Monthly Current Affairs January 2020

Easy to PICK201 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Committee on Related Party Transactions norms Syllabus subtopic: Need for the reform  Government Policies and Interventions  The Working Group noted that the current RPT regulatory framework for Development in various sectors and may be insufficient to cover Issues arising out of their Design and transactions where the listed entity Implementation. could transfer its assets/value to a  Corporate Governance subsidiary, whether in India or overseas, and such entity could Prelims and Mains focus: About the then transact with the related committee and its recommendations; about parties of the listed entity to move RPTs and the need for reforms in the the assets out of the consolidated corporate governance. entity.  The need to regulate the News: The committee set up by the consolidated entity as a whole Securities and Exchange Board of India was also recognised specifically in (SEBI) on related party transactions the report of the Kotak (RPTs) has proposed sweeping changes committee on corporate to strengthen the monitoring and governance. enforcement of norms and bring in more transparency and improve governance.  Several listed entities in India operate through a network of Background entities – where some companies  The capital markets regulator (SEBI), have over 200 subsidiaries, step- down subsidiaries, associates, and in November 2019, constituted a joint ventures. Working Group to review the policy space pertaining to RPTs.  While investors hold direct equity only in the listed holding  Many firms which defaulted on bank company, they have valued the loans were found to have indulged in entire business structure at the time related party deals to siphon off funds. of investment. Therefore, it is important for boards to ensure that What is Related Party Transactions good governance trickles down to (RPT)? the entire structure.  Generally, RPT means a transaction Recommendations of the committee involving a transfer of resources, 1. Who should be considered as a services between the listed entity or its subsidiaries on the one hand and a related party? related party of the listed entity or  The panel has said that a related party its subsidiaries on the other hand. should be any person or entity  Transaction between listed entity or its belonging to the promoter or subsidiaries and any other entity which promoter group of the listed entity. is aimed to benefit a related party  Besides, any person or any entity, should be considered as a RPT. directly or indirectly (including with

Easy to PICK202 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” their relatives), holding 20 per cent or more of the holding in the listed entity should also be considered as related party. 2. The Sebi committee has also proposed changes to the process followed by a company’s audit committee for approval of RPTs that are material. Further, a format for reporting of RPTs to the stock exchanges has been mooted. 3. Prior approval of the audit committee of the listed entity should be mandatory for transactions carried out between the listed entity or any of its subsidiaries with a related party. 4. The materiality threshold should be amended to 5 per cent of the annual total revenues, total assets or net worth of the listed entity on a consolidated basis or Rs 1,000 crore, whichever is lower. 5. The net worth criterion should not apply to companies with negative net worth. Further, companies can specify a lower materiality threshold as per their RPT policies.

Easy to PICK203 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Easing Abortion laws in India Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies grave injury to her physical or mental and Interventions for Development in health; or there is a substantial risk that various sectors and Issues arising out of if the child were born, it would suffer their Design and Implementation. from such physical or mental Prelims and Mains focus: about the move abnormalities to be seriously and its significance; MTP Act, 1971 handicapped. News: Moving to ease abortion laws in the country, the Union Cabinet is set to What are the changes proposed in the consider a host of changes to the Medical Act? Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1. to increase the upper limit for 1971. termination of a pregnancy from 20 Background weeks to 24 weeks.  In recent years, there have been strong 2. It proposes requirement of opinion of demands to raise the foetal gestation one registered medical practitioner period for abortion beyond 20 weeks. (RMP) for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks of gestation. Similarly, it  The changes in law were proposed also provides for the requirement of after an extensive consultation opinion of two RMPs for termination process with experts representing a of pregnancy of 20 to 24 weeks. range of stakeholders from central and state governments, NGOs, academic 3. The Bill also seeks to increase the institutions, professional bodies and upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 associations like Indian Medical weeks for survivors of rape, victims of Association, Indian Nursing Council incest and other vulnerable women. “It and legal professionals. will also include minor girls.” What is the present scenario? 4. For unmarried women, the Bill seeks The present abortion law, which is about to relax the contraceptive-failure five decades old, permits abortion up to condition for “any woman or her a maximum foetal gestation period of 20 partner” from the present provision for weeks. “only married woman or her husband”, Section 3 (2) of the MTP Act, 1971 states allowing them to medically terminate “a pregnancy may be terminated by a the pregnancy. registered medical practitioner, a) where the length of the pregnancy does Way forward The move to amend the MTP Act, 1971 is not exceed twelve weeks, if such a progressive step towards medical practitioner is, or empowerment of women. It will provide greater reproductive rights to women as b) where the length of the pregnancy abortion is considered an important exceeds twelve weeks but does not aspect of the reproductive health of exceed twenty weeks, if not less than women. Deaths and injuries from unsafe two registered medical practitioners abortions are largely preventable provided are, of opinion that the continuance of services are performed legally by trained the pregnancy would involve a risk to practitioners. the life of the pregnant woman or of

Easy to PICK204 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India, France to partner on museums Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Pondicherry is the most visible Global Groupings and Agreements historical heritage of that legacy and involving India and/or affecting India’s is an important French cultural and interests. academic centre till date. Prelims and Mains focus: about India-  The suppression of French influence in France cooperation and its significance; India was inevitable with the adoption Indo-France ties of the British method of administration and education. A significant English News: India and France will work domination of Indian thought and together in the field of museums, practices is still prevalent despite cultural spaces and research, and a joint several years of Independence. working group will be established for this purpose, the Ministry of Culture said  In fact, India still makes a significant on Tuesday. contribution to maintenance of the British Commonwealth War Graves, Task of the working group even though the contribution of Indian  The working group would explore soldiers was muted till very recently. The French, more than the British, partnership between the National are responsible for modernising the Museum in Delhi and a French Indian forces. This can be evidenced counterpart to be designated by the by the performance in the interstate French government. wars in the colonial era.  The first meeting of this group would  Both the countries have had deep be held before April 30. The Ministers relations with mutual influences and opened an exhibition of works by dependencies that go back nearly 300 French artist Gerard Garouste at the years. National Gallery of Modern Art.  Many French intellectuals such as India-France historical ties Michelet, Cuvier, Anquetil-Duperon,  In the 17th century, the French East Burnouff, Renan and Taine among many others recognised the richness of India Company established trading Indian culture and philosophy and posts at Pondicherry, brought it to the western audiences. Chandernagore, Mahé, Karaikal and Yanam. In the Indian sub-  Fascinated by India and \"Indian continent, France was the dominant exoticism\", there was an eagerness to colonial power between the 17th and learn oriental languages. The first the 18th century. school of oriental languages was established in Paris in 1795, with a  However, following the 1763 Paris chair in Sanskrit in 1812 at the Treaty, French power in India College de France, Paris. Even today, declined, restraining the French one of the largest collections of presence in India to five settlements. Indian manuscripts and artefacts These were returned to India in 1962 under Delhi Treaty of 1954. Today,

Easy to PICK205 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” outside India is with the Bibliothèque nationale de France and in private collections.  Both countries share similar orientations in foreign policy that is realist and not confined to alliances.  The symbiotic relationship has stood the test of time as for several years after India’s Independence, France was the preferred nation next to the Soviet Union in terms of defence purchases. More importantly, relations between the countries conspicuously defied Cold War tensions, with the French continuing to supply spare parts to Indian military, contrary to the stance of USA and UK in the sanctions period.

Easy to PICK206 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Trump unveils West Asia plan Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and West Bank will remain. In exchange, Politics of Developed and Developing Israel would agree to accept a Countries on India’s interests, Indian four-year freeze on new settlement Diaspora. activity while Palestinian statehood Prelims and Mains focus: about the is negotiated. proposals in the west asia plan and its  Israel will work with the king of implications; about the Israel- Palestine Jordan to ensure that the status quo dispute governing the key holy site in News: U.S. President Donald Trump on Jerusalem known to Jews as the Tuesday unveiled West Asia plan as part Temple Mount and al-Haram al- of a peace plan to end decades of conflict Sharif to Muslims is preserved. in the region. Jordan runs the religious trust that administers the site. What are Trump’s proposals?  Territory allocated to Palestinians in  The US will recognise Israeli Mr Trump's map \"will remain open and undeveloped for a period of four sovereignty over territory that Mr years\". During that time, Palestinians Trump's plan envisages being part of can study the deal, negotiate with Israel. The plan includes a conceptual Israel, and \"achieve the criteria for map that Mr Trump says illustrates the statehood\". territorial compromises that Israel is willing to make  The map will \"more than double the Palestinian territory and provide a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem\", where Mr Trump says the US would open an embassy. The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) said Mr Trump's plan would give Palestinians control over 15% of what it called \"historic Palestine\".  Jerusalem \"will remain Israel's undivided capital\". Both Israel and the Palestinians hold competing claims to the holy city. The Palestinians insist that East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in the 1967 Middle East war (Six Day War), be the capital of their future state.  An opportunity for Palestinians to \"achieve an independent state of their very own\" - however, he gave few details.  \"No Palestinians or Israelis will be uprooted from their homes\" - suggesting that existing Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied

Easy to PICK207 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” A plan that overturns Palestinian accept\" a Palestinian state without aspirations: Jerusalem as its capital.  Until now all of the most difficult  The militant Palestinian Islamist aspects of an Israeli-Palestinian group Hamas, which controls the peace deal - the so-called final status Gaza Strip, also rejected the deal issues - like borders; the future of which it said aimed \"to liquidate the Israeli settlements in the West Bank; Palestinian national project\". the long-term status of Jerusalem; and the fate of Palestinian refugees, were to  The UN said it remained committed be left for face-to-face talks between to a two-state solution based on the the Israelis and Palestinians borders in place before the 1967 war, themselves. when Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza.  Not any longer. The deal proposed by President Trump and enthusiastically  Israeli human rights group B'Tselem endorsed by Prime Minister Netanyahu said the proposals envisaged a form of essentially frames all of these issues in apartheid. It said Palestinians would be Israel's favour. relegated \"to small, enclosed, isolated enclaves, with no control over their  The Palestinians were not just absent lives\". from this meeting - they have boycotted the Trump administration  Israel's Peace Now organisation said ever since it unilaterally moved its the plan was \"as detached from reality embassy to Jerusalem. But they have as it is eye-catching\". It said the plan's essentially been presented with an green light for Israel to annex the ultimatum - accept the Trump settlements in exchange for a parameters or else, and they have been perforated Palestinian state is unviable given some four years to come around. and would not bring stability.  While President Trump is offering the 100 years of Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Palestinians a state it would be a much “Key moments” truncated one. No Jewish settlers will  Nov 2019: Trump administration says be uprooted and Israeli sovereignty will apparently be extended to the it no longer considers Israeli settlement blocs and the Jordan settlements in occupied territory as Valley. The Palestinians might have a inconsistent with international law, capital in the East Jerusalem suburbs. putting the US at odds with most of This \"take it or leave it offer\" will international community appal many long-standing students of  Dec 2017: Donald Trump announces the region. The question now is not so US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's much what benefit this deal might capital - Palestinians cut off relations bring but how much damage it may do with Trump administration by over-turning Palestinian aspirations.  April 2014: Last round of direct Israel- Palestinian peace talks collapse amid What reaction has there been? acrimony  In his address, President Abbas said it  Sept 2000- Feb 2005: Second Palestinian uprising was \"impossible for any Palestinian,  Sept 1993: Israel-Palestinians sign Arab, Muslim or Christian child to Oslo peace accords, agreeing

Easy to PICK208 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” framework for eventual peace deal; 20 years of on-off peace talks - and violence - follow  Dec 1987-Sept 1993: First Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation  June 1967: Middle East war - Israel occupies East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip; years of hostility and bloodshed follow; UN Security Council Resolution 242 calls on Israel to withdraw from \"territories occupied in recent conflict\" and recognises the right of \"every state in the area to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries\"  May 1948: British Mandate for Palestine terminates; Israeli statehood declared, Arab countries invade, conflict creates 700,000 Palestinian refugees; 800,000 Jews expelled or flee from Arab countries in wake  Nov 1947: UN recommends partitioning Mandate Palestine into Jewish and Arab states - Jewish leadership in Palestine accept, Arab leadership reject; violence between two sides escalates  July 1922: League of Nations entrusts Britain as Mandatory power to put terms of Balfour Declaration into effect  Dec 1917: British forces conquer and occupy Palestine; in years that follow, violence between Jews and Arabs increases  Nov 1917: Britain (fighting Ottoman Empire in WWI) issues \"Balfour Declaration\" expressing support for Jewish \"national home\" in Palestine on condition that the rights of non-Jewish communities there are not prejudiced  Pre-1917: Turkish Ottoman Empire rules over Jewish and Arab communities in geographical area referred to as Palestine, the Holy Land or (by Jews) the Land of Israel.

Easy to PICK209 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” North-Eastern Council (NEC) Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies consolidate and integrate North- and Interventions for Development in East India with the heartland. On various sectors and Issues arising out of Monday, the Centre signed the their Design and Implementation. tripartite Bodo agreement with the banned National Democratic Front of Prelims and Mains focus: about the move Bodoland (NDFB) and Assam and its significance; about NEC; SASEC; government, ending a decades-old North east gas grid project standoff with separatist groups and clearing the decks for further News: The Union cabinet on Wednesday development of the Bodo regions of allocated 30% of the North-Eastern Assam. Council’s (NEC’s) budget for developing deprived areas and integrating them with  The agreement with NDFB highlights the mainstream. the Centre’s attempts to pump greater infrastructure and economic support  The government believes a portion of into the region and comes just days the funds can be utilized for building after the Centre signed a pact to roads in remote hill regions and for permit the settlement of 30,000 Bru addressing climate change challenges tribal refugees in Tripura. in the North-east.  Earlier in January, the Centre had  The balance allocation shall be announced the earmarking of ₹5,559 bifurcated in the existing two crore towards the construction of the components—state component 60% North East Gas Grid project across and central component 40%. the eight states, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,  The move, seen as part of the Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and government’s Act East policy, will Tripura. benefit marginalized and vulnerable groups of people in backward and Other initiatives taken by the neglected areas of North-eastern states. government for improving regional connectivity: Background  With an eye on China, India is also  The special allocation issue was working on a number of road and discussed in September when Union bridge projects to improve connectivity home ministry officials had met with with Bangladesh, Nepal, and governors and chief ministers of the Myanmar. These include road eight North-eastern states as part of the networks connecting Aizawl in North Eastern Council in Guwahati. Mizoram with Kaladan in Myanmar Home minister had then described the and Imphal in Manipur with Tamu, region as pivotal to India’s growth also in Myanmar. story.  India is also expediting the South  The Union cabinet’s decision comes Asian Sub-Regional Economic close on the heels of the Centre Cooperation (SASEC) road stepping up its initiative to connectivity programme. Japan, too,

Easy to PICK210 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” has joined hands with India to develop  Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri infrastructure projects in the region Lanka (BBIN-MMS) with the setting up of the India-Japan  Objective : promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border Coordination Forum for connectivity, boosting trade among member countries, and strengthening Development of Northeast. regional economic cooperation About North-Eastern Council’s (NEC)  SASEC priority areas of cooperation 1. Transport  NEC was established under the 2. trade facilitation North Eastern Council Act, 1971as 3. energy an apex level body for securing 4. economic corridor development (ECD) balanced and coordinated development and facilitating coordination with the  In 2016, the SASEC countries States. approved the SASEC Operational Plan 2016-2025, a 10-year strategic  Subsequent to the Amendment of roadmap. 2002, NEC has been mandated to function as a regional planning body  SASEC Secretariat — ADB serves as for the North Eastern Area and while the SASEC Secretariat formulating a regional plan for this area, shall give priority to the schemes and projects benefiting two or more states provided that in the case of Sikkim, the Council shall formulate specific projects and schemes for that State.  The Union Cabinet, in June 2018, approved the proposal of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the nomination of the Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC). The Cabinet also approved that Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of DoNER would serve as Vice Chairman of the Council.  All the Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States will be its members. About South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)  It is a subregional program, set up in 2001  Headquarters : Manila, Philippines

Easy to PICK211 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Anticipatory bail Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution— Context: The questions referred to the Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Constitution Bench were two-fold: Features, Amendments, Significant 1. whether the protection granted to a Provisions and Basic Structure. person under Section 438 should be Prelims and Mains focus: about the SC limited to a fixed period till the judgement on anticipatory bail and its accused surrenders in court, and significance; about types of bail 2. whether the life of anticipatory bail should end when the accused is News: The protection of anticipatory or summoned by the court. pre-arrest bail cannot be limited to any time frame or “fixed period” as denial of What is Section 438? bail amounts to deprivation of the Section 438 (anticipatory bail) of the fundamental right to personal liberty in Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) a free and democratic country, a protects people from the ignominy of Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court detention in jail for days on end and ruled on Wednesday. disgrace to their reputation.

Easy to PICK212 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What did the SC say in its judgement?  An application for anticipatory bail  The court acknowledged that should be based on concrete facts and not vague or general allegations. The anticipatory bail helps thwart application should also contain bare influential powers from implicating essential facts relating to the offence their rivals in false cases. and why the applicant reasonably apprehends arrest. It should also have  It said that the life or duration of an “his side of the story”. anticipatory bail order does not normally end at the time and stage  The court held that a plea for when the accused is summoned by the anticipatory bail can be filed even court, or when charges are framed, but before the registration of FIR as long can continue till the end of the trial. as there is reasonable basis for apprehension of arrest and clarity of  The history of our Republic — and facts. indeed, the freedom movement — has shown how the likelihood of arbitrary  Nothing in Section 438 of the CrPC arrest and indefinite detention and the compels or obliges courts to impose lack of safeguards played an important conditions limiting the relief in terms role in rallying the people to demand of time or upon filing of FIR or independence. recording of statement of witnesses by the police during investigation or  The spectre of arbitrary and inquiry, etc. heavy-handed arrests: too often, to harass and humiliate citizens, and often  Courts, depending on the seriousness times, at the interest of powerful of the threat of arrest, need not wait to individuals (and not to further any hear the prosecution’s version before meaningful investigation into offences) granting anticipatory bail. Issuance of led to the enactment of Section 438. notice to the prosecutor can be done simultaneously while granting  The court held that protection against protection from arrest to the accused. arrest should inure in favour of the accused. Restricting the protection  The grant of protection should not would prove unfavourable for the be “blanket” but confined to specific accused. offence or incident for which relief from arrest is sought. It is open for the  However, it is open for a court to police to move court for arrest of the impose appropriate conditions for accused if there is any violation of grant of anticipatory bail if the bail conditions. specific facts or the features of the offence involved demands it. Courts What is bail? have to consider the nature of the  Bail means temporary release of an offence, the role of the person, the likelihood of his influencing the course accused person awaiting trial, of investigation or tampering of sometimes on condition that a sum of evidence, including intimidating money is lodged to guarantee their witnesses and fleeing justice. But appearance in court. In other words restrictions/conditions can be imposed only on a case-to-case basis.

