Monthly Current Affairs January 2020

Easy to PICK51 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Centre opens up coal sector Syllabus subtopic: Government policies  While the move will help create an and interventions for development in efficient energy market, usher in various sectors and issues arising out of competition and reduce coal imports, their design and implementation. it may also bring an end to state-run Prelims and Mains focus: About the Coal India Ltd’s (CIL) monopoly. govt.’s move and its significance; about disinvestment and its types; India’s Coal  The move will also help India gain sector access to sophisticated technology for News: The Union cabinet on Wednesday underground mining used by global approved opening up of coal mining and miners. further disinvestments. It also extended the validity period of mining lease India’s Coal Sector clearances ending in 2020 by two years.  Despite having the world’s fourth Context: Govt.’s move comes at a time when the window for fossil fuels is rapidly largest coal reserves, India imported closing, and the global energy landscape 235 million tonnes (mt) of coal last evolving, with fundamental changes to the year, of which 135mt valued at investment culture amid growing climate Rs.171,000 crore could have been met concerns. from domestic reserves.  The Centre has set a mining target of Background 1.5 billion tonnes of coal by 2020. Of It comes against the backdrop of India’s this, 1 billion tonnes was to be from gross domestic product growth CIL and 500 million tonnes from non- decelerating to a six-and-a-half-year-low CIL sources, in line with the of 4.5% in the September quarter amid government’s push to raise natural slowing domestic and external demand. resources production to kickstart economic growth. This has now been About the govt.’s move and its revised down to 1 billion tonnes of significance coal by 2023-24.  In an attempt to attract investments  The government has been progressively liberalizing the coal in coal mining, the Cabinet approved sector over the last several months to the promulgation of Mineral Laws attract new investments, and getting (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. rid of this archaic end-use restriction  Under the Ordinance, requirement of was a key step. It is expected that the previous approval in cases where government will also address other allocation of blocks was made by procedural issues that add to time Centre has been dispensed with to delays and upfront cost of developing a speed up the process of mine. implementation of projects and ease of doing business. Govt.’s decisions on disinvestment  The ordinance allows coal mining by  As part of the NDA government’s any company present in sectors other than steel and power, and does disinvestment agenda, the Cabinet away with the captive end-use Committee on Economic Affairs criteria. gave ‘in-principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment of equity

Easy to PICK52 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” shareholding of Minerals & Metals because a PSU ceases to be a public Trading Corp. Ltd (49.78%), National sector company post such exercise. Mineral Development Corp. Ltd (10.10%), MECON (0.68%), Bharat Types of Disinvestment Heavy Electricals Ltd (0.68%) and two Disinvestment of a minority stake in PSUs Odisha state government units— can be done in the following ways: Industrial Promotion and Investment 1. Initial Public Offering (IPO): an Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL) (12.00%) and Odisha Mining Corp. offer of shares by an unlisted PSU to (OMC) (20.47%) in Neelachal Ispat the public for the first time. Nigam Ltd. 2. Follow-on Public Offering (FPO): also known as Further Public Offering,  The government has set an ambitious it's an offer of shares by a listed PSU. disinvestment target of Rs.1.05 3. Offer for sale (OFS): shares of a PSU trillion for FY20, of which it has are auctioned on the platform provided managed to garner only Rs.17,364 by the stock exchange. This mode has crore so far. been used extensively by the government since 2012. What does the term ‘disinvestment’ 4. Institutional Placement Programme mean? (IPP): under this, only selected  The term 'disinvestment' literally financial institutions are allowed to participate and the government stake is means the opposite of investment. offered to only such institutions. E.g., Disinvestment is the process of mutual funds, insurance, and pension reducing the share of government in funds such as LIC etc. public sector undertakings (PSUs). It 5. CPSE Exchange Traded Fund is the sale of shares of the government (ETF): Through this route, the in these companies to financial government can divest its stake in institutions, employees or the public at various PSUs across diverse sectors large. through a single offering. This  In disinvestment, also called mechanism allows the government to divestment, there is no change in the monetize its shareholding in those management of PSUs from the public PSUs which form part of the ETF to private hands as the government basket. still holds majority equity (51 6. Cross-holdings: in this method, one percent). Even when the government's listed PSU takes up the government share falls below 51 percent, the rest of stake in another listed PSU. the equity may be sold in such a way that no one institution or individual Disinvestment of a majority stake in holds enough stake to take control of PSUs: the management.  Strategic sale: it is the sale of a  Disinvestment is primarily a money- raising exercise. The proceeds of substantial portion of government disinvestment are treated as non-debt shareholding, 50 percent or higher, in a creating capital receipts. Though the PSU, along with the transfer of government can technically hold a management control. stake less than 51 percent and still be  Privatization: it's a type of strategic the largest shareholder in PSUs, it was sale in which the government divests not done on a large scale. This is its entire shareholding, along with the transfer of management control, to a private entity.

Easy to PICK53 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Rising oil prices may hit Budget math Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and commander, was recently killed in a politics of developed and developing US strike at Baghdad International countries on India's interests, Indian Airport. He was the long-serving head diaspora. of Iran’s Quds (“Jerusalem”) Force Prelims and Mains focus: about the and has been seen as a deadly geopolitical tensions between U.S. and adversary by America and its allies. Iran and its impact on India’s economy News: The prices of crude oil constituting  Rising oil prices had already led to an the Indian basket has been increasing increase in the prices of petrol and since October and is likely to exceed $70 diesel by about 54 paise a litre and 83 a barrel this month on escalating U.S.- paise a litre respectively since January Iran tensions. 1, 2020. The Indian basket of crude oil was pegged at $59.70 per barrel in Background October 2019, rising to $62.54 per  Major General Qassem Soleimani, the barrel in November and to $65.52 in December. It is currently hovering Iranian Revolutionary Guards around $70 per barrel. What is the reason behind this increase by attacking the latter’s bases in in oil prices? Iraq, but softened to $67.50 a barrel after Iran said that it did not  The price of benchmark Brent oil want to further escalate the went up to $71.75 per barrel after tensions. Iran retaliated against the U.S.

Easy to PICK54 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Impact on India’s economy  Further, divestment of oil PSUs will become difficult due to higher  Higher crude oil prices is ‘bad crude oil prices. news’ for the Indian economy that imports over 85% of its crude oil  Rising crude oil prices could requirements. impact corporate earnings of several sectors, including auto and  Higher crude oil prices will be bad oil marketing companies, according for Inida’s current account deficit to analysts. and it will further tighten our fiscal situation.

Easy to PICK55 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Revised norms for data-led probes Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Background and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of  Most intermediaries and social media their design and implementation. platforms such as Facebook, Prelims and Mains focus: about the WhatsApp, Google, Yahoo!, Twitter guidelines issued by MHA, significance of and YouTube have their servers data preservation; about the 24/7 network outside India. News: The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has said that before seeking information  The Centre introduced the Personal about a person’s e-mail account hosted Data Protection Bill, 2019 in the Lok on servers in foreign countries, Sabha last month that seeks to provide investigating agencies will have to for protection of personal data of establish that it is linked to a crime. individuals and establishes a Data Protection Authority for it.

Easy to PICK56 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Guidelines issued by the MHA  In the guidelines issued to the States and other agencies, the Ministry  The Ministry said it was not enough to stressed “data preservation” as it was show that the accused had an e-mail the key to the investigation of account as “the account must have cyber-offences and those involving something to do with the crime being digital evidence. investigated” and it was “the lowest legal standard required of all  The Ministry said the G-8 countries’ investigative processes”. 24/7 Network was one such channel that could be used to place request  The Ministry issued revised guidelines for preserving data in real time. to streamline the process of seeking legal assistance from foreign countries  The requested country has to be in criminal matters, issuing directives informed about the time period for on drafting and processing letters which the data is required. Such period rogatory, mutual legal assistance shall be consented by the requested requests and service of summons, country. notices and other judicial documents.

