Jul 28, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th July 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Supreme Court upholds PMLA Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity Mains – GS 2 (Polity & Governance); GS 3 (Money Laundering) In News: The Supreme Court upheld the core amendments made to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) The act gives the government and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) powers of summons, arrest, and raids, and makes bail nearly impossible while shifting the burden of proof of innocence on to the accused rather than the prosecution. The apex court called the PMLA a law against the “scourge of money laundering” and not a hatchet wielded against rival politicians and dissenters. The verdict came on an extensive challenge raised against the amendments introduced to the 2002 Act by way of Finance Acts. The three-judge Bench said the method of introduction of the amendments through Money Bills would be separately examined by a larger Bench of the apex court. Contended Provisions Over 240 petitions were filed against the amendments which the challengers claimed to violate personal liberty, procedures of law and the constitutional mandate. Summoning Petitioners’ argument: The accused are summarily summoned by the ED and made to sign statements on the pain of threat of arrest and ED assumed the powers of a civil court. SC: The court said statements were recorded as part of an “inquiry” into the relevant facts in connection with the proceeds of crime. It cannot be equated to an investigation for prosecution. A person cannot claim protection under Article 20(3) (fundamental right against self-incrimination) of the Constitution Arrest Petitioners’ argument: The ED could arrest a person even without informing him of the charges. This power was violative of the right to ‘due process’ enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. Besides, Article 22 mandated that no person can be arrested without informing him or her of the grounds of the arrest, they had contended. SC: The court rejected the notion that the ED has been given blanket powers of arrest, search of person and property and seizure. The court said there were “in-built safeguards” within the Act, including the recording of reasons in writing while effecting arrest. The court also noted that the Special Court could verify using its own discretion if the accused need to be further detained or not. The court said that supply of a copy of ECIR in every case to the person concerned is not mandatory and “it is enough if ED at the time of arrest, discloses the grounds of such arrest Bail Petitioners’ argument: The “twin conditions” of bail under the PMLA rendered the hope of freedom non-existent for the accused. The two conditions are that there should be “reasonable grounds for believing that he is not guilty of such offence” and the accused “is not likely to commit any offence while on bail”. SC: The court said that money laundering was no ordinary offence. It was an “aggravated form of crime the world over”. The court said that there is a need for “creating a deterrent effect” through a stringent law. Even a plea for anticipatory bail would have to undergo the rigours of the twin conditions under PMLA. However, the court said undertrials could seek bail under Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure if they had already spent one half of the term of punishment in jail for the offence prescribed in law. Burden of Proof Petitioner’ argument: Burden of proof resting heavily on the shoulders of the accused SC: The provision did not suffer from the “vice of arbitrariness or unreasonableness”. Once the issue of admissibility of materials supporting the factum of grave suspicion about the involvement of the person in the commission of crime under the 2002 Act is accepted, in law, the burden must shift on the person concerned to dispel that suspicion. Attaching a property Petitioners’ argument: They objected the powers bestowed on the ED to attach a property as proceeds of crime. They had contended that even properties which were not proceeds of crime could be attached by the agency. SC: The court said Section 5 of the PMLA, which concerns with the provisional attachment of property, cannot be used by the agency “mechanically”. Authorities under the 2002 Act cannot resort to action against any person for money-laundering on an assumption that the property recovered by them must be proceeds of crime and that a scheduled offence has been committed, unless the same is registered with the jurisdictional police or pending inquiry by way of complaint before the competent forum. The court said the provision provided a “balancing arrangement” between the interests of the accused and that of the State. Further, if the accused was eventually absolved of the crime, no further action could be taken against the attached property suspected to have been linked to the crime. Must Read: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 Source: The Hindu Indian Express Previous Year Question Q.1) With reference to the ‘Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act), consider the following statements: (2017) A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only Forest Rights Act, 2006 Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity – Important Acts Mains – GS 1 (Society); GS 2 (Governance) In News: While many States are nowhere near completing implementation of the historic Act, Odisha is aiming for a full rollout by 2024. It is the first State in the country to make budgetary provision for implementation of the Central Act – ₹8 crore for 168 FRA cells in 2021-22. Till last year, forest rights committees were functioning in Tribal Sub Plan areas. Now, they have been extended to the entire State. The State is not only ensuring tenurial security and entitlement over land but also addressing livelihood and food security under the Act. Odisha’s ST and SC Development Department is about to launch Mission 2024 for FRA by granting all kinds of forest rights whether it is for the individual, community or habitat. The mission, currently under Finance Department and Planning and Convergence Department scrutiny, aims at granting the tribal people their rightful ownership. Forest Rights Act, 2006 FRA enacted in 2006 recognises the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities (FDST) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFD) to forest resources on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other sociocultural needs. It recognizes and vest the forest rights and occupation FDST and OTFD who have been residing in such forests for generations. It strengthens the conservation regime of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST and OTFD. The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR) or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD. Rights Under the Forest Rights Act: Title rights: It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares. Ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family and no new lands will be granted. Use rights: The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas Relief and development rights To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection. Forest management rights: It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2019) As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas. As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019) PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 4 Places in News Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography Kherson In News: Ukraine strikes key bridge in Russian-held Kherson Ukrainian artillery on Wednesday struck a key bridge in Moscow-controlled territory in south Ukraine, damaging an important supply route as Kyiv’s forces look to wrest back the Kherson region. The strike on the Antonivskiy bridge over the Dnipro river came hours ahead of the opening in Istanbul of a joint observation centre to monitor Ukrainian grain exports that have been blocked by the Kremlin’s warships. Ukrainian forces in recent weeks have been clawing back territory in the Kherson region, which fell to Russian forces easily and early after their invasion launched on February 24 Their counter-offensive supported by Western-supplied long-range artillery has seen its forces push closer to Kherson city, which had a pre-war population of under 300,000 people. Dnieper River The Dnieper or Dnipro is one of the major rivers of Europe, rising in the Valdai Hills near Smolensk, Russia, before flowing through Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea. It is the longest river of Ukraine and Belarus and the fourth-longest river in Europe, after the Volga, Danube, and Ural rivers. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2022) Country: Important reason for being in the news recently Chad: Setting up a permanent military base by China Guinea: Suspension of Constitution and Government by military Lebanon: Severe and prolonged economic depression Tunisia: Suspension of Parliament by President How many pairs given above are correctly matched? Only one pair Only two pairs Only three pairs All four pairs Revocation of suspension Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity In News: In a show of solidarity with the four suspended members Opposition members in the Lok Sabha demanded the revocation of their suspension. Suspension On what grounds and rules – Refer – Suspension of MPs What is the procedure for revocation of a Member’s suspension? While the Speaker is empowered to place a Member under suspension, the authority for revocation of this order is not vested in her. It is for the House, if it so desires, to resolve on a motion to revoke the suspension. In Rajya Sabha The House by motion terminates the suspension. Source: Indian Express The Hindu High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People Open in new  window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People It is an intergovernmental group championing a global deal for nature and people that can halt the accelerating loss of species, and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security. It was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain. Aim: To promote an international agreement to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030 (Global 30×30 target). To manage the planet sustainably with no net loss of natural habitats, supported by a circular economy, and strives for the sustainable and equitable sharing of benefits from nature. Members: It has more than 70 countries which are a mix of countries in the global north and south, European, Latin American, Africa and Asia countries are among the members. India became a member in October 2021. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Question Q.1) With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’ Which of the following statements are correct? (2021) It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests. It is a legally binding international declaration. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities. India was one of the signatories at its inception. Select the Correct answer using the code given below. 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 5 3 and 4 2 and 5 The poor state of India’s fiscal federalism Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 2 ( Polity) Context: The concerns of the founding fathers — addressing socio-economic inequities — are being forgotten in today’s fiscal policy. In his last speech, in 1949, to the Constituent Assembly, R. Ambedkar sounded a note of caution about the Indian republic entering a life of contradictions. “In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality. These conflicts demanded attention: fail to do so, and those denied will blow up the structure of political democracy”. Initially a degree of centralisation in fiscal power was required to address the concerns of socio-economic and regional disparities. But this asymmetric federalism, inherent to the Constitution, is recently accelerated and mutually reinforced with political centralisation making the Union Government extractive rather than enabling. What’s happening? A politicised institution The concerns of the founding fathers — addressing socio-economic inequities — were forgotten in the process of ushering in an era of political centralisation and cultural nationalism that drive today’s fiscal policy. Historically, India’s fiscal transfer worked through two pillars, i.e., the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission. But the waning of planning since the 1990s, and its abolition in 2014, led to the Finance Commission becoming a major means of fiscal transfer as the commission itself broadened its scope of sharing all taxes since 2000 from its original design of just two taxes — income tax and Union excise duties. Today, the Finance Commission became a politicised institution with arbitrariness and inherent bias towards the Union government. Hollowing out fiscal capacity Stagnant Revenue The ability of States to finance current expenditures from their own revenues has declined from 69% in 1955-56 to less than 38% in 2019-20. While the expenditure of the States has been shooting up, their revenues did not States cannot raise tax revenue because of curtailed indirect tax rights — subsumed in GST, except for petroleum products, electricity and alcohol — the revenue has been stagnant at 6% of GDP. Devolution Even the increased share of devolution, mooted by the 14th FC, from 32% to 42%, was subverted by raising non-divisive cess and surcharges that go directly into the Union kitty. This non-divisive pool in the Centre’s gross tax revenues shot up to 15.7% in 2020 from 9.43% in 2012, shrinking the divisible pool of resources for transfers to States. In addition, the recent drastic cut in corporate tax, with its adverse impact on the divisible pool, and ending GST compensation to States have had huge consequences. Differential Interest The States are forced to pay differential interest — about 10% against 7% — by the Union for market borrowings. It is not just that States are also losing due to gross fiscal mismanagement — increased surplus cash in balance of States that is money borrowed at higher interest rates — the Reserve Bank of India, when there is a surplus in the treasury, typically invests it in short treasury bills issued by the Union at lower interest rate. In sum, the Union gains at the expense of States by exploiting these interest rate differentials. Centrally sponsored schemes There are 131 centrally sponsored schemes, with a few dozen of them accounting for 90% of the allocation, and States required to share a part of the cost. They spend about 25% to 40% as matching grants at the expense of their priorities. These schemes, driven by the one-size-fits-all approach, are given precedence over State schemes, undermining the electorally mandated democratic politics of States. Driven by democratic impulses, States have been successful in innovating schemes that were adopted at the national level, for example, employment guarantee in Maharashtra, the noon meals in Tamil Nadu, local governance in Karnataka and Kerala, and school education in Himachal Pradesh. Deepening inequality This political centralisation has only deepened inequality. Stats The World Inequality Report estimates ‘that the ratio of private wealth to national income increased from 290% in 1980 to 555% in 2020, one of the fastest such increases in the world. The poorest half of the population has less than 6% of the wealth while the top 10% nearly grab two-third of it. India has a poor record on taxing its rich. Its tax-GDP ratio has been one of the lowest in the world — 17% of which is well below the average ratios of emerging market economies and OECD countries’ about 21% and 34%, respectively. Problems Hollowing out of fiscal capacity continued for decades after Independence, resulting in one of the lowest tax bases built on a regressive indirect taxation system in the world. India has simply failed to tax its property classes. If taxing on agriculture income was resisted in the 1970s when the sector prospered. India does not have wealth tax either. Its income tax base has been very narrow. Indirect tax still accounts for about 56% of total taxes. Instead of strengthening direct taxation, the Union government slashed corporate tax from 35% to 25% in 2019 and went on to monetise its public sector assets to finance infrastructure. Way Forward India’s Fiscal Federalism needs to be restructured in order to eliminate the above mentioned inadequacies. Finance Commission: The role of finance should be redefined. Commission should frame a devolution framework by considering the concerns of all the stakeholders. NITI Aayog should strive to remove regional and subregional disparities among states by reducing development imbalances. Decentralization can serve as the third pillar of the new fiscal federalism by strengthening local finances and state finance commission. Goods and Services Tax should be simplified in its structure by ensuring Single Rate GST and Transparency. A Reformed Approach toward States – the Centre could strive to be more conciliatory towards States’ concerns and fiscal dilemmas. Source: The Hindu Baba’s Explainer – State of DISCOMs State of DISCOMs Syllabus GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development  GS-3: Infrastructure: Energy Context: On July 13, the Tamil Nadu state DisCom filed a power tariff revision petition with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission proposing to hike power tariffs by 10% to 35%. If the proposal comes into effect, expected in September, the hike will be after a gap of eight years. Read Complete Details on State of DISCOMs Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements N-Treat technology is a five-stage process for waste treatment. The technology is developed by IIT-Madras and National Institute of Urban Affairs. It involves in-situ or on-site method of treatment and does not require additional space. Choose the correct statements: 1 only 1, 2 and 3 3 only 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the below given pairs is/are not correctly matched? Wetland State Sakhya Sagar Madhya Pradesh Pala Wetland Mizoram Karikili Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu Choose the correct code: 1 only 3 only 2 and 3 None Q.3) Consider the following statements about Forest Rights Act, 2006 The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of Individual Forest Rights under the act. It gives forest-dwelling tribal communities (FDST) the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals subject to a maximum of 6 hectares. Choose the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’28th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs. ANSWERS FOR 27th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – c Q.3) – b table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;} For a dedicated peer group, Motivation & Quick updates, Join our official telegram channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE to watch Explainer Videos, Strategy Sessions, Toppers Talks & many more…

Jul 28, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - State of DISCOMs

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development  GS-3: Infrastructure: Energy Context: On July 13, the Tamil Nadu state DisCom filed a power tariff revision petition with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission proposing to hike power tariffs by 10% to 35%. If the proposal comes into effect, expected in September, the hike will be after a gap of eight years. What are Discoms? Power generation, transmission, and distribution are the three main processes involved in the power sector. Distribution is done by the Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) which connect power producers to the households. They are the interface between utilities and the consumers. In other words, DisComs (Distribution Companies) are the utilities that typically buy power from generators and retail these to consumers. Under the Indian Constitution, power is a concurrent subject and the responsibility for distribution and supply of power to rural and urban consumers rests with the states. Hence, DISCOMs are predominantly owned by the state governments. Private DISCOMs are also operational in India but are limited to a few cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Since many years, most power distribution companies in India are in bad financial condition. What are the financial challenges being faced by the DISCOMs in India? High AT&C; (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses, at 21.7%, due to poor or inadequate infrastructure or on account of theft or bills not being generated or honoured. AT&C; loss reflects the loss due to energy loss during transmission and distribution (technical reasons), theft, and inefficiency in billing and commercial loss such as inefficiency in collection, and default in payment. Determination of tariffs: DISCOMs are not hiking their tariffs in line with increased cost. This is because most of them are owned by State governments and in order to make electricity affordable to citizens, democratically elected governments succumb under populist pressure so as to not go for a price hike. Also, there are frequent delays in the tariff determination process. In Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has promised free electricity if it is voted to power in the Assembly election to be held later this year. In case of central generating stations and where two or more states are involved, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission determines the tariff. In case of generating stations within a state, tariff is determined by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. Poor Cash Flow: Power distribution companies collect payments from consumers against their energy supplies (purchased from generators) to provide necessary cash flows to the generation and transmission sectors to operate. Due to the perennial cash collection shortfall, often due to payment delays from consumers, Discoms are unable to make timely payments for their energy purchases from the generators. This overhang limits their ability to pay on time, forcing them to run up operational debt to electricity suppliers and transmission firms. Lack of metering: Various levels in the distribution chain (the feeder, the distribution transformer (DT) and the consumer) have not been fully metered. As a result, it difficult to isolate and identify loss-making areas and take corrective action. Competition from Renewable Energy: Increasing competition from Solar Powers whose tariff has come down to Rs 2.90 per unit (as compared to Rs 6 per unit average cost of electricity supply for distribution utilities) combined with existing long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with mainly coal-based thermal power generating projects has led to financial rigidity & therefore financial loss for DisComs. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has completely shattered incoming cash flows to utilities. The lockdown disproportionately impacted revenues from commercial and industrial segments. But a large fraction of DisCom cost structures are locked in through PPAs that obligate capital cost payments. Rise in Informal loans: Over the years, DisComs have delayed their payments upstream (not just to generators but others as well) — in essence, treating payables like an informal loan. Ambitious Scheme without adequate support: The Centre’s “Electricity for all” programme have contributed to greater inefficiency. Because, to support higher levels of electrification, cost structures need to be reworked. Similarly, the distribution network (transformers, wires, etc) need to be augmented. In the absence of such measures, losses are bound to rise. Profitability: The gap between discoms’ costs (average cost of supply) and revenues (average revenue realised), supposed to have been eliminated by now, stands at Rs 0.49 per unit due to lack of regular and commensurate tariff hikes. According to Niti Aayog’s report of August 2021, most power DISCOMs incur losses every year — the total loss was estimated to be ₹90,000 crore in the financial year 2021. Due to these accumulated losses, DISCOMs were unable to pay for generators on time — as of March 2021, an amount of ₹67,917 crore was overdue. What key schemes have been launched by the Govt to address the DISCOM problem? Various steps have been taken by the govt to resolve the problems being faced by the DISCOMs: UDAY Scheme: Launched in November 2015, the Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) was designed to turn around the  financial position of DISCOMs. The state governments took over 75 % of the debt of their DISCOMs, issuing lower-interest bonds to service the rest of the debt. In return, DISCOMs were given target dates (2017-19) to meet efficiency parameters like reduction in power lost through transmission, theft and faulty metering. Reforms-Linked, Result-Based Scheme for Distribution (RLRBSD): In budget 2021-22, the Union government had announced the launch of a “reforms-based and results-linked” scheme for improving the financial health and operational efficiency of discoms. Under the scheme, AT&C; losses will be brought down to 12-15% by 2025-26, from 21-22%. Operational efficiencies of discoms will be improved through smart metering and upgradation of the distribution infrastructure, including the segregation of agriculture feeders and strengthening the system. Liquidity Scheme To help these DISCOMs, the Centre in May 2020, announced a Liquidity Infusion Scheme (Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan), under which loans of ₹1,35,497 crore have been sanctioned. As of December 31, 2021, a total of ₹1.03 lakh crore has been disbursed. What is the situation of power sector in Tamil Nadu? In Tamil Nadu, all domestic consumers are entitled to 100 units of free electricity bi-monthly since May 2016. Tamil Nadu could not bring down the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and the Average Revenue Realised (ARR) to nil by 2018-19, as stipulated in the UDAY scheme. On the contrary, the gap rose to ₹1.07 per unit in 2019-20 against ₹0.6 per unit in 2015-16. The cumulative financial losses of Tamil Nadu State DISCOMS went up from ₹18,954 crore in 2011-12 to ₹ 1,13,266 crore in 2020-21. The State government has made an allocation of ₹13,108 crore in 2022 in the form of budgetary support to absorb the losses of State DISCOM (TangedCo) If the recent proposal of tariff hike comes into effect, expected in September 2022, the hike will be after a gap of eight years. Despite the Centre’s prescription for annual or periodical revision of retail power tariff, States have not complied. The general approach is to use electricity as a tool for political agenda and make promises to allure people despite knowing that such assurances, if implemented, are not sustainable in the long run. The Centre tightened its focus on the State by having withheld, through the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), the release of ₹3,435 crore under the Special Liquidity (Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan) loan scheme. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a guideline to commercial banks that if lending is to be provided to any State-owned power utility including DISCOMs, the entity should have filed a tariff revision petition by November 30 every year. Do States provide subsidies to sectors like agriculture? A common feature of the power distribution policies of the States is to provide free or heavily subsidised supply to agriculture. The connections for the farm sector are unmetered. Tamil Nadu, which has been implementing free power supply for the sector since the mid-1980s, had long resisted the installation of meters even for fresh connections. But it has been allowing the installation of meters for agricultural pump sets. Government claims that the meters are there only to do an assessment of consumption and not for billing. Segregation of feeders has been suggested as an option to arrive at the accurate consumption of the farm sector so that the disproportionate quantum of consumption is not attributed to agriculturists in the absence of meters. Gujarat is cited as a success story in this regard. In Manipur, according to the Niti Aayog’s report, prepaid metering was supplemented with improved power supply, resulting in improved billing and collection efficiency as well as lower commercial losses. The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, in its tariff order of March 2022, came out with an incentive package in the area of demand side management by promoting energy efficient devices What is the way ahead? Improving AT&C; losses: Many discoms need to improve their billing efficiency through better and smart metering. Rationalisation of subsidies whereby doling out of free electricity can be eliminated to those who do not deserve such support. Privatisation of DISCOMS: Only 10% of India’s population is served by private distribution licensees. Hence, good Corporate Governance and higher private participation in distribution hold out the possibility of greater efficiency. It is an experiment that has yielded positive results in many cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Before it was privatised in 2002, AT&C; losses in the national capital were at a high 53% and the government was subsidising discoms to the extent of Rs 12,000 crore every year. After privatisation losses came down, and today Delhi has one of the lowest AT&C; losses among DISCOMs in the country at just 8 per cent. Regulatory Reforms: The state governments should promote autonomy, competence and transparency of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). Depoliticisation of DISCOMs is a necessity. Renewable Energy Integration Reforms: DISCOMs need to prepare to accommodate an increasing amount of renewable energy (RE), from generators as well as prosumers. Addressing the concerns of Agricultural Consumers: Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, day-time, low-cost supply can be provided to a large number of farmers by installing megawatt scale solar plants, which supply eight hours of quality power directly to dedicated agricultural feeders. This would address farmers’ demand for reliable supply and almost halve the discom’s cost and subsidy requirements. RDSS prioritizes investments and grants towards dedicated agricultural feeders to accelerate feeder solarisation. This grant support can provide reliable supply and reduce subsidy requirements. More Stimulus: There is a need a much larger liquidity infusion so that the entire electricity chain will not collapse Mains Practice Question – What factors have led to the poor financial health of DISCOMs? Suggest measure to improve the situation. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

Jul 28, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th July 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test -Click Here

