9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 27, 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

Murder in the Sewer

Source: The post is based on an article “Murder in the Sewer” published in The Hindu on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Laws and mechanisms for the protection of the vulnerable sections

News: This article discusses the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the issues associated with manual scavenging.

Tamil Nadu recently notified the rules of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

What does Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 say?

Manual scavenging is completely prohibited. However, the rules allow manual cleaning in conditions where mechanical equipment cannot be deployed, or when it is absolutely necessary to have human intervention.

It specifies a long list of protective devices and gear for the person engaged to clean a sewer or a septic tank such as airline breathing apparatus, and an airline respirator among others.

It also says that employers should provide devices such as chlorine masks, emergency medical oxygen resuscitator kits, first aid, etc.

It has mandated the regular maintenance of the equipment and devices.

What are the issues with manual scavenging?

Sewage cleaning involves working with human excreta, and it invokes the concept of dignity of labor.

The task of removing excreta and cleaning sewers by humans when machines are able to do the work is a gross violation of rights.

According to the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, 971 people lost their lives while cleaning sewers or septic tanks since 1993. It was the year when the law prohibiting the employment of manual scavengers was enacted.

Tamil Nadu is among the top States on the list.

The reason for such death is the lack of prevention measures from the poisonous gases.

What should be the future course of action?

There should be proper implementation and monitoring of the rules.

Compensation should be given to the family members of those who have died and they should be provided with better profession opportunities.


Why Nepal has put on hold Gorkha recruitment under India’s Agnipath scheme

Source: The post is based on an article “Why Nepal has put on hold Gorkha recruitment under India’s Agnipath scheme” published in The Indian Express on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Bilateral relations of India

Relevance: India and Nepal military relations

News: This article discusses the recruitment of Nepalese Gorkha soldiers and recent changes made by the Indian army in the recruitment of these soldiers.

Nepal has postponed scheduled rallies to recruit Gorkha soldiers for the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme.

The Nepalese government is of the opinion that this new way to enter the Indian military is not covered under the Tripartite Agreement.

What is the Tripartite Agreement?

This agreement was signed between the government of India, Nepal and UK in 1947 regarding the future of Gorkha soldiers who were serving in the Indian army.

As per this agreement, four regiments of Gorkha soldiers — 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 10th were transferred to the British Army. Whereas the remaining — 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th regiments remained with the Indian Army.

The agreement also provides for the terms and conditions, post-retirement benefits, and pensions of Nepal domiciled Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army.

How is the relationship between India and Nepalese Gorkhas?

The Gorkha soldiers from Nepal serve side by side with Gorkha soldiers who are born and brought up in India and are not considered mercenaries.

The Geneva Convention of 1949 defines mercenary. It says that soldiers serving in sovereign armies are not considered mercenaries.

There have been attempts to reduce the dependence on Nepal for Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army in order to strike a balance between India and Nepal domiciled troops.

A pure Indian Gorkha battalion was raised in 2016 in Subathu, Himachal Pradesh.

The ratio of Nepalese domiciled soldiers and Indian domiciled soldiers in a Gorkha battalion ranges from 60:40 to 70:30, and it is expected to change in the future.

There was a change made in the recruitment rules of the Gorkha rifles after the Army decided that soldiers hailing from Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand will also be eligible to serve in Gorkha Rifles.

How important is it for Nepal that Gorkhas serve in the Indian Army?

A research paper from 2020 titled ’The Gurkha Recruitment, Remittances and Development’ by Ratna Mani Nepal states that:

  • The remittances from Gorkhas serving in foreign armies have significantly contributed to social modernization in the isolated villages.
  • The financial remittances have also encouraged entrepreneurship development which helps in regional development.

Pegasus case: Slowing justice, the committee way

Source: The post is based on the article “Slowing justice, the committee way” published in the Indian Express on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 Important Provisions of the Constitution of India; Functioning of Indian Judiciary

Relevance: Pegasus Case; Judicial Reforms

News: The Supreme Court listed the Pegasus case for hearing before the bench of the Chief Justice N V Ramana, one day before his retirement, for examining the reports submitted by a technical committee constituted last year.

Background

The Supreme Court had constituted a committee of technical experts monitored by retired Supreme Court Justice R V Raveendran.

The committee had created a website and published a methodology for investigations into the case. It invited submissions and devices for study through a public notice. It conducted the video recordings.

What are the major issues in the judicial process related to the hearing of the Pegasus case?

