9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – May 20th, 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 1

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

On marital rape, regressive notions undermine autonomy of women

Source: The post is based on an article “On marital rape, regressive notions undermine autonomy of women” published in the Indian Express on 20th May 2022. 
Syllabus: GS1 – Society, Women issues
Relevance: Marital Rape Exception, Fundamental Rights 

News: Recently, two judges of the Delhi High Court handed down separate judgments on the constitutional validity of the “Marital Rape Exception” under Section 375 of the IPC in RIT Foundation v Union of India Case 

What is the law? 

Section 375 defines “rape” as when a man has sex with a woman without her consent. However, a husband having sex with his wife, regardless of consent, is not construed as marital rape. The husband can’t be prosecuted for the rape of his adult wife. 

Argument in favour of the marital rape exception by one judge 

First, Sex within marriage has been carved out (by exception) from the definition of rape. Only in the absence of that exception, non-consensual sex within marriage would be seen as a rape. 

Second, the marital rape exception is constitutionally valid. This is because the marital rape exception was “aimed at preservation of the marital institution, on which the entire bedrock of society rests”.  

Third, the martial rape exception should prevail because the impact on a woman who is raped by her husband cannotbe equated with the impact of a woman who is raped by a stranger”.  The “disagreements” in marriage are “but natural” and “may even lend strength to the marital bond”.   

Fourth, at present, “majority of Indian women” are reluctant to file a complaint of rape against their husbands. There will be tens of thousands of rape complaints after the marital rape exception is declared unconstitutional. 

Fifth, the court is not empowered to create a new offence. It means the court is not competent to strike down the marital rape exception that has already been carved out of an existing offence in the law. It would be unfair to punish someone for rape for conduct that was excluded from the definition of rape when it was undertaken.  

Argument against marital rape exception

The marital rape exception is in violation of the rights to life, equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of speech and expression which are guaranteed under the Constitution of India.  

There is no reasonable basis to distinguish between married and unmarried women. Marriage is a relationship of equals. The marriage does not lead to giving up of agency and sexual autonomy. 

The institution of marriage cannot be preserved at all costs. For example, when a man has non-consensual sex with his wife. 

If a woman is raped by someone in whom you have reposed trust is likely to have an indelible emotional impact. It is difficult to understand how non-consensual sex can ever strengthen a marriage. 

Even if a woman is reluctant to file a case, it does not mean that the woman should be disempowered to do so by the operation of the law.  

Way Forward 

The court should declare that its judgment will apply only to conduct after the date of the judgment. 

The Parliament should revisit the marital rape exception. This would be the path of least resistance.  

It is incumbent on courts to take decisions concerning complex social issues. As the marital rape exception violates fundamental rights under the Constitution of India. Therefore, it falls within the Court’s core competency. 

GS Paper 2


In Perarivalan’s case, the constitutional battle between governor and government

Source: The post is based on an article “In Perarivalan’s case, the constitutional battle between governor and government” published in the Indian Express on 20th May 2022. 

Syllabus: GS2 Provisions of the Constitution of India

Relevance: The President, The Governor’s Pardoning Power 

News: Recently, the Supreme Court of India exercised its power under Article 142  of the Constitution and ordered the release of A.G. Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.  

This has put an end to the battle between the Raj Bhavan and Secretariat that has lasted more than two decades.  

What is the legal position on mercy pleas? 

The Article 72 of the Constitution of India allows the convicts to file a mercy plea to the President. However, the constitution has not stipulated a time period for the consideration of the mercy pleas. 

The Article 161 allows the convicts to file mercy pleas to the Governor. The Madras HC has ruled that the governor cannot exercise the power of pardon without the advice of the council of ministers. 

Section 433A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) mentions that the prisoners cannot be released from prison unless they had served a minimum sentence of 14 years in prison.  

The court opined that a life sentence means imprisonment for the remainder of one’s life. The convicts can apply for remission under Sec.432, CrPC. This can be done in cases where death sentences are commuted. 

Background of the present case 

The assailants were tried under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (TADA). Perarivalan was given the death sentence by the Special Court and was confirmed by the SC in 1998. 

The convict petitioned the Tamil Nadu Governor for mercy under Article 161. The Governor had dismissed the petitions.  

The Convicts also filed mercy plea to the President of India. However, Pratibha Patil, The President of India rejected the mercy pleas of the convicts after a delay of 11 years 

Later, when the convicts were about to be executed, the convicts moved the Madras HC challenging the execution of the death warrant. Further, the case was transferred to the Supreme Court.  