Easy to PICK57 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  The transferred data shall be kept channels. The request may be sent to for no longer than the period the service provider or to the CBI — required for the purpose for which it the contact point in respect of G-8 24/7 has been received and shall be Network. returned to the requested country or deleted at the end of the period About the G-8 24/7 Network specified.”  The G-8 network allows law Importance of Data Preservation enforcement agencies to make urgent preservation requests of the  Accessing the Internet through an digital data before it perishes. Internet Service Provider (ISP) creates  The network, established among the important records and other G8 nations in 1997, has since grown to information such as customer records, 55 member countries, all of which connection information and stored have dedicated cyber crime data. This is very important evidence investigators who can respond to fast- to prove the guilt intention of the moving cases at a moment’s notice— accused. often with the ability to “fast freeze” e- mail traffic and other stored electronic  Since this type of evidence can data, which can preserve a crook’s disappear quickly, it is of paramount otherwise fleeting digital footprint. importance to get the data preserved expeditiously through appropriate

Easy to PICK58 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” China, Pakistan navies deploy submarines in strategic Arabian Sea Syllabus subtopic: India and its series of joint exercises covering the neighborhood - relations. navy, army and air force. Prelims and Mains focus:about the  The exercise is also the first between exercise; Gwadar and Chabahar ports; China and Pakistan that will feature China incursions in India’s anti-submarine and submarine neighborhood and its implications rescue training, indicating a high- News: Navies of China and Pakistan, level of strategic mutual trust. holding nine-day exercises in the Arabian Sea to enhance their all- About Gwadar port weather strategic partnership, have for  Gwadar is being connected through the the first-time deployed submarines, providing a rare major exposure to the over USD 60 billion China Pakistan Chinese navy in the region. Economic Corridor (CPEC) to About Pakistan-China Joint maritime China's Xinjiang province, providing exercise a key land route to China to access the warm waters of Arabian Sea. India has  The joint maritime exercises began on objected to China over the CPEC as it Monday in the North Arabian Sea, is being laid through the Pakistan- regarded strategically significant for occupied Kashmir (PoK). China which is now developing Pakistan's deep water Gwadar port  The Gwadar is also located close to there. Iran's Chabahar Port being jointly developed by Iran, India and  The joint exercises are expected to be Afghanistan to ensure a trade corridor the first of many to come, as China for Indian exports to Afghanistan. and Pakistan have now developed a

Easy to PICK59 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Strategic importance of Arabian Sea for India  The Arabian Sea region is strategically important for India as major ports including Kandla, Okha , Mumbai, Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), Mormugão, New Mangalore, and Kochi are located there.  The Arabian Sea provides entry to the Indian Ocean where China currently has built a logistics base at Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Easy to PICK60 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What’s next in U.S.-Iran conflict? Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and News: Five days after Major General politics of developed and developing Qassem Soleimani, the Qods Force chief, countries on India's interests, Indian was killed in a U.S. air strike outside diaspora. Baghdad airport, Iran on Wednesday Prelims and Mains focus: about the launched ballistic missile attacks at escalation in US-Iran tensions and its American troops in two military bases in geopolitical implications Iraq. . What did the attack achieve? is launching a direct attack at the U.S. troops and owning it up.  President Donald Trump has said that there were no American casualties in  Practically, these are acts of war. First, the attacks on the Erbil and al-Asad the U.S. took out an Iranian military bases and the damage caused was leader in a third country and now Iran minimal. However, the strike is still a has struck U.S. troops. Javad Zariff, pivotal moment in the U.S.-Iran the Iranian Foreign Minister, said, tensions as this is the first time Iran “Iran took and concluded proportionate

Easy to PICK61 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” measures in self-defence under Article expel American troops from the 51 of the UN Charter targeting base country. from which the cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials  For the U.S., some troops in Iraq are were launched.” The Article allows necessary to retain its presence in states to take action in self-defence Syria. So Iran’s message could be that, when they are under attack. Mr. ‘you’re not safe in Erbil’. Zariff has added that Iran doesn’t seek “escalation or war, but will defend So what are the possible scenarios? ourself against any aggression”.  President Trump has already indicated Was the attack imminent? that he’s backing away from further  The Iranian response was expected. The call for revenge was reverberating conflicts with Iran. In a televised throughout the funeral processions of Soleimani. A mosque in the Shia holy speech from the White House, he said city of Qom in Iran had unfurled a red flag indicating that war was coming. Iran appears to be standing down, and  Kataib Hezbollah, a unit in the urged European countries as well as Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), the umbrella organisation of Iraqi Russia and China to break away from Shia militias that Soleimani helped build, had asked Iraqi forces to stay the nuclear deal and negotiate a new away from the bases that house American soldiers, indicating that U.S. one. He has also threatened to slap troops in Iraq could be targeted. Iran with more sanctions. But despite  Iran has launched a calculated, limited strike that doesn’t cause much damage his message of de-escalation, the risks to the Americans but yet makes good on its pledge for revenge. It was an of further conflicts still remain. escalating step, but not yet an all-out war.  The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali  By hitting the U.S. base in Erbil, the Khamenei has hinted that more capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran may also be sending a message to actions will follow to force the U.S. to Washington. Erbil houses not just American soldiers but also a large retreat from West Asia (read Iraq and American consulate. Syria).  The U.S. has deep ties with the Iraqi Kurdistan and it would like to keep  The Revolutionary Guard’s some U.S. troops in the autonomous region even if its forces are forced to commander Hossein Salami threatened pull back from the rest of Iraq. It’s to be noted that most Kurdish on Wednesday before a mourning lawmakers had boycotted Sunday’s Iraqi Parliament session, in which crowd in Kerman, Solaimani’s lawmakers passed a resolution to hometown, that Iran would set ablaze “the place the U.S. loves”, in a reference to Israel.  Iran could target U.S. troops inside Iraq through its proxies such as the Badr Brigade and Kataib Hezbollah, like it did before the killing of Soleimani. That could drag the U.S. into a deeper conflict. Also, the Shia militias in the region operate with relative autonomy. Infuriated by the loss of their commander, they could act without authorisation from Tehran against U.S. troops in Iraq, which could trigger a harsher response from the U.S. against Iran, dragging both countries into war. All these suggest that West Asia remains on the brink.

Easy to PICK62 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” NCRB Report 2018 Syllabus subtopic: Important aspects of News: The National Crime Records Bureau published the annual Crime in governance, transparency and India Report 2018 on Wednesday. It was published with provisional data, as five accountability, e-governance- applications, States — West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Sikkim —did not models, successes, limitations, and send clarifications sought by the NCRB. potential; citizens charters, transparency & Background The 2017 annual crime report was accountability and institutional and other published on October 21 last year, after a delay of two years. measures. Prelims and Mains focus: About the key findings of the NCRB 2018 report and its significance; About NCRB; mission and objectives Findings of the report  Cruelty by husband or his relatives (31.9%) followed by assault on  According to the report, 3,78,277 cases women with intent to outrage her of crime against women were reported, modesty (27.6%) constituted the up from 3,59,849 in 2017. major share of crimes against women.  Uttar Pradesh topped the list with NCRB’s Accidental Death and Suicides 59,445 cases, followed by Maharashtra in India 2018 (35,497) and West Bengal (30,394).  The NCRB also released the  The conviction rate in rape- related Accidental Death and Suicides in India cases stood at 27.2% even though the 2018 report, which said that 10,349 rate of filing chargesheets was 85.3% in such cases.

Easy to PICK63 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” people working in the farm sector NCRB was set-up in 1986 to function as a ended their lives in 2018, accounting repository of information on crime and for 7.7 % of the total number of criminals so as to assist the investigators in suicides in the country. linking crime to the perpetrators. It was set  The total number of people who up based on the recommendation of the committed suicide in 2018 was Task force, 1985 and National Police 1,34,516, an increase of 3.6% from Commission, 1977 by merging the 2017 when 1,29,887 cases were Directorate of Coordination and Police reported. The highest number of Computer (DCPC), Inter State Criminals suicide victims were daily wagers — Data Branch of CBI and Central Finger 26,589, comprising 22.4% of such Print Bureau of CBI. Earlier Statistical deaths. Branch of Bureau of Police Research and  The majority of the suicides were Development (BPR&D) was also merged reported in Maharashtra (17,972) with NCRB, but was later de-merged. followed by Tamil Nadu (13,896), West Bengal (13,255), Madhya Mission Pradesh (11,775) and Karnataka (11,561).  To empower Indian Police with  West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Information Technology and criminal Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Goa, Intelligence to enable them to uphold Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Delhi, law and protect people. Lakshadweep and Puducherry reported zero suicides by farmers/cultivators  To provide leadership and excellence as well as agricultural labourers. in crime analysis particularly for serious and organized crime. Other findings  The incidents registered under the Objectives Scheduled Caste and Scheduled  Create and maintain secure sharable Tribes related Acts saw a decline National Databases on crimes and from 6729 incidents reported in 2017 criminals for law enforcement agencies to 4816 in 2018. and promote their use for public  A total of 29,017 cases of murder service delivery. were registered in 2018, showing an increase of 1.3% over 2017 (28,653  Collect and process crime statistics at cases). the national level and clearing house of  West Bengal reported the maximum information on crime and criminals number of political murders in 2018. both at National and International The number of murders due to levels. “political reason” in the State stood at 12, followed by nine in Bihar and  Lead and coordinate development of seven in Maharashtra. In all, 54 IT applications and create an enabling political murders were reported in the IT environment for Police country in 2018. In 2017, the number organizations. of such cases stood at 98.  National repository of fingerprints of About National Crime Records Bureau all criminals. (NCRB)  To evaluate, modernize and promote automation in State Crime Records Bureaux and State Finger Print Bureaux.  Training and capacity building in Police Forces in Information Technology and Finger Print Science.