The committee submitted its final report in August in a sealed cover. The findings of the committee were announced in summary without disclosing material particulars. The report has been resealed and kept in the custody of the Secretary General of the Supreme Court of India.

Despite submission, there have been multiple delays in the listing of the case for hearing. Despite the fact that the Pegasus case concerns a lot for India’s democratic framework and fundamental rights.

The Supreme Court of India took 4 hearings over two weeks to issue a pre-admission notice to the central government. These four hearings are instructive regarding the failed attempts by the Court to solicit the cooperation of the Union government.

The Court remarked that as per the report the government failed to cooperate with the committee.

What should be done?

Given the Pegasus case is pending it is hoped that the Judiciary must take remedial measures like the release of the contents of the report and giving directions to the government to enforce the writ of the Supreme Court of India.


Puttaswamy and the fading promise of a right

Source: The post is based on the article “Puttaswamy and the fading promise of a right” published in “The Hindu” on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 Important Provisions of the Constitution of India

Relevance: 5 years of Right to privacy judgment.

News: Five years ago, on 24 August 2022, a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India delivered a very crucial judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (retd.) vs Union of India (2017).

About the Judgment

The SC judgment recognised the right to privacy as being a fundamental right. This right stems from the right to life and personal liberty, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The right to privacy is intrinsic to an individual’s ability to exercise bodily autonomy.

However, the right to privacy is not an “absolute right”. It is subjected to certain limitations in a manner similar to those placed on the right to free speech and expression.

Read more: Right to privacy is a fundamental right now
What are the issues in enforcement even after 5 years of Right to privacy judgment?

So far, the recognition of the right has not been upheld in letter or in practice. This can be understood from the nature of the relationship shared among consumers and companies.

Data not protected: Data security breaches which result in the loss and theft of personal, sensitive data continues unabated. The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2021 has been withdrawn after an unnecessarily long period of stagnation.

Data collection: In India, any person or business can procure the personal information for a vast majority of the people. These data are used and consumed most often by some legitimate advertising agencies, unscrupulous telemarketing firms, and cyber criminals.

This status quo leaves the people open to a range of harms like phishing attacks, financial scams, as well as other harmful activities based on information about an individual.

‘Spying’ from above: There are apprehensions about the unauthorized or illegal state surveillance in the name of the security and integrity of India. For example, this is validated with the allegation of the misuse of the Pegasus spyware by the Indian government.

Other ‘transgressions’: The Government has demanded the VPN service providers, most of which operate in jurisdictions outside of India, to ensure start collecting and maintaining KYC records on Indian nationals who seek to avail their services. The kind of information requested to be collected and stored includes full name, phone number, home address, etc., which generally is not sought by VPN service providers.

What should be done?

The government must adhere to the judgment and put into place all of the checks and balances which are necessary to prevent Government overreach and abuse of power.

GS Paper 3


India’s chip-making gambit: Ambitious plans or breakthrough strategy?

Source: The post is based on an article “India’s chip-making gambit: Ambitious plans or breakthrough strategy?” published in The Business Standard on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Government policies for various industries

Relevance: advantages and concerns associated with the chip-making industry

News: This article discusses the benefits and concerns associated with the decision of India, to enter the chip-making industry.

What are chips and their uses?

Chips, or integrated circuits imprinted on silicon wafers, are at the heart of every kind of manufacturing industry from automobiles to telecom gear, and from defense equipment to solar panels.

They will become even more important in a world of artificial intelligence and electric cars, which need many more chips than petrol-driven cars.

Where does the world stand in chip-making?

The US has offered incentives of $52 billion, and it leads in logic chip design.

The European Union is topping up an earlier offer of $30 billion.

China reportedly subsidizes its chip manufacturing to the extent of $15 billion annually.

Samsung plans to invest $200 billion in new chip factories.

What is the situation of India in chip making?

It has offered an unprecedented $10 billion as capital subsidy to the chip manufacturing industry.

India’s chip-making decision is a part of providing an incentive-based push into electronic manufacturing.

It has already been successful in manufacturing the mobile handset.

Chip manufacturers proposing to locate in India might look at mid-range chips (28 nm) used by the automobile industry and some smartphones.

India has strengths in chip designing and also has the advantage of being the labor-intensive country in making the chips.

It could do well in downstream product assembly, as it has done with mobile handsets.

India is looking for a full spectrum approach rather than a specialized approach. The full spectrum approach will replace imports of both chips and downstream products.

What are the concerns associated with the chip industry?

