9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 20th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• Tunnel vision that is endangering India’s history

GS Paper 2

• A new legislation that mirrors the old – On Drugs regulations in India
• No inner-party democracy
• Chile marks a notch in global constitutionalism
• SC view on deciding minority community status on state-wise basis solves one problem and creates others
• The trade policy India needs
• Indian MNCs are absent from discussions on digital policy

GS Paper 3

• Why there is no reason to panic over the rupee
• Why the sceptics are wrong and we must invest in space
• The new agriculture panel raises questions

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Tunnel vision that is endangering India’s history

Context: The article criticizes the planned revision to Section 20 of the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains’ Act.

Section 20 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act of 1958 was amended in 2010.

It prohibits construction within a 100-metre radius of all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments. Furthermore, it regulates activities within another 300-metre radius.

Now, the expert committees will decide on the extent of the prohibited and regulated areas around each monument and the activities permitted.

How ancient monuments are connected to the surrounding landscape?

ASI protects around 3,700 archaeological sites and ancient monuments from across the history, as per the provisions of the law. Historically, each monument was integrally connected to the landscape around it. For example;

1. Rock-cut sanctuaries from Barabar (Bihar) to Ajanta (Maharashtra) and from Masrur (Himachal Pradesh) to Guntupalli (Andhra Pradesh) were physically connected to outcrops and canyons.
2. Pattadakal’s temples (Karnataka) were symbolically linked to the Malaprabha River.
3. Lucknow’s imambaras were tied to markets, palaces, processional roads, and gardens.

During colonial times, after 1857, some of the dwellings around monuments, they were interested in, were removed by the British. Thus, the connection weakened during this time.

However, ASI-protected sites have served diverse needs after the independence:

1. The grounds of the Purana Quila and other iconic buildings gave refuge to tens of thousands of individuals arriving from newly-formed Pakistan.
2. After the resettlement of refugees, these grounds emerged as public spaces for exercise, prayer meetings, protests, and more.
3. The green edges around Delhi’s protected monuments became havens for migratory birds, small mammals, and a host of reptiles and amphibians.

For a well-trained historian, the earth around an archaeological site or ancient monument is like a text. If the soil around artefacts is disturbed, their contexts are destroyed, making new research more difficult.

What could be the implications of changing the landscape?

Changing the landscape around ASI-protected monuments into industrial, commercial, or even residential plots will thus deprive human and animal communities of much-needed commons.

Permitting construction work risks weakening the foundations of centuries-old edifices.

What are some of the model examples of landscape conservation in India?

Conservation architect Ritish Nanda’s team at Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi by their conservation efforts provided meaningful employment to an entire basti.

Odisha’s government has formulated a scheme to protect a cluster of ancient temples, tanks, and ponds to nurture a sense of regional identity, restore habitats, and bring in visitors in a methodical way.

At the ancient city of Nagaur, Rajasthan, local artisans, and multidisciplinary teams have worked together to conserve a citadel, reopen ancient gates, plant trees, and promote a lively bazaar outside its main entrance. It gave a new lease of life to a medieval complex and strengthening social fabrics.

Thus, efforts must be made to protect the monuments together with the surrounding landscape.

GS Paper 2

A new legislation that mirrors the old – On Drugs regulations in India

News: The Union Health Ministry recently published a new draft Bill to replace the antiquated Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. However, the bill seems to lack the provisions that can address the burning issues in the sector.

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 was introduced, when the drug industry was in its infancy, now it is antiquated. It was based on the following procedure:

1) Drug inspectors purchasing manufactured drugs from an open market > 2) if a drug fails quality testing, the manufacturer will be punished.

What is the need for changing the regulations in drug industry?

Absence of provision of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

1) The present system is based on luck, if on a certain day, a good quality product fails a test, the manufacturer will be punished or vice versa.

2)  Much of the world has shifted to a more rigorous system of regulation centred on the compliance of manufacturing units with good manufacturing practices (GMPs). A drug manufactured in compliance with GMPs is unlikely to fail tests in the market due to the quality checks it goes through.

3) In the U.S., the law presumes that any drug that is manufactured in a facility and fails to comply with GMPs is ‘adulterated’. U.S. law mandates drug inspectors to publish reports of inspection.

Whereas, in 1988, India incorporated a system of GMPs via government rules, instead of Parliament, with no criminal penalties for companies failing to comply with GMPs. Even, drug inspectors are not liable to publish their reports. Many evidences prove that such inspections are not carried out.