Easy to PICK213 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” release or secure the release of a considerable grounds for his/her prisoner on payment of bail. release.  It may be defined as Security such as cash, a bond, or property, pledged or 8. Anticipatory Bail: The concept of given to a court by or on behalf of Anticipatory Bail comes into place one accused of committing a crime, to when the accused may rightfully fear obtain release from incarceration and arrest in cases of cognizable offences. to ensure the person's future Bail is a legal relief that a person may appearance in court when required be entitled to in order to get temporary during the criminal proceeding. freedom until his case is disposed of. Depending on the gravity of the Types of Bail allegations, a person may be able to 1. Interim Bail- is for certain period of avoid arrest altogether. However, there are cases in which arrest is made and time granted before hearing to the the accused is set free as per the prosecution. provisions of the bail as given under the Criminal Procedure Code. In cases 2. Permanent Bail- permanent in nature of Criminal cases, especially those and granted only after hearing to the pertaining to dowry, anticipatory bail petitioner a well as the prosecution. comes as a relief to many accused person. It is literally applied for in 3. Bail Before Arrest- it is granted when anticipation of arrest. the court feels that the accused is falsely involved in the case and an arrest would affect his honor and dignity badly. 4. Bail On Arrest under Section 497 of Cr. Pc. Bail can be granted for both bail able as well as non bail able offences after the accused is arrested against a charge. 5. Protective Bail- A bail granted so that the accused can approach the provincial court for getting a pre-arrest bail without touching its merit. 6. Directly Approaching Superior Court- the Superior Courts can grant pre-arrest bail in some appropriate cases directly if the accused has been deprived or prevented of approaching lower courts. 7. ......Bail For The Convict- Once convicted, bail is granted to the accused even if the appeal for the same is accepted if court finds that there are

Easy to PICK214 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies Any NGO that expects to receive foreign and Interventions for Development in funds has to mandatorily register under various sectors and Issues arising out of the FCRA. their Design and Implementation. About FCRA: Prelims and Mains focus: about FCRA  The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) and its objectives Act, 2010 and rules framed under it News: The Open Society Foundations (the “FCRA” or “Act”) regulate the (OSF), an international grant-making receipt and usage of foreign network promoted by billionaire contribution by nongovernmental philanthropist George Soros, has moved organisations (“NGOs”) in India. the Delhi High Court against the Centre’s decision to place it under a  Since the Act is internal security “watch list” for funding NGOs and legislation, despite being a law related associations that are not registered under to financial legislation, it falls into the the Foreign Contribution Regulation purview of Home Ministry and not Act (FCRA). the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Background To whom FCRA, 2010 is applicable?  The foreign donor was put under the As per Section 1(2) of FCRA, 2010, the provisions of the act shall apply to: watch list or “prior permission” 1. Whole of India category in 2016, but it moved the 2. Citizens of India outside India; and High Court only this month. Through 3. Associate Branches or subsidiaries, its plea, the OSF sought to know the reasons for which it was placed under outside India, of companies or bodies the list and why no prior notice was corporate, registered or incorporated in served to them. India Who can receive foreign contribution?  There are more than 20 foreign donors Any “Person” can receive foreign under the government’s scanner right contribution subject to following now. conditions:- a) It must have a definite cultural,  Of these, eight were put under the economic, educational, religious or prior-permission category during the social programme. UPA government and 13 after the b) It must obtain the FCRA registration / NDA government came to power in prior permission from the Central 2014. Government c) It must not be prohibited under Section  As of now there are around 20,000 3 of FCRA, 2010. NGOs registered under the FCRA. Who cannot receive foreign What is the condition for receiving contribution? foreign funds? As defined in Section 3(1) of FCRA, 2010, the following are prohibited to receive foreign contribution: a) candidate for election;

Easy to PICK215 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” b) correspondent, columnist, cartoonist, 1. Prohibits acceptance and use of foreign editor, owner, printer or publisher of a contribution or foreign hospitality by a registered newspaper; certain specified category of persons such as a candidate for election, judge, c) Judge, Government servant or journalist, columnist, newspaper employee of any corporation or any publication, cartoonist and others. other body controlled or owned by the Government; 2. Regulates the inflow to and usage of foreign contribution by NGOs by d) member of any legislature; prescribing a mechanism to accept, use e) political party or office bearer thereof; and report usage of the same. f) organization of a political nature as 3. It defines the term ‘foreign may be specified under sub-section (1) contribution’ to include currency, of Section 5 by the Central article other than gift for personal use Government. and securities received from foreign g) association or company engaged in the source. While foreign hospitality refers production or broadcast of audio news to any offer from a foreign source to or audio visual news or current affairs provide foreign travel, boarding, programmes through any electronic lodging, transportation or medical mode, or any other electronic form as treatment cost. defined in clause (r) of sub-section (1) of Section 2 of the Information 4. The Act permits only NGOs having a Technology Act, 2000 or any other mode of mass communication; definite cultural, economic, h) correspondent or columnist, cartoonist, editor, owner of the association or educational, religious or social company referred to in point (g). i) Individuals or associations who have programme to accept foreign been prohibited from receiving foreign contribution. contribution, that too after such NGOs Scope and objective of FCRA: either obtain a certificate of 1. The intent of the Act is to prevent use registration or prior permission under of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activity detrimental the Act. to the national interest. Registration and prior approval under 2. It has a very wide scope and is FCRA: applicable to a natural person, body 1. In order to be registered under the corporate, all other types of Indian entities (whether incorporated or not) FCRA, an NGO must be in existence as well as NRIs and overseas for at least three years and must have branches/subsidiaries of Indian undertaken reasonable activity in its companies and other entities formed or field for which the foreign contribution registered in India. It is implemented is proposed to be utilised. Further, it by the Ministry of Home Affairs, must have spent at least INR 1,000,000 Government of India. over three years preceding the date of its application on its activities. In order to achieve the above objective, the Act: 2. The registration certificate is valid for a period of five years and must be thereafter renewed in the prescribed manner.

Easy to PICK216 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 3. NGOs not eligible for registration can monitoring and regulating illicit and seek prior approval from FCRA for unaccounted funds. receiving foreign funding. This permission is granted only for a specific amount of foreign funding from a specified foreign source for a specific purpose. It remains valid till receipt and full utilisation of such amount. The Act imposes various conditions on the use of foreign funds: 1. All funds received by an NGO must be used only for the purpose for which they were received. 2. Such funds must not be used in speculative activities identified under the Act. 3. Except with the prior approval of the Authority, such funds must not be given or transferred to any entity not registered under the Act or having prior approval under the Act. 4. Every asset purchased with such fund must be in the name of the NGO and not its office bearers or members. Reporting requirement: Every NGO registered or having prior approval under the Act must file an annual report with the Authority in the prescribed form. This report must be accompanied by an income and expenditure statement, receipt and payment account, and balance sheet for the relevant financial year. For financial years where no foreign contribution is received, a ‘NIL’ report must be furnished with the Authority. Ensuring transparency A National Accreditation Council consisting of academicians, activist, retired bureaucrats should be made to ensure compliance by NGOs. There should be better coordination between Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance in terms of

Easy to PICK217 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Report on combating Pneumonia Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to under five worldwide, according to a Development and Management of Social study by the Institute for Health Sector/Services relating to Health, Metrics and Evaluation. Education, Human Resources.  Household pollution from the indoor Prelims and Mains focus: about the use of solid cooking fuels contributes report and its findings; about the global to an additional 1,95,000 (29.4 per forum on childhood pneumonia, about cent) deaths. Pneumonia Tackling Pneumonia News: A report on under-five mortality  According to a new scientific model was released ahead of the first-ever global forum on childhood pneumonia in produced by Johns Hopkins Barcelona from January 29 to 31. University, in the United States, scaling up pneumonia treatment and Background prevention services can save the lives  Deprived and marginalized children of 3.2 million children under the age of five the world over. in the world’s poorest countries are most affected by the killer disease.  It would also create ‘a ripple effect’ that would prevent 5.7 million extra  Current trends forecast that 6.3 million child deaths from other major children under- five could die from the childhood diseases at the same time, infection between 2020 and 2030 with underscoring need for integrated health the highest number of deaths predicted services. to be in Nigeria, with 1.4 million; India 880,000; the Democratic Republic of  As the current coronavirus outbreak Congo 350,000; and Ethiopia 280,000. shows, tackling pneumonia means improving timely detection and Key findings of the report prevention. It means making the  Fourteen per cent of under-five deaths right diagnosis and prescribing the right treatment. It also means in India — approximately 1,27,000 addressing the major causes of deaths annually — happen due to pneumonia deaths like malnutrition, pneumonia. In 2013, this figure was lack of access to vaccines and about 1,78,000. antibiotics, and tackling the more difficult challenge of air pollution.  It is estimated that half of these deaths are in the northern belt of the  According to World Health country. The current pneumonia Organisation (WHO), the benefits of mortality rate is five per 1,000 live implementing key reduction-risk births and the target is to reduce this measures – such as improving to less than three by 2025. nutrition, providing antibiotics and increasing vaccine coverage – would  Outdoor air pollution contributes to be many, including preventing the 17.5 per cent — or nearly one in five deaths of 2.1 million children from —pneumonia deaths among children