First, it requires a huge amount of cash for advanced research and super-expensive production facilities.

Second, even though India goes for a full spectrum approach, it will be dependent on upstream imports for materials and production equipment.

Third, Taiwan supplies chips more than half of the world’s supply, and it would be a matter of concern if Taiwan is attacked by China.

Fourth, Russia and Ukraine are the leading suppliers of neon gas and palladium which is required in the chip-making industry and the conflict between these two will be a matter of concern.


Improving women’s work participation rate: Men@(House)Work

Source: The post is based on the article “Men @ (house) Work” published in The Times of India on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 Inclusive Growth

Relevance: Women’s Work Participation; Work From home

News: Recently, the PM of India while speaking of “Nari shakti in the workforce and Vision 2047”, advocated for flexible, work-from-home options to boost women’s labour force participation.

What are the various aspects of women’s participation in economic activities?

Importance: As per Oxfam estimates, India’s GDP would be higher by 43% if Indian women had the same work participation rates as men.

The present status of women’s work participation: India has a dismal record in terms of women’s work participation.

What are the causes behind dismal women’s work participation?

The reasons range from higher education, rising aspirations to simply fewer jobs in the Indian job market.

Women are forced to work a double shift of housework and care responsibilities.

Most women are forced to drop out or choose a softer, less rewarding track if they are pursuing a physical workplace.

What are the challenges associated with providing flexible work to women?

The pandemic has shown how easy it is to allow many kinds of workers to work more productively at their own convenience. However, there are two major issues associated with it.

1) Studies show that remote work tends to stall promotion and career advancement for women. 2) Work from home or flexible work may not apply to all kinds of work.

What should be done to improve women’s work participation?

An environment must be created that the home is not exclusively a woman’s domain, it is also the responsibility of men. Therefore, men must contribute equally to care and household work.

There should be greater state or workplace investment in childcare, to make sure that women workers do not have to take a hit to their careers and have the same chances as men.


Inclusion of climate change in policy is crucial for a strong economy

Source: The post is based on the article “Inclusion of climate change in policy is crucial for a strong economy” published in the Indian Express on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 Indian Economy; Ecology and Environment

Relevance: Monetary Policies dealing with the climate change issues

News: In July 2022, the Reserve bank of India (RBI) released a discussion paper that covers the issue of climate risks and sustainable finance.

About the RBI recent discussion paper

The RBI’s earlier research papers or report could not address the comprehensive risk assessment.

Therefore, this paper seeks to understand preferred approaches to identification and disclosure of exposures to climate-related risks, transition risks, frameworks for management of risks and capacity building within the banking sector etc.

The RBI wants to assess the preparedness of the system rather than indicate its own approach to what a central bank can do.

What is the importance of the RBI’s recent consultation paper?

It shows the Reserve Bank’s inclination to address emerging risks from climate change and a full assessment of macro-risks that may arise from disinvestment from fossil fuel-based assets.

Further, the discussion paper also indicates the RBI’s understanding of the requirements of the regulatory changes.

The paper allows the RBI to respond based on existing practices and a better understanding of the risk profiles of banks.

What are the issues in the discussion paper?

The scope of discussion in the paper remains limited and without a general narrative on the central bank’s role.

It does not detail the various instruments such as capital requirements for fossil fuel-based lending by banks or credit guidance that can be worked by a central bank to ensure the greening of the financial system.

Why should the central banks acknowledge the climate change risks?

(1) Exposure of assets to extreme weather events and loss of asset value due to a green transition are imminent risks to the financial system.

(2) Inclusion of climate change in a central bank’s policy response remains unaddressed. Climate change is a significant threat to financial stability and the central banks are “failing to do its job” to address climate risk.

(3) Central banks can guide the flow of finance by restricting the flow of credit to fossil fuel-dependent sectors.

What are various measures related to the acknowledgement of climate change risks?

Globally

(1) Some Central Banks have adopted a range of best practices and approaches. For example, (a) the Bank of Lebanon sets different reserve requirements for loans linked to energy savings, and (b) the People’s Bank of China offers positive incentives to commercial banks for extending green credit,

India

(1) The Reserve Bank of India has included renewable energy (RE) within priority sector lending.

(2) In 2021, the RBI joined the Network for Greening Financial System which promotes the exchange of best practices on green finance across the world.

(3) In 2021, RBI issued research papers indicating a growing acknowledgement of risks to the financial system. The RBI has acknowledged that extreme weather events can elevate inflation.