Regulatory Structure

India has 37 agencies for enforcing drug regulation, including one in each State and Union Territory, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) at the center.

• State drug controllers license drug manufacturing and conduct enforcement actions such as sampling, testing, and prosecution for substandard drugs.
• CDSCO regulates imports and decides if new drugs have adequate clinical evidence before they can be sold.
• Health ministry lays down rules and regulations and bans drugs with no supporting clinical evidence.

Now, the issue arises, when the states like Himachal Pradesh (HP), do not enforce the Drugs and Cosmetics Act properly. HP accounts for the bulk of pharmaceutical manufacturing on account of a tax holiday. They fear, it will stop the investments by the pharmaceutical industry.

The problem increases, as the drugs from states like Himachal Pradesh are sold across the country, even in the states with more competent drug regulators.

Regulatory bodies

Drug regulations give discretionary power to the unelected bureaucrats for approving a new drug or a new manufacturing facility. However, the process is not transparent.

What are the issues with the new draft bill?

Even the new bill does not provide for the provisions of GMP.

The bill does not address the need for a single regulator.

The new law doesn’t address the critical issue of transparency.

The proposed legislation does not make accommodations for public participation.

What should be done?

Mashelkar Committee in 2003 had recommended centralizing drug licensing with the central regulator.

The law should guarantee proactive disclosure of all crucial documentation related to regulatory decisions on the approval or rejection of drugs.  If a new drug is being approved, the regulator should be required to disclose all the data, including clinical trial data.

Each inspection for GMP compliance should conclude with an inspection report accessible to the general public.

Public participation in the regulatory process should be made legal by allowing public hearings or citizen petitions to question regulators and explain their rationale for approving the new drug.

No inner-party democracy

News: Recently, the British Conservative Party ousted their leader Boris Johnson. The incident showcases the amount of power ordinary MPs have over the Prime Minister. But this inner-party democracy is absent in India.

What is the position of PM in India?

In India, the Prime Minister exercises absolute authority over party MPs. MPs’ ability to even diverge slightly from the official government line on routine policy matters is almost non-existent.

The Prime Minister’s power is strengthened by the anti-defection law. Under it, recalcitrant MPs who do not manage to carry two-thirds of their colleagues with them can always be disqualified.

MPs do not enjoy any autonomy at all to question and challenge their party leadership.

How MPs in the UK are different from MPs in India?

Firstly, MPs in the U.K. are able to act boldly because they do not owe their nomination to the party leader, but are selected by the local constituency party. In India, however, it is the party leadership that decides candidates, with an informal consultation with the local party.

Secondly, MPs in the U.K. does not face a risk of disqualification if they speak out against the leader.

These factors are the biggest stumbling blocks toward ensuring inner-party democracy in India.

What should be done to ensure inner-party democracy?

Borrow the model from the UK: Individual Conservative MPs write to the 1922 Committee (which comprises backbench MPs, and looks out for their interests) expressing that they have “no confidence” in their leader.

If a numerical or percentage threshold (15% of the party’s MPs in the U.K.) is breached, an automatic leadership vote is triggered. In this, the party leader is forced to seek a fresh mandate from the parliamentary party.

Empower MPs: India should consider empowering its elected representatives, to ensure accountability for party leadership. For this, an exception has to be made to the anti-defection law.

In the long run, the Westminster model dictates that control over candidates must shift from central party leaders to local party members.

Chile marks a notch in global constitutionalism

News: In 2019, Chilean protests revolve around themes such as social inequality, the cost of living, and probity in governance. One of the demands of the Chilean protesters was to replace Pinochet’s Constitution with a democratic Constitution, written by the People of Chile

What are the issues with Chile’s constitution?

Chile’s constitution was drafted in 1980, under the military regime. The Constitution embodied what is popularly known as Chicago School economics. These include a) Market deregulation was encoded into the Constitution, b) Privatisation of water as a constitutional imperative. Over the years, this led to Chile becoming one of the most unequal countries in the world.

What are the various models of the Constitution?

United States model

In the early to mid-20th century, constitutional drafting around the world often followed the United States model. It was believed that the purpose of a Constitution was to constrain state power. Constitutions set out enforceable bills of rights, and divided power between the three wings of State — the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.

But the US Model tends to ignore the “social question”, and issues around equitable access to material resources.

