritual themes. Abhangs had themes on ecology,
Jnanesvar, and Tukaram.
equality, brotherhood and love of God.
About Sant Tukaram Maharaj - Gatha Temple
o His kirtans aka spiritual songs were devoted to • Gatha temple (Mandir) is situated in a village named
Vithoba or Vitthala, an avatar of Hindu god Vishnu. Dehu which is around 30 Kms from Pune.
o Between 1632 and 1650, he composed ‘Tukaram • It is made up of white marbles and located on the bank
Gatha,’ a Marathi language compilation of his works. of Indrayani river near old temple of the Sant Tukaram
Also popular as ‘Abhanga Gatha,’ it is said to include Maharaj.
about 4,500 abhangas.
• Social reforms & other contribution
o He denied caste hierarchy and opposed rituals.
o Tukaram accepted devotees and disciples without discriminating on the basis of gender.
o Tukaram composed literary works that helped extend the Varkari tradition to pan-Indian Bhakti literature.
o He is credited with starting the Wari pilgrimage.
o His work is central to the Warkari sect spread across Maharashtra.
o Shivaji, the great Maharashtrian warrior king, was a great admirer of the saint.
o He contributed in bringing the Marathas under one roof and enabled them to stand against the Mughals.
o In the early 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi read and translated his poetry while in Yerwada Central Jail.
111 www.visionias.in ©
of revolutionary “Chapekar Club” to take action • Festivals: Kaveramme (worshipping Kaveri), Kalipodh
against Rand. (festival of Weapons), Puttari (harvest Festival) etc.
✓ Chapekar brothers organized an association
called “Chapekar Club” for physical and 8.2.4. BHARAT GAURAV TRAIN
military training.
• Maiden Service of Bharat Gaurav Train commenced
8.2.2. MUMBAI SAMACHAR under Bharat Gaurav Scheme from Coimbatore North
to Sainagar Shirdi.
• Prime Minister participated in Dwishatabdi Mahotsav • Bharat Gaurav Trains are theme-based trains launched
of Mumbai Samachar in Mumbai and released a postal by Indian Railways in November 2021.
stamp to commemorate the occasion. • Objective: To showcase India’s rich cultural heritage
• About Mumbai samachar(Formerly called Bombay and magnificent historical places to the people of India
Samachar): and the world.
o The Gujarati newspaper (office located in • Aim: Leverage the core strengths of the professionals
Mumbai’s Fort area) was first published in 1822. of the tourism sector to run theme-based trains to tap
o It was founded by a Parsi scholar Fardoonji India’s vast tourist potential.
Murazban. • Bharat Gaurav Scheme guidelines apply to already
o started as a weekly edition, primarily covering the running tourist circuit trains by IRCTC as well such as
movement of goods across the sea and other Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
business news.
o The newspaper has been published continuously 8.2.5. RASHTRIYA PURUSKAR PORTAL
for 200 years. LAUNCHED
112 www.visionias.in ©
9. ETHICS
9.1. ETHICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Introduction
Elon’s car was caught on camera ramming into another car. But he pleaded not guilty. His argument was that his car was
on autonomous mode, so the responsibility of the accident lies with the car manufacturer. Is Elon guilty or not guilty?
Assimilation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various parts of our life has been creating innumerable such dilemmas. In this
context, UNESCO has been deliberating on how AI should be used by governments and tech companies.
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The notion of “artificial intelligence” (AI) is understood broadly as any kind of artificial computational system that shows
intelligent behaviour, i.e., complex behaviour that is conducive to reaching goals.
Striving to achieve goals requires AI systems to make decisions which impact human lives. E.g., autonomous cars. Taking
such decisions requires rational as well as emotional understanding of how humans think and what are the values, they
base their decision on.
AI ethics is a system of moral principles and techniques intended to help this system take informed decisions ethically
acceptable along with being logically optimal.
What are the ethical issues associated with AI?
• Automation and unemployment: AI promises to automate a large section of the job market. Some experts suggest
that large scale advent of AI will generate newer kinds of jobs, but how much will it be able to compensate remains
to be seen.
• Privacy & Surveillance: The advent of AI amplifies the known issues of Data Surveillance, theft, profiling among other.
For example, face recognition in photos and videos using AI-based image processing will aid profiling and searching
for individuals.
• Manipulation of Behaviour: Given users’ intense interaction with data systems and the deep knowledge about
individuals in the AI database, users are vulnerable to “nudges”, manipulation, and deception.
o For instance, many advertisers use AI- identified psychological effects to maximise profit, including exploitation
of behavioural biases, deception, and addiction generation.
• Opacity of AI Systems: The decisions taken by the AI system are not transparent. This opacity fuels absence of
accountability, probity and most importantly fuels distrust among people.
• Bias in Decision Systems: Many AI systems rely on machine learning techniques in (simulated) neural networks that
will extract patterns from a given dataset, these patterns mimic human biases such gender-bias, race-bias etc.
o For example, the trial applications developed by predictive policing tend to profile people from certain
communities as potential threats (i.e., racist or casteist robots).
