9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – April 7th, 2022

Dear Friends,

We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

  1. Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  2. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
    1. The Hindu  
    2. Indian Express  
    3. Livemint  
    4. Business Standard  
    5. Times of India 
    6. Down To Earth
    7. PIB
  3. We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
  4. Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
  5. It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
    • For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here
    • For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

On Mission Vatsalya: The child at the centre

Source: This post is based on the article “The child at the centre” published in The Hindu on 7th Apr 22.

Syllabus: GS2 – Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population

Relevance: Mission Vatsalya

Context: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 were launched recently to provide integrated benefits to women and children.

The intent behind these schemes is to provide integrated benefits to children and women.

What are the components under Mission Vatsalya?

Components under Mission Vatsalya include

Statutory bodies

Service delivery structures

Institutional care/services

non-institutional community-based care

Emergency outreach services

Training and capacity building.

What are some associated concerns?

ChildLine (1098), the 24-hour toll-free helpline for children in distress, will be manned by the Home Affairs Ministry under Mission Vatsalya, because of the need to ‘preserve data sensitivity’.

A road map to implement the scheme is not yet available, but it is understood that police personnel will first answer the call, handing over implementation to NGOs later.

– This is problematic as children do not feel comfortable confiding in police personnel.

What is ChildLine?

ChildLine, set up in 1996, has been in operation for over 25 years, growing gradually to become one of the largest global networks to assist and rescue children in distress.

It has functioned as a public-private partnership (PPP) between the government and civil society organisations to provide a first-responder safety net, and kick-start the process of rescue and rehabilitation of children.

ChildLine seeks to reduce the burden on the police force, and invokes their assistance only if the circumstances necessitate.

During a short-lived experiment in Chennai around 2003, when ChildLine calls were diverted to All Women Police Stations (AWPS) — they were flooded with calls, hampering regular work. Sometimes, all the children wanted was to spend some time talking to someone, or they were making multiple blank calls before they picked up the courage to tell all. In many cases, police intervention was not needed at all.
What is the way forward?

The govt must consider the issue from the perspective of the key beneficiary of this scheme — the child — and make sure that his/her safety, security and happiness are ensured.


How the UAPA is wrecking lives

Source: The post is based on an article “How the UAPA is wrecking lives” published in The Hindu on 7th Apr 22.
Syllabus: GS2 – Judiciary, Govt policies and interventions
Relevance: The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Criminal Justice System Reform 

News: Recently, an accused in “the Delhi riots cases” who was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 was denied bail by a Sessions Court in Delhi. He was involved in a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019. 

What is the concept of bail in criminal law? 

The bail is based on the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. It ensures that an individual is not unjustly treated, and liberty is not denied when a person is under trial or he/she has not been proven guilty.  

In normal circumstances, the bail is granted if an accused is not at risk of escaping or is unlikely to tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses. 

What are the problems wrt bail provisions in UAPA?

The UAPA prohibits a judge from granting bail to an individual if he/she is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation is prima facie true.”  

The bail hearings under the UAPA are like a mini-trial. It is subjected to a lot of hearings on lines of a criminal trial. Therefore, this process of grant of bail takes a lot of time.

In these bail hearings, the judge makes decision based on the arguments of the prosecutor/police version only. Unlike trial, in which the defence is entitled to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, the defence is not entitled to cross-examine. It is done based on the presumption that everything in the police report is true. 

A trial under UAPA often takes more than 10 years. If the bail is denied to a person, then it is likely that he/she will have to spend a decade or more behind bars. In addition, the conviction rates under the UAPA are very low. It means that most of the under trials are innocent. 

In the UAPA case, the outcome of the bail hearing also determines the outcome of the case itself. For example, the denial of bail is like an accused has been found guilty 

In fact, in a notorious judgment in National Investigation Agency v. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali (2019), the Supreme Court forbade the lower courts from in-depth scrutiny of the police case.  

Way Forward 

In the immediate future, the UAPA provision related to bail prohibitions can be diluted. The police case may also be subjected to stricter scrutiny during bail hearings. 


Sending a strategic message

Source: The post is based on an article “Sending a strategic message” published in The Hindu on 7th Apr 22. 

Syllabus: GS2 – International Relations, Bilateral Relations 

Relevance: India-Australia relations

News: Recently, India and Australia, struck a trade deal known as the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).

The deal was brokered after two decades of efforts. It is said to be a “watershed moment” for bilateral relations for both India and Australia. 

What has been proposed under the trade deal? 

It will enable elimination or phased reduction of tariffs on a range of Australian exports to India. The range of products includes coal, lentils, sheep meat, wool, lobsters, rare earths, wine and agricultural products. 

The deal will promote services exports. It will strengthen our people-to-people links. For example, the trade deal will provide a quota for chefs and yoga teachers, Indian students will be provided a post-study work visa of 2-4 year, and professional services will be mutually recognized. Others things that will be included are licensed/regulated occupations, and work and holiday visa arrangements for young professionals.  

