Monthly Current Affairs June 2020

Easy to PICK137 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 Suggestions invited for amending Motor 50,000. Vehicle Rules for facilitating MOUs with Compulsory insurance: neighbouring countries involving movement of passenger or goods vehicles  The Bill requires the central government to constitute a Motor Vehicle Accident Context Fund, to provide compulsory Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has insurance cover to all road users in India. invited suggestions and comments from all stake holders including general public on the proposed  It will be utilised for: amendment in the Motor Vehicle Draft rules for i. treatment of persons injured in road facilitating MOUs with neighbouring countries involving movement of passenger or goods accidents as per the golden hour scheme, vehicles. ii. compensation to representatives of a About Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 person who died in a hit and run accident,  The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, iii. compensation to a person 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 15, 2019 by the Minister for Road grievously hurt in a hit and run accident, Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin and Gadkari. The Bill seeks to amend the iv. compensation to any other persons as Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to provide for prescribed by the central government. road safety.  This Fund will be credited through: (i) payment of a nature notified by the central  The Act provides for grant of licenses and government, (ii) a grant or loan made by permits related to motor the central government, (iii) balance of vehicles, standards for motor vehicles, the Solatium Fund (existing fund under and penalties for violation of these the Act to provide compensation for hit provisions. and run accidents), or (iv) any other source as prescribed the central government. Compensation for road accident victims: Good samaritans:  The central government will develop a  The Bill defines a good samaritan as a scheme for cashless treatment of road person who renders emergency accident victims during golden hour. medical or non-medical assistance to a  The Bill defines golden hour as the time victim at the scene of an accident. period of up to one hour following a  The assistance must have been (i) in good traumatic injury, during which the faith, (ii) voluntary, and (iii) without the likelihood of preventing death through expectation of any reward. prompt medical care is the highest.  Such a person will not be liable for any  The central government may also make a civil or criminal action for any injury to scheme for providing interim relief to or death of an accident victim, caused due claimants seeking compensation under to their negligence in providing assistance third party insurance. to the victim.  The Bill increases the minimum Recall of vehicles: compensation for hit and run cases as  The Bill allows the central government follows: (i) in case of death, from Rs to order for recall of motor vehicles if a 25,000 to two lakh rupees, and (ii) in case defect in the vehicle may cause damage to of grievous injury, from Rs 12,500 to Rs the environment, or the driver, or other road users.  The manufacturer of the recalled vehicle will be required to:

Easy to PICK138 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 (i) reimburse the buyers for the full cost  Further, they must comply with of the vehicle, or (ii) replace the defective the Information Technology Act, 2000 vehicle with another vehicle with similar or better specifications. National Transportation Policy:  The central government may develop a National Transportation Policy, in consultation with state governments. The Policy will: (i) establish a planning framework for road transport, (ii) develop a framework for grant of permits, and (iii) specify priorities for the transport system, among other things. Road Safety Board:  The Bill provides for a National Road Safety Board, to be created by the central government through a notification.  The Board will advise the central and state governments on all aspects of road safety and traffic management including: (i) standards of motor vehicles, (ii) registration and licensing of vehicles, (iii) standards for road safety, and (iv) promotion of new vehicle technology. Offences and penalties:  The Bill increases penalties for several offences under the Act. For example, the maximum penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.  If a vehicle manufacturer fails to comply with motor vehicle standards, the penalty will be a fine of up to Rs 100 crore, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both.  If a contractor fails to comply with road design standards, the penalty will be a fine of up to one lakh rupees.  The central government may increase fines mentioned under the Act every year by up to 10%. Taxi aggregators:  The Bill defines aggregators as digital intermediaries or market places which can be used by passengers to connect with a driver for transportation purposes (taxi services).  These aggregators will be issued licenses by state

Easy to PICK139 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan Context ministries of the Central Government.  The Abhiyaan will continue for 125 days,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and 25 works have been identified which launched a massive employment -cum- will be taken up for completion.  As a result, employment will be rapidly rural public works generated. It is an important step towards providing employment to the people on Campaign named ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar a mission mode.  The Abhiyaan will be a convergent effort Abhiyaan’ to empower and between different Ministries/Departments, namely; Rural Development, Panchayati provide livelihood opportunities in Raj, Road Transport & Highways, Mines, Drinking Water & Sanitation, areas/ villages witnessing large number Environment, Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, New & Renewable Energy, of returnee migrant workers affected by Border Roads, Telecom and Agriculture, to expedite implementation the devastating COVID-19. of 25 public infrastructure works and works relating to augmentation of Need for Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan livelihood opportunities.  The Abhiyaan was flagged off from village Telihar, Block Beldaur, district The major objectives of the initiative include: Khagaria, Bihar on June 20 .  Provide livelihood opportunity to  Right from the time when lockdown was returning migrants and similarly affected announced, the problems being faced rural citizens by villagers, poor people, farmers and  Saturate villages with public workers have been one of the priority infrastructure and create livelihood focus areas . opportunities viz. Roads, Housing,  A package of Rs. 1,70,000 crores was Anganwadis, Panchayat Bhavans, various announced to take care of essential livelihood assets and Community requirements of the people, which went a Complexes among others long way in mitigating the difficulties of  The basket of a wide variety of works will the people. ensure that each migrant worker is able to  Later, the Prime Minister announced a get an opportunity of employment package of Rs 20 lakh crores on 12th May according to his skill, in the coming 125 2020 whose main objective was to give days. economic stability.  The Program will also prepare for  It sought to include agriculture, rural expansion and development of livelihoods development, employment and creation over a longer term. of new employment opportunities within its ambit. The Ministry of Rural Development is the  The government has taken cognizance of nodal Ministry for this campaign and the its responsibility to provide employment to campaign will be implemented in the migrant workers who have returned to close coordination with the State Governments. their native villages, there itself. About Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan  Giving details, the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister said that the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is being undertaken in 116 districts of 6 states.  It will be implemented at the grassroots level with active coordination between 11

Easy to PICK140 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Online Yoga Quiz Competition  Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) through National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has undertaken multi- dimensional initiatives to promote integration of Yoga in school curriculum.  NCERT has developed textual materials on Yoga for Healthy Living for Upper Primary to Secondary Stages and also has been organising Yoga Olympiad since 2016.  Due to the outbreak of Corona pandemic, it is difficult to organise Yoga Olympiad this year. To enable students to learn at home and be safe, Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' through social media launched an Online Yoga Quiz Competition organised by NCERT.  The objective of this Competition is to create awareness and to motivate children to acquire comprehensive information from authentic sources on different yogic practices.  The Competition will also help children to develop healthy habits and lifestyle and thereby promote a sound emotional and mental wellbeing.  The competition, is open for all students of classes 6 to 12 across the country.  These will be available to children both in Hindi and English language.  Certificate of merit shall be issued to 100 top scorers.

Easy to PICK141 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 UNICEF Kid Power UNICEF Kid Power  UNICEF Kid Power is a philanthropic initiative that was launched in 2015 as a division of the US Fund for UNICEF.  It marks UNICEF's first foray into the hardware space.  UNICEF Kid Power, with the help of California-based technology firm Calorie Cloud and design studio Ammunition, developed the world's first \"Wearable for Good\" activity tracker called Kid Power Bands.  These bands act as a kids’ fitness tracker bracelet that connects to a smartphone app.  The app lets users complete missions, which counts total steps and awards points. The points then unlock funding from partners, which is then used by UNICEF to deliver packets of therapeutic food to severely malnourished children around the world.  ‘UNICEF Kid Power’ has listed 13 Yoga stretches and poses for children

Easy to PICK142 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Program Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Program  Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Program is an initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) for empowerment of potters community in the remotest of locations in the country. Target beneficiaries  The program reaches out to the potters in : U.P., M.P., Maharashtra, J&K, Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana and Bihar. Benefits provided  Training for advanced pottery products  Latest, new technology pottery equipments like the electric Chaak  Market linkages and visibility through KVIC exhibitions Outcomes Due to the supply of electric chaaks, the potters have reaped the following benefits.  More production with less hours of work.  Less noise and better health benefits  Less power consumption with smooth transition to higher speeds

Easy to PICK143 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Right to Information Act,2005 Right to Information Act,2005  International pressure and activism Historical Background  Modernization and the information society  The right to information gained power Features of the Act when Universal Declaration of Human  Section- 2 (f): \"Information\" means any Rights was adopted in 1948 providing material in any form, including Records, everyone the right to seek, receive, Documents, Memos, e-mails, Opinions, information and ideas through any media Advices, Press releases, Circulars, Orders, and regardless of frontiers. Logbooks, Contracts, Reports, Papers, Samples, Models, Data material held in  The International Covenant on Civil any electronic form and information and Political rights 1966 states that relating to any private body which can be everyone shall have the right to freedom of accessed by a Public Authority under any expression, the freedom to seek and impart other law for the time being in force. information and ideas of all kinds.  Section- 2(j) : \"Right to Information\" means the right to  According to Thomas information accessible under this Act Jefferson “Information is the currency of which is held by or under the control democracy,” and critical to the emergence of any public authority and includes the and development of a vibrant civil society. right to: However, with a view to set out a practical  Inspection of work, documents, regime for the citizens to secure records; information as a matter of right, the Indian  Taking notes, extracts or certified Parliament enacted the Right to copies of documents or records; Information Act, 2005.  Taking certified samples of material;  Genesis of RTI law started in 1986,  Obtaining information in the form through judgement of Supreme Court of diskettes, floppies, tapes, video in Mr. Kulwal v/s Jaipur Municipal cassettes or in any other electronic Corporation case, in which it directed that mode or through printouts where freedom of speech and expression such information is stored in a provided under Article 19 of the computer or in any other device. Constitution clearly implies Right to Information, as without information the freedom of speech and expression cannot be fully used by the citizens. Objectives of the Act What is Public Authority?  To empower the citizens \"Public authority\" means any authority or body  To promote transparency and or institution of self government established or accountability constituted—  To contain corruption and  To enhance people’s participation in  by or under the Constitution;  by any other law made by Parliament/State democratic process. Legislature. Reasons for Adoption of Information Act of  by notification issued or order made by the The factors responsible for adoption information act are as follows- appropriate Government, and includes any—  Corruption and scandals  body owned, controlled or substantially financed;