Later models

Firstly, after 1980s, Constitutions began to include “socio-economic rights” — such as the rights to housing, to education, and to health, among others — within their bills of rights. For example, South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution of 1996.

Secondly, the constitution recognises the complexities of governance and establishes a set of institutions that are independent of the legislature and the executive. These are sometimes referred to as “integrity institutions”.

These include information commissions, human rights commissions, and electoral commissions. For example, Chapter Fifteen of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya lists out 10 commissions and guarantees their independence from the government.

Thirdly, the constitution also recognises active public participation. For instance, the 2010 Constitution of Kenya mandates public participation in the process of law-making, and also envisions popular initiatives as one way of bringing about constitutional change.

What are the salient features of the draft Chilean constitution?

The Chilean government eventually conceded to protesters’ demand. This led to the formation of a directly-elected Constituent Assembly. The constitutional draft was finalised at the beginning of July and will be put to a nationwide referendum in September.

The Chilean government include all three post 80’s constitutional features. Apart from that, the constitution is also a future-facing document. For example, the Constitution recognises the role of technology and guaranteed the right to digital connectivity.

The draft Constitution acknowledges the gravity of the climate crisis, and constitutionalises important principles of international environmental law, such as inter-generational equity.

If approved through the referendum, then it will be hailed as a historic triumph in the annals of global constitutionalism.

SC view on deciding minority community status on state-wise basis solves one problem and creates others

Context: Supreme Court in its recent observation stated that it is a settled position in law that religious and linguistic minority status is to be decided state-wise. This position settles one issue and raise another.

Under the National Minorities Commission Act, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Buddhists, and Jains have been notified nationally as minority communities.

However, in some states, the listed minorities are the majority. Also, in almost every state, there can be a linguistic minority.

The significance of minority status lies in the fact that it allows significant autonomy to administer the education institutions to minorities.

What are the issues in empowering states to decide the minority status?

First, there are state-wise differences in minority status, like the reservation policy. Every community in the central OBC list is not classified likewise in states.

Second, if minority status is a state decision, would a minority in the central list will lose its minority tag, if it is in majority in a state? Like Sikhs in Punjab or Christians in Mizoram. It will be a big question.

Third, it won’t help in rising in human capital that creates skills for the job market needs. It is because India is witnessing immense competition for scarce education and employment opportunities. Thus, labeling communities as backward or minority has become a political decision.

What should be done?

There are a few reasons behind the demand for minority status tags by educational institutions, like, 1) Overregulation by the regulators like UGC (University Grant Commission), and 2) Excessive demands of laws like the RTE (Right to Education) act. Thus, there should be a focus on providing quality education for all instead of regulating the institutions.

The trade policy India needs

News: The ministry of commerce is working on a new trade policy. In this context, Professor Amita Batra has published a book, India’s Trade Policy in the 21st century, which has important messages for policy.

Role of Global Value Chains (GVCs)

Now, a successful export strategy doesn’t involve producing a product made largely in one country for export. Instead, it is based on the global value chains (GVCs) which have driven the growth of trade.

Now, the multiple components of a typical export product are produced by different companies, based on the competitiveness of that location in producing that particular component. Thereafter, components are shipped to other locations for further value addition. The final product is ultimately assembled somewhere else for final shipment to centers of consumption.

The backward integration with GVCs is an important indicator of integration with global supply chains.

For example, the iPhone has 178 components that are sourced from 200 different suppliers across 26 countries!

The benefit of the Global Value Chains (GVCs)

The share of developed countries in the export of manufactured goods has reduced as they offshore the production process. And the share of developing countries has increased which had the necessary human skills and physical infrastructure to enter the value chain.

Which developing countries benefitted from the GVCs?

India: India’s share in world exports of goods had been declining before the 1991 reforms. It reached to 0.5% in 1990. However, India benefited from GVCs since the 1991 reforms. It improved in the post-reforms period to touch 0.7% in 2000 and 1.8% in 2021.

China: China drew the most benefit. Its share increased from 3.9% in 2000 to 15% in 2021. It shaped its trade policy to take advantage of the GVC phenomenon.

Therefore, the Prime Minister of India has now set an ambitious objective: integrating the country with global supply chains and indeed even making it a hub.

Some reforms are required while designing the new trade policy of India

One of India’s trade policy weaknesses is the increase in import tariffs implemented over the last four years. There is a need to lower tariff levels to integrate with global value chains. For example, customs duties can be reduced to levels that are prevailing in East Asia.

