9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 18th, 2021

Posted on December 18th, 2021 Last modified on September 8th, 2022 Comments Views : 2.4k

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

Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
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
We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
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.
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Mains Oriented Articles

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Summoning CEC, EC to PMO is outrageous

Source: This post is based on the following articles:”By not standing up to a virtual summons from government, Election Commission undermines itself” published in the Indian Express on 18th December 2021.

“Summoning CEC, EC to PMO is outrageous” published in the Indian Express on 18th December 2021.

Syllabus: GS 2 Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.

Relevance: Understanding the need for the independent role of the Election Commission.

News: Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners were summoned by the PMO to attend a meeting with the Principal Secretary(PS) to the PM. This move has come under criticism, as the independent Election Commission of India(ECI) is a gift of the Constitution to the nation.

Must Read: Independence of EC is reducing – Explained, pointwise

Why the summoning is a cause of concern?

The PMO summoning or “inviting” not just the CEC but the full bench is in violation of the Constitution, irrespective of how important or urgent the issue is.

Also, The CEC is very high in the warrant of precedence (9th), while the PS to PM is 23rd. So, summoning a high constitutional functionary to attend a meeting is in a violation of the spirit of the Constitution.

Read here: CEC’s, EC’s interaction with the PMO-Why this raises questions and breaches a red line

How Election Commission has evolved in India?

The institutions undergo constant evolution. EC was made a formidable body under TN Seshan in the 90s. He upheld the rules, including the model code of conduct.

The equilibrium does not remain the same and in the last few years, the government mount pressure on unelected bodies. The decisions of EC has also faced a few challenges like delay in announcing the election schedule in Gujarat in 2017, its evasiveness in banning campaign activity amid the second Covid surge in West Bengal.

Read here: The Issue of Public trust on ECI |Election Commission

What should be the way forward?

EC should shed its image of not upholding the rules and norms. It should ask the law ministry to submit its replies on record. Government should also recognize that undermining EC can weaken the system.

For an honest broker: On Russia and India-China ties

Source: This post is based on the article “For an honest broker: On Russia and India-China ties” published in The Hindu on 18th December 2021.Syllabus: GS 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Relevance: Understanding the role of Russia in normalising India China Relations.

News: Recently, the Russian President visited India for 21st India – Russia Annual summit.

Talks about China during the visit

During the visit, India’s problems with Chinese aggression were raised. In return, Russia ensured to hold a trilateral summit of the leaders of Russia, India and China (RIC) in the near future.

What are the challenges in the holding RIC meeting?

Earlier, the RIC Summit occurred on the sidelines of the Osaka G-20 summit in 2019. Along with the Modi-Xi Mamallapuram summit, the RIC meet also ensured peaceful coexistence and growth between the neighbours. But much has been changed since then. These include,

1. China’s aggression at the Line of Actual Control: It dented the hopes of peaceful coexistence and growth, 2. No face to face meeting between Indian and Chinese leaders since 2019: Due to issues in LAC, they have not spoken directly, even though they attended the same multilateral summits (BRICS, SCO, G-20, etc.), 3. The summit will not take place until the promises made by the Chinese Foreign Minister in meetings with the External Affairs Minister are fulfilled.

Why Russia’s role as an honest broker of India-China talks must be scrutinised?

Even though India bought S-400 missile defence systems and improved its relations with Russia, the Russian role as a facilitator needs closer attention. This is because,

1. Russia and China have consolidated their support for each other in the face of U.S. concerns over Russian action against Ukraine and Chinese action on Taiwan, 2. Russia is deeply dependent on Chinese investment, 3. On Afghanistan talks, Russia has shown that it was prepared to cut India out of negotiations held by the Troika plus group with the U.S., China and Pakistan.

Must read: Recent developments in India-Russia Relations – Explained, pointwise

What India needs to do?

1. India must continue to balance its relations between Russia and the US, and its partners in Eurasia versus those in the Indo-Pacific, 2. India has to follow an independent path in foreign policy.