The SC ruled that the president’s non-consideration of the mercy plea was not within a reasonable time. The president took 11years. Therefore, their death penalty was commuted to the sentence of life imprisonment. 

Later on, all the convicts applied for remission from the governor. The state cabinet also advised the governor to grant pardon. After inordinate delay, the convicts moved to the court. The court held that “the Governor cannot sit on the state’s recommendation on the release of all seven life convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case for so long”. The court was informed that the governor was awaiting the final report of the CBI’s Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA).  

Later, the T N Assembly passed a resolution granting mercy to the seven accused in 2018. The governor did not take any action. The convict reached the Supreme Court where the governor stated that the matter was to be dealt with by the President. This matter has been dealt with in the present case. 

What has been ruled in the present case? 

The court ruled that the authority to grant pardon is with the governor and he is bound by the advice of the state government.  

The court held that the action of the governor in delaying the matter for more than 2.5 years was unacceptable.  

Th court stated that “a barbaric crime does not have to be visited with a barbaric penalty”. India’s penal system is undoubtedly reformatory and not retributive.  

Way Forward 

The Office of the Governor has often been manipulated by the government at the centre. This has perverted the constitutional scheme.  The governor’s office should not be manipulated for narrow political considerations. The Governor should work based on his wisdom. 


Bridging the health policy to execution chasm

Source: The post is based on an article “Bridging the health policy to execution chasm” published in the “The Hindu” on 20th May 2022. 

Syllabus: GS2 Social Sector, Health Sector

Relevance: Public Health Professionals or Public Health Management Cadre, Indian Public Health Standards 

News: The Union government has released a guidance document on the setting up of a ‘public health and management cadre’ (PHMC) as well as revised editions of the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for ensuring quality health care in government facilities.  

Background 

The health sector has been facing multiple challenges of handling an epidemic and pandemic in the last few decades like avian flu in 2005-06, the Swine flu pandemic of 2009-10 etc. There has been emergence and re-emergence of new viruses and diseases (Zika, Ebola, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever, Nipah viruses, etc.) 

The National Health Policy 2017 recommended for the ‘public health and management cadre’ in India.  

What are the issues in India’s health care system? 

Traditionally, the focus of public health services has been on medical care or attention on treating the sick. 

At present, most Indian States have a teaching cadre involved as faculty in the medical colleges and a specialist cadre of doctors involved in clinical services in clinics and hospitals.  

The above structure restricts similar career progression opportunities to two teaching cadres and specialist’s cadre.  

Therefore, health-care professionals have limited interest in opting for public health as a career choice.  

India has a perennial shortage of trained public health workforce and infrastructure. This shortage is likely to drift India towards a medicalised care system. 

Despite the first release of the IPHS 15 years ago, only a small proportion around 15% to 20% of government health-care facilities meet the Indian Public Health standards (IPHS). 

There has not been much attention on public health services and workforce in India. There was little policy attention on a need for a public health cadre and services in India.  

Importance of the revised guidance documents, PHMC etc. 

The public health and management cadres and the revised IPHS can help India to make progress towards the NHP goal.  

The proposed public health cadre and the health management cadre have the potential to address the weaknesses in our health care system.  

India’s pandemic response failed because there was an absence of trained public health professionals at the policy and decision making-levels in India. The doctors/clinicians or a bureaucrat could not fulfil the role of the epidemiologists and public health specialists who are in a better position to deal with a pathogen and its behaviour. 

The revised version focuses on increasing access and then ensuring quality health services through public health facilities, 

What are the challenges ahead? 

The implementation of the previous versions of the guidance documents has not been up to mark. For example, the IPHS has not been implemented properly in the last 15 years. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the outcome of the PHMC guidance document. 

This has been thwarted due to inadequacy in the two primary factors in effective implementation: (1) Inadequate financial allocations and (2) Inadequate trained workforce 

Way Forward 

The revised IPHS is an important development but not an end itself. There should be an independent assessment on how the IPHS has improved the quality of health services. 

The Fifteenth Finance Commission grant for the five-year period of 2021- 26 and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) allocations are the new assured sources of funding for public health services. They can be used to strengthen the public health services. 

A centre of excellence in every State should be designated to guide the process for implementation of the public health and management cadres. The reluctant states should be nudged through appropriate incentives.  

The government can do mapping and an analysis of human resources available for recruitment for public health. They should be well trained. Setting up these two new cadres should be used as an opportunity to improve and standardise the quality of training in public health institutions.  

The implementation of PHMC should start in the next few months to avoid the risk of it becoming a low priority.  

