Easy to PICK101 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” A related challenge is that of competitor states now using strategies to achieve effect by operating below the threshold of war. Examples include Russia’s initial moves into Crimea and its denials over involvement in eastern Ukraine, its use of chemical weapons in the UK and its alleged election meddling. Iran’s activities are another example. Its ability to conduct warfare through third parties has ‘given Iran a strategic advantage over adversaries reliant on conventional capabilities. Capabilities routed through third parties, disinformation campaigns or kinetic actions that are denied outright are hard to tackle with conventional military responses. They place a premium not just on developing the right military and intelligence capabilities, but on boosting the adaptability and resilience of equipment and military forces and, more broadly, of societies and political decision-making. The same holds true when dealing with developments in new military or militarily-relevant technologies. In all cases, working effectively with partners and making use of relevant international frameworks, have the potential to act as a force multiplier. However, while conflict still involves hard military power, it is now more diffused than before. It now involves a greater number of actors and more capabilities, some of which are not traditionally ‘military’, and clear outcomes in peace, war and the grey space between are, accordingly, less certain.
Easy to PICK102 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) Syllabus subtopic: Functions and borrowings. If the UT was part of Responsibilities of the Union and the the Finance Commission, the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to allocation would have been higher the Federal Structure, Devolution of than the current allocation. In case Powers and Finances up to Local Levels the region was part of the 14th Finance and Challenges Therein. Commission Recommendations, the exchequer would have been entitled to Prelims and Mains focus: about the a sum of Rs.2,731 crore for 2019- 20. highlights of the assessment report; about NIPFP; about finance commission Puducherry was eligible to get around News: The Union Territory of Rs.1,186 crore extra during the Puducherry was entitled to Rs.2,731 crore current financial year and also more for the current fiscal from the Centre than than a meagre sum of Rs.1,703 crore the actual allocation of Rs.1,545 crore, which was set aside for the region by according to an assessment report the Centre for 2020-21. prepared by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), a Disparity in allocation to Central government organisation. Puducherry and New Delhi. While in the case of the national capital, the Background Centre incurred the expenditure for The assessment was done against the salary to the police and pension backdrop of Union Territories not amount, no such favour was done to coming under the purview of the Puducherry. Finance Commission recommendations for devolution of funds Revenue shortfall in Puducherry Puducherry’s finances were expected What did the assessment report say? Central allocation to Puducherry is in to experience a revenue shock post- July 2022 when the Centre stops the form of grants to meet gap in compensating for GST loss. resources and financing the schemes. Currently, the territory gets around The Union Territory was eligible to Rs.150 crore as GST compensation get larger share of the revenue. bi-monthly. Puducherry has a higher revenue The transition to GST was collection compared to the Gross State detrimental to Puducherry’s revenue Domestic Product (GSDP). It was as the region was a manufacturing higher than most States. It also runs a State. The addition of services under small revenue deficit and a fiscal GST has failed to compensate for the deficit of less than 3%. revenue loss. The debt to GSDP ration has been About NIPFP around 3%. A considerable part of the The National Institute of Public deficit was met through open market Finance and Policy (NIPFP) is a centre
Easy to PICK103 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” for research in public economics and policies. Founded in 1976, the institute undertakes research, policy advocacy and capacity building in areas related to public economics. One of the major mandates of the institute is to assist the Central, State and Local governments in formulating and reforming public policies by providing an analytical base. The institute was set up as an autonomous society, at the joint initiative of the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, several State governments and distinguished academicians. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. In its 44 years of existence, the institute has emerged as a premier think tank in India, and has made significant contribution to policy reforms at all levels of the government. It has maintained close functional links with the Central and State governments all along, and has built up linkages with other teaching and research institutions both in India and abroad. Although the institute receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and various State governments, it maintains an independent non- government character in its pursuit of research and policy.
Easy to PICK104 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Virtual Classroom and Studio scheme of Maharashtra Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for urban pockets like Pune must be Vulnerable Sections of the population by availed by children in rural areas the Centre and States and the Performance like Latur. of these Schemes The virtual classroom, with better Prelims and Mains focus: about the guidance from experts, will ultimately objective and the key features of the help in reducing students’ stress scheme; E-Balbharti project prior to examinations. News: Maharashtra’s Education Minister, About E-Balbharti project on 14 Feb 2020, inaugurated the ambitious The scheme is to be implemented Virtual Classroom and Studio scheme. The scheme will be implemented in 725 under the E-Balbharti project of the schools across the State. Maharashtra State Board of Textbook Production and Curriculum Key features of the scheme Research (Balbharti). Objective: To enhance access and The project is being implemented by quality of education in Maharashtra’s the Valuable Group using its V-SAT rural hinterland by using cutting-edge based interactive technology. Three technology that connects students Studios have been set-up in the old from schools in the State’s backwater building that hitherto housed the State areas with a number of subject experts Institute of Educational Technology, to answer queries and facilitate popularly known as Balchitravani, to learning more effectively. establish contact with the schools. The State government has also come In May 2017, Balchitravani, which was up with audio books in multiple set up by the Maharashtra government languages with chapters in the to bolster children’s education in the syllabus read out by voice artistes to State and remained a fixture in Pune’s help visually challenged students as educational fabric for more than three part of this project. decades, shut shop after the erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party-led government 195 schools had ‘logged in’ in the first claimed it lacked funds to support it. phase of the scheme, while the The defunct institute has since been remaining 530 schools would be absorbed by the Balbharati as part of connected in stages. its e-learning arm. Experts from diverse fields — besides regular subjects in the curriculum — including sports, industry and politics will be on hand to impart lessons to children. The aim is that the benefits being availed by students in schools in developed
Easy to PICK105 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Remote Voting System Syllabus subtopic: The “two-way block chain remote voting” process would involve voter Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act. identification and authorisation using a Appointment to various Constitutional multi-layered IT enabled system Posts, Powers, Functions and working on the EC’s e-Governance Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. award winning Electoral Registration Officer Network (ERO Net) using biometrics and web cameras. Prelims and Mains focus: about the new With the proposed linking of the technology: its working and significance Aadhaar biometrics with voter IDs at an “advanced stage”, the two-way News: The Election Commission of India electronic voting system would be has collaborated with IIT Madras to work possible only when the linking is on a new technology for two-way remote complete. voting in controlled environment using blockchain technology How will the new system work? After a voter’s identity is established What is it about? The model of an Aadhaar-linked by the system, a block chain enabled personalised e-ballot paper (Smart electronic voting system that would Contract) will be generated. enable electors to cast their votes from any part of the country — When the vote is cast (Smart irrespective of where they are Contract executed), the ballot would registered to vote — or even abroad. be securely encrypted and a block chain hashtag (#) will be generated. It will allow electors to vote from far This hashtag notification would be sent away cities without going to the to various stakeholders, in this case— designated polling station of their the candidates and political parties. respective constituencies. For example the system would allow a Delhi- The encrypted remote votes so cast registered elector who happens to be in would once again be validated at the Hyderabad to cast his or her vote in pre-counting stage to ensure that they elections in the Capital electronically. have neither been decrypted, nor tampered with or replaced. The voters will have to reach a designated venue during a pre-decided The project is at present in the research period of time to be able to use this and development stage with an aim to facility. develop a prototype. It does not mean voting from home, What next? which is “anytime-anywhere-any If the project is given the go-ahead by the device” and would require some more ECI, changes to the election laws would be required for which the Law Ministry time and technological advancement. would be approached.
Easy to PICK106 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Efforts made to increase voter turnout There have been demands from various parties that the Election Commission should ensure that migrant workers who miss out on voting as they cannot afford going home during elections to exercise their franchise should be allowed to vote for their constituency from the city they are working in. A Bill to allow proxy voting for overseas Indians had lapsed following the dissolution of the previous Lok Sabha. The Law Ministry had also recently tweaked election rules to allow One Way Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), enabling service voters consisting of personnel belonging to the armed forces, central paramilitary forces and central government officers deployed at Indian missions abroad, to get their postal ballots electronically. They have to fill up the ballot papers and post them back. The ECI had used a one-way electronic system for service electors for the first time in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The postal ballots were transmitted electronically to the service electors, which led to an increased turnout or 60.14%.