Soft power: Who does it help?

Source: This post is based on the article “Soft power: Who does it help?” published in Business Standard on 18th December 2021.

Syllabus: GS 2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Relevance: To understand the importance of Soft power.

News: Nations export culture, ideology, and people to create soft power. They export because they have a competitive edge, superior education system, rich culture, superior political system, and military might.

Read more: Hard knocks for soft power

What are the benefits of Soft power?

1. Competitive edge for the “exporter” nation: Since people retain cultural ties and residual loyalties to the land of origin, 2. Create a feedback loop and reinforce hard power: For example, South Korean movies, music, games and dress codes are influencing millennials everywhere.

About India’s soft power during ancient times

India has soft power in Southeast Asia and the Far East. Buddhist missionaries won hearts and minds. Naval conquests established Indophile cultures in Indonesia and Cambodia.

About the soft power of the UK during Colonial times

The soft power of the UK was accumulated during the time when the sun never set on the British Empire. That soft power still has its impacts. For instance, 1. The EU’s business language is English (though the UK is no longer a member), 2. Pop music everywhere has English lyrics, 3. English is America’s official language and is widely spoken in many countries like India.

Does soft power always benefit exporter nations?

No, if the soft power is being exported for the wrong reasons, then the soft power exported can rebound horribly wrong on the exporter. The lessons of Germany, Italy and Japan in the 1930s is a classic example.

How did the soft power of Germany, Japan and Italy lead to the demise of their own?

In the 1930s, Japan started dreaming of a “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” created by annexing chunks of mainland Asia. Similarly, Germany’s Third Reich started fantasising about a Greater Germany (Gross Deutschland) and the enslavement and extermination of inferior races.

For achieving that purpose, Jews, Gypsies, Catholics, etc., were herded into extermination camps in Germany. Citizens left Japan in search of greater political stability. The Italians left as Mussolini tried to grab chunks of Africa, and spoke about a New Roman Empire through the “Right of Blood“. This resulted in

-Emigrant scientists and engineers (including Italians like Enrico Fermi, non-Jewish Germans, and many Jews) invented nuclear weapons and gathered information about the Axis war efforts.

-General Dwight David Eisenhower, who oversaw the Allied invasion of Europe was born into a German immigrant family.

-The US Army’s 442nd Infantry Regiment, which won more gallantry awards than any other US formation, was entirely composed of volunteers of Japanese descent.

The advocates of Gross Deutschland and the Greater East Asia thing mostly ended up dead, after killing millions of their own countrymen. So, Soft power can rebound horribly to the exporter, if exported for the wrong reasons.

For disabled citizens to have the police they deserve

Source: This post is based on the article “For disabled citizens to have the police they deserve” published in The Hindu on 18th December 2021.Syllabus: GS2 mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Relevance: Understanding the need to empower disabled people.

News: Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has released draft guidelines for building disabled-friendly infrastructure in police stations, prisons etc.

Why does the need arise?

Effective policing is needed of the hour, and more so for the disabled who face challenges of accessibility. Even the Supreme Court had pointed out in Patan Jamal Vali vs The State of Andhra Pradesh case that women with disability are more prone to sexual violence.

Read here: Disability – policy and challenges

What is provided in the MHA guidelines?

– It sets out models for building new police stations and upgrading old ones to modern, gender-sensitive, and accessible with features like disabled-friendly toilet or entrance, etc.

-Standards recognize that services and spaces must be barrier-free by design.

– Enable disabled people to enjoy their rights. It also talks about treating persons with disabilities who are accused of committing any crime in an appropriate way.

-Provide direction under disability-inclusive training for persons involved in disaster relief.

-It introduces accessibility norms for services associated with police stations and services. This helps to promote the use of ICT to facilitate communication, development of websites, use of ICT for enforcing accessible infrastructure, sign language, etc.

What are the inadequacies in the provisions?

First, the cover letter is embedded in an image, so for a screen reader, this could become difficult.

Second, directions for deployment for directional signage also need auditory signage for visually challenged.