• Human-Robot Interaction: Interaction with intelligent robots pose several questions on like- how do we treat robots
who emulate human emotions? How do we protect ourselves or the vulnerable section from getting physically or
psychologically harmed? And How do we protect our privacy when interacting with social robots.
• Singularity: The idea of singularity is that if the trajectory of artificial intelligence reaches up to systems that have a
human level of intelligence, then these systems would themselves have the ability to develop AI systems that surpass
the human level of intelligence, i.e., they are “superintelligent”
Some examples of how these are affecting us
The issues created by adoption of AI have a sense of universality i.e., they tend to be present in multiple spheres of life.
Some of such examples have been illustrated below-
113 www.visionias.in ©
Biased AI
Type “greatest leaders of all time” in your favourite search engine and you will probably see a list of the
world’s prominent male personalities. How many women do you count? (Example of gender bias in artificial
intelligence, originating from stereotypical representations deeply rooted in our societies.)
Autonomous Car
Imagine an autonomous car with broken brakes going at full speed towards a grand-mother and
a child. By deviating a little, one can be saved. Whom would you choose? (Example of ethical
dilemma involved in creating such decision systems)
AI creates Art
Who will be designated as the author? The company which orchestrated the project, the engineers, the
algorithm, or…we all as a collective race? (Example of absence of responsibility and accountability norms for
machines and robots)
AI in the court of law
The use of AI in judicial systems around the world is increasing, creating more ethical questions
to explore. AI could presumably evaluate cases and apply justice in a better, faster, and more
efficient way than a judge. But will it be neutral, will it uphold human rights and fundamental
values? (Example of an efficient but unpredictable use of AI)
114 www.visionias.in ©
10. SCHEMES IN NEWS
10.1. PRADHAN MANTRI AWAS YOJANA – URBAN
Why in news?
Recently, Government organised a virtual event to celebrate 7 years of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
Objective Salient Features
• The Mission • It is a flagship mission of Government of India being implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban
addresses urban Affairs (MoHUA) and launched in 2015 under Ministry of Labour and Employment.
housing • Coverage: The Mission covers the entire urban area consisting of Statutory Towns, Notified Planning
shortage among Areas, Development Authorities,
the EWS/LIG and Special Area Development
MIG categories Authorities, Industrial Development
including the Authorities or any such authority
slum dwellers by under State legislation which is
ensuring a pucca entrusted with the functions of
house to all urban planning and regulations.
eligible urban • Exclusion: The beneficiary family
households by should not own a pucca house
the year 2022. either in his/her name or in the
• It ensures name of any member of his/her
dignified living family in any part of India.
along with sense • Women Empowerment: The
of security and Mission promotes women
pride of empowerment by providing the
ownership to the ownership of houses in name of
beneficiaries. female member or in joint name.
Preference is also given to
differently abled persons, senior
citizens, SCs, STs, OBCs, Minority,
single women, transgender and other weaker & vulnerable sections of the society.
o The houses constructed/acquired with central assistance under the mission should be in the
name of the female head of the household or in the joint name of the male head of the
household and his wife, and only in cases when there is no adult female member in the family,
the house can be in the name of male member of the household.
• Cafeteria Approach:
PMAY(U) adopts a
cafeteria approach to
suit the needs of
individuals based on
the geographical
conditions,
topography,
economic conditions,
availability of land,
infrastructure etc.
o A basket of
options is
adopted to
ensure a greater
number of
people
depending on
their income, finance, and availability of land through four options (See infographics).
115 www.visionias.in ©
• Financial Assistance: It provides central assistance to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and other
implementing agencies through States/UTs.
o National Housing Bank (NHB), Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and
State Bank of India (SBI) have been identified as Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) to channelize
this subsidy to the lending institutions and for monitoring the progress of this component.
o Only Credit linked subsidy component is a Central Sector Scheme while other three
components will be implemented as Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
o EWS category of beneficiaries is eligible for assistance in all four verticals of the Missions
whereas LIG and MIG categories are eligible under only CLSS component.
o Beneficiaries can take advantage under one component only.
• Incentives: Central government will provide concessional project finance under Affordable Housing
Fund (AHF) and Priority Sector Lending (PSL), Exemption in Income Tax and GST and Technology
Innovation Grant for promotion of innovative technologies in ARHCs.
o Government has also sanctioned ‘infrastructure status’ for the affordable housing sector, giving
a boost to PMAY.
o Central grant of Rs. one lakh per house, on an average, will be available under the slum
rehabilitation programme.
• Geo-tagging for monitoring the progress of construction of houses, Public Financial Management
System (PFMS) to ensure electronic fund flow and Technology Sub-Mission to implement new
construction technologies, have been introduced.
• Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs): MoHUA has also launched ARHCs, a sub-scheme
under PMAY-U for urban migrants/poor.
o ARHCs aims at providing ease of living to urban migrants/ poor to get access to dignified
affordable rental housing close to their workplace.
o The ARHC scheme will be implemented through two models:
✓ Utilizing existing Government funded vacant houses to convert into ARHCs through Public
Private Partnership or by Public Agencies
✓ Construction, Operation and Maintenance of ARHCs by Public/ Private Entities on their own
available vacant land.