Easy to PICK107 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 5th India Russia military industry conference Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and the provision of IGA was also handed over by the Navy to the identified Global Groupings and Agreements Indian industry. involving India and/or affecting India’s One MoU was signed between the interests. Spetz-Radio Corporation of Russia and the Ananth Technologies based in Prelims and Mains focus: about the Hyderabad for the “development, event: MoUs signed and their significance; production and manufacture of about India-Russia ties small spacecraft for remote sensing”. News: In a step forward towards One important MoU was signed addressing the issue of regular spares between the Bharat Dynamics Limited and support for Russian military (BDL) and the Almaz Antey of Russia equipment with the armed forces, 14 for exploring the feasibility of MoUs were signed between Indian and establishing a joint venture in India for Russian companies for setting up joint the production of various sub ventures covering a range of equipment systems of “air defence missile from modern T-90 tanks to legacy systems like Tunguska, Kavadrat, Pechora air defence systems. the OSA-AKA, Pechora air defence system as well as the Shilka self- About the event propelled air defence gun system”. The MoUs were signed during the 5th The MoU also covered refurbishment India Russia military industry and life extension of the missiles. Most conference held during the Defexpo 2020 of these air defence systems are now in in Lucknow. the process of being phased out and replaced with new ones. Background Lack of timely spares and support has Way forward been a constant issue faced by the military India has taken a number of steps to a major part of which consists of Russian expedite the collaboration with Russian defence hardware. Several such support companies. India has called for expeditious agreements are in the pipeline and implementation from the Russian side as expected to be concluded soon. well which has some procedural issues to sort out. There are also agreements on About the MoUs signed emerging technologies — Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain They come under the and robotics based on Russian technologies under the proposed Indo- Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Russian Joint Venture ICT Center of Excellence. on joint manufacturing of spares in Arms imports by India India signed last September for mutual Arms imports by India increased by cooperation in manufacturing of 24% between 2008-2012 and 2013- 2017. spares, components, aggregates and other material related to Russian or Soviet-origin arms and defence equipment. The first ‘Request for Proposal’ for manufacturing of parts in India under
Easy to PICK108 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India is followed by Saudi Arabia, The largest arms suppliers to India Egypt, UAE, China, Australia, Algeria, from 2013-2017 were Russia (62%), Iraq, Pakistan and Indonesia. US (15%) and Israel (11%).
Easy to PICK109 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Health Mission (NHM) Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to 1. Staff crunch Development and Management of Social 2. low community referrals, Sector/Services relating to Health, 3. absence of a special neonatal transport Education, Human Resources. service to health centres Prelims and Mains focus: about the 4. reliance on units in cities as last resort NHM: aim and significance; about neonatal deaths in India and its causes and 5. the non-availability of enough units to News: Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest percentage of newborn cater to increasing institutional deaths of 11.5% against the total deliveries admissions to government-run sick newborn care units (SNCUs) in the past Neonatal deaths in India three years across the country, a rate According to the Sample Registration ominously spiralling since 2017, according to the National Health Mission (NHM). System, neonatal deaths in India The country’s average is 7%. mainly occur owing to: 1. premature births and low birth weight Although admissions of neonates (35.9%), (under 28 days) in the State have 2. pneumonia (16.9%), dropped from April 2017 to December 3. birth asphyxia and birth trauma (9.9%), 2019 — remaining lower than West 4. other non-communicable diseases Bengal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh (7.9%), — the percentage of deaths at 12.2% 5. diarrhoea (6.7%), surpassed Bihar’s last year. 6. congenital anomalies(4.6%) and 7. infections (4.2%). Meanwhile, West Bengal, where 34,344 neonatal deaths occurred in the Under the United Nations’ period, the most in the country, the Sustainable Development Goals, declining percentage of deaths from each country, including India, has 9.2% in 2017 to 8.9% in 2019 aimed to bring down neonatal coincided with a slump in admissions. mortality to at least 12 per 1,000 live births. In 2018, it stood at 23 for India. Madhya Pradesh has also recorded an abysmal sex ratio in admissions About National Health Mission — of 663 (number of girls admitted against 1,000 boys) in the three years The National Health Mission (NHM) was against the country average of 733, designed with the aim of providing though its sex ratio was 931 as per the accessible, affordable, effective and 2011 census. reliable healthcare facilities in the rural and urban areas of the country, especially Factors responsible for the spike in the to the poor and vulnerable sections of the percentage of deaths population. NHM envisages a bottom-up, decentralized and community owned approach to public health planning.
Easy to PICK110 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”
Easy to PICK111 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Ladakh to appoint non –gazetted personnel Syllabus subtopic: Functions and Lieutenant-Governor “shall exercise responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the power to make rules in regard the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels to...the method of recruitment to all and challenges therein. Group ‘B’ (non-gazetted) and Group ‘C’ posts under his administrative control”. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move The notification further said the and its significance; about bifurcation of Lieutenant-Governor could decide J&K and its implications on: News: Union government has empowered 1. the qualifications necessary for the Union Territory of Ladakh to appointment to such services and formulate its own rules to appoint “non- posts; and gazetted” officials. 2. the conditions of service of persons Why? appointed to such services and posts Shortage of personnel: the day-to-day for the purposes of probation, work in Ladakh was getting hampered confirmation, seniority and promotion. as the process to reallocate government officials had not been completed, and not Govt. personnel in Ladakh many officials were willing to move to the There are about four lakh State Union Territory. government employees and 66 Indian Background Administrative Service (IAS) and 68 The erstwhile State of Jammu and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the erstwhile State. Kashmir was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu and Under the Jammu and Kashmir Kashmir and Ladakh by Parliament on Reorganisation Act, 2019, the IAS, the August 6, 2019. IPS and other central service officers will continue to work in the Union Thereafter, the Union government Territories, while new recruits will appointed a panel to find out be allocated the Arunachal Pradesh- officials’ preference for posting. The Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory General Administration Department of (AGMUT) cadre. Jammu and Kashmir issued an order in 2019 seeking options from government Measures taken by the Centre officials “for their further allocation” In the Union Budget unveiled on to the two Union Territories. The employees had to fill a form, February 1, a total of Rs. 30,757 crore comprising 18 columns, which sought was allocated to Jammu and Kashmir information on their “place of birth, and Rs.5,958 crore for Ladakh for the home district, marital status and caste”. fiscal 2020-21. To tide over the crisis, the Centre on Earlier, based on the 14th Finance January 21, 2020 said Ladakh’s Commission grants, a total of Rs.14,559.25 crore was pending to be distributed to the two Union
Easy to PICK112 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Territories. In December, Rs.2,977.31 crore was transferred to Jammu and Kashmir and Rs.1,275.99 crore to Ladakh. This was the first time around 8% Central funds were transferred to Ladakh. Previously, the region received only 2%. The area is underdeveloped and needs greater help from the Centre. A new administrative complex was being built in Leh. It would also house the office of the Hill Development Council.
Easy to PICK113 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Delimitation Commission of India Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, Regulatory country or a province having a and various Quasi-judicial Bodies. legislative body. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move The job of delimitation is assigned to and its significance; about Delimitation a high power body. Such a body is Commission of India: composition and known as Delimitation Commission mandate or a Boundary Commission. News: About six months after the State of About Delimitation Commission of Jammu and Kashmir was split into the India Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, The Delimitation Commission in India the government moved to start the delimitation of Assembly constituencies is a high power body whose orders in J&K. have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. Background The Election Commission had held a These orders come into force on a date meeting in August 2019 to discuss the to be specified by the President of delimitation process and enrolled two India in this behalf. The copies of its officials who had worked on previous orders are laid before the House of delimitation exercises. the People and the State Legislative Assembly concerned, but no J&K Reorganisation Act modifications are permissible As per the Jammu and Kashmir therein by them. Reorganisation Act, 2019, which was In India, such Delimitation passed by Parliament on August 5, Commissions have been constituted 4 2019 and came into effect on October times – in 1952 under the Delimitation 31, the Union Territory of J&K will Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under have an Assembly, while Ladakh Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, will not. in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, The Act further said the number of 2002. seats in the Assembly of J&K would be increased from 107 to 114 after According to the Delimitation delimitation, on the basis of the 2011 Commission Act, 2002, the Census. Delimitation Commission appointed by the Centre has to have three The Election Commission was ready to members: provide secretarial assistance to the Delimitation Commission once 1. a serving or retired judge of the appointed, as it is required to do. Supreme Court as the chairperson, and What is meant by delimitation? Delimitation literally means the act or 2. the Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner nominated by process of fixing limits or boundaries the CEC, and of territorial constituencies in a 3. the State Election Commissioner as ex- officio members.