It will help in taking advantage of the Indian diaspora which is called as the national economic asset of India. For example, one in five overseas students that live in Australia are from India. 

Why is the deal important? 

Seeks to double bilateral trade and investments between India and Australia in the next five years. 

Will eliminate tariffs on more than 85% of Australian goods exports to India (valued at more than $12.6 billion a year). 

Strategic importance –

Both nations share norms and democratic principles and support a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, both nations are members of the Quad. 

Further, both share economic and geopolitical risks in the Indo-Pacific region. In this context, a trade agreement shows the diversification of its strategic and economic approach for both the countries. 

What are some issues in Indo-Aus bilateral relations? 

Past

In the past, Indo-Australia ties were derailed due to multiple reasons. For example, Australia responded against India’s nuclear tests conducted in 1988.

The relations were also derailed due to over-the-top reaction by Indian media’s attacks on Indian students in Melbourne in 2009-2010. 

Present

Recently, both India and Australia responded differently to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. India has been criticized for doing a ‘balancing act’ in wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Both hail from opposite sides of power blocs during the Cold War 


Repairing the complex India-Nepal relationship

Source: The post is based on an article “Repairing the complex India-Nepal Relationship” published in The Hindu on
7th Apr 22. Syllabus: GS2 – International Relations – India and its neighbourhood
Relevance: India-Nepal ties 

News: Recently, the Nepal Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba completed his visit to India which was also his first bilateral visit abroad. 

What is the convergence of interests between India and Nepal? 

Recently, Nepal ratified the agreement with the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). China claimed that it was part of the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China. Therefore, it will provide welcome synergy between India and Nepal. 

35 km cross-border rail link from Jayanagar (Bihar) to Kurtha (Nepal) was operationalized, the 90 km long transmission line connecting Tila (Solukhumbu) to Mirchaiya (Siraha) was inaugurated.  

Nepal has been inducted into the International Solar Alliance(ISA). In addition, agreements have been signed for technical cooperation in the railway sector, and ensuring regular supplies of petroleum products (it was signed between Indian Oil Corporation and Nepal Oil Corporation on). 

Both sides have signed the Mahakali Treaty (1996). The treaty covers the Sarada and Tanakpur barrages and Pancheshwar Multipurpose project. It will enable power sector cooperation between both the countries. 

What are the differences that have emerged in the India and Nepal relationship?  

The political narrative has changed in both countries.  

In 2019, Nepal government raised and expanded the Kalapani boundary issue. It soured Nepal’s relations with India.  

Now, the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship is being viewed as a sign of an unequal relationship. It is seen as a sign of Indian imposition. (Note: It provides for an open border between India and Nepal. It allows Nepali nationals to have the right to work in India.) 

India has been blamed for interfering in the Constitution drafting process of Nepal. It was also condemned for “unofficial blockade” in Nepal. This reinforced the notion of Nepali nationalism and anti-Indianism in Nepal. 

China’s growing role: a) China considers Nepal as an important element in its growing South Asian footprint. b) In 2016, Nepal and China concluded a protocol. It allowed Nepal to have access to four seaports and three land ports of China. c) Both China and Nepal had joint military exercises, d) China has overtaken India as the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nepal, e) China has hiked its annual development assistance to Nepal and f) China is also engaged with airport expansion projects at Pokhara and Lumbini in Nepal.  

Way Forward 

India and Nepal share a ‘special relationship’ based on ties of a shared culture, language and religion.  

It is necessary that bilateral issues be discussed, behind closed doors and at Track 2 and Track 1.5 channels. 

At present, there is a need of revising and updating the1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. 

Although 98% of the India-Nepal boundary has been demarcated. These boundaries had been fixed in 1816 by the British. But two areas, Susta and Kalapani remain in limbo. Both sides should avoid rhetoric on territorial nationalism, and should solve these issues through quiet dialogue.  

The Indian Prime Minister launched the “neighbourhood first” policy in 2014. India should uphold this policy and be a sensitive and generous partner.


Has IAS Failed The Nation? Not Really

Source: The post is based on the article, “Has IAS Failed the Nation? Not really” published in The Times of India on 7th Apr 22. 

Syllabus: GS2 – Role of Civil Services in India

Relevance: Analysing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) 

Context: Recently, the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) has come under severe criticism from different quarters, including from several senior retired IAS officers.

Therefore, it demands both constructive criticism and introspection for the improvement in the premier institution of the Indian bureaucracy. 

What are the problems the IAS is facing? 

There is a perception that the IAS has “lost its ethos and its way” over a period of time. They have become “cogs in the wheels of complacency and acquiescence”. 

The Indian bureaucracy has been facing the biggest issue of politicisation. It has resulted into the deeply flawed system of incentives and penalties for the IAS officers. It is the biggest problem of the IAS officers.

Why the IAS has not failed? 