Easy to PICK64 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India, Sri Lanka foreign ministers’ meet Syllabus subtopic: India and its the Northern region, or about taking neighbourhood- relations. forward the Economic and Technical Prelims and Mains focus: About the Cooperation (ETCA) preferential recent meet between the foreign ministers trade agreement talks that have been and the discussions held; about ETCA and stalled for several years. Mr. its significance; About Mahabodhi Temple Gunawardena will also visit the News: India and Sri Lanka on Thursday Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya. discussed the “entire gamut of bilateral ties”, during talks between the visiting Sri India-Srilanka ETCA Lankan Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and  The Economic and Technical Co- Labour Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena, operation Agreement (ETCA) is a and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar proposed diplomatic arrangement that on Thursday. seeks to add to the existing free trade agreement between the Republic of Background India and the Republic of Sri Lanka, The visit by the Sri Lankan Minister, his primarily in relation to trade-in first visit abroad after taking charge, services and the service sector; it comes after the visit by Sri Lankan seeks to emulate a proto freedom-of- President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in movement system and a single November as “a follow- up” to his market. discussions with PM Modi.  The proposal is championed by Discussions held in the meeting supporters as a method to introduce low-cost goods for low-income people  Emphasis on Skilling and in Sri Lanka and increase sales of high- end goods to India, while also making opportunities for people -to -people Sri Lanka more attractive for FDI. But many lobby groups have become ties: The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister concerned that India would flood Sri Lanka with cheaper labour, with the IT reiterated the importance laid by industry in particular worried about the influx of cheaper Indian tech workers. President Rajapaksa on exploring The high unemployment rate of India has been pointed out by many newer areas of cooperation with India nationalist groups. with emphasis on skill development,  The proposed agreement's impact has been estimated to be an increase of vocational training and capacity $500 billion to the common economy. It has been likened to the economic building and requested India’s union undertaken between the North- East Asian countries of Taiwan and support. People's Republic of China called the Economic Cooperation Framework  The ministers also discussed issues of Agreement, and both agreements share issues with the island nation's people climate change and terrorism.  However, officials declined to comment on whether the meeting with the new Sri Lankan Foreign Minister had discussed taking forward some of the commitments made by the previous Sri Lankan government on infrastructure projects in Trincomalee and Colombo as well as

Easy to PICK65 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” worrying about being undercut by temple dates from the 5th or 6th cheaper labourers from the mainland. centuries. About Mahabodhi Temple  It is one of the earliest Buddhist  The Mahabodhi Temple Complex temples built entirely with brick, in Bodh Gaya is located in the still standing in India, from the late central part of the state of Bihar, Gupta period. in the northeastern part of India. It is the part of the great Ganges  The site of the Mahabodhi Temple plains. provides exceptional records of the events associated with the life of  The Mahabodhi Temple is located Buddha and subsequent worship, at the place of Lord Buddha's particularly since Emperor Ashoka enlightenment. built the first temple, the balustrades, and the memorial  Bihar is one of the four holy sites column. The sculpted stone related to the life of the Lord balustrades are an outstanding early Buddha, and particularly to the example of sculptural relics in attainment of Enlightenment. stone.  The first temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present

Easy to PICK66 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” LOKPAL Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory  Either the former Chief Justice of India and various quasi-judicial bodies Or the former Judge of Supreme Court Prelims and Mains focus: about the Or an eminent person with impeccable Lokpal Act of 2013; the office of Lokpal integrity and outstanding ability, and Lokayukta: composition, ambit and having special knowledge and powers expertise of minimum 25 years in the News: Lokpal member Justice Dilip B. matters relating to anti-corruption Bhosale (retd.) has resigned from his post policy, public administration, citing personal reasons. There is a vigilance, finance including insurance provision for eight Lokpal members, who and banking, law and management. are appointed for a term of five years or till 70 years of age. Who can become a member? Background: The govt. had appointed the Lokpal last year  Out of the maximum eight members, The Lokpal Act of 2013: half will be judicial members.  The Act allows setting up of anti-  Minimum fifty per cent of the corruption ombudsman called Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta Members will be from SC / ST / OBC / at the State-level.  Composition: The Lokpal will consist Minorities and women. of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members.  The judicial member of the Lokpal  Applicability: The Lokpal will cover all categories of public servants, should be either a former Judge of the including the Prime Minister. But the armed forces do not come under the Supreme Court or a former Chief ambit of Lokpal.  The Act also incorporates provisions Justice of a High Court. The non- for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt judicial member should be an eminent means, even while the prosecution is pending. person with impeccable integrity and  The States will have to institute Lokayukta within one year of the outstanding ability, having special commencement of the Act.  The Act also ensures that public knowledge and expertise of minimum servants who act as whistleblowers are protected. 25 years in the matters relating to anti- Who can become the Chairperson? corruption policy, public The person who is to be appointed as the chairperson of the Lokpal should be administration, vigilance, finance either of the following: including insurance and banking, law and management. Who cannot become the chairperson? The following persons cannot become chairperson of Lokpal: MPs and MLAs Persons convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude Less than 45 years of age, Members of Panchayats or Municipality, A person who was removed or dismissed from the public service, A person who holds any office of trust / profit; if so, he would need to resign from Lokpal. A person who is affiliated to a political party carries on some business / profession; if so, he would need to quit some business.

Easy to PICK67 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Term of Office: cases referred to them by the  The term of office for Lokpal ombudsman.  As per the Act, the Lokpal can Chairman and Members is 5 years or summon or question any public servant till attaining age of 70 years. if there exists a prima facie case  The salary, allowances and other against the person, even before an conditions of service of chairperson are investigation agency (such as vigilance equivalent to Chief Justice of India and or CBI) has begun the probe. Any members is equivalent to Judge of officer of the CBI investigating a case Supreme Court. If the person is already referred to it by the Lokpal, shall not getting the pension (for being a former be transferred without the approval of judge), the equivalent pension amount the Lokpal. will be deducted from the salary.  An investigation must be completed  The source of salary for Lokpal and within six months. However, the Members is Consolidated Fund of Lokpal or Lokayukta may allow India. extensions of six months at a time  If the chairperson dies in office or has provided the reasons for the need of resigned from the post, President can such extensions are given in writing. authorise the senior-most Member to  Special courts will be instituted to act as the Chairperson until new conduct trials on cases referred by chairperson is appointed. If Lokpal. chairperson is not available for certain functions due to leave, his job will be Ambit of the Lokpal: done by senior most member.  For a wide range of public servants Powers: from the PM, ministers and MPs, to  The Lokpal will have the power of groups A, B, C and D employees of the central government various rules are in superintendence and direction over any place. investigation agency including CBI for

Easy to PICK68 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  If a complaint is filed against the PM, to be dismissed, the records of the the Act says, “Lokpal shall inquire or inquiry are not to be published or made cause an inquiry to be conducted into available to anyone. any matter involved in, or arising from, or connected with, any allegation of Is Lokpal subjected to the law itself? corruption made in a complaint”.  The Act also includes the Lokpal’s own members under the definition  However, certain conditions will apply. of “public servant”. The Act does not allow a Lokpal  The Chairperson, Members, inquiry if the allegation against the PM officers and other employees of the relates to international relations, Lokpal shall be deemed, when external and internal security, public acting or purporting to act in order, atomic energy and space. pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act to be public servants.  Also, complaints against the PM are  It shall apply to public servants in not to be probed unless the full Lokpal and outside India. bench considers the initiation of an  It clarifies that a complaint under inquiry and at least two-thirds of the this Act shall only relate to a period members approve it. during which the public servant was holding or serving in that  Such an inquiry against the Prime capacity. Minister (if conducted) is to be held in camera and if the Lokpal comes to the conclusion that the complaint deserves