Easy to PICK114 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Supreme Court Collegium System Syllabus subtopic: Structure, organization the appointments process transparent and functioning of the Executive and the and participatory, only to be scrapped Judiciary, Ministries and Departments of by the Supreme Court. the Government. What next? Prelims and Mains focus: about the issue The apex court ordered the Registrar and its implications; about collegiums Generals of all the High Courts to submit system: merits and criticisms reports of the pending judicial vacancies and likely ones in the future within four News: The Supreme Court asked the weeks. government why it was “holding back” recommendations for appointments to How did the Collegium system come various High Courts even after into being? reiteration by the Collegium. The Collegium of judges is the Background Supreme Court’s invention. It does The Bench was conveying its alarm at the not figure in the Constitution, which rising number of vacancies in various says judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Some of these courts are High Courts are appointed by the functioning only with half their sanctioned President and speaks of a process of judicial strength. On an average, they consultation. In effect, it is a system suffer at least 40% vacancies. under which judges are appointed by an institution comprising judges. Government’s view on delay of appointments After some judges were superseded in The collegium delays the appointment the appointment of the Chief Justice of India in the 1970s, and attempts made process quite as the government. The subsequently to effect a mass transfer government’s delay is largely because of High Court judges across the it thoroughly combs the antecedents of country, there was a perception that the the candidate, leaving no room for independence of the judiciary was error. The process, on an average, under threat. This resulted in a series of takes at least 127 days. cases over the years. On the other hand, the judiciary takes The ‘First Judges Case’ (1981) ruled 119 days on an average merely to that the “consultation” with the CJI forward the file to the government. in the matter of appointments must Some courts like Allahabad and be full and effective. However, it Andhra take over 45 and 50 months to rejected the idea that the CJI’s even report a vacancy. The opinion, albeit carrying great appointment of Justice P.V. weight, should have primacy. Kunhikrishnan of the Kerala High Court took two years to come through. The Second Judges Case (1993) introduced the Collegium system, The Collegium system was put to an holding that “consultation” really end through the National Judicial meant “concurrence”. It added that it Appointments Commission to make was not the CJI’s individual opinion,
Easy to PICK115 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” but an institutional opinion formed in respective States. The Collegium consultation with the two senior- takes the call on the elevation. most judges in the Supreme Court. High Court judges are On a Presidential Reference for its recommended by a Collegium opinion, the Supreme Court, in the comprising the CJI and two senior- Third Judges Case (1998) expanded most judges. The proposal, however, the Collegium to a five-member is initiated by the Chief Justice of the body, comprising the CJI and four of High Court concerned in his senior-most colleagues. consultation with two senior-most colleagues. The recommendation is What is the procedure followed by the sent to the Chief Minister, who Collegium? advises the Governor to send the The President of India appoints the proposal to the Union Law Minister. CJI and the other SC judges. As far Does the Collegium recommend as the CJI is concerned, the outgoing transfers too? CJI recommends his successor. Yes, the Collegium also recommends In practice, it has been strictly by the transfer of Chief Justices and seniority ever since the supersession other judges. controversy of the 1970s. Article 222 of the Constitution The Union Law Minister forwards provides for the transfer of a judge the recommendation to the Prime from one High Court to another. Minister who, in turn, advises the President. When a CJ is transferred, a replacement must also be For other judges of the top court, the simultaneously found for the High proposal is initiated by the CJI. The Court concerned. There can be an CJI consults the rest of the acting CJ in a High Court for not Collegium members, as well as the more than a month. senior-most judge of the court hailing from the High Court to In matters of transfers, the opinion of which the recommended person the CJI “is determinative”, and the belongs. consent of the judge concerned is not required. However, the CJI should The consultees must record their take into account the views of the CJ of opinions in writing and it should form the High Court concerned and the part of the file. The Collegium sends views of one or more SC judges who the recommendation to the Law are in a position to do so. All transfers Minister, who forwards it to the must be made in the public interest, Prime Minister to advise the that is, “for the betterment of the President. administration of justice”. The Chief Justice of High Courts is What is the common criticism made appointed as per the policy of having against the Collegium system? Chief Justices from outside the Many have faulted the system, not only for its being seen as something
Easy to PICK116 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” unforeseen by the Constitution makers, procedure, to infuse greater but also for the way it functions. accountability, is also unclear. Opaqueness and a lack of transparency, and the scope for nepotism are cited often. Retired SC judge Justice Ruma Pal once said: “The mystique of the process, the small base from which the selections were made and the secrecy and confidentiality ensured that the process may on occasions, make wrong appointments and, worse still, lend itself to nepotism.” The attempt made to replace it by a ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission’ was struck down by the court in 2015 on the ground that it posed a threat to the independence of the judiciary. Dissenting judge, Justice J. Chelameswar, termed it “inherently illegal”. Even the majority opinions admitted the need for transparency. In an effort to boost transparency, the Collegium’s resolutions are now posted online, but reasons are not given. Some do not believe in full disclosure of reasons for transfers, as it may make lawyers in the destination court chary of the transferred judge. Embroilment in public controversies and having relatives practising in the same High Court could be common reasons for transfers. In respect of appointments, there has been an acknowledgement that the “zone of consideration” must be expanded to avoid criticism that many appointees hail from families of retired judges. The status of a proposed new memorandum of
Easy to PICK117 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” SUTRA PIC initiative Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies Prime Products from Indigenous and Interventions for Development in Cows, has five themes: various sectors and Issues arising out of 1. Uniqueness of Indigenous Cows, their Design and Implementation. 2. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows for Medicine and Health, Prelims and Mains focus: about the 3. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows initiative: objective s and significance; for Agricultural Applications, about SVAROP inititative; about SEED: 4. Prime-products from Indigenous Cows objectives and mandate for Food and Nutrition, 5. Prime-products from indigenous cows- News: The government has unveiled a based utility items programme to research on ‘indigenous’ cows. To be funded by multiple scientific ministries, the initiative, SUTRA Background PIC, is led by Science for Equity, The Finance Minister had announced Empowerment and Development (SEED) division of the Department of research programmes into Science and Technology (DST). indigenous cattle in the 2016-17 as well as in the 2019-20 Union Budget. It has the Department of The stated objective was to develop products as well as improve the Biotechnology, the Council of genetic quality of indigenous cattle breeds. Scientific and Industrial Research A 2019 article in the Journal of Animal (CSIR), the Ministry for AYUSH Research said India had 190.9 million cattle and 43 registered native cattle (Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, breeds. The exotic / crossbred population has been increased by Homoeopathy) among others and the 20.18% during the period of last census while population of indigenous Indian Council of Medical Research cattle has been decreased by 8.94% during the same duration. (ICMR) as partners. The reasons for depletion of native Researchers from academic breeds includes organisations as well as “capable 1. cross-breeding with exotic breeds, 2. economically less viable, voluntary organisations (NGOs) active 3. losing utility, 4. reduction in herd size and in India with proven record of 5. the large-scale mechanisation of accomplishment in executing S&T- agricultural operation. based R&D projects,” were invited to About the initiative apply for funding. SUTRA PIC or Scientific Utilisation Objectives of the programme: Through Research Augmentation- to perform scientific research on complete characterisation of milk and milk products derived from Indian indigenous cows; scientific research on nutritional and therapeutic properties of curd and ghee prepared from indigenous breeds of cows by traditional methods;
Easy to PICK118 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” development of standards for Objectives & Mandate traditionally processed dairy To support S&T based NGOs/S & T products of Indian-origin cow. institutions/Colleges/Universities Indigenous cow breeds: Gir, Red Sindhi, throughout the country to take up Sahiwal, Deoni, Rathi innovative grant in aid projects at the grassroots level with various schemes About SVAROP initiative targeted for different section of the society to address location and In 2017, SEED constituted a occupation specific problems. Catalyze and support research, National Steering Committee (NSC) development and adaptation of relevant for ‘Scientific Validation and and appropriate technologies for empowering and improving quality of Research on Panchgavya life of Artisans, Landless labour, Women, SC/ST and other (SVAROP)’. disadvantaged sections, particularly in rural areas. Panchagavya is an Ayurvedic Preserve and upgrade skills of panacea and is a mixture of five traditional artisans as “natural carriers” of S&T knowledge/ capabilities and (pancha) products of the cow (gavya) enable their transition to S&T – based — milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine. production organizations. Need-based, location specific and Its proponents believe it can cure, or appropriate S&T intervention for treat a wide range of ailments. economically viable, ecologically sustainable and socially acceptable About SEED development “Bottom-up” rather than top-down Science for Equity, Empowerment and programme planning with full community involvement. Development (SEED) Division has Evolve and demonstrate replicable models of S&T – based development been set up under the Department of for benefit of disadvantaged sections; and Science and Technology, established Catalyze linkages with Developmental Agencies/ Departments and Financial with the broad objectives of Institutions so as to promote integration of these models with wider providing opportunities to motivated developmental processes. scientists and field level workers to take up action oriented and location specific projects aiming towards socio-economic upliftment of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society through appropriate technological interventions especially in the rural areas. Under this Division efforts have been made to associate concerned National Labs or other specialist S&T institutions with each major program so as to build-in expert input, utilize national S&T infrastructure and link it up with grassroots S&T interventions/initiatives.