The health staff available should be equally distributed for all other categories at government health facilities. Further, the vacancies of health staff should be filled up fast. 

GS Paper 3


Crushing lives: On the need to enforce rules in quarries

Source: This post is based on the article “Crushing lives: On the need to enforce rules in quarries” published in The Hindu on 20th May 22.

Syllabus: GS3 – Indian economy – Issues related to growth and development

Relevance: Enforcement of rules at hazardous sites, worker safety

Context: Death of three workers in an accident at a private stone quarry in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu has raised concerns regarding worker safety at hazardous sites.

In the present case, a falling boulder trapped six workers and their heavy vehicles under debris in a 300-feet deep stone quarry.

Were the norms being violated at the site?

The management, according to the State Director of Mining and Geology, was served a closure notice last month and instructed to suspend operations, after violations. Yet, the operations went on illegally.

The preliminary inquiry suggests the crusher unit, which has facilities for the manufacture of M-Sand and blue metal, had compromised safety along the vehicle path. The breach in the mandated 10 feet distance between the upper vehicle path and the immediate lower path is believed to have caused the falling boulder to plunge deeper into the quarry, aggravating the tragedy.

What steps have been taken by the govt?

A comprehensive safety audit exercise in all stone quarries has been ordered.

What are the issues involved?

There has been a plundering of natural resources in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats due to excessive blasting and mining. It has been well documented by committees, either appointed by the government or by the courts.

For instance, former IAS officer U. Sagayam, as the Madras High Court-appointed Legal Commissioner, had estimated ₹16,000 crore loss to the exchequer due to illegal granite mining in the Madurai region alone.

There has been a mushrooming of unlicensed quarries too. Just last year the High Court had ordered the closure of 64 unlicensed stone quarries in Tiruppur district, based on the findings of an advocate-commissioner.

The revenue loss aside, it is impossible to fix a cost to the resultant irretrievable damage to the environment and risk exposure to humans.

Way forward

There is now an increase in the quarrying volume in the Tirunelveli-Kanniyakumari region to meet the huge demand from Kerala, where an estimated 80% of quarried materials is transported.

It calls for the enforcement of restrictions on such inter-State transport of minerals.

Immediate responses to tragedies usually have a short life. Only a genuine administrative will to sustain the enforcement of rules in quarries is of real consequence.


Frequent policy flip-flops are bad for farmers as well as consumers

Source: This post is based on the article “Frequent policy flip-flops are bad for farmers as well as consumers” published in Livemint on 19th May 22.

Syllabus: GS3 – Indian Economy – Agriculture

Relevance: Wheat export ban, food inflation

Context: In a sudden move, the central government banned the export of wheat on 13th May, a day after retail inflation numbers for April were released.

It was wheat inflation at 9.6% that triggered this panic reaction.

None of it was unexpected, given the trend so far. The Food and Agriculture Organisation food index has been at its highest since the series began, driven by inflation in edible oil and cereals. Wheat prices have been rising since November and gained pace after the Russia-Ukraine war.

How did India go from making claims of ensuring global food security to worrying about its own in just a month?

The reason appears to be a lack of understanding of the agrarian economy or its food security impact.

What factors did the Govt failed to consider?

It was known that wheat production would suffer due to extreme heat waves, which damaged standing crops. While the government revised its production estimate down by only 5.7% to 105 million tonnes, actual output may be even lower.

Russia-Ukraine war: That wheat prices were rising internationally was also known months in advance. With the Russia-Ukraine war, there was a clear indication that global markets would witness a 25-30% fall in supply, given the dominant share of these two countries in the global wheat trade. This information was available and used by traders to pay higher prices to farmers for grains. It was obvious even to the government, given the low arrival of grains at public procurement centres. As against our target of 44 million tonnes, actual procurement has been less than 20 million tonnes.

What steps could have been taken?

Relaxing the quality of wheat procurement will help, but is too little, too late.

A bonus over the minimum support price. This would not only have allowed the government to meet its procurement target on time, but also provided better prices to farmers. Instead, the government allowed private traders and speculators to take advantage of the situation and mop up supplies from the market. These were mostly bought for exports, but are now trapped by the ban.

How domestic food security is being impacted by shortage of wheat?

There’s been a cut-back in the NFSA allocation of wheat in several states, many of them mainly wheat-consuming states.

The entire allocation under the PMGKAY for major wheat-consuming states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has been withdrawn. The offer to replace these with rice shows a confused bureaucratic approach that assumes people can change their dietary preferences and tastes according to government fiat.