Easy to PICK69 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Electoral Bonds Syllabus subtopic: Government policies notes will not carry any interest. The and interventions for development in electoral bond, which will be a bearer various sectors and issues arising out of instrument, will not carry the name of the their design and implementation. payee and can be bought for any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 Prelims and Mains focus: Key features of lakh, Rs 10 lakh or Rs 1 crore. Electoral Bonds Scheme and its significance; merits and demerits of Eligibility: As per provisions of the electoral bonds Scheme, electoral bonds may be purchased by a citizen of India, or entities News: The State Bank of India (SBI) has incorporated or established in India. A been authorised to sell and encash electoral person being an individual can buy bonds, the 13th such sale since the scheme electoral bonds, either singly or jointly started in 2018, from January 13 to 22, a with other individuals. Only the registered Finance Ministry statement said on Political Parties which have secured not Thursday. less than one per cent of the votes polled in  The bonds will be sold through 29 the last Lok Sabha elections or the State Legislative Assembly are eligible to authorised SBI branches and the receive the Electoral Bonds. parties can encash them through an account with the SBI. Need: The electoral bonds are aimed at About Electoral bonds: rooting out the current system of largely Electoral bonds allow donors to pay anonymous cash donations made to political parties using banks as an political parties which lead to the intermediary. generation of black money in the Key features: Although called a bond, the economy. banking instrument resembling promissory

Easy to PICK70 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Merits of electoral bonds have donated so shareholders won’t know where their money has gone.  The previous system of cash donations from anonymous sources is wholly  They have potential to load the dice non-transparent. The donor, the donee, heavily in favour of the ruling party the quantum of donations and the as the donor bank and the receiver nature of expenditure are all bank know the identity of the undisclosed person. But both the banks report to the RBI which, in turn, is subject to  According to government the system the Central government’s will to of Bonds will encourage political know. donations of clean money from individuals, companies, HUF, religious groups, charities, etc. After purchasing the bonds, these entities can hand them to political parties of their choice, which must redeem them within the prescribed time.  Some element of transparency would be introduced in as much as all donors declare in their accounts the amount of bonds that they have purchased and all parties declare the quantum of bonds that they have received. Related Concerns  The bonds could be misused, given the lack of disclosure requirements for individuals purchasing electoral bonds.  Electoral bonds make electoral funding even more opaque. It will bring more and more black money into the political system.  With electoral bonds there can be a legal channel for companies to round- trip their tax haven cash to a political party. If this could be arranged, then a businessman could lobby for a change in policy, and legally funnel a part of the profits accruing from this policy change to the politician or party that brought it about.  Electoral bonds eliminate the 7.5% cap on company donations which means even loss-making companies can make unlimited donations.  Companies no longer need to declare the names of the parties to which they

Easy to PICK71 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”

Easy to PICK72 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” SC judgement on internet shutdown Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution-  The SC declared that the freedom of historical underpinnings, evolution, speech and expression and the freedom features, amendments, significant to practice any profession or carry on provisions and basic structure. any trade, business or occupation over the medium of internet enjoys Prelims and Mains focus: About the SC constitutional protection under Article judgement on internet curbs in the valley 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(g). The and its significance; about Article 370 restriction upon such fundamental rights should be in consonance with News: The right to internet is protected the mandate under Article 19 (2) by the constitution and the Centre should and (6) of the Constitution, inclusive review the sweeping restrictions it has of the test of proportionality. placed on internet access in Kashmir, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday in a  The SSC said that the power under landmark judgement. Section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, being remedial as well as About the SC judgement preventive, is exercisable not only  While recognizing the right of the where there exists present danger, but also when there is an apprehension of government to impose internet bans danger. However, the danger in exceptional circumstances, it contemplated should be in the nature questioned the extent of the of an “emergency” and for the clampdowns. It drew these purpose of preventing obstruction conclusions by recognizing that the and annoyance or injury to any person right to internet is constitutionally lawfully employed. The power under protected. Section 144 cannot be used to suppress legitimate expression of  The court gave the central government opinion or grievance or exercise of and “competent authorities” a week to any democratic rights. complete the review into the clampdown that was imposed on the  An order passed under Section 144, eve of the 5 August revocation of CrPC should state the material facts to Article 370 that gave the erstwhile enable judicial review of the same. state its special status. The power should be exercised in a bona fide and reasonable manner,  The court also directed the Centre to and the same should be passed by publish all prohibitory orders in relying on the material facts, force, future orders under Section 144 indicative of application of mind. This of the CrPC and orders suspending will enable judicial scrutiny of the telecom services, including the aforesaid order. Repetitive orders internet, so that affected citizens can under Section 144, CrPC would be an challenge them in the high court or abuse of power. another appropriate forum.

Easy to PICK73 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” What does the research on internet permitting Internet shutdowns, the shutdown say? Supreme Court has for the first time .Around 4,196 hours of internet blackouts set the stage for challenging in India cost the economy close to $1.3 suspension orders before courts. billion in 2019, said a 7 January report by UK-based research firm Top10VPN.  Although the Temporary Suspension  .The report analysed every major of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Service) Rules, internet shutdown around the world in 2017 issued under the Telegraph Act 2019 which cost the global economy — the law that deals with restricting over $8 billion. India, where over 100 Internet access — does not provide shutdowns were documented, was the for publication or notification of the third worst-hit after Iraq and order suspending Internet, the apex Sudan. court mandated that such orders must be made available to the  The findings for India are based on public. internet blackouts in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir,  The court declared that it is a “settled Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Tripura and principle of law, and of natural Uttar Pradesh. justice” that requires publication of such orders, “particularly one that Why SC order on Internet goes beyond affects lives, liberty and property of J&K? people”. “Any law which demands  Directing the government to mandatorily publish all orders

Easy to PICK74 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” compliance of the people requires to be perpetually cannot be accepted by this notified directly and reliably,” it said. Court”.  This allows individuals to now  There should not be excessive burden challenge the orders before courts in on free speech even if complete J&K and rest of India. In the wake of prohibition is imposed, and the protests against the new citizenship government has to justify imposition law, Internet services were suspended of such prohibition and explain why temporarily in parts of Uttar Pradesh, lesser alternatives will be Delhi and Karnataka. While inadequate, the bench stated. suspension orders were always subject to judicial review, lack of  Lastly, the court mandated that all availability of such orders in public orders regarding the Kashmir case be domain prevented such challenges made public, and to provide essential before courts. services such as e-banking and hospitals immediately..  In December last year, the Gauhati High Court directed the Assam  Once these orders have been reviewed, government to restore Internet in the they are open to be challenged by state after reviewing suspension orders. everybody and can be subject to judicial review. What the state was  India tops the list of Internet arguing in this case was that this is a shutdowns globally. According to matter of national security given that it Software Freedom Law Center’s pertains to Kashmir with a history of tracker, there have been 381 militancy. They said, therefore leave it shutdowns since 2012, 106 of which to the state, armed forces, and security were in 2019. The ongoing shutdown forces to determine what restrictions in Kashmir is the longest ever in any need to be imposed, and the court democratic country. should not be reviewing these orders. On that aspect, the court has come  The Supreme Court also highlighted down very clearly to say that it will ‘gaps’ in the current Suspension Rules. judicially review executive orders. In favour of the petitioners, the court tightened the window for broad  This was an unprecedented court telecom suspensions, stating they had recognition of the new important to be “necessary” and “unavoidable”. mediums of expression and trade.  While the Solicitor General had argued  The bench also noted that the law needs to keep pace with during the proceedings that blocking technological development: “We need to note that the law should imbibe the only some social media services was technological development and accordingly mould its rules so as to not feasible, the Court responded that cater to the needs of society. Non- recognition of technology within the “the State should have attempted to sphere of law is only a disservice to the inevitable.” determine the feasibility of such a measure” and “if such a contention is accepted, then the Government would have a free pass to put a complete internet blockage every time. Such complete blocking/prohibition

Easy to PICK75 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” International Energy Agency (IEA) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and (petroleum) products. The rate of global groupings and agreements growth of India’s oil consumption is involving India and/or affecting India's expected to surpass that of China in the interests mid-2020s, making India a very attractive market for refinery Prelims and Mains focus: About IEA investment. findings on India’s oil demand; about India’s strategic oil reserves; IEA:  Its “demand will go up significantly in members and mandate the next years to come” on the back rise in oil consumption for mobility, News: India’s oil demand growth will as cooking fuel and in the overtake China by mid-2020s, the petrochemical industry. International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday asking the world’s third-largest India’s strategic oil reserves energy consumer to raise the capacity of  India has built underground storages strategic oil storages as insurance against disruptions. at Padur and Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Mangalore and India 2020 ‘Energy Policy Review’ Padur in Karnataka to stock 5.33  India’s current strategic oil storage of million tonnes of crude oil. The storage capacity is equivalent to less than 10 10 days of its imports is not enough to days of India’s oil imports. protect it in the rainy days in the oil  In the second phase, similar storages market are planned at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka for another  India imports more than 80 per cent 6.5 million tonnes of oil. of its oil needs, of which 65 per cent is from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz, the IEA said, adding that the country’s oil refining capacity will rise to about 8 million bpd by 2025 from about 5 million bpd at present.  IEA projected India’s oil demand to reach 6 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2024 from 4.4 million bpd in 2017. China’s demand growth is likely to be slightly lower than that of India by the mid-2020s.  India is the world’s third-largest About IEA consumer of oil (behind the US and China), the fourth-largest oil refiner  Established in 1974 as per framework and a net exporter of refined of the OECD.