Third, they provide recommendations like deploying one personnel to assist visually challenged, but this has been kept optional.

Fourth, standards state that police staff on civil duty could be persons with disability, but this is inconsistent with the memorandum issued by the Department of Empowerment for persons with disabilities in August 2021. According to it, 4% reservation is provided to persons with disabilities under government jobs like IPS, IRPF, and other services.

What are the suggestions provided by SC?

In the case of Patan Jamal Vali, SC suggested having special educators and interpreters be connected with police stations to operationalize reasonable accommodations embodied in the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Also read: Disability must be viewed as a strength, Not burden

It further recommended suggesting up a database in every police station of such educators, interpreters and legal aid providers to facilitate easy access and coordination

What is the way forward?

Enacting the standards into law will mark a big step towards making our law enforcement apparatus disabled-friendly.

Also read: Right to Person with Disability- An analysis

GS Paper 3

How to read the WTO panel’s sugar report against India

Source: This post is based on the article “How to read the WTO panel’s sugar report against India” and “WTO’s findings on India’s domestic support to sugarcane growers has profound implications” published in Indian Express on 18^th Dec 2021.Syllabus: GS3 – Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Relevance: WTO, Dispute Settlement Body, Sugar subsidies

News: A panel set up by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled against India’s sugar subsidies.

What was the complaint against India?

Australia, Brazil, and Guatemala complained that India’s domestic support and export subsidy measures appeared to be inconsistent with various articles of the WTO, namely

Agreement on Agriculture: It was alleged that India’s domestic support to sugarcane producers exceeds the de minimis level of 10% of the total value of sugarcane production.

The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM): Australia accused India of failing to notify its annual domestic support for sugarcane and sugar after 1995-96, and its export subsidies since 2009-10.

Article XVI (which concerns subsidies) of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT): India’s export subsidies under the production assistance and buffer stock schemes, and the marketing and transportation schemes violated Article XVI of GATT.

What did the panel find?

Firstly, India’s domestic support to sugarcane producers is inconsistent with its obligations under Article 7.2(b) of the Agreement on Agriculture.

The panel found that for five consecutive sugar seasons (2014-15 to 2018-19), India provided non-exempt product-specific domestic support to sugarcane producers in excess of the de minimis level.

Secondly, on India’s argument that mandatory minimum prices by sugar mills, do not constitute market price support. The panel said that market price support does not require governments to purchase or procure the relevant agricultural product.

Thirdly, on India’s alleged export subsidies for sugar, the panel said that since India’s WTO Schedule does not specify export subsidy reduction commitments with respect to sugar, such export subsidies are inconsistent with Articles 3.3 and 8 of the Agreement on Agriculture.

Fourthly, with respect to Australia’s claims regarding India’s notification obligations, the panel’s report said that India had violated its obligation under Article 18.2 of the Agreement on Agriculture.

Also, by failing to notify to the SCM Committee its export subsidies for sugar under the Production Assistance, the Buffer Stock, the Marketing and Transportation, and the DFIA Schemes, India has violated its obligations under Articles 25.1 and 25.2 of the SCM Agreement.

Must Read: India loses WTO dispute over sugar subsidies;set to file an appeal

What was India’s argument in the WTO panel?

India said that the complainants have failed to prove that India’s market price support for sugarcane, and its various schemes violate the Agreement on Agriculture.

It also argued that the requirements of Article 3 of the SCM Agreement are not yet applicable to India and that India has a phase-out period of 8 years to eliminate export subsidies.

India also argued that its mandatory minimum prices are not paid by the central or state governments but by sugar mills, and hence do not constitute market price support.

Will India’s sugar industry or sugarcane farmers be impacted by the panel’s rulings?

No, because high global prices and the Centre’s biofuels programme have ensured continued shipments even without subsidy.

But, the WTO panel’s findings that India’s domestic support to sugarcane growers is exceeding the permitted de minimis level has profound implications.

What is the way forward?