Easy to PICK144 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020  non-Government organisation authority in the country with the substantially financed, directly or mandate to order any office in the indirectly by funds provided by the country to provide information as appropriate Government. per the provisions of the Act. And it empowered the Commission to  Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suo fine any official who did not follow motu disclosure of information by each the mandate. public authority. However, such  Right to information has been seen as the disclosures have remained less than key to strengthening participatory satisfactory. democracy and ushering in people centred governance.  Section 8 (1) mentions exemptions against  Access to information can empower the furnishing information under RTI Act. poor and the weaker sections of society to demand and get information  Section 8 (2) provides for disclosure of about public policies and actions, thereby information exempted under Official leading to their welfare. It showed an early Secrets Act, 1923 if larger public interest promise by exposing wrongdoings at high is served. places, such as in the organisation of the Commonwealth Games, and the allocation  The Act also provides for appointment of 2G spectrum and coal blocks. of Information Commissioners at  Right to information opens up Central and State level. Public authorities government’s records to public scrutiny, have designated some of its officers as thereby arming citizens with a vital tool to Public Information Officer. They are inform them about what the government responsible to give information to a person does and how effectively, thus making the who seeks information under the RTI Act. government more accountable.  Improves decision making by public  Time period: In normal course, authority by removing unnecessary information to an applicant is to secrecy. be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public Challenges authority.  Different types of information is sought  If information sought concerns the which has no public interest and life or liberty of a person, it shall sometimes can be used to misuse the law be supplied within 48 hours. and harass the public authorities. For  In case the application is sent example- through the Assistant Public  Asking for desperate and Information Officer or it is sent to voluminous information. a wrong public authority, five days  To attain publicity by filing RTI shall be added to the period of  RTI filed as vindictive tool to thirty days or 48 hours, as the case harass or pressurize the public may be. authority  Because of the illiteracy and unawareness Importance among the majority of population in the  The RTI Act, 2005 did not create a new country, the RTI cannot be exercised. bureaucracy for implementing the  Though RTI’s aim is not to create a law. Instead, it tasked and mandated grievance redressal mechanism, the officials in every office to change their notices from Information Commissions attitude and duty from one of secrecy to one of sharing and openness.  It carefully and deliberately empowered the Information Commission to be the highest

Easy to PICK145 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 often spur the public authorities to redress keep certain kinds of information confidential, grievances. including, but not always limited to, information involving the affairs of state, diplomacy, national RTI vs Legislations for Non Disclosure of security, espionage, and other state secrets. Information  Whenever there is a conflict between the  Some provisions of Indian Evidence two laws, the provisions of the RTI Act Act (Sections 123, 124, and 162) provide override those of the OSA. to hold the disclosure of documents.  Under these provisions, head of  Section 22 of the RTI Act states that its department may refuse to provisions will have effect provide information on affairs of notwithstanding anything that is state and only swearing that it is a inconsistent with them in the OSA. state secret will entitle not to disclose the information.  Similarly, under Section 8(2) of the RTI  In a similar manner no public Act, a public authority may allow access officer shall be compelled to to information covered under the disclose communications made to OSA, “if the public interest in disclosure him in official confidence. outweighs the harm to the protected interest”.  The Atomic Energy Act, 1912 provides that it shall be an offence to disclose RTI and Political Parties information restricted by the Central Why activists want political parties to be brought Government. under RTI?  The Central Civil Services Act provides  To contain corruption a government servant not to communicate  Huge donations from corporates which or part with any official documents except in accordance with a general or special lead to favouritism or crony capitalism order of government.  Illegal foreign contribution  The leader of the opposition is statutorily  The Official Secrets Act, 1923 provides that any government official can mark a mandated to be part of the select document as confidential so as to prevent committees to choose Chairperson for its publication. CIC, Lokpal, CBI Director and CVC  Various members of the opposition are RTI vs Right to Privacy also part of various parliamentary  Conceptually, RTI and the right to privacy committees are both complementary as well as in  They enjoy multiple benefits like conflict to each other. concessional office spaces, free airtime on  While RTI increases access to information, DD & AIR from govt the right to privacy protects it instead.  At the same time they both function, as Stand of Political Parties citizen rights safeguarding liberty, against  PP’s are not public authorities, hence state’s overreach. cannot be brought under RTI Act.  Disclosed information can be misused. When the question of harmonising the  Can disclose financial information under contradicting rights arises, it should the IT Act.  give justice to the larger public interest Recent Amendments  advance the public morality  The RTI amendment Bill 2013 removes political parties from the ambit of the RTI vs OSA definition of public authorities and hence The OSA was enacted in 1923 by the British to from the purview of the RTI Act.

Easy to PICK146 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020  The draft provision 2017 which provides for closure of case in case of death of applicant can lead to more attacks on the lives of whistleblowers.  The proposed RTI Amendment Act 2018 is aimed at giving the Centre the power to fix the tenures and salaries of state and central information commissioners, which are statutorily protected under the RTI Act. The move will dilute the autonomy and independence of CIC.  The Act proposes to replace the fixed 5 year tenure to as much prescribed by government. Other Issues  Information commissioners do not have adequate authorities to enforce the RTI Act.  In case of award of compensation to activist by public authority as ordered by commision, compliance cannot be secured.  Poor record-keeping practices  Lack of adequate infrastructure and staff for running information commissions  Dilution of supplementary laws like the whistleblowers protection Act.

Easy to PICK147 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Russia-India-China: RIC RIC cooperation among the Member States. Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs has  This corridor connects India Ocean and the announced that it will participate in the virtual Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via the meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) Islamic Republic of grouping scheduled to be held on 23rd June, 2020. Iran and then is connected to St. Petersburg and North It can be noted that the RIC was also a platform Europe via the Russian Federation. for the first meeting between India and China in  No Bilateral Issues: However, the focus of the meeting will be on global New Delhi after the end of Doklam standoff. coronavirus pandemic and no bilateral issues will be discussed. Special Session: This special session of the RIC RIC  RIC is a strategic grouping that first took has been called by the current Chair- Russia to shape in the late 1990s under the leadership of Yevgeny Primakov, a commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory Russian politician as “a counterbalance to the Western alliance.” in the second world war over Nazism and  The group was founded on the basis of ending its subservient foreign policy creation of the United Nations (24th October, guided by the USA and renewing old ties with India and fostering the newly 2020). It will also discuss the current situation of discovered friendship with China.  Together, the RIC countries occupy over the global pandemic and the challenges of global 19% of the global landmass and contribute to over 33% of global GDP. security, financial stability and RIC cooperation in Relevance of RIC for India that context.  Strategic Balance: Along with JAI, India  India’s Stand: The Indian decision to go would do well to give RIC the same importance. The groupings like the Quad ahead with the ministerial level exchange and the JAI essentially revolve around the Indo Pacific and will confine India to being has created an opening for de-escalation of only a maritime power when it is actually both a maritime and continental power. tension along the Line of Actual Control.  Forum for Cooperation: Even though  China’s Stand: While confirming the India, China and Russia may disagree on a number of security issues in Eurasia, there participation in the meeting, China has are areas where their interests converge, like, for instance, on Afghanistan. RIC also agreed to control the situation in the can ensure stable peace in Afghanistan and by extension, in Central border areas.  Russia’s Stand: Russia indicated that it would support “constructive dialogue” over the tension in eastern Ladakh as Russia is trusted by both India and China  Regional Connectivity: Regional connectivity projects such as the International North South Transport Corridor involving India, Russia and Iran are expected to figure in the agenda.    International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), is multi-modal transportation established in 2000 in St. Petersburg, by Iran, Russia and India for the purpose of promoting transportation

Easy to PICK148 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Asia. Regular RIC interactions could also Way Forward help the three countries identify other India is committed to protect its sovereignty and issues where they have congruent views territorial integrity in the border areas and RIC like the volatile situation in West Asia. would give the platform for resolution of  Creation of New Order: Contribute to differences (along the Indo-China Border) through creating a new economic structure for dialogue. the world. The US apparently wants to Moreover, the RIC forms the core of both break down the current economic and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation political order. While the existing structure (SCO) and the BRICS as greater cooperation is not satisfactory, the RIC could offer between China, India and Russia would lead to some suggestions which could be strengthening of both SCO and BRICS. acceptable to the US. The RIC is a significant multilateral grouping,  Governance over Arctic: With because it brings together the three largest the Northern Sea Route opening up due Eurasian countries which are also incidentally to climate change, the RIC has a geographically contiguous. RIC, hence common interest in ensuring that it is not provides a worthwhile platform to discuss left to the West and Russia alone and that issues like West Asia, Afghanistan, climate India and China also have major say in change, terrorism, regional connectivity, rules governing the Arctic route. tensions on Korean Peninsula, etc.  Other Aspects: They could work together on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. Issues  India has traditionally avoided taking sides in international politics, especially between the great powers, preferring its traditional nonalignment. However, China’s hostile attitude towards India in recent years is increasingly forcing India to confront.  This makes it difficult to see how engagements through platforms such as RIC, are going to alter the basic conflictual nature of relations between India and China.  Even though Russia has remained an old friend for India, it is increasingly under stress to follow China’s dictates. E.g. earlier, it openly opposed the Indo-Pacific concept at the Raisina Dialogue.  On issues such as Jammu and Kashmir, which China raised at the UN Security Council, Russia preferred taking a middle position, not supporting India’s stand entirely.

Easy to PICK149 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Arms trade treaty President Donald Trump pulled the US back from concerns about the unregulated nature of the an international agreement on the arms trade global arms trade and its impact on human (signed in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama), security. telling the National Rifle Association the treaty The ATT is part of a larger global effort begun is “badly misguided.” Trump made the in 1997 by Costa Rican President and 1987 announcement at the NRA’s annual convention, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias. In that where he vowed to fight for gun rights and year, Arias led a group of Nobel Peace Prize implored members of the nation’s largest pro- laureates in a meeting in New York to offer the gun group — struggling to maintain its world a code of conduct for the trade in arms. influence — to rally behind his re-election bid. He would be revoking the United States’  In 2001, the process continued with the status as a signatory of the U.N. Arms Trade adoption of a non-legally binding program Treaty, which regulates the multibillion-dollar of action at the United Nations Conference global arms trade in conventional weapons, from on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms. This small arms to battle tanks, combat aircraft and program was formally called the warships. “Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat Dropping out of the treaty is part of a broader and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Trump administration overhaul of arms export Arms and Light Weapons in All Its policies to bolster a domestic industry that Aspects” (PoA). already dominates global weapons trade. Can the numbers speak?  Later put forward in 2003 by a group of Nobel Peace Laureates, the ATT was first  According to Amnesty addressed in the UN in December 2006 International, more than 500 people die when the General Assembly adopted every day from gun violence, 44 percent of resolution 61/89 “Towards an Arms Trade all killings globally involve gun violence, Treaty: establishing common international and there were over 1 million firearm- standards for the import, export and related deaths globally between 2012 transfer of conventional arms”. and 2016. The lack of an international global framework  In contrast, military expenditure is on the for the trade in arms was profoundly worrisome rise. given the immense volume of the global trade in conventional arms and its potential effect in the  According to the Stockholm disruption of peace and sustainable development. International Peace Research Institute The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is a multilateral (SIPRI), the U.S. continues to be the top treaty that regulates the international trade in global exporter of arms and the 13th conventional weapons. Its objectives include: global importer (with Saudi Arabia holding the first position), with a total  Establish the highest possible common military expenditure in 2018 of $6.5 international standards for regulating or billion. This is more than 120 times the improving the regulation of the U.N. budget for the period 2018-2019. international trade in conventional arms; Origin  Prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in The roots of what is known today as the Arms conventional arms and prevent their Trade Treaty (ATT) can be traced back to the diversion; late 1980s, when civil society actors and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates voiced their For the purpose of:  Contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability;  Reducing human suffering;