Easy to PICK76 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  MISSION – The IEA works to ensure 1. Energy security. reliable, affordable and clean energy 2. Economic development. for its 30 member countries and 3. Environmental protection. beyond. Our mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, Reports by IEA: economic development, environmental  Global Energy & CO2 Status Report awareness and engagement worldwide. 2017.  Headquarters (Secretariat): Paris,  World Energy Outlook. France.  World Energy Statistics 2017.  World Energy Balances 2017.  A candidate country must be a  Energy Technology Perspectives. member country of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA About OECD members (Ex:Chile, Iceland, Israel, Latvia and Slovenia).  Founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade  India currently is an associate member.  Headquarter — Paris, France  It coordinates the release of strategic Origin petroleum reserves (SPR) among developed countries in times of  Organisation for European Economic emergency. Co-operation (OEEC) was founded in To become member a candidate country must demonstrate that it has: 1948 to help administer the Marshall  crude oil and/or product reserves Plan. equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports, to which the  In 1961, the OEEC was reformed into government has immediate access (even if it does not own them directly) the Organisation for Economic Co- and could be used to address disruptions to global oil supply operation and Development by the  a demand restraint programme to reduce national oil consumption by up Convention on the Organisation for to 10%  legislation and organisation to operate Economic Co-operation and the Co-ordinated Emergency Response Measures (CERM) on a Development and membership was national basis  legislation and measures to ensure that extended to non-European states all oil companies under its jurisdiction report information upon request;  Intergovernmental economic  measures in place to ensure the capability of contributing its share of organisation an IEA collective action.  Official United Nations observer Mandate of IEA To focus on the “3Es” of effectual energy  It works through consensus to develop policy: policy recommendations and other “soft law” instruments to encourage policy reform in member countries. Membership  Currently 36members  India is not a member but key partner (the countries which are invited for annual ministerial conference. Other key partners are – Brazil, China, Indonesia and South Africa )  It is forum of countries describing themselves as committed to democracy and the market economy.

Easy to PICK77 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Most OECD members are high- Special bodies and entities income economies with a very high Human Development Index (HDI)  International Transport Forum (ITF) and are regarded as developed countries (formally known as the European  It provides a platform to compare Conference of Ministers of Transport) policy experiences, seeking answers to common problems, identify good  International Energy Agency practices and coordinate domestic and international policies of its members.  Nuclear Energy Agency  Its programs are funded by  Partnership for Democratic contributions from member states at varying rates Governance (PDG) How it works?  Trade Union Advisory Committee  OECD Council — provide direction (TUAC) and guidance to the work of Organisation. Each member country is Reports and Publications represented.  OECD Substantive Committees —  OECD Economic survey of India oversee all the work on each theme (publications, task forces, conferences,  Government at a Glance and so on)  OECD Secretariat — led by the  Education at a Glance Secretary-General provides support to Standing and Substantive Committees  Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026 (in association with FAO)  Multilateral Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (MCAA) — multilateral convention on administrative assistance in taxation matters  Employment Protection Index  Your Better Life Index

Easy to PICK78 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” WTO: India-US trade dispute Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and  Consultations give the parties an global groupings and agreements opportunity to discuss the matter and involving India and/or affecting India's find a satisfactory solution without interests proceeding further with litigation. Prelims and Mains focus: About the  After 60 days, if consultations fail to India-US trade dispute; GSP and its resolve the dispute, the complainant benefits; WTO: structure and functions may request adjudicated by a panel. News: The World Trade Organisation's India-US trade dispute (WTO) dispute settlement body has set  India's exports to the US in 2017-18 up a panel to examine the US complaint against India which had increased stood at USD 47.9 billion, while customs duties on 28 American goods imports were at USD 26.7 billion. The last year. trade balance is in favour of India. Background  The US has rolled back export  The US in July had dragged India to incentives from India under its GSP programme and New Delhi has the WTO by filing a complaint imposed higher customs duties on 28 against New Delhi's move to increase American products including almond, customs duties, alleging the decision pulses, walnut, chickpeas, boric acid as inconsistent with the global trade and binders for foundry moulds. norms.  The other products on which duties  The US had alleged that the additional were hiked include certain kind of duties imposed by India \"appears to nuts, iron and steel products, apples, nullify or impair the benefits accruing pears, flat rolled products of stainless to the US directly or indirectly\" under steel, other alloy steel, tube and pipe the GATT 1994. fittings, and screws, bolts and rivets.  It had stated that India does not impose  The duties were hiked as retaliation these duties on products originating in to the US move to impose the highest the territory of any other WTO customs duties on certain steel and member nation. aluminium goods. About GATT Generalised System of Preferences The General Agreement on Tariffs and (GSP): Trade (GATT) is a WTO pact, signed by The Generalized System of Preferences all member countries of the multi-lateral (GSP) is a U.S. trade program designed to body, aims to promote trade by reducing promote economic growth in the or eliminating trade barriers like developing world by providing preferential customs duties. duty-free entry for up to 4,800 products from 129 designated beneficiary countries How is a dispute settled in WTO? and territories.  As per the WTO's dispute settlement What is the objective of GSP? process, the request for consultations is the first step in a dispute.

Easy to PICK79 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The objective of GSP was to give 3. This tariff preference helps new development support to poor countries by exporters to penetrate a market and promoting exports from them into the established exporters to increase their developed countries. GSP promotes market share and to improve upon the sustainable development in beneficiary profit margins, in the donor country. countries by helping these countries to increase and diversify their trade with the About World Trade Organisation United States. (WTO) Benefits of GSP:  Officially commenced on 1 January 1. Indian exporters benefit indirectly – 1995 under the Marrakesh Agreement, through the benefit that accrues to the importer by way of reduced tariff or replacing the General Agreement on duty free entry of eligible Indian products Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which 2. Reduction or removal of import duty commenced in 1948 on an Indian product makes it more competitive to the importer – other  An organization that intends to things (e.g. quality) being equal. supervise and liberalize international trade  HQ – Geneva, Switzerland  Official language – English, French, Spanish Evolution of WTO Bretton Woods conference wanted to make ITO (International Trade Org.) but USA did not 1944 ratify. Thus, GATT was born as a stopgap arrangement GATT (General Agreement on Trade & Tariffs) established aimed to reduce barriers to 1947 international trade 1986  Uruguay Round of Talks  Service & Intellectual Property rights related topics included in the debate, 1993, everyone agreed on it 1994  Marrakesh treaty under Uruguay round of talks at Morocco  All nations signed on agreement & WTO was established on Jan 1, 1995  India → Founding member of WTO WTO Structure  Supreme Decision Making body  164 members, Latest member → Afghanistan Ministerial  Meets once every two years, Conference  Deliberates on trade agreements General Council  Appoints Director General  Day to day Decision Making body

Easy to PICK80 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Meets regularly at Geneva.  Implements decision of ministerial conferences  Has Representative from each member state.  Has two bodies, with separate chairmen  Dispute settlement body  Trade policy review body Director General  Appointed by ministerial conference  Has four years term.  Heads Secretariat at Geneva