What is the overall negative impact of the policy uncertainty?

First, the Govt created a hype of a bumper crop and made claims that India had the ability to feed the entire world and the only reason it was not able to do so currently was due to WTO’s rules.

Just a day before the export ban, India announced sending trade delegations to nine countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Indonesia and Thailand, to explore opportunities for exporting wheat.

Then after all this hype, Govt put an export ban on wheat.

Such sudden decisions and overall policy uncertainty can have the following negative impacts:

– uncertainty over government policies.

– Apart from sending mixed signals to farmers and traders, it also reflects a lack of understanding of the domestic food and agricultural economy. At a time when inflation is likely to erode real purchasing power, especially in rural areas and of the poor, the withdrawal of NFSA and PMGKAY wheat allocations will worsen lives.

– But a far worse outcome would be a loss of faith in public policy.


Objection milords: SC’s GST Council ruling is an overreach and can be hugely disruptive. GoI should file review petition

Source: This post is based on the article “Objection milords: SC’s GST Council ruling is an overreach and can be hugely disruptive. GoI should file review petition” published in The Times of India on 19th May 22, andthe article “Cooperative Federalism“ published in Business Standard on 19th May 22.

Syllabus: GS3 – Indian Economy

Relevance: Goods and Services Tax (GST) related issues

News: A Supreme Court Bench in a judgment has said that the recommendations of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council were not binding on the Central and state governments.

In the five years since GST has been rolled out, the GST Council has been the decision-making body on all key matters such as tax rates. Decisions of the Council are put to vote and seen to be binding on both GoI and states.

Details about the case

The origin of this verdict goes back to a decision handed by a division bench of the Gujarat high court in January 2020.

Companies that import coal for domestic industries challenged a tax levied by GoI under two statutory laws that are a part of the GST architecture.

Gujarat HC ruled against GoI, which subsequently brought the matter to the apex court.

In the apex court, GoI did categorically state that GST Council’s decisions are binding on both legislature and the executive. This argument was rejected by the apex court, thereby overturning the well-established hierarchy of decision-making in GST.

What has the Supreme Court said in its judgement?

Apart from stating that the Council’s decision is merely recommendatory, the court further noted Parliament and the state legislatures had the powers to legislate on issues related to GST.

What is the significance of SC’s judgement?

It marks a tectonic shift, unsettling India’s indirect tax architecture.

To now regard the GST Council’s decisions as just recommendatory in nature will undermine the current fiscal order which was painstakingly created across governments.

For economic agents, including firms and individuals, it introduces a level of uncertainty which is bound to undermine confidence. This, in turn, will act as a drag on economic activity.

If the GST Council’s decisions are not binding it opens the door to states cherry picking. That will defeat the whole purpose of transitioning to GST that aimed to create a common market in India by dismantling fiscal barriers between states.

States voluntarily subsumed their unilateral powers over indirect taxation to usher in GST. For sure, there have been disagreements within the GST Council but the binding nature of its decisions have never been in question.

How the verdict does not raise any uncertainty?

It is worth noting here that what the court has done is to reiterate the constitutional position.

Article 279A says the GST Council “shall make recommendations to the Union and the States …” regarding various aspects of the tax. But it also says that the Council will be “guided by the need for a harmonised structure of goods and services tax and for the development of a harmonised national market for goods and services”.

Moreover, Article 246A empowers the legislature of every state to make laws in the context of goods and services.

Notably, the Constitution also gives powers to the Council to determine the procedure in the performance of its functions. If gaps emerge in the functioning of GST, the Council is in a position to plug them.

Therefore, the judgment per se has not increased uncertainty in the GST system

Way forward

Alternative 1

This verdict is clearly one of judicial overreach and intrudes into the domain of the legislature. GoI should file a review petition right away.

Alternative 2

Perhaps the biggest challenge the Council needs to address now is the augmentation of revenue. With the completion of five years of implementation, the states from July 1 will not be eligible for compensation against revenue shortfall. 

Also, once the system stabilises, the need for making changes and, thus, the scope for differences in the Council will automatically decline.

The judgment nonetheless underlines the need for increased cooperation. The Centre must make sure that the concerns of all states are addressed.

It also shows that levies and provisions can be successfully challenged. The Union government and the Council must make sure that taxes are imposed strictly in accordance with the law.


Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity

Source: The post is based on an article “Pockets of hope, linking nature and humanity” published in the “The Hindu” on 20th May 2022. 

Syllabus: GS3 Environment and Ecology

Relevance: UNESCO Biosphere reserves, Biodiversity 

News: Recently, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on May 22 across the world. 