Second, India’s bound tariffs are much higher than applied tariffs.

Third, India should integrate as closely as possible with East and South East Asia. Because the countries in these areas have the greatest potential for expanding trade and hosting GVCs.

Fourth, India’s decision to opt-out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), was a missed opportunity. However, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreement which we have joined offers a new opportunity for integration with GVC. The Indian government should work to push the IPEF towards a trade agreement.

Fifth, India has traditionally opposed ‘extraneous issues’ in trade agreements like labour, the environment, intellectual property rights (IPR), and even investment protection. However, such issues are bound to become part of future trade agreements. Therefore, India should be open to them in order to attract investments for greater integration with GVCs.

Sixth, India should not hold itself back from joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Transpacific Partnership. Other developing countries are willing to join such agreements because China has already applied to join them. It includes many provisions for deeper integration.

Seventh, India should remain open to digital trade, e-commerce, and digital payments as these are new areas for global integration in the years ahead. India has substantial strengths in this area.

Eighth, trade policy needs to be supported by other policies which are outside the realm of the commerce ministry. For example, the production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme is a new initiative in building a competitive domestic industry.

Indian MNCs are absent from discussions on digital policy

News: In 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced the draft amendment to the IT Rules 2021, the draft India Data Accessibility and Use Policy, National Data Governance Framework Policy and the new cyber security directions. All these proposals have been put out for consultation. In addition to these, the government is also likely to announce the e-commerce policy and the Data Protection Bill soon.

Issues

There are those who say that India’s digital economy has been operating in a regulatory vacuum.

What are the causes behind the MEITY moves?

There has been accelerated growth of the digital ecosystem, which needs regulatory nurturing.

There has been an enormous backlash against the growing power and influence of internet giants. They do bring benefits to consumers, businesses and governments, but then they also enjoy dominant positions, engender misinformation and at the extreme, undermine democratic processes.

These platforms have developed other ways to influence the government. For example, they have upped their advocacy by hiring qualified professionals and funding empirical research, not only in India but also across the world.

Other issues

First of all, the government does not always consult businesses before announcing a new policy or regulation. But, the government has recently invited stakeholders to an open house discussion on the proposed changes to the IT Rules. But there are problems in this ongoing process:

(1) The Big Giants like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter etc. are all actively engaged in policy discussions, either directly or through third parties to put forth a point of view. Further, start-ups, think tanks, civil society organisations and academics invested in the issues of the digital economy either as users or as observers have also been contributing in the process of policy discourse.

(2) Indian origin multinational corporations — the Tatas, Reliance, Aditya Birla Group, Godrej, ITC, Bajaj, and Hero, who have collectively contributed to the country’s development are missing in the discussion.

(3) Many of these Indian MNCs are working towards adopting digital technologies for manufacturing, distribution, and client service. For example, many companies now have online distribution channels. Like The Tatas have entered into e-commerce, first with Tata Cliq and recently with Neu.

(4) Over the last few years there has been an overwhelming presence of the Big Tech Indian start-ups competing in this space on the active debate on critical digital policies including those on data governance, privacy, anti-trust, and intermediary liability. However, Indian MNCs have been mostly absent.

The Way Forward

Government relations and outreach functions have always been important to big businesses. For example, the government listened to the plea of the Bombay Club which resisted 1991 economic reforms.

The practice of multi-stakeholderism in policy formulation must also be adhered to in the digital economy sector.

The government should work to create an enabling, secure and trusted digital ecosystem in India.

GS Paper 3

Why there is no reason to panic over the rupee

News: Due to various international issues, the Indian rupee has now depreciated by 5.6% against the dollar. However, in terms of relative performance, Rupee has done well compared to most of its counterparts except the Indonesian Rupiah.

About the present situation of Rupee

In an ideal world, if domestic economic fundamentals are strong, the depreciation of the rupee should be accompanied by an appreciation of the Dollar Index (DXY).

Between March 2021 and July 2022, the rupee depreciation is 9.7% and the DXY appreciation is a sharp 17.4%.

Note: The Dollar index measures the currency’s value against six major currencies.

What are the reasons for the rupee’s depreciation?