Easy to PICK81 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Competition Commission of India (CCI) Syllabus subtopic: Statutory, regulatory  The proposed change will impact and various quasi-judicial bodies transactions involving domestic digital e-commerce firms, including Prelims and Mains focus: about the taxi aggregators and e-commerce govt.’s move; M&As and their impact on companies, which may command huge competition in the market; about CCI and valuation because of their unique its functions business models or access to user base. News: Global mergers and acquisitions What is the present scenario? (M&As) among technology giants that  India has seen several acquisitions in could disturb the competition landscape in India may soon require clearance the digital economy space in recent from the Competition Commission of years, including of Myntra by Flipkart India (CCI). and TaxiForSure by Ola. About the move and its significance  Currently, asset size and revenue in The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is an M&A are the only criteria for working on a bill to amend the nearly two competition scrutiny. This has decade-old Competition Act of 2002, proved to be inadequate as new-age which is likely to be introduced in the technology companies have huge budget session of Parliament. valuations, but their assets and  The change will incorporate deal size, turnover in India keep them out of the purview of local competition law. which is currently not among the Their valuations come in part from criteria for vetting global M&A deals their access to customer base and data, with relevance to the Indian market, in and India is a huge market for them. CCI’s merger regulations.  Individual firms involved in M&As  The change will bring mega deals such have to seek CCI clearance now if their as the 2014 acquisition of WhatsApp combined assets in India are worth by Facebook within the ambit of CCI. over ₹1,000 crore or their revenue is Facebook’s $19 billion acquisition of over ₹3,000 crore. Deals involving WhatsApp escaped CCI assessment. firms having combined global assets of $500 million or sales of $1500 million  This move (of adding deal size as a need CCI’s approval if they have assets criterion) will be very useful for worth at least ₹500 crore or sales worth regulating M&As involving digital ₹1,500 crore in India. economy giants as the present threshold for regulation based on assets Impacts of M&As deals on competition and turnover may not apply to them.  A deal’s impact on competition is  Even if the asset or turnover of the assessed on several factors including a combined entity is below the threshold reduction in the number of players specified in the law, if their deal size is in the market and the entry barriers above a certain threshold, which is to created for new players. be decided after deliberations, they  In the case of global transactions may have to refer the case to CCI. among digital economy firms, their nexus with the Indian market has to be

Easy to PICK82 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  established in order to assess whether Functions: their M&As impact competition in the local market.  It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse  Whenever global transactions are effect on competition, promote and referred to national competition sustain competition, protect the authorities, they suggest modifications interests of consumers and ensure to certain parts of the transaction if freedom of trade in the markets of competition in the local market is India. adversely affected.  The Commission is also required to About Competition Commission of give opinion on competition issues on India: a reference received from a statutory It is a statutory body of the Government of authority established under any law India, responsible for enforcing the and to undertake competition Competition Act, 2002 throughout India advocacy, create public awareness and and to prevent activities that have an impart training on competition issues. adverse effect on competition. Competition Act 2002 Objectives:  To prevent practices having adverse The Competition Act, 2002, as amended effect on competition. by the Competition (Amendment) Act,  To promote and sustain competition in 2007, prohibits anti-competitive markets.  To protect the interests of consumers. agreements, abuse of dominant position by  To ensure freedom of trade. enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A), which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India.

Easy to PICK83 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” BharatNet Syllabus subtopic: Important aspects of project — has blamed the network architecture, the connectivity to old BSNL governance, transparency and fibre in part of the network operation and maintenance through BSNL as some of the accountability, e-governance- applications, reasons which had held back optimal utilisation of the network. models, successes, limitations, and What govt. plans to do now? potential; citizens charters, transparency &  To overcome the failings of nodal accountability and institutional and other agencies involved in the implementation of the project, the measures. Centre now plans to rope in the private sector and complete the phase Prelims and Mains focus: about the one as well as phase two part of failure in implementation of BharatNet BharatNet under the public-private- project and the govt.’s move to address it; partnership (PPP) model. about BharatNet scheme  A meeting in this regard was held News: The central government’s flagship involving officials from the Prime BharatNet scheme, which aims to Minister’s Office (PMO), the Ministry provide last mile internet connectivity to of Electronics and Information all villages and gram panchayats (GP), Technology (MeitY) and Niti Aayog, has missed the targets set for phase one. where the government policy think tank suggested the PPP model.  With connectivity targets set for phase two of the project also likely to Details of the PPP model suggested by be missed owing to current delays, the Niti Aayog the government is now attempting to  Under the model, private sector will rope in the private sector to cover up for the failings of implementing be invited to bid circle-wise for the agencies. BharatNet project and the maximum contract duration of the project is likely Targets missed to be 25 years. The selection criteria As against the initial target for for private service partner (PSP) will connecting all the 2.50 lakh GPs by end be their quote for viability gap funding, of March 2019, only 1.18 lakh had been and the bidders will be expected to connected till then. With an estimated Rs provide “on demand” internet 19,516.37 crore having been invested in connectivity with minimum speeds of the scheme so far, the utilisation status of 50 Mbps to at least five development the infrastructure created under this so far institutions in the area. is discouraging. Of the 1.26 lakh GPs that have been made  The private service partner (PSP) will service ready so far, WiFi hotspots are have the flexibility to re-locate the functional only in 15,000. The plan to equipment installed at the BSNL provide fibre to the home (FTTH) (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) connectivity is operational only at 27,856 exchanges and gram panchayats. It GPs till end-December. Reasons given by the DoT In its defence, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — the nodal agency for implementation of the

Easy to PICK84 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  would also have the flexibility to  The handling of Right of Way (RoW) create/upgrade the network. for enhanced architecture and newly created network, along with Challenges in PPP model integration of phase one and two of Though the Niti Aayog suggested the PPP BharatNet was also flagged as a model, it also flagged some likely challenge. DoT will have to find a challenges if the government opts to rope solution to termination of ongoing in private players. work under the scheme and handing it  One such challenge, the agency has over to the private sector. said, is to ensure “affordable and fair  Involving private players could pricing” which is likely to change if affect pricing: The entry of private the private players have their way. players for the completion of projects  The financial reconciliation of work of BharatNet under the PPP model done so far under phase one of could mean an increase in prices of BharatNet, which is pending as final services being offered nearly free of documents from central public sector cost by the government as of now. units have not been received so far, is WiFi services under BharatNet are free also likely to be a challenge. till March 2020. If private players are allowed to complete projects, they are  Apart from these, the government think likely to look to recover their costs. It tank is learnt to have warned about the is yet to be seen if the upcoming change in the outlook towards projects will be completed on a sharing BharatNet, which, when envisaged, basis or the government would look to was mooted as a “national asset with just facilitate the approvals while non-discriminatory access to all leaving infrastructure to the bidders. service providers”.

Easy to PICK85 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Right to property Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution- its own makes the State an historical underpinnings, evolution, encroacher. features, amendments, significant  In a welfare state, right to property is provisions and basic structure. a human right, said a Bench of Justices Indu Malhotra and Ajay Rastogi. Prelims and Mains focus: about the SC  A welfare state cannot be permitted to judgement; Constitutional provisions take the plea of adverse possession, related to right of property which allows a trespasser i.e. a person guilty of a tort, or even a News: A citizen’s right to own private crime, to gain legal title over such property is a fundamental right. The property for over 12 years. The State State cannot take possession of it cannot be permitted to perfect its without following due procedure and title over the land by invoking the authority of law, the Supreme Court held doctrine of adverse possession to in a judgment on January 8. grab the property of its own citizens.  The SC ordered the State to pay her About the case Rs.1 crore in compensation,  The court was hearing a plea filed by Constitutional provisons regarding Vidya Devi, a widow, whose four acres Right to property of land was taken over by the  Before 1978, ‘right to private property Himachal Pradesh government in 1967. was still a fundamental right’ under  The appellant (Ms. Devi) being an Article 31 of the Constitution. illiterate widow, coming from a rural  Property ceased to be a fundamental background, was wholly unaware of right (and made a legal right under her rights and entitlement in law, and Article 300A) with the 44th did not file any proceedings for Constitution Amendment in 1978. compensation.  Nevertheless, Article 300A required  When Ms. Devi, 80, learnt about her the State to follow due procedure and rights in 2010 from her neighbours, authority of law to deprive a person of who had also lost their property, she his or her private property. approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court. However, when the HC Exception of 44th amendment for asked her to file a civil suit in the classes who still enjoy right to property lower court, she moved the Supreme  If the property acquired belongs to an Court. educational institution established & Details of the SC judgement administered by minority, state must  The State cannot trespass into the offer full market value as compensation. private property of a citizen and then claim ownership of the land in the  If the state seeks to acquire land name of ‘adverse possession’, the cultivated by the owner himself & such court said, adding that grabbing land which does not exceed statuary private land and then claiming it as ceiling, then state must offer full market value as compensation.