Easy to PICK150 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020  Promoting cooperation, transparency and IAEA and OPCW have mechanism to check responsible action by States Parties in the compliance. But such strong verification international trade in conventional arms, mechanism is absent in ATT. Does not explicitly thereby building confidence among States cover drones and grenades. India cannot accept Parties.” that the Treaty be used as an instrument in the hands of exporting states to take unilateral force Other relevant aspects of the treaty to be majeure measures against importing states parties highlighted are: without consequences. Treaty speaks about crime and genocide but does  its scope includes small arms and light not boldly underline the diversion of weapons to weapons; terrorist and non-state actors. In past, USA and its allies have armed of rebels in Nicaragua, Syria,  State Parties have the obligation to Libya, even, Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Treaty is establish and maintain a national control biased: puts higher responsibility on importer system to regulate the export of country than exporter. Exporting nation can stop ammunition/munitions arms-ammunition supply, citing reason of poor compliance with the treaty.  the treaty establishes a system to conduct India always favoured disarmament and an assessment, including the consideration regulations over international trade of weapons. of possible mitigation measures, before But ATT is neither inclusive nor balanced in authorizing an export of weapons nature. Therefore, India has abstained.  it includes measures to prevent the diversion of arms  It includes a yearly reporting mechanism of authorized or actual exports and imports of conventional arms. In a nutshell, the ATT sets out global standards to conduct legal and rightful activities in a transparent manner. This, in turn, helps to identify where and how arms are diverted into the illicit market and raises the bar regarding accountability for irresponsible transfers of arms. It entered into force on 24 December 2014. 101 states have ratified the treaty; 34 states have signed but not ratified it. Gun activists had denounced the treaty when it was under negotiation as an infringement of civilian firearm ownership, despite the well- enshrined legal principle that says no treaty can override the Constitution or U.S. laws. The treaty is aimed at cracking down on illicit trading in small arms, thereby curbing violence in some of the most troubled corners of the world. It was the first legally binding treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional arms and was overwhelmingly approved by the 193-member U.N. General Assembly in April 2013. India’s stand on ATT India is not in favour of this UN treaty because of the following reasons:

Easy to PICK151 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 International Comparison Program,2017 Purchasing Power Parities and the size of Rupee is now 65.12 from 46.67 during Indian Economy: Results from the 2017 same period. International Comparison Program  The Price Level Index (PLI)—the ratio of a PPP to its corresponding market  The World Bank has released exchange rate—is used to compare the new Purchasing Power Parities price levels of economies, of India is (PPPs) for reference year 2017, 47.55 in 2017 from 42.99 in 2011. under International Comparison  In 2017, India retained and consolidated its Program (ICP), that adjust for differences global position, as the third largest in the cost of living across economies of economy, accounted for 6.7 the World. percent ($8,051 billion out of World total of $119,547 billion) of global Gross  Globally 176 economies participated in Domestic Product (GDP) in terms 2017 cycle of ICP. of PPPs as against China (16.4%) and United States (16.3%), respectively. International Comparison Program (ICP)  India is also third largest economy in terms  The International Comparison Program of its PPP-based share in global Actual (ICP) is the largest worldwide data- Individual Consumption and Global collection initiative, under the guidance Gross Capital Formation. of UN Statistical Commission REGIONAL STATUS: ASIA-PACIFIC (UNSC), with the goal of producing REGION Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) which  In 2017, India retained its regional are vital for converting measures of position, as the second largest economy, economic activities to be comparable accounted for 20.83 % (HK$ 48,395 across economies. billion out of Asia-Pacific total of HK$  Along with the PPPs, the ICP 232,344 billion) of Regional Gross also produces Price Level Indices Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of PPPs (PLI) and other regionally comparable where China was at 50.76% (first) aggregates of GDP expenditure. and Indonesia at 7.49% (third). India is  ICP provides the data of : PPP, PLI and also second largest economy in terms of its GDP expenditures. PPP-based share in regional Actual  India has participated in almost all ICP Individual Consumption and regional rounds since its inception in 1970. Gross Capital Formation.  The Ministry of Statistics and  Among 22 participating economies Programme Implementation is National in Asia-Pacific region, the Purchasing Implementing Agency (NIA) for India, Power Parities (PPPs) of Indian Rupee per which has the responsibility of planning, Hong Kong Dollar (HK$) at Gross coordinating and implementing national Domestic Product (GDP) level is now at ICP activities. 3.43 in 2017 from 2.97 in 2011. T  India is also proud to have been a co-Chair  he Exchange Rate of Hong Kong Dollar to of the ICP Governing Board along with Indian Rupee is now at 8.36 from 6.00 Statistics Austria for the ICP 2017 cycle. during same period. The Price Level Index (PLI of India has is now at 64.00 in 2017 WORLDWIDE STATUS from 71.00 in 2011.  The Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) of Indian Rupee per US$ at Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level is now 20.65 in 2017 from 15.55 in 2011. (Decreased)  The Exchange Rate of US Dollar to Indian

Easy to PICK152 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Sudan warns against escalation in Nile dam dispute Sudan has warned against escalation and urged a deal has been reached. further negotiations with Egypt and Ethiopia  The dam is more than 70 percent over the construction of a controversial dam on complete and promises to generate the Blue Nile river by Addis Ababa. much-needed electricity for the country. Important points  Egypt, which views the massive  Tensions are running high between hydroelectric barrage as an existential the three countries after recent talks threat, urged the United Nations failed to produce a deal on the filling Security Council to intervene in the and operation of the $4.6bn Grand dispute, citing Ethiopia's \"non-positive Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. stances\".  Ethiopia has declared plans to start filling  Cairo fears the dam could the dam next month, regardless of whether severely reduce its water supply from the Nile, which provides nearly 97 percent of Egypt's freshwater needs.  Addis Ababa says the dam is indispensable for its development and insists Egypt's water share will not be affected.  The Nile is a lifeline supplying water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses.  Egypt says the dam threatens the Nile's flow, most of which originates in the Blue Nile, with damaging implications for its food supply and economy. Egypt and Ethiopia have once again locked horns over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. On Feb. 26, Ethiopia temporarily suspended its participation in the U.S.- mediated negotiations over the filling and operation of the GERD, requesting more time to deliberate on the draft agreement. With the dam 70 percent complete and its reservoir expected to start being filled in July, the time for reaching an agreement is ticking away. While the parties have sought international mediation from the U.S. and South Africa, that is no substitute for regional cooperation among the parties. About Nile River:

Easy to PICK153 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020  The longest river in the world, the Nile dollars annually from energy exports to stretches across 11 countries in its Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, and journey of 4,000 miles from the equatorial potentially Egypt. rivers that feed Lake Victoria to its final 3. The GERD’s massive reservoir will store destination in the Mediterranean Sea. 74 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water, roughly equal to a year-and-half’s  Among the countries that share the Nile, worth of the Blue Nile’s flow, which will two have the most at stake. Egypt, a desert be gradually filled upon the dam’s nation of 100 million people, is literally the completion. creation of the Nile, relying on the river for 4. As the July deadline draws closer for the 90 percent of its freshwater needs. Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the river Nile to become  Ethiopia, an East African country of 112 functional, the dispute between Ethiopia million, contributes the lion’s share of the and Egypt, with Sudan caught in Nile waters, with its three tributaries— between, has escalated into a diplomatic the Blue Nile, Sobat, and Atbara— stand-off. carrying about 84 percent of the total 5. Differences were laid bare recently when runoff in the Nile. Ethiopia skipped the latest round of tripartite negotiations with Egypt and  With a growing but otherwise resource- Sudan in Washington, being mediated by poor economy, Ethiopia is keen to develop the U.S. and the World Bank. its vast potential for hydroelectricity generation Uganda President calls for urgent African summit on GERD:  Disagreements over the Nile River have Uganda President said that African presidents been the source of conflict between upper must hold frank discussions regarding the Nile and downstream countries because life in River dilemma during this summit, and stressed both sides of the Nile highly depends on the importance of ensuring equitable and the waters of the Nile River. sustainable usage of the river’s waters. Kenyan president emphasized the importance  Historically, there have been many of properly utilizing natural resources and treaties over the Nile River that were sustainably addressing the needs of increasing negotiated between different stakeholders populations. in different places in 1902, 1906, 1925, Meanwhile, the Egyptian community in New 1929 and in 1959. York and New Jersey is gearing up to organize demonstrations in front of the White House,  During the colonial era, Great Britain, pressuring the US administration to protect France and Italy [specially Great Britain] Egypt’s water rights and support the negotiations. either negotiated in the behalf of their The challenges for the fair utilisation of colonies, or they controlled the waters among the riparian states have only been Nile through their military presence in compounded by the pressures of population Africa. growth and the effects of global warming. Challenges Ahead that need to address: About Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD):  Impact regional & International Trade: An escalated tension between 1. The GERD, a $5 billion project that will Ethiopia & Egypt would threaten be the largest hydroelectric dam in the vital international trade Africa, is a part of that ambition. route through the Suez Canal and along 2. The dam is located on Ethiopia’s flank of the Blue Nile, just 12 miles from its border with Sudan. It will have paramount economic value to Ethiopia, doubling the country’s electricity generation capacity and earning as much as a billion

Easy to PICK154 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 the Horn of Africa.  Ethiopia has stated that the dispute over the dam project is only a trilateral issue involving Egypt and Sudan.  Ethiopia asserts its rights for an equitable share of the Blue Nile flows from the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) signed by some of the 10 Nile Basin Initiative nations  The establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission mandated by the CFA has not materialised so far.  Ethiopia is concerned that a long delay in filling the reservoir would jeopardise returns on its investments and hamper the prospects for overall growth.  The mediation role played by US highlights the significance of the issue and the potential conflict it holds if unresolved. However, the mediation has not been able to progress substantially due to lack of true intentions from both sides. Conclusion: Ethiopia and Egypt should be ready to make significant concessions to avoid a catastrophic escalation in this seemingly intractable dispute. An agreement involving Egypt, Ethiopia and others river basin countries for equitable sharing of water. Sustainable use of river water given the ever- increasing problem of pollution and climate change. Consistent with the principles set out in the declaration of principles, in particular the principles of not causing significant harm to downstream countries, final testing and filling should not take place without an agreement. These countries can take inspiration from Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan brokered by World Bank in 1960. The treaty has been functioning smoothly and has endured three wars over nearly six decades. Read more about NILE RIVER: https://www.treehugger.com/nile-river- facts-4868689