Easy to PICK119 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Women Army officers eligible for permanent commission Syllabus subtopic: The note had shown women officers Issues Relating to Development and in a poor light, saying isolation and hardships would eat into their resolve Management of Social Sector/Services and that they would have to heed to relating to Health, Education, Human the call of pregnancy, childbirth and Resources. family. The note had mentioned that women ran the risk of capture by Various Security Forces and Agencies enemy and taken prisoner of war. and their Mandate. The SC bench countered that 30% of Prelims and Mains focus: about the SC women officers were deputed in judgement and its significance conflict zones and the note screamed of the age-old patriarchal notion that News: The Supreme Court dismissed the domestic obligations rested only with Union government’s submissions that women. women are physiologically weaker than men as a “sex stereotype” and declared The court found the remarks in the that Short Service Commission (SSC) note not only constitutionally invalid women officers are eligible for but discriminatory, affecting the permanent commission and command dignity of women officers. posts in the Army irrespective of their years of service. The court dismissed the government's stand that only women Background officers with less than 14 years of service ought to be considered for The verdict came on a nearly 10-year-old permanent commission, and those appeal filed by the government against a with over 20 years service should be March 12, 2010 decision of the Delhi pensioned immediately. Applying the High Court to grant SSC women judgment retrospectively, the court officers permanent commission. declared that all serving women officers would be eligible for About the SC order permanent commission. The order castigated the government The Supreme Court ordered the for submitting a note containing government to implement its judgment written submissions portraying in three months. women as physiologically unfit for answering the “call beyond duty” of the Army.
Easy to PICK120 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Command posts for women prohibition of women SSC officers SSC for women is available only to obtain anything but staff in ‘Combat Support Arms’ and appointments does not fulfil the ‘Services’ wings of the Army. purpose of granting permanent commissions as a means of career The exclusion of women from advancement in the Army. combat operations was not examined by the court as it was not The court held that since the contested in the appeal. command appointments were not automatic for men officers, so The court held that a blanket ban would it be for women. It was left of women SSC officers from to the Army to take a call on a command posts cannot be case to case basis. sustained by law. An absolute
Easy to PICK121 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Nadu-Nedu programme Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for furnished medical equipment and Vulnerable Sections of the population by furniture. the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes 6. In the second phase, of the total 1,145 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 149 Prelims and Mains focus: about the key new ones would be constructed and the features of the scheme rest 989 would be repaired and given modern amenities. Apart from that 169 News: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Community Health Centres (CHC) has launched the first phase of the Nadu and Area Hospitals would also be Nedu programme. strengthened. For CHCs the government has allocated Rs.1,212 About the programme crores and Rs.700 crore to Area 1. Under the Nadu-Nedu Scheme Hospitals. (roughly meaning Then and Now in 7. In the third phase, District Hospitals, Telugu), the government of A.P plans along with teaching hospitals would be to take up construction, repairs and strengthened. Moreover, construction renovation of hospitals at a cost of of new hospitals will also take place. Rs.11,737 crore in a span of three Since independence, there are only 11 years. teaching hospitals in the State. The government is adding 16 more 2. The Indian Public Health Standards teaching hospitals, bringing the total to (IPHS) would be followed for the sub- 27. centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres According to the A.P govt., it is the (CHCs), Area Hospitals (AHs), District Hospitals (DHs) and Medical highest amount spent by any State on Council of India (MCI) norms for teaching hospitals. healthcare in the country. Under the 3. As part of the first phase, Rs.1,129 scheme, every Parliamentary crore has been allocated for the health and wellness centres (sub-centres). constituency would have a teaching 4. A pictorial contrast of the hospitals hospital. before and after the implementation of Nadu-Nedu would be displayed on their premises to highlight the difference. 5. The auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) staff quarters will be provided with single bedroom, kitchen and toilet, a clinic with lab and examination room with toilet and fully
Easy to PICK122 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Study on Online abuse Syllabus subtopic: Role of NGOs, SHGs, There was also a lack of awareness various groups and associations, donors, among the students on the Internet charities, institutional and other safety guidelines developed by the stakeholders. NCERT with only 30% respondents Prelims and Mains focus: about the being familiar with them. Nearly 48% survey and its findings: limitations and of students were found to be either recommendations mildly or moderately addicted to the Internet, while 1% were found to be News: In an attempt to assess the pattern severely addicted. For this exercise, the of Internet use and online safety, an students were made to take an Internet NGO — Child Rights and You (CRY) Addiction Test. — conducted a survey in collaboration with Forum for Learning and Action Is internet accessibility really harmful? with Innovation and Rigour (FLAIR). Access to the Internet is not all harmful About the survey as 40% of the respondents said they It was conducted among 630 adolescents used it to take help in their studies aged between 13-18 years from eight such as through online search for schools in Delhi-NCR. The study words or information, tutorials and involved students filling up a test form and access to their school’s online answering a questionnaire. education programme. The same ratio of children also used Key findings of the study the Internet for extra-curricular One in every three adolescents activities such as for music, painting or sports. As many as 50% of students exposed to the Internet are victims of used the Internet for both studies as cyberbullying and other forms of well as extra-curricular activities. online abuse and nearly half of the users display some level of addiction. Limitation of the study Adolescents had easy access to the One of the limitations of the study is that Internet with 93% of them using it in it was not able to record instances of their homes. There was a clear gender sexual abuse in cyberspace as it was disparity in access to personal conducted in a controlled environment. devices with 60% boys and 40% girls owning a device. Recommendations made in the study Thirty percent of adolescents had a The study recommends familiarity negative experience online. When broken down across different with Internet safety rules and the categories of abuse, it is found that skill to use them for reporting to be 10% of adolescents experienced built into the school curriculum as well cyberbullying, 10% had either their as the need to modify the Central profile misused or account hacked and government’s child protection 23% had seen a morphed image or scheme to build infrastructure to deal video online. Only half of these with cybercrimes against children. instances were reported by the It also presses for schools to recognise teenagers. an increase in online crimes against children and develop strategies on prevention, reporting and redressal.
Easy to PICK123 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Tax haven Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and individuals and businesses to benefit Politics of Developed and Developing from their tax policies. Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Offshore tax havens benefit from the capital their countries draw into the Prelims and Mains focus: about the move economy. Funds can flow in from and its implications; about tax haven and individuals and businesses with its characteristics accounts setup at banks, financial institutions, and other investment News: European Union finance ministers vehicles. Individuals and corporations added Panama, the Seychelles, the can potentially benefit from low or no Cayman Islands and Palau to the EU’s taxes charged on income in foreign blacklist of tax havens, while giving countries where loopholes, credits, or Turkey more time to avoid being listed. other special tax considerations may be allowed. Background The list, which was set up in 2017 A list of some of the most popular tax haven countries includes: after revelations of widespread tax Andorra, the Bahamas, Belize, evasion and avoidance schemes, now Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, includes 12 jurisdictions. the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, the Cook Islands, The Island The other listed jurisdictions are Fiji, of Jersey, Hong Kong, The Isle of Oman, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, Man, Mauritius, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Vanuatu and the three U.S. territories Panama, St. Kitts, and Nevis. of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Worldwide there is not a comprehensively defined standard What are the implications? for the classification of a tax haven Those on the blacklist face reputational country. However, there are several damages, higher scrutiny in their regulatory bodies that monitor tax financial transactions and risk losing EU haven countries, including the funds. Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development What Is a Tax Haven? (OECD) and the U.S. Government A tax haven is generally an offshore Accountability Office. country that offers foreign Characteristics of tax haven individuals and businesses little or countries generally include: no tax liability in a politically and 1. no or low income taxes, economically static environment. 2. minimal reporting of information, 3. lack of transparency obligations, Tax havens also share limited or no 4. lack of local presence financial information with foreign tax requirements, and authorities. 5. marketing of tax haven vehicles. Tax havens do not typically require residency or business presence for
Easy to PICK124 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” EC holds meeting on electoral reforms Syllabus subtopic: Salient Features of the Earlier, in a letter to the Law Ministry, Representation of People’s Act. the Commission had recently proposed that provisions of the Representation of Prelims and Mains focus: About the the People Act be amended to allow meeting and the issues discussed; electoral EC seek Aadhaar numbers of those reforms applying to be voters and those who are already part of the electoral rolls. News: In a fresh bid to push the electoral Accepting the proposal to give it legal reforms pending with the Centre, the backing to collect Aadhaar data, the Election Commission (EC) met the Law Ministry is learnt to have asked Legislative Department of Ministry of the poll panel to ensure that the data Law and Justice officials. is protected at multiple levels. The EC recently listed out steps to protect Background the data from possible leaks. As many as over 40 recommendations for electoral reforms are pending with the Centre. About the meeting The pending issues discussed, including were 1. linking voter ID with Aadhaar, 2. allowing multiple registration windows to a new voter and 3. ensuring gender neutral rights for ‘service voter’, 4. paid news and false affidavit as electoral offence/corrupt practice; 5. print media and social media intermediaries to be covered under Section 126 of the RP Act 1951. Issue of linking Aadhaar with Voter ID Linking voter ID with Aadhaar will help weed out duplications and misrepresentations from the electoral rolls. Aadhaar linkage and voter authentication are also considered critical to the commission’s plans to work towards electronic, internet- based voting and for giving ‘remote’ voting rights to domestic migrant workers.