Easy to PICK86 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Fundamental Rights V/S Legal Rights  FRs provides protection only against  Legal rights are protected & enforced state action not against a private individual except rights pertaining to by ordinary law of land whereas FRs abolition of untouchability & rights are protected & guaranteed by written against exploitation constitution Six Fundamental Rights in India  In violation of legal rights, one can file suit in subordinate court or by writ Article 14 – 18 Right to Equality application in High court whereas in violation of FRs one can directly Article 19 – 22 Right to Freedom approach Supreme court Article 23 – 24 Right against  Legal rights can be changed by ordinary process of legislation whereas Exploitation FRs cannot be amended without amending the constitution itself (i.e. by Article 25 – 28 Right to Freedom of special majority) Religion Article 29 – 30 Cultural & Education Rights Article 32 – 35 Right to Constitutional Remedies

Easy to PICK87 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” United Nations (UN) report on ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ Syllabus subtopic: Important the world where, in 2018, the mortality for girls under 5 years of age exceeded International institutions, agencies and that of boys, according to the ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ report by fora, their structure, mandate. the United Nations (UN) inter-agency group for child mortality. Prelims and Mains focus: about the UN report and its significance; child mortality in India and govt.’s efforts to address it News: India is among the few countries in Key findings of the report  In some countries, the risk of dying  Half of all under-5 deaths in 2018 before age 5 for girls is significantly higher than what would be expected occurred in five countries: India, based on global patterns. These Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic countries are primarily located in Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. Southern Asia and Western Asia. India and Nigeria alone account for about a third.  The major causes of neonatal mortality are pre-term birth, intrapartum related  In 2018, fewer countries showed events, and neonatal infection. gender disparities in child mortality, and across the world, boys are  The report adds that despite expected to have a higher advancements made over the past two probability of dying before reaching decades, a child or a young adolescent age 5 than girls. But this trend was died every five seconds in 2018. not reflected in India.

Easy to PICK88 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Current trends predict that close to 10 What did UNICEF say about child million 5- to 14-year-olds, and 52 mortality in India? million children under 5 years of age, will die between 2019 and 2030.  The burden of child mortality is determined both by the mortality rate State specific mortality burden in India (the proportion of children who die) and by the estimated population of any  According to India’s 2017 Sample given State (total number of annual Registration System, the States with births). the highest burden of neonatal mortality are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha  In this sense, Uttar Pradesh is the and Uttar Pradesh, with 32, 33 and 30 State with the highest number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, estimated newborn deaths in India, respectively. India’s neonatal mortality both because of the high neonatal rate is 23 per 1,000 live births. mortality rate and because of the large cohort of births that occur every year  Further, Jharkhand, Bihar and in the State. Uttarakhand showed the largest gender gaps in under-5 mortality.

Easy to PICK89 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Libya ceasefire Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and Events leading to ceasefire politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian  Since April last year, the diaspora. UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli has Prelims and Mains focus: About the been under attack from forces loyal to crisis in Libya and its impact on the eastern-based strongman Khalifa regional and global geopolitics Haftar, which days ago captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte. News: Both sides in Libya’s conflict agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday to end  Late on Saturday, Haftar’s forces nine months of fighting following weeks announced a ceasefire in line with a of international diplomacy and calls for a joint call by Turkish President Recep truce by power-brokers Russia and Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian Turkey. counterpart Vladimir Putin. Background  Early on Sunday, the head of the GNA, The oil-rich North African country has Fayez al-Sarraj, announced his been wracked by bloody turmoil since a acceptance of the ceasefire, saying it NATO-backed uprising killed long-time had taken effect on Sunday. dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with multiple foreign powers now involved.  The UN mission in Libya welcomed the announcements.

Easy to PICK90 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and India-Pakistan deteriorating relations global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's  On 1 January, Prime Minister Narendra interests Modi telephoned leaders of Bhutan, Prelims and Mains focus: about the SCO Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the meeting to be hosted by India; likely Maldives to greet them on the New implications of worsening Indo-Pak Year but pointedly left out Pakistan. relations on the meeting; about SCO: members and significance; about RATS  Ties between the two countries took a News: Leaders of India and Pakistan are nosedive when a terrorist belonging to expected to come face-to-face at a meeting the Pakistan-based Jaish-e- of the heads of government of the Mohammed (JeM) drove an explosive Shanghai Cooperation Organisation laden vehicle into a security convoy (SCO) to be hosted by India later this killing 40 personnel of the Central year. Reserve Police Force in February 2019. About the meeting  A few days later India bombed a JeM  The event will bring together leaders training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot region. A day later Pakistan launched from eight SCO member states— an aerial raid against Indian military targets in Kashmir, which was repulsed India, China, Kazakhstan, by the Indian Air Force. Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan,  The situation worsened when India revoked a section in its Constitution Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India that bestowed special status on Kashmir in August and integrated the and Pakistan joined the SCO as full region more closely with the rest of the country. members in 2017.  Pakistan slammed the Indian move,  Russia is to host a meeting of the which took Kashmir off the dialogue table with Pakistan. heads of state of SCO countries in  Despite the tensions, India and July, but this year for the first time Pakistan did take part in an SCO military exercise hosted by Russia in India is chairing one of the main September. Pakistan, however, did not send any representative to a military SCO bodies, the council of heads of medicine conference of SCO member- states hosted by India in the same government and prime ministers of month. the organization’s member states.  The member states have highly appreciated India’s willingness to host the meeting of prime ministers in autumn 2020.  Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan should be attending the meet, according to protocol, as it is a meeting of the heads of government. About Shanghai Cooperation  India would need to send an invite to Organisation (SCO) Khan. However, given that tensions  The Shanghai Cooperation have been running high between the Organisation, also known as the two countries for almost a year, the Shanghai Pact, is a Eurasian possibility of a high-level visit from political, economic, and military Pakistan is far from certain.

Easy to PICK91 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” organisation which was founded in rational new international political and 2001 in Shanghai. economic order.  Founding members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia,  Presently, the SCO comprises eight Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The member states, namely the Republic cooperation was renamed to of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation the People’s Republic of China, the after Uzbekistan joined the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic organisation in 2001. of Pakistan, the Russian Federation,  The SCO’s main goals are: the Republic of Tajikistan, and the strengthening mutual trust and Republic of Uzbekistan. neighbourliness among the member states; promoting their effective  The SCO counts four observer cooperation in politics, trade, the states, namely the Islamic Republic of economy, research, technology and Afghanistan, the Republic of Belarus, culture, as well as in education, energy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the transport, tourism, environmental Republic of Mongolia. protection, and other areas; making  The SCO has six dialogue partners, joint efforts to maintain and ensure namely the Republic of Azerbaijan, the peace, security and stability in the Republic of Armenia, the Kingdom of region; and moving towards the Cambodia, the Federal Democratic establishment of a democratic, fair and Republic of Nepal, the Republic of Turkey, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. About Regional Anti-Terrorist evils of terrorism, separatism Structure (RATS) and extremism.  The Regional Anti-Terrorist  The Head of RATS is elected to a Structure (RATS), headquartered three-year term. Each member in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a state also sends a permanent permanent organ of the SCO. representative to RATS.  It serves to promote cooperation of member states against the three

Easy to PICK92 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Tibet’s new law on ethnic unity Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and All is not well in Tibet politics of developed and developing  China says Tibet for centuries has been countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. its territory well before the People's Prelims and Mains focus: about the new Liberation Army (PLA) took control law passed by Tibet and its significance; of the region in 1950. the dalai lama tradition News: For the first time, Tibet has passed  Overseas Tibetan groups allege large a law making ethnic unity mandatory, scale migration from Chinese reflecting the significant role it plays in mainland to Tibet to exploit the the sensitive remote Himalayan region's abundant natural resources in the economic and social development. Himalayan region which is resented by the local population. About the new law  The People's Congress of Tibet on  About 150 Tibetans have committed self-immolation since 2009 calling for Saturday passed the legislation, which the return of the Dalai Lama from will take effect from May 1, his exile in India and improvement of guaranteeing ethnic unity in the human rights conditions in the territory. homeland of the top Tibetan Buddhist  The new law makes it clear that Tibet leader. has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times, and it is  China terms Dalai Lama as a splittist the common responsibility for the and a separatist. people of all ethnic groups to safeguard national reunification,  In November, China objected to the strengthen ethnic unity and take a US plans to take up the issue of the clear-cut stand against separatism. successor to the 84-year-old Dalai  This is the first legislation on ethnic Lama to United Nations saying that unity at the autonomous region level Washington is misusing UN platform across China. to interfere in its internal affairs.  The law reflects the important role of Beijing asserts that his successor ethnic unity in the region's economic should be endorsed by it. and social development. Similar law introduced in Xinjiang 4 Tibet’s demography years ago  There are more than 40 ethnic Like Tibet, Xinjiang is a region of China that houses multiple ethnic minorities. minorities accounting for 95 per cent Legislation to promote ‘ethnic unity’ was of Tibet's over three million passed in Xinjiang four years ago. population. Since then, China has faced severe  Official figures released by China in international criticism for detaining mainly March last year on Tibet said the Uighur Muslims from Xinjiang in camps region's population has grown from that Beijing says are meant to give 1.23 million in 1959 to 3.44 million in employment training. The ethnic unity law 2018, with Tibetans accounting for has been used to crack down on Uighurs in over 90 per cent. Xinjiang.