Jul 27, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th July 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Suspension of Member of Parliament Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity In News: Nineteen opposition members were suspended from Rajya Sabha for a week What is the reason for suspending an MP? The general principle is that it is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the House can function smoothly. In order to ensure that proceedings are conducted in the proper manner, the Speaker/ Chairman is empowered to force a Member to withdraw from the House. Opposition MPs who had been protesting since the beginning of the session, entered the Well, and ignored Deputy Chairman requests to them to return to their seats. What are the Rules under which the Presiding Officer acts? Rule Number 373 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business says: The Speaker, if he is of the opinion that the conduct of any Member is grossly disorderly, may direct such Member to withdraw immediately from the House, and any Member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall remain absent during the remainder of the day’s sitting. To deal with more recalcitrant Members, the Speaker takes recourse to Rules 374 and 374A. Rule 374 says: The Speaker may, if deems it necessary, name a Member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the House by persistently and wilfully obstructing the business thereof. If a Member is so named by the Speaker, the Speaker shall, on a motion being made forthwith put the question that the Member be suspended from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session: Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated. A member suspended under this rule shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House. Rule 374A It was incorporated in the Rule Book on December 5, 2001. The intention was to skirt around the necessity of moving and adopting a motion for suspension. Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 373 and 374, in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a Member coming into the well of the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and wilfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such Member shall, on being named by the Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less: Provided that the House may, at any time, on a motion being made, resolve that such suspension be terminated. On the Speaker announcing the suspension under this rule, the Member shall forthwith withdraw from the precincts of the House. What happens in Rajya Sabha? Like the Speaker in Lok Sabha, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha is empowered under Rule Number 255 of its Rule Book to direct any Member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the House. Under Rule 256, the Chairman may name a Member who disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the Council by persistently and wilfully obstructing business. In such a situation, the House may adopt a motion suspending the Member from the service of the House for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session. The House may, by another motion, terminate the suspension. Source: Indian Express The Hindu Poll freebies Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity (Constitutional And Non Constitutional Bodies) Mains – GS 2 (Polity & Governance) In News: The Supreme Court asked the Centre to find out from the Finance Commission whether there is a way to curb political parties from promising and distributing “irrational freebies” during election campaigns. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana flagged the issue as “serious” and asked for means to control the promise of “freebies” to entice votes. The Election Commission of India (ECI), on the other hand aid it has no power to regulate the same or take action against parties making such poll promises. In an affidavit, the poll body said “offering/distribution of any freebies either before or after election is a policy decision of the party concerned, and whether such policies are financially viable or its adverse effect on the economic health over the state is a question that has to be considered and decided by the voters. Finally the court has asked Additional Solicitor General to explore this avenue and get instructions from the government The hearing came on a writ petition filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who had argued that the offer and distribution of “irrational freebies” amounted to bribery and unduly influencing voters. It vitiated free and fair elections in the country. Upadhyay claimed that States in total had debts of over ₹70 lakh crore. He suggested that the Law Commission of India should be asked to examine the statutes to control the giving away of unreasonable freebies. Finance Commission (FC) The FC is a constitutional body that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements. Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President of India is required to constitute a Finance Commission at an interval of five years or earlier. The 15th Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November 2017, under the chairmanship of NK Singh. Finance Commission – Members Qualifications Parliament may by law determine the qualifications which shall be requisite for appointment as members of the Commission and the manner in which they shall be selected. The Chairman of the Commission is selected from among persons who have experience in public affairs, and the four other members are selected from among persons who: are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of the High Court; have special knowledge in the finances and accounts of the Government; have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration; have special knowledge of economics. Tenure of Finance Commission The President of India specifies the term of office for Members of the Finance Commission, they are normally appointed for five years, and in some situations, the members are re-appointed. Functions of the Finance Commission It is the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to: The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or maybe, divided between them and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds. The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the consolidated fund of India. The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a state to supplement the resources of the Panchayat in the State on the basis of the recommendation made by the Finance commission of these states. The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a state to supplement the resources of the Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendation made by the Finance commission of these states. Any other matters referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance. The Commission determines its procedure and has such powers in the performance of their functions as Parliament may by law confer on them. Source: The Hindu Indian Express Must Read: freebie culture + Growing Freebies  + Election Commission of India Previous Year Question Q.1) With reference to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: (2022) As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, the election of Deputy Speaker shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix. There is a mandatory provision that the election of a candidate as Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha shall be from either the principal opposition party or the ruling party. The Deputy Speaker has the same power as of the Speaker when presiding over the sitting of the House and no appeal lies against his rulings. The well established parliamentary practice regarding the appointment of Deputy Speaker is that the motion is moved by the Speaker and duly seconded by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 3 and 4 only 2 and 4 only India Designates 5 New Ramsar Sites Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Environment In News: India has added five more Ramsar sites, or wetlands that are of international importance, bringing the number of such sites to 54. These are the Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest and Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu, the Sakhya Sagar in Madhya Pradesh and Pala Wetland in Mizoram. Wetlands Wetlands are an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water; whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres, but does not include river channels, paddy fields, human-made water bodies/ tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation and irrigation purposes. To be Ramsar site, however, it must meet at least one of nine criteria as defined by the Ramsar Convention of 1961. Wetlands in India India’s Ramsar wetlands are spread over 11,000 sq km — around 10% of the total wetland area in the country — across 18 States. No other South Asian country has as many sites though this has much to do with India’s geographical breadth and tropical diversity. The United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142) have the maximum Ramsar sites whereas Bolivia spans the largest area with 148,000 sq km under the Convention protection. Wetlands are also known to have among the highest soil-carbon densities and therefore play a major role in buffering carbon dioxide emissions. The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment compiled by the Indian Space Research Organisation, estimates India’s wetlands to span around 1,52,600 square kilometres which is 4.63% of the total geographical area of the country. India has 19 types of wetlands whereas Gujarat has the maximum area followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat serve as important spaces for migratory birds. Significance Being designated a Ramsar site ensure States and the Centre take steps to keep these tracts of land are conserved and spared from man-made encroachment. Acquiring this label also helps with a locale’s tourism potential and its international visibility. Source: Pib.Gov The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2022) Wetland/Lake:                         Location Hokera Wetland    Punjab Renuka Wetland                 Himachal Pradesh Rudrasagar Lake Tripura Sasthamkotta Lake Tamil Nadu How many pairs given above are correctly matched? Only one pair Only two pairs Only three pairs All four pairs Q.2) “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? (2022) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive. 58 15 Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. N-Treat technology Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Science and Technology Mains – GS 3 (Environment – Pollution) In News: The Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has tied up with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-B) for in-situ treatment of sewage in nullahs in the city. This pilot project will prevent coastal pollution due to sewage from 25 nullahs from flowing untreated into the sea or creeks. What is N-Treat technology? N-Treat is a seven-stage process for waste treatment that uses screens, gates, silt traps, curtains of coconut fibres for filtration, and disinfection using sodium hypochlorite. According to the detailed project report for N-Treat, it is a natural and environment friendly way for sewage treatment. It’s set up takes place within the nullah channels that is through the in-situ or on-site method of treatment, and does not require additional space. What does the process involve? The first stage involves screening to prevent the entry of floating objects such as plastic cups, paper dishes, polythene bags, sanitary napkins, or wood. The second stage has proposed construction of a silt trap, which creates an inclination and ‘parking spot’ on the bed of the nullah for sedimentation. The next three stages are installation of ‘bio zones’ in the form of coconut fibre curtains that will act as filters and promote growth of biofilm to help in decomposition of organic matter. Next Stage (as proposed by IIT-B) is use of florafts. It involves suspending floating rafts vertically, called florafts. According to its proposal, Their hanging roots would provide a large surface area for passive filtration as well as development of microbial consortium. The final stage for sewage treatment will include disinfection using sodium hypochlorite, to kill the bacteria in the water. Significance The N-Treat method suggested to the civic body is cost effective, as it does not require manual pumping, and saves electricity, and does not require extensive man-power for maintenance. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Question Q.1) “Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations? (2022) Restoration of damaged coral reefs Development of building materials using plant residues Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas Modhera Sun temple Open in new  window Syllabus Prelims – History Mains – GS 1 (History) In News: The Union Home Minister announced that the Ahmedabad Railway Station at Kalupur in Ahmedabad City will be developed on the theme of Modhera Sun Temple in the next five years Sun Temple, Modhera The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty. No worship is offered now and is protected monument maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Question Q.1) Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017) Arasavalli Amarakantak Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below : 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: (2021) It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. It is the only circular temple built in India. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 2 and 3 Only 1 and 4 2, 3 and 4 China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Open in new  window Syllabus Prelims – International Relations In News: China and Pakistan had held a meeting to bring other countries into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). India said that efforts to broaden CPEC’s scope are “inherently illegal” as it directly infringe on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. CPEC A bilateral project between Pakistan and China. Intended to promote connectivity across Pakistan with a network of highways, railways, and pipelines accompanied by energy, industrial, and other infrastructure development projects. Aims to link the Western part of China (Xinjiang province) to the Gwadar Port in Balochistan, Pakistan via Khunjerab Pass in the Northern Parts of Pakistan. It will pave the way for China to access the Middle East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China to access the Indian Ocean. India has been severely critical of the CPEC, as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Source: The Hindu Power tariff revisions and the state of DISCOMs Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Economy – Infrastructure – Energy ) Context: the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) filed a general retail power tariff revision petition with the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission proposing to hike power tariffs by 10% to 35%. Mounting losses, outstanding loans and the consequent increase in interest burden, have compelled the Tangedco to file the petition. In this context let us a look at status of DISCOMS and request for tariff revision Reasons behind the tariff revision demand Mounting losses Outstanding loans The consequent increase in interest burden Case in point: Even after joining the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) — a scheme meant for improving the health of state-owned electricity distribution companies (DISCOM)—in January 2017, Tamil Nadu could not bring down the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and the Average Revenue Realised (ARR) to nil. What is happening with the DISCOMs across the country? According to Niti Aayog’s report of August 2021, most power DISCOMs incur losses every year — the total loss was estimated to be ₹90,000 crore in the financial year 2021. Due to these accumulated losses, DISCOMs were unable to pay for generators on time — as of March 2021, an amount of ₹67,917 crore was overdue. To help these DISCOMs, the Centre in May 2020, announced a Liquidity Infusion Scheme (Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan), under which loans of ₹1,35,497 crore have been sanctioned. As of December 31, 2021, a total of ₹1.03 lakh crore has been disbursed. Where do States stand on power tariffs? Despite the Centre’s prescription for annual or periodical revision of retail power tariff, States have found the exercise painful, as the parties in power in the States link the process to their prospects at the time of Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. The general approach of many parties is to use electricity as a tool for their political agenda and make promises to allure people despite knowing that such assurances, if implemented, are not sustainable in the long run. A common feature of the power distribution policies of the States is to provide free or heavily subsidised supply to agriculture. The connections for the farm sector are unmetered DisComs cash flow is disrupted due to dues that are payable to them. These dues are of three types. Improper Tariff fixation by regulators: Regulators themselves have failed to fix cost-reflective tariffs thus creating Regulatory Assets, which are to be recovered through future tariff hikes. Pending Subsidies: Second, about a seventh of DisCom cost structures is meant to be covered through explicit subsidies by State governments. Cumulative unpaid subsidies, with modest carrying costs, make DisComs poorer by over ₹70,000 crore just over the last 10 years. Consumer Bills pending: Third, consumers owed DisComs over ₹1.8 lakh crore in FY 2018-19, booked as trade receivables. Way Ahead More Stimulus: There is a need a much larger liquidity infusion so that the entire electricity chain will not collapse Working on AT&C losses is important, but will not be sufficient. We need a complete overhaul of the regulation of electricity companies and their deliverables. Rationalisation of subsidies whereby doling out of free electricity can be eliminated to those who do not deserve such support. Segregation of feeders has been suggested as an option to arrive at the accurate consumption of the farm sector so that the disproportionate quantum of consumption is not attributed to agriculturists in the absence of meters. Gujarat is cited as a success story in this regard. The Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, in its tariff order of March 2022, came out with an incentive package in the area of demand side management. It stipulated that an incentive equal to 5% of energy charges should be given on installation and pushed for the use of energy saving devices such as ISI energy efficient motors for pump sets and programmable on-off/ dimmer switch with automation for street lights. Proper Regulation: Regulators must allow cost-covering tariffs. Note: Launched in July 2021, the Revamped Distribution Sector Reform Scheme (RDSS) is the latest of many central government grant-based programmes towards electricity distribution network investments. Source: The Hindu India’s civil society Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Governance) In News: Government is slowly chipping away at the rights of civil society groups using laws such as FCRA, PMLA It is being reported that the Indian state is deeply suspicious of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society leaders. The Constitution and law sought to protect minority communities and mandated equal rights and protection from the state to persons of all faiths and identities. According to that idea of India, these rights were deemed essential for the consolidation of the Indian state where citizens needed to feel a sense of belonging. Even though civil society organisations have contributed to the constitutional frame, they undoubtedly need to be regulated for defending those values. Ways in which Civil Society is Targeted The Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act (FCRA), and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), used in conjunction with a range of other measures such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), are deployed by the government Indian NGOs need an FCRA clearance for using foreign funds for developmental work. NGOs now needed to renew their licences every five years. Cancellation of License: Of the 16,692 NGOs that lost their licences between 2015 and 2022, 16,679 were denied the right between 2015 and 2019 before the Act was amended in 2020. A cursory look at these withdrawals suggests that increased compliance requirements enabled the state to flush out a large number of NGOs. FCRA amendment of 2020 NGOs could spend less on administrative costs. All NGOs were required to operate their foreign accounts through the State Bank of India’s branch located at Parliament Street in New Delhi. This would enable the state to track foreign funding organisations even more closely. The tax-free status of domestic donations would be reviewed every five years. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been reimagined as a tool against civil society leaders and politicians. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of the Department of Revenue has wide-ranging powers to search and arrest citizens under the PMLA. The ED was used to attack NGOs such as Amnesty International and the Centre for Equity Studies that have worked incessantly for minority rights. Conclusion FCRA and PMLA are potent weapons for subduing the pluralistic nature of Indian society that is at the heart of India’s democracy. Social values can be saved if democratic politics protects those values. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) It was enacted in January 2003 and the Act along with the Rules framed there under has come into force with effect from 1st July 2005. Provisions: Definition of money laundering 3 of PMLA defines offence of money laundering as whosoever directly or indirectly attempts to indulge or knowingly assists or knowingly is a party or is actually involved in any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime and projecting it as untainted property shall be guilty of offence of money-laundering. Prescribes obligation: PMLA prescribes the obligation of banking companies, financial institutions and intermediaries for verification and maintenance of records of the identity of all its clients and also of all transactions and for furnishing information of such transactions in a prescribed form to the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND). Empowerment of officers: PMLA empowers certain officers of the Directorate of Enforcement to carry out investigations in cases involving offence of money laundering and also to attach the property involved in money laundering. Setting up of Authority: PMLA envisages setting up of an Adjudicating Authority to exercise jurisdiction, power and authority conferred by it essentially to confirm attachment or order confiscation of attached properties. It also envisages setting up of an Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals against the order of the Adjudicating Authority and the authorities like Director FIU-IND. Special Courts: It envisages designation of one or more courts of sessions as Special Court or Special Courts to try the offences punishable under PMLA and offences with which the accused may, under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, be charged at the same trial. Source: The Hindu Must Read: Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Previous Year Question Q.1) At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (2021) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry of Panchayati Raj Ministry of Rural Development Ministry of Tribal Affairs Cyber attack Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 3 (Security) In News:  Lok Sabha was told there have been 674,021 cyber attacks in the country this year until June (2022) — almost 3,700 cyber attacks a day, making India the third most impacted by network attacks in the world. From Covid vaccine research centres to banking and financial entities to PSU major Oil India Limited — a range of institutions came under cyber attack during the two years of the pandemic. The April 2022 attack on Oil India in Assam was one of the “most serious” incidents of ransomware attacks. “There were over 200 computers of Oil India that got encrypted during the attack and operations of Oil India came to a halt for almost a week. Health and banking were among the sectors hit hardest. While these attacks were successfully thwarted, these have underlined the need for constant vigil and global cooperation. Present Government Initiatives for Cyber Security Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative It was launched in 2018 with an aim to spread awareness about cybercrime and building capacity for safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments. Cyber Swachhta Kendra The Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) is a part of the Government of India’s Digital India initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It intends to create a secure cyberspace by detecting botnet infections in India and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end users so as to prevent further infections. Online cybercrime reporting portal Launched in 2019, it is a citizen-centric initiative enabling citizens to report cybercrimes online. The portal specifically focuses on crimes against women, children, particularly child pornography, child sex abuse material, online content pertaining to rapes/gang rapes, etc. It also focuses on crimes like financial crime and social media related crimes like stalking, cyberbullying, etc. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The scheme to set up I4C was approved in October 2018, to deal with all types of cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC). National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is an organisation of the Government of India created under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The Information Technology Act, 2000 defines Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) as those computer resource, the incapacitation or destruction of which, shall have debilitating impact on national security, economy, public health or safety. Source: Indian Express Baba’s Explainer – Political Crisis in Myanmar Political Crisis in Myanmar Syllabus GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. GS-2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  Context: On July 25, Myanmar’s junta(military) executed four pro-democracy activists. The junta spokesperson called the executions “lawful” and said it was “justice for the people.” They were sentenced to death in a closed-door trial that rights groups criticised as being unjust. News of the killing was met with intense criticism from opposition groups and human rights organisations. In 2021, the country’s military seized power, an event which triggered widespread demonstrations, prompting a military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, activists and journalists. Read Complete Details on Political Crisis in Myanmar Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements about Modhera Sun temple It is situated on the bank of the river Tapi It was built during the reign of Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty The temple complex has three components: Gudhamandapa, Sabhamandapa, and Kunda Choose the correct statements: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements Under the Constitution the Presiding officer of Lok Sabha has been empowered to suspend a MP from the House for disorderly conduct The termination of the suspension order of the respective MP can only be done by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Which of the below given pairs is/are correctly matched? Wetland State Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh Pala Wetland Madhya Pradesh Rudrasagar Lake Tripura Choose the correct code: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 2 and 3 1 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’27th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs. ANSWERS FOR 26th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – b Q.3) – d table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;}

Jul 27, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - Political Crisis in Myanmar

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. GS-2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  Context: On July 25, Myanmar’s junta(military) executed four pro-democracy activists. The junta spokesperson called the executions “lawful” and said it was “justice for the people.” They were sentenced to death in a closed-door trial that rights groups criticised as being unjust. News of the killing was met with intense criticism from opposition groups and human rights organisations. In 2021, the country’s military seized power, an event which triggered widespread demonstrations, prompting a military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, activists and journalists. What is the brief history of Myanmar post its Independence? 1948 – Burma becomes independent with U Nu as prime minister. U Nu, together with Indian Prime Minister Nehru, Indonesian President Sukarno, Yugoslav President Tito and Egyptian President Nasser co-found the Movement of Non-Aligned States. 1962 – U Nu’s faction ousted in military coup. The military inaugurates “the Burmese Way to Socialism” – nationalising the economy, forming a single-party state with the Socialist Programme Party as the sole political party, and banning independent newspapers. Coup d’état, also called coup, is the sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. The chief prerequisite for a coup is control of all or part of the armed forces, the police, and other military elements. Unlike a revolution, which is usually achieved by large numbers of people working for basic social, economic, and political change, a coup is a change in power from the top that merely results in the abrupt replacement of leading government personnel. 1991 – Aung San Suu Kyi (pro-Democratic activist) awarded Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to peaceful change. In 2008, the military had written a new Constitution that made sure the military’s interests would be protected even if there is a transition. 25% of the seats in parliament and local legislatures are reserved for military (giving it a veto over any move to change the Constitution). Also key ministries like Home, Defence and Border Affairs were reserved for Military. The President must have military experience and the President himself, his spouse or children “shall not be subject of a foreign power or citizen of a foreign country”. Ms. Suu Kyi, whose two sons are British citizens, cannot become President. The political climate in the junta (military)-led Myanmar started changing around 2010, where the military had agreed to an experiment of quasi-democracy In 2011, following a general election, a nominally civilian government was installed. So even when the Army allowed power to be transferred to an elected government, it made sure that it would continue to drive defence and internal security policies, and that the USDP (Military’s its political party), has an edge over other parties in elections with the reserved seats in Parliament. In the next five years, the Army loosened its grip on the government and society. Political prisoners, including Ms. Suu Kyi, were released. Suu Kyi’s political party (NLD) also changed its earlier position and accepted the Army-written Constitution. The NLD won the 2015 election, the country’s first free and fair election participated by multiple parties, and formed the government. Aung San Suu Kyi came to power as state councilor in 2016 and her ascension to leadership was seen as a critical moment in the transition of Myanmar to democracy from military dictatorship. What led to military Coup in 2021? In 2017, Army launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya in Rakhine State in the name of fighting terrorism, which forced over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee Myanmar to neighbouring countries, mainly Bangladesh. In her first term (2015-20), Suu Kyi had tried to buy peace with the military especially on the Rohingya issue. In 2019, she represented Myanmar at a trial in the International Court of Justice, at which she defended it against accusations of ethnic cleansing. The 2015 and 2020 election results showed the growing popularity of Ms. Suu Kyi and the unpopularity of the military. In the general elections held in Nov 2020, Aung San Suu Kyi’s Pro-Democratic Party NLD party had a resounding victory With 166 seats reserved for the military, the USDP (military’s political outfit) wanted only 167 seats to form the government and appoint the next President. Whereas the NLD needed 333 seats for an outright victory. In 2020 elections, the voters gave the NLD 396 seats, while the USDP ended up with just 33. In February 2021, the military (Tatmadaw) seized power from the democratically elected National League of Democracy (NLD) party. Military regained power because they feared that after the resounding electoral victory in 2020 elections, Aung San Suu Kyi may move to change the Constitution that curbs the military’s powers. Following the coup, Aung San Suu Kyi and several other leaders of the NLD were detained immediately and are still in detention. How has the situation unfolded after the Military Coup in 2021? With military unseating the popularly elected government, mass protests, called the ‘spring revolution’, against the military regime began. Also, a parallel government — the National Unity Government (NUG) — was formed. It has an armed division known as the People’s Defence Force (PDF), which is supported and trained by several armed ethnic groups. However, they have not been able to make a dent against the junta’s repressive measures. The military has arrested some 14,000 political prisoners, of which over 11,000 