The IAS service has played its role in Indian democracy while adhering to the principle of the primacy of the political executive. In fact, is the most important principles of a democratic country 

The IAS officers are wrongly blamed for every policy failure or its implementation failure. They are disproportionately blamed because of the premier status of the IAS. There are other services or institutions involved in the policymaking and implementation process as well. 

As per findings of a detailed study on the effectiveness of the IAS in 2017, it was found that the IAS has been very effective in preserving national unity and upholding the constitutional rule in India. 

In fact, every single state reform and improvement in public service delivery in India happened due to the effort of a competent IAS officer (As per the World Bank study in 2006-07). These are ‘unsung heroes’ of India. Such efforts are often replicated and also publicized as good work by the LBSNAA.  

What are the reforms that need to be implemented? 

Reforms must start with changes in the entry examination, say, the maximum age and number of attempts should be reduced.  

In order to improve performance, there is a need to do away with the distinction between promotion and empanelment 

The government needs to establish a very robust appraisal system. It should be executed through the UPSC. Those who do not qualify in the appraisal system should be pensioned off.  

The state civil service officers should be promoted to the IAS by a competitive examination. It would ensure younger persons come into the IAS service. It will also strengthen the federal character.  

It should be ensured that the transfer is not used as an instrument of coercion and the IAS are not targeted post retirement.  

Discourage post-retirement positions of the IAS officers.  

What is the way forward? 

IAS comprises an “extraordinary pool of skills and talents”. They have rich experiences in various fields, understanding of the functioning of the government, and understanding of delivery systems for development”. Therefore, they are best positioned to lead our developmental efforts. 

Moreover, if the IAS officers are properly empowered by politicians, they can be transformed into an effective instrument for innovation in service delivery.  


A candid conversation about the caged parrot

Source: This post is created based on the article “A candid conversation about the caged parrot”  published on 7th April 2022 in The Hindu.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

News: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) recently gave a candid appraisal of the state of India’s investigating agencies.

The CJI called upon investigators to stand up to the unethical pressures in order to uphold the confidence entrusted in them by the public. He stated if middle-and senior-level investigators deviated from the path of objectivity and neutrality, they will be held accountable for it.

Has the judiciary made similar observations earlier?

In 1997, Justice J.S. Verma has rebuked the then CBI Director in Hawala case for stalling the investigation at will. He went on to prescribe a new clinical procedure for the selection of the CBI chief. Also giving the chief fixed tenure of two years to insulate the CBI director from the caprice of the executive.

What is the bright spot in CBI?

It has some of the brightest Indian Police Service officers in its higher echelons. There is a fear among CBI officers that the judiciary could intervene if an investigator is arbitrary and dishonest.

It has acquired greater uprightness than before. Allegations of political interference have been blown out of proportion, because only about 10% of the cases handled by the CBI have political overtones.

There have also been some big cases in the net of investigators – a former CM of Bihar and a former Home Minister of Maharashtra.

What should be done?

The CBI needs to have the strongest leader with a distinct belief in the law and ethics. A Director who is able to explain issues to higher authorities in a rational and reasonable manner and efficiently protect his deputies.

An umbrella organization, as suggested by CJI, to oversee all investigating agencies can prove to be impractical. Such a body can generate its own problems – of turf wars and ego clashes.

The focus should be on weeding out the dishonest officers and rewarding those who have proven themselves to be honest and professionally innovative.


Realism versus liberalism in international relations

Source: This post is created based on the article “Realism versus liberalism in international relations”  published on 7th April 2022 in The Hindu.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Context: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has rekindled the realism versus liberalism debate in international relations. The liberals call the war an attack by “authoritarian Russia” on “democratic Ukraine”. The realists argue that the war was the culmination of the post-Cold War power games in Europe.

What are the theories of liberalism?

Liberalism has 3 core beliefs:

  1. State are the main actors in the international system;
  2. The internal characteristics of each state vary from the other and these shape the state’s behavior;
  3. Some governance models are good (democracies) and some are bad (dictatorships)

According to them, good states are supposed to make peace while bad states seek to expand their power at the expense of others.

There are three different but interconnected theoretical approaches: economic interdependence, democratic peace, and international institutions. Therefore, the ideal world order that liberals want is the one where democratic states are connected through economic globalization and function in a system regulated by the international organizations (Ex – UN).

While liberalism offers an optimistic view of global order, it is more about what the world ought to be. Realism is more about what the world is.

What is the premise of realism?

For realists, a peaceful global order is desirable, but that’s far from reality. They also consider nation states as the primary actors in the international system.

The three main streams of realist theory in international relations – human nature realism, defensive realism and offensive realism. All seek to explain why states seek more power.