Easy to PICK218 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” diarrhoea, 1.3 million from sepsis and  The Forum sets out to agree practical another 280,000 from measles. pathways that governments and their partners can take to meet the About Pneumonia Sustainable Development Goal on  Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, child survival and the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea viruses or fungi, and leaves children (GAPPD) target of three child fighting for breath as their lungs fill pneumonia deaths per 1,000 live births. with puss and fluid.  This is not a forum for reflection, but a  The current coronavirus epidemic call to action to deliver concrete which began in China, causes measures with the potential to save pneumonia and other respiratory hundreds of thousands of children’s diseases in patients. lives.  Pneumonia is the biggest single killer of children worldwide and claimed 800,000 last year, or one child every 39 seconds.  Although some types of pneumonia can be easily prevented with vaccines and treated with low-cost antibiotics, tens of millions of children remain unvaccinated and one-in-three children with symptoms do not receive medical care. About the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia  The first-ever global forum on childhood pneumonia kicked off on Wednesday in Barcelona, Spain, and will include discussions on a more affordable pneumonia vaccine and political commitments from governments in high-burden countries to develop national strategies to reduce pneumonia deaths.  The forum is a major opportunity to ensure that pneumonia is at the forefront of national and global health agendas; galvanise national action, and mobilise the donor community to increase awareness of the scale of the pneumonia challenge.

Easy to PICK219 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” First case of coronavirus in India Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to are managed according to their Development and Management of Social symptoms. Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.  N-CoV is fatal but exact fatality is not estimated and how the virus will Prelims and Mains focus: about the behave in the new population is also coronavirus and its spread across the not known. Therefore, prevention and world; measures taken by the Indian strict surveillance is very important in government in this regard India. News: India reported its first case of  When we talk about India, the cities novel coronavirus. An Indian student of here are overpopulated and the poor Wuhan University in China tested positive living conditions, inadequate in Kerala. amenities, poor waste management,  This has put the focus on the extent of unhygienic habits and practices, and the degraded sewerage system help preparedness in the world’s second- spread viruses here with tremendous most populous nation to deal with a rapidity. virus that has wreaked havoc in neighbouring China and is spreading  On the whole, the environment under swiftly across the world. which the virus grows has become dominant. At the same time, the Background possibilities of close contacts have The Indian case was announced as experts become stronger due to concentration at the World Health Organization of people. prepared to meet to decide whether to declare the outbreak a global epidemic. Measures taken by the govt.  Stepping up its preparedness, the Where did the virus originate?  Wuhan, the capital of Hubei central government said that isolation wards have been readied in hospitals province in central China, is the across all states and Union territories epicentre of the outbreak. But the (UTs) to face any contingency. infection has spread to all 31 provinces of China, killing 170  Personal protection equipment and people and infecting another 7,711. masks are available in adequate Across the world, it has been quantities in all the states and UTs. reported in 21 countries, including India.  Health authorities continued to screen all passengers coming from China Is India prepared? and Hong Kong at over 21 airports.  With the virus having entered India,  The government is procuring more of monitoring and surveillance will the thermal screening sensors that are have to be stepped up to prevent its operational in airports. Immigration further spread. and other staff members at airports have been sensitized and ambulances  As there is no vaccine or drug available against the virus, the cases

Easy to PICK220 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” are on standby. Medical and para- shifts for round-the-clock service. medical staff are being deployed in What is the criteria for declaring global 2016 after the disease spread health emergency? rapidly through the Americas The WHO declares a Public Health 4. Ebola, 2014 and 2019 - The first Emergency of International Concern emergency over the virus lasted when there is \"an extraordinary event from August 2014 to March 2016 which is determined… to constitute a as almost 30,000 people were public health risk to other states through infected and more than 11,000 died the international spread of disease\". in West Africa. A second emergency was declared last year It has previously declared five global as an outbreak spread in DR Congo public health emergencies: 1. Swine flu, 2009 -The H1N1 virus spread across the world in 2009, killing more than 200,000 people 2. Polio, 2014 - Although closer than ever to eradication in 2012, polio numbers rose in 2013 3. Zika, 2016 - The WHO declared Zika a public health emergency in

Easy to PICK221 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Central Water Commission (CWC) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, Regulatory October, April and May; and 30% of and various Quasi-judicial Bodies. monthly average during the monsoon months of June-September. Prelims and Mains focus: about the issue  The CWC is tasked with measuring the and e-flow norms; about CWC, its flow and ensuring that plants comply functions with the law. Way ahead News: Over a year after the government Violating the e-flow norms can mean made it mandatory for hydro power closure of the project or a hefty fine but projects on the upper reaches of the the government isn’t contemplating such river Ganga’s tributaries to release action yet. minimum quantities of water through the year, 4 of the 11 projects are flouting About the Central Water Commission norms, says a report by the Central Water (CWC) Commission (CWC). Central Water Commission is a premier Technical Organization of India in the Background field of Water Resources and is presently  The Centre’s e-flow notification came functioning as an attached office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of into effect last October and gave Water Resources, River Development companies three years to modify their and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of design plans, if required, to ensure that India. a minimum amount of water flowed Functions during all seasons. Power producers  The Commission is entrusted with the generally hoard water to create reserves to increase power production. general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating and furthering in  In September 2019, the government advanced this deadline, from October 2021 to December 2019. This was after the CWC undertook field visits to hydro power sites and reported that most of the power projects could begin implementing the norms right away and didn’t need three years. What are these norms?  The ecological flow, or e-flow notification as it is called, specifies that the upper stretches of the Ganga — from its origins in the glaciers and until Haridwar — would have to maintain: 20% of the monthly average flow of the preceding 10- days between November and March, which is the dry season; 25% of the average during the ‘lean season’ of

Easy to PICK222 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” consultation of the State Governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country, for purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Navigation, Drinking Water Supply and Water Power Development.  It also undertakes the investigations, construction and execution of any such schemes as required. Composition  CWC is headed by a Chairman, with the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.  The work of the Commission is divided among 3 wings namely, 1. Designs and Research (D&R) Wing, 2. River Management (RM) Wing and 3. Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing.  Each wing is placed under the charge of a full-time Member with the status of Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India and comprising of number of Organizations responsible for the disposal of tasks and duties falling within their assigned scope of functions.

Easy to PICK223 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, Regulatory that no such kit was available as the and various Quasi-judicial Bodies. presence of calcium carbide can only be tested in laboratories with the help Prelims and Mains focus: about the issue of proper equipment and additional of using chemicals in fruits and vegetables; chemicals. about FSSAI Ripening agents used in fruits and News: The Delhi High Court has observed vegetables that use of pesticides and chemicals to Ripening is a process in fruits that causes ripen fruits amounts to poisoning the them to become more palatable. In consumer, while noting that invoking general, fruit becomes sweeter, less penal provisions against the culprits green (typically \"redder\"), and softer as it would have a deterrent effect. ripens. Even though the acidity of fruit increases as it ripens, the higher acidity Background level does not make the fruit seem tarter.  Apart from the petition initiated by the  Ripening agents speed up the ripening court on its own, the High Court was process. They allow many fruits to be also hearing two other pleas by private picked prior to full ripening, which is individuals seeking directions to the useful, since ripened fruits do not ship authorities to curb the use of well. For example, bananas are picked pesticides and other chemicals on when green and artificially ripened food products, especially the after shipment by being gassed with agricultural produce, coming into ethylene. the national capital.  Ethylene glycol, a compound made up  Due to excessive usage of pesticides in of ethylene gas and hydrogen peroxide, fruits and vegetable, various countries costs anywhere from $15 to $19 in the have banned the import of Indian U.S. Unfortunately, there is evidence vegetables and fruits and many more that when ingested, the compound is were under scrutiny. poisonous, and eating the compound can cause kidney failure. Directions by the court  The High Court asked the Food Safety  Calcium carbide is also used in some countries for artificially ripening fruit. and Standards Authority of India When calcium carbide comes in [FSSAI] if calcium carbide was still contact with moisture, it produces being used to ripen fruits, like mangoes acetylene gas, which is quite similar in and sought the presence of its Chief its effects to the natural ripening agent, Executive Officer to assist it on the ethylene. Acetylene acts like ethylene next date of hearing. and accelerates the ripening process. Industrial-grade calcium carbide may  It also asked the Ministry of also contain traces of arsenic and Agriculture if any kit was available phosphorus which makes it a human for consumers to test for calcium carbide at home. The Ministry replied

Easy to PICK224 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” health concern. The use of this chemical for this purpose is illegal in most countries. About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)  It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.  It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.  FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.  The FSSAI is headed by a non- executive Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, either holding or has held the position of not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.  The FSSAI has its headquarters at New Delhi. The authority also has 6 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.