Easy to PICK125 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Trump’s visit may seal helicopter deal Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Foreign Military Sales route of the U.S. Global Groupings and Agreements government. involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Significance of the deal The Navy is facing an acute shortage Prelims and Mains focus: about the helicopter deal and its significance; about of MRH, with several warships other deals on the anvil; India-US trade operating with empty helicopter dispute decks. These helicopters are being procured as replacement for 15 Sea News: The deal for 24 MH-60R Multi- King Anti-Submarine Warfare Role Helicopters (MRH) for the Navy, helicopters de-inducted in 1991 and which is likely to be announced during one Sea King 42B MRH lost in the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, accident. The MRHs in service, Sea is lined up for the final approval of the King 42Bs, were inducted in the 1980s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). and are in need of replacement. About the deal Given the urgency, the U.S. is likely to All procedural requirements for the deal take some MH-60R helicopters from have been completed. The 24 Lockheed its newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald Martin-built helicopters, worth $2.4 Ford, which is undergoing upgrades. billion, are being procured through the
Easy to PICK126 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Trade deal unlikely Mr. Trump will visit India on February 24 and 25. With no headway in the talks for a trade deal, there are expectations that a few big-ticket defence deals will be announced. Other deals in the pipeline There are several big-ticket deals in the pipeline. These include six Boeing P- 8I long-range surveillance aircraft and 13 BAE Systems-built 127-mm MK-45 naval gun systems worth around $1 billion for the Navy, six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Army, 30 armed drones for the three services and a tactical air defence system for Delhi. However, these are at various stages of procurement. Apart from the deal for MH-60R helicopters, an announcement is possible on P-8I and Apache.
Easy to PICK127 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies months of the notification of the and Interventions for Development in proposed legislation. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Under the proposed law, a national registry and registration authority Prelims and Mains focus: about the key will maintain a database to assist the features of the bill and its significance national Board to perform its functions. News: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the Assisted The Bill also proposes stringent Reproductive Technology Regulation Bill, punishment for those who practise 2020 to monitor medical procedures sex selection, indulge in sale of used to assist people to achieve human embryos or gametes and pregnancy. those who operate rackets. Background The Bill will also ensure India has one of the highest growths in the confidentiality of intending couples number ART centres and ART cycles and protect the rights of the child. performed every year. India has become one of the major centres of this global fertility industry, with reproductive medical tourism becoming a significant activity. This has also introduced a plethora of legal, ethical and social issues; yet, there is no standardisation of protocols and reporting is still very inadequate. Key features of the Bill Note: In the Surrogacy Regulation Bill The Bill provides for a national Board 2020, the government is planning to which will lay down a code of conduct to be observed by those restrict the maximum age of surrogates operating clinics. from “above the marriageable age” to 50 It will also formulate minimum years. standards for laboratory and diagnostic equipment and practices to be followed by human resources employed by clinics and banks. The States and Union Territories will also have to form State Boards and State authorities within three
Easy to PICK128 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Law Commission of India Syllabus subtopic: Structure, Apart from a full-time chairperson, the commission will have four full- Organization and Functioning of the time members, including a member- secretary. Executive and the Judiciary The Law and Legislative Secretaries Prelims and Mains focus: about the in the Law Ministry will be ex-officio commission: composition and functions members of the commission. News: The Union Cabinet gave its It will also have not more than five approval to set up the 22nd Law part-time members. Commission. The Law Ministry will now notify the new panel, which will have a Functions three-year term. The Law Commission advises the Background government on complex legal issues. In 2015, a proposal was mooted to The Law Commission shall, on a make the law panel into a permanent reference made to it by the Central body either through an Act of Government or suo motu, undertake Parliament or an executive order research in law and review of (resolution of the Union Cabinet). existing laws in India for making reforms and enacting new legislation. The move was shelved after the Prime Minister’s Office preferred the existing It shall also undertake studies and research for bringing reforms in the system to continue. In 2010, the then justice delivery systems for UPA government had prepared a draft elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in Cabinet note to give statutory status to cost of litigation, etc.. the commission but the idea did not 21st Law Commission take off. The previous Law Commission, under About Law Commission of India Justice B.S. Chauhan (retd.), had Law Commission of India is a non- submitted reports and working papers on key issues such as simultaneous statutory body constituted by the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Government from time to time. Assemblies and a uniform civil code. Originally formed in 1955, the While it supported simultaneous commission is reconstituted every elections, the commission had said the three years and so far, 277 reports time for a common code was not yet have been submitted to the ripe. government. The tenure of the twenty- first Law Commission ended in August 2018. Composition: Chairperson: A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court.
Easy to PICK129 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Empowered Technology Group Syllabus subtopic: Structure, being developed at public sector organisations. Organization and Functioning of the The group would also work to Executive and the Judiciary 1. ensure that India had an updated Prelims and Mains focus: about the map of technology and technology group: its mandate and significance products available and being developed; News: The Union Cabinet has approved 2. develop an “indigenisation road map” the setting up of an empowered for selected key technologies; technology group to help address issues 3. encourage Union Ministries and such as “sub-optimal industrial departments and State governments to development”. develop in-house expertise in policy; and About the group The 12-member panel will be headed 4. use aspects of emerging technologies. by the Principal Scientific Adviser The group will also facilitate cross- (PSA). sector collaborations and research alliances with universities and private The decision to set up such a group companies and formulate “standards was based on recommendations of a and a common vocabulary” to screen committee led by the Principal proposals for research and Scientific Adviser. development. The Principal Scientific Adviser Significance of the move (PSA) chairs the Prime Minister’s Today, all the Ministries procure their Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), own technology, but they don’t know which includes industrialists, scientists if it’s the latest. This group will give and technocrats and is tasked with advice to all ministries, agencies and recommending policy action on PSUs. science and technology as well as coordinating between different The move would be useful to Ministries. coordinate research. Mandate Among the key issues, the group will address is “dual-use technologies not being optimally commercialised”. Dual-use technologies have civilian and military applications. The group is expected to develop in- house expertise in aspects of policy and use of emerging technologies, and ensure sustainability of technology
Easy to PICK130 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural): 2nd phase Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for the newly launched Jal Jeevan Vulnerable Sections of the population by Mission. the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes The programme will also work towards ensuring that no one is left behind Prelims and Mains focus: about the and everyone uses a toilet. second phase and its implementation: about Swachh Bharat Mission and its The 15th Finance Commission has significance proposed earmarking Rs 30,375 crores for rural water supply and sanitation to News: The Centre approved the second be implemented by rural local bodies phase of Swachh Bharat Mission for the upcoming financial year. (Rural), PM Modi’s pet project focussed on sustainability of ODF (Open The Department of Drinking Water defecation free) and management of solid and Sanitation (DDWS) under the and liquid waste. Ministry of Jal Shakti has, however, advised all the states to reconfirm that Background there are no rural households that still The rural sanitation programme was don't have access to a toilet. started on October 2, 2014, when the sanitation coverage in the country was The department has also said that to reported at 38.7 per cent. More than 10 provide the necessary support to any crore individual toilets have been such identified households to build constructed since the launch of the individual household toilets in order to mission and as a result, rural areas in all ensure that no one is left behind under states have declared themselves open the programme. defecation free (ODF) as on October 2, 2019. The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and States will be Implementation of second phase The second phase will be implemented 1. 90:10 for North-Eastern States and Himalayan States and UT of J&K; on a mission mode between 2020-21 and 2024-25 with an estimated central 2. 60:40 for other States; and and state budget of Rs 52,497 crore. 3. 100:0 for other Union Territories, for The second phase will focus on Open all the components. Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus), which includes ODF sustainability The Jal Shakti ministry said the and solid and liquid waste Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen management (SLWM). continue to generate employment and provide impetus to the rural The ODF Plus programme will economy through construction of converge with MGNREGA, household toilets and community especially for grey water toilets, as well as infrastructure for management, and will complement waste management such as compost
Easy to PICK131 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” pits, soak pits, waste stabilisation 2. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (\"urban\"), ponds, material recovery facilities, etc. which operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. About Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) SBM (1st phase) was a nation-wide As part of the campaign, volunteers, known as Swachhagrahis, or campaign in India for the period 2014 \"Ambassadors of cleanliness\", have to 2019 that aims to clean up the street, promoted indoor plumbing and roads and infrastructure of cities towns, community approaches to sanitation urban and rural cities and area in India. (CAS) at the village level. Other non- governmental activities include The objectives of Swachh Bharat national real-time monitoring and include eliminating open defecation updates from non-governmental through the construction of household- organizations (NGOs) such as The owned and community-owned toilets Ugly Indian, Waste Warriors, and and establishing an accountable SWaCH Pune (Solid Waste Collection mechanism of monitoring toilet use. and Handling) that are working towards its ideas of Swachh Bharat. Run by the Government of India, the mission aims to achieve an \"open- The government has constructed 11 defecation free\" (ODF) India by 2 million toilets since 2014. Many October 2019, the 150th birth people continue to not use toilets anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, by despite having them. The campaign has constructing 100 million toilets in rural been criticized for using coercive India at a projected cost of Rs.1.96 approaches to force people to use lakh crore (US$28 billion). toilets. Many households have been threatened with a loss of benefits such The mission will also contribute to as access to electricity or food India reaching Sustainable entitlements through the public Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), distribution system. However, a report established by the UN in 2015. by UNICEF shows promising improvements with sanitation coverage The campaign was officially launched reaching 90 percent. on 2 October 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi by PM Modi. It is India's largest cleanliness drive to date with three million government employees and students from all parts of India participating in 4,043 cities, towns, and rural communities. PM Modi has called the campaign Satyagrah se Swachhagrah in reference to Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha launched on 10 April 1916. The mission has two thrusts: 1. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (\"gramin\" or \"rural\"), which operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and
