Monthly Current Affairs December 2019

Easy to PICK101 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” the Secretary-General, the names of the It is the second largest inter- candidates have to be sent to him/her. governmental organization after the United Nations. Qualifications of ICJ judges? The organisation states that it is “the A judge should have a high moral collective voice of the Muslim world” and character. works to “safeguard and protect the A judge should fit to the qualifications of interests of the Muslim world in the spirit appointment of highest judicial officers as of promoting international peace and prescribed by their respective states or. harmony“. A judge should be a juriconsult of The OIC has permanent delegations to the recognized competence in international United Nations and the European Union. law. Permanent Secretariat is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 15 judges of the Court are distributed as per the regions: Three from Africa. Two from Latin America and Caribbean. Three from Asia. Five from Western Europe and other states. Two from Eastern Europe. Independence of the Judges: Once elected, a Member of the Court is a delegate neither of the government of his own country nor of that of any other State. Unlike most other organs of international organizations, the Court is not composed of representatives of governments. Members of the Court are independent judges whose first task, before taking up their duties, is to make a solemn declaration in open court that they will exercise their powers impartially and conscientiously. In order to guarantee his or her independence, no Member of the Court can be dismissed unless, in the unanimous opinion of the other Members, he/she no longer fulfils the required conditions. This has in fact never happened. About the OIC: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states.

Easy to PICK102 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Shinzo Abe defers visit to India amid North- East protests Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and The amended law says that Hindus, Sikhs, politics of developed and developing Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians countries on India's interests, Indian who have come to India till 31 diaspora. December 2014 from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan due to Prelims and Mains focus: about religious persecution are eligible for Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and the Indian citizenship. diplomatic pressure faced by India, About Indo-japan relations Indo-Japan relations India and Japan have robust economic and News: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo defence ties bolstered by heads of state- Abe’s visit to India for a planned summit level annual summits. Both nations signed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deals for defence exchange and technology been deferred amid violent protests over cooperation as well as for protection of the citizenship law in Assam and classified military information during elsewhere in the North-East. The Japanese government clearly conveyed to New Delhi that it would not be possible for Abe to travel to Guwahati in view of large-scale protests in the northeastern region, news agency PTI reported, citing diplomatic sources. However, given the importance of Japanese-funded infrastructure projects in the North-East, it was expected to be held in Guwahati. Resentment among Indian States Some state governments have said they will not implement the amended Citizenship law. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the amended law will not be implemented in West Bengal. Besides, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have voiced their disapproval of the law. What does the Citizenship Amendment Act propose? The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was signed into law by President Ramnath Kovind late on Thursday night.

Easy to PICK103 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Prime Minister Abe’s visit to India in through joint research, development and December 2015. production. These deals lay down the framework for enhanced cooperation in defence including

Easy to PICK104 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Boris Johnson wins huge majority Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. Prelims and mains focus: about Brexit and its consequences for geopolitics in Europe and the world News: Britain was speeding towards Brexit on Friday after Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a crushing election victory, ending three years of uncertainty since the country decided to leave the bloc. Background Way ahead Exiting the European Union (EU), a goal Mr. Johnson is now free to lead his Mr. Johnson has pursued relentlessly since country swiftly out of the vast trading he put himself forward as the face of the bloc, but faces the daunting task of victorious “Leave” campaign in a 2016 negotiating trade deals around the world, referendum, is Britain’s biggest leap into not least with the EU itself, and of keeping the unknown since the Second World a divided kingdom in one piece. War.. About the Brexit issue Meets Queen The Brexit issue, which has consumed Later, he went to Buckingham Palace to politics and the public debate since 2016, ask Queen Elizabeth for permission to has eroded traditional party loyalties, form a new government — a formal step dividing the nation along new fault lines. required under the U.K.’s constitutional The Brexit effect was most starkly monarchy system. illustrated by the crumbling of Labour’s so called Red Wall, a rampart of Results pouring in from the 650 working class areas across northern and central England where most people had parliamentary constituencies showed that voted “Leave” in 2016. Frustrated at the country’s failure to quit Mr. Johnson’s Conservative Party had the EU and at Labour’s equivocal stance on Brexit, large numbers of voters deserted trounced its main opponent, winning 365 the party and flocked to the Conservatives. seats to the Labour Party’s 203. The Scottish National Party won 48, while Liberal Democrats got 11 seats. A vindication for Mr. Johnson and his simple campaign message “Get Brexit Done”, the result represented the biggest House of Commons majority for the Conservatives since Margaret Thatcher’s 1987 triumph.

Easy to PICK105 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The Irish backstop and some (though not all) trade restrictions The “Irish backstop” is effectively an would be removed. insurance policy in UK-EU Brexit negotiations. It’s meant to make sure that However, Northern Ireland alone would the Irish border remains open (as it is remain aligned to some extra EU rules to today) whatever the outcome of the UK ensure the Irish border remains open as it and the EU’s negotiations about their is today. These separate regulations for future relationship after Brexit. Northern Ireland would mean there would The “Irish backstop” would kick in at the be some checks on goods entering end of the transition period if the UK and Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. EU had failed to negotiate a future trade deal that kept the Irish border open as it is The Irish backstop has been highly today. controversial among some MPs, and is one of the main reasons why the withdrawal Under the backstop the whole of the UK agreement has so far failed to pass through would enter a “single customs territory” parliament. The new Prime Minister, Boris with the EU. There are many parts to this Johnson, now claims the backstop is but essentially there would be no tariffs on “dead”. trade in goods between the UK and the EU

Easy to PICK106 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Centre in talks with J&K, Ladakh on special status Syllabus subtopic: Functions and In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the provision responsibilities of the Union and the enables separate ‘boards’ in certain areas States, issues and challenges pertaining to for “equitable allocation of funds for the federal structure, devolution of powers developmental work” and “adequate and finances up to local levels and opportunity for employment in service challenges therein. under the control of the State Prelims and mains focus: about the government.” ‘special status’ and how is it different from The proposal is still at a consultation stage. ‘special cateogory status’; benefits The Centre has sought response from the associated with them two UTs. News: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is holding consultations with the Meaning and history of the term SCS Union Territories of Jammu and SCS is a classification given by Centre to Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh to grant assist in the development of those states them “special status” on the lines of that face geographical & socio-economic Article 371 of the Constitution, a senior disadvantages like hilly terrains, strategic government official said. international borders, economic & infrastructural backwardness and non- Background: viable state finances. Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed a special 1. Introduced in 1969. status as per Article 370 and also Special 2. 5th Finance Commission sought to Category Status. But now that Article 35A has been scrapped and it has become provide certain disadvantaged states a union territory with legislature, SCS with preferential treatment in the form doesn't apply to J&K anymore. of central assistance and tax breaks. People in Leh and Ladakh were initially 3. National Development Council grants very happy and by and large welcomed the the status of Special Category States. announcement of the Union Territory as 4. Initially three states Assam, Nagaland opposed to the people of Kargil. However, and Jammu & Kashmir. that initial euphoria is now giving way to a 5. Since then eight more have been lot of apprehension, fear and included – Arunachal Pradesh, disenchantment, if they are not able to Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, protect and safeguard their resources or Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura their unique cultural identity. and Uttarakhand. 6. Direct transfers subsequently abolished Where is Article 317 applicable? in 2013–14. The said provision is applicable in States 7. In 2013, Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, (CSS) were restructured into 66 Assam, Manipur, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, schemes, including 17 flagship Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and programmes with significant outlays. Karnataka to protect their unique 8. In 2016, CSS restructured into only 28 cultural identity and economic interest. schemes. 9. From 2017–18, the distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure removed,

Easy to PICK107 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 10. Therefore the Gadgil formula is a thing status after its recommendations were of the past accepted in 2015. The rationale for special status is that What is Special Category Status to states and certain states, because of inherent features, how is it different from Special Status? have a low resource base and cannot Special Category Status (SCS) is a mobilize resources for development. classification given by Centre to assist in the development of those states that face Who grants special status to states? geographical and socio-economic The decision to grant special category disadvantages like hilly terrains, strategic status lies with the National Development international borders, economic and Council, composed of the prime minister, infrastructural backwardness, and non- union ministers, chief ministers and viable state finances. members of the planning commission, who Historical background guide and review the work of the The concept of a special category status commission. was first introduced in 1969 when the fifth Finance Commission sought to Special category status for plan assistance provide certain disadvantaged states with has been granted in the past by the preferential treatment in the form of National Development Council (NDC) to central assistance and tax breaks, some states that are characterized by a establishing special development boards, number of features necessitating special reservation in local government jobs, consideration. educational institutions, etc. Criteria for special category status: This formula was named after the then 1. Hilly and difficult terrain Deputy Chairman of the Planning 2. Low population density or sizeable Commission, Dr Gadgil Mukherjee and is related to the transfer of assistance to the share of tribal population states by centre under various schemes. 3. Strategic location along borders with Initially, three states; Assam, Nagaland neighbouring countries and Jammu & Kashmir were granted 4. Economic and infrastructural special status but from 1974-1979, five more states were added under the special backwardness category. These include Himachal Pradesh, 5. Non-viable nature of state finances Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura. In 1990, with the addition of Arunachal Can special category status be granted Pradesh and Mizoram, the states increased to more states now? to 10. The state of Uttarakhand was given In the present scenario, it is believed that special category status in 2001. no more states can be given the status of a But after the dissolution of the planning special category state. commission and the formation of NITI Aayog, the recommendations of the 14th The Constitution of India does not include Finance Commission were implemented any provision for the categorization of any which meant the discontinuation of the state in India as a 'special category state. Gadgil formula-based grants. The 14th Finance Commission effectively However, a wide range of provisions are removed the concept of special category available to as many as 10 states that have been listed under Articles 371, 371-A to 371-H, and 371-J.

Easy to PICK108 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Some of these states are Maharashtra and What is the difference between special Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, category status and special status? Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, 1. The constitution provides special Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana and Goa. (Art 371I deals with Goa, but does status through an Act that has to be not include any provision that can be passed by 2/3rds majority in both termed 'special'.) the houses of Parliament whereas the special category status is granted by While these set of provisions were the National Development Council, incorporated into the Constitution by which is an administrative body of Parliament through amendments under the government. Article 368, Articles 370 and 371 have 2. For example, Jammu and Kashmir been part of the Constitution from the time enjoyed a special status as per Article of its commencement on January 26, 1950. 370 and also special category status. But now that Article 35A has been Why these special provisions? scrapped and it has become a union The intention behind these provisions is to territory with legislature, special safeguard the interest and aspirations of category status doesn't apply to J&K certain backward regions or to protect anymore. cultural and economic interests of the 3. Special status empowers legislative tribal people or to deal with the disturbed and political rights while special law and order in some parts. category status deals only with economic, administrative and Benefits states confer with special financial aspects. category status: States which are granted special category Which states have been demanding status enjoy several benefits. special category status 1. The central government bears 90 1. Andhra Pradesh percent of the state expenditure on all 2. Bihar centrally-sponsored schemes and external 3. Goa aid while rest 10 percent is given as loan to 4. Odisha state at zero percent rate of interest. 5. Rajasthan 2. Preferential treatment in getting central funds. 3. Concession on excise duty to attract industries to the state. 4. 30 percent of the Centre's gross budget also goes to special category states. 5. These states can avail the benefit of debt-swapping and debt relief schemes. 6. States with special category status are exempted from customs duty, corporate tax, income tax and other taxes to attract investment. 7. Special category states have the facility that if they have unspent money in a financial year; it does not lapse and gets carry forward for the next financial year.

Easy to PICK109 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Targets missed, Accessible India campaign’s deadline extended Syllabus subtopic: Government policies follow the accessibility standards notified and interventions for development in on June 15, 2017. The existing buildings various sectors and issues arising out of were given five years to comply. their design and implementation. The original deadlines under the Prelims and Mains focus: about Accessible India campaign were July Accessible India Campaign and its 2016 for conducting an accessibility audit significance, steps taken for its of 25-50 of the most important implementation government buildings in 50 cities and making them completely accessible and News: The deadline for the government’s March 2018. Accessible India campaign that aims at making public spaces friendly for persons with disabilities has been extended due to “slow progress,” the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed the Lok Sabha. Due to slow progress, revised deadlines have been extended to March 2020. Steps taken and challenges State-wise details of the facilities for the disabled at railway stations were not maintained, but the Indian Railways was committed to making its stations accessible. Short-term facilities like standard ramps, non-slippery walkways, signages, disabled-friendly toilets and help desks are included in the plan. In the long-term, inter-platform transfer and engraving on the edges of the platforms are proposed. Regarding Central government buildings maintained by the Central Public Works Department, 211 CPWD buildings had been made accessible. In all, a total of ₹354.45 crore had been released for making 1,058 public buildings accessible around the country, the reply said. Under the Rights of PwD Act, 2016, all existing and new public buildings have to

Easy to PICK110 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” In a first, regulator hikes prices of essential medicines Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to Present scenario of affordable drugs in development and management of Social India Sector/Services relating to Health, With India still dependent on China for Education, Human Resources. over 60 per cent of its API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) requirement, Prelims and Mains focus: about NPPA higher API costs for price-controlled and its mandate, DPCO order 2013; medicines eat into profits and sometimes India’s efforts to regulate essential make production of these drugs unviable medicines and check price hike here. For instance, costs of ingredients to make News: To ensure supply of crucial vitamin C went up as much as 250 per medicines, India’s drug pricing cent, leading to a 25-30 per cent shortage regulator has allowed an increase in the of this drug in India last year. maximum retail prices of 21 drugs Suppliers of key ingredients do not want to currently under price control by as much negotiate the prices they charge as 50 per cent. companies, because they are not affected by price control. In such an environment, This is the first time the National firms would begin to exit the market over Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority time. (NPPA) — which is known to slash prices About Drugs (Prices Control) Order of essential and life-saving medicines — is (DPCO) increasing prices in public interest to The Drugs Prices Control Order, 1995 is prevent patients opting for costlier an order issued by the Government of alternatives in the face of shortage of India under Sec. 3 of Essential these drugs. Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the prices of drugs. Why? The Order interalia provides the list of The Authority is of the considered view price controlled drugs, procedures for that unviability of these formulations fixation of prices of drugs, method of should not lead to a situation, where these implementation of prices fixed by Govt., drugs become unavailable in the market penalties for contravention of provisions and the public is forced to switch to etc. costly alternatives. For the purpose of implementing Where will it apply? provisions of DPCO, powers of Govt. have The decision by the NPPA, taken at a been vested in NPPA. Later, the Drugs meeting on December 9, will apply to (Prices Control) Order (DPCO) 2013 was formulations like the BCG vaccine for notified. tuberculosis, vitamin C, antibiotics like Why the DPCO is issued under metronidazole and benzylpenicillin, anti- Essential Commodities (EC) Act ? malarial drug chloroquine and leprosy Drugs are essential for health of the medication dapsone. society. Drugs have been declared as Most of these drugs are used as first line of Essential and accordingly put under the treatment and are integral to public health Essential Commodities Act. programmes.

Easy to PICK111 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Are all the drugs marketed in the country under price control ? No. The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2011 is adopted as the primary basis for determining essentiality, which constitutes the list of scheduled medicines for the purpose of price control. The DPCO 2013 contains 680 scheduled drug formulations spread across 27 therapeutic groups. However, the prices of other drugs can be regulated, if warranted in public interest. About NPPA and its mandate National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), was established on 29th August 1997 as an independent body of experts as per the decision taken by the Cabinet committee in September 1994 while reviewing Drug Policy. The Authority, interalia, has been entrusted with the task of fixation/revision of prices of pharmaceutical products (bulk drugs and formulations), enforcement of provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order and monitoring of the prices of controlled and decontrolled drugs in the country. Why are the prices of medicines rising ? The reasons for rise in the prices of medicines are : 1. rise in the price of bulk drugs; 2. rise in the cost of excipients used in the production of medicines like Lactose, Starch, sugar, glycerine, solvent, gelatine capsules etc.; 3. rise in the cost of transport, freight rates; 4. rise in the cost of utilities like fuel, power, diesel, etc.; 5. for imported medicines, rise in the c.i.f. price and depreciation of the Rupee; 6. changes in taxes and duties.

Easy to PICK112 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” BRICS’ NDB pledges $100 million to NIIF’s Fund of Funds Syllabus subtopic: Important including investments from NDB and ADB. International institutions, agencies and In June 2018, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) had approved an fora, their structure, mandate. equity investment of $100 million as part of FoF’s initial closing, committing a Prelims and Mains focus: About BRICS, further investment of $100 million as part NDB, NIIF, AIIB of phase II for the final closing. News: New Development Bank (NDB), About NIIF earlier known as the BRICS Envisioned in the Union budget 2015, Development Bank, has committed $100 NIIF was launched as an alternative million to India’s National Investment investment fund in December 2016 with and Infrastructure Fund’s (NIIF) Fund a target corpus of ₹40,000 crore. of Funds. NIIF is a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, in which the government of India holds About NDB 49% equity with the rest held by foreign NDB is a multilateral development bank and domestic investors, is mandated to that was created by governments to invest in infrastructure and related leverage capital for development purposes, sectors that could help fuel economic especially infrastructure projects. growth in the country. Its investments are Founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China diversified across its three funds— and South Africa (collectively the Master Fund, Fund Of Funds and BRICS countries) in July 2014, the bank Strategic Fund, across which it manages was launched a year later with an initial $4 billion of capital commitments. authorized capital of $100 billion. Its Fund of Funds is mandated to invest as an anchor investor in third party Funding received by NIIF’s FoF so far fund managers. It can also selectively Earlier in August, NIIF Fund of Funds form joint ventures with fund (FoF) received a commitment of ₹667 managers. In 2017, Abu Dhabi’s crore (close to $100 million) from the sovereign wealth fund—Abu Dhabi Asian Development Bank (ADB), Investment Authority—committed to according to a disclosure on ADB’s invest $1 billion, becoming the first website. institutional investor in NIIF’s Master NIIF’s Fund of Funds, according to the Fund and a shareholder in NIIF Ltd, its disclosure, is looking to raise about $1 investment management firm. billion to invest in up to 10 private equity funds managed by fund managers in India. About BRICS Its portfolio funds are expected to provide BRICS is the acronym for an association primarily growth capital to firms across of five major emerging national sectors, including green infrastructure, economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China affordable housing, manufacturing and and South Africa. BRIC started as a formal services. grouping in 2006 on the margins of G8 Of the targeted corpus, the fund has so far outreach summit. Originally the first four received commitments worth $700 million,

Easy to PICK113 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” were grouped as \"BRIC\" before the agreement may come up against fears of induction of South Africa in 2010. 1st Indian and Russian markets being Summit was held in Russia in 2009. swamped by Chinese imports. Moreover, first 5-member BRICS summit In the current global political and was held in 2011. Since 2009, the BRICS economic scenario where protectionism nations have met annually at formal and patriotism is on the rise, BRICS can summits. 8th summit in 2016 was held in become the bulwark of new globalization Goa and BIMSTEC countries were invited and may create new world order driven by for a joint summit as per the the tradition. emerging economies. 9th summit will be held in China. New Development Bank (BRICS bank) The New Development Bank (NDB) is a What is the Significance of BRICS? multilateral development bank established Starting essentially with economic issues by the BRICS states. The idea for the NDB of mutual interest, the agenda of BRICS was proposed by India at the 4th BRICS meetings has considerably widened over summit (2012) held in New Delhi. Then at the years to encompass topical global the 6th BRICS summit held in issues. BRICS cooperation has two pillars Fortaleza, Brazil, the BRICS states – consultation on issues of mutual interest signed the agreement on the NDB. through meetings of Leaders as well as of In the year 2015, an Indian K.V. Kamath Ministers of Finance, Trade, Health, S&T, was appointed as the President of the Education, Agriculture, Communication, NDB. The headquarter of the Bank is in Labour, etc. and practical cooperation in a Shanghai, China. The first regional office number of areas through meetings of of the NDB was established in Working Groups/Senior Officials. Regular Johannesburg, South Africa. annual Summits as well as meetings of Structure of the NDB Leaders on the margins of G20 Summits The main organs of the Bank are: are held. It has been pushing for greater Board of Governors; economic growth among the member Board of Directors; countries and reform of global financial President and Vice-Presidents. institutions. Focused on “greater people- Each country has one vote and none of the to-people participation” during the BRICS countries have veto power. events like BRICS Film Festival, BRICS Major Objectives of the Bank Wellness Forum, BRICS Youth Forum Promotion of infrastructure and sustainable and BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave development projects with a significant held throughout the year across the development impact in member countries; country. The New Development Establish strategic partnerships with other Bank(NDB) and the Contingent Reserve multilateral development institutions and Arrangement (CRA) are the financial national development banks; Build a mechanism under BRICS. CRA balanced project portfolio giving due proposes to provide short-term liquidity respect to their geographic location, support to the members through currency financing requirements and other factors; swaps to help mitigating BOP crisis Promoting competitiveness and facilitating situation, if such a situation arises. It job creation; Build a robust knowledge would also contribute to strengthening the sharing platform among developing global financial safety net and complement countries. The NDB has been envisaged as existing international arrangements (from a “dedicated channel of alternate finance” IMF) as an additional line of defence. with greater focus on emerging economies BRICS Credit Rating Agency may come and the Global South. Some experts also in near future to challenge the monopoly of the West. The BRICS free trade

Easy to PICK114 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” see it as an alternative to the existing US- banks seek to circulate loan money on dominated World Bank and the IMF. which they will earn interest. This will The Asian Infrastructure Investment help China in making huge profits with Bank (AIIB) China being the largest shareholder of the The AIIB was established in January 2016 Bank. with its headquarters located in Beijing. It Secondly, it is expected to bolster China’s has an authorised capital base of $100 One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR). billion. The core mandate of the AIIB is to The AIIB is going to finance rail-roads- address Asia-Pacific’s acute infrastructural ports infrastructure along the ancient silk needs. Its mission is “to improve economic route. Hence, the Bank is going to help in and social development in Asia by China’s grand strategic designs and investing in high-quality, financially viable geopolitical motives. and eco-friendly infrastructure projects”. It also aims to mobilize private capital to co- Thirdly, China wants to counter finance projects. The creation of the AIIB hegemonic dominance of the west- is a welcome initiative given Asia’s huge dominated World Bank and the IMF. infrastructural deficit. China wants to counter the hegemony of Members of the AIIB the WB, IMF and the Asian Development Regional members: Afghanistan, Bank through New Development Bank and Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei the AIIB. Some experts also say that Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, countering the IMF will help in Georgia, Hong Kong (China), India, popularizing use of the Chinese yuan. Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, India and the AIIB Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, The Indian economy also has huge Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, infrastructural funding requirements Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, wherein the AIIB is playing a key role. Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Samoa, Saudi India has become an important recipient of Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, the AIIB loans. Till December 2017, AIIB Thailand, Timor Leste, Turkey, United had granted over $1 billion worth of loans Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and for various infrastructure projects in India. Vietnam. India was the single largest borrower from Non-regional members: Austria, the AIIB in 2017. A part of the Bengaluru Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Metro line and Gujarat rural roads have France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, been granted around $330 million each. Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The AIIB is also involved in the unique Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Amravati project in Andhra Pradesh. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Recently, a top official of the AIIB has Kingdom. said, “India is the biggest commitment AIIB Structure country for the Asian Infrastructure It has the following organs: Investment Bank”. India is one of the most Board of Governors: It is the highest significant countries that the bank is decision making body. The voting power supporting. The AIIB is involved in the is according to shareholding. The transmission lines, rural roads and green shareholding is according to the GDP. projects among others. The bank has laid Board of Directors special emphasis on renewable energy President projects in India and elsewhere. Chinese interests in creation of the AIIB The AIIB and the NDB: Geopolitical Firstly, China wants to make huge profits. and Geo-economic Implications China has huge forex reserves. Chinese

Easy to PICK115 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The NDB represents the “most significant towards forging partnerships with national institutional innovation” of intra-BRICS development banks. They also form diplomacy. There is a divergence of partnerships with the traditional opinion regarding the geopolitical and geo- multilateral and regional development economic implications of the two banks. banks, through co-financing activities in There are experts who say that these two the private and public sectors. banks are there simply to complement the They were created out of a shared two Brettonwoods institutions of WB and frustration with existing multilateral the IMF. However, other experts lending forums, whose voting structures contradict it saying that the NDB and AIIB are stacked against emerging markets. The are actually challenging the hegemony of BRICS nations were given just 10.3 the World Bank and the IMF. Hence, the percent of the votes at the IMF. The Western world should be worried about countries like Japan, Germany, France, and new competition in the global financial the U.K., each hold greater voting shares architecture. Multilateralism has been than China, despite the latter being the under serious strain for the past few world’s second largest economy. decades as exemplified by the stark failure Both the NDB and AIIB are following of the Doha round of negotiations in the democratic and egalitarian norms to the WTO and the ever-increasing benefit of the developing countries. The “proliferation of regional and sectoral founders of the NDB have repeatedly trade deals”. Different countries have emphasized the principle of stakeholder failed to reach common ground on trade equality. Each of the BRICS countries will related issues through multilateral contribute an equal share of the NDB’s institutions. The creation of the two banks $100 billion start-up capital, giving them NDB and AIIB is indeed a remarkable 20 percent of the voting rights each. The 5- development. They reflect changing geo- year presidency is to be rotated equally economic dimension at the global level among its members in the NDB. The AIIB with the shift of economic power from has also sought to give a bigger voice to West to the East. These two institutions developing nations. The AIIB has reserved have for the first time opened up “a at least 75 percent of voting shares for strategic rivalry with Western and Asia-Pacific countries, in a powerful Japanese-led lending institutions, namely contrast to its hierarchal, Western-centric the World Bank, the International counterparts. The presidency at the IMF is Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Asian confined to Europeans, whereas the United Development Bank (ADB), mirroring the States has sole discretion over the top role broader tussle for power and influence at the World Bank. Japan has led the ADB between the developed and developing since its founding in 1966. This is not the world”. Indeed the two banks represent a state of affairs in either the NDB or the quest for equality for the developing AIIB. These banks are a sheer recognition countries as far as the global financial of increasing geopolitical and geo- architecture is concerned. economic clout of the developing Similarities between the NDB and AIIB economies. Both the banks have sought to The NDB and the AIIB are very similar as fill the gap in infrastructure investment. far as their purposes and functions are They are expected to meet the enormous concerned. Both are chiefly concerned demand for infrastructure investment in with financing projects of infrastructure the developing world. Both the banks are a and sustainable development in the peaceful way of projecting Chinese power emerging economies and developing on the global stage concealing the assertive economies. Their strategy is also geared grand strategic designs of Chinese foreign

Easy to PICK116 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” policy. They are expected to help in US interests in Asia. The threat to the consolidating and cementing the grand regional dominance of the ADB is likely to Chinese plan of One Belt One Road come from the AIIB than the NDB. China initiative (OBOR). The WB and the IMF has certainly this in mind and so it is more seek “strict conditionality of market and enthusiastic about AIIB than NDB. The structural reform” before helping the NDB and the AIIB are distinct from each developing countries. Fortunately, the other regarding the distribution of voting NDB and the AIIB do not insist on such power in the Boards of Governors and strict conditionalities and better understand Directors. The distribution of voting the specific and contextual developmental powers is much simpler and much more requirements of the developing countries. egalitarian in the NDB than in the AIIB. These banks do not interfere in the internal The five founding members of the NDB affairs of the countries seeking economic are entitled with the same voting power help from them. Both the NDB and the (20% each) in sync with their subscribed AIIB are strongly influenced by China’s capital and no single member has veto leadership. The NDB and the AIIB share power. Even in the case of future the similar four-tier governance structure: expansion it has been institutionally a Board of Governor, a Board of Directors, stipulated that the BRICS group voting a President (with senior management), and power will collectively remain at 55 other officials and staff, in the descending percent. The case of AIIB is more order of authority. The Board of complicated. In the case of AIIB the Governors, which is represented by all member’s voting power reflects the member countries at the Ministerial level, relative size of its subscription is is responsible for most important decisions determined mostly on its financial to these institutions. capacity. However, there are provisions in Differences between the NDB and AIIB the very institutional agreement of the Although the two institutions have AIIB which allows the regional (i.e., overlapping mandates and other significant Asian) members collectively and China similarities they have substantial singularly to retain their domineering differences as well. position against non-regional members. The NDB has been more of a collaborative Major Achievements of the NDB effort among the BRICS members where Since its inception the NDB has come a China’s role is markedly different from long way. It has carved out a niche for that in the AIIB. China’s dominance is itself. Now it has firmly graduated out of more starkly visible in the AIIB. its start-up phase and initiated many Membership of the two banks is also dynamic projects. Apart from its different. The five BRICS members are headquarters in Shanghai, China it has members of the NDB and its membership come up with Africa Regional Centre of has not expanded since its inception. The NDB in Johannesburg, South Africa. AIIB began its operations with a large It has issued its first green bond raising membership of 57 signatories (including RMB 3 billion in the Chinese bond market many non-regional members). However, exemplifying its commitment to its membership has since grown rapidly to sustainable development ethics. It has more than 75 members. The NDB because primarily stayed committed to its core of its small membership is institutionally concern of financing infrastructure and less complex than the AIIB. The NDB is sustainable development projects in principally more outward-oriented while BRICS countries. It has expressed strong the AIIB is more Asia-centric. The Asian emphasis on renewable energy related Development Bank reflects Japanese and projects. By implication the formation of

Easy to PICK117 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” the NDB and AIIB has brought to the independent in its project selection and limelight the urgent need for reforms in funding. WB and IMF. These two Brettonwoods There is also a need to carefully form and institutions need to be reformed in the manage strategic partnerships with other right earnest if they are to stay relevant in multilateral institutions, banks, private the context of the changing geo-economic sector and sovereign governments. realities in the 21st century world. There is also the challenge of having a lean The NDB has laid strong emphasis on and thin AIIB bureaucracy with developing and deepening of local capital specialised and technical knowledge of markets in member countries by providing banking operations. The AIIB needs to loans denominated in local currency in develop its own managerial, financial and addition to US dollar loans. This is legal teams to run the operation of the expected to help borrowing countries to bank in a robust and efficient manner. manage and avoid the foreign exchange risks structurally inherent in loans from other banks. The NDB needs to learn from the ADB which has kept on modifying its thrust areas in successive decades since its inception to keep pace with the evolving developmental needs of different countries. Hence, in future the NDB should also concentrate on formulating appropriate strategies to deal with the issues of productivity growth and employment generation (which are not directly dealt by other banks). Challenges faced by the AIIB The AIIB has emerged as a very robust bank reflected in “the strength of AIIB’s governance frameworks, including its policies on risk management, capital adequacy and liquidity”. However, it is faced with certain challenges: So far the AIIB has funded only hard infrastructure projects like roads, electrical transmission lines, water supply system etc. Now it should also venture into “soft infrastructure” projects like public finance management, urban management, health policy and administrative management etc. The projects funded by the AIIB must be socially and environmentally sensitive. The Bank needs to take up eco-friendly projects to help the global community deal with the monstrous threat of climate change. Another critical challenge is to make the AIIB more dynamic, robust and

Easy to PICK118 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Longest UN climate talks end with no decision about key issue on agenda Syllabus subtopic: Important Mandate of COP 25 Apart from framing the rules for a new International institutions, agencies and carbon market, the Madrid talks was expected to direct all countries to fora, their structure, mandate. increase their climate actions in view of recent scientific assessments that show Prelims focus: about COP 25, the world was not doing enough to UNFCCC, IPCC prevent the extreme impacts of climate change. Mains focus: Challenges for the international community in framing Contentious issues policies to check climate change and their Some countries, especially the most implications vulnerable ones like small island states, News: The longest-ever climate were pushing for language directing all conference delivered probably the weakest countries to update their climate action outcome ever. plans by next year to reflect the new realities. Such demands were resisted What led to the deadlock? mainly be big developing countries like The two-week Madrid climate China, India and Brazil, which had been conference could produce an agreement arguing that countries be asked to deliver only after removing everything that any on their past and current promises before country objected to from the final text, and being asked to make any new postponing all decisions on the only major commitments. agenda item it had to finalise. These developing countries repeatedly pointed out that the current situation was a After several countries rejected the draft direct result of developed countries not agreement texts, the conference had little meeting their targets in the pre-2020 option but to remove all contentious period, and has demanded an assessment phrases and provisions, and produce an of the performance of developed countries agreement that was mired in generalities on climate action, including their and lacked any specific decisions. obligation to provide finance and technology to the developing world. The issue of framing rules for setting up a new carbon market under Paris What did the final agreement say? Agreement, the only big issue to be The final agreement included a general finalised in Madrid, was deferred call stressing “the urgency of enhanced entirely to next year, as no country was ambition” by all countries. There was no willing to budge from their stated direction to update climate action plans positions. by next year. Similarly, the demand of developing Civil society groups, an important and countries, reflected in the earlier drafts in vocal stakeholder in the negotiations, the form of a provision setting up a two- reacted with anger and disappointment at year work programme to assess the the outcome of what was the longest ever performance of developed countries, climate talks.

Easy to PICK119 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” was also not included in the final 7. Legal Effect: Treaty is considered agreement. legally non-binding. Even something as innocuous as 8. The treaty itself sets no binding limits acknowledging the special reports of the on greenhouse gas emissions for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate individual countries. Change (IPCC) had run into trouble. Some countries had objected to the fact 9. In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol (3rd COP) that an earlier draft mentioned IPCC’s was concluded and established legally report on oceans but ignored the report on binding obligations for developed land, both having come out this year. The countries to reduce their greenhouse final agreement thus dropped the names gas emissions. of both the reports and only expressed its “appreciation and gratitude” to the IPCC Paris Climate Deal for coming out with the two special The Paris Agreement of 2016 is a historic reports. international accord that brings almost 200 countries together in setting a common Way ahead target to reduce global greenhouse The result from Madrid means negotiators emissions in an effort to fight climate face an uphill task next year to complete change. all the unfinished tasks ahead of the transition of the global climate regime The pact seeks to keep global from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the 2015 temperature rise to below 2 degrees Paris Agreement. With the Paris Celsius from pre-industrial levels, and to Agreement set to come into effect next try and limit the temperature increase year, the rules of the new carbon market even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. will have to be finalised soon. Moreover, To this end, each country has pledged to with latest studies showing the world implement targeted action plans that will needs to do even more than what the Paris limit their greenhouse gas emissions. pact mandates, countries will be under The Agreement asks rich and developed pressure to increase their commitments. countries to provide financial and technological support to the developing About UNFCCC world in its quest to fight and adapt to 1. International environmental treaty that climate change. came into existence under the aegis of How does a country leave the UN. Agreement? 2. UNFCCC was negotiated at the Earth (Rio) Summit 1992. 3. Signed in 1992, New York City. 4. As of March 2019, UNFCCC has 197 parties. 5. Role: UNFCCC provides a framework for negotiating specific international treaties (called “protocols”) that aim to set binding limits on greenhouse gases. 6. Objective of UNFCCC: Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous consequences.

Easy to PICK120 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Article 28 of the Paris Agreement allows It will assess the connection between short countries to leave the Paris Agreement and to medium-term actions and their lays down the process for leaving. compatibility with the long-term A country can only give a notice for temperature goal in the Paris Agreement. leaving at least three years after the Paris It will assess mitigation options in sectors Agreement came into force. such as energy, agriculture, forestry and This happened on November 4, 2016. land use, buildings, transport and industry. Therefore, the US was eligible to move a notice for leaving on November 4 this year, which it did. The withdrawal is not immediate, however. It takes effect one year after the submission of the notice. It means the United States will be out of Paris Agreement only on November 4 next year. About Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. Established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988. Aim: to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. Composition: It has 195 member states. The IPCC has three working groups: Working Group I, dealing with the physical science basis of climate change. Working Group II, dealing with impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Working Group III, dealing with the mitigation of climate change. About its 6th Assessment Report (AR6)? It will examine topics such as the link between consumption and behaviour and greenhouse gas emissions, and the role of innovation and technology.

Easy to PICK121 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Turkey to sign off on military pledge to Libya Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and ruler Col Muammar Gaddafi in politics of developed and developing October 2011. countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. The oil-rich country, a key departure point for some of the thousands of Prelims and Mains focus: About the migrants travelling to Europe, once had crisis in Libya and geographical locations one of the highest standards of living in related to ir related to it; challenges for the Africa, with free healthcare and free international community for peace in education. But the stability that led to its Libya prosperity has been shattered and the capital, Tripoli, is now the scene of News: Turkey moved closer to military serious fighting between rival forces as support for Libya’s internationally negotiations to build a post-Gaddafi recognised government when a bilateral Libya stall. deal that provides for a quick reaction force if requested by Tripoli was sent to Is anyone in control? Parliament. Only Libya's myriad armed militias really Background Late last month, Ankara and Tripoli signed hold sway - nominally backing two centres an expanded security and military accord and, separately, a memorandum on of political power in the east and west with maritime boundaries that Greece said violates international law. parallel institutions. Tripoli While the maritime accord has been sent to the United Nations for approval, the administration, the internationally military deal has been presented to Turkey’s Parliament. Parliament will enter recognised government, known as the it into force after approval. Government of National Accord (GNA) What it may lead to? Ankara’s latest move raises tensions in the This is under the leadership of Prime Mediterranean region and risks confrontation with forces led by Khalifa Minister Fayez Sarraj, an engineer by Haftar based in eastern Libya, where rival political factions have been based profession. He arrived in Tripoli in March since 2014. Egypt, which has condemned the maritime deal as “illegal”, urged other 2016, four months after a UN-brokered countries to stop intervening in Libya to enable the country to restore its own deal to form a unity government, to set up security and stability, in an apparent rebuke to Turkey. his administration. Over the last three About Libyan crisis years he has worked to gain the support of Libya has been beset by chaos since Nato- backed forces overthrew long-serving the various militias and politicians, but he has little real power over the whole country or of the forces ostensibly under his control. Tobruk administration, includes the parliament elected in 2014 after disputed elections When those who held power in Tripoli refused to give it up in 2014, the newly elected MPs moved to the port of Tobruk, 1,000km (620 miles) away, along with the old government. In 2015 some of these MPs backed the UN deal for a unity government, but the parliament has since refused to recognise it and has been blocking efforts to organise fresh elections because it wants military strongman Gen

Easy to PICK122 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Khalifa Haftar, who leads a powerful \"worst mistake\" of his presidency was the force called the Libyan National Army failure to prepare for the aftermath of Col (LNA), to be guaranteed a senior role in Gaddafi's overthrow. He partly blamed any new set-up. Some go as far as to then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron suggest that Gen Haftar has ambitions to for \"the mess\", saying he had not done be \"the Sisi of Libya\", a reference to Gen enough to support the North African Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who seized power in nation. neighbouring Egypt. And it is guns that matter. Some security analysts describe Who is Gen Haftar? Libya as an arms bazaar. It is awash with He helped Col Gaddafi seize power in weapons looted from Gaddafi's arsenal and 1969 before falling out with him in the from allies in the region supporting rival 1980s and going into exile. He returned factions. Militia allegiances often shift out amid the uprising against Gaddafi to fight of convenience and with the need to against his former boss - and in the survive. aftermath cast himself as the main opponent of the Islamist militias in eastern Weren't they all once allies? Libya. They were united in their hatred for For three years he battled various Islamist Gaddafi - but nothing more. There was no militias, including groups aligned to al- single group in charge of the rebellion. Qaeda, in the eastern city of Benghazi. Militias were based in different cities, However, his critics accused of him of fighting their own battles. labelling anyone who challenged his They are also ideologically divided - some authority as \"terrorists\". of them are militant or moderate Islamists, After taking control of Benghazi, he then others are secessionists or monarchists, set his sights on the top job, but the main and yet others are liberals. Furthermore, bone of contention has been a clause in the the militias are split along regional, ethnic UN-brokered agreement that prevents a and local lines, making it a combustible military figure taking political office. mix. And after more than four decades of authoritarian rule, they had little Observers say Gen Haftar's appearance at understanding of democracy. Former US a series of talks in France, Italy and United President Barack Obama, in an interview Arab Emirates (UAE) was more about published in April 2016, said that the establishing himself on the international stage than finding common ground. This January his forces launched an offensive to seize two southern oil fields. He is now believed to control most of Libya's oil reserves.

Easy to PICK123 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Pleas in SC speak of past judgments Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution- other expressions,” the Constitution Bench historical underpinnings, evolution, held. features, amendments, significant It reminded that religion, race, caste, sex or provisions and basic structure place of birth were intrinsic and core elements of an individual’s identity under Prelims and Mains focus: about various Article 15. judgements cited and their significance 3. If at all the state ventures to classify News: The dozen or so petitions filed people on the basis of religion, it against the Citizenship (Amendment) should be reasonable, based on Act, 2019, trace a series of Supreme intelligible differentia and have a Court judgments in which the court rational basis with the objective sought stood up for the dignity of the individual to be achieved by the law, the petitions against the “tyranny of the majority”. argued, quoting the Anwar Ali Sarkar verdict reported in 1952. They What do these judgements say? contend that the amendments classify These Constitution Bench judgments, illegal migrants from Pakistan, which range from the decriminalisation Afghanistan and Bangladesh as those of homosexuality to striking down triple who are Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, talaq, hold that the State cannot Parsi or Christian on one side, and discriminate on the basis of an intrinsic those who are Muslim on the other. and core identity of an individual. Being The amendments provide benefitts to Muslim is part of a person’s core identity illegal migrants who practise any of the and dignity. It cannot be the basis for six faiths and excludes Muslims. discrimination for granting citizenship, they argue. 4. The Constitution Bench in the S.R. Bommai judgment lays down that the 1. The Constitution Bench judgment in State cannot favour any particular the petition filed by the Delhi religion. It is the government’s duty to government — State (NCT of Delhi) accord equal treatment to members of v. Union of India — said the court all faiths. should follow its constitutional morality to check State power and the 5. A Constitution Bench in its Shayara “tyranny of the majority”. Bano (triple talaq case) held that a legislation which is manifestly 2. Another Constitution Bench in the arbitrary, capricious, irrational, Navtej Singh Johar case excessive or disproportionate should (decriminalisation of homosexuality) be struck down. upheld the concept of “identity with dignity”. “Destruction of individual identity would tantamount to crushing of intrinsic dignity that cumulatively encapsulates the values of privacy, choice, freedom of speech and

Easy to PICK124 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” ‘Maternity scheme exclusionary, need benefits for all’ Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for Modi in a televised address to the nation vulnerable sections of the population by on December 31, 2016. Five month’s later the Centre and States and the performance when the Union Cabinet approved the of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, scheme, it decided to give a benefit of institutions and bodies constituted for the ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating protection and betterment of these mothers for the birth of the first child. vulnerable sections This would be disbursed in three installments upon meeting several Prelims and Mains focus: about conditionalities — registration of PMMVY and its significance, challenges pregnancy, at least one ante-natal in implementation and the govt’s check-up, registration of child birth and performance in addressing them vaccinations. The remaining cash incentive of upto News: Three years after a pan-India ₹1,000 is to be given under a separate maternity benefit programme promising scheme called the Janani Suraksha ₹6,000 to new mothers was first Yojana so that on an “average” women announced, the chorus on its many get a total sum of ₹6,000. exclusions is growing louder leading to a Objective demand for a scheme that is truly The objective is to compensate women universal. for wage loss due to child birth. Why so many exclusions? The many clauses introduced into the long and tedious documentation work totalling 32 pages has led to single women and young brides being left out of its purview, say activists working at the grassroots level. Activists say that registration for the scheme requires an applicant to provide her husband’s Aadhaar details along with her own, affecting single women which include unwed mothers, deserted a mother seeking benefits needs to provide proof of address of her marital home, which proves challenging for a newlywed expecting a child and often residing in her natal home during pregnancy. She is then forced to go from pillar to post to claim benefits. About PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was announced by PM

Easy to PICK125 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Problems faced by a newlywed woman margins, such as sex workers, women A mother is unable to get the in custody, migrant and those living in compensation when she needs it the most, post-conflict situations unable to claim i.e. during the nine months of her benefits even though they are most in pregnancy. While the scheme is solely for need of monetary compensation. the first living child, it ironically leaves out those who are most likely to give 3. Women have to pay a hefty bribe birth to one — a newlywed woman. during the application process. The The requirement that the applicant has lengthy documentation work includes to be at least 19 years old also leaves out filling up six documents totaling 32 younger brides, who hesitate in getting pages — an application form to be their marriages registered as the legal filled for each of the three installments, age of marriage is 18 years. 30-35% an application for linking the Aadhaar first-time mothers are under the age of 18 card with bank account, another one years. for linking the Aadhaar card with post The application form requires separate office account and a feedback form. undertakings from the woman and her Applicants have to also submit at least husband that the child for whom they are nine other documents for verification seeking the benefit will be “the first living —Aadhaar card (or enrolment slip child for both of them”, further making it when there is no card), an identity prohibitive. proof, voter ID card (as age proof ) of the mother and her husband; ration Govt’s target versus actual performance card (for husband's address), copy of of the scheme bank passbook and maternal and child Since the scheme came into effect on protection (MCP) card. January 2017, it has benefited a total of 128 lakh women as per the government’s Way ahead reply in Parliament last week. Activists and grassroot workers must This is 80% of the total target the make a “formal representation” to the government has set out for itself — 53 government highlighting their concerns lakh women per year. so that corrective actions can be taken. Experts estimate that the government’s Activists urge for a need for reviewing the target itself is 43% of the total 123 lakh scheme and making it universal by re- first births in the country in a year as moving restrictions on the number of derived from the population size of 133.9 children as well as including all women, crore in 2017 and the birth rate of 20.2 per whether they are in the formal or informal thousand. sector, engaged in paid or unpaid work. Questions and Concerns raised by the The sum promised should also be at least activists on par with minimum wages for women 1. Eligible beneficiaries have to jump in self-employment, unpaid work, or working for less than minimum wages. through several hoops to claim their In order to raise these demands, protest entitlement. Moreover, this is a marches are planned across several States woman’s right under the National on December 31, the third anniversary of Food Security Act, 2013, why then the scheme. Workers, part of the Right to insist on the husband’s identity proof? Food Campaign’s M.P. Chapter, have also started a signature campaign on the 2. The documentation work is likely to demands, which has so far been endorsed result in many women living on the by 1,18,000 people.

Easy to PICK126 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Govt. releases Rs. 35,298 cr. in GST compensation Syllabus subtopic: Functions and While the Congress government in Punjab responsibilities of the Union and the had threatened to take the Centre to court, States, issues and challenges pertaining to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh the federal structure, devolution of powers Baghel had asked the Centre to consider and finances up to local levels and extending the cut-off date for challenges therein. compensation, according to sources. About GST Council: Prelims focus: about salient features of The GST Council is set to hold its next GST, GST Council: structure and mandate meeting on December 18. 1. It is a constitutional body for making Mains focus: concerns of the states regarding delays in compensation recommendations to the Union and payments and the challenges faced by the State Government on issues related to govt. in GST collections Goods and Service Tax. News: The Centre released ₹35,298 crore 2. It is chaired by the Union Finance to the States in Goods and Services Tax Minister and other members are the (GST) compensation on Monday, just two Union State Minister of Revenue or days before a crucial meeting of the GST Finance and Ministers in-charge of Council. Finance or Taxation of all the States. Composition Background As per Article 279A of the amended The decision comes at a time when several Constitution, the GST Council which will States had urged the Centre to transfer be a joint forum of the Centre and the the compensation payments, which have States, shall consist of the following been pending for several months, with members: - the Punjab government warning that it was 1. Union Finance Minister - Chairperson; prepared to take the issue to the Supreme 2. Union Minister of State in charge of Court. Revenue or Finance - Member; 3. Minister in charge of Finance or Why was there a delay in transfer? Taxation or any other The delay was because GST collections 4. Minister nominated by each State had been lower than expected. Government - Members. While the government had budgeted for Mandate of GST Council ₹6,63,343 crore in GST collections for the It shall make recommendations to the current fiscal, 2019-20, it had garnered Union and the States on: only about 50% of its budget estimate in 1. the taxes, cesses and surcharges levied the first eight months. by the Union, the States and the local Concerns raised by the states bodies which may be subsumed in the States have expressed apprehensions about goods and services tax; not getting their compensation on time 2. the goods and services that may be or at all, with some alleging that they had subjected to, or exempted from the to incur debts to meet the expenses goods and services tax; predicated on GST compensation monies. 3. model Goods and Services Tax Laws, principles of levy, apportionment of Goods and Services Tax levied on

Easy to PICK127 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” supplies in the course of inter-State members present and voting, in trade or commerce under article 269A accordance with the following principles- and the principles that govern the place 1. the vote of the Central Government of supply; 4. the threshold limit of turnover below shall have a weightage of one third of which goods and services may be the total votes cast, and exempted from goods and services tax; 2. the votes of all the State Governments 5. the rates including floor rates with taken together shall have a weightage bands of goods and services tax; of two-thirds of the total votes cast, in 6. any special rate or rates for a specified that meeting. period, to raise additional resources during any natural calamity or disaster; Will absenteeism of any state or 7. special provision with respect to the vacancy/ies halt the decision of the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, council? Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, No act or proceedings of the Goods and Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Services Tax Council shall be invalid Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh merely by reason of— and Uttarakhand; and 8. any other matter relating to the goods 1. any vacancy in, or any defect in, and services tax, as the Council may the constitution of the Council; or decide. 9. It shall recommend the date on which 2. any defect in the appointment of a the goods and services tax be levied on person as a Member of the petroleum crude, high speed diesel, Council; or motor spirit (commonly known as petrol), natural gas and aviation turbine 3. any procedural irregularity of the fuel. Council not affecting the merits of 10. While discharging the functions the case. conferred by this article, the Goods and Services Tax Council shall be guided Is there any provision for resolving the by the need for a harmonized structure issues arising among the different of goods and services tax and for the parties of the council? development of a harmonized national The Goods and Services Tax Council shall market for goods and services. establish a mechanism to adjudicate any 11. One-half of the total number of dispute — Members of the Goods and Services 1. between the Government of India and Tax Council shall constitute the quorum at its meetings. one or more States; or 12. The Goods and Services Tax Council 2. between the Government of India and shall determine the procedure in the performance of its functions. any State or States on one side and one How does the council take a decision on or more other States on the other side; any tax issue? or Every decision of the Goods and Services 3. between two or more States, arising Tax Council shall be taken at a meeting, out of the recommendations of the by a majority of not less than three- Council or implementation thereof. fourths of the weighted votes of the

Easy to PICK128 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” ‘Maternity scheme exclusionary, need benefits for all’ Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana vulnerable sections of the population by Yojana (PMMVY) was announced by PM the Centre and States and the performance Modi in a televised address to the nation of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, on December 31, 2016. Five month’s later institutions and bodies constituted for the when the Union Cabinet approved the protection and betterment of these scheme, it decided to give a benefit of vulnerable sections ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating mothers for the birth of the first child. Prelims and Mains focus: about This would be disbursed in three PMMVY and its significance, challenges installments upon meeting several in implementation and the govt’s conditionalities — registration of performance in addressing them pregnancy, at least one ante-natal check-up, registration of child birth and News: Three years after a pan-India vaccinations. maternity benefit programme promising The remaining cash incentive of upto ₹6,000 to new mothers was first ₹1,000 is to be given under a separate announced, the chorus on its many scheme called the Janani Suraksha exclusions is growing louder leading to a Yojana so that on an “average” women demand for a scheme that is truly get a total sum of ₹6,000. universal. Objective The objective is to compensate women Why so many exclusions? for wage loss due to child birth. The many clauses introduced into the long and tedious documentation work totalling 32 pages has led to single women and young brides being left out of its purview, say activists working at the grassroots level. Activists say that registration for the scheme requires an applicant to provide her husband’s Aadhaar details along with her own, affecting single women which include unwed mothers, deserted a mother seeking benefits needs to provide proof of address of her marital home, which proves challenging for a newlywed expecting a child and often residing in her natal home during pregnancy. She is then forced to go from pillar to post to claim benefits. About PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Easy to PICK129 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Problems faced by a newlywed woman 2. The documentation work is likely A mother is unable to get the to result in many women living on compensation when she needs it the most, the margins, such as sex workers, i.e. during the nine months of her women in custody, migrant and pregnancy. While the scheme is solely for those living in post-conflict the first living child, it ironically leaves situations unable to claim benefits out those who are most likely to give even though they are most in need birth to one — a newlywed woman. of monetary compensation. The requirement that the applicant has to be at least 19 years old also leaves out 3. Women have to pay a hefty bribe younger brides, who hesitate in getting during the application process. their marriages registered as the legal The lengthy documentation work age of marriage is 18 years. 30-35% includes filling up six documents first-time mothers are under the age of 18 totaling 32 pages — an application years. form to be filled for each of the The application form requires separate three installments, an application undertakings from the woman and her for linking the Aadhaar card with husband that the child for whom they are bank account, another one for seeking the benefit will be “the first living linking the Aadhaar card with post child for both of them”, further making it office account and a feedback prohibitive. form. Applicants have to also submit at least nine other Govt’s target versus actual performance documents for verification — of the scheme Aadhaar card (or enrolment slip Since the scheme came into effect on when there is no card), an identity January 2017, it has benefited a total of proof, voter ID card (as age proof ) 128 lakh women as per the government’s of the mother and her husband; reply in Parliament last week. ration card (for husband's address), This is 80% of the total target the copy of bank passbook and government has set out for itself — 53 maternal and child protection lakh women per year. (MCP) card. Experts estimate that the government’s target itself is 43% of the total 123 lakh Way ahead first births in the country in a year as Activists and grassroot workers must derived from the population size of 133.9 make a “formal representation” to the crore in 2017 and the birth rate of 20.2 per government highlighting their concerns thousand. so that corrective actions can be taken. Activists urge for a need for reviewing the Questions and Concerns raised by the scheme and making it universal by re- activists moving restrictions on the number of children as well as including all women, 1. Eligible beneficiaries have to jump whether they are in the formal or informal through several hoops to claim sector, engaged in paid or unpaid work. their entitlement. Moreover, this is The sum promised should also be at least a woman’s right under the on par with minimum wages for women National Food Security Act, in self-employment, unpaid work, or 2013, why then insist on the working for less than minimum wages. husband’s identity proof?

Easy to PICK130 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” In order to raise these demands, protest marches are planned across several States on December 31, the third anniversary of the scheme. Workers, part of the Right to Food Campaign’s M.P. Chapter, have also started a signature campaign on the demands, which has so far been endorsed by 1,18,000 people.

Easy to PICK131 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Citizenship Act rules get ready Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Advisory issued to States by the Centre  The Ministry on Monday issued an and interventions for development in advisory to the States and Union various sectors and issues arising out of Territories asking them to take all possible steps to check violence and their design and implementation. ensure the safety of life and property.  It requested them to take action against Prelims and Mains focus: about salient circulation of fake news and rumours on social media having the potential to provisions of CAA and the controversy incite violence. around it; Citizenship related provisions in Why? There are apprehensions that the Act, the constitution followed by a country-wide National Register of Citizens, will benefit News: The Union Home Ministry on non-Muslims, while excluded Muslims will have to prove their citizenship. Monday said no migrant from the six Assurances given by the govt. non-Muslim communities from  The CAA does not target any Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh religious community from abroad. It only provides a mechanism for some “will become an Indian citizen migrants who may otherwise have been called ‘illegal’ depriving them of automatically”. opportunity to apply for Indian citizenship provided they meet certain What is the procedure then? conditions.  The Citizenship Act, 1955, which was A migrant should apply online and the amended last week, provides that Indian citizenship could be acquired competent authority would see whether he by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation or by incorporation of or she fulfilled all the qualifications for territory.  Any foreigner on becoming eligible registration or naturalisation as an Indian can acquire citizenship by registration or by naturalisation irrespective of his citizen. country or his community. The CAA enables migrants/foreigners of six Background minority communities from three specified countries who have come to The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed India because of persecution on grounds of their religion to apply for by Parliament last week, proposes to grant Indian citizenship.  It does not amend any existing legal citizenship to “persecuted” minorities from provision which enables any foreigner any of the three countries who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Centre will soon frame rules to operationalise the provisions of the Act.

Easy to PICK132 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” of any class, creed, religion, category etc to apply for Indian citizenship through registration or naturalisation modes.  Such a foreigner has to become eligible to apply for citizenship after fulfilling the minimum legal requirements.  The CAA does not apply to Indian citizens and they are completely unaffected by it. In the past six years, 2,830 Pakistani citizens, 912 Afghan citizens and 172 Bangladeshi citizens were given Indian citizenship and “hundreds of them are from the majority community of these three countries”.  Such migrants continue to get Indian citizenship and shall also continue to get it if they fulfil the eligibility conditions already provided in the law for registration or naturalisation. Citizenship to Tamils  4.61 lakh Tamils of Indian origin were given Indian citizenship from 1964 to 2008 after the signing of bilateral agreements in 1964 and 1974.  Nearly 95,000 Sri Lankan refugees are living in Tamil Nadu.

Easy to PICK133 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” CJI: Many cases of blackmail and extortion in RTI Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Court’s directive to the Centre and interventions for development in  The bench asked the Centre and states various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. to fill the vacancies within three Prelims and Mains focus: about the RTI months. Act, 2005 and issues related to its abuse;  It also asked the Centre to upload on office of Information Comissioners and the the official website names of members controversy around their appointment. of the Search Committee for selection News: Flagging “fears” over the “abuse” of ICs of the Central Information of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Commission within two weeks. the Supreme Court Monday observed “there have been innumerable cases of What did the court say regarding the blackmail, extortion in its working” abuse of RTI? which it wanted to address.  Guidelines should be laid down to The remarks were made by a bench of Chief Justice of India S A Bobde and check the locus of the RTI applicant Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant. The and put a “filter” on the kind of bench was hearing a plea by RTI activist requests made under the 2005 Act. Anjali Bharadwaj seeking direction to the  There is the serious problem of people Centre and states to implement the court’s filing RTI requests with malafide direction earlier this year to appoint intentions, people set up by rivals. information commissioners (ICs)  The RTI Act had become a source of without further delay. criminal intimidation by people with Background an axe to grind. “Criminal intimidation is a nice word for ‘blackmail.”  In the past, SC has warned against a  People who call themselves “RTI situation where 75% of the staff of activists” and were in no way public authorities spends 75% of the concerned with the issues on which time answering RTI queries. they file RTI requests had impeded government functioning,  At other times, it has also  The court is willing to hear arguments acknowledged information officers on the locus of people who filed RTIs have evaded answers to queries. What and also about setting up a “filter SC says will invariably influence how which can be rightfully employed.” public information officers respond to RTIs. Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019  Term of Information Commissioners: Under the Act, Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) are appointed at the national and state level to implement the provisions of the Act. The Act states that the CIC and other ICs (appointed at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five

Easy to PICK134 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” years. The Bill removes this provision RTI vs Right to Privacy and states that the central government will notify the term of office for the  Conceptually, RTI and the right to CIC and the ICs. privacy are both complementary as well as in conflict to each other.  Determination of salary: The Act states that the salary of the CIC and  While RTI increases access to ICs (at the central level) will be information, the right to privacy equivalent to the salary paid to the protects it instead. Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, respectively.  At the same time they both function, as Similarly, the salary of the CIC and citizen rights safeguarding liberty, ICs (at the state level) will be against state’s overreach. equivalent to the salary paid to the Election Commissioners and the Chief  When the question of harmonising the Secretary to the state government, contradicting rights arises, it should: respectively. 1. give justice to the larger public  The Bill seeks to amend these interest provisions to state that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and 2. advance the public morality conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined RTI vs Official Secrets Act, 1923 by the central government.  The OSA was enacted in 1923 by the  Deductions in salary: The Act states British to keep certain kinds of that at the time of the appointment of information confidential, including, but the CIC and ICs (at the central and not always limited to, information state level), if they are receiving involving the affairs of state, pension or any other retirement diplomacy, national security, benefits for previous government espionage, and other state secrets. service, their salaries will be reduced  Whenever there is a conflict between by an amount equal to the pension. the two laws, the provisions of the RTI Act override those of the OSA.  Previous government service includes  Section 22 of the RTI Act states that its service under: (i) the central provisions will have effect government, (ii) state government, (iii) notwithstanding anything that is corporation established under a central inconsistent with them in the OSA. or state law, and (iv) government  Similarly, under Section 8(2) of the company owned or controlled by the RTI Act, a public authority may allow central or state government. access to information covered under the OSA, “if the public interest in  The Bill removes these provisions. disclosure outweighs the harm to the protected interest”.

Easy to PICK135 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 15th Finance Commission treats J&K as a UT for funds devolution Syllabus subtopic: impression that an exception will be  Statutory, regulatory and various made by the FFC for J&K, which would continue to receive its share of quasi-judicial bodies. taxes like any other state.  Government policies and interventions  Constitutionally, there will be an for development in various sectors and infirmity on non-states getting share of issues arising out of their design and net proceeds of taxes which are implementation. admissible only to states. Prelims and Mains focus: Abour J&K Way ahead Reorganisation Act and issues related;  The formation of J&K and Ladakh as about FFC and its mandate UTs will have significant implications News: As part of the devolution formula for the vertical and horizontal prescribed by the 15th Finance dimensions of fiscal transfers. Commission (FFC), Jammu and Kashmir will be treated as a Union  However, whether the tax devolution territory (UT), despite the Centre’s to individual states will increase or assurance that this status is temporary and decline after total number of states that statehood will be restored “at an decreased from 29 to 28 will depend appropriate time”. on the devolution formula adopted by the finance commission. Procedure for UTs and State receiving grants? 15th Finance Commission The commission had sought legal opinion  Last month, the Union Cabinet from experts before deciding that the Union Territory of J&K will receive extended the tenure of the finance grants from the home ministry from the commission by another year. Centre’s share of funds. States’ share of the money comes directly from the  The FFC submitted its first report for consolidated fund of India. 2020-21 to the President earlier this month, and is expected to submit its What J&K Reorganisation Act says second and final report for the reward about grants? period 2021-22 to 2025-26 by 30  The J&K Reorganisation Act passed October. by Parliament says the President shall  The government is expected to release make a reference to the FFC to the first report of the FFC just before “include Union territory of Jammu and the Budget presentation on 1 February. Kashmir in its terms of reference and The extension of the term will enable make award for the successor Union the commission to examine various territory of Jammu and Kashmir”. comparable estimates for financial projections in view of the reforms and  The centre’s assurance of restoring J&K’s status as a state had led to the

Easy to PICK136 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” the new realities to finalise its recommendations for 2020-26.

Easy to PICK137 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Indian peacekeepers in Sudan awarded UN medal Syllabus subtopic: Important and the battalion has supported the mandate of the United Nations and the International institutions, agencies and overall peace process. fora, their structure, mandate. About UNMISS Prelims and Mains focus: About  On 9 July 2011 South Sudan became the newest country in the world. The UNMISS; India’s contribution in UN birth of the Republic of South Sudan is the culmination of a six-year peace peacekeeping operations process which began with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace News: Fifty Indian peacekeepers stationed Agreement (CPA) in 2005. in South Sudan have been awarded the  However, the Security Council determined that the situation faced by UN Medal for their professionalism and South Sudan continued to constitute a threat to international peace and service in protecting civilians and security in the region and established the United Nations Mission in the building durable peace in the conflict- Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) to consolidate peace and security and to ridden country. help establish conditions for development. Contribution of Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan  Following the crisis which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, the  The Indian peacekeepers are part of the Security Council reinforced UNMISS UN Mission in South Sudan and reprioritized its mandate towards (UNMISS). the protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, and support for the  The are deployed with the Indian delivery of humanitarian assistance and battalion stationed at Bor in the for the implementation of the Jonglei region of South Sudan. Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.  Presenting the award, General Kamanzi acknowledged their contribution in carrying out patrols across the region as well as providing a safe and secure environment for the 2,500 civilians who have sought sanctuary at the UN Protection of Civilians site at Bor.  The local government in Jonglei also paid tribute to the Indian troops.  The Indian battalion had played an important role in keeping the community safe as well as encouraging local peace efforts.  They had also provided much-needed services to the community outside of their core mandate, such as medical care for local residents and support for local farmers with veterinary treatment for their animals.  The battalion has been intimately associated with peacekeeping efforts

Easy to PICK138 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What is peacekeeping?  United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.  Peacekeeping has unique strengths, including legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.  UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peace building support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.  There are currently 14 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on four continents. UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:  Consent of the parties.  Impartiality  Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate. Global partnership:  UN peacekeeping is a unique global partnership. It brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors and the host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security.  Its strength lies in the legitimacy of the UN Charter and in the wide range of contributing countries that participate and provide precious resources.

Easy to PICK139 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” No special UNSC meet on Kashmir Syllabus subtopic: Important  Enhanced defence cooperation, International institutions, agencies and furthering their Indo-Pacific fora, their structure, mandate. strategy, and discussions on global Prelims and Mains focus: about UNSC: challenges, including U.S. policy in its structure and mandate; Indo-US defence relations and India’s diplomatic Iran and Afghanistan, are likely to efforts to counter China’s arguments on CAA feature at the top of the agenda as External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sit down for the second News: A special meeting of the permanent “2+2” combined ministerial meeting members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Kashmir was not with their U.S. counterparts, Secretary convened on Tuesday, diplomatic sources have confirmed. The meeting was sought of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of by China to discuss India’s decision to end the special status of Jammu and Defence Mark Esper, on Wednesday. Kashmir.  On the defence front, the two sides are expected to sign the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) and review steps being taken to operationalise the foundational agreement Remarks made by the UNSC Communications Compatibility and  Kashmir will not be discussed at the Security Agreement (COMCASA), Security Council. The issue has to be treated bilaterally between India and which was signed during the Pakistan. previous 2+2 talks.  However, discussions on the last foundational agreement, Basic Context Exchange and Cooperation  The UNSC met on August 16 after Agreement for Geo-spatial China insisted on reviving the ‘India-Pakistan Question’ at the Cooperation (BECA) have not world body’s highest decision making unit, where the issue had been dormant concluded yet, as some differences still since it was discussed in December 1971. remain, official sources said.  China’s move comes ahead of the  In addition, there are several big ticket expected meeting between the Special Representatives of India and defence deals in the works, the China to discuss the border issue. It has also cast a shadow on the ‘2+2’ progress of which will be reviewed. meeting between India and the U.S., in which Secretary of State Mike These include the 24 Lockheed Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark T. Esper will host their Martin MH-60R Multi-Role counterparts S. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh. helicopters worth $2.4bn and 13 BAE Upcoming Indo-US 2+2 meeting Systems built 127 mm MK-45 Naval gun systems, among others.  However, the threat of U.S. sanctions under CAATSA over S-400 air defence purchases from Russia remains a sticking point. About Industrial Security Annex (ISA) and its significance

Easy to PICK140 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The ISA is crucial for U.S. A lot of progress has been made in the companies bidding for big ticket areas of foreign policy and defence Indian deals to partner with the Indian between two countries and both are private industry, especially the looking forward to a highly qualitative multibillion dollar deal for 114 fighter meeting. jets. As part of efforts for co-development and coproduction of U.S’ concerns over the CAA military hardware, a Standard  In addition, officials say U.S. concerns Operating Procedure (SOP) for Defence Technology Trade Initiative over the Citizenship (Amendment) (DTTI) is also expected to be signed Act and the protests, which the U.S. that “will act as a guide to coordinate State Department has spoken about projects.” twice now, will come up.  U.S. officials in Delhi have also raised Quad grouping also to be discussed the issue of continuing restrictions in  As part of the larger Indo-Pacific Kashmir, including the detention of political leaders, as recently as last focus, the evolving cooperation week, and have made requests between the Quad grouping repeatedly to the government to allow comprising India, Australia, Japan U.S. Embassy diplomats to visit and the U.S. will also be discussed. Jammu and Kashmir. While Washington has been pushing for greater military engagement, New India and US: four foundational Delhi has stated that it doesn’t see any agreements military role for the grouping. The four foundational agreements are – Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Significance of the 2+2 dialogue Agreement (LEMOA), COMCASA, The 2+2 dialogue is the highest-level General Security Of Military Information institutional mechanism between India and Agreement (GSOMIA) and Basic USA that brings together our perspectives Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for on foreign policy, defence and strategic Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA). issues.

Easy to PICK141 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About UNSC  Members: The Security Council consists of fifteen members. Russia,  The United Nations Security Council the United Kingdom, France, China, (UNSC) is one of the organs of the and the United States—serve as the United Nations and is charged with the body’s five permanent members. maintenance of international peace and These permanent members can veto security. any substantive Security Council resolution, including those on the  Its powers include the establishment of admission of new member states or peacekeeping operations, the candidates for Secretary-General. establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of  The Security Council also has 10 non- military action through Security permanent members, elected on a Council resolutions. It is the only UN regional basis to serve two-year terms. body with the authority to issue The body’s presidency rotates monthly binding resolutions to member states among its members.

Easy to PICK142 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Govt. aims to provide broadband access to all villages by 2022 Syllabus subtopic: Government policies The vision of the national broadband and interventions for development in mission is to fast-track growth of digital various sectors and issues arising out of communications infrastructure, bridge the their design and implementation. digital divide, facilitate digital empowerment and inclusion, and provide Prelims and Mains focus: about the affordable and universal access of National Broadband Mission and its broadband for all. significance in bridging the digital divide in India News: The government on Tuesday announced a new ‘mission’ aimed at providing broadband access to all villages by 2022, entailing an investment of around Rs. 7 lakh crore from various stakeholders. About the mission  The National Broadband Mission will facilitate universal and equitable access to broadband services across the country, especially in rural and remote areas.  It would also aim at significantly improving quality of services for mobile and Internet.  Under the mission, the government plans to lay incremental 30lakh route km of optical fibre cable, while also increasing tower density from 0.42 to 1 tower per thousand of population by 2024.  The mission envisages stakeholder investment of $100 billion (Rs.7 lakh crore) including Rs.70,000 crore from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) in the coming years and “address policy and regulatory changes required to accelerate the expansion and creation of digital infrastructure and services.” Vision of the mission

Easy to PICK143 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Goa relieved after MoEF’s decision on Mahadayi project Syllabus subtopic: Functions and Mahadayi River Dispute responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to  There have been ongoing protests in the federal structure, devolution of powers Karnataka on the issue of sharing of and finances up to local levels and Mahadayi river waters. challenges therein.  Mahadayi river originates in Prelims and Mains focus: about the Karnataka before flowing into Goa Mahadayi Project and its significance, where it is called Mandovi. concerns of the states associated  Karnataka is seeking release of 7.56 News: In a reprieve to Goa, the Ministry tmcft water by Goa from the river for of Environment, Forest and Climate the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project, Change (MoEF) on Wednesday kept in which is being opposed by Goa. abeyance its letter earlier written to Karnataka stating that its proposed Kalasa  The project involves building barrages Banduri project on Mahadayi river does across Kalasa and Banduri, not need an environment clearance (EC). tributaries of Mahadayi river, to divert water to the Malaprabha which Context meets drinking water needs of the The MoEF’s move comes after Goa Chief north Karnataka districts of Dharwad, Minister Pramod Sawant, who is in New Belagavi, Bagalkot and Gadag. Delhi to attend the GST Council meeting, met Environment Minister Prakash  Goa is of the view that it has no Javadekar on Wednesday, seeking problem in providing \"reasonable and withdrawal of the letter. justified\" amount of 0.1 TMC of water to Karnataka for its drinking needs. Kalasa Banduri Project  The Kalasa Banduri project is aimed at  The matter is pending before the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. providing drinking water to three important districts of north Karnataka — Belagavi, Gadag and Dharwad — which go parched in summer due to acute water scarcity.  The project involves diverting water from Mahadayi river, the lifeline of Goa, into the Malaprabha river.

Easy to PICK144 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” NGT refuses to extend deadline for STPs for lakes Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory  Noting that authorities have failed to and various quasi-judicial bodies take appropriate action, the Bench said, ``Desilting of the lake has not been Prelims and Mains focus: about the done from time to time nor have steps pollution in Indian lakes; NGT: its been taken to stop the flow of structure and mandate untreated sewage into the water bodies. There is also failure to prevent News: The National Green Tribunal dumping of municipal solid waste.`` (NGT) has refused to extend the deadline for setting up of sewage treatment plants Directives given by the court (STP) beyond September 2020 for the protection of the Bellandur, Varthur  The Tribunal further directed the and Agara lakes. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board(BWSSB) to ensure that no Remarks made by the tribunal effluent is discharged into the lakes till  A Bench headed by NGT chief Justice the STPs are installed and specified that a compensation of ₹ 5 lakh per Adarsh Kumar Goel said, ``If the work month per inlet into the lakes will be remains incomplete even till levied in case of non-compliance. September 30, a compensation at the rate of ₹ 10 lakh per sewage treatment  `Sources of discharge be controlled or plant per month will be liable to be regulated and electricity and water paid... to be recovered from the erring supplies to the defaulting officers, apart from adverse entries in establishments be stopped for their service records and other adverse enforcement of law till remedial steps action.`` are taken for compliance.  The green panel further observed that Encroachment which are still the fact that approximately 256 continuing be removed by using million litres of untreated sewage force wherever necessary,``the Bench was entering Bellandur lake on a said. daily basis was a ‘criminal offence’, which needs to be tackled on a war  Additionally, the Karnataka State footing. pollution control board was directed to  While observing that the lake, which is develop a “robust water quality said to be 130-year-old, is a habitat to monitoring programme” to keep a several species of birds and aquatic check on the water quality of drains life, the Bench said, ``This [pollution] leading to the lakes. has also affected groundwater recharge. Waste dumping has resulted in foul stench around the lake. Major cause for foam formation is considered to be the discharge of untreated sewage through open drains.

Easy to PICK145 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What is National Green Tribunal application, NGT also has appellate (NGT)? jurisdiction to hear appeal as a Court  It is a specialised body set up under the (Tribunal). National Green Tribunal Act (2010)  The Tribunal is not bound by the for effective and expeditious disposal procedure laid down under the Code of of cases relating to environmental Civil Procedure 1908, but shall be protection and conservation of forests guided by principles of 'natural justice'. and other natural resources.  With the establishment of the NGT,  While passing any order/decision/ India became the third country in award, it shall apply the principles of the world to set up a specialised sustainable development, the environmental tribunal, only after precautionary principle and the polluter Australia and New Zealand, and the pays principle. first developing country to do so.  NGT is mandated to make disposal of  NGT by an order, can provide applications or appeals finally within 6 o relief and compensation to the victims months of filing of the same.  The NGT has five places of sittings, of pollution and other environmental New Delhi is the Principal place of damage (including accident occurring sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata while handling any hazardous and Chennai are the other four. substance), o for restitution of property damaged, Structure of NGT and  The Tribunal comprises of the o for restitution of the environment for such area or areas, as the Tribunal may Chairperson, the Judicial Members think fit. and Expert Members. They shall hold office for term of five years and are  An order/decision/award of Tribunal is not eligible for reappointment. executable as a decree of a civil court.  The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation  The NGT Act also provides a with Chief Justice of India (CJI). procedure for a penalty for non  A Selection Committee shall be compliance: formed by central government to appoint the Judicial Members and o Imprisonment for a term which may Expert Members. extend to three years,  There are to be least 10 and maximum 20 full time Judicial members and o Fine which may extend to ten crore Expert Members in the tribunal. rupees, and Powers & Jurisdiction o Both fine and imprisonment.  The Tribunal has jurisdiction over all  An appeal against order/decision/ civil cases involving substantial award of the NGT lies to the Supreme question relating to environment Court, generally within ninety days (including enforcement of any legal from the date of communication. right relating to environment).  Being a statutory adjudicatory body  The NGT deals with civil cases under like Courts, apart from original the seven laws related to the jurisdiction side on filing of an environment, these include: o The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, o The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, o The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, o The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,

Easy to PICK146 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” o The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, o The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and o The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.  Any violation pertaining to these laws or any decision taken by the Government under these laws can be challenged before the NGT.

Easy to PICK147 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Pre-budget meet: Hike in states’ fiscal deficit limit, IGST dues among chief demands Syllabus subtopic: Functions and  The biggest take home from pre- responsibilities of the Union and the Budget discussion of FMs is States, issues and challenges pertaining to suggestion by Bihar and Kerala to raise the federal structure, devolution of powers the fiscal deficit limit to 4 per cent. It and finances up to local levels and was agreed to large number of states. challenges therein. In current year real expenditure of Prelims and Mains focus: about the key states will decline — a crazy macro issues raised by the states in the meeting, outcome in time of recession. Ayushmaan Bharat News: In a pre-Budget consultation held  Cutting across political divide State with the Centre on Wednesday, state FMs demanded raising fiscal deficit, finance ministers pitched for more funds, larger central allocation for programs relaxation in fiscal deficit target and Ayushman Bharat, social pensions settlement of pending Integrated Goods and MGNREGS, support to farmers, and Services Tax (IGST) payments. interest subvention to SHGs and Who attented the meeting? streamlining of central devolution to The meeting was attended by Chief avoid ways and means crisis Ministers of Goa, Haryana and Puducherry, Deputy Chief Ministers of Ayushmaan Bharat Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Tripura as well as 17 Finance Ministers/Ministers representing their states. Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur also attended the meeting. Issues raised by various States  Both Bihar and Kerala had suggested raising the fiscal deficit limit for states to 4 per cent, while Delhi raised the issue of stagnation of share in central taxes for union territories with legislature since 2001-02, and West Bengal flagged the issue of budgetary resources amounting to Rs 7,300 crore for cyclone relief not having reached the state.  Delhi has also asked for augmentation of financial assistance to tackle the issue of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, which has an impact on air pollution in the region. Key takeaways from the meeting

Easy to PICK148 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-Bangladesh technical talks on sharing of river water cancelled Syllabus subtopic: India and its this, technical level meetings are held neighbourhood - relations. regularly. Prelims and Mains focus: about Indo- Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Bangladesh Joint River Commission and its significance; rivers shared by India and Commission Bangladesh  An Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers News: The India-Bangladesh Joint Commission (JRC) is functioning since Rivers Commission’s technical-level talks that were scheduled to begin on Thursday 1972. It was established with a view were cancelled at the last minute, an official of the Ministry of Jal Shakti said to maintain liaison in order to ensure on Wednesday. the most effective joint effort in What was the reason?  Though the official didn’t mention any maximizing the benefits from specific reason for cancellation of the common river systems. The JRC is talks, he said, “It was a request from the Bangladesh side.” headed by Water Resources  However, sources said the meeting was postponed due to the delay in Ministers of both the countries. 37th the exchange of data on six common rivers which was updated several meeting of the JRC was held at New years ago.  Noting that the meeting was scheduled Delhi from 17th – 20thMarch, 2010, to be held on December 19-20, the official said the new date of the wherein various matters pertaining to meeting has not been finalised yet.  The cancellation of the meeting comes cooperation in Water Resources sector at time when the country is witnessing protests against the Citizenship with Bangladesh were discussed. (Amendment) Act passed by Parliament earlier this month. Last  A new chapter in the Indo-Bangladesh week, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister relations opened up with signing of a Asaduzzaman Khan, too, cancelled their scheduled visits to India. Treaty by the Prime Ministers of Rivers shared by India and Bangladesh India and Bangladesh on 12th  India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers December 1996 on the sharing of and a Joint River Commission is functioning since June 1972. Besides Ganga/Ganges waters. The Treaty shall remain in force for a period of thirty years to be renewable by mutual consent. For monitoring the implementation of the Treaty, a Joint Committee has been set up.  Discussions have been continuing with Bangladesh for sharing of waters of Teesta & Feni rivers besides other six common rivers namely; Manu, Muhri, Khowai, Gumti, Jaldhaka and Torsa. Govt. of India is at its endeavour to conclude the agreement of the sharing of waters of Teesta and Feni rivers with Bangladesh, which is acceptable to all parties concerned and which protects the interests of all stakeholders.  There exists a system of Transmission of flood forecasting data on major

Easy to PICK149 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” rivers like Ganga, Teesta, monsoon has enabled the civil and Brahmputra and Barak during the military authorities in Bangladesh to shift monsoon season from India to the population affected by floods to safer Bangladesh. The transmission of flood places. forecasting information during the The Teesta River dispute

Easy to PICK150 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Government defends citizenship Act in Geneva Syllabus subtopic: Important Pakistan, after which Bangladesh was born. International institutions, agencies and About the First Global Refugee Forum fora, their structure, mandate.  The forum is organized by the United Prelims and Mains focus: about the first Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) global refugee forum and its significance; and the Govt. of Switzerland in the refugee crisis around the world and its Geneva with the aim of generating consequences, about UNHCR new approaches and commitments from a variety of actors to assist and News: Stressing that India has welcomed respond to refugee needs more refugees from all over the world, the effectively. government on Wednesday defended the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Geneva  Being conducted for the first time with and said it is dealing with the problem the participation of representatives through “democracy and due process”. from the states, U.N. Agencies, nongovernmental organizations and Remarks made by the Permanent many other international actors, the Representative of India to UN forum, in its words, \"comes at the end of a tumultuous decade,\" which has  In a statement at the First Global been marked by various refugee Refugee Forum by Permanent crises. Representative of India to the UN, Geneva, Rajiv K Chander said  While host countries such as Turkey, Pakistan is a self-proclaimed champion Jordan and Lebanon contributed of human rights that has shrunk the large amounts of their resources for the size of its own minority community refugee communities, the West had a from 23 per cent in 1947 to 3 per cent disappointing record of refusing to by subjecting them to draconian tackle the problem. Still, the Global blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, Refugee Forum kicked off with the blatant abuse and forced conversions. hope of coming up with substantial, concrete solutions to the issue.  Throughout history, India has welcomed refugees from all over the United Nations High Commissioner for world. The Zoroastrians who had Refugees sought refuge in India from 7th century  It is a UN Refugee Agency and a onwards, now known as the Parsis, are a vibrant and important community in global organization dedicated to saving our democratic polity. The Jews who lives, protecting the rights and building were persecuted in the 16th century a better future for refugees, forcibly had sought refuge in Cochin in South displaced communities and stateless India where the synagogue they built people. exists to date.  It was created in 1950 to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their  Closer to our times, thousands and homes. thousands have sought refuge in India  It is headquartered at Geneva, from some of our neighbouring Switzerland. countries, including more than 10 million in 1971 from erstwhile East