Easy to PICK155 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Coal sector reforms India, being a developing country, coal remains Announced Reforms In Coal Sector one of the most important indigenous energy  Commercial mining of coal resources and the dominant fuel for power allowed, with 50 blocks to be offered to generation and many industrial applications. the private sector.  Entry norms will be Presently, despite being the world's fourth-largest liberalised as it has done away with the producer, India is the second-largest importer of regulation requiring power plants to use the dry-fuel. Therefore, in line with the vision to “washed” coal. build an ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’, a slew of  Coal blocks to be offered reforms to promote commercial mining of coal in to private companies on revenue India, has been announced. sharing basis in place of fixed cost. Unlocking coal mining for private players is a step  Coal gasification/liquefaction to forward to attain self-reliance in the coal sector. be incentivised through rebate in However, for sustainable utilization of coal, there revenue share. is a need to look into these reforms from a  Coal bed methane (CBM) multidimensional viewpoint. extraction rights to be auctioned from Coal India’s coal mines. Intended Benefits Plugging Supply Gap: The nationalisation of coal in 1973 meant that domestic coal could be mined only by public sector companies.  In this pursuit, Coal India Limited (CIL), registered an unprecedented increase in coal production and became the world's largest coal miner.  However, the country’s coal demand continued to grow at a much faster rate. Due to this, the growth in coal import (2009 to 2014) stood at 23 per cent.  Commercial mining of coal can increase the domestic production of coal and bridge the supply gap. Boost Economy and Employment: Allowing commercial mining may help to address India’s coal production needs, provide investment opportunities and save precious foreign exchange.  This will play a major role in ensuring the energy security of the country, as nearly the majority of power generation in India comes from thermal power plants.  The domino effect on sectors that use coal, like steel, power and aluminium, is going

Easy to PICK156 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 to be significant. the conservation and optimal use of coal Win-Win Situation: The government has introduced a more equitable system of sharing of reserves by improving the quality and revenues, moving away from fixed rates to a efficiency of low grade, high ash Indian revenue-sharing model. coal.  Washed coal also provides high grade  Revenue sharing model will ensure when “coking” coal that is essential for the steel the prices go up, the miner shares more sector. with the government; and if the price  Indian coal is known to contain 30-50% decreases, miner shares less. This is a win- ash, meaning that for every two units of win situation for both parties. coal burned, one unit of ash could be produced. Challenges Dominance of Coal India: While reforms are External Challenges: In the era of intense aimed at ending the monopoly of Coal India Ltd., competition from renewables, the rising NPAs of that’s unlikely to happen in the near future. thermal power plants (TPPs) and a massive global withdrawal from fossil fuel for climate and  The current commercial coal mining environmental reasons poses a challenge of regime will find it difficult to compete with viability for commercialising coal. Coal India. As the major consumer of coal in India (thermal power plants and steel Conclusion sector) are in long term purchase agreements with Coal India.  For easing commercialisation of coal,  Also, it will be a challenge for many there is a need to establish a single- companies to be able to match Coal India’s ability to navigate the complicated window clearance process for coal mines. bureaucratic and political hurdles associated with opening new coal mines. Offering projects with secured clearances Issue with Non-washing of Coal: Doing away will boost timely development as well as with the regulation requiring power plants to use “washed” coal will have huge environmental and increase industry participation economic costs.  Government support for the early  The “washing” requirement was introduced in 1997 and promised the use of resolution in land acquisition-related cleaner coal in power production. It was India’s only legitimate justification to issues is needed to ensure timely extend the use of coal as a development fuel despite the climate crisis. operationalisation of coal mines. Further,  Also, a manufacturing or power-producing commercial mining projects can be aided unit has to burn more coal and in turn generate not only ash but also noxious with investment in initial infrastructure gases, particulate matter and carbon emissions. settings which is more capital intensive PT: than mining.  Coal washeries are units that reduce the ash content in coal through a mix of  Technology upgradation measures to be segregation, blending and washing techniques. imposed to improve the productivity of the  These technologies are meant to allow coal mines and improve recovery from the coal mines.  The government may consider creating funds to support overseas acquisition to supplement domestic resources.  Steps need to be taken to promote research and exploration activities and modern underground mass production technologies.

Easy to PICK157 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Anti Defection Law Recently, some of the sitting MLAs in the  Earlier, a defection by one-third of the Manipur government defected to the opposition elected members of a political party was creating instability in the state's considered a ‘merger’. The amendment polity. This politics of defection in Manipur is changed it to at least two-thirds. not unique, there have been some other recent examples of defection in Karnataka, Madhya Kihota Hollohon vs. Zachilhu (1992) Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.  In the judgment, the Supreme Court For a very long time, the Indian political system clarified that the 10th schedule is was impacted by political defections by members constitutionally valid. It neither impinges of the legislature. This situation brought about upon the freedom of speech and expression greater instability and chaos in the political nor subverts the democratic rights of system. elected members. Thus, in 1985, to curb the evil of political  It also upheld the sweeping discretion defections, the 52nd constitution amendment act available to the Speaker in deciding cases on anti-defection was passed and the 10th of disqualification of MLAs. However, it Schedule was added in the Indian Constitution. also held that Presiding Officer’s decisions However, the recent examples of defection in the of disqualification shall be open to judicial Indian polity show that the law needs a relook in review. order to plug the loopholes and achieve a balance between the rights of legislators and interests of Challenges legislative stability. Against the true spirit of representative democracy: The anti-defection law seeks to Issues provide a stable government by ensuring the Subversion of electoral mandates: Defection is legislators do not switch sides. However, this law the subversion of electoral mandates by legislators also enforces a restriction on legislators from who get elected on the ticket of one party but then voting in line with their conscience, judgement find it convenient to shift to another, due to the and interests of his electorate. lure of ministerial berths or financial gains.  Impedes legislative control on  Affects the normal functioning of government: The anti-defection law government: The infamous “Aaya Ram, impedes the oversight function of the Gaya Ram” slogan was coined against the legislature over the government, by background of continuous defections by ensuring that members vote based on the the legislators in the 1960s. The defection decisions taken by the party leadership. leads to instability in the government and affects the administration. In short, if legislators are not able to vote on laws independently, they would not act as an effective  Promote horse-trading: Defection also check on the government. promotes horse-trading of legislators The Anti-Defection Law, in effect, dilutes the which clearly go against the mandate of a separation of powers between the Executive and democratic setup. the Legislature – and centralises power in the hands of the executives. 91st Constitution Amendment Act-2003  It aimed at limiting the size of the Council  Role of presiding officer of the of Ministers to debar defectors from house: The law lays down that legislators holding public offices, and to strengthen may be disqualified on grounds of the anti-defection law. defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature based on a petition by any other

Easy to PICK158 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 member of the House.  Advice of Election Commission: Various However, there are many instances when commissions including National presiding officers play a part with the vested Commission to review the working of interests of a political party/government in power. the constitution (NCRWC) have Also, the law does not specify a time period for the recommended that rather than the Presiding Officer to decide on a disqualification Presiding Officer, the decision to plea. disqualify a member should be made by The decision thus is sometimes based on the the President (in case of MPs) or the whims and fancies of the presiding officer. Governor (in case of MLAs) on the advice of the Election Commission.  Affects the debate and discussion: The Anti-Defection Law has created a  Independent authority to deal with democracy of parties and numbers in disqualification: Justice Verma India, rather than a democracy of debate in Hollohan judgment said that tenure of and discussion. In this way, it does not the Speaker is dependent on the continuous make a differentiation between dissent and support of the majority in the House and defection and weaken the Parliamentary therefore, he does not satisfy the deliberations on any law. requirement of such independent adjudicatory authority. Also, his choice as What to do? the sole arbiter in the matter violates an  Rational use of the anti-defection essential attribute of the basic feature. law: Several experts have suggested that Thus, the need for an independent the law should be valid only for those votes authority to deal with the cases of that determine the stability of the defection. government. e.g. passage of the annual  Promoting the principle of intra-party budget or no-confidence motions. democracy: 170th Law Commission report underscored the importance of

Easy to PICK159 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 intra-party democracy by arguing that a political party cannot be a dictatorship internally and democratic in its functioning outside. Thus, the parties should listen to the opinions of the members and have discussions on the same. This would give the freedom of speech and expression to its members and promote inner-party democracy. Conclusion Though due to anti-defection law, political instability caused by the frequent and unholy change of allegiance on the part of the legislators of our country has been contained to a very great extent, yet there is a need for a more rationalised version of anti-defection laws which will help establish a truly representative democracy.

Easy to PICK160 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Asian Development Outlook (ADO) Asian Development Outlook (ADO) is report released by Asian Development Bank. The ADO analyses economic and development issues in developing countries in Asia. This includes forecasting the inflation and growth rates of countries throughout the region, including China and India. Highlights of recent report are as follows  According to report the Indian economy is expected to contract by 4% during the current financial year (2020-21).  Earlier, in April 2020, ADB had projected India’s economy to grow at 4% in 2020- 21.  The report also highlighted India’s GDP slowed to 3.1% in the last quarter (Jan- March) of the financial year 2019-20, it is the slowest since early 2003.  Developing Asia refers to a group of over 40 countries, including India that are members of the ADB.  Growth of Developing Asia is expected around 0.1%, this is down from the 2.2% forecast in April 2020 and would be the slowest growth for the region since 1961.  However, China is expected to record a positive growth of 1.8% in 2020-21. Asian Development Bank ADB is a regional development bank established in 1966. It has 68 members. India is a founding member. Japan holds the largest proportion of shares in ADB followed by the USA. It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

Easy to PICK161 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia. Its HQ is in Beijing, China. It is established by a multrilateral treaty - AIIB Articles of Agreement. India joined AIIB in 2016 as a regional member of the Bank. Further, 14 of the G-20 nations are AIIB members including France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. China is the largest shareholder in AIIB with a 26.06% voting power, followed by India with a 7.62% voting power. Recently, the AIIB has approved a $750 million loan to India to strengthen the country’s battle against the adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic on poor and vulnerable households. The loan is co- financed by the AIIB and the Asian Development Bank. It aims to ensure economic resilience to prevent long-term damage to productive capacity, including human capital.