(4) In 2022, RBI estimated the direct and indirect exposure of Indian banks to green transition in India.

What should be done?

While the RBI, disclosures and risk assessment frameworks are a starting point. It remains to be seen what macro and micro-prudential regulations will be introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).


AFSPA: A draconian law that needs to disappear

Source: The Post is based on the article “A draconian law that needs to disappear” published in “The Hindu” on 27th August 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 Security Forces and Their Mandate

Relevance: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, or AFSPA. 

News: In December 2021, the Commandos of the Army’s 21 Para (Special Forces) killed six locals initially in a case of mistaken identity in Nagaland, where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, or AFSPA, has been imposed.

Background of the law

In the 1950s, Naga insurgents resorted to large-scale violence and meticulously planned and launched ambushes, which resulted into either killing or injury of hundreds of Indian Army soldiers, Central and State paramilitary personnel in the region.

As a result, the Union government introduced the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, or AFSPA.

About the AFSPA

Read here: Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) – Explained, pointwise
What are the issues in the AFSPA?

(1) Colonial legacy: The law can be traced to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance 1942, enacted by the British to subjugate the rebels in the country during the Quit India movement, particularly in Assam and Bengal in October 1942.

(2) In the North-East India, Nagaland has largely borne the brunt of this law since the AFSPA was imposed in the late 1950s.

(3) On account of sweeping powers, there are allegations of aberrations committed by security forces, for decades, against the residents of the states, where the AFSPA has been imposed. For example, in 2012, the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families’ Association Manipur (EEVFAM) approached the SC with around 1,528 cases of alleged fake encounter. A number of those cases have been found to be indeed fake encounters.

(4) There are delays in any further action against the security forces due to delay in the consent from the Central government. For example, there is delay in any further action against the commandos in the recent case also.

(5)  The AFSPA has become a case of violation of the very basic tenets of democracy like the principles “Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people”, the liberty and the rights of the people which are enshrined in the Constitution of India.

(6) Despite a 16-year long hunger-strike by Irom Chanu Sharmila, the iron lady of Manipur, nothing has improved so far.

What are the measures taken so far?

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that all three wings of the defence forces were in favour of the removal of AFSPA from the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.

In April this year, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi made a statement to the people of the North-east that the Government intends to withdraw the much-dreaded Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, or AFSPA, completely from the region.

Following the PM’s statement, in March this year, the government has partially withdrawn the AFSPA from parts of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

What should be the way forward?

There needs to be a comprehensive and serious periodical review undertaken by the Centre till the entire North-east is freed from the tentacles of AFSPA.

Investigations into the 1,528 encounters also need to be fast tracked and taken to their logical conclusion.

The Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Commission recommended that AFSPA be withdrawn.


Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India poised to become next global SaaS capital: Report

Source: The post is based on the article India poised to become next global SaaS capital: Reportpublished in Livemint on 27th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) and Ernst & Young Global Limited(EY) have released a study titled “India: The next global SaaS capital”.

What is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a software licensing model in which access to the software is provided on a subscription basis with the software being located on external servers rather than on servers located in-house.

SaaS allows each user to access programs via the Internet, instead of having to install the software on the user’s computer.

SaaS has many business applications, including file sharing, email, calendars, customer retention management and human resources.

SaaS is easy to implement, easy to update and debug and can be less expensive (or at least have lower up-front costs) since users pay for SaaS as they go instead of purchasing multiple software licenses for multiple computers.

Drawbacks to the adoption of SaaS center around data security, speed of delivery and lack of control.

What does the study say about the Indian SaaS market?

India is poised to become the global Software as a Service (SaaS) capital over the next few years mainly driven by Small and Medium Businesses with a focus on large enterprises.

The Indian SaaS market is expected to grow multi-fold by 2025 accounting for almost 7 to 10% of the global SaaS market from 2 to 4% at present.

Compared to one in 2018, India now has 18 SaaS unicorns with the country being the third-largest SaaS ecosystem globally, after the USA and China.


African health ministers adopt PEN-PLUS strategy against non-communicable diseases

Source: The post is based on the article “African health ministers adopt PEN-PLUS strategy against non-communicable diseases” published in Down To Earth on 26th August 2022.

What is the News?

Africa has adopted the PEN-PLUS strategy to boost access to the diagnosis, treatment and care of severe non-communicable diseases (NCD). 

What is the PEN-PLUS Strategy?

Adopted by: Africa 

Purpose: To address severe Non-Communicable Diseases at First-Level Referral Health Facilities.