1) As the US attempts to bring inflation under control, the recent gains in the dollar might come due to aggressive monetary policy by the US Fed compared to other major jurisdictions, particularly, the Eurozone and Japan, 2) Foreign portfolio outflows and the rush to safe assets as fears of a recession begin to gain traction, and 3) Widening current account deficits: Experts expect that current account deficit upwards of 3 per cent of GDP this year.

Thus, the recent decline in the rupee has been more because of the strengthening of the dollar.

How well the US dollar is performing?

In principle, Bretton Woods ensured that the dollar would be a “trust” currency. The US sits at the centre of an international financial system where its assets have been in high demand. For instance, with the US Fed embarking on one of the steepest rate hike cycles in recent times, investors have rushed to the dollar.

The dollar index has recently registered its highest level since 2002. Higher than expected inflation in the US.

What is the RBI’s response to the performance of the Rupee?

The RBI and government have taken a long-term view of bolstering dollar inflows. This would mean that the rupee could still face headwinds in the short term.

The RBI announced a series of steps to attract capital inflows to support the currency. Such as, 1) Relaxations on NRI deposits to ease investments in government and corporate bonds, 2) Measures for settlement of international trade in rupees to ease pressures on the currency, 3) The RBI also intervened in the currency markets to stem the rupee’s slide.

What should be done?

Unlike in the past, the RBI should discontinue launching a currency defence. It must let the rupee find its own level. This is because, a) A weaker rupee will act as an automatic stabiliser, b) Though in the near term it increases the risks of importing inflation, over time, it will boost the competitiveness of the country’s exports. Thus providing a much-needed fillip at a time when the global economy is facing strong headwinds.

Why the sceptics are wrong and we must invest in space

News: Last week, the first images from the James Webb Telescope (JWSP) were received. The images included stunning visuals of what the universe looked like soon after birth and clear evidence that the atmosphere of a planet orbiting a distant star had water.

Argument against the outer space discoveries

The planet which has been discovered by the JWSP that might be capable of supporting life is of little use to us. It is impossibly difficult for us to get to that planet.

Some critics pointed out that there are enough and more problems to solve back here on the earth like basic infrastructure. Therefore, outer space discoveries are nothing but a waste of money.

Despite huge investments in various space missions, space travel is still hazardous. Many of the missions have failed on account of variables that are impossible to either predict or mitigate.

Arguments in favour of the outer space discoveries

There are numerous benefits that have accrued as a result of all the investments we have made so far.

First, due to the constellation of communications satellites arrayed in the sky above us, it is possible to speak to anyone residing anywhere on the planet earth, watch sporting events live from any place on Earth, and receive news from the remotest corners of the planet as soon as it happens.

Second, satellite-based GPS technology has enabled us to find our way in an unfamiliar city, locate a place to eat, and have things delivered at our doorstep wherever we are.

Third, now, the behavior of weather systems can be understood. It is easy to predict calamitous events accurately on account of dangerous weather.

Fourth, a number of the technologies developed for use in space have applications in our daily lives. For example, Insulin pumps, Fluid-based dampers, Embedded web technology developed, etc.

Fifth, in the future, space could become a venue for the industrial manufacture of products that need to be created in special conditions that only outer space offers.

For instance, fiber optic cable produced in zero gravity has tolerance levels that are impossible to achieve on Earth.

What India should do?

For all these reasons and more, it is very important for India to continue to invest in space.

India needs to ensure broad-based participation in the space sector. The private sector should be allowed to step in.

Around the world, private space endeavors have demonstrated the reliability and commercial feasibility of such technologies as re-usable rockets and cube satellites.

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), a new agency under the Department of Space, was established. It has been designed to operate as a single-window authority for everything to do with space. It is a step in the right direction. The IN-SPACe should actively encourage private sector participation in the full range of space activities—from building spacecraft to undertaking launches.

The new agriculture panel raises questions

News: The government has finally constituted a committee to promote zero budget-based farming, change crop patterns and make the Minimum Support Price (MSP) more effective and transparent.

The new committee was preceded by a Supreme Court-appointed panel. The SC Panel had spoken against the withdrawal of the controversial farm laws. In its report, it said that the “majority” of the farm unions supported the bills, therefore a repeal would be “unfair to this silent majority”.

About the committee

It is an exhaustive body of 28 members with cross representation from the Central and state governments, farmers union, agricultural scientists and economists.

What are the arguments of critics against the formation of the committee?

Many will criticise the committee as out of 8 farmer members in the committee, five were nominated by the government and are known to be sympathetic to its views.