are still in prison. More than 2,000 civilians have been killed and thousands of houses have been burnt, rendering millions homeless. Suu Kyi has been convicted on half a dozen flimsy charges in secret trials and sentenced to 11 years in prison. The military has slapped her with many other charges that could effectively keep her in prison for the rest of her life. Recently, by executing four political prisoners, defying all international appeals, Myanmar’s military rulers has sent out a clear message that it has no plans for any political settlement. But despite these repressive measures, the junta has not managed to establish even a semblance of order. While in the past, pro-democracy activists followed non-violent means of protesting against military rulers, now they have built a violent underground movement and joined hands with the country’s ethnic rebels, who have been fighting the military junta for decades. What led to the latest executions? The repressive measures by military have failed to suppress the public hostility towards the military regime. Perhaps there is growing restlessness within the military for failing to establish control and legitimacy despite being in power since February 2021, which has led to these executions. The second reason could be to boost the morale of the military under the leadership of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. His promises of an election in two years, forming a caretaker government and declaring himself as a Prime Minister in August 2021 have failed to appease the people. Some military and police officials have even joined the pro-democracy movement. The government is grappling with a resistance movement, ethnic conflicts, terror attacks and a failing economy. To gain back the internal control of military organisation, these executions were carried sending a message that dissenters will not be tolerated. Third, perhaps the regime sees the global focus on Ukraine (and Sri Lanka) as an opportunity to carry out something in its own backyard. Will the executions reduce hostility or lead to a flare up? The opposition is likely to increase. Calling the executions unforgivable, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the National Unity Government said: “ The executions have made us more determined to topple the regime.” Both the activists were youth icons and prominent leaders of the pro-democracy movement. If Aung San Suu Kyi’s freedom is a hope that helps the pro-democracy movement to sustain, these executions will act as a catalyst. In the coming days, the junta might face probable retribution. Will the executions impact the ethnic conflict between the groups? Unlikely. The equation between the ethnic groups and the junta is likely to remain unstable; however, the equation between the ethnic groups is less likely to be impacted because of the executions. Is the international response adequate? The execution has been condemned by individual countries and international organisations. Regionally, the strongest voice has been from Cambodia, the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member. He had requested the Myanmar military ‘to reconsider” and “refrain” from such action as it was causing “great concern among the ASEAN members and its external partners.” Neither these condemnations nor the earlier sanctions levied by countries and organisations, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., the European Union and others, have made an impact on the regime. Successive military regimes have resisted external pressure — both from within the region and the rest of the world. Besides, there is support for the regime from its allies. Russia has strongly supported the junta since the coup. The friendship has been well displayed by political and economic collaborations. China, the military’s oldest ally, was one of the first to give it de facto recognition after the coup. China has a high stake in Myanmar due to its infrastructural projects and investments. It also wishes to avoid conflict within its borders. Among ASEAN members, Thailand’s proximity to the junta is a known fact. While there are regional and international sanctions on the regime, there is also support from crucial actors. The latter sustains the regime against the former. What are the implication of Military coup for India? Erodes Progress made in last decade: The quasi-democratic experiment that Myanmar had started a decade back has now been aborted. India was champion of Democracy in Myanmar and had provided guidance in its Democratic transition. Rise of China: The growing international isolation of Myanmar government led by the Army could once again push the country into dependence on China. During its earlier stint from 1962-2011 (military rule), China & military government had a full-fledged working relationship. On the other hand, India who was supportive of Pro-Democratic faction took an ideological stance which had caused restraints in its working relationship with ruling military government (however, this started to slowly change in post-liberalisation era where economic factors were the driving force for any bilateral relationship- Obstacles in Foreign Policy Agenda: Recent developments in Myanmar pose a serious policy challenge to India. Instability in Myanmar hurts India interests, where a stable Myanmar is an important element for the success of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and ‘Indo-Pacific’ policies Delayed Connectivity Projects: Peace in Chin and Rakhine states of Myanmar is essential for the completion of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway project. The political instability slows down these connectivity projects further delaying the sub-regional integration Border & Regional Security: The political instability in the post-coup period is expected to divert the attention of the Myanmar Army from its periphery and its borders. This may create tensions at border areas in India (refugees, insurgents, illegal movements) Refugee Issue: The refugee influx from Myanmar to Manipur and Mizoram (due to common ethnic links and family ties) is a matter of concern for India due to Political instability in Myanmar What has been India’s stance? India expressed its concerns that the democratic gains made by Myanmar over the previous decades should not be undermined. India reiterated its “support to the process of democratic transition” and assured that India’s developmental and humanitarian efforts in Myanmar aimed at the socio-economic development of the country will continue. India’s envoy to UN told to UNHRC that the rule of law and democratic processes in Myanmar must be upheld and the detained political leaders released Mains Practice Question –What lessons can be learnt from the recent political upheaval in Myanmar? Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

Jul 27, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 27th July 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test -Click Here

Jul 27, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies 2 Questions [27th July, 2022] – Day 33

Hello Students  TLP has been an integral ingredient of success for many toppers and is no secret. In the ‘must do’ list for the civil services exam, TLP is by far the most popular initiative. The popularity stems from the unparalleled quality of questions and synopsis posted in TLP. We strive hard to ensure that you get the real feel of UPSC standards before you write the Mains. You already know the features of TLP. Just to reiterate briefly, in the TLP initiative, we post 5 questions daily for a certain number of weeks (11 for this one). We follow a micro plan that is designed to give you daily targets. The questions are from the day’s syllabus and also from current affairs and you are expected to write the answers and post them on the portal. This year onwards TLP will have a Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation (tlpmains.iasbaba.com). There will be a separate dedicated portal similar to (The RaRe Series) which students loved and appreciated. The Portal will help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. We are charging a token amount of 10/- for registration to the dedicated portal. We are doing it because we want to create a community of sincere aspirants who are focused and motivated till the Mains Examination. Please don’t take it otherwise. It is our honest effort to give you the best and at the same time expect students to come with the same energy and dedication to the dedicated platform specially designed for YOU! Join our bandwagon, you won’t regret it. UPSC 2023 Aspirants are encouraged to participate as well. Register Here – CLICK HERE  To Know More About TLP 2022 (Phase 2) – CLICK HERE To Access Day 33 Questions – CLICK HERE  P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other’s answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best 

Jul 26, 2022 Important Articles

[SPECIAL SESSION] Master the Art of Answer Writing and a glimpse into ‘The Answer Writing Manual’ with – Mrs. Srushti Deshmukh Gowda IAS and Dr Nagarjun Gowda IAS at Bangalore on 30th July (Saturday)

We all understand how powerful the skill of answer writing is. It, thus, makes sense to invest both time and effort in sharpening this skill if you are serious about cracking the UPSC-CSE examination. At IASbaba, our goal is to not help you with rote learning but to support you with conceptual clarity and a focussed approach toward turning that knowledge into a good score across all three stages of the examination. The key to scoring high marks lies in understanding the art of presenting your knowledge via answer writing, and this reflects across all our free and paid initiatives. Register Now To delve deeper into this art and to boost your preparation efforts, we have two very special guests joining us who will guide you on the approach, the strategies, and tips and tricks to write good-scoring answers during Mains – we have Mrs. Srushti J. Deshmukh Gowda and Mr. Nagarjun B Gowda.  Mrs. Srushti J. Deshmukh (AIR-5, 2018), hails from Bhopal and is currently posted in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, India. She is the author of the Book ‘The Answer Writing Manual for UPSC Civil Services & State PSC Examinations’, highly recommended by Team IASbaba, and fellow IAS officers. It is an invaluable resource that takes the reader step-by-step into decoding the essentials of the answer writing for the civil services exam. Consistency is one of the main keys to cracking any examination. Suppose you study five hours for one day, you need to be capable of doing that every single day for the rest of the whole year. You need to have self-discipline and persistently chase your goals till you achieve it. Mrs. Srushti J. Deshmukh Gowda, IAS Accompanying Mrs. Srushti is an IAS officer of the same batch Dr Nagarjun Gowda (AIR-418, CSE 2018), Madhya Pradesh Cadre. Dr Nagarjun is an MBBS doctor and hails from Karnataka. He prepared for UPSC CSE while working as a full time doctor at District hospital, Mandya. He is a believer in hard work and a firm believer in commitment to take action. According to him, failure is a part of life but should not be handed over the power to overpower you. Date & Venue Date & Time: 30th July 2022 (Saturday) at 12:30 PMVenue: IASbaba Headquartres, 2nd Floor, Ganapathi Circle, Chandra Layout, Bangalore The session will be streamed live for students who are not in Bangalore Note: Registrations are mandatory for attending the session since the seats are limited. Register Now Get ready to listen to these officers and be prepared for their words to change you and the course of your preparation.We hope, it certainly would!See you on Saturday,Team IASbaba