India needs to initiate all measures necessary to protect its interest and file an appeal at the WTO against the report, to protect the interests of its farmers.

India must prepare for changes in the great Himalayan water

Source: This post is based on the article “India must prepare for changes in the great Himalayan water” & “Humans have created an unknown climate —India’s per capita GDP is 30% lower due to this” & “Studying the weather is critical now — the tropics could have fewer mild days” published in TOI on 18^th Dec 2021.Syllabus: GS3 – Issues related to climate change

Relevance: Climate change and its impacts on India

News: Environmental experts discuss how human actions are impacting Earth and India in Particular.

How is climate change reshaping dynamics which make our weather?

Greenhouse effect causes earth’s temperature to be well below the freezing point of water. The greenhouse effect is necessary for life on Earth.

However, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases increases the amount of energy going into the climate system and thereby affects weather.

Over the past 150 years, the amount of carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere have increased, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels.

How the climatic patterns are now changing in India and their implications?

Changes in distribution of precipitation that falls upon an area in a year: Many places now experience high intensity of rainfall in short span or the long periods of aridity.

These weather changes influence two critical cycles. The first is the hydrological cycle, or the availability of water. The other is the cycle of the variations of temperature. These have direct impact on plant productivity, which forms the basis of all life.

Further, during the monsoon in India, precipitation has become more extreme with flooding.

Onset and duration of winter in areas which have a cold season: This appears to be ending faster. In much of northern India, if the cold season ends earlier and the hot season starts sooner, the entire pattern of sowing and harvesting crops will change

The rhythm of the seasons is central to agriculture which employs 45% of our population of 1.3 billion people.

Increasing Dry spells: Dry spells due to climate change will impact the dynamics of Earth’s third water tower, the Himalayas.

There are over 10,000 glaciers in the greater Himalayan Mountain chain. They are the source of the perennial rivers which flow across the northern part of South Asia.

If these glaciers are impacted by changes in temperature, their melt rate will change. That will affect people living even thousands of miles downstream.

A prolonged dry spell can impact both agricultural production and rural India’s consumption of goods and services.

Change in number of mild days: According to the research by Gabriel A. Vecchi, globally on average, the number of mild days, impacted by anthropogenic warming, will go down.

For India, the temperature of the warmest days will continue to increase. The temperature at night will also continue to increase.

The circulation of the winds in the tropics are slowing down: Alongside, the speed of certain extreme winds, particularly tropical cyclones, are seemingly increasing, in large part due to the warming ocean.

Other implications for India:

– Temperature variability affects economic growth: Research has shown that, warm countries, tend to grow slightly less in terms of per capita GDP in warmer years than cooler years. As a consequence, India’s per capita GDP is about 30% lower today than it would have been without global warming.

– Sea-level rise: oceans take up a lot of heat and consequently, they expand, leading to sea level rise. Further, ice on land also melts. That water, from ice caps, glaciers, etc., will run off into the oceans, causing further sea level rise.

What steps need to be taken?

Changes in pattern of land utilisation: In many sea-front cities low-lying areas have been subject to permanent structures. They restrict water flows and water percolation. Urban development must take this profound change into account.

Data Protection Bill: Explained: JCP prescription for data Bill

Source: This post is based on the following articles:”There’s an expansion of state power in the domain of privacy” published in the Indian Express on 18th December 2021.

“Explained: JCP prescription for data Bill” published in the Indian Express on 18th December 2021.

Syllabus: GS 3 Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.

Relevance: Understanding provisions of JCP on Data Protection Bill.

News: Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) has tabled its report on the Data Protection Bill in both houses.

What are the recommendations by JCP on Data Protection Bill?

Sensitive data: JCP proposed all contracts enabling businesses to take sensitive personal data out of India’s borders will now need the approval of the central government in addition to the data protection regulator (DPA).

Read here: Union Cabinet approves introduction of Personal Data Protection Bill in Parliament

Transition period: JCP suggested giving 24 months’ time to all data aggregators to comply with the rules under the new Bill. All data fiduciaries that deal exclusively in children’s data have to register themselves with the DPA and for this 9 months period has been suggested.