Easy to PICK225 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” New power scheme to replace UDAY Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies distribution across the country by and Interventions for Development in moving from a mostly state-owned various sectors and Issues arising out of discom system to one where private their Design and Implementation firms would be allowed franchises to supply electricity to consumers. This Prelims and Mains focus: about the new would ensure competition and better scheme to be launched and how is it going service and would also ensure timely to be a game changer for discoms and collection of money for the power consumers; about UDAY and its distributed. shortcomings  The govt. has suggested that the new News: The upcoming Budget is likely to set of reforms would be stricter in its introduce a new scheme directed at the implementation. power sector that would replace the NDA government’s earlier scheme, UDAY, which had floundered in its attempt to revive the country’s power distribution companies (discoms). Background UDAY, launched in 2015, was aimed at reviving ailing state power discoms and make them operationally and financially efficient through various measures, like reducing aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to 15 per cent by FY2019. The losses had come down to 18.79 per cent. The new scheme aims to achieve this 15 per cent target. About the new scheme  The project would combine elements of strengthening the distribution system and the trajectory of loss reduction of UDAY.  Now it will be conditional — if states follow the trajectory of loss reduction, the central govt. will give them the money for strengthening the system. UDAY envisaged that the development funds will be conditional, but it was never implemented.  The new scheme is also expected to contain a plan to diversify power

Easy to PICK226 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” UK finally leaves European Union Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and same, but it will not be part of EU Politics of Developed and Developing political institutions and there will be Countries on India’s interests, Indian no British members of the European Diaspora. Parliament. Prelims and Mains focus: all about the  The government's first priority will Brexit issue; the Irish backstop agreement; be to arrange a trade deal for future about European Union commercial relations with Europe, if it wants to avoid economic losses with News: After more than three years of its largest trading partner, but analysts political wrangling, the departure of two question whether a comprehensive deal prime ministers, and dozens of furious can be achieved in 11 months - a protests across the United Kingdom, deadline Prime Minister Boris Johnson Brexit is finally happening. has insisted upon. Context: At 23:00 GMT, January 31, the  The key issue is \"whether the UK is UK will officially end its 47-year going to stick to its position of membership of the European Union - maintaining regulatory autonomy becoming the first country ever to leave and not agreeing to alignment with the bloc, and enter a transition period EU rules, and what impact that could scheduled to end on December 31, 2020. have on trade deals\". The EU has said  For about half of the UK population - it requires the UK to stay in line if it wants a zero tariffs, zero quotas trade 52 percent voted to quit the bloc in deal. the June, 2016 referendum, Brexit day is being greeted with long-awaited  If no trade deal has been agreed and celebrations. But for the other half - the ratified by the end of 2020, the UK 48 percent who voted to remain - it is could face World Trade a day of mourning. Organization-mandated tariffs on exports to the EU. Trade would suffer Is this the end of the road? and some foreign investors would The breaking of the ranks does not signal likely pull out of major industries, such the end of Brexit, but the start of a new, as the thriving automotive sector. In potentially tumultuous chapter in the October, a joint statement from saga, leaving the UK just 11 months to aerospace, automotive, chemicals, negotiate a deal to be agreed by all 27 food and drink and pharmaceutical remaining EU states. sectors, which contribute a total of 98 billion pounds ($128bn) to the UK What next? economy each year, warned the UK's 1. The transition period Brexit plans could pose a \"serious risk to manufacturing competitiveness\".  During the 11-month transition period, the UK will continue to  The UK and EU will also have to follow all of the EU's rules and its negotiate the future of its trading relationship will remain the relationship on law enforcement,

Easy to PICK227 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” data sharing and security, aviation global context in which the US is standards and safety, access to increasingly protectionist, and fishing waters, and the regulation of China increasingly aggressive. medicines. For example, the UK is set to leave the European Arrest  Clearly, losing one of the big Warrant scheme - which allows member states is a significant blow British police to arrest EU nationals on to the EU, and it does reduce its behalf of European police services - geopolitical and security clout. It's and will have to agree to a hard to know what the medium to replacement. long-term impacts will be. 2. Migration  After the transition period, the UK will create a new immigration system that will end freedom of movement.  The right of EU nationals who currently live in the UK, however, will not be affected, officials have promised.  The ruling Conservatives have pledged to introduce an \"Australian-style points-based system to control immigration\", an approach that will treat non-EU citizens and EU citizens (unless they are Irish citizens) wishing to move to the UK the same. The independent Migration Advisory Committee dismissed the system as \"pointless\". It is still uncertain exactly how the plan will work.  In practice, EU citizens will probably find it harder to live and work in the UK in the future.  For UK citizens, it will also be harder to live and work abroad - but this ultimately depends on negotiations with individual member states. Conclusion  Some analysts are concerned that an EU without the UK means a weaker Europe, particularly in a

Easy to PICK228 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Paharis to get reservation in J&K Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies the lower rung in respect of getting and Interventions for Development in employment. The reservation provided various sectors and Issues arising out of to them will go a long way in their Design and Implementation. improving their status, educational and job opportunities. Prelims and Mains focus: about the new reservation policy in J&K; about Paharis What was the reservation policy uptil now? News: The Jammu and Kashmir As per the existing rules, there is 8 per Administration approved amendments to cent reservation in direct recruitment for Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Scheduled Castes, 10 per cent for Rules, 2005, in a decision aimed at Scheduled Tribes, two per cent for weaker rationalising the policy and giving and underprivileged classes, three per representation to 9.6 lakh Pahari- cent for residents of areas adjoining Line speaking people in the Union Territory. of Actual Control/ International Border, 20 per cent for residents of backward areas, Background besides horizontal reservation of 6 per  After reorganisation of Jammu and cent for ex-servicemen and 3 per cent for persons with disabilities. Kashmir into two Union Territories and the enactment of Jammu and What has changed? Kashmir Reservation (Amendment)  The residents of backward areas will Act, it had become imperative to rationalise the existing reservation now have 10 per cent reservation, percentage available to different Pahari-speaking people 4 per cent categories so as to include Pahari- and 10 per cent quota for EWS. The speaking people into the category of SCs will continue to have 8 per cent socially and educationally backward reservation, STs 10 per cent, weaker classes (SEBCs). and underprivileged classes 4 per cent, residents of areas adjoining the Line of  Because of the remoteness and Actual Control and the border 4 per inaccessibility of the areas of their cent, besides 6 per cent horizontal residence, the Pahari community has reservation for ex-servicemen and 4 historically faced considerable per cent for persons with disabilities. economic distress leading to overall socio-economic backwardness.  For admission in professional institutions, there will be 8 per cent  On one hand, they are not able to reservation for SCs, 10 per cent for compete with other sections of the STs, 4 per cent for residents of areas society who are better placed in terms along the Line of Actual Control, 10 of socio-economic position as also in per cent for residents of backward terms of access to services like areas, 4 per cent of Pahari-speaking Education and Health Care due to people, 4 per cent for persons with above mentioned disadvantages. On disabilities, 10 per cent for EWS, the other hand, the Pahari People are among others. not able to derive any benefit even at

Easy to PICK229 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The Administrative Council (chaired by Lieutenant Governor) has directed the Social Welfare Department to redraw the reservation roster. Eligibility For claiming the benefit, a person 1. must be a member of Pahari clan, community or tribe having distinct cultural, ethnic and linguistic identity; 2. must be speaking Pahari language and Pahari must be his mother tongue. 3. An Aadhaar Card or Domicile Certificate is required to avail the benefit.

Easy to PICK230 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” FM unveils ₹102 tn infra push to reignite growth Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and Rs.100 trillion over the next five years issues relating to planning, mobilization of to make India a $5 trillion economy. resources, growth, development and employment.  This exercise, the first of its kind, is expected to be followed up by a Prelims and Mains focus: about the periodical review process. NIP will government’s move to boost infrastructure enable a forward outlook on investments and the role of NIP; infrastructure projects, which will Greenfield and brownfield projects create jobs, improve ease of living and News: Finance minister Nirmala provide equitable access to Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled a plan to infrastructure for all, thereby making invest ₹102 trillion over five years to growth more inclusive. develop social and economic infrastructure to boost India’s sagging  Greenfield and brownfield projects growth. worth more than ₹100 crore per project that may be at the conceptualization How the projects will get implemented stage, under implementation and under and the role of NIP development would be part of NIP.  The projects will be implemented  The projects will be spread across 21 under the National Infrastructure ministries and 18 states and Union Pipeline (NIP) mechanism. territories.  The task force for the purpose was set up after PM Modi, in his Independence  While the Centre and states will Day speech, promised to roll out an contribute 39% each of the project ambitious infrastructure push worth cost, the private sector will contribute 22%. By 2025, it is expected that the private sector contribution will rise to 30%.