Easy to PICK162 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Korean Crisis - Analysis Korean war  Fighting in the Korean War ended in July Context 1953, with the peninsula still divided into On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the two hostile states. outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi paid rich  A 2.5-mile-wide demilitarized tribute to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives zone separates North Korea from South in the pursuit of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Korea, roughly following the 38th parallel Korean crisis for 150 miles across the peninsula.  Since its current leader, Kim Jong-  Established according to the terms of the Un, took power in 2011, North Korea has 1953 armistice, this once-devastated ramped up its efforts to build a long-range battleground is now essentially a nature nuclear missile capable of hitting targets preserve, covered by forests, estuaries and around the globe. wetlands housing hundreds of bird, fish and mammal species.  In a show of force aimed at discouraging the North from launching another test, the What is the history of dictatorship in North United States recently ordered an aircraft Korea? carrier and other warships to the Korean Peninsula.  Installed by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1948, Kim Il-Sung remained in office until How the Partition of Korea happened? his death in 1994.  Japan annexed the Korean peninsula in 1910, and the country spent the next 35  During his nearly 50-year reign, a years under Japanese military rule. powerful cult of personality emerged  With Japan’s defeat in World War II, around the man North Koreans referred to, U.S. troops landed in the southern part of variously, as Great Leader, Heavenly the peninsula, while Soviet forces secured Leader and even the “Sun.” the area northern part of 38 N latitude (or the 38th parallel).  A new calendar was introduced, which  As communism took firm hold in the used 1912—the year of Kim Il-Sung’s north, Kim Il-Sung (Kim Jong-Un’s birth—as year one. grandfather) emerged as the first premier of the newly established Democratic  Every elementary school in the country People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in was equipped with a special training room 1948. where young children were indoctrinated  Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly in the regime’s teachings. sanctioned elections held in the south, adoption of a constitution and the  In 1998, North Korea’s constitution was inauguration of the Republic of Korea, amended to proclaim Kim Il-Sung the with Seoul as its capital. Eternal President of the Republic, and the anniversaries of both his birth and What happened during Korean War? death are considered national holidays.  Tensions between the two governments and their powerful allies erupted into war  His son, Kim Jong-Il, was the centre of a in 1950, when Soviet-backed North similar cult, with some North Koreans Korean troops invaded the South. convinced he was powerful enough to control the weather.  Hundreds of memorial statues dedicated to the Kim’s dot the countryside, and despite a series of devastating famines and systemic poverty, a massive mausoleum was built on the outskirts of Pyongyang to

Easy to PICK163 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 house the embalmed bodies of Kim Il- 2003 and is not a party to the Sung and Kim Jong-Il, now permanently on display like many autocratic leaders Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban before them. Treaty (CTBT) or a member of the Why North Korea is considered a ‘hermit kingdom’? Missile Technology Control Regime  North Korea has remained isolated from (MTCR). the international community, with its governmental, economic and other  The DPRK is not a party to the Chemical operations veiled in secrecy. Weapons Convention (CWC), and is  Restrictions on travel into or out of the country and a tightly controlled press believed to possess a large chemical helped maintain this isolation. weapons program.  North Korea’s foreign policy has been marked by two significant alliances, with  North Korea is a party to the Biological China and the Soviet Union, and by enduring hostility to South Korea and the and Toxin Weapons Convention United States. (BTWC) and Geneva Protocol, but is  The USSR’s collapse in the early 1990s left China as the country’s most important suspected of maintaining an offensive ally, but the pattern of defiant statements and aggressive actions by the young, weapons program in defiance of the erratic Kim Jong-Un over the course of his reign has steadily weakened this alliance. BTWC.  More recently, North Korea and Russia  North Korea's interest in a nuclear have developed increasingly close diplomatic (and economic) ties. weapons program dates to the end of  In 2017, Russia topped the list of World War II. countries friendly towards North Korea for the third straight year.  Since then, Pyongyang developed a What about North Korea’s pursuit with nuclear fuel cycle capability and has both nuclear weapons? plutonium and enriched uranium programs  The DPRK has an active nuclear weapons program and tested nuclear capable of producing fissile material. explosive devices in 2006, 2009, 2013, and twice in 2016.  North Korea declared it had roughly 38.5  It is also capable of enriching kg of weapons-grade plutonium extracted uranium and producing weapons-grade plutonium. from spent fuel rods in May 2008, however  North Korea deploys short- and medium- external estimates have varied. range ballistic missiles and successfully launched long-range rockets in 2012 and  The Six-Party Talks between North 2016. Korea, South Korea, Japan, China, Russia,  Pyongyang unilaterally withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of and the United States began in 2003 with Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in January the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. However, these talks have been suspended since April 2009.  Initial uncertainties about North Korea's nuclear program after the death of Kim Jong II were tempered when Pyongyang agreed to suspend nuclear tests, uranium enrichment, and long-range missile tests in exchange for food aid from the U.S. on February 29, 2012.  However, after a dispute with the United States over the launch of a rocket in April 2012, North Korea declared the agreement void, and conducted a nuclear test in February 2013.  In April 2013, North Korean state media announced that Pyongyang would restart all nuclear facilities at Yongbyon, including its 5MW

Easy to PICK164 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 graphite-moderated reactor, and carry out an underground nuclear uranium enrichment plant.  By August 2013, satellite imagery weapon test. confirmed steam venting from the 5MW  On 15th April, North Korea held a huge reactor's turbine and generator building.  The reactor is capable of producing 6 kg military parade to celebrate the “Day of the of plutonium a year, however, it is not Sun.” clear how the modified cooling system,  The spectacle featured among other things, and repeated shutdowns will affect large canisters that analysts said could be production. carrying new types of intercontinental  In September 2015, however, state media ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that could one announced that all nuclear facilities were day be capable of hitting the United States. in normal operation with ongoing missions  Kim said, \"If the United States wages to improve the “quality and quantity” of reckless provocation against us, our the country’s nuclear stockpile. revolutionary power will instantly counter  Kim Jong Un also claimed to with annihilating strike, and we will have thermonuclear capabilities during respond to full-out war with full-out war his December 2015 visit to the Pyongchon and to nuclear war with our style of nuclear Revolutionary Site. strike warfare.\"  On January 6, 2016 North Korea  The chest-pounding threat was somewhat conducted a fourth nuclear test. Despite undercut a few hours later when the North the test, and subsequent claim it was a Korean military attempted a missile launch hydrogen bomb, experts continue to doubt — only to see it blow up \"almost North Korea’s thermonuclear capabilities. immediately,\" according to US military  The test prompted widespread officials. international condemnation. Even China, a  What was intended to be a strong, defiant traditional ally of the regime, endorsed a show of force quickly became UN resolution to apply further sanctions an international embarrassment. against North Korea.  Similarly, the US military announced in  On September 9, 2016, the anniversary of early March that it had officially begun the the founding of North Korea, the U.S. deployment of the THAAD anti-ballistic Geological Survey detected a 5.3 missile defence system in South Korea. magnitude earthquake at North Korea's  THAAD, which stands for Terminal High nuclear testing site. Altitude Area Defence, is a system that’s  North Korea quickly confirmed it had already deployed in Guam on an carried out a 5th nuclear test in a defiant “expeditionary” basis, and is now being statement. The test drew sharp deployed in South Korea to protect against international condemnation. any incoming missiles from the North.  China, again, joined in condemning the  And despite it being a highly controversial test and urged the regime to refrain from move that has angered China and even provocative actions. some in South Korea, Trump clearly  North Korea on March, 2017 launched agreed with his predecessor that deploying four ballistic missiles from a region near THAAD was an important part of the North Korea's border with China. strategy to protect the close US ally from any threat by North Korea. Start of the current standoff?  Trump seemed to be following the same  On 12th April 2017, reports began basic policies that the Obama circulating that North Korea was poised to administration did, albeit slightly more aggressively.  On April 9, just days after the last North

Easy to PICK165 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Korean missile test, the Trump administration announced it was sending the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, along with a guided-missile cruiser and two destroyers, to the waters off the Korean Peninsula.  That kind of military move on the part of the US lends some serious heft to the Trump administration’s forceful public statements.  An aircraft carrier heading your way sends a stern message to North Korea.  All of this means that the long standing North Korea situation may now be entering a new level of crisis.  Trump’s recent actions in Syria and Afghanistan seem to be signalling, he’s not afraid to use force to get his message across, irrespective. How the unruly North Korean outlaw will ultimately respond remains to be seen.

Easy to PICK166 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 US Visa Ban Extension The US administration extended the 60-day ban to 7 years. on immigration and non-immigrant worker  H-2B visas allow food and agricultural visas till the end of 2020. Why: The US President Donald Trump said that workers to seek employment in the US. the move was to protect domestic workers. They (PT EXAM) are said to have been impacted due to a contraction in the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 Why US suspend non-immigrant worker visas? pandemic. Popular work visas including the Since it was started in 1952, the H-1 visa scheme much-coveted H-1B and H-2B, and certain has undergone many changes and revisions. categories of H-4, J, and L visas shall also These were done to allow or disallow certain remain suspended. categories of skilled workers into the US. The Different categories of visas issued? changes were made depending on the economic situation of the country.  Immigrant visas are issued to foreign The eventual technology boom saw the arrival nationals who intend to live permanently of the internet and low-cost computers in in the US. developing nations such as India and China. This led to a large number of graduates with a will  Non-immigrant visas are for foreign to work at relatively low costs in the US. This nationals willing to enter the US on a turned out to be a win-win situation for both the temporary basis. These may be for employer and the employee. tourism, medical treatment, business, However, there raised a concern of having low temporary work, study, or other similar cost workers in the US at the expense of reasons. domestic workers. In 2017, after taking over as the US President, Trump had hinted that the low-  The US issues a certain number of visas cost workers were hampering the economy and each year to fill a vacuum of highly-skilled undercutting jobs of citizens. The US had then low-cost employees in IT and other related hinted at reforming the “broken” H-1B visa domains. This allows companies from system. Now, Trump seized the opportunity outside the US to send employees to work provided by the economic contraction due to on client sites. Covid-19. He first banned the entry of non- immigrant workers till 23 June 2020. It is now  Of these work visas, the H-1B remains the extended till 31 December 2020. most popular among Indian IT companies. H-1B is issued for people to What are the likely implications? work in a specialty occupation. It  Since the ban is effective immediately, the requires a higher education degree of its processing of all new H-1B, H-2B, J, and equivalent. The US government has a cap L visa categories stand suspended. So, of 85,000 total H-1B visas for each year. those who do not have a valid non- Of this, 65,000 H-1B visas are issued to immigrant visa as of 23 June 2020 and are highly skilled foreign workers. The rest outside of the US, will not be allowed to 20,000 can be additionally allotted to enter the country until 31 December 2020. highly skilled foreign workers who have a  H-1B, H-2B, J and L visa holders, and their higher education or masters degree from spouse or children already present in the an American university. US shall not be impacted by the new worker visa ban.  Apart from the H-1B visas, the US  Also, workers in essential services in the government also issues L1 visas. This allows companies to transfer highly skilled workers to US for a period of up

Easy to PICK167 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 food sector have been given some reprieve. Their entry shall be decided by the consular officer of immigration services. How does it affect the Indian IT companies?  Indian IT companies are amongst the biggest beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa regime. Since 1990s, Indian IT companies have utilised a huge share of the total number of visas issued each year.  As of April 1, 2020, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had received about 2.5 lakh H-1B work visa applications.  Indians had applied for as many as 1.84 lakh or 67% of the total H-1B work visas for the current financial year ending March 2021.  Apart from the suspension, the executive order has also made sweeping changes to the H-1B work visa norms. So, the visa issuance will no longer be decided by the currently prevalent lottery system. The new norms will favour highly-skilled workers who are paid the highest wages by their respective companies.  This could result in a significant impact on margins and worker wages of Indian IT companies that send thousands of low-cost employees to work on client sites in the US. The large Indian IT companies have cut down their dependency on H-1B and other worker visas by hiring as much as 50% of staff locally.  However, they still rely on these visas to keep costs in check. Indian IT companies also offer subcontracts to Indian nationals already present in the US with valid H-1B visas. E.g. Bangalore-based Wipro spends as much as 20% of its revenue to subcontract Indian workers with valid H-1B visas. In all, the changes are largely disadvantageous to the Indian IT companies.