Significance of Biodiversity 

It is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human well-being in the present and in the future. Its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. 

What are the drivers of biodiversity loss? 

According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES’s) Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 2019, the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanisation. 

At present, the ecological carrying capacity of the planet earth has largely been exceeded.  

Threat to Biodiversity in South Asia 

Bhutan, India and Nepal combined have thousands of glaciers, surrounded by lakes and alpine ecosystems.  

Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka have coral reefs and mangrove forests ecosystems. These areas are exposed to extreme weather events (storms, floods, droughts), and sea-level rise. 

The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with a mere elevation of 1.5 metres above the high tide mark.  

What measures have been taken so far? 

In the last 50 years or so, various conservation areas have been established, and a number of international conventions have been signed and ratified for the protection of nature. 

The UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves 

It was created in 1971.  The biosphere reserves sites are ecosystems which can be on land, at the coast, or in the oceans. The Governments alone decide which areas to nominate for UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. All reserves remain under the sovereignty of their national government. 

In South Asia, over 30 Biosphere reserves have been established till 2020. In India, around 12 biosphere reserves have been created. For example, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was established in 2018. Recently, the Maldives created three biosphere reserves as pilot sites for the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems and to enhance the population’s knowledge on climate change adaptation. 

Importance of Biosphere Reserves 

Biosphere reserves are places where humans live in harmony with nature. They include an effective combination of sustainable development and nature conservation.  

These sites are managed based on an agreed plan, reinforced by routine checks to ensure credibility. 

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves works upon science-based management plans. These include local solutions for sustainable human living and nature conservation. 

What are the challenges in South Asia? 

Some of the countries in South Asia like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal do not yet have any or enough biosphere reserves. These countries have a lack of know-how and financial resources. 

Way Forward 

It is the human being’s responsibility and clearly in our interest to respect the environment. 

The richer nations and the private sector should provide the know-how and financial resources for establishing biosphere reserves in the South Asian countries as mentioned above 

It would be important to increase the number of biosphere reserves in India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. 

More and larger sites should be established covering the terrestrial surface, including coastal areas with their offshore islands.  


Three development models that can guide Indian state economies

Source: The post is based on an article “Three development models that can guide Indian state economies” published in the Live Mint on 20th May 2022. 

Syllabus: GS3 Indian Economy, Issues and challenges in the growth and development of India.

Relevance: The state development models in India 

News: At present, India’s economic policymakers are trying to look after potential stagflation.  

Possible long-term strategies for high, employment-intensive growth

Three broad groups of states are identifiable, each with a distinct development model.  

Bihar model

Coverage:  The model is generally found in a group of the least developed states which includes Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam and all the north-eastern states, among others.  

Features:  In this model, the states are growing at rates comparable to the national average. They have very low per capita incomes, the share of industry in the state’s gross domestic product (GSDP) is below the national average.  

Further, there is a lack of modern industrial hubs, few existing large industrial units are often state-owned, there is a weak backward or forward linkage with the local economy.  

These states have low levels of human or social development and infrastructure development 

The workforce depends upon agriculture, the non-agricultural workforce is mainly engaged in low-productivity, and low-wage jobs in thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

Problems 

These states have a large size of government relative to GSDP: 26% compared to the 17% national average.  

Government expenditure is heavily dependent on central transfers rather than the state’s own resources: over 59% as compared to the national average of just over 36%.  

Solution 

Cooperative federalism is important in accelerating inclusive development in these states. 

If the government expenditure is strategically deployed, then it can significantly impact the development trajectory of the state.  

Gujarat model

Coverage: It includes a group of fast-growing state like Gujarat, Haryana and Telangana. 

Features: They have a high per capita income, nearly 6 times that of Bihar. A large share of its workforce is still dependent on agriculture. The share of industry in GSDP is at 44% (way above the national average).  

The state’s growth is driven by traditional industries like agro-processing, modern industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, IT services and modern financial services.  

In fact, infrastructure is highly developed.  

Problems 

These state’s lag behind the country’s leading states in social development, such as education and health outcomes. This challenges the quality of human resources which determines competitiveness. 

Causes of problem 

The deficit in education and health outcomes is due to the relatively small size of government expenditure (only 11% of GSDP). Further, much of the spending goes to physical infrastructure. 

Tamil Nadu Model

 Coverage: This includes industrialized states/UTs like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Kerala too  

Features: These are prosperous states with high per capita income. These are India’s most industrialized states. In addition, the Industrials sector accounts for over 34% share in GSDP.  