Easy to PICK132 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for Criticism of PMFBY Vulnerable Sections of the population by PMFBY has come in from flak from a the Centre and States and the Performance wide variety of stakeholders. of these Schemes Farmers groups and opposition Prelims and Mains focus: about the politicians have claimed that private move; about PMFBY: objectives and insurance companies have made criticisms windfall gains on the scheme. News: The Union Cabinet approved the Several major insurers, including revamp of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal ICICI Lombard and Tata AIG, have Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the opted out of the scheme in 2019-20, Restructured Weather Based Crop reportedly due to losses because of Insurance Scheme at its meeting. high claims ratios. Several States, including Punjab and West Bengal, Key highlights of the meeting have refused to participate in the The Centre has almost halved its scheme as well. contribution to its own flagship crop Revamping PMFBY insurance schemes, slashing its share The Centre has made changes to the of the premium subsidy from the current 50% to just 25% in irrigated scheme based on consultations with areas and 30% for unirrigated areas States and inputs from all stakeholders. from the kharif season of 2020. Farmers pay a fixed share of the In another significant step, enrolment premium: 2% of the sum insured for in the two schemes has also been kharif crops, 1.5% for rabi crops and made voluntary for all farmers, 5% for cash crops. including those with existing crop loans. When the PMFBY was launched Currently, the Centre and State split in 2016, it was made mandatory for all the balance of the premium equally. farmers with crop loans to enrol for However, the revamp now reduces the insurance cover under the scheme. burden on the Centre and increases the share of States. 58% of farmers enrolled in the schemes are loanees who will no About PMFBY longer have to compulsorily take In April, 2016, the government of insurance cover. The numbers of enrolled farmers may go down in the India had launched Pradhan Mantri first year, but it will pick up again after Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) after that. The Centre would launch an rolling back the earlier insurance awareness campaign to encourage schemes viz. National Agriculture farmers to voluntarily sign up for Insurance Scheme (NAIS), Weather- crop insurance policies. Coverage based Crop Insurance scheme and under the scheme is now 30% of Modified National Agricultural cropped area, according to Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). government data. It envisages a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for
Easy to PICK133 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Kharif crops, and 1.5% for Rabi crops. The premium for annual commercial and horticultural crops will be 5%. The scheme is mandatory for farmers who have taken institutional loans from banks. It’s optional for farmers who have not taken institutional credit. Objectives: 1. Providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events. 2. Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. 3. Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. 4. Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector which contributes to food security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of agriculture sector besides protecting farmers from production risks.
Easy to PICK134 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 100-day sister cities challenge Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for under implementation and Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance completion.” Technical drawings and of these Schemes financial studies including DPRs, Prelims and Mains focus: about the key features of the event; about smart city feasibility reports and impact mission and its objectives assessment reports will be shared News: Organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), amongst the two cities. the 100-day sister cities challenge will commence on 20th February. The internal rankings of the cities is What is it? drawn up every Friday in the Ministry The challenge pairs the 20 best based on performance (80 per cent) performing Smart Cities with the 20 and utilisation of funds (20 per cent).” bottom ones in implementing projects under the Smart City mission. About Smart City Mission The Smart City Mission focuses on the The program of pairing the best performing smart cities to poorly most relevant and greater opportunities performing smart cities as 'sister cities' to improve lives in India. The is being called 20-20 formula. Sister objective of this project is to provide Cities will sign a memorandum a clean and sustainable environment agreement on February 20 under this for smart solutions. program. The project includes core About the event infrastructure elements like proper The cities have been paired based on sanitation, adequate water supply, robust IT connectivity, sustainable a certain criteria; for instance, coastal environment, safety and security of towns, state capitals, industrial hubs, citizens, education, and health, etc. hilly terrain or educational destinations are paired up with each other. The government of India has been distributed to 100 smart cities among PM Modi’s Varanasi constituency, the total number of states and UTs. currently ranked 14th, will be paired up with Amritsar as both attract religious tourists. The sister cities will have a joint meeting once every 30 days (via video conferencing), and at least once in the 100-day period “the teams of sister cities would visit the city and understand the Smart Cities projects
Easy to PICK135 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Article 371 Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution— dealt in Articles 371D and 371E, Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, 371J, 371I respectively. Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure. Most of the States that have been accorded special provisions under Prelims and Mains focus: about Article Article 371 are in the northeast and 371 and its various provisions related to the special status aims to preserve northeast states; related issues their tribal culture. News: Union Home Minister assured the 1. Article 371(A) states that no act of northeastern States that the Centre Parliament shall apply to the State of would never touch Article 371 of the Nagaland in respect of the religious or Constitution that grants special social practices of the Nagas, its provisions to the region. customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal About the event justice involving decisions according Union Home Minister, also the chairman to Naga customary law and ownership of the North Eastern Council (NEC), and transfer of land and its resources. gave the assurance in his inaugural address at the 68th plenary session of the NEC in It shall apply to Nagaland only after Guwahati. the State Assembly passes a resolution The meeting was attended by the to do so, it says. Governors, the Chief Ministers and officials of eight northeastern States. In June 2019, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Background Nationalist Democratic Progressive As the government abrogated Article 370 Party (NDPP) observed that Article that gave special status to Jammu and 371(A) impedes the State’s Kashmir, Article 371, which has special development. Article 371(A) states provisions for other States, mostly from that land and its resources in the the Northeast, has invited some attention. State belong to the people and not the government. About Article 371 of the Indian The MLA said due to the provisions in Constitution Article 371(A), the landowners usually Article 371 gives the power to the do not allow the government to carry out any development activities on their President of India to establish plot. separate development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada regions of 2. Article 371-G that deals with special Maharashtra and the rest of the State provisions with respect to Mizoram and Saurashtra, Kutch and rest of has similar nature. Gujarat. It states that an act of Parliament Special provisions with respect to relating to religious and social Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa are practices of Mizo customary law and procedure, administration of civil or
Easy to PICK136 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources will not apply to Mizoram unless State assembly decides to do so. 3. Article 371B deals with special provision with respect to the State of Assam. The main objective of inserting Article 371B was to facilitate the creation of the sub-State ‘Meghalaya’. 4. Article 371C deals with special provisions with respect to Manipur which became a State in 1972. 5. Articles 371F, 371H talk about special provisions with respect to States of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, respectively.
Easy to PICK137 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, Regulatory Besides the above members, the and various Quasi-judicial Bodies. Commission has its own secretary as well. Prelims and Mains focus: about SHRCs: composition and functions Term of office: Three years or till the age of seventy years (eligible for News: The State Human Rights reappointment). Commissions (SHRCs) were asked by National Human Rights Commission Removal Chairperson to join the common portal — The chairman or any other member is HRC Net — to avoid duplication of removable by the President on the charge complaints. of proved misbehavior or incapacity after a regular inquiry by a judge of the About State Human Rights Commission Supreme Court. They are removable on (SHRC) the grounds as provided for such removals A State Government may constitute a of the members of NHRC as well. body known as the Human Rights Commission of that State to exercise the Functions powers conferred upon, and to perform the These functions of the SHRCs are to: functions assigned to, a State Commission. 1. Inquire suo motu or on a petition Composition presented to it, by a victim, or any A State Commission is to be composed of person on his be into complaint of: a chairman and some members Violation of human rights or abetment appointed by the Governor in thereof; consultation with the Negligence in the prevention of such 1. Chief Minister, violation by a public servant. 2. Home Minister, 3. Speaker and 2. Intervene in any proceeding involving 4. Leader of the Opposition in State any allegation of violation of human rights, per before a Court with the Assembly. approval of such Court. The chairman is to be a retired judge 3. Visit under intimation to the State (or Chief Justice) of the High Court; Government, any jail or any other institution under the control of the one of the members should be a State Government where persons are serving or a retired District Judge in detained or lodged for purposes of that state; treatment, reformation or protection to study the living conditions of the one member is to be a serving judge inmates and make recommendations or a retired judge of the High Court, thereon. two members are to be activists in the 4. Review the safeguards provided by or field of Human Rights. under the constitution of any law for the time being in force for the
Easy to PICK138 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation. 5. Review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and recommend appropriate remedial measures. 6. Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights. 7. Spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the n seminars and other available means. 8. Encourage the efforts of Non- Governmental organisations and institutions working in the field of human rights. 9. Such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of human rights.