Human nature realism is based on the argument that humans’ lust for power can have a profound impact on the nature of states as states are led by human beings. They continue to seek expansion of power, leading to conflicts. (Hans Morgenthau in Politics Among Nations)

Defensive realists argue that the fundamental aim of the states is survival. The global order is anarchic and this factor forces the states to compete with each other. (Kenneth Waltz in The Theory of International Politics)

Offensive realism bases its arguments on structural factors rather than human behaviour. Power always seeks to maximise power at the expense of rivals. A state’s ultimate goal is to be the hegemon in the system. (Jon Mearsheimer in The Tragedy of Great Power Politics)

GS Paper 3


What latest climate report says: No time to waste, but world is not out of options yet

Source: This post is based on the article “What latest climate report says: No time to waste, but world is not out of options yet” published in The Indian Express on 7th Apr 22.

Syllabus: GS3 – Environment

Relevance: Findings of the third instalment of IPCC’s sixth Assessment Report (AR6)

News: Working group III of the IPCC has released the third and final instalment of the AR6.

The report cautions that to have any chance of restricting global temperature rise to 1.5-2oC from pre-industrial levels, the world must act now.

It emphasises that strengthening of climate action to keep alive the 1.5 degree target was not just possible, but, to a large extent, also feasible and affordable.

What are some key findings of the report?

As per the report,

Unless the global greenhouse gas emissions peaks by 2025, just three years from now, and is cut by at least 43% from current levels by 2030, the 1.5oC target cannot be achieved. (This is going to be tough as the global emissions are still showing an increasing trend. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 are about 12% higher than in 2010)

Global average temperatures have already risen about 1.1oC from pre-industrial times. The 1.5oC threshold would most likely be breached, even in the best case scenario.

The climate actions that are currently promised would result in a world that would be about 3.2oC warmer than pre-industrial times, and that is not a comfortable scenario at all.

The situation already is so bad that, even after substantial reductions in emissions, human beings would have to rely on futuristic carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to bring down the temperatures.

What feasible options are still available?

As per the report,

A lot of reductions in the current level of emissions can be achieved through existing technologies that are not just feasible, but also affordable, though both, the feasibility and affordability, vary across regions and sectors.

Nearly half the world’s current emissions can be cut by 2030 using only technologies that cost less than US$100 to reduce one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

For example: Large-scale deployment of renewables like solar or wind energy, carbon sequestration in soil, reduction in deforestation and improvement of energy efficiency etc.

The cost of solar energy or lithium-ion batteries has come down by nearly 85%, while the cost of wind power has reduced by 55% since 2010

25% of the current emissions can be reduced using technologies that cost less than US$ 20 per tonne of CO2. Such technologies include the shift to electric vehicles, lifestyle changes like adoption of cycles instead of motorized vehicles, and large-scale use of public transport.

What is the way forward?

As per the report,

Traditional sources of energy like oil, gas and coal would have to be almost completely abandoned over the next few decades if the climate goals have to be achieved. For instance: Coal would need to be given up entirely by the year 2050, while the use of oil and gas need to be reduced by at least 60 and 70% respectively.


Up & Up: Airports, Pilots, Passengers, Cargo, Drones

Source: The post is based on an article “Up & Up: Airports, Pilots, Passengers, Cargo, Drones” published in The Times of India on 7th Apr 22. 

Syllabus: GS3 – Infrastructure, Transport Sector 

Relevance: Civil Aviation Sector 

News: Recently, India has opened its airspace for international travel for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 after a period of two-year.

The sector is going to witness rebound due to easing in the covid-led disruptions, and simultaneously, due to important reform measures undertaken by the government. 

What are the expected trends in the Indian Aviation Sector in the coming years? 

Civil aviation has become a vehicle of economic change in India, and it is going to face strong growth in coming years, 

The government has launched its flagship scheme known as Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik. It connects some of the most remote cities of India such as Jharsuguda, Odisha. These areas will emerge as new growth avenues for the country.

At present, the number of airports stands at 140 in 2021. India will witness growth in the number of both greenfield and brownfield airports in the next 2-3 years. Therefore, the number of airports is bound to reach the tally of 220 by 2025.

India’s aircraft fleet is also likely to grow, by 110-120 every year.

In addition, the number of pilots trained by the Flying Training Organisations (FTO) is also going to increase in the near future.

Allied sectors rise during the pandemic period: Allied sectors of Aviation like air cargo have seen exponential growth in a short span of two years. As a result, India’s share in international cargo traffic movement went up from 1. 8% to 19%.

Similarly, reform measures undertaken in the drone sector will make drones part of almost every sector in the coming years. It will lead to an explosion of start-ups and skilled manpower. It will also bring huge economic benefits to Indian economy.

What are the challenges? 

The civil aviation sector is highly prone to disruptions in the future. It may be due to geopolitical disturbances and a new pandemic in the future. 

India’s taxation regime on Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) is very high as compared to the rest of the world. For example, at present, it now costs twice as much as the pre-Covid-19 rates.  

The Aviation industry is also highly elastic to price change. For example, a minor rise in air fares could adversely impact the demand of air travel in the short term.

What is the way forward?