Unlike Gujarat, the share of its workforce in agriculture is not above 30%. There is high social development indicated by high life expectancy. 

The state’s dependence on central transfers is also quite low, in fact lower than Gujarat’s.  

Much of the achievements have been despite Tamil Nadu government’s expenditure well below the national average. 

Solutions 

The Tamil Nadu model of development is thus the most successful model under Indian conditions. 

The states should improve their power situation and leverages on science and technology research institutions to emerge as a knowledge economy hub. 

Way Forward 

The three development models described above spell out a roadmap for long-term development in different states.  

States following the Tamil Nadu model should stay the course and do more of the same.  

States that follow the Gujarat model should course correct, prioritizing education and health services 

States that have followed the Bihar model should switch to the Tamil Nadu model. They need strong central government support to do so.  

Further, the labour migration from Bihar model states to Gujarat model states and especially Tamil Nadu model states will serve as the market-based adjustment within the country. 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

GST Council recommendations not binding on government: SC

Source: The post is based on the articleGST Council recommendations not binding on government: SCpublished in TOI on 20th May 2022.

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has ruled that the recommendations of the GST council are not binding on the Union and the State Governments.

What are the key highlights from the Supreme Court judgment on GST?
Judgement on GST
Source: The Hindu

Firstly, the recommendations of the GST Council are the product of a collaborative dialogue involving the Union and States. They are recommendatory in nature. To regard them as binding would disrupt fiscal federalism where both the Union and the States are conferred equal power to legislate on GST.

Secondly, if the GST Council was intended to be a decision-making authority ​​whose recommendations are binding, such a qualification would have been included in Articles 246A or 279A.

Instead, Article 246A (which gives the States power to make laws with respect to GST) of the Constitution treats the Union and the States as “equal units”.

Moreover, Article 279A in constituting the GST Council, envisions that neither the Centre nor the states are actually dependent on the other. It confers a simultaneous power (on Union and States) for enacting laws on GST.

What was the Center and States’ response to this verdict?

Center: It has said that the court has not said anything new. This is because the GST law says that it will recommend, but it has nowhere said that it will mandate. 

States: Supreme Court judgment clarifies all confusion regarding the GST Council recommendations. It is a verdict that upholds the federal rights of States and the people. 


Understanding India’s ethanol blending policy

Source: The post is based on the articleUnderstanding India’s ethanol blending policypublished in The Hindu on 20th May 2022.

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 to advance the date by which fuel companies have to increase the percentage of ethanol in petrol to 20%, from 2030 to 2025.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol is a hydrocarbon that when burnt can generate heat and power engines.

Advantages: Ethanol can be sourced from sugarcane, molasses and maize which given India’s agricultural base can substantially reduce India’s dependence on petroleum.

Disadvantages: It takes much more ethanol to power a vehicle’s engine than petrol. It also leaves residual by-products that can corrode and damage the vehicle.

Hence, when vehicles can be run on ethanol, they need to be tuned accordingly so that they don’t compromise on efficiency and usability. 

What is Ethanol Blended Programme?

In 2002, India launched the Ethanol Blended Petrol(EBP) Programme and began selling 5% ethanol blended petrol. However, until 2013-14, the percentage of blending never crossed 1.5%.

Since 2020, India has been announcing its intent to achieve 10% blending by the end of 2022 and 20% blending by 2030. The Centre has also targeted a 5% blending of biodiesel with diesel by 2030.

How does Ethanol blending effect vehicles?

When using E20, there is an estimated loss of 6-7% fuel efficiency for four-wheelers which are originally designed for E0 and calibrated for E10. Carmakers have said that with modifications in engines (hardware and tuning), the loss in efficiency due to blended fuel can be reduced. 

Moreover, to compensate the consumers for a drop in efficiency from ethanol-blended fuels, tax incentives on E10 and E20 fuels may be considered.

What is the International experience with ethanol blending?

Flex Fuel Engine technology(FFE) or vehicles that run entirely on ethanol are popular in Brazil and comprise nearly 80% of the total number of new vehicles sold in 2019. However, the cost of these vehicles are higher compared to regular petrol vehicles. 

In terms of Global Production of ethanol, the U.S. and Brazil make up 84% of the global share followed by the European Union (EU), China, India, Canada and Thailand.

Moreover, the prices of ethanol produced in India are higher compared to the U.S. and Brazil because of the minimum support prices that the government provides.

What is the environmental cost of Ethanol Blending?