Easy to PICK139 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” UK’s new points-based visa system Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and the transition period after the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) Politics of Developed and Developing in January 2020, which will formally Countries on India’s interests, Indian end free movement of people within the economic bloc for the UK as a Diaspora. non-member. Prelims and Mains focus: about the new Other details immigrations system and its features; The Home Secretary also announced a about its significance for India reformed Global Talent route. This News: United Kingdom’s Home will include a new fast-track scheme Secretary announced the launch of the for world-leading scientists, top UK's new points-based visa system which researchers and mathematicians to is inspired by Australia’s points-based come to the UK. This will run immigration system. alongside the Points-Based Immigration System and will allow a Objective small number of highly skilled It is aimed at attracting the \"brightest workers to come to the UK without a and the best\" from the world, including job offer. from India, and cutting down numbers of cheap, low-skilled workers coming to Student visa routes will also be United Kingdom. points-based and be opened up to EU citizens from next year. Those wishing About the new immigration system to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they have an offer It will award points for specific skills, from an approved educational institution, that they can support professions, salaries or themselves financially and that they speak English. qualifications/attributes, and visas will To address the specific labour be awarded to those who gain concerns of the agricultural sector reliant on seasonal workers from the sufficient points. The system will EU, the Seasonal Workers Pilot will be expanded in time for the 2020 provide simple, effective, and flexible harvest from 2,500 to 10,000 places. arrangements for skilled workers to EU citizens and other non-visa nationals will not require a visa to come to the UK. enter the UK when visiting the UK for up to six months. The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens However, the use of national identity (including India) equally, giving top cards will be phased out for travel to priority to those with the highest skills the UK and the Home Office and the greatest talents, including highlighted that as part of its post- scientists, innovators and academics. The minimum general salary threshold will be reduced to £25,600 (approximately Rs.23.8 lakh), down from the previously proposed £30,000. The new system will come into force from January 1 2021 at the end of
Easy to PICK140 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Brexit offer, those EU citizens resident in the UK by December 31 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until June 2021. Benefit for Indian nationals The new Points-Based Immigration System is great news for Indian nationals looking to work in the UK. It puts Indian applicants on a level playing field, and prioritises those with the greatest skills and talent – something which India has in abundance. A lot of Indian students want to put experience to their qualifications, so they would welcome the lower salary threshold for when they have to convert their visa. The lower salary threshold means skilled Indians are easily the biggest winner.
Easy to PICK141 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Govt. to revive old drug manufacturing units Syllabus subtopic: long gestation period to start a new Issues Relating to Development and plant, the government is considering whether upgrading older facilities with Management of Social Sector/Services newer technology would help expedite relating to Health, Education, Human the process. Resources. Government Policies and Interventions Over the last three decades, most of the for Development in various sectors and 7-8 manufacturing plants producing as Issues arising out of their Design and many as 20 ingredients such as Implementation. penicillin G, erythromycin, Prelims and Mains focus: about the move rifamycin, tetracycline, citric acid and its significance; about Coronavirus and vitamin B12, were shut down outbreak and its impact on India-China due to “cheaper alternatives from trade; about CDSCO China”. The possibility of upgrading and restarting these plants is under News: The government is planning to revive old drug manufacturing units that consideration of the Department of produced key ingredients for crucial Pharmaceuticals. medicines in the past, but are now being imported from China. The idea is looking to wean away the Background Indian pharmaceutical industry The move is significant in the from its heavy dependence on backdrop of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China, and Chinese imports and strengthen its disruption of global supply chains. self-reliance. While India had the China contributes to almost 70 per cent of India’s imports of key capability to manufacture most key ingredients for medicines. ingredients, there was no domestic About the move In response to the novel coronavirus manufacturer currently for outbreak, the Department of fermentation-based ingredients. Pharmaceuticals constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Fermentation-based ingredients are Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Joint Drug used in most antibiotics and Controller to assess and “closely monitor” the situation. vitamins. The committee has identified 58 Why is government’s support active pharmaceutical ingredients necessary? (APIs), intermediates and key starting Unless the pharmaceutical industry materials (KSMs) where India needs to build self-reliance. Considering the is incentivised at least for a few years the way China incentivised its own pharmaceutical industry, there is little chance of private investment in this sector. Three decades back, China wasn’t even in the picture in API production. But then, with full government support, they scaled up and sold to India at 20- 25 percent less than domestic companies producing bulk drugs. Even
Easy to PICK142 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” with import duties, their products were cheaper, so Indian formulators began picking them over Indian manufacturers. China was able to build its cost- effective active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) capabilities due to various incentives like cheap land and electricity. India may have to consider similar incentives to ensure domestic manufacturers build scale and compete with lower Chinese prices. Niti Aayog, in a meeting on India’s dependence on imports of “critical” APIs, with the government had given some suggestions on environmental concerns and financial incentives like subsidies, which will be examined by the government. About CDSCO: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India. Functions: Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for approval of New Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs in the country and coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organizations by providing expert advice with a view to bring about the uniformity in the enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. CDSCO along with state regulators, is jointly responsible for grant of licenses of certain specialized categories of critical Drugs such as blood and blood products, I. V. Fluids, Vaccine and Sera.
Easy to PICK143 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies enacted. Buyer cartels were not and Interventions for Development in covered under the Competition Act and various sectors and Issues arising out of hence the proposed changes would their Design and Implementation. give clarity to this aspect. Prelims and Mains focus: about the key The draft amendments also seek to changes proposed in the bill; about CCI empower the director general for investigation to send a person to News: The Ministry of Corporate prison for up to six months or Affairs has put the draft Competition impose a fine of Rs 1 crore if the (Amendment) Bill, 2020, in the public latter refuses to produce any book, domain seeking feedback from all paper, or document the former has stakeholders. asked for. Currently, the CCI imposes penalties on companies on the basis of About the draft Bill their turnover if they flout competition The Competition Commission of rules. When it comes to directors of companies or proprietorship firms, India (CCI) is set to get more powers penalties are imposed on the basis of to oversee mergers and acquisitions their income. However, the law does (M&As) involving technology not have any provision to empower the companies, which are currently out CCI to impose penalties on the income of its purview. The regulator may also of individuals. see changes in its structure and functioning to ensure fair practices To remove the lacunae, the MCA when it comes to scrutinising business suggested the Bill has a provision of processes. income, on which penalty could be imposed under Section 27 of the According to the proposed bill, the Competition Act. Including the word Centre will also have the option to ‘income’ in the Act may provide a prescribe new criteria for mergers, legal basis to the CCI to impose other than the asset size and revenue penalties on individuals. of companies—so far the only criteria for competition scrutiny. However, the amendment does not take into consideration the concept The bill also proposes that it is of “relevant turnover” as decided by mandatory for the Commission to the Supreme Court in the Excel Crop give parties to a combination an Care matter in 2017. The existing opportunity for being heard in case rules, according to the ministry, were any adverse order is going to be not adequate as new-age technology passed. companies have huge valuations, but their assets and turnover in India keep Buyers forming a cartel may be them out of the purview of the penalised if the changes proposed by competition law. the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to the Competition Act are
Easy to PICK144 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The draft amendments also call for called spoke, to destroy competition introducing a “commitment and by, say, increasing or lowering prices. settlement” clause in the The hub-and-spoke agreements were Competition Act. The enabling clause not specifically covered under the will allow those found in contravention Competition Act. of the competition law to “commit” to correct their ways to avoid action The proposed amendments also seek to even before investigation is completed. expand the composition of the CCI Even in cases where investigation is by including part-time members in over, evidence has been found, and the the Commission. The Commission is adjudicating process has started, the currently a four-member body, companies can still enter a settlement. including the chairman. The companies will have to pay a certain amount as fine and avoid legal proceedings after ensuring that any anti-competitive practice will be corrected. The proposed amendments also seek to provide clarity to “hub and spoke cartels”. The MCA suggested hubs also be covered under Section 3(3), which deals with cartels that hinder competition. A hub-and-spoke cartel is basically an arrangement between companies where a dominant player, called hub, is wooed by other firms,
Easy to PICK145 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” U.S President Trump to visit India Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister. Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian A limited trade deal with India was seen as a possibility earlier this month, Diaspora. but Trump seemed to have ruled it out. But analysts speculate that one reason Prelims and Mains focus: about the Trump does not appear to be in a hurry details of the visit; about India-US trade to wrap up a trade deal with India dispute could be that he has got China to agree to a deal and worked out another with News: US President Donald Trump is on Mexico and Canada to replace the his first official state visit to India on 24th 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta). February. He is scheduled to travel to China has the biggest trade surplus Ahmedabad, Agra and New Delhi on a with the US, while Nafta has been three-stop visit that will end on 25th described by Trump as America’s “worst\" deal, blamed for a decline in February. manufacturing jobs. Background According to foreign ministry both “Fair trade\" and “America First\" have been India and the US have agreed not to central planks of Trump’s presidency and a rush the deal and instead look to the future and strike a deal that will be a pact with India will burnish his credentials “win-win\" for both sides. as a deal maker, as well as to show his New Delhi is looking to increase its energy purchases from the US that constituency that he has kept his poll would cut down India’s trade surplus. New Delhi is also looking to buy promises. civilian passenger aircraft from the US in the years ahead. Deal or No Deal? US President Donald Trump kept up the pressure on India to lower tariffs, complaining it has been hitting the US “very hard\" even as he unveiled a power-packed team—albeit with the trade chief missing—to accompany him on his visit to India. Although two defence pacts worth more than $3 billion could be signed during the visit, A deal to buy six more Apache helicopters for the Indian Army could be expected around Trump’s visit. That deal is expected to be worth around $800 million. The procurement of 24 Seahawk anti- submarine warfare-capable helicopters was cleared by India’s
Easy to PICK146 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India- Maldives Relations Syllabus subtopic: India and its enforcement, counter-terrorism, Neighborhood- Relations. Prelims and Mains focus: about the counter-radicalisation, organised details of the meeting; about India- Maldives relations crime, drug trafficking and capacity News: Union Home Minister met his Maldivian counterpart and discussed building. bilateral cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and counter- India-Maldives relations radicalisation, among other things. Background About the meeting The Maldives is located south of The two ministers discussed issues of India’s Lakshadweep Islands in the mutual interest in the area of security and law enforcement cooperation. Indian Ocean. Welcoming the strengthening of India was one of the first nations to India-Maldives Partnership, the Ministers welcomed the expansion of recognize Maldives’ independence. bilateral cooperation between India India and Maldives officially and and Maldives in diverse fields, including policing and law amicably decided their maritime boundary in 1976. Since then, India and Maldives have developed close strategic, military, economic and cultural relations. India has supported Maldives’ policy of keeping regional issues and struggles away from itself.