Penalty: What penalties and punishments have been recommended in the report?

Timely Alert: In case of any data breach, the data aggregator or fiduciary must notify the DPA within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. DPA will then act accordingly.

Read here: JPC retains exemption clause, adopts personal data Bill

Unified system: JCP stressed a need to set up new processes to unify all data present across spectrums and organizations such as public and private sector companies, research organizations and academic institutions.

Exemption: Bill gives the central government the power to exempt its agencies from the ambit of the data protection regulation. It gives the central government the power to exempt its agencies from the ambit of the data protection regulation.

Also Read: Need for a robust Personal Data Protection Bill

What is the procedure for changing the bill into law?

Read here: Process of legislation in the Indian Parliament for an Ordinary Bills:

Tourism in Kashmir: Fixing Kashmir-Phase 2

Source: This post is based on the article “Fixing Kashmir-Phase 2” published in the Times of India on 18th December 2021.Syllabus: GS3 mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment – Tourism Sector.

Relevance: Understanding the need of bringing changes to make Kashmir a beautiful and safer place.

News: The UT of Kashmir saw a record 1.27 lakh tourists in November, which is much higher than the previous seven-year average. It’s a ray of hope in a land of perennial crisis where people aspire for a safer and prosperous life.

How to improve the Kashmir economy and its tourism potential?

Boost in business: policies should be adopted to bring big business and investment in the region. For this, the government should ensure that the region must be safe and, the business must have viable growth and return prospects. Also, ease of doing business with little political interference or uncertainty is required.

Security: Government should provide gated areas and communities, where security is top-notch. Any terror act in these areas should be dealt strictly.

Tax regime: Government should announce a reduced-tax territory akin to low-tax jurisdictions such as Delaware in the US. This will provide an incentive to businesses to come and invest there.

Tourism: There is a need to upgrade the tourist spots where tourists can chill and relax. To attract the young generation of India to Kashmir, there need to be cafés and bars.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

U.S. imposes sanctions against China over abuse of Uighurs

Source: This post is based on the article “U.S. imposes sanctions against China over abuse of Uighurs” published in The Hindu on 18^th Dec 2021.

What is the news?

The US administration has imposed new sanctions on several Chinese biotech and surveillance companies and government entities for actions in Xinjiang province.

What are the sanctions imposed by the US on China?

The US has imposed sanctions on China’s Academy of Military Medical Sciences and its 11 research institutes that focus on using biotechnology to support the Chinese military.

The sanctions will bar US companies from exporting technology that originated in America to these Chinese institutions.

Why have the sanctions been imposed?

The sanctions are being imposed after the US intelligence established that China has set up a high-tech surveillance system across Xinjiang that uses biometric facial recognition. Further, it has collected DNA samples from all Xinjiang residents as part of a systematic effort to suppress Uighurs.

Must Read: China is using Artificial Intelligence to profile Uighur Muslims

Anti-doping Bill introduced in LS

Source: This post is based on the article “Anti-doping Bill introduced in LS” published in Indian Express on 18^th Dec 2021.

What is the news?

The Government of India has introduced the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021 in Rajya Sabha.

What are the key provisions of the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2021?

Statutory Backing for NADA: The Bill seeks to provide a statutory framework for the functioning of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). It also empowers it to conduct raids, investigate, levy sanctions or Anti-Doping Rule Violations. Earlier, NADA had no such authority.

Establishment of Doping Laboratories: The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) and other dope testing laboratories.

National Board for Anti-Doping in Sports: The Bill seeks to establish a National Board for Anti-Doping in Sport. It will consist of a chairperson and two other members to be appointed by the central government. This Board will constitute a National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and Anti-Doping Appeal Panel for the purpose of determining the consequences of anti-doping rule violations.