No reduction in Nitrous Oxide: ​​Because ethanol burns more completely than petrol, it avoids emissions such as carbon monoxide. However, tests conducted in India have shown that there is no reduction in nitrous oxides, one of the major environmental pollutants. 

More usage of Land: A report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) says that for India to meet its target of 20% ethanol blended in petrol by the year 2025, it will need to bring in 30,000 additional sq km of land to come under maize cultivation. However, the report says that half of that land can be used more efficiently to produce clean electricity from solar energy.

High Usage of Water: For India, sugarcane is the cheapest source of ethanol. On average, a ton of sugarcane can produce 100 kg of sugar and 70 litres of ethanol, but that would mean 1,600 to 2,000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of sugar implying that a litre of ethanol from sugar requires about 2,860 litres of water.


The child online safety toolkit

Source: The post is based on the article “The child online safety toolkit” published in The Hindu on 20th May 2022. 

What is the News?

Britain-based NGO 5 Rights has released the Child Online Safety Toolkit with the aim to make the online experience safe for children. 

What is the need for a Child Online Safety Toolkit?

Education has migrated almost entirely online for a significant period during the pandemic and children were linked to schools through their devices. 

However, being online for children has several risks as well. For instance, research conducted by 5 Rights indicated that within 24 hours of a social media profile being created, children were being targeted with graphic content.

Moreover, the prevalence of child sexual exploitation and abuse is a major concern offline and certainly online too. In 2020, 65 million pieces of child sexual abuse material were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of the United States while many more went undetected.

Against this backdrop, the Child Online Safety Toolkit has been released.

What is the Child Online Safety Toolkit?

Released by: 5Rights Foundation with support from the African Union, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, the European Union and other global children’s rights NGOs.

Aim: To ensure that children’s rights and needs are prioritized in the digital world.

Features of the toolkit: The toolkit provides a practical and accessible roadmap to create a digital world where children and young people “are safe and fulfilled”. 

It builds on existing international agreements and best practices, developed in consultation with international experts from a range of backgrounds. Stages of the process. 

As such, any government can use the toolkit as a building block to work out its own culturally specific set of guidelines for online safety.


Can you call your child ‘gifted’? Check out the qualifying criteria AICTE has come up with

Source: The post is based on the articleCan you call your child ‘gifted’? Check out the qualifying criteria AICTE has come up withpublished in The Print on 19th May 2022. 

What is the News?

All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE) has released criteria that will allow institutions to set aside two more seats under the “gifted child” category.

What is a Gifted Child?

According to AICTE, a “gifted child” is one “who is curious in studies and discusses answers in detail beyond the scope of the question”, is a “keen observer in new learning activities”, “enjoys non-structured and non-routine problems” and “speaks his/her own mind”.

Gifted Child
Source: AICTE

What are the criteria for a child to qualify as “gifted”? 

– A prizewinner of at least one national/international level competition organized by a government or a recognised private body.

– Has received funding from a government agency for pursuing innovative projects.

– Is a candidate has high-quality original research article publications in peer-reviewed journals as the first author.

– Is the primary holder of a patent granted by an Indian or international patent office.

– Is the owner of an app on Google/Apple/Windows stores or has launched or is in process of launching a technology based innovative product in the market (with more than 10,000 downloads).

What are the benefits of a Gifted Child?

AICTE would allow institutions to make provisions for two supernumerary seats under the “gifted child” category.

Moreover, institutions admitting students under the gifted child category are committed to give a complete tuition waiver to the admitted students.


Low-cost super-elastic buckling restrained braces can improve earthquake resistance of structures

Source:  The post is based on the articleLow-cost super-elastic buckling restrained braces can improve earthquake resistance of structurespublished in PIB  on 19th May 2022. 

What is the News?

Researchers have developed low-cost buckling-restrained braces that can give improved protection to constructions from earthquakes.

What have the researchers developed?

The earthquake resistance of civil structures is often improved by using seismic force-resisting systems or vibration control devices. Buckling-restrained braces are the special structural elements that serve both purposes.

Researchers from IIT Delhi have now developed a low-cost buckling-restrained brace under the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme.

These braces can give improved protection to constructions from earthquakes. The braces also have several advantages such as all-steel components, onsite fabrication and assembling process, post-earthquake inspection and easy replacement.

What is the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme?

Launch Year: 2000

Nodal Ministry: Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology

Aim:  To provide basic infrastructure and enabling facilities for promoting R&D activities in new and emerging areas and attracting fresh talents in universities & other educational institutions.