Rationalising ATF: Recently, 24 states/UTs have executed taxation reform (VAT) on the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) rates. In addition, there are chances that remaining states/UTs will also join this reform regime soon. 

India needs to focus on international travel, as well as the air cargo segment.


Export Opportunity

Source: This post is created based on the article “Export Opportunity”  published on 7th April 2022 in Business Standard.

Syllabus: GS 3: Indian Economy and Agriculture.

News: Union Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal’s stated optimism about India’s wheat exports scaling a new high in FY23, though his projection of the volume of likely shipments being around 10 million tonnes seems rather modest.

What are the new opportunities for Indian exports?

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia and Ukraine together normally account for 25-30% of the wheat supplies in the global market. The void caused by their absence can be filled to a sizable extent by India.

Most wheat-importing countries, particularly those in Africa, West Asia, and Southeast Asia are now looking towards India to meet their requirements.

States such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, are already making special efforts to boost exports. The Railways has assured them of full support to move the cargo to Kandla and other ports on priority.

What is India set to gain from these exports?

Food exports are now a dire necessity rather than merely an opportunity-driven initiative. This is because the country’s food grain output has consistently outpaced consumption.

Wheat prices in the international market are now ruling substantially higher than the domestic prices. It allows exporters to buy stocks from farmers at rates far above the minimum support price (MSP) and yet have a sufficient profit margin.

This would also help trim official grain stockholding to a manageable size to rein in the ever-burgeoning food subsidy.

Way Forward: India should grab this export opportunity to create the much-needed export outlet for the surplus grains.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Explained: State of denotified tribes, and why House panel is critical about a programme for their development

Source: This post is based on the article Explained: State of denotified tribes, and why House panel is critical about a programme for their developmentpublished in Indian Express on 6th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Standing Committee of Parliament has criticized the functioning of the development programme for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes.

Who are de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes?

These are communities that are the most vulnerable and deprived.

De-notified Tribes(DNTs): These are communities that were ‘notified’ as being ‘born criminals’ during the British regime under a series of laws starting with the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. These Acts were repealed by the Independent Indian Government in l952 and these communities were “De-Notified”.

A few of these communities which were listed as de-notified were also nomadic. Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another, rather than living in one place all the time.

The population of DNTs and Renke Commission

Renke Commission: A National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes(NCDNT) was constituted in 2006. It was headed by Balkrishna Sidram Renke. This commission estimated their population at around 10.74 crores based on Census 2001.

– The commission also said that these tribes somehow escaped the attention of  Constitution makers and thus got deprived of Constitutional support, unlike SCs and STs. This is partly because these communities are largely politically ‘quiet’ — they do not place their demands concretely before the government, for they lack vocal leadership and also lack the patronage of a national leader.

Commission constituted in 2014: A new Commission was constituted in 2014 to prepare a state-wise list that submitted its report in 2018. It identified 1,262 communities as de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic.

Note: South Asia has the world’s largest nomadic population. In India, roughly 10% of the population is Denotified and Nomadic.

Other Commissions and Committees that referred to the problems of DNTs communities

Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee,1947 constituted in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).

Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee in 1949 (based on the report of this committee the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed).

B P Mandal Commission: It was constituted in 1980 also made some recommendations on the issue.

National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution(NCRWC), 2002: It held that DNTs have been wrongly stigmatized as crime-prone and subjected to high-handed treatment as well as exploitation by the representatives of law and order and general society.

What are the issues highlighted by the Standing Committee on Parliament on issues faced by DNTs?

No Categorization: A number of DNT tribes are categorized under SC, ST and OBC. However, 269 DNT communities are still not covered under any reserved categories.

The scheme for economic empowerment of DNTs communities has total outlays of Rs 200 crore for the period of five years from 2021-22 and the Government could not spend even a single rupee in 2021-22.

Budgetary allocation for DNTs has been reduced to Rs 28 crore for 2022-23 against the budgetary allocation of Rs 50 crore for 2021-22.

What are the steps being taken for the welfare of these communities?

Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi Nomadic Communities(SEED)

Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC): It has been set up in 2019 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the purpose of implementing welfare programmes.

A committee has been set up by the NITI Aayog to complete the process of identification.

Ethnographic studies of DNCs are being conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India, with a budget of Rs 2.26 crore sanctioned.


India’s Agriculture Exports touch a historic high of USD 50 billion

Source: This post is based on the article India’s Agriculture Exports touch a historic high of USD 50 billion published in PIB on 6th April 2022.

What is the News?

India’s exports of agricultural products  (including marine and plantation products) for the year 2021-22 have crossed $50 billion.

About India’s Agriculture Exports
Source: Financial Express

Agriculture exports have grown by 19.92% during 2021-22 to touch $50.21 billion. This is the highest level ever achieved for agriculture exports.

This export growth has been achieved mostly because of a surge in shipments of rice, wheat, marine products, sugar, buffalo meat and raw cotton. For instance,

-Wheat has recorded an unprecedented growth of more than 273%.