Easy to PICK168 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Civil Servants as Joint Secretaries A Union government circular set new conditions ministries in New Delhi. A five-year stint as joint for empanelling civil servants for appointment secretary is usually followed up with a promotion as joint secretaries in central ministries. as additional secretary. After that, the officer will What Gov says? be promoted as either special secretary or Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) secretary till retirement. Therefore, many IAS stipulated that the qualifying service period for officers who joined the service after 2006 are not empanelment of Indian Administrative Service amused by the decision to introduce the new (IAS) officers as joint secretaries at the Centre condition. would be 16 years. Even earlier, an IAS officer Most IAS officers prefer to spend the first would usually become eligible for empanelment decade and a half of their tenure in the states. as a joint secretary at the Centre after 16 years of This is because of the relatively better service. However, in reality, many of them designations, more power and perquisites like would get empanelled only after 18 years of housing that are more generous than those they service. The reiteration of empanelment as joint can enjoy at the Centre as a deputy secretary or secretary after 16 years is, therefore, reassuring to even as a director. the IAS officers. What did the government do to make the post Issue with the circular? attractive? The circular stated that not less than 2 years of A deputy secretary at the Centre is a joint experience at the deputy secretary or director secretary in the state secretariat or a district level under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) magistrate and a director at the Centre is often would be mandatory for empanelment as joint a special secretary in the state secretariat. Even secretaries at the Centre. This would be applicable while at the Centre, a deputy secretary or a director to IAS officers from the 2007 batch onwards. The would not be entitled to an official transport for a circular will have significant implications for pick-up from residence till a few years ago. many IAS officers across the country. In 2016, these rules were modified to allow hiring of cars to pick them up from their Previous steps? residence. In February 2020, this facility was In 2019, the government decided to hire private- extended by another three years in a bid to make sector professionals as joint secretaries at the the position a bit more attractive. This facility was Centre. It was a bold step to get non-IAS experts also extended to address the shortage of deputy to work in the government. In 2019, nine private- secretaries and directors coming in from states sector professionals were hired as joint under the CSS. secretaries in different ministries. Almost a year later, another decision has been taken that would What is the monopoly? make the journey of an IAS official to the post of The IAS is only one of the 37 All India Services a joint secretary at the Centre a little or Group-A Services, which take part in the more difficult. CSS. It was created to meet the Centre’s need for fresh talent at the middle or senior levels in its What does the joint secretary post mean for the ministries. The officers would help the ministries IAS offcers? to formulate policy and implement or monitor For an IAS officer, the post of a joint secretary various programmes with assistance from domain is almost like a gateway for securing a longish experts. tenure in important positions in central The idea was to make use of officers from specialised services like the Indian Police

Easy to PICK169 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Service, Indian Economic Service, Indian Audit and Account Service, Central Engineering Service and Indian Statistical Service. But in practice, it is the IAS which has virtually monopolised the process of empanelling officers as joint secretary at the Centre. Conclusion The 2-year minimum stint as deputy secretary or director at the Centre for all IAS officers before being empanelled as joint secretary may help the government meet its shortage of deputy secretaries and directors. But it is debatable if the move will help the Centre recruit more non-IAS officers as joint secretary under the CSS.

Easy to PICK170 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan Through this scheme, Union Government plans  The villages will join this programme to provide employment to migrant workers and through the Common Service Centres create rural infrastructure. The scheme will be (CSCs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras launched through video-conferencing from (KVKs) maintaining the norms of social village Telihar in Khagaria district of Bihar. distancing in the wake of the pandemic. Aim: The scheme will empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee Common Service Centres migrant workers and rural citizens who have  Common Services Centres are a returned to their home states due to the Covid-19 strategic cornerstone of the National e- induced lockdown. This campaign will work in Governance Plan (NeGP). mission mode for 125 days with an outlay of Rs.  It was approved in May 2006 to 50,000 crore. introduce e-governance on a massive Objective: A total of 116 districts across six scale under the National Common states, namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Minimum Programme. Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and  It aims to provide high quality and cost- Odisha (where maximum migrant workers have effective video, voice and data content and returned) have been chosen for the campaign. services, in the areas of e-governance, Those districts where 25,000 migrants have education, health, telemedicine, returned have been chosen for this programme. entertainment as well as other private It will involve intensified and focused services. implementation of 25 different types of  A highlight of the CSCs is that it offers works which includes web-enabled e-governance services in rural areas, including application forms,  Construction of wells, certificates and utility payments such as  Plantation and Horticulture, electricity, telephone and water bills.  Angwadi centres,  Rural housing, Krishi Vigyan Kendras  Rural connectivity and border road works,  It is an integral part of the National  Railway works, Agricultural Research System (NARS).  Shyama Prasad Mukherjee RURBAN  It consists of scientists, technical staff, administration support staff and auxiliary mission, staff.  PM KUSUM works,  The first KVK was established in 1974 at  Laying of fiber optic cable under Bharat Puducherry.  KVKs also produce quality technological Net, products (seed, planting material, bio-  Works under Jal Jeevan mission. agents, and livestock) and make it Apart from these the workers will help build gram available to farmers. panchayat bhawans and anganwadi centres,  The KVK scheme is 100% financed by the national highway works, railway works and water Government of India. conservation projects, among others across six states. 12 different Ministries/Departments, namely, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Road Transport and Highways, Mines, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Environment, Railways, etc. will be coordinating for the implementation of the scheme.

Easy to PICK171 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Rule of Law Index It is released by the World Justice Project, an independent organisation.It is a quantitative assessment tool designed to offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice. The World Justice Project defines the rule of law system as one in which the following four universal principles are upheld:  The government and its officials and agents are accountable under the law.  The laws are clear, publicized, stable and fair, and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property.  The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, efficient, and fair.  Justice is delivered by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources and reflect the makeup of the communities they serve. India has secured 69th rank of 128 countries. It measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors: 1. Constraints on Government Powers, 2. Absence of Corruption, 3. Open Government, 4. Fundamental Rights, 5. Order and Security, 6. Regulatory Enforcement, 7. Civil Justice, 8. Criminal Justice.

Easy to PICK172 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Global Education Monitoring Report It is an editorially independent, authoritative and evidence-based annual report published by UNESCO. Formerly known as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report. Its mandate is to monitor progress towards the education targets in the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework. It has also developed the World Inequality Database on Education (WIDE) to draw attention to the extremely high levels of education inequality across countries and between groups within countries. According recent GEM report about 40% of low- and lower-middle-income countries have not supported learners at risk of exclusion during this crisis, such as the poor, linguistic minorities and learners with disabilities. GEM 2020 had noted that efforts to maintain learning continuity during the pandemic may have actually worsened exclusion trends. During the height of school closures in April 2020, almost 91% of students around the world were out of school. Imperfect substitutes - Education systems responded with distance learning solutions, all of which offered less or more imperfect substitutes for classroom instruction. UNESCO  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was formed in 1945. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris.  It has 195 member states and ten associate members. India was a founder member of the Organization.  Its declared purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter.

Easy to PICK173 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Rajya Sabha Polls Rajya Sabha Polls  Postal Ballot - In rare circumstances RS Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not polling can be done by postal ballots subject to dissolution. However, one-third subject to the condition that a notification Members of Rajya Sabha retire after every under Rule 68 of 1961 rules (Conduct of second year (biennial). A member who is elected Election Rules 1961) is made before the for a full term serves for a period of six years. last date of withdrawal of nominations. The election held to fill a vacancy arising otherwise than by retirement of a member on the expiration of his term of office is called ‘Bye-election’. A member elected in a bye- election remains a member for the remainder of the term of the member who has resigned or died or disqualified to be member of the House under the Tenth Schedule. (PT) Methods of Voting in RS Polls  Single Transferable vote - In this method, a voter instead of voting for a single candidate, ranks all candidates according to his preference. Voting only takes place when there are more candidates than the vacant seats. The method would lead to the election of candidates opposed to the majority party in a state.  Cross voting - During late nineties, MLAs were regularly convinced to vote against their party’s candidate (cross-vote). The Supreme Court in 2006 held that the practice of cross-voting would not attract the penalty under the anti- defection law, which further promoted the practice of cross-voting.  Open Ballot - To stem the Cross voting rot, a Rajya Sabha committee headed by S B Chavan(1999) mooted the idea of voting by open ballots in the elections to the upper house. Parliament passed a law in 2003 requiring MLAs to show their votes to their party before voting in a Rajya Sabha election. But neither did the law stop the MLAs from cross-voting, nor could it prevent the influence of big money. The open ballot provides legal and technical grounds for invalidating votes.

Easy to PICK174 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 South China Sea Dispute pandemic, prompting the United States to call on China to stop its “bullying behaviour” there.  In early April, Vietnam said one of its fishing boats was sunk by a Chinese maritime surveillance vessel. China said that Vietnam's claims in South China sea are illegal and “doomed to fail”.  In his opening remarks at the ASEAN Summit, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said international institutions and international law had been seriously challenged during the global crisis. ASEAN states warn of S. China Sea tensions South China Sea Dispute  Vietnam and the Philippines warned of  China, Vietnam, the growing insecurity in Southeast Asia at a Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia regional summit on Friday amid concerns and Brunei all have competing that China was stepping up its activity in claims. the disputed South China Sea during the  China has backed its coronavirus pandemic. expansive claims with island-building and  Both Hanoi and Manila lodged protests naval patrols. The US says it does not take with China in April after Beijing sides in territorial disputes, but has sent unilaterally declared the creation of new military ships and planes near disputed administrative districts on islands in the islands, calling them \"freedom of troubled waterways to which Vietnam and navigation\" operations to ensure access to the Philippines also have competing key shipping and air routes. claims.  Both sides have accused each other of \"militarising\" the South China Sea. ‘Abide by global law’  There are fears that the area is becoming a  China has been pushing its presence in flashpoint, with potentially serious global the Exclusive Economic Zones of other consequences. countries while claimants are preoccupied tackling the COVID-19 What is the argument about?  It is a dispute over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas, and the Paracels and the Spratlys - two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries.