Aim: To bridge the access gap in the treatment and care of patients with chronic and severe NCDs.

Features: The strategy urges countries to put in place standardized programmes to tackle chronic and serious non-communicable diseases by ensuring that essential medicines, technologies and diagnostics are available and accessible in district hospitals.

What are Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs)?

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) also known as chronic diseases tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.

The main types of NCD are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

Globally, NCDs are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. They account for 71% of global mortality, according to the World Health Organization(WHO).

According to the ASSOCHAM report, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India is 116 per 1,000 population with hypertension, digestive diseases and diabetes leading the burden.


Paddy dwarfing: PAU decodes mystery, blames virus first reported in China

Source: The post is based on the article “Paddy dwarfing: PAU decodes mystery, blames virus first reported in China” published in Indian Express on 27th August 2022.

What is the News?

Scientists at Punjab Agricultural University(PAU) have found that the disease that has impacted the paddy crop in Punjab and Haryana was Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV).

This is the first time that SRBSDV has been found in Punjab.

What is Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus(SRBSDV)?

It is a viral disease that has infected the paddy crops in Haryana and Punjab causing “dwarfing” of the plants.

Named After: It is named after Southern China where it was first reported in 2001.

Transmitted by: It is transmitted by white-backed plant hopper(WBPH) in a persistent circulative and propagative manner.

– The long-distance transmission of this virus may occur through WBPH migrating with typhoons and strong convection winds.

Treatment: Since there was no corrective measure for this viral disease, farmers have been advised several measures which include:

Firstly, Farmers should regularly monitor the crop for the presence of WBPH and a few plants should be slightly tilted and tapped 2-3 times at the base at weekly intervals. 

Secondly, if WBPH nymphs/adults are seen floating on water, then insecticides can be sprayed towards the base of the plants.

Lastly, farmers are advised to follow the transplanting dates advised by PAU since stunting was observed to be more in the early transplanted crops. It will not only help in managing the viral disease but also save water.


Achieving net zero emissions target can boost India’s GDP, says report

Source: The post is based on the article “Achieving net zero emissions target can boost India’s GDP, says report” published in The Hindu on 27th August 2022.

What is the News?

The High-Level Policy Commission on Getting Asia to Net Zero has released a report titled “Getting India to Net Zero report”.

What is the High-Level Policy Commission on Getting Asia to Net Zero?

The High-Level Policy Commission on Getting Asia to Net Zero was constituted by Asia Society Policy Institute, a New York-based think tank.

Aim: To urgently accelerate Asia’s transition to net zero emissions while ensuring that the region thrives and prospers through this transition.

What are the key findings of the report?

Net Zero by 2070: India’s transition to net zero by 2070 could boost annual GDP by 4.7% by 2036 and create 15 million new jobs by 2047.

– But India will require an investment of $10.1 trillion from now if it is to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Net zero by 2050: If India’s net zero ambition is brought forward to 2050, annual GDP gains could go as high as 7.3 per cent and can create nearly 20 million additional jobs by 2032.

– However, for this, India will require an investment of $13.5 trillion.

Impact of ending coal use: Ending new coal as soon as possible by 2023 and transitioning from unabated coal power by 2040 would be particularly impactful to get India to net zero emissions sooner.

What is the significance of the report?

The report acknowledged the significant resources needed for India to transition to a clean economy and the foremost challenge being finance. If finance is not available, there would be a significant strain on the domestic economy.


Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conduct door-to-door screening for TB in more than 68,000 villages under Aashwasan campaign

Source: The post is based on the articleMinistry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conduct door-to-door screening  for TB in more than 68,000 villages under Aashwasan campaign published in PIB on 26th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TB division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has organized a national conclave at the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) to disseminate the learnings of the 100-day Aashwasan Campaign under ‘Tribal TB Initiative’.

What is Aashwasan Campaign?

Organized by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under ‘Tribal TB Initiative’.

Under the campaign, door-to-door screening for TB was undertaken in more than 68,000 villages.

Based on this campaign, the government has now zeroed in on 75 tribal districts, where a three-pronged strategy will be implemented to make these districts TB-free. The three-pronged strategy is:

– Generating demand for TB services through continued engagement with community influencers

– Improving the delivery of TB services by enhancing the TB testing and diagnosis infrastructure.

– Decreasing the risk of transmission and decreasing the pool of infections through active case-finding campaigns.

What is Tribal TB Initiative?

Tribal TB is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Central TB Division, Ministry of Health, supported by USAID as a technical partner and Piramal Swasthya as implementing partner.