• Capacity Building Under PMAY(U): A total of 5% of allocation under the scheme is earmarked for
Capacity Building, Information Education & Communication (IEC) and Administrative & Other
Expenses (A&OE) under PMAY (U).
• ANGIKAAR- A campaign for change management’: Launched in 2019, campaign focuses on adopting
best practices such as water & energy conservation, waste management, health, sanitation and
hygiene for PMAY(U) beneficiaries through community mobilization and IEC activities.
o PMAY(U) had converged with various Urban Missions of MoHUA and schemes of other Central
Ministries like Health & Family Welfare, Jal Shakti, Environment Forest & Climate Change, New
& Renewable Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Power, Youth Affairs & Sports and Women &
Child Development.
• Global Housing Technology Challenge – India: MoHUA has initiated the Global Housing Technology
Challenge - India (GHTC-India) which aims to identify and mainstream a basket of innovative
construction technologies from across the globe for housing construction sector that are
sustainable, eco-friendly and disaster-resilient.
• CLSS Awas Portal (CLAP): A web-based monitoring system, CLAP is a common platform where all
stakeholders i.e. MoHUA, Central Nodal Agencies, Primary Lending Institutions, Beneficiaries and
Citizens are integrated in real time environment.
116 www.visionias.in ©
Objective Salient features
• It aims to • The Employee State Insurance Scheme is an integrated measure of Social Insurance embodied in
protect the Employees' State Insurance Act,1948.
'employees' as o Presently, ESI Scheme is fully implemented in 443 districts and partially implemented in 153
defined in the districts, whereas 148 districts are not covered under ESI Scheme.
Employee’s' • ESI Act is mostly executed through the ESI Corporation, the Central Government takes control of
State Insurance most of the proceedings.
Act, 1948, in o This control by the Central Government largely contributes to the constitutionality of the Act
case of sickness, because Insurance, be it public or private, is listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian
maternity and Constitution as a Union List subject i.e., it can only be legislated by the Central Government.
employment • Entitlement: All the establishments covered under the ESI Act and all factories that employ more
injury and to than 10 employees and pay wages below Rs.21,000 per month (Rs.25,000 for employees with
make provision disability) must register with the ESIC and contribute towards the ESI scheme.
for certain o In some States threshold limit for coverage of establishments is still 20.
others matters o The Act is applicable to non-seasonal factories employing 10 or more persons.
incidental o ESI Corporation has extended the benefits of the ESI Scheme to the workers deployed on the
thereto. construction sites located in the implemented areas under ESI Scheme.
• ESI Scheme • Contribution: Contributions are raised from covered employees and their employers as a fixed
contributions percentage of wages.
are related to o As of now, covered employees contribute 0.75% of the wages, whereas the employers
the paying contribute 3.25% of the wages, payable to their employees.
capacity as a o Employees earning upto Rs.176/- a day are exempted from payment of their share of
fixed percentage contribution.
of the workers’ o The State Governments contribute 1/8th of the expenditure of medical benefit within a per
wages, whereas capita ceiling of Rs. 1500/- per Insured Person per annum.
they are • Benefits
provided social o Medical Benefit: Full medical care is provided to an Insured person and his family members
security benefits from the day he enters insurable employment. There is no ceiling on expenditure on the
according to treatment of an Insured Person or his family member.
individual needs ✓ Medical care is also provided to retired and permanently disabled insured persons and
without their spouses on payment of a token annual premium of Rs.120/-.
distinction. o Sickness Benefit (SB): In the form of cash compensation at the rate of 70% of wages is payable
to insured workers during the periods of certified sickness for a maximum of 91 days in a year.
o Maternity Benefit (MB): Maternity Benefit for confinement/pregnancy is payable for Twenty-
Six (26) weeks, which is extendable by further one month on medical advice at the rate of full
wage subject to contribution for 70 days in the preceding Two Contribution Periods.
o Disablement Benefit: In case of temporary disablement of the worker, they are eligible for a
monthly wage of 90% until they recover. In the case of permanent disability, 90% of the
monthly wage can be availed for the entire life.
o Dependents Benefit (DB) paid at the rate of 90% of wage in the form of monthly payment to
the dependents of a deceased Insured person in cases where death occurs due to employment
injury or occupational hazards.
• Other Benefits:
o Funeral Expenses: An amount of Rs.15,000/- is payable to the dependents or to the person
who performs last rites from day one of entering insurable employment.
o Confinement Expenses: An Insured Women or an I.P. in respect of his wife in case
confinement occurs at a place where necessary medical facilities under ESI Scheme are not
available.
• Unemployment (Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana): For a period of 24 months, the scheme
offers a maximum of 50% of the average monthly wage in the case of involuntary loss of non-
employment or due to permanent invalidity due to injury.
• Incentive to employers in the Private Sector for providing regular employment to the persons
with disability:
o Minimum wage limit for Physically Disabled Persons for availing ESIC Benefits is 25,000/-.
o Employers' contribution is paid by the Central Government for 3 years.
117 www.visionias.in ©
118 www.visionias.in ©
119 www.visionias.in ©
120 www.visionias.in ©