Other members and chairman appointed by the government do not have the faith of the farmers community.

Again, the committee, by design, has no state representation from Punjab, a major grain procurement state. This could be used to whip up divisive sentiments in the state.

The committee’s mandate fails to understand the changing cropping patterns with diversification. It is, at best, a subset of diversification.

The agricultural problems cannot be solved by having discussions centred on cropping choices and practices alone. Solutions require a systems approach. This cannot happen when the mandate is limited to crops,

Even though one-third of all agricultural GDP comes from rearing animals, the Secretary, Ministry of Animal Husbandry is not even a member of the committee.

Lastly, the committee which has not been given a time frame to deliver the report. Therefore, this may lead to release of the report after the 2024 parliamentary elections.

What should be done?

The chairman and the members should be appointed who can build trust on the farms related reform.

The government should broaden its imagination to see unimagined opportunities of a food systems approach.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Govt of India to roll out Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry with Focus on MSMEs and Clusters

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt of India to roll out Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry with Focus on MSMEs and Clusters” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is planning to roll out a series of initiatives under the banner of “Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry(SPI)”.

What is the “Schemes for Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry (SPI)”?

Aim: To further enhance India’s existing manufacturing prowess in the Pharmaceuticals Industry by addressing issues related to technology up-gradation among MSMEs at the unit level and cluster level. 

Sub-Schemes:

Pharmaceuticals Industry Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS): Under this, the Government will incentivise MSMEs for getting Schedule M certification or Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) certification by the World Health Organization(WHO).

– MSMEs will have the option to choose from either capital subsidy or interest subvention to upgrade their production facilities as per WHO-GMP or Schedule-M standards.

Note: GMP certification is a standard defined by WHO for ensuring products are produced and controlled as per the quality standards.

Assistance to Pharmaceuticals Industry for Common Facilities(APICF): Under this, Government will support the creation of common facilities like Testing Labs, Common Effluent Treatment Plants and other such common facilities by providing Govt support in the form of capital grants to the extent of up to 70% subject to a ceiling of a maximum of Rs. 20 crores.

Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme (PMPDS): Under this, a series of awareness programs, sectoral studies and similar programs will be organized to generate soft inputs for policy advocacy.

Explained| Why is there outrage over the new ‘National Emblem’?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained| Why is there outrage over the new ‘National Emblem’?” published in The Hindu on 20th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has given India a first glimpse of the national emblem atop the new Parliament House coming up as part of the Central Vista Project. 

What is the history behind the National Emblem?

The National Emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka which is preserved in the Sarnath Museum. 

It was built in 250 BC to commemorate the first sermon of Gautama Buddha, where he is said to have shared the Four Noble Truths of life.

This pillar was part of Asoka’s plan to spread Buddha’s teachings. After the large-scale massacre in the Battle of Kalinga, Asoka was shaken and embraced Buddhism with its emphasis on ahimsa. He decided to propagate his principles throughout his empire through the Major and Minor Edicts.

Features: The Lion Capital has four lions mounted back-to-back on a circular abacus. The frieze of the abacus is adorned with sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening Dharma Chakras.

– The four animals are said to be guardians of the four directions — north, south, east and west.

– They are separated by a wheel, representing the Dharmachakra of Buddhism, on all four sides. Each chakra or wheel has 24 spokes. The chakra was later adopted as part of the national flag. This abacus was mounted on an inverted lotus which is a symbol of Buddhism. 

Foreign Traveller: Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang has left a detailed account of Asoka’s lion pillar in his Writings.

Why did the Constituent Assembly adopted Sarnath Pillar as the National Emblem?

As India won independence, the Constituent Assembly decided on the Sarnath pillar as the national emblem. It was felt that the pillar epitomized the power, courage and confidence of the free nation.

The emblem depicts a two-dimensional sculpture with the words Satyameva Jayate (truth alone triumphs) written below it, taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, written in Devanagari script.

On January 26, 1950, the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath officially became the national emblem of India. Five students of renowned artist Nandalal Bose created the emblem.

What is the controversy behind the latest replica of the National Emblem?

The national emblem atop the new Parliament House is designed by Sunil Deore and Romiel Moses.

Many alleged that the lion in this National Emblem replica looked “too aggressive” which amounted to tampering with the original emblem.