Auditing by CAG: The Bill says that the accounts and audit of the Board, NADA and the NDTL will be done by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

Anti Doping Violation: The Bill lays down the circumstances, acts or conduct which will constitute an anti-doping violation. This includes possession, presence, use or attempted use, trafficking or attempted trafficking of any prohibited substance or prohibited methods or refusing to submit a sample.

North India’s first Centre of Entrepreneurship in Medi Electronics and Health Informatics to start operations in Lucknow

Source: This post is based on the article “North India’s first Centre of Entrepreneurship in Medi Electronics and Health Informatics to start operations in Lucknow” published in PIB on 17^th Dec 2021.

What is the news?

The Union Minister of Electronics and IT has inaugurated North India’s maiden Centre of Entrepreneurship – “MedTech” at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPI), Lucknow (UP)

What is MedTech?

MedTech is a Center of Excellence that shall provide state-of-the-art facilities to Startups in the field of Medi electronics and health informatics, providing impetus to the startup culture in the state.

Features: The Center shall provide plug and play facilities, co-working/incubation space, High Speed Internet (500MBPS), Medi electronics & Health informatics & IoT Labs, Support on Intellectual Property Rights, Assistance for Marketing among others.

Built by: The Centre has been built by Software technology Park of India, Ministry of Electronics and IT in partnership with Government of Uttar Pradesh.

What is the MedTech Sector?

MedTech (or Medical Technology) is a segment under the larger umbrella of healthcare systems. The segment focuses on designing and manufacturing a wide range of medical products/devices for diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment and patient care.

The Medi electronics sector is currently estimated to be at $10 billion and is expected to grow to $50 bn by 2025. However, there is a tremendous import dependency of around 75-80%.

‘VIHANGAM’- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited

Source: This post is based on the article ‘VIHANGAM’- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited’ published in PIB on 17^th Dec 2021.

What is the news?

Coal India Limited had recently inaugurated the ‘VIHANGAM’ system at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).

What is VIHANGAM?

VIHANGAM is an Internet-based system integrated with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

The system consists of a Ground Control Station (GCS), an RPAS, internet lease line of 40 Mbps and VIHANGAM portal.

The system enables real-time transmission of aerial video of mining activities from mines to internet platforms, which can be accessed through VIHANGAM portal by authorized personnel only having ID and password.

What is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS)?

RPAS is considered as one of the subset of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). It consists of a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other components as specified in the type design.

Note: Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is an unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station.

About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)

– A major coal producing company which is also one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. MCL was the first coal company to introduce environment-friendly Surface Mining technology in 1999.

Explained: The Ramna Kali temple, Dhaka landmark rebuilt from the ruins

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: The Ramna Kali temple, Dhaka landmark rebuilt from the ruins” published in Indian Express on 18^th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

The President of India has inaugurated the reconstructed Ramna Kali temple in Ramna, Bangladesh.

About Ramna Kali temple

Ramna Kali Temple is a temple in Dhaka. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali and is believed to have been built during the Mughal period.

The temple gained prominence in the early 20th century when the renowned saint Ma Anandamayi built her ashram within temple premises.

However, the temple was destroyed in 1971 by the Pakistani Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. In 2017, the Government of India had pledged money for reconstruction efforts of the temple.

And now the temple has been inaugurated by the President of India after reconstruction got completed.

Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021: Ecologists oppose changes to Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Source: This post is based on the article “Ecologists oppose changes to Biological Diversity Act, 2002” published in The Hindu on 18th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

The Government of India has introduced the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha.

What is the purpose of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

The Bill seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with the aim of reducing the compliance burden and facilitating investment.

What are the key provisions of the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

– Firstly, it exempts registered AYUSH medical practitioners and people accessing codified traditional knowledge among others from giving prior intimation to State biodiversity boards for accessing biological resources for certain purposes.

– Secondly, the Bill exempts cultivated medicinal plants from the purview of the Act.

– Thirdly, the bill facilitates fast-tracking of research, and patent application process.

– Fourthly, violations of the law related to access to biological resources and benefit-sharing with communities that are currently treated as criminal offences and are non-bailable have been proposed to be made civil offences.