Easy to PICK231 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Suggestions for reforms made by  The report said it is critical to have a various working groups under the task robust project preparation force will be taken up. This will framework consisting of a include reforming the contracts based transparent policy and legislative on the public-private partnership framework, presence of guidelines, model, enforcement of contracts and model bidding documents and standard the dispute resolution process. procedures, design, multistage reviews and audits.  A robust monitoring mechanism will also be established.  “Inadequate attention to project planning may lead to avoidable delays  Between FY20 and FY25, sectors such in the implementation of the project or as energy (24%), roads (19%), urban may even lead to scrapping of projects (16%) and railways (13%) amount to prior to its implementation,” said the around 70% of the projected capital NIP report. expenditure in infrastructure in India.  The report also called for robust private sector participation in the  Out of the total expected capital infrastructure sector and optimal expenditure of ₹102 trillion, projects risk sharing between the public and worth ₹42.7 trillion (42%) are under private sector entities, such that the implementation, which includes risks are allocated to entities best expressways and the national gas equipped to handle them. grid. What are Greenfield and Brownfield  Projects worth ₹32.7 trillion (32%) projects? are in the conceptualization stage and the rest are under development,  The Greenfield project means that a which includes urban, roads and work which is not following a prior renewable energy. work. In infrastructure the projects on the unused lands where there is no Other measures taken by the govt. to need to remodel or demolish an boost economic growth existing structure are called Green  The government has taken a raft of Field Projects. measures to address a slowdown in the  The projects which are modified or broader economy, including a massive upgraded are called brownfield corporate tax cut and sector- specific projects. steps. However, a renewed thrust on infrastructure projects is expected to increase economic activity, generate employment and boost demand.  Encouraging more private sector investment in the infrastructure space can create additional fiscal space for the government. Reforms suggested by the NIP report  To boost investment in the infrastructure sector, the NIP report released by the finance minister also suggested general reforms and updating sector policies.

Easy to PICK232 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Core sectors shrink for fourth straight month Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and transmission from its earlier rate cuts. issues relating to planning, mobilization of Retail inflation quickened to 4.6% in resources, growth, development and October, propelled by a surge in food employment. prices. Prelims and Mains focus: about the eight  Earlier last month, RBI pared its core sectors of the Indian Economy and growth forecast to 5% for 2019-20 their performance; Index of Industrial from its October estimate of 6.1%, Production citing weak business and consumer sentiment. “While improved monetary News: India’s eight infrastructure transmission and a quick resolution of sectors shrank for the fourth straight global trade tensions are possible month in November at 1.5%, though the upsides to growth projections, a delay magnitude of contraction slowed from in revival of domestic demand, a 5.8% in the previous month. The eight further slowdown in global economic core sectors contribute 40% to the activity and geopolitical tensions are Index of Industrial Production. downside risks,” said RBI. What does it signify? Sector-wise performance  The slowing of the pace of contraction  Five of the eight infra sectors reported is being interpreted by some a drop in output in November, economists as a sign of green shoots, according to data released by the indicating that the economy is on a industry department on Friday. recovery path.  Cement production bounced back to Background 4.1% growth, recovering from  India’s economic growth decelerated monsoon-related disruptions, while the output of refinery products to a six-and-a-half-year low of 4.5% accelerated to 3.1% in November. The in the September quarter on the back of output of coal and electricity sectors slowing domestic and external shrunk at a slower pace of 2.5% and demand. 5.7%, respectively, in November from the previous month.  Data released by the Controller General of Accounts on Friday showed that the government exceeded its 2019-20 fiscal deficit target by 114.8% during the April-November period.  After reducing policy rates five consecutive times by a cumulative 135 basis points, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opted for a pause in its December monetary policy review, given the sharp increase in retail inflation and weak monetary

Easy to PICK233 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  However, crude oil, natural gas and  IIP is a composite indicator steel saw their output shrink at a faster measuring changes in the volume pace in November than in October. of production of a basket of industrial products over a period  The core sector growth numbers for of time, with respect to a chosen November, though disappointing, have base period. a silver lining as sectors such as cement and fertilizers have registered  It is compiled and published on a growth. monthly basis by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) with a time About Index of Industrial Production lag of six weeks from the reference (IIP) month.

Easy to PICK234 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Current account deficit narrows to 0.9% of GDP Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and employed overseas, rose to $21.9 issues relating to planning, mobilization of billion, a rise of 5.2% compared to a resources, growth, development and year ago. employment. Prelims and Mains focus: about the  The net inflow on account of external Current Account Deficit (CAD) and the commercial borrowings (ECB) was reasons for it narrowing down this fiscal: $3.2 billion in the second quarter as about External Commercial Borrowings compared with $2 billion a year earlier. (ECBs) News: India’s current account deficit About Balance of Payments (BOP) (CAD) narrowed to 0.9% of GDP, or $6.3 Balance of Payment is systematic record of billion, in the September 2019 quarter, on overall international economic transactions account of lower trade deficit. It had during specific time period stood at 2.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP), or $19 billion, in the  It takes into account the export and corresponding quarter of 2018-19. import of both Goods(Visible items) On a sequential basis, CAD had printed and Services (Invisible items) 2% of GDP, or $14.2 billion, in the June 2019 quarter. “The contraction in the CAD  World’s net Balance of Payment is was primarily on account of a lower trade always zero. The BOP of a country deficit at $38.1 billion as compared with gives information about its ability to $50 billion a year ago,” the Reserve Bank pay for its imports. It gives information of India (RBI) said in a release on about the position of the country with Tuesday. respect to issues like currency crisis, capital flows and its impact on the Yearly trend of various parameters in economy etc. It also gives valuable 2019 vis-à-vis 2018 insights into its economic output which is required for its economic growth.  During the first half of the current financial year, CAD narrowed to 1.5% Components of the Balance of payments of the GDP from 2.6% in the (BOP) corresponding period in 2018-19, on The components of the balance of payment the back of a reduction in the trade are: deficit, which shrank to $84.3 billion Current account: It includes the financial as compared with $95.8 billion a year transactions dealing with the export and ago. The balance of payments stood import of goods, services, unilateral at $5.12 billion in the second quarter transfers, investment income etc. and $19.1 billion during the first half Capital account: It includes the financial of this fiscal. transactions dealing with assets such as foreign direct investment, foreign  Net services receipts increased 0.9% portfolio investment, foreign loans etc. in July-September on a year-on-year Official reserve transactions: It basis, on the back of a rise in net conducted by the central bank in case of earnings from computer, travel and the BOP deficit or BOP surplus. financial services, the RBI said. Errors and omissions: It is the element of BOP (other than the current account and  In the second quarter of 2019-20, the capital account) which refers to the private transfer receipts, mainly balancing items reflecting the inability to representing remittances by Indians record all the international financial transactions.

Easy to PICK235 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” RBI’s Operation Twist may boost lending, growth Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and (OMOs), the first round of which was issues relating to planning, mobilization of undertaken on 23 October. resources, growth, development and Did RBI buy, sell bonds of the same employment. amounts? A conventional Operation Twist involves a Prelims and Mains focus: About the central bank buying and selling securities RBI’s Operation Twist; its need and of the same amounts. The purchase of impact securities pushes down the yields of long-dated securities, while the sale of News: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India short-term bonds drives up their yield. (RBI) decided to undertake its own This transaction is undertaken as it version of Operation Twist to bring effectively reduces the term premia. But in down 10-year yields of government the case of RBI’s recent move, on 23 securities (G-Secs) and drive monetary October, the central bank bought a net of transmission. Rs.10,000 crore of 10-year bonds and sold one-year bonds of Rs.6,825 crore. On 30 Why is Operation Twist so important? December, RBI again bought 10-year Operation Twist is a move in which a bonds worth Rs.10,000 crore while selling central bank decides to simultaneously one-year bonds worth Rs.8,501 crore. buy long-dated securities while selling short-term securities. The objective So did the move have an impact on bond behind such an operation is management yields? of the yield curve. Other central banks, The recent Operation Twist impacted bond including the US Federal Reserve, have yields that had shot up to 6.705% on 18 used similar measures. This is the first December. The move was announced on time RBI has undertaken such an 19 December 2019 and yields moderated unconventional policy measure with the to 6.501% on 1 January 2020. Ending aim of flattening the yield curve by uncertainty on fiscal deficit numbers for lowering longer rates to boost lending 2019-20 and 2020-21 and a credible long- and growth. On Monday, RBI undertook term fiscal consolidation path will help its second round of open market operations moderate bond yields. Why did 10-year yields rise after 30 Dec? In the past, RBI had ruled out its desire to get into yield curve management. But by undertaking Operation Twist, it has provided strong signals to markets that could be well on the cards. Despite this, the second Operation Twist on 30 December didn’t pare yields as investors are jittery due to concerns regarding the FY20 fiscal deficit. RBI also released the calendar for state borrowings of Rs.2

Easy to PICK236 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” trillion for the Q4 FY20. Operation Twist is likely to have subdued the impact of these developments on the yield curve. Can we expect more such operations? Over the last few months there has been a call for OMOs to drive monetary transmission. More such operations are possible as RBI tries to improve transmission and the monetary policy panel continues with an accommodative stand. A countercyclical fiscal policy is warranted due to the growth slowdown and is factored in by investors. Thus, by revising deficit targets and creating a credible medium-term consolidation path, the Centre can send bond markets a positive signal, which would supplement RBI’s Operation Twist.