-In Rice, India has captured nearly 50% of the world rice market.

-The export of marine products is also the highest ever benefiting farmers in the coastal states.

-Spices exports have also touched USD 4 billion for the second year in a row.

-Moreover, despite facing tremendous supply-side issues, coffee exports have crossed USD 1 billion for the first time.

Must read: Relation between Agri exports and water stress – Explained, Pointwise
What are the reasons behind increasing Agriculture exports?

The surge in Agri exports has been achieved because of sustained efforts of the Department of Commerce and its various export promotion agencies like APEDA, MPEDA and various commodity boards.

For example, Farmer Connect Portal has been set up to provide a platform for farmers, FPOs/FPCs, and cooperatives to interact with exporters. This approach has resulted in agriculture exports taking place from hitherto unexplored areas. 

Exports have also taken place from clusters like Varanasi (fresh vegetables, mangoes), Anantapur (banana), Nagpur (orange), Lucknow (mango), Theni (banana), Solapur (pomegranate), Krishna & Chittoor (mango).

Initiatives like the ‘Happy Banana’ train, an exclusive train with reefer containers to transport bananas from Anantapur to JNPT, Mumbai have also been taken to boost exports from unconventional areas.

Read more: [Kurukshetra January Summary] Smart Farming: Towards Sustainable Agriculture – Explained, pointwise

Union Minister says Government has launched number of programs to aid Start-ups in technology sectors

Source: This post is based on the article Union Minister says Government has launched a number of programs to aid Start-ups in technology sectorspublished in PIB on 6th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Science & Technology has said that the Government has launched a number of programs to aid Startups in technology sectors.

What are the programmes launched to aid Startups in technology sectors?
National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations(NIDHI)

Launched by: Department of Science & Technology in 2016-17.

Aim: To convert knowledge-based and technology-driven innovative ideas into successful start-ups.

Common Research and Technology Development Hubs (CRTDHs)

Setup by: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR).

Aim: To promote industrial R&D innovation, dedicated for MSMEs, start-ups and individual innovators. 

Industry Relevant R & D(IRRD) Scheme 

Launched by: Science and Engineering Research Board(SERB).

Objective: To utilize the expertise available in academic institutions and national laboratories to solve industry-specific problems for the larger benefit of society. 

PRAYAS (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups) program

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems(NM-ICPS)

Technology Development Board(TDB) 

 Startup India Seed Fund Scheme(SISFS)

BioNESTscheme (Bio incubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies): It was launched by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) to foster the biotech innovation ecosystem in the country. 

Atal New India Challenge(ANIC) program

 Innovations for Defence Excellence(iDEX) 

Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs(TIDE 2.0) Scheme

Next Generation Incubation Scheme(NGIS) 


Explained: Why Centre has opposed Odisha’s plans for landmark Lingaraj Temple

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: Why Centre has opposed Odisha’s plans for landmark Lingaraj Temple” published in Indian Express on 7th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Central government has told the Odisha government that its ordinance to bring the Lingaraj temple and its associated temples under a special law is outside the legislative competence of the state legislature. 

It also said the ordinance is in conflict with the rules laid down under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958(AMASR Act).

What is Lingaraj Temple?

Lingaraj temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was constructed by King Jajati Keshari in the 10th Century and completed by King Lalatendu Keshari in the 11th Century.

Click Here to read more about the temple

What are the steps taken by the Odisha Government for Lingaraj Temple?

In 2019, the Odisha Government announced the Ekamra Kshetra Development project for the development of the area around Lingaraj temple to revive the heritage and cultural value of the ‘temple city’.

In 2020, Lingaraj Temple Ordinance was introduced to bring Lingaraj Temple and 8 other associated temples under the control of the Lingaraj Temple Managing Committee, similar to the one for Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Under the ordinance, a fund creation was also proposed to deposit income derived from immovable and movable properties of the temple.

What are the objections raised by the Central Government against the Ordinance?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has said several sections of the proposed ordinance were in conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains(AMASR) Act.

Firstly, the ordinance covers 12 centrally protected monuments, including the Lingaraj temple and three tanks. This was outside the legislative competence of the state legislature as it violates the provisions of AMASR Act,1958.

Secondly, the ordinance has a provision for retail shops for the sale of commodities inside or outside the temples. But as per AMASR Act, a monument should not be used for any other purposes not consistent with its character.

Thirdly, as per the ordinance, a managing committee will be set up to oversee the lease or sale of movable or immovable property attached to the Lingaraj temple. But the movable property may include archaeological or artistic objects (meaning antiques) and in that case, it will be in conflict with the AMASR Act.

Fourthly, the ordinance provides for certain powers to the temple committee to undertake repairs, for which the Archaeological Survey of India is responsible. Therefore, this clause is also in contradiction with the provision of the AMASR Act.

Fifthly, the ordinance provides for special darshan on payment of a fee. This was found in violation of the existing agreement between ASI and temple management, which clearly stipulates the public would have free access to the monument.