Easy to PICK147 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Development of bilateral relations following the collapse of the island’s Both nations are founding members of only water treatment plant, India came to rescue by sending its heavy lift the South Asian Association for transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the II-76 carrying bottled water. South Asian Economic Union and The humanitarian relief efforts by signatories to the South Asia Free the Indian side was widely appreciated Trade Agreement. in Malé across all sections of people Operation Cactus: It was an attempt even the Vice-President of Maldives by a group of Maldivians led by thanked the Indian ambassador for Abdullah Luthufi and assisted by swift action. armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organization from Sri The current situation between India and Lanka, the People’s Liberation the Maldives: Organisation of Tamil Eelam India stands ready to work with the (PLOTE), to overthrow the government in the island republic of Maldives to strengthen maritime Maldives on 3rd November 1988. The security and help expedite the coup d’état failed due to the inclusion of its Indian Ocean intervention of the Indian Army, neighbour in the Commonwealth whose military operations efforts were again. code-named Operation Cactus. India has invited the country to join the International Solar Alliance. Drinking-water crisis in Malé: Maldives urged India for help
Easy to PICK148 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” A Future for the World’s Children? report Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to The report shows that children in Development and Management of Social Norway, the Republic of Korea and Sector/Services relating to Health, the Netherlands have the best chance Education, Human Resources. at survival and well-being, while children in the Central African Prelims and Mains focus: about the Republic, Chad, Somalia, Niger and report and its key findings; India’s Mali face the worst odds. performance It also cautions that globally, the News: A Future for the World’s number of children and adolescents Children? report was recently released who are obese has increased from 11 by a Commission of more than 40 child million in 1975 to 124 million in 2016 and adolescent health experts from — an 11-fold increase. around the world. The Commission was convened by the World Health The only countries on track to beat the Organization (WHO), UNICEF and The CO2 emission targets by 2030, while Lancet. also performing fairly (within the top 70) on child flourishing measures are: India specific findings Albania, Armenia, Grenada, Jordan, In the report assessing the capacity of Moldova, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uruguay and Vietnam. 180 countries, India stands 77th (sustainability index) and is at 131st Despite improvements in child and position on a ranking that measures adolescent health over the past 20 the best chance at survival and well- years, progress has stalled and is set to being for children. reverse. An estimated 250 million children under five in low- and The report says although India has middle-income countries are at risk improved in health and sanitation, it of not reaching their developmental has to increase its spending on potential. Moreover, every child health. worldwide now faces existential threats from climate change and commercial Global findings pressures. No single country is adequately While the poorest countries need to protecting children’s health, their do more to ensure healthy lives for environment and their future. children, carbon emissions — disproportionately from wealthier The report finds that the health and countries — threaten the future of all future of every child and adolescent children, states the report. This report worldwide is under immediate threat shows that the world’s decision makers from ecological degradation, climate are, too often, failing today’s children change and exploitative marketing and youth: failing to protect their practices that push heavily processed health, failing to protect their rights fast food, sugary drinks, alcohol and and failing to protect their planet. tobacco at them.
Easy to PICK149 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” G20 Summit Syllabus subtopic: Important International outstanding stock of corporate bonds Institutions, agencies and fora - their from 9 per cent earlier in the Budget. Structure, Mandate. The Reserve Bank of India had last Prelims and Mains focus: about G20, December raised FPI investment steps taken by India to deepen corporate limits in G-sec as well as short-term bond market and attract foreign portfolio bonds. The government also proposed investment (FPI) to formulate a law for expanding the News: The Finance Ministers and credit default swaps market. Central Bank Governors’ meeting is The Centre also proposed to float a being held in Riyadh under Saudi new debt exchange-traded fund Arabia’s G20 presidency for the first (ETF) that will comprise of time. government securities (G-sec), to enable retail investors — who are so Highlights of the meeting far not investing much in the G-sec Finance Minister of India called for market — buy a basket of government bonds through the units in the closer collaboration between proposed debt ETF in a seamless international revenue agencies to manner. investigate tax affairs of offenders who cross borders for escaping tax About G20 investigation. With regard to infrastructure The G20 is an annual meeting of development, the FM suggested G20 nations to refrain from developing leaders from the countries with the any common prescriptive approach since different countries are at varied largest and fastest-growing economies. stages of adoption of technology in infrastructure. Its members account for 85% of the Participating in a session on Financial world’s GDP, and two-thirds of its Resilience & Development, the FM highlighted steps taken by India to population. deepen corporate bond market and attract foreign portfolio investments The G20 Summit is formally known as in the private debt and government the “Summit on Financial Markets securities market. and the World Economy”. What are those steps taken by the Indian government? Members: Argentina, Australia, In the Union Budget 2020-21 Brazil, Canada, China, France, announced on February 1, the FM had announced several steps to widen and Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, deepen the corporate bond and the government securities market. Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, The Centre substantially raised investment limit for foreign portfolio South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the investors (FPIs) to 15 per cent of the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union. Establishment: After the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997-1998, it was acknowledged that the participation of major emerging market countries is needed on discussions on the international financial system, and G7 finance ministers agreed to establish the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in 1999.
Easy to PICK150 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’s (IBC) track record Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies success compared to the earlier loan and Interventions for Development in recovery process. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Is there a twist in the IBC success rate? The two biggest loan recoveries in the case Prelims and Mains focus: about the of Bhushan Steel and Essar Steel India performance of IBC since its inception make up around 49.5% of the overall recovery. If these recoveries are left out, News: After the Insolvency and the total rate of recovery falls to 30.5%. If Bankruptcy Code (IBC) became law in another big recovery, Bhushan Power and May 2016, the ecosystem of corporate Steel, is excluded, then the rate of recovery insolvency resolution process (CIRP) falls further to 28%, which is substantially was put in place by the year-end. As of lower than the overall rate of recovery of December 2019, the system had been in 43.1%. Having said that, it is much better existence for three years. than what used to be the case before IBC was in existence. Also, up until 2015, it How good have been the loan used to take 4.3 years on an average to recoveries? resolve an insolvency case in India. That As of 31 December 2019, the 190 has fallen dramatically after IBC came into companies that had defaulted on loans effect. yielded resolution plans with different degrees of realization. Claims worth What about the cases that do not go for Rs.3.52 trillion in total had been filed by resolution? financial creditors, primarily banks. Of If a resolution plan cannot be agreed this, around Rs.1.52 trillion—43.1% of the upon within 330 days, the company that claims under consideration—has been has defaulted on the loan goes for recovered. This is much better than the liquidation. Till now, liquidation has been rate of recovery before IBC was put in initiated against 780 firms, of which 40 place. Take the case of 2015-16: Of the have been closed in the process. The total bad loans up for recovery worth recovery rate for firms that were liquidated Rs.2.21 trillion, only Rs.22,768 crore, or in October-December was 10.7%. If the 10.3% of the loans, was recovered. This biggest recovery is left out, the rate is evidence suggests IBC has been a huge close to nil.
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