Easy to PICK237 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Relief for govt as GST collections remain above Rs.1 trillion mark Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and consumption and liquidity in a slowing issues relating to planning, mobilization of economy. resources, growth, development and employment.  Central and state governments together collected Rs.1.03 trillion in December, Prelims and Mains focus: About GST; 9% more than what was collected in reasons for delays in compensation to the year earlier. With an states improvement in the performance of a number of leading indicators, News: Goods and services tax (GST) including core sector industries, auto collections exceeded the Rs.1 trillion mark sales and non-oil merchandise for the second straight month in exports, experts expect factory output December, bringing some relief to to report modest growth in November policymakers fighting to boost after having contracted since September. Background state relations as some states complained about a delay in payment  India’s GDP growth decelerated to a of GST compensation from the six-and-a-half-year low of 4.5% in central government. the September quarter amid slowing domestic and external demand.  Tax cuts and exemptions granted in several rounds since the rollout of GST  Declining GST receipts in the past few have made it revenue-deficient rather months had led to tension in Centre-

Easy to PICK238 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” than revenue-neutral, as was originally planned. Tax cuts on consumer goods have also led to a situation where businesses are paying more taxes on raw materials than on finished products and subsequently claiming the excess paid as refunds. GST collections across states and UTs Among major states and Union territories (UTs) that recorded a substantial jump in gross domestic GST collections are Assam (33%), Maharashtra (22%), Tamil Nadu (19%), Gujarat (18%), Delhi (18%), Kerala (17%), West Bengal (16%) and Madhya Pradesh (16%). The under- performers include Jharkhand (-3%), Odisha (2%), Goa (6%) and Rajasthan (10%). Way ahead  GST collections crossing ₹1 trillion for the second month in a row and a 16% growth on domestic transactions vis-à- vis December 2018 is a positive development. It seems that efforts of the government, like restriction on availment of unmatched credits, to plug GST evasion is bearing results.  Finance ministers of central and state governments are likely to discuss restructuring GST slabs and rates as well as ways to handle a revenue shortfall and the GST compensation to states in the year starting 1 April after the Union budget is presented on 1 February.

Easy to PICK239 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” RBI extends relaxation in NBFC norms till June Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and route between October 2018 and issues relating to planning, mobilization of September 2019. resources, growth, development and employment. What is MHP? The minimum holding period is the Prelims and Mains focus: About the duration for which an NBFC is required liquidity crisis in the NBFC sectors and to hold the loans on its book before efforts of RBI to improve the liquidity selling them. situation Efforts made by the RBI to improve News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) liquidity in NBFCs has extended by six months existing  The RBI has maintained that it is relaxations for securitization of assets by non-banking financial companies regularly monitoring the top 50 (NBFCs). NBFCs which roughly represent about 75% of the sector. Aim of the move  NBFCs are also being monitored by The move is aimed at providing NBFCs the RBI to see whether they have with some more breathing space to adequate coverage for their liquidity repair their balance sheets by selling requirements for at least three months. assets and improving liquidity.  Credit flow is slowly reviving to the NBFC sector and the better-performing Background ones are able to access funds from the  In November 2018, the RBI had first market at pre-IL&FS rates. eased the minimum holding period About NBFCs (MHP) requirement for originating The Non-Banking Financial Companies NBFCs, for loans of maturity above (NBFCs) are the financial institutions that five years to six months from 12. offer the banking services, but do not  The relaxation was originally given for comply with the legal definition of a six months till May 2019. RBI then bank, i.e. it does not hold a bank license. extended it to 31 December 2019. Both banks and NBFCs are financial  These relaxations were allowed after intermediaries. NBFCs can lend and make the liquidity crisis in the non-bank investments. Hence, their activities are space following defaults by akin to that of banks. Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) in 2018. However, there are a few differences So much so that NBFCs and their between NBFCs and banks: mortgage lending peers relied largely 1. NBFC cannot accept demand deposits; on securitization deals to raise funds. 2. Banks can maintain demand deposits  A report by rating agency ICRA in October 2019 found that these two (savings/current accounts) but NBFCs classes of non-bank lenders raised Rs. accept only term deposits; 2.36 trillion through the securitization 3. Banks form a part of Payment and Settlement Mechanism but NBFCs do not form part of the payment and

Easy to PICK240 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself; 4. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks. Significance of NBFCs Non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) are a fundamental part of the Indian financial system playing a significant role in nation building and financial inclusion. It plays a complementary role to the banking system in promoting financial inclusion. There are multiple varieties of NBFCs and so the sector demands a well- coordinated response from all stakeholders keeping in mind the differential contextual requirements of different categories of NBFCs.

Easy to PICK241 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-3 in mission mode, says ISRO Syllabus subtopic: Science and Context: Four pilots from the Indian Air Technology- developments and their Force (IAF) will leave for Russia this applications and effects in everyday life month to receive training as astronauts of Achievements of Indians in science & Gaganyaan, the first Indian crewed technology; indigenization of technology flight to space. and developing new technology.  The four will leave in the third week of Prelims and Mains focus: about January to be trained at the Yuri Gaganyaan; Chandrayaan-3: their Gagarin Cosmonaut Centre in significance Moscow, as per an agreement signed between the space agencies of the two countries last year. About Gaganyaan  Set for 2022 Gaganyaan, announced by the PM Modi in August 2018, is the Rs. 10,000-crore Indian human space flight scheduled for 2022. It is designed to have 3-7 crew members spend 3-7 days in space in a 400-km orbit.

Easy to PICK242 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The first of the two pre-Gaganyaan launch port. Thoothukudi offers a flights with a humanoid will be locational advantage to launch towards launched this year-end along with India’s South. some of the six shortlisted micro- gravity experiments, Dr. Sivan said.  Currently satellites are launched from the Sriharikota launch centre Chandrayaan-3 on the anvil in Andhra Pradesh.  ISRO has also quietly begun work on  When ready, the new port will another soft landing mission to the handle mainly the small satellite moon with most of the same features launch vehicle (SSLV) that is of Chandrayaan-2 and almost on the under development. SSLVs are back of the failure of the latter’s meant to put a payload of up to lander on the lunar surface on 500 kg in space. September 7.  The launch of the nearly Rs. 600-crore Lunar mission with Japan Chandrayaan-3 is targeted for the end Another lunar mission is being discussed of this year or early 2021. with Japanese space agency JAXA (  It will be almost a repetition of the Japan Aeronautics Exploration Agency) July 2019 Chandrayaan-2 mission in but its elements have not been finalised. the configuration of spacecraft, the landing spot on the moon and the experiments to be conducted on the lunar surface.  The third mission, was ISRO’s bid to realise for itself the difficult technology of soft-landing on another planetary body. The agency is undertaking it as the landing module of the second mission crashed barely five minutes before it was to have landed on the lunar surface.  The lander and rover are estimated to cost Rs.250 crore and will go to the moon on a propulsion model. The GSLV Mark III vehicle costs around Rs.350 crore.  Although scores of landers sent by Russia, the U.S. and the Chinese have explored the moon’s surface, so far, no other agency has landed in the southern hemisphere. ISRO hopes to be still the first to do so. A new launch port for ISRO The Tamil Nadu government has started acquiring 2,300 acres of land in Thoothukudi district for ISRO’s second

Easy to PICK243 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Kerala for steps to curb alien plants’ growth in NBR Syllabus subtopic: Conservation,  Earlier, it was planted as avenue trees environmental pollution and degradation, along roadsides in Wayanad. Due to environmental impact assessment massive flowering and drying of bamboo species in the Wayanad, lots Prelims and Mains focus: about Senna of open spaces were created which Spectabilis: threat posed by it and were occupied by Senna Spectabilis. measures taken to check its spread News: The Kerala Forest and Wildlife  An adult tree grows up to 15 to 20 department is gearing up to adopt metres in a short period of time and comprehensive steps to arrest the every year distributes thousands of rampant growth of invasive alien plants, seeds after the gregarious flowering. especially tree species like ‘Senna The thick foliage arrests the growth of Spectabilis’, in the forest areas of the other indigenous species of trees and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), grass, and causes food shortage for the including the Wayanad wildlife wildlife population, especially sanctuary. herbivores, during summer. Moreover wildlife would not feed on the leaves Threats by invasive species (Senna of the tree as it was not palatable for Spectabilis) them.  The spread of invasive plants, How does it hampers the growth of especially Senna Spectabilis, is posing other plant species? a major threat to the forest areas of the  The ‘vayal’ ecosystem (marshy land) reserve, owing to its quick growth and coppicing character. of the forest area now houses this plant in large numbers. The allele-chemicals  The tree species had been found in produced by this plant adversely nearly 10 km sq area of 344.44 sq km affect the germination and growth of of the sanctuary around five years ago. the native species. But now it has invaded more than 50 sq km of the sanctuary in a short span Measures taken up to prevent it from of time. This showed its high invasive spreading nature.  The KFRI has developed some  A recent study of the Ferns Nature physical and chemical measures to Conservation Society with the support tackle the threat of the plant. of the Forest department recorded the  Though physical method was being presence of the plant on 78.91 sq km followed to tackle the issue for the past area of the sanctuary. five years, it was yet to make any desired effect. Hence it is being  The plant started to invade in planned to adopt an integrated method adjacent tiger reserves, including by combining the physical as well as Bandipur and Nagarhole in chemical measures to address the issue. Karnataka and the Mudumalai tiger  As the same threat is being faced by reserve in Tamil Nadu. the adjacent tiger reserves, managers of the reserves agreed to follow the similar steps to tackle the threat.