However, the designers countered the criticism about the lions looking aggressive by insisting that it was a matter of perspective, and claimed that the new emblem is a huge structure meant to be appreciated from a distance. 

What is a Wormhole?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is a Wormhole?” published in The Hindu on 20th July 2022.

What is the News?

This article explains the Wormhole.

What is a Wormhole?

A Wormhole can act as a bridge or a shortcut between two points in curved spacetime which are well separated in practical terms from the inhabitants of the universe. 

The existence of wormholes has been predicted by Ludwig Flamm, in 1916, soon after Einstein proposed his General Theory of Relativity. 

However, the presence of wormholes has not yet been established through observation or inference by astronomers. 

With rapid advances in observational cosmology in recent times, there is gathering support for the existence of entities such as the wormhole and others that have not yet been “seen”.

The second phase of the GOAL Programme (GOAL 2.0) was launched with an aim to digitally upskill tribal youth: Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “The second phase of the GOAL Programme (GOAL 2.0) was launched with an aim to digitally upskill tribal youth: Minister” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs has informed the Lok Sabha about the GOAL Programme.

What is a GOAL Programme?

GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Meta (formerly Facebook).

Aim: To digitally empower tribal youth and women through the concept of mentor and mentee.

Funded by: The programme is fully funded by Meta (Facebook India).

Phases:

1st Phase: The first phase of the GOAL programme was launched as a pilot project in May 2020, and it was completed by Dec 2021. The mentees in the first phase were provided with training across three-course pillars: (1) Communication & Life Skills; (2) Enabling Digital Presence, and (3) Leadership & Entrepreneurship. 

2nd Phase: The second phase was launched in June 2022 with an aim to digitally upskill tribal youth by promoting entrepreneurship and opening up opportunities for them using digital technology. There will be a special focus on more than 10 lakh members of 50000 Vandhan Self-Help Groups. 

Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes

Source: The post is based on the article “Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare has informed Rajya Sabha about the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA),1994 and the National Organ Transplant Program(NOTP).

What is the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA),1994?

The Act provides for the regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs & tissues. 

It contains detailed provisions relating to the authority for removal of human organs, preservation of human organs, regulation of hospitals conducting the removal, storage or transplantation of human organs, registration of hospitals and punishment/penalties for offences relating to aforesaid matters.

Amendment to this Act: The Government of India enacted the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011 which allows the swapping of organs and widens the donor pool by including grandparents and grandchildren in the list.

Note: The subject of artificial organs is not regulated under this Act.

What is the National Organ Transplant Program(NOTP)?

Click Here to read about this program

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)

Source: The post is based on the article “Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment has informed Lok Sabha about the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY).

What is Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY)?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To improve the quality of life of the Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support.

Sub Schemes/Components: 1) Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), 2) State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC), 3) Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana(RVY), 4) Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity(SACRED), 5) Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR), 6) Senior-care Aging Growth Engine (SAGE)-Silver economy for Senior Citizens, 7) Elderline – National Helpline for Senior Citizen, 8) Channelizing the CSR fund for elderly care and 9) Training and capacity building for senior citizens.

About the Elderly Population in India

There has been a steady rise in the population of senior citizens in India. The number of elderly persons increased from 1.98 crores in 1951 to 7.6 crores in 2001, and 10.38 crores in 2011. 

As per the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States (2011-2036), the population of senior citizens in India is projected to increase from 10.38 crore in 2011 to 23 crores in 2036. 

The total population of India is projected to increase from 121.10 crores in 2011 to 152.20 crores in 2036. Therefore the percentage of senior citizens against the total population is expected to increase from 8.4% to 14.9%.

Grain shape influences liquefaction of sand, a major earthquake hazard

Source: The post is based on the article “Grain shape influences liquefaction of sand, a major earthquake hazard” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

Scientists have found that the shape of sand grains influences the liquefaction of sand which is one of the major factors behind the collapse of structures during earthquakes.

What is the Liquefaction of sand?

Liquefaction of sand is a phenomenon in which the strength and stiffness of a soil are reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading and lead to the collapse of structures resting on the liquefied ground.

What have the scientists found in this study?

Scientists have found that the shape of sand grains influences the liquefaction of sand. For instance, natural sand with a regular shape liquefies easily compared to sand with an irregular shape.

This is because the shear force (unaligned forces pushing one part of a body in one specific direction and another part of the body in the opposite direction) required to break the inter-particle locking is more for the grains with relatively irregular shapes. 