Easy to PICK93 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The Dalai Lama Tradition years after the first Dalai Lama passed Dalai means Ocean and Lama mean away, a child proclaimed that he had the Monk. The spiritual leader of Tibetans spirit of the Dalai Lama. After strong is therefore called the Dalai Lama since proofs of his enlightenment, the High they are assumed to be Oceans of Lamas took him seriously. He was Compassion. They belong to the latest announced to be the next Dalai Lama. school of Tibetan Buddhism, the Since then, it is believed that Dalai “Gelug” or “Yellow Hat” School. Lamas are tulkus, enlightened beings who can control when they will be Selection of dalai lama reincarnated and as whom. This is The process of their selection is also a very different from popular Hindu belief unique one. Legend goes that Dalai where reincarnation is due their Karma. Lamas are “found” not selected. A few

Easy to PICK94 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Surrogacy in India Syllabus subtopic: Government policies  When the Bill came up in Rajya Sabha, and interventions for development in MPs had expressed reservation on various sectors and issues arising out of the provision that only a close their design and implementation. relative can be a surrogate mother, Prelims and Mains focus: about the RS as also the clause that surrogacy will committee’s visit; details of the bill and be permitted for couples after at the concerns raised against the bill least five years of marriage. They News: With appeals for review of argued that having a close relative to provisions in the proposed surrogacy act as a surrogate will be difficult in law, members of the Rajya Sabha select a changing society. Many MPs had committee, which is examining the Bill, said the Bill has some “unjust will visit Anand in Gujarat, known as provisions” and impracticalities, and the surrogacy capital of India, to consult is silent on the question of prior stakeholders, even as there are signals that informed consent. the panel may consider prospects of allowing single parents and live-in About the committee’s visit to Anand in couples to opt for surrogacy. Gujarat The 23-member House committee will Background begin their four-day field visit from  The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 January 21 and meet stakeholders, including surrogate parents and doctors at was introduced by the Minister of IVF clinics and try to study the clinic Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh system Vardhan in Lok Sabha on July 15, 2019.

Easy to PICK95 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”

Easy to PICK96 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Supreme Court on religious practices Syllabus subtopic: Indian Constitution- entering mosques and temples to genital historical underpinnings, evolution, mutilation among Dawoodi Bohras and features, amendments, significant the banning of Parsi women who married provisions and basic structure. inter-faith from entering the fire temple. Prelims and Mains focus: about the The Bench, however, clarified that it seven points referred to larger bench; would not go into the legality of issues concerns raised by the lawyers; sabarimala such as the practice of polygamy and case ‘nikah-halala’ in Islam. News: A nine-judge Bench led by Chief Basis of judicial enquiry Justice of India (CJI) Sharad A. Bobde Chief Justice Bobde explained that the on Monday said its objective was not to basis of the Bench's judicial enquiry would review the Sabarimala women entry be seven questions referred to a larger case but examine “larger issues” of law Bench by a five-judge Bench on like the prohibition of women from November 14, 2019. Background  Framing seven questions, the Bench referred them to a seven-judge Bench.  On November 14, the five-judge Bench These referral questions included led by then Chief Justice Ranjan whether “essential religious Gogoi, instead of deciding the practices” be afforded constitutional Sabarimala review entrusted to it, protection under Article 26 (freedom sought an “authoritative to manage religious affairs). pronouncement” on the Court's power to decide the essentiality of religious practices.

Easy to PICK97 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Chief Justice Bobde, who succeeded  The 1954 judgment held that any Justice Gogoi, formed a Bench of nine regulation could only extend to rather than seven judges to examine religious practices and activities which these referred questions which concern were economic, commercial or multiple faiths. political in their character.  On Monday, Solicitor General Tushar  Lawyers even asked whether the Mehta said the referred questions were numerically stronger nine-judge Bench too broad and needed fine-tuning. was formed to test the Shrirur Mutt verdict delivered by a seven-judge Directive to lawyers Bench, which had reduced the court's The CJI asked lawyers involved in the case role and left the question of essentiality to hold a conference on January 17 to of religious practices to the wisdom of reframe/add issues to be examined by the religious texts. nine-judge Bench. The court posted the case for hearing after three weeks. When lawyers sought to remind the court that the case challenging the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was scheduled for January 22 and the hearing before the nine-judge Bench ought to be heard without a break, the CJI said cases were being heard “chronologically”. The CJI explained that the nine-judge Bench was only examining propositions of law raised about religious practices believed to be essential to various religions. The Bench would not go into the individual facts of the various petitions that make the body of the case before it. Concerns raised by the lawyers  The Supreme Court cannot decide on the essentiality of religious practices. It was outside its jurisdiction.  Shrirur Mutt judgment of the Supreme Court of 1954: according to the 62-year-old verdict, the essentiality of religious practices should be decided in accordance with the religious doctrines of each faith. The Supreme Court has limited power of judicial review.

Easy to PICK98 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Manual Scavenging Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for News: Of the 926 deaths inside sewers in vulnerable sections of the population by the country, from 1993 till December 31, the Centre and States and the performance 2019, families of 172 victims were yet to of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, receive compensation, with Gujarat institutions and bodies constituted for the having the highest number of cases protection and betterment of these where the amount was not paid or the vulnerable sections payment was unconfirmed (48), while Maharashtra was yet to pay or confirm Prelims and Mains focus: about the payment of compensation in any of its 32 report of NCSK and its findings; the cases, according to data from the menace of manual scavenging and the National Commission for Safai efforts of the govt. to curb it Karamcharis (NCSK). Status report of the states Empowerment) under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual  During a meeting of the Central Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Monitoring Committee (Chaired by Act, 2013, which is meant to review Minister of Social Justice and the implementation of the law, on

Easy to PICK99 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  January 8, States that were found lagging behind in the rehabilitation of manual scavengers were asked to comply soon.  Tamil Nadu, which had the highest number of such deaths, had paid compensation in all but seven of the 234 cases. Gujarat was yet to pay or confirm payment in 48 of the 162 sewer deaths recorded in the State, and in 31 of those cases, the legal heir could not be traced, the data showed.  One- time cash assistance had been disbursed in 35,397 cases, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for 19,385 such people.  Capital subsidy and skill development training had been provided to 1,007 and 7,383 of the identified manual scavengers, respectively, the data showed.  According to the NCSK, a total of 53,598 people, of which 29,923 were in Uttar Pradesh alone, had been identified as engaged in manual scavenging after surveys in 2013 and 2018.  As per the provisions of the Act, District Vigilance Committees had been constituted in 21 States/Union Territories, State Monitoring Committees in 26, and State Commissions for Safai Karamcharis in eight.

Easy to PICK100 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Iran’s violation of nuclear deal Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and  The Europeans stressed that they want politics of developed and developing to “resolve the impasse through countries on India's interests, Indian constructive diplomatic dialogue” diaspora. and made no threat of sanctions in their statement. Prelims and Mains focus: about the move by European countries to restrict Iran and  They also specifically distanced its likely implications; about JCPOA themselves from sanctions imposed by the U.S., which Washington has News: Britain, France and Germany said is part of a “maximum pressure” ratcheted up pressure on Iran on Tuesday campaign against Tehran. to cease its violations of a landmark nuclear deal, stressing that they want to  The pressure on Iran from Europe does resolve differences through talks while not mean sanctions will automatically starting the clock on a process that could be slapped on the Islamic Republic. result in a so-called “snapback” of United Nations sanctions. Way ahead Under its dispute resolution mechanism, Context: countries have 30 days to resolve their The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the problem, though that can be extended. If it Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or cannot be solved, the matter could be JCPOA, seeks to prevent Iran from brought before the UN Security Council producing a nuclear weapon — and could then result in the snapback of something Iran insists it does not want to sanctions that had been lifted under the do — by putting curbs on its atomic deal. programme in exchange for economic incentives. About the move and its significance  The three countries, which signed the international agreement in 2015 along with the U.S., Russia and China, said in a letter to the European Union’s foreign policy chief that they had no choice but to trigger the deal’s “dispute mechanism,” given Iran’s ongoing transgressions.  The three said they rejected Tehran’s argument that Iran was justified in violating the deal because the U.S. broke the agreement by pulling out unilaterally in 2018.