What are the criticisms against the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021?

It prioritises intellectual property and commercial trade at the expense of the Act’s key aim of conserving biological resources.

It does not mention any provision for protecting, conservation of biodiversity or increasing local communities’ stake in sustainable use.

It mainly intends to focus on benefits to the Ayush Industry.

It would also pave the way for “biopiracy”.

Note: Biopiracy is a situation where indigenous knowledge of nature, originating with indigenous people, is used by others for profit, without permission from and with little or no compensation or recognition to the indigenous people themselves.

Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021: Govt brings Bill to amend wildlife law

Source: This post is based on the article “Govt brings Bill to amend wildlife law” published in Indian Express on 18th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

The Government of India has introduced in Lok Sabha the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021.

What is the purpose of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021?

The Bill seeks to amend the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.

It seeks to ensure that the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 complies with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

What are the key provisions of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill,2021?

– Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife: The Bill proposes setting up of Standing Committees of State Boards of Wildlife. These committees will function like the National Board for Wildlife(NBWL). It will be able to make decisions on wildlife management and permissions granted for projects without having to refer most projects to the NBWL.

– Rationalisation of Schedules for Wildlife: The bill rationalises Schedules for Wildlife under the Act by bringing it down from 6 to 4 major schedules.

Note: A schedule is a categorisation of wildlife depending on how critically endangered they are. For example, A schedule I category of wildlife (such as Tigers) are the highest protected under the Act.

– Wildlife Management Plans: The Bill mandates that Wildlife Management Plans which are prepared for sanctuaries and national parks across the country will now become a part of the Wildlife Act. Further, they will have to be approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state. This will ensure far stricter protection to these protected areas. Earlier, the plans were approved through executive orders.

LogiXtics – Unified Logistics Interface Platform’s (ULIP) Hackathon launched by Centre

Source: This post is based on the article “LogiXtics – Unified Logistics Interface Platform’s (ULIP) Hackathon launched by Centre” published in PIB on 17th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT) has launched the Unified Logistics Interface Platform’s (ULIP) Hackathon named ‘LogiXtics’.

What is ULIP Hackathon – LogiXtics?

LogiXtics is a hackathon organized under the ULIP. The hackathon will be a competitive event where everyone is invited to showcase their strategic, coding and domain skills on a national-level platform to solve the existing logistics industry issues.

Who is organising this Hackathon?

NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission and supported by National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation(NICDC) and NICDC Logistics Data Bank Services Limited(NLDSL).

Why is this hackathon launched?

India incurs one of the highest logistics costs as a percentage of GDP in comparison to developed countries like the U.S. and Germany – where it is only 8% to 9% while it is 14% in India.

Hence, this hackathon has been launched, as a reduction of logistics cost to 9% can save up to 50 billion USD.

What is Unified Logistics Interface Platform(ULIP)?

ULIP is being developed as a technology platform in the logistics sector. It aims to enhance efficiency and reduce logistics costs in India by creating a transparent platform that can provide real-time information to all stakeholders and remove all asymmetry of information.

The platform will also converge the visibility of multi-modal transport across the existing systems of various Ministries/Departments working in silos.

Moreover, the platform will also work with top Indian technology organizations from the private sector and identify solutions to reduce logistics costs.

Algo trading: Sebi proposals and market concerns

Source: This post is based on the article “Algo trading: Sebi proposals and market concerns” published in Indian Express on 18th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) has proposed that all orders emanating from the Application Programming Interface(API) of stockbrokers should be treated as algorithmic trading.

What is Algo Trading? And Why SEBI wants to regulate them?

Read here: On Algorithmic trading/Algos: Regulate, don’t stifle

Key Features of Algo Trading

First, the algo runs on the broker’s systems and not on the investor’s system.

Secondly, algo trading requires no human involvement from either the broker or the investor.

Thirdly, the algo trading system automatically monitors the live stock prices and initiates an order when the given criteria are met. This frees the trader from having to monitor live stock prices and initiate manual order placement.