Hence, the scientists concluded that natural sand used in structures like slopes and retaining walls can be replaced with irregular manufactured sand to improve stability and sustainability.

Explained: What Rs 80 to a dollar means

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What Rs 80 to a dollar means” published in Indian Express on 20th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Indian rupee has breached the psychologically significant exchange rate level of 80 to a US dollar in early trade.

What is the rupee exchange rate?

The rupee’s exchange rate vis-à-vis the dollar is essentially the number of rupees one needs to buy $1. 

This is an important metric to buy not just US goods but also other goods and services (say crude oil) trade which happens in US dollars.

What happens when the rupee depreciates? 

Broadly speaking, when the rupee depreciates, importing goods and services becomes costlier. 

But if one is trying to export goods and services to other countries, especially to the United States, India’s products become more competitive because depreciation makes these products cheaper for foreign buyers.

What will be the impact of the weakening of the rupee on different sectors in India?

Costlier Imports and Inflation: The most crucial impact would be on inflation as the country imports nearly 80% of its crude oil needs. This would mean that imports would become costlier and travel through the value chain to raise input costs.

Current account deficit: Since a large proportion of India’s imports are dollar-denominated, these imports will get costlier. Costlier imports, in turn, will widen the trade deficit as well as the current account deficit, which, in turn, will put pressure on the exchange rate.

Is there anything to worry about?

As things stand, India is still not facing an external crisis. Take for instance the issue of external debt. Long-term data shows that India is in a relatively comfortable position.

However, this does not mean there is nothing to worry about. For instance, forex reserves have fallen by over $50 billion between September 2021 and now. In these 10 months, the rupee’s exchange rate with the dollar has fallen 8.7%, from 73.6 to 80. For context, historically the rupee depreciates by about 3% to 3.5% in a year.

Ministry of Power notifies ‘Green Energy Open Access’ Rules to accelerate ambitious renewable energy programmes

Source: The post is based on the article “Ministry of Power notifies ‘Green Energy Open Access’ Rules to accelerate ambitious renewable energy programmes” published in PIB on 20th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022.

What are Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022?

Aim: To ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all. 

Nodal Agency for Green Energy Open Access: Ministry of Power has notified Power System Operation Corporation(POSOCO) as Central Nodal Agency to set up and operate a single window green energy open access system for renewable energy.

Key Provisions of the Rules

– Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer and the limit of Open Access Transaction has been reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW for green energy, to enable small consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access.

– Consumers are entitled to demand-supply of Green Power from Discoms. Discoms would be obligated to procure and supply green power to eligible consumers.

– Approval for Green Open Access is to be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been granted.

– Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.

– There shall be a uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), on all obligated entities in the area of a distribution licensee. Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia has also been included for the fulfilment of its RPO.

– Consumers will be given Green Certificates if they consume green power.

Who will determine the tariff for Green Energy? 

As per the Electricity Act 2003, the tariff for green energy shall be determined by Appropriate Commission. The tariff shall comprise of the average pooled power purchase cost of the renewable energy, cross-subsidy charges, if any, and service charges covering the prudent cost of the distribution licensee for providing green energy to the consumers. 

National Culture Fund: National Culture Fund has completed 52 projects with various donors since its inception

Source: The post is based on the article “National Culture Fund has completed 52 projects with various donors since its inception” published in PIB on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Minister of Culture has informed Lok Sabha about the National Culture Fund.

What is the National Culture Fund?

National Culture Fund(NCF) was set up as a Trust in 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. 

Aim: To establish and nurture partnerships in the field of Culture and Heritage with private and public sectors, government, non-government agencies and mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and development of India’s rich, natural, tangible and intangible heritage.

Functions of the Fund: To administer and apply the Fund for 1) Conservation, maintenance, promotion, protection, preservation and up gradation of monuments protected or otherwise, 2) Training and development of a cadre of specialists and cultural administrators, 3) Innovations and experiments in arts and for documentation of cultural expressions and forms that have lost their relevance in contemporary scenario.

Composition: NCF is managed by a (Governing) Council and an Executive Committee. 

– The Council is chaired by the Union Minister of Culture.

– The Executive Committee is chaired by the Secretary (Culture).

Funding: The nature of funding has been made very flexible under NCF. For instance, donor/sponsor while making contributions to NCF may indicate a project along with any specific location/aspect and also an agency for execution of the project.