Easy to PICK244 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” RBI launches app to help visually impaired identify notes Syllabus subtopic: Science and  As per the RBI, Indian banknotes Technology- developments and their contain several features which enable applications and effects in everyday life the visually impaired (colour blind, Achievements of Indians in science & partially sighted and blind people) to technology; indigenization of technology identify them, including intaglio and developing new technology. printing and tactile mark, variable banknote size, large numerals, variable Prelims and Mains focus: About the colour, monochromatic hues and MANI app and its significance patterns. News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Significance on Wednesday launched the Mobile Aided Technological progress has opened up new Note Identifier (MANI), a mobile opportunities for making Indian banknotes application for aiding visually impaired more accessible for the visually impaired, persons to identify the denomination of thereby facilitating their day to day Indian banknotes. transactions. Features of MANI app  It has features like capability of identifying the denominations of Mahatma Gandhi series and Mahatma Gandhi (new) series banknote by checking front or reverse side/part of the note including half-folded notes at various holding angles and broad range of light conditions.

Easy to PICK245 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” In Haryana, scientists develop India’s own brain template, Brahma Syllabus subtopic: Science and specific brain template to understand Technology- developments and their this variability. applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & Signficance of Brahma technology; indigenization of technology  Brahma will be a crucial guide for and developing new technology. Indian brain scientists as doctors have Prelims and Mains focus: about the so far relied solely on US and Brahma brain template; its need and Canadian brain templates for significance anatomical details for surgery and treatment of Indian patients. However, News: A team of scientists led by senior the American template may differ from scientist Pravat Mandal at the the Indian one. Nueroimaging and Nuerospectroscopy Laboratory (NINS) of the National Brain About the Brahma project Research Center (NBRC), in Manesar,  The project, funded by the Haryana, has developed a brain template, Brahma, which will show intrinsic department of science and details about the anatomy of the Indian technology (DST), took more than two brain. years to complete.  The research was conducted taking Background volunteers from across India, from all This comes close on the heels of Mandal in states, for true representation of an December leading a team that had Indian brain template. The critical data developed a technology that uses the was generated at NBRC using the brain’s stress levels and pH for early state-of-the-art magnetic resonance identification of brain disorders such as imaging (MRI) scans using 3T Philips Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Scanner. disease, depression and schizophrenia.  Brahma can be used for research and later can be validated for clinical use What is a brain template? for surgical procedure. This template  Brain template is a gross representation will be available for academic use free of charge. from various brain images to understand brain functionality in Signficance of Brahma diseased conditions.  Brahma will be a crucial guide for  Studies have so far been conducted to develop a standard brain template that Indian brain scientists as doctors have is compatible to different populations, so far relied solely on US and though the human brain is highly Canadian brain templates for different in shape and size between anatomical details for surgery and individuals and basic demographies, treatment of Indian patients. However, according to scientists. Research was the American template may differ from focused to develop the population the Indian one.  How Brahma is important is simple to understand. If we want to go to any

Easy to PICK246 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” part of India, we use Google maps and we reach there. Similarly, for any brain study or surgical procedure in India, scientists and clinicians previously used US or Canadian MNI (Montreal Neurological Institute) template to analyse the data or plan surgery as there was no detailed template from Indian brains.  The brain has huge complexity and brain functionality is not completely understood till date. It will be immensely important to conduct multimodal brain study to understand psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The development of the Indian brain template will be helpful to achieve more accurate and precise allocation of brain regions in neurosurgery.

Easy to PICK247 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Air defence command plan on Syllabus subtopic: Various Security Indian Air Force (IAF) has been forces and agencies and their mandate especially opposed to the move. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move  On this issue, Gen. Rawat stated after and its significane; CDS: mandate and assuming charge on Thursday that “we functions are copying western methods and what others have done” and “we have to News: In his first meeting with the find a system which suits India.” officials of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the Chief of the Defence  Defence officials said a joint services Staff, General Bipin Rawat, outlined Act is also being worked out which is priorities towards creating an air defence being formulated by the Army command and common logistics support Adjutant-General’s branch in pools as part of measures to create coordination with the Navy and the jointness and synergy among the three IAF. The three services are currently services. guided by their respective Service  The areas identified for jointness and Acts. synergy include creation of common Mandate of CDS logistics support pools in stations The broad mandate of the CDS includes where two or more services have bringing about jointness in operations, their presence. logistics, transport, training, support  Gen. Rawat directed various branch services, communications, repairs and heads to come up with maintenance of the three services, within recommendations for inter-service three years of the first CDS assuming synergy and jointness in a time office. bound manner.  Emphasising collegiate system of functioning, he directed that all three services and the Coast Guard must be consulted and their views obtained in a time-bound manner. Decisions will, however, be taken to ensure optimisation of resources.  Efforts will be made to cut out infructuous ceremonial activities, which are manpower intensive. Significance of the move and concerns associated  The air defence command and common logistics support pools are steps towards creating theatre commands in future, which is also in the mandate of the CDS. However, there is no consensus among the services on theatre commands and the

Easy to PICK248 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India records less than 100 tiger deaths for the first time in three years Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, Change (MoEFCC), there were 84 environmental pollution and degradation, cases of tiger deaths in the country and environmental impact assessment 11 cases of seizures (in which a tiger is presumed dead on the basis of Prelims and Mains focus: about the tiger body parts seized by authorities). population stats across the country; about Both put together, the number of tiger NTCA: functions and significance deaths in 2019 was 95. News: For the first time in the past three  In 2018, the number of tiger deaths years, the number of tiger deaths in a recorded was 100 (93 mortalities and year in the country has been less than 100. seven seizures). The number was 115 Context: (98 mortalities and 17 seizures) in  According to data from the Ministry 2017, and 122 (101 mortalities and 21 seizures) in 2016. of Forest Environment and Climate Significance when compared with the numbers reported in 2014.  These figures should be seen in the context that tiger numbers in the Reasons for reduction in tiger deaths country were growing.  The reduced numbers of tiger  The last tiger census report, released mortalities are because of in July 2019, had placed the number of surveillance, good management of tigers in India at 2,967, up by a third Tiger Reserves and a lot of awareness

Easy to PICK249 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” and education programmes on tiger retaining an oversight through conservation. ‘ advisories/normative guidelines, based  Using technology to maintain surveillance on tigers has also come as on appraisal of tiger status, ongoing an added advantage. conservation initiatives and Tiger deaths across states  Madhya Pradesh, which has the recommendations of specially highest number of tigers in the constituted Committees. country (526, as per the last census), recorded the most number of cases (31) Functions of tiger deaths.  This was followed by Maharashtra,  Ensuring normative standards in tiger which reported 18 deaths. Karnataka, reserve management another State with high tiger population, recorded 12 deaths, and  Preparation of reserve specific tiger Uttarakhand recorded ten deaths. conservation plan  Tamil Nadu recorded seven cases of tiger deaths.  Laying down annual/ audit report  Deaths were also recorded from before Parliament non-tiger bearing States like Gujarat, where a tiger had strayed into  Instituting State level Steering the State and died. Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister and establishment of Way ahead Tiger Conservation Foundation. With the increase in tiger numbers, more areas in the country need to be declared  According approval for declaring Tiger Reserves. Currently, there are 50 new Tiger Reserves. Tiger Reserves in India with an area of about 73,000 sq. km. About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)  It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation, as per powers and functions assigned to it under the said Act.  It has been fulfilling its mandate within the ambit of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for strengthening tiger conservation in the country by

Easy to PICK250 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Fears of surge in oil price, Govt looks outside Gulf Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and the OPEC bloc has progressively been issues relating to planning, mobilization of brought down from 85.4 per cent in resources, growth, development and FY’17 to 75.4 per cent in the April- employment. September period of FY’20. Prelims and Mains focus: Escalating  A rise in global crude prices leads to an tensions in West Asia and its impact on increase in the domestic price of crude Indian economy products, thereby fuelling higher domestic inflation. News: As oil prices surged after the killing of Iranian commander, General Qassem  A surge has both a direct and indirect Soleimani, in a US drone strike in impact on the consumer price index Baghdad, senior officials of the Finance (CPI) — firstly, with crude products Ministry and the Ministry of Petroleum themselves figuring as constituents in and Natural Gas held a high-level the CPI and seeing a price impact and meeting Friday to assess the impact and then, indirectly, a rise in retail prices of review contingency measures. all other commodities manufactured using crude as an input reflecting as a Why? cascading impact, which pushes up the  There’s a possibility of a disruption CPI again. to oil supplies impacting India’s  Crude oil import is denominated in the external debt situation and restricting US Dollar and higher import prices the headroom to counter the raise the country’s import bill, leading slowdown. to a worsening of the CAD — a measurement of a country’s trade Why is it a worrying issue? balance when the value of the imported  The concerns stem from the fact that goods and services exceeds the value of the products it exports. the quartet of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE are the top crude  CAD, however, is only a part of the suppliers to India, all of which are in country’s Balance of Payments the geographical zone likely to be accounting, which is dependent on impacted. It is estimated that a $10- various factors that include supply and per-barrel increase in the price of oil demand of Rupee versus US Dollars, would negatively impact India’s interest rate differentials and capital growth by 0.2-0.3 percentage points flows. and worsen the Current Account Deficit (CAD) by $9-10 billion  India’s current account and fiscal dollars. deficits could worsen if oil prices remain at the elevated level, the RBI  While Indian refineries import crude has warned it its last review. Experts oil from diverse sources, depending on said a sustained level above $70 a their technical and commercial barrel could dent the country’s import considerations and keeping in view the domestic requirement, imports from