Lastly, the ordinance provides for the repair and construction of new buildings, while the centre contended that construction can only be allowed by the National Monuments Authority.


INS Valsura awarded President’s colour

Source: This post is based on the article INS Valsura awarded President’s colourpublished in The Hindu on 25th March 2022.

What is the News?

The President has presented the President’s colour to INS Valsura, the Navy’s premier technological training establishment.

Note: The President’s Colour is the highest award bestowed on a military unit in India in recognition of its exceptional services to the nation. 

What is INS Valsura?

Setup in: 1942.

Origin of Name: The name “Valsura” was derived from the combination of two Tamil words, ‘Vaal’ (meaning sword) and ‘Sorrah’ (shark). It was considered appropriate due to the variety of swordfish found off the coast of Saurashtra. Swordfish was also the name of the famous Second World War torpedo-carrying aircraft.

Purpose: It is the Indian Navy’s premier technological training establishment. It trains officers on the operation and maintenance of sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment on board warships.

Located in: Jamnagar, Gujarat.

About the brief history of INS Valsura

During the Second World War, HMIS Valsura was created to enhance the training facilities in the domain of torpedo handling and operations for the Royal Navy. 

The establishment was built on Rozi Island in Jamnagar, donated by the ruler of Nawanagar State Colonel Digvijay Singhji Jamsaheb.

In 1948, there was a proposal to shift the Torpedo School to the Naval Base in Cochin, but the Jamsaheb was keen that Valsura continued where it was and sealed it by donating another 600 acres on the same terms.

The establishment was then commissioned on December 15, 1942 by Maharani Gulab Kunverba Sahiba of Nawanagar. After Independence, HMIS Valsura was renamed as Indian Naval Ship Valsura on July 1, 1950.


Explained: What is XE variant of coronavirus, and why you need not worry about it

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: What is XE variant of coronavirus, and why you need not worry about it” published in Indian Express on 7th April 2022.

What is the News?

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC) has announced that a woman with a travel history to South Africa may have been infected with the newly-discovered ‘XE’ variant of the coronavirus.

What is XE Variant?

XE is a sub-variant of Omicron which caused the third wave of Covid-19.

First Discovered in: XE was first discovered in the United Kingdom in January 2022 and so far more than 600 samples of XE have been found in different countries.

How was XE Variant formed?

The Omicron variant has two prominent sub-variants, called BA.1 and BA.2. There is also a BA.3 sub-variant as well, but that is less common.

The XE variant is what is called a ‘recombinant’ variant. This means it contains the mutations found in BA.1 as well as BA.2 varieties of Omicron. 

What is a Recombinant Variant?

Apart from the errors in the virus genome, another process through which the virus increases its genetic diversity is recombination. 

Recombination occurs in extremely rare situations. In this, two different lineages of the virus co-infect the same cell in the host and exchange fragments of their individual genomes. This generates a descendent variant having mutations that occurred in both the original lineages of the virus. 

Recombination of lineages happens in a variety of other viruses, including those that cause influenza, as well as other coronaviruses.

Is there a threat from XE?

As of now, there is no evidence to show that the XE variant is significantly different from the other varieties of Omicron.

XE could be about 10% more transmissible than the dominant BA.2 variant. But that is a very small advantage that XE has, and even this has not been confirmed as of now.


Explained: What are WMDs, the existing law on which India now wants to amend?

Source: This post is based on the article Explained: What are WMDs, the existing law on which India now wants to amend?published in Indian Express on 7th April 2022.

What is the News?

The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 has been unanimously passed in Lok Sabha.

Click Here to read about the Bill

What are Weapons of Mass Destruction(WMD)?

Origin of the word: The expression WMD is usually considered to have been used first by the leader of the Church of England in 1937. He used to refer to the aerial bombing of civilians in the Basque town of Guernica by German and Italian fascists in support of General Franco during the Spanish Civil War.

Definition: There is no single, authoritative definition of a WMD in international law. The expression is usually understood to cover nuclear, biological, and chemical(NBC) weapons.

According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, A weapon of mass destruction is a nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, or other devices that are intended to harm a large number of people”.

India’s WMD Act 2005

The act defines,

Biological weapons: These are microbial or other biological agents or toxins and are in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes; These are specially designed to use as agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.

Chemical weapons: These are toxic chemicals developed as munitions to cause death or other harm through their toxic properties of those chemicals. However, this does not include those toxic chemicals developed for peaceful, protective and certain specified military and law enforcement purposes.

Control over WMDs

The use of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons is regulated by a number of international treaties and agreements.

Geneva Protocol, 1925: It banned the use of chemical and biological weapons.

Biological Weapons Convention, 1972, and Chemical Weapons Convention, 1992: It has put comprehensive bans on biological and chemical weapons respectively.

India has signed and ratified both the 1972 and 1992 treaties. There are very few non-signatory countries to these treaties, even though several countries have been accused of non-compliance.

The use and proliferation of nuclear weapons are regulated by treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).


Prime Minister of Nepal seeks mechanism to resolve India-Nepal border dispute

Source: This post is based on the article “Prime Minister of Nepal seeks mechanism to resolve India-Nepal border dispute” published in The Hindu on 2nd April 2022.

What is the News? 

The Prime Minister of Nepal visited India and held a summit meeting with the Indian Prime Minister.

What are the key highlights from the Nepal PM visit to India?

Launch of Cross-border railway line: India and Nepal launched the 35-km cross-border railway line linking Jaynagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal. This is the first broad-gauge passenger rail link between the two sides and it will be extended to Bardibas in Nepal.

Solu Corridor: India handed over the Solu Corridor, a 90-km, 132 kV power transmission line built under an Indian line of credit. The line will help bring electricity to several remote districts in northeastern Nepal by connecting them to the country’s national grid.

Launch of RuPay card in Nepal: India launched RuPay card in Nepal. With this, domestic variant of the RuPay card will now work at 1,400 point-of-sale machines in Nepal, and the move is expected to facilitate bilateral tourist flows.

Note: Nepal is the fourth country, after Bhutan, Singapore and the UAE, where RuPay has been launched.

Nepal as member of International Solar Alliance: Nepal signed a framework agreement to join the India-led International Solar Alliance (becoming the 105th member country).

Pancheshwar Multipurpose Dam Project: The two sides agreed to expedite work on the delayed Pancheshwar multipurpose dam project (on Mahakali river) that is considered to be a gamechanger for the development of the region.

Border Dispute: Nepalese Prime Minister urged his Indian counterpart to take steps to resolve a boundary dispute. The Indian side made it clear both countries need to address the boundary issue through dialogue and to avoid the politicization of such issues.

Mains Answer Writing

[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #163: Sheel Vardhan sir Board, Geography Optional, Rajasthan Home State

Date of Interview: 27-02-2024 forenoon(last to go) Board: Sheel Vardhan sir Optional: Geography Home State: Rajasthan Keywords- BCOM, Rajasthan, karauli, Madhya pradesh, Indore, Geography optinal, zentangle art, doodling, DAVV, To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman What is zentangle art Is doodling is really an art? Convince me that it is an… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #163: Sheel Vardhan sir Board, Geography Optional, Rajasthan Home State

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UPSC Mains Answer writing 29 Mar, 2024 I Mains Marathon

Good Morning Friends, Following are today’s UPSC Mains Marathon Questions. About Mains Marathon – This is an initiative of ForumIAS to help/aid aspirants in their mains answer writing skills, which is crucial to conquering mains examination. UPSC Mains Answer writing 29 March 2024 Every morning, we post 2–3 questions based on current affairs. The questions framed are… Continue reading UPSC Mains Answer writing 29 Mar, 2024 I Mains Marathon

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Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 29th March 2024

About Must Read News Articles is an initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide links to the most important news articles of the day. It covers The Hindu newspaper. This saves the time and effort of students in identifying useful and important articles. With newspaper websites requiring a paid subscription beyond a certain number of fixed articles,… Continue reading Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 29th March 2024

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India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond

Source-This post on India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond has been created based on the article “How to fix India’s urban water crisis, from Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies Context– Bengaluru is experiencing… Continue reading India’s urban water crisis-From Bengaluru to Chennai and beyond

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Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

Source-This post on Limitation on Welfare Policies Politics in India has been created based on the article “Welfare is on the agenda of all political parties. But is it adequate” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States… Continue reading Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

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Challenges of implementing a wealth tax: Piketty’s wealth tax: An idea that just can’t work

Source: The post challenges of implementing a wealth tax has been created, based on the article “Piketty’s wealth tax: An idea that just can’t work” published in “Live mints” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Inclusive growth and issues News: This article discusses the rise in billionaires… Continue reading Challenges of implementing a wealth tax: Piketty’s wealth tax: An idea that just can’t work

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Avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases: Timely restatement

Source: The post avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases has been created, based on the article “Timely restatement” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-polity-judiciary News: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s recent judgment advising courts to avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation… Continue reading Avoid pre-trial injunctions against the media in defamation cases: Timely restatement

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Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid

Source: The post impact of politics on humanitarian aid has been created, based on the article “The politics of humanitarian aid” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests. News: The article discusses how politics often… Continue reading Impact of politics on humanitarian aid: The politics of humanitarian aid

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Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD): WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

Source: The post Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) has been created, based on the article “WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal” published in “The Hindu” on 28th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: The article discusses India’s opposition to the Investment Facilitation… Continue reading Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD): WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

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Sustainable building materials

Source-This post on sustainable building materials has been created based on the article “On sustainable building materials” published in “The Hindu” on 26 March 2024. UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3- Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Context- India housing construction sector is booming, with over 3,00,000 housing units built annually. However, the building sector is a… Continue reading Sustainable building materials

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