Aim: To improve the cascade of TB care and support services among Tribal Populations in India.


Sebi tightens disclosure rules for rating agencies

Source: The post is based on the article “Sebi tightens disclosure rules for rating agenciespublished in Livemint on 27th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has enhanced the rules on disclosures by credit rating agencies and put in place a framework for rating withdrawals of Perpetual Bonds.

What are Perpetual Bonds?

A perpetual bond, also known as a “consol bond” is a fixed income security with no maturity date. This type of bond is often considered a type of equity, rather than debt. 

One major drawback to these types of bonds is that they are not redeemable. However, the major benefit of them is that they pay a steady stream of interest payments forever.

What are the current rating revocation regulations?

According to the current rating revocation regulations, the rating of perpetual bonds such as AT-I bonds cannot be revoked unless the securities are redeemed. 

What is being changed now?

In order to facilitate the withdrawal of perpetual debt security ratings, that are listed or are to be listed on the stock exchange, a credit rating agency may withdraw a rating. This can be done in case it rated these securities continuously for at least five years or received an undertaking from either the issuer or other agencies that a rating is available for such bonds.

Why are these changes being made now?

Sebi has brought these new guidelines after AT1 bonds issued by Yes Bank were written down to zero in March 2020 as part of a restructuring plan, which led to huge losses for several investors.


National Cancer Grid(NCG) Establishes New Centre for Digital Oncology to improve Cancer Care using Digital Technologies

Source: The post is based on the article National Cancer Grid(NCG) Establishes New Centre for Digital Oncology to improve Cancer Care using Digital Technologiespublished in PIB on 26th August 2022.

What is the News?

The National Cancer Grid(NCG) has established the Koita Centre for Digital Oncology (KCDO) to promote the use of digital technologies and tools to improve cancer care across India.

What is the National Cancer Grid(NCG)?

Established in: 2012

Established by: Government of India through the Department of Atomic Energy and with the grant support of Tata Memorial Centre.

Mandate: To create a network of cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India with the objective of a) developing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer; b) providing specialized training and education in oncology and c) facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer. 


World Bank panel mulls investigation into complaints against Vishnugadh hydro power project

Source: The post is based on the article “World Bank panel mulls investigation into complaints against Vishnugadh hydro power project” published in The Hindu on 27th August 2022.

What is the News?

An independent panel of the World Bank is considering a plea by residents of villages in Uttarakhand to investigate environmental damage from the under-construction Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project(VPHEP).

What is Vishnugad Project?

Vishnugad Project is a run-of-river hydroelectric project being constructed on Dhauliganga River in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.

Built by: Tehri Hydropower Development Corporation (THDC), a partially State-owned enterprise.

Funded by: The project is primarily funded by the World Bank and was sanctioned in 2011. 

Expected completion year: The project is proposed to be completed in June 2023.

Why is this project being opposed by residents?

Residents are opposing this project on the following grounds: Ecological Impact, forced resettlement, loss of livelihoods, threatens the local Lakshmi Narayan Temple which is deemed to be of historical and cultural importance, limited availability of water and inadequate compensation.


Government notifies Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

Source: The post is based on the article Government notifies Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022published in PIB on 25th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.

What are Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022?

Aim: To ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries.

These rules will replace the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.

Batteries covered: The rules cover all types of batteries, viz. Electric Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries and industrial batteries.

What are the key provisions of the rules?

Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR): Producers (including importers) of batteries are responsible for the collection and recycling /refurbishment of waste batteries and the use of recovered materials from waste into new batteries.

– The rules enable the setting up of a mechanism and centralized online portal for the exchange of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates. 

Polluter Pay Principle: Environmental compensation will be imposed for non-fulfilment of EPR targets. 

– The funds collected under environmental compensation shall be utilized in the collection and refurbishing or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.

Industries for waste Batteries: Promote setting up of new industries and entrepreneurship in collection and recycling /refurbishment of waste batteries. 

Use of recycled materials for new batteries: The rules prescribe the use of a certain amount of recycled materials in the making of new batteries. 

Monitoring the implementation of rules: Online registration & reporting, auditing, and committee for monitoring the implementation of rules and taking measures required for removal of difficulties.

What is the significance of these rules?

Firstly, sustainable management of battery waste would increase India’s push for electric vehicles.

Secondly, the rules will bring new technologies and investment in recycling and refurbishment.

Thirdly, it will help reduce the dependency on new raw materials and save natural resources.


 

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