Easy to PICK175 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020  Alongside the fully fledged islands, there Philippines, which invokes its are dozens of rocky outcrops, atolls, geographical proximity to the Spratly sandbanks and reefs, such as the Islands as the main basis of its claim for Scarborough Shoal. part of the grouping.  Both the Philippines and China lay claim Why are they worth arguing over? to the Scarborough Shoal (known  Although largely uninhabited, the Paracels as Huangyan Island in China) - a little and the Spratlys may have reserves of more than 100 miles (160km) from the natural resources around them. There has Philippines and 500 miles from China. been little detailed exploration of the area,  Malaysia and Brunei also lay claim to so estimates are largely extrapolated from territory in the South China Sea that they the mineral wealth of neighbouring areas. say falls within their economic exclusion  The sea is also a major shipping route and zones, as defined by UNCLOS - the United home to fishing grounds that supply the Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. livelihoods of people across the region.  Brunei does not claim any of the disputed islands, but Malaysia claims a small Who claims what? number of islands in the Spratlys.  China claims by far the largest portion of territory - an area defined by the \"nine- Recent flashpoints dash line\" which stretches hundreds of The most serious trouble in recent decades has miles south and east from its most flared between Vietnam and China, and there have southerly province of Hainan. also been stand-offs between the Philippines and  Beijing says its right to the area goes back China. Some of the incidents include: centuries to when the Paracel and Spratly island chains were regarded as  In 1974 the Chinese seized the Paracels integral parts of the Chinese nation, and in from Vietnam, killing more than 70 1947 it issued a map detailing its claims. It Vietnamese troops. showed the two island groups falling entirely within its territory. Those claims  In 1988 the two sides clashed in the are mirrored by Taiwan. Spratlys, with Vietnam again coming off  However, critics say China has not worse, losing about 60 sailors. clarified its claims sufficiently - and that the nine-dash line that appears on Chinese  In early 2012, China and the Philippines maps encompassing almost the entirety of engaged in a lengthy maritime stand-off, the South China Sea includes no accusing each other of intrusions in the coordinates. Scarborough Shoal.  It is also not clear whether China claims only land territory within the nine-dash  Unverified claims that the Chinese navy line, or all the territorial waters within the sabotaged two Vietnamese exploration line as well. operations in late 2012 led to large anti-  Vietnam hotly disputes China's historical China protests on Vietnam's streets. account, saying China had never claimed sovereignty over the islands before the  In January 2013, Manila said it was taking 1940s. Vietnam says it has actively ruled China to a UN tribunal under the auspices over both the Paracels and the of the UN Convention on the Laws of the Spratlys since the 17th Century - and has Sea, to challenge its claims. the documents to prove it.  The other major claimant in the area is the  In May 2014, the introduction by China of a drilling rig into waters near the Paracel Islands led to multiple collisions between Vietnamese and Chinese ships.

Easy to PICK176 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Extension of Sub-Categorization of OBCs Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a six- groups over the years so there is a need to month extension to the commission appointed recognize sub-quotas for the extremely backward to examine sub-categorization of Other classes within the OBCs. Backward Classes (OBCs), up to 31st January 2021. The commission is headed by Justice (Retd.) G Rohini. It was constituted under Article 340 of the Constitution with the approval of the President on 2nd October 2017. It had been constituted to complete the task of sub- categorising 5000-odd castes in the central OBC list so as to ensure more equitable distribution of opportunities in central government jobs and educational institutions.  Article 340 deals with the appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes.  It shall investigate the matters referred them and present a report to the President.  The President shall cause a copy of the report so presented together with a memorandum explaining the action taken thereon to be laid before each House of Parliament. National Commission for Backward Classes NOW It is a constitutional body established in 1993 under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It was constituted pursuant to the provisions of the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. The 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provided constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which was previously a statutory body. NCBC has the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes. In 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) had recommended that OBCs should be categorized into extremely backward classes, more backward classes and backward classes. The benefits of the reservation in OBCs are being cornered mostly by the dominant OBC

Easy to PICK177 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 World Drug Report,UNODC Hardship may push people into making drugs pandemic. for a living: UNODC  “At the beginning of the harvest, a  The United Nations Office on Drugs and shortage of poppy lancers was observed in Crime (UNODC), in its 2020 World the western and southern provinces of the Drug Report, has highlighted a wide country, mainly due to the closure of a range of possible consequences of the border crossing with Pakistan. COVID-19 pandemic on illegal drug However, women in poppy- production, supply and consumption. growing households appeared to be increasingly engaged in the poppy-  The report, released on Friday, expressed lancing process, as did people who lost concern over the adverse impact of their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis,” the economic hardship caused by the said the report, adding that the shortage of pandemic. lancers was eventually overcome.  This could lead to an increase in Supply shortage the number of people resorting to illicit  The decline in international activities linked to drugs to make a trade resulting from the pandemic could living. lead to a shortage in the supply of acetic anhydride, a precursor vital to  As experienced during the 2008 economic the manufacture of heroin, which is not crisis, it could result in reductions in produced in Afghanistan. drug-related budgets of the governments;  “Such a shortage could lead to overall increase in drug use, with a shift a reduction in the manufacturing of towards cheaper and more harmful heroin or push it outside the country or drugs. even the region,” it said.  In Myanmar, there are indications that Diverted focus this year’s opium harvest, which was  Some countries, such as Italy, the Niger concluded before the onset of the and countries in Central Asia, have pandemic, faces a shortage of experienced a sharp decrease in drug buyers possibly due to the restrictions of seizures, amid reports that drug movement traffickers have diverted their attention  The restrictions are also impeding cocaine to other illegal activities, production in the short term, but a including cybercrime and trafficking in resurgence is likely in the event of an falsified medicines (in Balkan countries). economic crisis.  Other countries, including Morocco and  Drug trafficking by air is likely to be Iran, have reported huge drug completely disrupted by the restrictions on seizures, indicating large-scale drug air travel. There are signs of increased use trafficking, while some have reported an of maritime routes. increase in interdiction(prohibition) resulting from increased controls. Maritime routes  The report, which is in six volumes, said  “A recent uptick in heroin seizures in the the lockdown could Indian Ocean could be interpreted as an hinder the production and sale of opiates indication of an increase in the use of in major producing countries. maritime routes for trafficking heroin to  The key months for the opium harvest in Afghanistan are March to June. This year’s harvest took place during the

Easy to PICK178 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Europe along the ‘southern route’. If confirmed, the shift ... would indicate a change in the strategy of drug trafficking organisations as a result of the COVID-19 measures,” the report said.  While border measures appear to be hindering trafficking in opiates, large shipments of cocaine are still being trafficked but by alternative means, via sea routes.  Shipments by mail may also increase. The report said COVID-19 measures were also likely to lead to the stockpiling of drugs.  Indications are that the lockdown is increasing demand for cannabis, given that its production often takes place near consumer markets and traffickers.  The restrictions also seem to have resulted in increasing cannabis sales over the darknet. An estimated 192 million people used cannabis in 2018, making it the most used drug globally.

Easy to PICK179 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 World Economic Outlook World Economic Outlook WEO is a survey by the IMF that is usually published twice a year in the months of April and October. It analyzes and predicts global economic developments during the near and medium term. In response to the growing demand for more frequent forecast updates, the WEO Update is published in January and July between the two main WEO publications released usually in April and October. WEO update has projected a sharp contraction of 4.5 % in FY21, a steep drop from its April forecast of a 1.9 per cent expansion, calling it a \"historic low\" for India. In fact, India faced the sharpest cut in the outlook, a 6.4% (WEO April 2020) point revision due to a more severe fallout of the pandemic than anticipated. However, India is expected to bounce back in FY22 with a 6 % growth rate. In comparison, emerging markets (EMs) and developing countries saw a 2-percentage point reduction in outlook, while the global outlook was cut by 1.9 percentage points.

Easy to PICK180 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 International Monetary Fund (IMF) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an place today. organization of 189 member countries, each of  During 1973 oil crisis, IMF estimated that which has representation on the IMF's executive board in proportion to its financial importance, so the foreign debts of 100 oil-importing that the most powerful countries in the global developing countries increased by 150% economy have the most voting power. between 1973 and 1977, complicated Objective further by a worldwide shift to floating exchange rates. IMF administered a new  Foster global monetary cooperation lending program during 1974–1976 called  Secure financial stability the Oil Facility. Funded by oil-exporting  Facilitate international trade nations and other lenders, it was available  Promote high employment and sustainable to nations suffering from acute problems with their balance of trade due to the rise economic growth in oil prices.  And reduce poverty around the world  IMF was one of the key organisations of the international economic system; its History design allowed the system to balance the  The IMF, also known as the Fund, was rebuilding of international capitalism with conceived at a UN conference in Bretton the maximisation of national economic Woods, New Hampshire, United States, in sovereignty and human welfare, also July 1944. known as embedded liberalism.  The 44 countries at that conference sought  The IMF played a central role in helping to build a framework for economic the countries of the former Soviet bloc cooperation to avoid a repetition of the transition from central planning to market- competitive devaluations that had driven economies. contributed to the Great Depression of the  In 1997, a wave of financial crises swept 1930s. over East Asia, from Thailand to  Countries were not eligible for Indonesia to Korea and beyond. The membership in the International Bank for International Monetary Fund created a Reconstruction and Development series of bailouts (rescue packages) for (IBRD) unless they were members of the the most-affected economies to enable IMF. them to avoid default, tying the packages  IMF, as per Bretton Woods agreement to to currency, banking and financial system encourage international financial reforms. cooperation, introduced a system of  Global Economic Crisis (2008): IMF convertible currencies at fixed exchange undertook major initiatives to strengthen rates, and replaced gold with the U.S. surveillance to respond to a more dollar (gold at $35 per ounce) for official globalized and interconnected world. reserve. These initiatives included revamping the  After the Bretton Woods system (system legal framework for surveillance to cover of fixed exchange rates) collapsed in the spill-overs (when economic policies in one 1971, the IMF has promoted the system of country can affect others), deepening floating exchange rates. Countries are analysis of risks and financial systems, free to choose their exchange arrangement, stepping up assessments of members’ meaning that market forces determine the external positions, and responding more value of currencies relative to one promptly to concerns of the members. another. This system continues to be in