Circular Economy in Municipal Solid and Liquid Waste: Recyclable garbage may generate Rs 30,000 crore annually

Source: The post is based on the articleCircular Economy in Municipal Solid and Liquid Waste: Recyclable garbage may generate Rs 30,000 crore annuallypublished in Economic Times on 17th May 2022. 

What is the News?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has released a report titled ‘Circular Economy in Municipal Solid and Liquid Waste’.

Note: ​​The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials/products as long as possible.

What is the purpose of the report?

The report provides a comprehensive, implementable and forward-looking action plan for the management of municipal solid & liquid waste. 

It also aims to promote India’s transition from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ mindset to a ‘multi lifecycle circular’ approach. 

What are the key findings of the report?

India generates approximately 1.45 lakh tonnes of solid waste daily and 35% of this Is dry waste and the major share of dry waste is plastic. 

Out of 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated daily, only 15,600 tonnes are recycled and the rest goes to landfills and water bodies.

Treatment of municipal solid, wet, and construction wastes can generate nearly Rs 30,000 crore revenue per annum and create employment opportunities.

What are the recommendations given by the report?

a) Government should reduce GST and other taxes on products that are made out of recycled materials to 5% from 18%, b) State pollution control boards and urban development and industry departments to introduce a tax for the dumping of all municipal waste in landfills.

c) Mandatory use of 25% recycled materials in non-food grade packaging to ensure recycling, d) Cement kilns must use 25% RDF (non-recyclable combustible dry waste) to replace coal.


Union Health Minister addresses 35th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting

Source:  The post is based on the article “Union Health Minister addresses 35th Stop TB Partnership Board Meetingpublished in PIB on 19th May 2022. 

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare addressed the 35th Board meeting of the Stop TB Partnership.

What is Stop TB Partnership?

Click Here to read about it

What are the key highlights from the 35th Board meeting of the Stop TB Partnership?

Adopt people with TB Initiative: The initiative is based on Indian values of collectivism. It calls upon corporations, industries, organizations, political parties & individuals to come forward and adopt TB infected people and families and provide them with nutritional and social support.

c-TB: It is a “Made in India” TB infection skin test. The test is cost-effective and will be of immense benefit to other high burden countries as well.


Explained | What a new study on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome says about the disease

Source: The post is based on the articleExplained | What a new study on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome says about the diseasepublished in The Hindu on 17th May 2022. 

What is the News?

A team of researchers in Australia has identified a biochemical marker in the blood that could help identify newborn babies at risk for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

Sudden infant death syndrome is the unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant. It usually occurs while the baby is asleep, although in rare cases, it can also occur while the child is awake. The condition is also called “Cot Death”.

Newborn babies delivered prematurely or with low weight at birth is believed to be at a greater risk of SIDS.

The exact cause of SIDS is unknown although revelations from the new research look promising.

What is the BChE enzyme responsible for?

BChE enzymes are responsible for sending out signals that make a baby wake up, turn his/her head, or gasp for breath. It is part of the autonomic system and controls functions like blood pressure and breathing.

What are the findings on the link between BChE enzyme and SIDS?

Babies who died of SIDS showed lower levels of the BChE enzyme shortly after birth.

Prematurely-delivered babies have been considered to be at a higher risk for SIDS, although a 1957 study that evaluated BChE in infancy found that there was no difference in the levels of the enzyme in premature and mature newborn infants.

Smoking during pregnancy is also associated with a significant increase in SIDS events.

Mains Answer Writing

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

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

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Limitation of Welfare Policies Politics in India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sustainable building materials

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

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2nd Employment Working Group (EWG)

Source-This post on Employment Working Group (EWG) 2023  is based on the article “India At G20 2nd Employment Working Group Meeting At Brasilia” published in “PIB” on 27th March 2024. Why in the News? Recently, the 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting held under the Brazilian Presidency in Brasilia. About 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG)… Continue reading 2nd Employment Working Group (EWG)

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50,000-year-old magnetofossil

Source-This post on 50,000-year-old magnetofossil is based on the article “Goa scientists find 50,000-year-old magnetic fossils in Bay of Bengal” published in “The Hindu” on 26th March 2024. Why in the News? Recently, scientists have found 50,000-year-old magnetic fossils in the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the youngest giant magnetofossils to be found… Continue reading 50,000-year-old magnetofossil

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Meme coins

Source-This post on meme coins is based on the article “Explainer: What are meme coins and should you add them in your portfolio?“ published in “Business Standard” on 25th March 2024. Why in the News? Recently, meme coins have gained significant popularity in the digital currency space. About Meme Coins 1. About: Meme coins are… Continue reading Meme coins

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