What is API?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It is a program that establishes an online connection between a data provider and an end-user.

What role does API play in trading?

APIs have become increasingly popular with the rise of automated trading systems. In the past, retail traders were forced to screen for opportunities in one application and separately place trades with their broker.

Many retail brokers now provide APIs that enable traders to directly connect their screening software with the brokerage account to share real-time prices and place orders.

What are SEBI’s proposals on Algo Trading?

There is a need to create a regulatory framework for algo trading.

For this, all orders emanating from an APIs (Application Programming Interface) should be treated as an algo order and be subject to control by the stockbroker.

APIs carrying out algo trading should be tagged with the unique algo ID provided by the stock exchange.

All algos developed by any entity has to run on the servers of brokers, wherein the broker has control of client orders, order confirmations and margin information.

The stockbroker is responsible for all algos emanating from its APIs and redressal of any investor disputes.

What are market concerns against these proposals?

Securing exchange approvals for any algo is already an extremely tedious and complex process. If these proposals are implemented, brokers will have to stop offering APIs and might shift to some other system.

India and the US announce new programme supporting innovations to tackle climate & clean energy challenges

Source: This post is based on the article “India and the US announce new programme supporting innovations to tackle climate & clean energy challenges” published in PIB on 17th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

India and the United States have launched a programme titled “Technology-based Energy Solutions: Innovations for Net Zero”.

What is Technology-based Energy Solutions: Innovations for Net Zero Program?

It has been launched by United States-India Science & Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) in partnership with Social Alpha, a non-profit organisation promoting S&T entrepreneurship.

Objective: To encourage out-of-the-box, innovative ideas from the community to address the goal of getting to net zero.

Focus Areas: The program would support project proposals that address the climate and clean energy challenges in the following focus areas:

Next-generation Clean and Renewable Energy
Energy Storage
Carbon Sequestration

Funding and Award

Ignition Stage I: To help teams proposing early-stage creative ideas develop a proof-of-concept and/or build a prototype [upto INR 50,00,000/- or approx. $66,000/- up to 12 months

Ignition Stage II: To support teams with a workable, validated prototype. The technology must have significant potential to commercialize within 2-3 ears (INR 1.5 Crore or approx. $203,560/- up to 24 months)

James Webb Telescope: How Webb will take us to the universe’s first galaxies

Source: This post is based on the article “How Webb will take us to the universe’s first galaxies” published in Livemint on 18th Dec 2021.

What is the News?

NASA is set to launch the James Webb Telescope on 24th December 2021.

What is the James Webb Telescope?

James Webb Telescope is an international collaboration between NASA, European Space Agency(ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.

The telescope will complement and is considered the successor of the Hubble Space Telescope.

The telescope will be launched on an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

Once in space, the telescope will be situated near the second Lagrange point of the Earth-Sun system, which is around 1,500,000 km from Earth and directly opposite the Sun.

What is the purpose of the James Webb Telescope?

The telescope will be able to look back over 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies of our early universe.

The telescope will allow us to a) look deeper into our solar system than ever before, b) give us a clearer view of exoplanets in the solar system, c) help us understand how the universe itself was formed and d) help to get a detailed atmospheric characterisation of potentially habitable exoplanets.

How will the telescope work in the sky?

The telescope works in the infrared spectrum, collecting infrared light from the object it is focused on.

But why infrared? Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. This particular trait of the telescope would help it look farther back in time more effectively than other telescopes. It will also help scientists look into the atmosphere of stars, which is usually shrouded with dust and gas during formation.

Note: Infrared light can easily penetrate through such cosmic dust and gas.

What are the challenges with the James Webb Telescope?

One of the biggest challenges is that once the telescope is deployed, it will be almost impossible to make any physical repairs on it.

In contrast, the Hubble Space Telescope could be repaired as it orbits Earth at an altitude of 570 km above it. On the other hand, the Webb will be roughly 1.5 million kilometres away.