Easy to PICK181 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Functions committees, the International  Provides Financial Assistance: To provide financial assistance to member Monetary and Financial countries with balance of payments problems, the IMF lends money to Committee (IMFC) and replenish international reserves, stabilize currencies and strengthen the Development Committee. conditions for economic growth. Countries must embark on structural adjustment o Boards of Governors of the IMF policies monitored by the IMF.  IMF Surveillance: It oversees the and the World Bank Group international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial normally meet once a year, during policies of its 189 member countries. As the IMF–World Bank Annual part of this process, which takes place both at the global level and in individual Meetings, to discuss the work of countries, the IMF highlights possible risks to stability and advises on needed their respective institutions. policy adjustments.  Capacity Development: It provides  Ministerial Committees: The Board of technical assistance and training to central banks, finance ministries, tax authorities, Governors is advised by two ministerial and other economic institutions. This helps countries raise public revenues, modernize committees, banking systems, develop strong legal frameworks, improve governance, and o International Monetary and enhance the reporting of macroeconomic and financial data. It also helps countries Financial Committee to make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (IMFC): IMFC has 24 members, Governance drawn from the pool of 189  Board of Governors: It consists of one governor and one alternate governor for governors, and represents all each member country. Each member country appoints its two governors. member countries. o It is responsible for electing or appointing executive directors to  It discusses the the Executive Board. o Approving quota increases, Special management of the Drawing Right allocations, o Admittance of new members, international monetary and compulsory withdrawal of member, financial system. o Amendments to the Articles of Agreement and By-Laws.  It also discusses proposals o Board of Governors is advised by two ministerial by the Executive Board to amend the Articles of Agreement.  And any other matters of common concern affecting the global economy. o Development Committee: is a joint committee(25 members from Board of Governors of IMF & World Bank), tasked with advising the Boards of Governors of the IMF and the World Bank on issues related to economic development in emerging market and developing countries.  It serves as a forum for building intergovernmental consensus on critical development issues.  Executive Board: It is 24-member Executive Board elected by the Board of Governors. o It conducts the daily business of

Easy to PICK182 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 the IMF and exercises the powers of GDP—based on market delegated to it by the Board of Governors & powers conferred on exchange rates (weight of it by the Articles of Agreement. o It discusses all aspects of the 60 percent) and on PPP Fund’s work, from the IMF staff's annual health checks of member exchange rates (40 countries' economies to policy issues relevant to the global percent). economy. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) is the IMF’s unit o The Board normally makes decisions based on consensus, but of account and not a currency. sometimes formal votes are taken. o Votes of each member equal the  sum of its basic votes (equally distributed among all members) o and quota-based votes. A member’s quota determines its  voting power.  IMF Management: IMF’s Managing  The currency value Director is both chairman of the IMF’s Executive Board and head of IMF staff. of the SDR is The Managing Director is appointed by the Executive Board by voting or consensus. determined by  IMF Members: Any other state, whether or not a member of the UN, may become summing the values a member of the IMF in accordance with IMF Articles of Agreement and terms in U.S. dollars, prescribed by the Board of Governors. o Membership in the IMF is based on market a prerequisite to membership in the IBRD. exchange rates, of a o Pay a quota subscription: On joining the IMF, each member SDR basket of country contributes a certain sum of money, called a quota currencies subscription, which is based on the country’s wealth and economic  SDR basket of performance (Quota Formula). currencies includes  It is a weighted average of GDP (weight of 50 percent) the U.S. dollar,  Openness (30 percent), Euro, Japanese yen,  Economic variability (15 pound sterling and percent),  International reserves (5 the Chinese percent). renminbi (included  GDP of member country is in 2016). measured through a blend  The SDR currency value is calculated daily (except on IMF holidays or whenever the IMF is closed for business) and the valuation basket is reviewed and adjusted every five years.  Quotas are denominated (expressed) in SDRs.  SDRs represent a claim to currency held by IMF member countries for which they may be exchanged. Members’ voting power is related directly to their quotas (the amount of money they contribute

Easy to PICK183 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 to the institution).  India has availed of the services of IMF allows each member country to choose its specialists of the IMF for the purpose of own method of determining the exchange value of assessing the state of the Indian economy. its money. The only requirements are that the In this way India has had the benefit of member no longer base the value of its currency independent scrutiny and advice. on gold (which has proved to be too inflexible) and inform other members about precisely how it is  The balance of payments position of India determining the currency’s value. having gone utterly out of gear on account IMF and India of the oil price escalation since October 1973, the IMF has started making  International regulation by IMF in the field available oil facility by setting up a special of money has certainly contributed fund for the purpose. towards expansion of international trade. India has, to that extent, benefitted from  Early 1990s when foreign exchange these fruitful results. reserves – for two weeks’ imports as against the generally accepted 'safe  Post-partition period, India had serious minimum reserves' of three month balance of payments deficits, particularly equivalent — position were terribly with the dollar and other hard currency unsatisfactory. Government of India's countries. It was the IMF that came to her immediate response was to secure an rescue. emergency loan of $2.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund by pledging  The Fund granted India loans to meet the 67 tons of India's gold reserves as financial difficulties arising out of the collateral security. India promised IMF to Indo–Pak conflict of 1965 and 1971. launch several structural reforms (like devaluation of Indian currency, reduction  From the inception of IMF up to March 31, in budgetary and fiscal deficit, cut in 1971, India purchased foreign currencies government expenditure and subsidy, of the value of Rs. 817.5 crores from the import liberalisation, industrial policy IMF, and the same have been fully repaid. reforms, trade policy reforms, banking reforms, financial sector reforms,  Since 1970, the assistance that India, as privatization of public sector enterprises, other member countries of the IMF, can etc.) in the coming years. obtain from it has been increased through the setting up of the Special Drawing  The foreign reserves started picking up Rights (SDRs created in 1969). with the onset of the liberalisation policies.  India had to borrow from the Fund in the  India has occupied a special place in wake of the steep rise in the prices of its the Board of Directors of the Fund. Thus, imports, food, fuel and fertilizers. India had played a creditable role in determining the policies of the Fund.  In 1981, India was given a massive loan of This has increased the India’s prestige in about Rs. 5,000 crores to overcome foreign the international circles. exchange crisis resulting from persistent deficit in balance of payments on current Criticism account.  IMF’s governance is an area of contention. For decades, Europe and the United States  India wanted large foreign capital for her have guaranteed the helm of the IMF to a various river projects, land reclamation European and that of the World Bank to schemes and for the development of an American. The situation leaves little communications. Since private foreign hope for ascendant emerging economies capital was not forthcoming, the only practicable method of obtaining the necessary capital was to borrow from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (i.e. World Bank).

Easy to PICK184 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 that, despite modest changes in 2015, do consolidate their position in the world as not have as large an IMF voting share as BRICS countries accounts for 1/5th of the United States and Europe. WORLD GDP and 2/5th of world  Conditions placed on loans are too population. intrusive and compromise the economic  It is almost impossible to make any reform and political sovereignty of the receiving in the current quota system as more than countries. 'Conditionality' refers to more 85% of total votes are required to make it forceful conditions, ones that often turn the happen. The 85% votes does not cover loan into a policy tool. These include fiscal 85% countries but countries which have and monetary policies, including such 85% of voting power and only USA has issues as banking regulations, government voting share of around 17% which makes deficits, and pension policy. Many of these it impossible to reform quota without changes are simply politically impossible consent of developed countries. to achieve because they would cause too  2010 Quota Reforms approved by Board much domestic opposition. of Governors were implemented in 2016  IMF imposed the policies on countries with delay because of reluctance from US without understanding the distinct Congress as it was affecting its share. characteristics of the countries that made  Combined quotas (or the capital that the those policies difficult to carry out, countries contribute) of the IMF increased unnecessary, or even counter-productive. to a combined SDR 477 billion (about  Policies were imposed all at once, rather $659 billion) from about SDR 238.5 than in an appropriate sequence. IMF billion (about $329 billion). It increased demands that countries it lends to privatize 6% quota share for developing government services rapidly. It results in a countries and reduced same share of blind faith in the free market that ignores developed or over represented countries. the fact that the ground must be prepared  More representative Executive Board: for privatization. 2010 reforms also included an amendment to the Articles of IMF Reforms Agreement established an all-elected  IMF Quota: a member can borrow up to Executive Board, which facilitates a 200 percent of its quota annually and 600 move to a more representative Executive percent cumulatively. However, access Board. may be higher in exceptional  The 15th General Quota Review (in circumstances. process) provides an opportunity to assess  IMF quota simply means more voting the appropriate size and composition of the rights and borrowing permissions under Fund’s resources and to continue the IMF. But it is unfortunate that IMF process of governance reforms. Quota’s formula is designed in such a way that USA itself has 17.7% quota which is higher than cumulative of several countries. The G7 group contains more than 40% quota where as countries like India & Russia have only 2.5% quota in IMF.  Due to discontent with IMF, BRICS countries established a new organization called BRICS bank to reduce the dominance of IMF or World Bank and to

Easy to PICK185 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 ASEAN Summit Recently, the 36th Association of Southeast reserve for medical supplies to meet urgent Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held via needs during epidemics. A special ASEAN video conference to focus on the Covid-19 meeting convened in April to tackle the pandemic response, post-pandemic recovery and pandemic had failed to agree on an further cooperation with partner countries. emergency fund It has also decided to build the ASEAN standard procedures **The theme for the Summit was \"Cohesive and of epidemic response in case of health Responsive ASEAN\". emergencies. **The Summit was chaired by Vietnam which is  Crippling Economies: The Summit has also holding the chairmanship of ASEAN stated that the ASEAN region's currently. economy is expected to contract for In News the first time in 22 years. It has also focussed on the crippling cost of the  ASEAN Covid-19 Response Fund: The coronavirus, which has ravaged summit has decided to establish the the economies of tourism and export- ASEAN Covid-19 response fund with a reliant countries such as Thailand and

Easy to PICK186 – “UPSC Monthly Magazine\" June - 2020 Vietnam. annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.  South China Sea Issue: The Summit  ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 million people and a noted concerns over land reclamations combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.8 trillion. and recent developments in the South  The group has played a central role in Asian economic integration, signing six China Sea. China claims most of the free-trade agreements with other regional economies and helping spearhead resource-rich South China Sea but is negotiations for what could be the world’s largest free trade pact. also contested by Vietnam, the Conclusion Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan. The pandemic has already thrown the challenges within the political, economic and social  Vietnam had also accused China of environment of the world and in each region. The major economies like the US, EU and India sinking its trawler. This incident had etc. are witnessing economic shutdowns due to the lockdown imposed by the pandemic. This, in prompted the USA to warn that China is turn, has reduced the demand for oil and dragged the oil prices to a historic low. trying to exploit the pandemic situations of Irresponsible acts which are also violations of international law are affecting the environment of other states to expand its unlawful claims. security and stability in certain regions. Thus, cooperation among regions as well as among The USA is not a claimant to any countries to manage such geopolitical tensions and pandemic situations are expected to resolve such territories in the South China Sea but scenarios. has sent its navy to patrol the area in support of freedom of navigation, while China had slammed this move as an interference in regional affairs by an outside power. Both Vietnam and Philippines lodged protests with China after it unilaterally declared the creation of new administrative districts on islands.  Also, in April China has officially named 80 islands and other geographical features in the disputed waters to which Vietnam and the Philippines also have competing claims. The Summit has also called on parties to refrain from escalating tensions and abide by responsibilities under international laws. Association of Southeast Asian Nations  ASEAN is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation.  It was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.  It consists of ten members namely, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.  Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates