Monthly Current Affairs February 2020

Easy to PICK1 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” FEBRUARY 2020 PT-MAINS Copyright ©Aspire IAS All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Aspire lAS.

Easy to PICK2 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” S.No. Topic Page No. 1. GS-1 2. 07 3. Iranian Revolution, 1979 11 4. Hampi World Heritage site 13 5. 6th International Conference on Climate Services 15 Gold deposits found in Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh) 16 1. Vittala Temple at Hampi 2. 18 3. GS-2 20 4. 21 5. Global Health Emergency 23 6. MEA revamp 25 7. 26 9. Appointments in minority-run institutions 29 10. National Seed Fund 31 12. Data Centre Parks 33 13. 35 14. Revenue Deficit grants for states 37 15. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 38 16. 41 17. CAG report on army provisioning 43 18. India extends reach in Indian Ocean Region 44 19. NCRB report on missing children and women 45 20. 47 21. WHO report on cancer 49 22. Customs Act, 1962 50 23. 51 24. Bhutan ends free entry for Indian tourists 53 25. UNESCO certificate for Jaipur 54 27. GST lottery offers 56 28. 58 29. Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020 60 30. Banking Regulation Act, 1949 62 64 Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Changes in Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 International Intellectual Property Index Telecom Ombudsman India-Central Asia connectivity India- Africa Defence Ministers conclave Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) Status report on victim compensation Kerala mulls Vigilance cell for Health J&K IT and Real Estate policy 2020

Easy to PICK3 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 31. States not bound to give reservations in job, promotions 66 32. Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) 68 33. Draft National Policy on Rare Diseases, 2020 69 34. Salwa Judum 70 35. Supreme Court upholds validity of amendments in SC/ST Act 72 36. Indigenous Muslims of Assam 74 37. Sudan to handover Omar al-Bashir to ICC 76 38. Privilege Motion 77 39. Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2019 79 40. Manual scavenging related deaths in India 80 41. Pesticide Management Bill, 2020 81 42. Scope of Direct Tax Bill enlarged 83 43. India-Sri Lanka DTAA amended 84 44. Major Ports Authority Bill, 2020 85 45. WHO to score countries affected by COVID-19 86 46. US-Taliban Peace deal 88 47. Publish details of tainted candidates: SC to parties 91 48. USTR takes India off developing country list 93 49. Finance Commission to set up a new panel 96 50. Central Administrative Tribunal 97 51. New Textiles Policy 2020 99 52. Military Balance Report, 2020 100 53. National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) 102 54. Virtual Classroom and Studio scheme of Maharashtra 104 55. Remote Voting System 105 56. 5th India Russia military industry conference 107 57. National Health Mission (NHM) 109 58. Ladakh to appoint non –gazetted personnel 111 59. Delimitation Commission of India 113 60. Supreme Court Collegium System 114 62. SUTRA PIC initiative 117 63. Women Army officers eligible for permanent commission 119 64. Nadu-Nedu programme 121 65. Study on Online abuse 122 66. Tax haven 123 67. EC holds meeting on electoral reforms 124 68. Trump’s visit may seal helicopter deal 125 69. Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 127

Easy to PICK4 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 70. Law Commission of India 128 71. Empowered Technology Group 129 72. Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural): 2nd phase 130 73. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) 132 74. 100-day sister cities challenge 134 Article 371 135 75. State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) 137 76. UK’s new points-based visa system 139 77. Govt. to revive old drug manufacturing units 141 78. Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2020 143 79. U.S President Trump to visit India 145 80. India- Maldives Relations 146 81. A Future for the World’s Children? report 148 82. G20 Summit 149 83. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’s (IBC) track record 150 84. Possibility of India-US trade deal 152 85. Sedition cases in India : NCRB data 154 86. Asian Development Bank 156 87. India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership 157 88. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) 158 89. Arab Spring 160 90. National Technical Textiles Mission 162 91. Cabinet approves Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2020 164 92. India-Myanmar 165 93. India to attend signing of US-Taliban peace deal 168 94. UK threatens to pull out of EU trade talks 171 95. ADR report on donation to political parties 173 96. Marathi to be compulsory in all Maharashtra schools 175 97. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) 176 98. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 178 GS-3 1. Economic Survey on India’s economic growth 180 2. Economic Survey on entrepreneurship 182 3. Economic Survey on Privatisation 183 4. Anti-dumping duty 184 5. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Price (CACP) 186 6. Kerala islands under CRZ regime 188

Easy to PICK5 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 7. Foreign Portfolio Investors ( FPIs) 189 8. National Logistics Policy 191 9. Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) 193 10. Reverse Osmosis water purification technology 195 11. Locust attack in Punjab 197 12. Samurai Loan 198 13. Declining Savings Rate 199 14. Quantum computing 201 15. Global Medical Data Leak 204 16. Pollution by Thermal power plants 206 17. India’s tariff policy 208 18. RBI steps in to revive economy 210 19. Cancer genes mutation mapped 212 20. Genome India Project 214 21. GST rates to be revised yearly 216 22. Li-ion battery 218 23. Three-dimensional Variational Data Analysis (3DVAR) 221 24. Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) 222 25. Solar Orbiter Mission 225 26. Indian pilots begin astronaut training in Russia 227 27. RBI to set up new umbrella entity (NUE) 228 28. Sovereign Credit Rating 230 29. Future of Earth, 2020 report 231 30. Energy Neutral railway station 233 31. Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues of telecos 234 32. Indian pangolin 236 33. Bank Frauds in India 237 34. GISAT-1 satellite to be launched 239 35. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) 240 36. Kashi Mahakal Express 241 37. Google’s Station programme 243 38. State of India’s Birds 2020 (SoIB) report 245 39. Steps taken by the office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)x 247 40. Karbis against ST status for hill Bodos in Assam 249 41. Foodgrain production set to touch a record high 251 42. The link between small savings and deficits 253 43. Pledging of Shares 255 44. Force Majeure Clause 257

Easy to PICK6 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 45. Operation Control Centre for goods trains 259 46. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) 260 47. Consumer Price Index (CPI) 261 48. Thal Sena Bhawan 263 49. Water table dipping in Bihar 265 50. Olive Ridley Turtles 266 51. Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary 268 52. RBI study on digital payments 270 53. Central Vista Redevelopment project 272 54. FDI policy regarding Special Economic Zones (SEZs) 274 55. Centre to sell partial stake in LIC 276 56. Fiscal deficit touches 128.5% of Budget Estimate 278 57. Delhi water fails to clear ISO norms 280

Easy to PICK7 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Iranian Revolution, 1979 Syllabus subtopic: History of the World 1941, and his son Mohammad Reza will include events from 18th century such Pahlavi took the throne. In 1953, amid as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, a power struggle between Mohammed Colonization, Decolonization, political Reza Shah and Prime Minister philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on Mohammad Mosaddegh, the U.S. the society. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Prelims and Mains focus: about the the U.K. Secret Intelligence Service revolution; its causes and aftermath (MI6) orchestrated a coup against Mosaddegh’s government. News: Hundreds of thousands across Iran  Years later, Mohammad Reza Shah marked the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic dismissed the parliament and launched Revolution on February 11 amid the White Revolution—an aggressive growing tensions between Tehran and the U.S. modernization program that About the 1979 Islamic Revolution upended the wealth and influence of Iranian Revolution, also called Islamic landowners and clerics, disrupted Revolution, was a popular uprising in Iran in 1978–79 that resulted in the rural economies, led to rapid toppling of the monarchy on February urbanization and Westernization, 11, 1979, and led to the establishment of an Islamic republic. and prompted concerns over democracy and human rights. The Prelude to the revolution:  The 1979 revolution, which brought program was economically successful, but the benefits were not distributed together Iranians across many different social groups, has its roots in Iran’s evenly, though the transformative long history. These groups, which effects on social norms and institutions included clergy, landowners, intellectuals, and merchants, had were widely felt. Opposition to the previously come together in the shah’s policies was accentuated in the Constitutional Revolution of 1905– 11. 1970s, when world monetary  Efforts toward satisfactory reform were instability and fluctuations in Western continually stifled, however, amid re- emerging social tensions as well as oil consumption seriously threatened foreign intervention from Russia, the the country’s economy, still directed in United Kingdom, and, later, the United States. large part toward high-cost projects  The United Kingdom helped Reza and programs. A decade of Shah Pahlavi establish a monarchy in 1921. Along with Russia, the U.K. extraordinary economic growth, heavy then pushed Reza Shah into exile in government spending, and a boom in oil prices led to high rates of inflation and the stagnation of Iranians’ buying power and standard of living.  In addition to mounting economic difficulties, socio-political repression by the shah’s regime increased in the 1970s. Outlets for political participation were minimal, and opposition parties such as the National Front (a loose coalition of nationalists, clerics, and non-communist left-wing parties) and the pro-Soviet Tūdeh (“Masses”) Party were marginalized or

Easy to PICK8 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” outlawed. Social and political protest traditional, conservative, and rural was often met with censorship, society to one that was industrial, surveillance, or harassment, and illegal modern, and urban. The sense that in detention and torture were common. both agriculture and industry too much had been attempted too soon  For the first time in more than half a and that the government, either century, the secular intellectuals— through corruption or incompetence, many of whom were fascinated by the had failed to deliver all that was populist appeal of Ayatollah Ruhollah promised was manifested in Khomeini, a former professor of demonstrations against the regime in philosophy in Qom who had been 1978. exiled in 1964 after speaking out harshly against the shah’s recent Revolution reform program—abandoned their aim  In January 1978, incensed by what of reducing the authority and power of the Shiʿi ulama (religious scholars) and they considered to be slanderous argued that, with the help of the ulama, remarks made against Khomeini in the shah could be overthrown. Eṭṭelāʿāt, a Tehrān newspaper, thousands of young madrasah  In this environment, members of the (religious school) students took to the National Front, the Tūdeh Party, and streets. They were followed by their various splinter groups now thousands more Iranian youth—mostly joined the ulama in broad opposition to unemployed recent immigrants from the shah’s regime. Khomeini the countryside—who began protesting the regime’s excesses. The shah, continued to preach in exile about weakened by cancer and stunned by the evils of the Pahlavi regime, the sudden outpouring of hostility accusing the shah of irreligion and against him, vacillated between subservience to foreign powers. concession and repression, assuming Thousands of tapes and print copies of the protests to be part of an Khomeini’s speeches were smuggled international conspiracy against him. back into Iran during the 1970s as an Many people were killed by increasing number of unemployed and government forces in anti-regime working-poor Iranians—mostly new protests, serving only to fuel the migrants from the countryside, who violence in a Shia country where were disenchanted by the cultural martyrdom played a fundamental role vacuum of modern urban Iran—turned in religious expression. Fatalities were to the ulama for guidance. The shah’s followed by demonstrations to dependence on the United States, his commemorate the customary 40-day close ties with Israel—then engaged milestone of mourning in Shia in extended hostilities with the tradition, and further casualties overwhelmingly Muslim Arab occurred at those protests, mortality states—and his regime’s ill- and protest propelling one another considered economic policies served forward. Thus, in spite of all to fuel the potency of dissident government efforts, a cycle of violence rhetoric with the masses. began in which each death fueled  Outwardly, with a swiftly expanding further protest, and all protest—from economy and a rapidly modernizing the secular left and religious right— infrastructure, everything was going was subsumed under the cloak of Shia well in Iran. But in little more than a Islam and crowned by the generation, Iran had changed from a

Easy to PICK9 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” revolutionary rallying cry Allāhu akbar promptly moved to exclude their (“God is great”), which could be heard former left-wing, nationalist, and at protests and which issued from the intellectual allies from any positions of rooftops in the evenings. power in the new regime, and a return  The violence and disorder continued to to conservative social values was escalate. On September 8 the regime enforced.  The Family Protection Act (1967; imposed martial law, and troops significantly amended in 1975), which opened fire against demonstrators in provided further guarantees and rights Tehrān, killing dozens or hundreds. to women in marriage, was declared Weeks later, government workers void, and mosque-based revolutionary began to strike. On October 31, oil bands known as komītehs (Persian: workers also went on strike, bringing “committees”) patrolled the streets the oil industry to a halt. enforcing Islamic codes of dress and Demonstrations continued to grow; on behaviour and dispatching impromptu December 10, hundreds of thousands justice to perceived enemies of the of protesters took to the streets in revolution. Throughout most of 1979 Tehrān alone. the Revolutionary Guards—then an  During his exile, Khomeini informal religious militia formed by coordinated this upsurge of Khomeini to forestall another CIA- opposition—first from Iraq and after backed coup as in the days of 1978 from France—demanding the Mosaddegh—engaged in similar shah’s abdication. In January 1979, in activity, aimed at intimidating and what was officially described as a repressing political groups not under “vacation,” the shah and his family the control of the ruling Revolutionary fled Iran. The Regency Council Council and its sister Islamic established to run the country during Republican Party, both clerical the shah’s absence proved unable to organizations loyal to Khomeini. The function, and Prime Minister violence and brutality often exceeded Shahpur Bakhtiar, hastily appointed that which had taken place under the by the shah before his departure, shah. was incapable of effecting compromise with either his former  The militias and the clerics they National Front colleagues or supported made every effort to Khomeini. Crowds in excess of one suppress Western cultural influence, million demonstrated in Tehrān, and, facing persecution and violence, proving the wide appeal of Khomeini, who arrived in Iran amid wild rejoicing many of the Western-educated elite on February 1. Ten days later, on fled the country. This anti-Western February 11, Iran’s armed forces sentiment eventually manifested itself declared their neutrality, effectively in the November 1979 seizure of 66 ousting the shah’s regime. Bakhtiar hostages at the U.S. embassy by a went into hiding, eventually to find group of Iranian protesters exile in France. demanding the extradition of the shah, who at that time was undergoing Aftermath medical treatment in the United States.  On April 1, following overwhelming Through the embassy takeover, Khomeini’s supporters could claim to support in a national referendum, be as “anti-imperialist” as the political Khomeini declared Iran an Islamic left. This ultimately gave them the republic. Elements within the clergy

Easy to PICK10 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” ability to suppress most of the regime’s left-wing and moderate opponents.  The Assembly of Experts (Majles-e Khobregān), overwhelmingly dominated by clergy, put a new constitution to referendum the following month, and it was overwhelmingly approved. The new constitution created a religious government based on Khomeini’s vision of velāyat-e faqīh (Persian: “governance of the jurist”) and gave sweeping powers to the rahbar, or leader; the first rahbar was Khomeini himself. Moderates, such as provisional Prime Minister Mehdi Bazargan and the republic’s first president, Abolhasan Bani-Sadr, who opposed holding the hostages, were steadily forced from power by conservatives within the government who questioned their revolutionary zeal.

Easy to PICK11 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Hampi World Heritage site Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture -  The court further notes how the Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature Archaeological Survey of India has and Architecture from ancient to modern itself recognised the historical times. importance of Virupapura Gaddi. Prelims and Mains focus: about the SC About Hampi judgement; about Hampi and its  Hampi or Hampe (in Kannada), also monuments referred to as the Group of News: The Supreme Court confirmed the Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO Karnataka government authorities’ World Heritage Site located in east- decision to demolish restaurants, hotels, central Karnataka, India. guest houses and other buildings constructed in Virupapura Gaddi, an  It became the pilgrimage centre of the oval islet formed by the Tungabhadra Hindu religion. It was the capital of river and located west of the Hampi Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th World Heritage site. century. Reason  Chronicles left by Persian and Spelling relief for conservationists and a European travellers, particularly the victory for the State government, the SC Portuguese are saying that state Hampi Bench concluded that the constructions was a prosperous, wealthy and grand were in violation of the Mysore Ancient city near the Tungabhadra River, and Historical Monuments and with numerous temples, farms and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of trading markets. 1961.  By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara About the SC judgement was the world's second-largest  Agreeing with the Karnataka High medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at that time, Court decision that the Hampi World attracting traders from Persia and Heritage Area Management Portugal. Authority was empowered to order the demolition of the illegal buildings  The Vijayanagara Empire was on the islet, the apex court ordered the defeated by a coalition of Muslim authorities to proceed with their sultanates; its capital was conquered, demolition work within a month of this pillaged and destroyed by sultanate judgment. armies in 1565 (Battle of Tallikota), after which Hampi remained in ruins.  The court upheld the validity of a 1988 State notification that “clearly  Hampi predates the Vijayanagara indicates the entire village of Empire; there is evidence of Ashokan Virupapura Gaddi as a protected epigraphy, and it is mentioned in the zone.” It said a place need not Ramayana and the Puranas of necessarily boast a monument to be Hinduism as Pampaa Devi Tirtha protected. Kshetra.

Easy to PICK12 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Hampi continues to be an important 5. Sasivekalu Ganesha : Thanks to the religious centre, housing the resemblance the giant monolithic Virupaksha Temple, an active Adi Ganesha statue is locally called Shankara-linked monastery and Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha. various monuments belonging to the This is located on the southern foothill old city. of the Hemakuta Hill. Hampi has around 500 of monuments and 6. Hazara Rama Temple : The first other attractions. Some of them are named thing comes to mind on seeing this below:- temple, or more precisely its walls, is 1. Virupaksha Temple is the oldest and the locally popular comic strips of Hindu mythology, Ramayana. principal temple in Hampi. This temple located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra. It has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. 2. Hampi Bazaar, also known as Virupaksha Bazaar, this street is located in front of the Virupaksha temple. 3. Courtesans' Street : Once the liveliest of all the temple streets in Hampi, the Courtesans' Street lies in front of the Achyuta Raya's Temple. 4. Achyuta Raya's Temple : This temple is an example of Vijayanagara style temple architecture in its most advanced form than any other temples in Hampi. The temple dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu.

Easy to PICK13 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 6th International Conference on Climate Services Syllabus subtopic: Salient features of expertise with an active climate World’s Physical Geography. services network. Prelims and Mains focus: about the New Climate Forecast System planned conference and its objectives; about the by India new forecast system by India and its  The Ministry of Earth Sciences significance (MoES) is planning a ‘decadal News: The Indian Institute of Tropical forecast’ system along the lines of the Meteorology (IITM), under the auspices United Kingdom’s Met Office to of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the ensure better predictability in the Government of India, is hosting the 6th climate time scale. International Conference on Climate Services (ICCS6) in Pune, India from  The system, based on a coupled February 11-13, 2020. climate model, would first be taking shape in the form of a research Aim of the conference: programme to be taken up by IITM along with collaboration from the India The conference aims to convene the Meteorological Department and other entities and would be operational only international community of practice to: after its merits had been evaluated.  Assess the current state of play in the  This is a new idea with more relevance to present climate design, implementation, and results/ forecasting needs. So, given the need for longer-range prediction for 10 or impact of climate services 20 years, MoES will be starting a new programme in the country using a  Share knowledge, lessons learned, and coupled climate model by utilising signals emanating from deep oceans emerging examples of good practices to predict decadal climate changes.  Identify gaps and challenges to be  The World Meteorological Organization has set up global addressed in future work producing centres, coordinated by the U.K. Met Office, for annual to  Promote coordination and decadal projections that are already providing global-scale information. collaboration among climate service Why is it required? stakeholders There were a number of gaps in the understanding of regional climate Significance variability and its connections to global  ICCS6 will develop connections phenomena like Indian Ocean Dipole. Indian forecasters faced a challenge in between and among the range of actors that make up the climate services community, including those based at national and regional meteorological services, national and local governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutes, and the private sector.  It provides a unique opportunity to share skills, experience, and

Easy to PICK14 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” maintaining the quality of climate observations, and there is a need on the part of researchers to develop applications for specific sectors based on the available climate forecast. Significance of the new system  As there is a lot fundamental work on the decadal forecasting system that has already been done, India should not lag behind.  Once the system was established, it would initially function for long- range forecasting at the national level and the model, if successful, would later be downscaled to the state or even district-level.

Easy to PICK15 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Gold deposits found in Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh) Syllabus subtopic: Distribution of Key reserves in Sonbhadra region, which is Natural Resources across the world more in news for being a Naxalism-hit (including South Asia and the Indian sub- area. continent)  Interestingly, Sonbhadra – the second Prelims and Mains focus: about the largest district of Uttar Pradesh – is details of the findings; about India’s gold the only district in the country which reserves shares borders with four states — Madhya Pradesh to the west, News: The Geological Survey of India Chhattishgarh to the south, (GSI) has discovered gold deposits to the Jharkhand to the south-east and tune of around 3,000 tonnes in Bihar to the east. Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh,  Currently, India has only three Details producing gold mines Hutti, Utti  The gold deposits were found in Son mines (both in Karnataka) and Hirabuddini mines (Jharkhand) and Pahadi and Hardi areas of Sonbhadra the domestic production has almost district. stagnated at about 2.8 tonnes annually.  Work on finding gold reserves in  Karnataka has an estimated 17 to 18 Sonbhadra was started almost two tonnes of gold reserves and the state is decades back in 1992-93 by the the major gold producer state in India Geological Survey of India. The i.e 88.7% of total gold production in auctioning of these blocks through e- India. tendering would start soon. The deposits in Son Pahadi is estimated to  After the closure of Kolar Gold Fields be around 2,943.26 tonnes, while that Mines of BGML in 2001, the Hutti at Hardi block is around 646.16 Gold Mines Limited (HGML), a kilogram, the official said. government of Karnataka enterprise has become the sole producer of  It is estimated to be almost five times primary gold in the country. India’s current reserve of the yellow metal. Besides gold, some other  The main problem with the Hutti minerals have also been found in the mines is the low grade of ore. The area. mine reopened in 1948 and has been operating irregularly since then. The India’s Gold reserves principal mine, Hutti and two other  As per the World Gold Council, India units viz Hira Buddini and Utti are all underground mines located in Raichur currently has 626 tonnes of gold district of Karnataka. reserves. The new reserves are almost five times that amount and estimated to be worth nearly Rs 12 lakh crore.  The British reportedly were the first to initiate the process of finding gold

Easy to PICK16 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Vittala Temple at Hampi Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture - About Vittala Temple Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature  The renowned Vittala Temple dates and Architecture from ancient to modern times. back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II Prelims and Mains focus: about the move (1422 – 1446 A.D.), one of the rulers and its significance; about Vittala temple; of the Vijayanagara Empire. Several about Hampi world heritage site portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of News: The Archaeological Survey of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.), India (ASI) is contemplating installing a the most famous ruler of the wooden barricade around the stone Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a chariot inside Vittala Temple complex at significant role in giving the the UNESCO World Heritage site of monument its present look. Hampi.  The Vittala Temple is also known as Reason for the move Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple. It is According to a few officials in the ASI dedicated to Lord Vitthala, an wooden barricade has been thought of incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An idol since a long time to protect it from of Vitthala-Vishnu was enshrined in vandalism given the behaviour of some the temple. Legend has it that the of the tourists, who tend to be temple was built as an abode for Lord disrespectful towards the monuments. Vishnu in his Vitthala form. However, the Lord had found the temple to be Barricading necessary too grand for his use and had returned  While some locals say the ASI is not to live in his own humble home. doing enough to protect the  The Vittala Temple is presumed to be monuments, the same lot also criticise the grandest of all temples and the proposed move to install the monuments in Hampi. The temple barricade. exemplifies the immense creativity and architectural excellence  Though the site is guarded there are possessed by the sculptors and artisans always some tourists with a streak for of the Vijayanagara era. vandalism who find a “window of opportunity” when the attention of the Architecture security personnel is drawn elsewhere.  The temple is built in the Dravidian  Tourists hoisting children atop the style of architecture. It has traits and wheels and elephant sculptures, while features that are characteristic of elders leaning against the chariot as if typical south Indian temple pushing it and getting photographed, architecture. It’s elaborate and artistic ignoring its sanctity. There is lack of carvings and magnificent architecture awareness among the public that the is unmatched by any other structure monuments stand testimony to culture found in Hampi. and heritage.

Easy to PICK17 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  It is believed that the main shrine of  Notable among these structures are the the temple originally had one enclosed shrine of the Goddess (also known as Mantapa. An open Mantapa was added Devi shrine), Maha Mantapa or main to it in the year 1554 A.D. hall (also known as Sabha Mantapa or congregation hall), Ranga Mantapa,  The temple complex is a sprawling Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), area that is surrounded by high Utsava Mantapa (festival hall), and compound walls and three towering the famous Stone Chariot. gateways. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and pavilions  Vittala Temple is not only among the located inside it. Each of these most-visited protected monuments at structures is made of stone and each Hampi, but is also the most structure is a beauty in itself. photographed.

Easy to PICK18 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Global Health Emergency Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to Concern is defined in the IHR (2005) as Development and Management of Social “an extraordinary event which is Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. determined, as provided in these Prelims and Mains focus: about the Regulations: coronavirus outbreak and its effect on the world; reasons for WHO declaring it a 1. to constitute a public health risk to global health emergency other States through the international News: The death toll in China from the new coronavirus reached 213, with spread of disease; and overall cases worldwide rising rapidly in an outbreak that the World Health 2. to potentially require a coordinated Organization (WHO) declared a global international response”. health emergency. This definition implies a situation that: is Reason for the declaration The WHO was declaring a global health serious, unusual or unexpected; carries emergency because it was concerned about the virus spreading to countries implications for public health beyond the that did not have the resources to deal with affected State’s national border; and may it. require immediate international action. Measures to be taken after declaration  The WHO move will trigger tighter  The responsibility of determining containment and information- whether an event is within this sharing guidelines to all countries. category lies with the WHO Director-  The impact of the virus on the rest of China and on the world would have General and requires the convening of been less if the containment measures a committee of experts – the IHR had been implemented sooner. Emergency Committee. This International Health Regulations (2005) Procedures concerning public health committee advises the Director emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) General on the recommended measures  PHEIC procedures to be promulgated on an emergency Some serious public health events that endanger international public health may basis, known as temporary be determined under the Regulations to be public health emergencies of international recommendations. Temporary concern (PHEIC). The term Public Health Emergency of International recommendations include health measures to be implemented by the State Party experiencing the PHEIC, or by other States Parties, to prevent or reduce the international spread of disease and avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic.  The Emergency Committee also gives advice on the determination of the event as a PHEIC in circumstances where there is inconsistency in the assessment of the event between the Director- General and the affected country/countries. The Emergency Committee continues to provide advice to the Director-General throughout the

Easy to PICK19 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” duration of the PHEIC, including any necessary changes to the recommended measures and on the determination of PHEIC termination. WHO maintains an IHR roster of experts and the members of an IHR Emergency Committee are selected from this roster and/or WHO expert advisory panels and committees. At least one member of the Emergency Committee should be an expert nominated by a State Party within whose territory the event arises.

Easy to PICK20 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” MEA revamp Syllabus subtopic: Ministries and Asia/North Africa (WANA) Departments of the Government; Pressure divisions. Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.  The additional charge indicates the importance of the Indian diaspora in Prelims and Mains focus: about the the Gulf and WANA regions where restructuring in the ministry and its about eight million Indian advantages expatriates live, about a quarter of the world total, that account for more than News: The Ministry of External Affairs 60% of the inbound remittances. (MEA) has undertaken a major overhaul of departments and reporting structure  Another change is the decision to that will effectively empower seven move the “External Publicity” (XP) different Additional Secretaries and re- organise their tasks along themes like the media and public relations division culture, trade and development, and consolidated geographical divisions for to work under Secretary (West). better coordination.  The Foreign Secretary also reshuffled About the restructuring a number of joint secretary level  The restructuring was done in postings, including in Public Policy consultation with External Affairs and Research, which also entails Minister, who as a former foreign planning the MEA’s flagship Raisina secretary (2015-2018) managed the Ministry himself, and authored the Dialogue conference in January. plans. Reason for the move and its advantages  The silos that will be managed by the Additional Secretaries will range from  Secretary-level officials are cultural power, economic and trade coordination, all international “overburdened and overworked” organisations and summits including UN, G-20, BRICS etc. and all with day-to-day duties, and lack development partnerships. much-needed time to strategise.  Departments merged: All of Europe,all of Africa and West Asia and  In the new structure, additional all of the Indian Ocean and Indo- secretaries will be empowered to look Pacific region has been merged. at more long-term solutions rather  At the secretary level there are now than only “firefighting”, and will travel four officers apart from the Foreign Secretary, with the Secretary, and give political direction to their (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas assigned portfolios. Indian Affairs) Division who will also oversee officials on the Gulf and West  The new Director General for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), will consolidate the government’s push to promote its cultural, heritage, history, tourism objectives and showcase the diaspora, with the ICCR being rebranded as the government’s “soft power” vehicle.

Easy to PICK21 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Appointments in minority-run institutions Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution— “regulatory measures of control should Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, be very minimal” and “in matters of day- Features, Amendments, Significant to-day management like appointment of Provisions and Basic Structure. staff, teaching and non-teaching, and administrative control over them, the Prelims and Mains focus: about the management should have the freedom and various judgements of the SC related to there should not be any external minority institutions; Cultural and controlling agency.” Educational Rights What was SC’s January 6, 2020 News: The Supreme Court on Friday judgement about? issued notice on a plea for a re-  The January 6 judgment by a two- examination of its January 6, 2020 judgment declaring that the State is well judge Bench had given the State an within its rights to regulate the absolute right to impose regulations appointment of teachers to minority-run on minority established and institutions in “national interest.” administered institutions in the appointment of teachers, saying the Background step was necessary to achieve The SC bench was hearing the plea of the excellence in education in these Managing Committee, Contai High institutions. Madrasah, which said the judgment “dismantles” the law laid down by an  The petition said the judgment 11-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in segregates a particular community the T.M.A. Pai case of 2002. from the privilege of protection The managing committee said that the under Article 30. The January 6 two-judge Bench has even contradicted a judgment was based on a petition Supreme Court judgment as recent as challenging the validity of the West September 25, 2019 (Chandana Das Bengal Madrasah Service Commission (Malakar) versus State of West Bengal) Act of 2008. The State Act mandated which upheld the rights of the minority that the process of appointment of communities to establish and run their own teachers in aided madrasahs, institutions without government recognised as minority institutions, interference in day-to-day affairs of would be done by a Commission. The management like the appointment of decision of the Commission would be teachers. binding. Justice Mishra’s Bench had upheld the 2008 Act. What was the SC judgement in T.M.A Pai case of 2002? Cultural and Educational Rights The 2002 judgment had held that (Article 29-30) minorities have a fundamental right  Article - 29 : Protection of interests of under Article 30 of the Constitution to administer their institutions and appoint minorities – teachers. (1) Any section of the citizens residing in The petitioner said the Constitution Bench in the T.M.A Pai case was clear that the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same.

Easy to PICK22 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” (2) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.  Article – 30 : Right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions – (1) All minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. (1A) In making any law providing for the compulsory acquisition of any property of an educational institution established and administered by a minority, referred to in clause (1), the State shall ensure that the amount fixed by or determined under such law for the acquisition of such property is such as would not restrict or abrogate the right guaranteed under that clause. (2) The state shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.

Easy to PICK23 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Seed Fund Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies support ideation and development of and Interventions for Development in early stage start-ups. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Significance of the move  With this, the government joins the Prelims and Mains focus: about the national seed fund and its benefits; about industry in its efforts to support ESOP early-stage startup ecosystem with funding. News: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is  It will help encourage and empower working on guidelines for a National more individuals to become Seed Fund that was announced in the entrepreneurs. This is a celebration of Budget for 2020-21 to help start-ups and entrepreneurship, promoting the ease budding entrepreneurs. of doing business, boosting the creation of jobs and furthering the Why the reform? development of the ecosystem.  When it comes to early-stage seed Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) funding, the Indian startup ecosystem  It is an employee benefit scheme is going through a slowdown. In 2019, the seed stage funding continued under which the company encourages to fall. With $252 Mn in funding, the its employees to acquire ownership seed-stage deal value fell by 44% in the form of shares. These shares (compared to 2018) as only 306 seed are allotted to the employees at a rate funding deals were recorded. considerably lesser than the prevailing market rate.  In their interactions with the department, start-ups have time and  Apart from the employee-benefit again demanded formulation of a motive, ESOPs are also meant to national seed fund scheme. align the interests of the employees with that of the shareholders.  Most of the start-ups actually face problem in raising finance or funds  It is believed that the employees, who in the ideation to the proof of concept are also the shareholders, will focus stage. better on company performance and growth so that the value of their  Some states and central government shares appreciates. departments like Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council  ESOP is a significant component of have their own seed fund scheme but compensation for employees. they are small and are not pan-India. Currently, it is taxable.  The budget aims to provide early life What did the budget propose? funding, including a seed fund to  Budget 2020 has proposed to defer tax deducted at source (TDS) or tax

Easy to PICK24 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” payment on shares alloted by the startups to their employees under the Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) by five years or till they leave the company or when they sell, whichever is earliest.  This means that employees of start-ups who are exercising their ESOPs may have to pay tax at a later date.  It will help start-ups in further strengthening startup ecosystem in the country.

Easy to PICK25 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Data Centre Parks Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies reach revenue of $69 billion by 2024. and Interventions for Development in Meanwhile, India data centre market various sectors and Issues arising out of is expected to reach values of their Design and Implementation. approximately $4 billion by 2024. Prelims and Mains focus: about the Challenges in setting up data centres in move: Challenges and benefits; about India Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019 1. costly real estate, 2. high power consumption News: The Union budget proposal to 3. heavy expenses on improving wide enable private firms to build data centre parks could help India become a major area network connectivity. global data centre, but only with a supportive policy and infrastructure Benefits of the new policy framework.  It will build an environment where Background more and more capacity is available for The budget proposal follows the data centre providers and hyperscalers requirement for data localization for most in India. companies under the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019, which is  The new policy on data centre parks is expected to be made into law soon. expected to incentivize setting up However, data localization won’t be the data centres, similar to some US only driving principle for the data centre states that have relaxed taxation on policy, as such parks can generate business data centre providers. Illinois, one of worth billions of dollars each year. the largest data centre markets in US, announced a data centre tax Current scenario incentive in June 2019 exempting data Currently there is no large-scale foreign centres from state and local sales taxes investment in data centres in the country. on fulfilling certain provisions required There is no policy or framework right by the state. now on how these global data centres hubs can be created in India. If the government  Data centres are capital intensive has a clear cut policy around it, India could businesses so it still makes sense to essentially become a data centre hub for operate from major cities where global enterprises. overhead costs are distributed across a larger facility while smaller markets Data Centre Market: Key figures may not attract enough customer base.  The global data centre market is expected to grow by $284.44 billion during 2019-23, according to market researcher Technavio.  According to Research and Markets, US data centre market is expected to

Easy to PICK26 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Revenue Deficit grants for states Syllabus subtopic: revenue deficit of Rs.6.43 trillion in Functions and Responsibilities of the 2020-21. Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal  After accounting for the projected tax Structure, Devolution of Powers and devolution to the states of Rs.8.55 Finances up to Local Levels and trillion, 14 states garner post-tax Challenges Therein. Statutory, Regulatory devolution revenue surplus of Rs.3.08 and various Quasi-judicial Bodies. trillion, while the remaining 14 face a combined post-tax devolution revenue Prelims and Mains focus: about the deficit of Rs.74,340 crore. These states recommendations by FFC and the action have been compensated by the FFC. taken by the government; types of deficits; about finance commission  The largest beneficiaries of the recommendation are Kerala ( News: The finances of revenue-deficit Rs.15,323 crore), Himachal Pradesh ( states may be hit as the Finance Minister Rs.11,431 crore), Punjab ( Rs.7,659 in her budget allocated only 40% of the crore), Assam ( Rs.7,579 crore), Rs.74,340 crore revenue deficit grants for Andhra Pradesh ( Rs.5,897 crore), FY21, which was recommended by the Uttarakhand ( Rs.5,076 crore) and 15th Finance Commission (FFC), West Bengal ( Rs.5,013 crore). despite having accepted its proposal. 2. Weightage of population and Background demographic performance  The Commission had recommended  Since the FFC used 2011 Census post-devolution revenue deficit data, the tax share of most southern grants for 14 states in 2020-21. states with low population growth rates, such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala  Of the Rs.74,340 crore revenue deficit and Karnataka, has come down, while grants, Rs.37,917 crore was meant for the share of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat has Nadu and West Bengal. The remaining gone up. Rs.36,423 crore was for Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur,  The FFC assigned 15% weight to the Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, population of a state, down from the Sikkim, Tripura and Uttarakhand. 17.5% allocated by the 14th Finance Commission, while raising the  The government had accepted the weight under demographic above recommendation of the performance from 10% to 12.5%. Commission. 3. Special grants & nutrition grants Recommendations made by the FFC  The finance ministry has also asked the 1. Revenue deficit grants FFC to review its recommendations  As per FFC estimates, 25 of the 28 on special grants and nutrition states face a total pre-tax devolution grants to the states.

Easy to PICK27 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The commission had recommended 2. Fiscal Deficit: special grants of Rs.6,764 crore for The excess of total expenditure over 2020-21 to ensure that no state total receipts excluding borrowings is receives less than what it received in called Fiscal Deficit. In other words, the FY20 on account of tax devolution and Fiscal Deficit gives the amount needed revenue deficit grants. by the government to meet its expenses. Thus a large Fiscal Deficit means a large  However, the Union finance ministry amount of borrowings. has requested the FFC to reconsider the recommendation, holding that “it What does it mean? introduces a new principle\". The Simply put a Fiscal Deficit is a measure of beneficiaries of the proposal were how much the government needs to Karnataka, Mizoram and Telangana. borrow from the market to meet its expenditure when its resources are Types of deficits & how they are inadequate. calculated 1. Revenue Deficit: Remedial measures:  Revenue Deficit is the excess of  Various measures might be taken to government’s total revenue reduce Fiscal Deficit, some of them expenditure to its total revenue can be reducing public expenditure receipts. Revenue Deficit is only in the form of subsidies, reduction in related to revenue expenditure and expenditure on bonus, LTC, Leaves revenue receipts of the government. encashment etc.  Alternatively, measures to increase  The difference between total revenue the revenue are also taken in forms expenditure to the total revenue of broadening tax base restructuring receipts is Revenue Deficit. and sale of shares in public sector units etc. What does it mean? A revenue deficit indicates that the 3. Primary Deficit: government doesn't have sufficient Primary Deficit is Fiscal Deficit of the revenue for the normal functioning of current year minus interest payments the government departments. In other on previous borrowings. While Fiscal words, when the government starts Deficit represents the government's total spending more than it earns, it results in borrowing including interest payments, Revenue Deficit. Revenue Deficit forces Primary Deficit shows the amount of the government to disinvest or cover the borrowing excluding interest payments. shortage by borrowing. What does it mean? Remedial measures: Primary Deficit shows the amount of In the case of Revenue Deficit government government borrowings specifically to usually tries to curtail their expenses or meet the expenses by removing the increase its tax and non-tax receipts. interest payments. Therefore, a zero This can be done by introducing new Primary Deficit means the need for taxes or increasing the tax on people in borrowing to meet interest payments. higher-earning slabs. Remedial measures: A higher Primary Deficit reflects the amount of new borrowings in the

Easy to PICK28 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” current year. Since this is the amount on  The Terms of Reference of the top of already existing borrowings (Fiscal Deficit) similar measures can be taken to current Commission have some reduce the amount of borrowings. distinctive features, including About Finance Commission (FC)  It is a Constitutionally mandated recommending monitorable body that is at the centre of fiscal performance criteria for important federalism. national flagship programmes and  Set up under Article 280 of the Constitution, its core responsibility is examining the possibility of setting up to: a permanent non lapsable funding a) evaluate the state of finances of the for India’s defence needs. Union and State Governments,  The reorganisation of the State of b) recommend the sharing of taxes between them Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – one of Jammu and c) lay down the principles determining Kashmir and one of Ladakh – presents the distribution of these taxes among States. a new dynamic. On the whole the  Its working is characterised by Finance Commission faces new extensive and intensive consultations with all levels of governments, thus challenges in the process of the strengthening the principle of cooperative federalism. evolution of our federal polity.  Its recommendations are also geared  As an important Constitutional entity, towards improving the quality of the Commission is committed to public spending and promoting balancing competing claims and fiscal stability. priorities among all three tiers of government in a credible manner.  First Finance Commission was set up in 1951 and there have been fifteen so far. Each of them has faced its own unique set of challenges.  The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted on 27 November 2017 against the backdrop of the abolition of Planning Commission (as also of the distinction between Plan and non-Plan expenditure) and the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST), which has fundamentally redefined federal fiscal relations.

Easy to PICK29 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and  Permanent Secretariat is in Jeddah, Global Groupings and Agreements Saudi Arabia. involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  Key bodies: Prelims and Mains focus: about the West 1. the Islamic Summit, Asia peace plan and issues around it; about 2. the Council of Foreign Ministers OIC and its significance for India (CFM), News: The Organisation of Islamic 3. the General Secretariat, in addition to Cooperation (OIC) has said it rejects US President Donald Trump's recently the Al-Quds Committee and three unveiled Middle East plan. permanent committees concerned with  The 57-member body, which held a science and technology, economy and trade, and information and culture. summit to discuss the plan in Saudi 4. There are also specialized organs under Arabia's Jeddah, said in a statement the banner of the OIC including the that it \"calls on all member states not Islamic Development Bank and the to engage with this plan or to cooperate Islamic Educational, Scientific and with the US administration in Cultural Organization, as well as implementing it in any form\". subsidiary and affiliate organs that play a vital role in boosting cooperation in Background various fields among the OIC member US President Donald Trump had described states. his long-delayed plan for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a \"win-win India and OIC solution\" for both sides. India’s former External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj addressed the About OIC inaugural session of the 46th Organization  It is an international organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers on March founded in 1969, consisting of 57 1, 2019, in Abu Dhabi as a “guest of member states. honor”. The moment was phenomenal in itself: for the first time in 50 years, since  It is the second largest inter- OIC’s inception, India attended it. governmental organization after the India was invited to attend the first United Nations. summit of the OIC 50 years ago in 1969 in Morocco. But the Indian delegation had  The organisation states that it is “the to return midway due to a withdrawal of collective voice of the Muslim world” the invitation after Pakistan’s objection. and works to “safeguard and protect It was a setback for Indian diplomacy, as it the interests of the Muslim world in the could not further become a part of the spirit of promoting international peace second largest inter-governmental and harmony“. organization in the world (after the United Nations). Pakistan’s adamant stance  The OIC has permanent delegations toward India’s non-entry in the grouping to the United Nations and the has ensured even today that India is European Union.

Easy to PICK30 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” neither a member nor an observer of the add more substance to the existence and OIC, despite having one of the largest working of the OIC. Muslim populations in the world. Countries like Thailand and Russia are observer members, despite having a significant minority Muslim population. In addition to this, the OIC’s stand on the Kashmir issue questions the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a legitimate part of India. The organization has been generally supportive of Pakistan’s concerns over Jammu and Kashmir. With regards to this, the OIC has been issuing statements criticizing alleged atrocities and human rights violations in the state. But winds of change have been blowing for India. India is the third largest economy in the world, one of the biggest importers of hydrocarbons like gas and oil, and one of the largest exporters of labor, with more than 8 million Indians living in West Asia, especially in the Gulf region. West Asia and India’s growing economic and energy interdependence makes it difficult for the former to ignore the latter. India’s presence at the 46th OIC meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers is historic, but it still remains a stepping stone toward larger engagement with the OIC and the Muslim world. Article 4 (1) of the OIC Charter states the need for consensus among the OIC Council of Ministers for deciding on granting observer status to a state. Consensus- building for India’s entry in the grouping without Pakistan’s support is inconceivable. Thus, it remains in India’s interest to engage positively with Pakistan on this issue and collectively work for the ideals to which the OIC is committed. With mushrooming concerns like the rise of Islamophobia, cross-border terrorism, extremism, and instability in the world order, the OIC has become more relevant than ever before. Active engagement in the grouping by India, home to around 10 percent of the Muslims in the world, can

Easy to PICK31 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” CAG report on army provisioning Syllabus subtopic: Appointment to reduced quantity. This compromised various Constitutional Posts, Powers, the calorie intake of the troops by as Functions and Responsibilities of various high as 82%. Constitutional Bodies. What did the report say on INDU? Prelims and Mains focus: about the  As for the Indian National Defence report and its significance; about CAG: powers, functions and independence University (INDU, the CAG said the institute was “yet to fructify”, even News: In a report tabled in Parliament on as the project cost had been revised Monday, the Comptroller and Auditor- from Rs.395 crore (in 2010) to General (CAG) pulled up the Army for Rs.4,007.22 crore (in 2017), up 914%. deficiencies in the provision of special clothing, rations and housing for troops  The INDU was recommended by the in high-altitude areas, including Kargil Review Committee in 1999 to Siachen. address the deficiencies in India’s security management system. Audit of provisioning and procurement (2015-16 to 2017-18)  The Union Cabinet accorded in-  There were delays of up to four years principle approval in May 2010 for establishing it in Gurugram at an in the procurement of high-altitude estimated cost of Rs.395 crore. The clothing and equipment, leading to an land was acquired in September 2012; acute shortage of essential clothing however, the setting up of the INDU is and equipment. There was a critical yet to fructify even after two decades shortage of snow goggles, ranging of the Kargil War. from 62% to 98%. The troops had not been issued ‘multi-purpose boots’  The draft INDU legislation had been from November 2015 to September lying for approval with the Cabinet 2016, and had to resort to the Secretariat since December 2017. recycling of available boots. What did the report say on the ‘Housing  Furthermore, as the old models of face project’ for the army? mask, jacket and sleeping bags were  The housing project, aimed at procured, the troops did not get the benefit of using improved products. improving the living conditions of the troops in high-altitude areas, was  Lack of research and development by executed in an ad hoc manner. defence laboratory led to a continued dependence on import.  In the first two phases of the pilot project, extensive summer and winter  On the special rations authorised for trials were conducted. The third phase troops in high-altitude areas to meet constituted the confirmatory trial, at a their daily energy needs, the CAG said cost of Rs.63.65 crore. This was substitutes for the scaled items were avoidable, since the first two phases authorised on a “cost-to-cost’’ basis, were exhaustive. and this resulted in the supply of a

Easy to PICK32 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The sanction was not obtained from the competent authority for the main project, and the handing over of the assets, created under the pilot project, to the units got delayed beyond the stipulated time. There were discrepancies between the assets shown in the Numerical Asset Register and those on the ground. .

Easy to PICK33 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India extends reach in Indian Ocean Region Syllabus subtopic: India and its the incorporation of the “Vanilla Neighborhood- Relations. islands” as they are called, reflected “the growing strategic importance of Prelims and Mains focus: about India’s efforts to extend its reach in the IOR; the Indian Ocean Islands within the about Vanilla islands; about India- framework of Indo-Pacific”. Madagascar relations  Vanilla Islands is an affiliation of the News: India’s flood relief outreach to Madagascar will be followed up this island nations Seychelles, week, as the island’s Defence Minister travels to Lucknow and Delhi from Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Tuesday. Comoros, Mayotte in the Indian Background  The Indian navy conducted Ocean to form a new travel “Operation Vanilla”, with INS destination brand. Aim of the co- Airavat delivering relief material including food, clothing, medicines operation that has been founded on and water. The humanitarian gesture by New Delhi also showcased India’s August 4, 2010 at La Réunion is to strategic capabilities in the furthermost islands of the IOR under pool forces and jointly market the India’s policy of “Security and Growth for All in the region compared to the solely Region”(SAGAR) for IOR islands. individual marketing of each island  The SAGAR concept was first announced by PM Modi in March in the past. 2015, during his visit to Mauritius and other Indian Ocean islands. At the  The inclusion of the region in the IOR time, Madagascar, as well as signals the government’s increasing Comoros and the French island of level of comfort with the “Indo- Reunion, were a part of the East and Pacific” concept that describes the South Africa Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). entire neighbourhood from the coast Reworked approach by Ministry of of Africa to the U.S. west coast. External Affairs (MEA)  Recently the MEA decided to include  In one of many changes, effected last week, to the MEA organisational the three islands as part of the IOR structure, Foreign Secretary decided to (Indian Ocean Region) desk along club the entire Indian Ocean Region, with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritus Southern and Indo-Pacific divisions and Seychelles. In a December 16 under one additional secretary circular on the decision, the MEA said (Indo-Pacific). Cooperation in Maritime domain  The Indian Navy undertakes Joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols with Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, which have all joined India’s coastal radar chain network.  Maritime Domain Awareness has also emerged as a high priority area and India has signed a series of white

Easy to PICK34 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” shipping agreements and logistics Madagascar. When Madagascar agreements with several countries. became independent in 1960, the consulate was upgraded to embassy  In addition, the Indian Navy has status. established an Information Fusion Centre (IFC) for Indian Ocean Region  In February 2011, relations were (IOR) at Gurugram and has invited considered cordial, with several high- international observers for information level officials having had exchanging exchange of movements on the high visits over the course of relations. seas. Approximately 20,000 people of Indian origin lived in Madagascar, About the visit of Madagascar’s Defence including 2,500 Indian citizens. Minister  It will be the first such high level visit  In March 2018, Ram Nath Kovind became the first Indian President to since Delhi incorporated the island visit Madagascar. Kovind was into the “Indian Ocean Region conferred the Grand Cross of the (IOR)”. Second Class, Madagascar’s highest honour for non-citizens, by Prime  During his visit, Madagascar’s Minister of Madagascar Olivier Defence Minister is expected to Solonandrasan. discuss implementing the MoU on defence cooperation signed during 2. Trade and finance President Ramnath Kovind’s visit to  In November 2008, Exim Bank gave Antananarivo in March 2018. The Minister will travel first to Lucknow to Madagascar a $25 million loan for attend the Defexpo, and later attend the agricultural improvements. As of 2011, India-Africa Defence Ministers’ 61 Malagasy people had received conference in Delhi, and hold a training as part of the Indian bilateral meeting with India’s Defence Technical and Economic Minister Rajnath Singh. Cooperation Programme.  Madagascar’s Defence minister will  In March 2018, to facilitate its also discuss the devastation in financial assistance programme, India Madagascar due to flooding after a decided to offer Madagascar a cyclone and heavy rains in the US$80.7 million Line of Credit (LoC) island’s north-west left at least 31 for agriculture and mechanisation. dead and affected nearly 100,000 people. 3. Military India Navy operates a Coastal India–Madagascar relations Surveillance Radar (CSR) station in 1. Historical relations Madagascar.  Relations between Madagascar and 4. Geological history western India began in the 18th In 2013, scientists discovered that century and regular trade dates to at Madagascar and India were part of least the late 19th century. Interstate a single continent about 85 million relations began in 1954 when years ago. The sliver of land joining independent India established a them is called Mauritia. consulate in French-controlled …

Easy to PICK35 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” NCRB report on missing children and women Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to exploitation and involvement in crime,” Development and Management of Social and added that many missing persons end Sector/Services relating to Health, up getting trafficked. Education, Human Resources. Prelims and Mains focus: about the Aim of the study study: aim, need and key findings; about The study aims to identify the areas NCRB where registered cases of missing News: The National Crime Records persons, specifically women and children, Bureau (NCRB) released its study on are higher than in other areas. missing children and women. Background Need for the study In 2019, the Supreme Court had directed The need for the study arises because of the NCRB to “analyse the data on missing the fact that incidents of missing women persons (especially on women and and children are not uniform across the children) so that areas prone to persons country. Some parts of the country report being trafficked can be identified”. higher incidents and such areas could be one of the source, transit or destination About the study sites for child /women trafficking. The NCRB study was based on the annual Crime in India Report compiled Key findings of the study by the agency for the years 2016, 2017  The highest number of women and and 2018. The NCRB quoted Wikipedia to define a missing person. The study children who go missing in the said that “some young people run away country are from Maharashtra and from home due to unbearable conditions of Madhya Pradesh respectively. The abuse and maltreatment….they become two States recorded the maximum vulnerable to trafficking, violence, drug number of cases of missing children addiction, prostitution and other risks of and women among all other States in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Easy to PICK36 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 1. Women: increase from 291 missing children a) The three States where the highest reports in the year 2017 to 474 in 2018. number of women went missing in the three years are Maharashtra, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. In 2016, as many as 28,316 women went missing in Maharashtra, followed by 29,279 in the year 2017, and 33,964 in 2018. b) Mumbai and Pune recorded the highest number of such incidents, with 4,718 and 5,201 women going missing in 2017 and 2018, while in Pune, the number of missing women for the same years was 2,576 and 2,504 respectively. c) In West Bengal, the number of missing women for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 was 24,937, 28,133 and 31,299, respectively. Madhya Pradesh recorded 21,435, 26,587 and 29,761 missing reports of women in the three years. 2. Children: a) In the years 2016-18, a total of 63,407, 63,349 and 67,134 children were reported to be missing across the country. The maximum number of missing children reports were recorded in Maharashtra and West Bengal in the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. b) In Madhya Pradesh, Indore reported the highest number of missing children, with 596 in 2017 and 823 in 2018. The numbers for Satna district surged from 360 missing children in 2017 to 564 in 2018. c) In West Bengal, Kolkata district had the maximum number of missing children reported in 2018, with 989 such cases, and Nadia district, bordering Bangladesh, showed a steep

Easy to PICK37 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” WHO report on cancer Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to  Of 5.70 lakh new cancer cases in Development and Management of Social men, oral cancer (92,000), lung cancer Sector/Services relating to Health, (49,000), stomach cancer (39,000), Education, Human Resources. colorectal cancer (37,000), and oesophageal cancer (34,000) account Prelims and Mains focus: about the for 45 per cent of cases. report: aim and key findings; about WHO  Of 5.87 lakh new cancer cases in News: World Health Organization (WHO) women, breast cancer (1,62,500), report has released two global reports on cervical cancer (97,000), ovarian February 4, which is World Cancer cancer (36,000), oral cancer (28,000), Day. and colorectal cancer (20,000) account for 60 per cent cases. WHO report on cancer burdens and patterns in India in 2018  Tobacco-related cancers account for Aim: The report aims to set the global 34-69 per cent of all cancers in men, agenda on cancer, mobilise stakeholders and constitute 10-27 per cent of all and help countries set priorities for cancers in women in most regions in investing in cancer control and universal India. health coverage  An increasing trend in the incidence Key findings: of oral cancer has been observed  There are an estimated 1.16 million among men in the fourth to seventh decades of life, possibly as a result of new cancer cases, 7,84,800 cancer increasing consumption of deaths, and 2.26 million 5-year unregulated flavoured chewing prevalent cases in India’s population of products that contain areca nut, such 1.35 billion. as paan masala.  One in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 Indians will die of cancer.  The six most common cancer types in India are 1. breast cancer (1,62,500 cases), 2. oral cancer (1,20,000 cases), 3. cervical cancer (97,000 cases), 4. lung cancer (68,000 cases), 5. stomach cancer (57,000 cases), and 6. colorectal cancer (57,000). Together, these account for 49 per cent of all new cancer cases.

Easy to PICK38 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Customs Act, 1962 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies expand the government’s power to and Interventions for Development in ban imports or exports of all goods various sectors and Issues arising out of that may hurt the local economy, their Design and Implementation.  According to the govt., this power will Prelims and Mains focus: about the be exercised only in exceptional move: need, objective and significance; circumstances case of dumping solar equipment and measures taken to curb it; about DGTR;  The measures are aimed at narrowing BIS the trade deficit with China, which has flooded the Indian market with News: The government has proposed to items such as toys, firecrackers and amend the Customs Act, 1962. solar power equipment. The steps come amid a global rise in protectionist Background policies to shield home-grown  In May 2019, India merged two companies amid slowing economic growth. separate bodies handling anti- dumping and import safeguards to  The new powers to protect the form the Directorate General of economy may provide a lever to the Trade Remedies, similar to the US government to foster consumption of International Trade Commission, to local products and boost create a trade defence mechanism manufacturing. that can respond to developments in a comprehensive and timely manner. Other reforms proposed The government also proposes to amend  The government has recently initiated the Customs Tariff Act of 1975 to more than 130 anti- strengthen the mechanism to prevent dumping/countervailing duty/safeguard dumping of cheap goods in the domestic cases to deal with rising incidence of market. unfair trade practices. Case of Solar Equipments and measures Present Scenario taken by the govt. So far, the government had powers to  The domestic market for solar only ban imports and exports of gold and silver under the Customs Act, 1962. components, for instance, is dominated by Chinese companies Need for the amendment due to their competitive pricing. The The steps come amid a global rise in surge in imports led the Modi protectionist policies to shield home- administration in its previous term to grown companies amid slowing impose a safeguard duty from 30 economic growth. July 2018 on solar cells and modules imported from China and Malaysia. Objective of the amendment This will end in July this year.  Once approved, the amendment, through the Finance Bill, will

Easy to PICK39 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The Union budget also approved an  Earlier known as Directorate General enabling mechanism to raise tariffs of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties on imports of green energy (DGAD). equipment such as solar cells and modules.  Named in May 2018 as an integrated single window agency for providing  Once a separate notification is issued, a comprehensive and swift trade new duty structure enabling a basic defence mechanism in India. customs duty (BCD) of 20% on cells and modules will come into effect.  Earlier, the DGAD dealt with anti- There is no BCD levied on such dumping and countervailing duties equipment now. (CVD) cases, Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) dealt with  India currently has a domestic safeguard measures and Directorate manufacturing capacity of 3 General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) gigawatts (GW) for solar cells and dealt with quantitative restriction (QR) imported $2.16 billion worth of solar safeguards. photovoltaic (PV) cells, panels, and modules in 2018-19.  The DGTR brings DGAD, DGS and Safeguards (QR) functions of DGFT  The budget move comes against the into its fold by merging them into backdrop of a non-tariff barrier that one single national entity. involves a certification requisite for all solar power generation  DGTR now deals with Anti-dumping, equipment makers who want to do CVD and Safeguard measures. It business in the world’s largest green also provides trade defence support energy market. to our domestic industry and exporters in dealing with increasing  The step is aimed at boosting domestic instances of trade remedy manufacturing and shielding domestic investigations instituted against them companies from cheap and sub- by other countries. standard imports.  DGTR provides a level playing field  Only manufacturers and solar modules to the domestic industry against the that are approved by the Bureau of adverse impact of the unfair trade Indian Standards and the ministry of practices like dumping and actionable new and renewable energy, and are subsidies from any exporting country, on the approved list of modules and by using Trade Remedial methods manufacturers will be eligible for under relevant framework of WTO government supported schemes, arrangements, Customs Tariff Act & including projects from where Rules and other relevant laws and electricity distribution companies International agreements, in a procure solar power for supplying to transparent and time bound manner. their consumers.  DGTR functions as an attached About Directorate General of Trade office of Department of Commerce, Remedies (DGTR) Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is a professionally integrated

Easy to PICK40 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” organisation with multi-spectrum skill  Training Services, National & sets emanating from officers drawn International level from different services and specialisations.  Information Services About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)  BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.  BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways – providing safe reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and testing.  BIS has its Headquarters at New Delhi and its 05 Regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern), Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central). Keeping in view, the interest of consumers as well as the industry, BIS is involved in various activities as given below:  Standards Formulation  Product Certification Scheme  Compulsory Registration Scheme  Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme  Hall Marking Scheme  Laboratory Services  Laboratory Recognition Scheme  Sale of Indian Standards  Consumer Affairs Activities  Promotional Activities

Easy to PICK41 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Bhutan ends free entry for Indian tourists Syllabus subtopic: India and its compulsory flat “cover charge” of Neighborhood- Relations. $250 per day. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move  Indians mainly travel to the more of Bhutan’s govt and its implications on developed western region of Bhutan. Bhutan-India relations; In a move to promote tourism in Bhutan’s eastern region as well, the News: The National Assembly of Bhutan government has decided to drop SDF has passed a legislation named ‘Tourism charges for tourists visiting 11 of 20 Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan’, total districts that fall in the east from 2020. Trongsa to Trashigang. What is it about? Concerns raised against the move  Ending decades of free entry to  The regional tour operators, Indian tourists visiting Bhutan, the especially from West Bengal have government in Thimphu has decided to expressed concerns that the SDF will levy a daily Rs.1,200 ($17) fee for have dampening effect on numbers, “regional tourists” from India, the and impact the heavy rush during Maldives and Bangladesh, beginning the October “Puja season”. July 2020.  The Ministry of External Affairs  Children from India, Maldives and (MEA) said the fee was “nominal” and Bangladesh under the age of 5 will not had been discussed with the Bhutanese have to pay the levy and those between government in the last few months. 6 and 12 years will be required to pay However, the government has asked only ₹600. the Bhutanese government to make an effort to publicise the new rules in Reason India before they come into effect in  The fee, called a Sustainable July 2020, as is anticipated. If there is confusion about the provisions, it Development Fee (SDF), is meant to will cause problems to both sides. help the government deal with burgeoning numbers in tourist  New Delhi’s hesitation comes as the traffic, which it is seeking to regulate new SDF, while a seemingly small through a new tourism policy. amount compared to the fees charged to other nationalities, could be seen as  According to the govt., the levy of a way of making Indian tourists feel SDF to regional tourists will help in unwelcome. ensuring an exclusive experience to all tourists which is the intent of ‘Regional Tourists’ in Bhutan Bhutan’s tourism policy of high  In 2018, of the 2,74,000 tourists value, low volume, visiting Bhutan, it is estimated that  The SDF is considerably lower than about 2,00,000 were from the region, the $65 charged to other foreign of which about 1,80,000 were from tourists, who are also charged a India.

Easy to PICK42 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  In contrast to other international tourists, who pay $250 (Approx. Rs.18,000) as a minimum charge per day per person, which includes a $65 a day “Sustainable Development Fee”, as well as a $40 visa charge, tourists from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives had so far paid no fees, and were able to cross over without visas, something that is now set to change.  In the past year, Bhutanese newspapers have often complained about Indian tourists who don’t pay heed to local customs and picnickers who litter the country’s pristine environment.

Easy to PICK43 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” UNESCO certificate for Jaipur Syllabus subtopic: Important International  The project would be implemented Institutions, agencies and fora - their during the next three years at a cost of Structure, Mandate. Rs.7.50 crore. Prelims and Mains focus: about the  It will directly benefit about 1,500 certificate; about Intangible Heritage artistes in the districts such as Promotion Project Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, known for folk music and News: Rajasthan Chief Minister will traditional handicrafts. dedicate the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation About Jaipur: capital of Rajasthan (UNESCO) world heritage site  The capital city of Jaipur, included in certificate for Jaipur to the people. A brochure on “intangible heritage the list of world heritage sites, was promotion project” would also be founded in 1727 by the then released at the function. Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Amber, Sawai Jai Singh II. Background  The UNESCO declared the Walled  The city was established on the plains and built according to a grid plan City, famous for its grid plan-based interpreted in the light of Vedic architecture and buildings architecture. constructed with the pink facade, as a world heritage site in July 2019.  The International Council on Monuments and Sites had earlier inspected the city in 2018 after its nomination. The council took into account the architecture of streets with colonnades, which intersect the centre, creating large public squares called chaupars. The uniform facades of markets, residences and temples in the main streets had also impressed the council. About Intangible Heritage Promotion Project  The project, signed between the Tourism Department of Rajasthan and UNESCO, aims at developing 10 new cultural tourism destinations in the State, for which the tourists could extend their stay by at least one extra day.

Easy to PICK44 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” GST lottery offers Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies luxury, sin and demerit goods on top and Interventions for Development in of the highest tax rate. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Other measures to be taken  To plug leakages in GST revenue, the Prelims and Mains focus: about the move and its significance; about GST and GST government is considering various Council options in business-to-consumer deals, including lotteries and News: The government is planning to incentivising QR Code-based introduce lottery offers between Rs 10 transactions. lakh and Rs 1 crore under the GST to encourage customers to take bills while  The government has constituted a making purchases. committee of officers to suggest measures to augment GST revenue About the move collections.  Every bill under the goods and  The panel has been tasked to suggest services tax (GST) regime will systemic changes in GST, including provide a chance to the customers to checks and balances, to prevent win a lottery and that would act as an misuse and measures to improve incentive for them to pay the tax. voluntary compliance.  As per the plan, the purchase bill  Also, it has been tasked to give inputs would be uploaded on a portal and a on measures for the expansion of the draw would be held automatically tax base. and the winners would be informed.  The committee, which made  The GST Council, chaired by presentation before the GST Council Finance Minister and comprising on December 18, suggested pruning state counterparts, would vet the of exempt list for raising resources. proposed lottery scheme.  The Council would also decide on the minimum threshold for bills that would be included in the lottery. As per the plan, the money for the lottery would come from the consumer welfare fund, where the proceeds of anti-profiteering are transferred. About GST  Under the four-tier GST, goods and services are taxed at 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. Besides, cess is levied on

Easy to PICK45 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies  The scheme offers companies a and Interventions for Development in chance to pay disputed tax arrears various sectors and Issues arising out of without interest and penalty if paid their Design and Implementation. before 31 March. If paid later, but Prelims and Mains focus: about the new before a due date to be announced scheme; its significance and benefits later, the amount due will go up by News: The finance ministry unveiled 10%. details of a new scheme that could fetch the exchequer part of the Rs.9.32 trillion  In case the tax dispute is over penalty, direct taxes under dispute and free up interest or fee, the settlement amount courts and tribunals crippled by prolonged payable is 25% of the dues if paid litigation. before the end of March. Background A similar scheme announced last year to  If paid subsequently, but before the settle indirect tax disputes related to date to be announced in due course, the central excise duty, service tax and various payable amount would be 30% of the cesses had collected more than Rs.39,000 dues. crore. Need for the scheme  The scheme, however, will not cover Tax disputes consume copious amount of tax demands related to undisclosed time, energy and resources both on the foreign income or assets or tax part of the government and taxpayers. demands raised after the government Moreover, they also deprive the secured information from other government of the timely collection of countries. revenue. About the proposed scheme  The proposed scheme is applicable to  The Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas appeals filed by taxpayers or the government, which are pending before Bill, 2020, tabled in Parliament by the commissioner (appeals), tribunals, finance minister, offers immunity high courts or the Supreme Court as on from prosecution to those who sign 31 January. up for the scheme, which opens on the date it is signed into law.

Easy to PICK46 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What does it signify for the govt.? If the scheme is successful in collecting revenue, it will offer relief to the Modi administration, which has estimated that its fiscal deficit for FY20 would slip from the earlier projected 3.3% of GDP to 3.8% of GDP. What are the likely benefits?  This is an opportunity for assessees to clear long-pending disputes and many tax payers, especially those having small amounts under dispute, are likely to lap it up.  This will not only benefit the government by generating timely revenue but also taxpayers who will be able to deploy the time, energy and resources saved by opting for such dispute resolution towards their business activities.  The scheme can be beneficial for settling cases such as additions of unexplained cash deposited during the demonetization period and additions for penny stocks. It would be beneficial for such taxpayers to pay the tax amount and settle the disputes without imposition of interest and penalty.

Easy to PICK47 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Banking Regulation Act, 1949 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies  While the role of registrar of and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of cooperative societies includes their Design and Implementation. incorporation, registration, Prelims and Mains focus: about the amendments proposed and their management, audit, supersession of significance; about cooperative banks; about the act board and liquidation, RBI is News: The Union cabinet has approved responsible for regulatory functions changes to the Banking Regulation Act to strengthen oversight of cooperative such maintaining cash reserve and banks. capital adequacy, among others. Background:  In September 2019, the RBI What are the amendments proposed?  It will give the Reserve Bank of India superseded Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank Ltd. (PMC Bank) wider powers to regulate cooperative board after uncovering several lenders and prevent frauds such as irregularities. Cash withdrawals were the one seen at Punjab and capped at Rs.1,000 per account for six Maharashtra Co-operative Bank Ltd. months, but subsequently relaxed to Rs.50,000 as panic spread among  Once the amendment is cleared by depositors. Parliament, cooperative banks will be audited according to RBI’s norms  Urban cooperative banks (UCBs) reported nearly 1,000 cases of fraud and the central bank can supersede worth more than Rs.220 crore in past the board, in consultation with the five fiscal years, a Press Trust of India report said, citing the RBI. state government, if any cooperative bank is under stress. Aim of the amendment The proposed amendment is aimed at  Appointments of chief executives will protecting the interests of 86 million also require permission from the depositors who have put money totalling banking regulator, as is the case for around Rs.5 trillion in 1,540 cooperative commercial banks. banks in the country.  Audit of such banks will be as per RBI Present Scenario guidelines and recruitment for banks’  Cooperative banks are currently management will be based on certain under the dual control of the qualifications. All these steps will be Registrar of Cooperative Societies and RBI. implemented by RBI in a phased manner.  The administrative role will continue to be done by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. The amendments will apply to all urban co-operative banks and multi-state cooperative banks. About the Act:

Easy to PICK48 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 supplement to the previous acts related regulates all banking firms in India. to banking. Passed as the Banking Companies Act 1949, it came into force from 16 March 1949 and changed to Banking Regulation Act 1949 from 1 March 1966.  It is applicable in Jammu and Kashmir from 1956.  Initially, the law was applicable only to banking companies. But, in 1965 it was amended to make it applicable to cooperative banks and to introduce other changes. Overview:  The Act provides a framework under which commercial banking in India is supervised and regulated. The Act supplements the Companies Act, 1956. Primary Agricultural Credit Society and cooperative land mortgage banks are excluded from the Act.  The Act gives the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) the power to license banks, have regulation over shareholding and voting rights of shareholders; supervise the appointment of the boards and management; regulate the operations of banks; lay down instructions for audits; control moratorium, mergers and liquidation; issue directives in the interests of public good and on banking policy, and impose penalties.  In 1965, the Act was amended to include cooperative banks under its purview by adding the Section 56. Cooperative banks, which operate only in one state, are formed and run by the state government. But, RBI controls the licensing and regulates the business operations. The Banking Act was a

Easy to PICK49 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies About the trust and Interventions for Development in  The Ministry of Home Affairs various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. notified the trust. Prelims and Mains focus: about the trust  There would be 15 trustees, out of and its mandate which one would always be from the Dalit society. News: PM Modi told the Lok Sabha that the Cabinet had approved a scheme for  The government had decided to the construction of a grand Ram temple transfer the entire 67.703 acres to in Ayodhya by setting up an autonomous the trust. trust, Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, to take forward the process as  This trust will be fully autonomous to per the Supreme Court’s orders. take any decision regarding the construction of temple. Background The Supreme Court mandated three-  The Uttar Pradesh government had month deadline to set up a trust was to approved the Supreme Court’s end on February 9, a day after Delhi votes. direction to grant 5 acres to the Central Sunni Wakf Board.

Easy to PICK50 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Changes in Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies grounds that it was too long a period and Interventions for Development in for a couple to wait for a child. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.  In order to protect the interests of the child born through surrogacy, the Prelims and Mains focus: about the Committee recommended that the changes recommended by the RS order regarding the parentage and committee; about the bill and its custody of the child, issued by a significance Magistrate, shall be the birth affidavit for the surrogate child. News: The 23-member Rajya Sabha Select Committee on Surrogacy  As a general recommendation, the (Regulation) Bill, 2019 has recommended Select Committee said that the 15 major changes in the bill. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Regulation) Bill (ART), which is Background awaiting Cabinet approval, may be The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 is taken up before the Surrogacy yet to be passed by the Rajya Sabha and (Regulation) Bill, since the ART Bill the committee has held ten meetings since primarily deals with technical, the Bill was referred to it by the Lok Sabha scientific and medical aspects, on November 21, 2019. including the storage of embryos, gametes, oocytes, etc. as contained in What changes did it recommend? the Surrogacy Bill.  A surrogate mother need not be a “close relative” of the intending couple. Requiring the surrogate mother to be a “close relative” potentially restricts the availability of surrogate mothers, affecting genuinely needy persons.  Omission of the five-year time limit before seeking surrogacy.  allowing single women (widow or a divorcee and Persons of Indian Origin) to avail of surrogacy  increasing insurance cover for the surrogate mother from the 16 months proposed in the Bill to 36 months.  deleting the definition of “infertility” as “the inability to conceive after five years of unprotected intercourse” on