Jul 26, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - Privatisation in Space Sector

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources Context: In 2022, the space sector is witnessing what the information technology sector experienced in the 1990s. As a result, government would soon come up with a new space policy that could initiate the rise of India’s own “SpaceX-like ventures”. The proposed move would increase private sector participation in the industry. What are the structural changes that are reshaping the global space activity? Through the second half of the 20th century, outer space was the sole preserve of national space programmesdriven by government-funding, direction and management As military uses of space and prestige projects like Moon-landing emerged, major private sector entitiesalready in the aviation industry won space contracts in the US but under overall guidance & control of NASA & Pentagon The last decades of the 20th century saw significant expansion of satellite-based telecommunication, navigation, broadcasting and mapping, and lent a significant commercial dimension to the space sector. As a result, private sector companies(Ex: Space X) started playing major role in the sector like independent Space launches. Hired for a resupply mission for the space station, Space X now launches more rockets every year than NASA The entry of private sector has begun to drive down the cost-per-launch through innovations such as reusable rockets. As the digital revolution in the 21st century transformed the world economy, the commercial space sector has begun to grow in leaps and bounds. The global space businessis now estimated to be around $ 400 billion and is expected easily rise to at least trillion dollars by 2040. This has made private sector participation attractive and inevitable. What does the commercialisation/privatisation of the space sector mean in practical terms? Space Sector Revolutionized: With its reusable rockets, large capsules to carry payloads and crew and competitive pricing, SpaceX has revolutionised the space sector. Technology has brought down the Cost: The price tag for reaching low Earth orbit has declined by a factor of 20 in a decade. NASA’s space shuttle cost about $54,500 per kg; now, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 advertises a cost of $2,720 per kg. Increased Market: According to a Bank of America Report, the $350 billion space market today will touch $2.7 trillion by 2050.  In a decade, 80,000 such satellites could be in space compared to less than 3,000 at present Telecom Revolution: The aim of Starlink exercise is to provide Internet services that link any point on Earth to any other point. Targeting coverage in northern U.S. and Canada by end of 2020, the aim is to have the globe covered by 2021. This will be the new telecom revolution then, in the context of India, reaching out to rural areas as never before. What is the significance of development of Space Sector? Better Weather Prediction: Satellites provide more accurate information on weather forecasts and assess long-term trends in the climate and habitability of a region. As a result, governments would be able to devise more pragmatic and combative plans of action for farmers and dependent industries. Real time Tracking: With more accurate data collected through satellites can also serve as real-time monitoring and early-warning solutions against natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, mining etc. Real-time tracking can also serve multiple purposes in defence. Bolsters Connectivity: Satellite communication can reach more remote areas where conventional networks would require a heavy complimenting infrastructure. Space Debris Management: As space becomes more congested with satellites, advanced space technology is required to help in managing ‘space junk’ (debris of old spacecraft and satellites). Spillover effect on multiple sectors: What essentially needs to be remembered is that the space avenue is an integration of the aerospace, IT hardware and telecom sectors. It is thus argued that investment in this arena would foster positive carryover effects to other sectors as well. What are the challenges to fulfilling the potential of space? Multilateral framework for Space governance is becoming outdated for present context The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 enshrines the idea that space should be “the province of all mankind” and “not subject to national appropriation by claims of sovereignty”. The Rescue Agreement, Space Liability Convention, and the Space Registration Convention expanded provisions of the Outer Space Treaty. Gaps in the Space laws include The Moon Treaty of 1979 was not ratified by major space-faring nations. Space law does not have a dispute settlement mechanism Space law is silent on collisions and debris They offer insufficient guidance on interference with others’ space assets. The legal framework of Space laws is state-centric, placing responsibility on states alone However, non-state entities are now in the fray for commercial space exploration and utilisation. Some states like US are providing frameworks for resource recovery through private enterprises based on the notion that this is not expressly forbidden for non-state actors. Some scholars and governments view this as skirting the principle of national non-appropriation, violating the spirit if not the letter of the existing space law. The lack of alignment of domestic and international normative frameworks risks a damaging free-for-all competition for celestial resources involving actors outside the space framework. Space Arms race and Growing Militarisation States are investing in military space systems for communications, navigation, and reconnaissance purposes, so as to ensure operability of a range of capabilities. Reliance of militaries on satellite systems means that space assets become potential targets. So investment in technologies that can disrupt or destroy space-based capabilities is under way. The space arms race is difficult to curb, especially since almost all space technologies have military applications Where does India stand in the global space market? As per SpaceTech Analytics, India is the sixth-largest player in the industry internationally having 3.6% of the world’s space-tech companies (as of 2021). S. holds the leader’s spot housing 56.4% of all companies in the space-tech ecosystem. Other major players include U.K. (6.5%), Canada (5.3%), China (4.7%) and Germany (4.1%). The Indian Space Industry was valued at $7 billion in 2019 and aspires to grow to $50 billion by 2024. The country’s standout feature is its cost-effectiveness. India holds the distinction of being the first country to have reached the Mars’ orbit in its first attempt and at $75 million — way cheaper than Western standards. Most companies in the sector, globally, are involved in manufacture of spacecraft equipment and satellite communications. S. and Canada were the highest receivers of space-related investment in 2021. A scrutiny of SpaceTech data puts forth that U.S. alone has more companies in the sector than the next 15 countries combined. Forbes pointed out in May 2021 that. India’s total budgetary allocation for FY2022-23 towards the Department of Space was ₹13,700 crore. Further, funding into the sector’s start-ups (in India) nearly tripled to $67.2 million on a year-over-year basis in 2021. USA’s space budget was $41 billion in 2021, $23.3 billion of which was focused on NASA. The spur in research and innovation driven by government-led spending could also be attributed to the global concentration of considerable number of private investors in the country. It is not that there is no private industry involvement in India’s space sector. In fact, a large part of manufacturing and fabrication of rockets and satellites now happens in the private sector However, Indian industries’ role has been mainly that of suppliers of components and sub-systems while there is huge scope for participation in satellite-based services, and ground-based systems. There were several Indian companies waiting for make use of these opportunities but the policy environment in India was supportive of private players Additionally, the demand for space-based applications and services is growing even within India, and ISRO is unable to cater to this. How is the space scenario changing in India? Shift in Focus of ISRO: There has also been a shift from a mandated focus on utilitarian projects to those focused on exploring space and our planetary neighbours, the Moon, the Sun and so on. Increasing role of Private Players: As a result of shift in ISRO’s focus, we have seen the yielding of governmental control over the space industry bit by bit, starting from hiring of vendors and active outsourcing of rocket components to the present idea of allowing external agencies to use ISRO facilities. NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) Additionally, constituted in March 2019, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), is mandated to transfer the matured technologies developed by the ISRO to Indian industries. All of them are under the purview of the Ministry of Defence. Antrix Corporation Limited is an Indian government-owned company under the administrative control of the Department of Space. It was incorporated in September 1992, as a commercial and marketing arm of ISRO by prompting, commercially delivering and marketing products and services emanating from ISRO Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) IN-SPACe was mandated the task of promoting, authorising and licensing private players to carry out space activities. As an oversight and regulatory body, it is responsible for devising mechanisms to offer sharing of technology, expertise, and facilities free of cost (if feasible) to promote non-government private entities (NGPEs). ISRO shares its expertise in matters pertaining to quality and reliability protocols, documentations and testing procedure through IN-SPACe’s ‘interface mechanism’. What is the significance of the creation of IN-SPACe? Facilitator and regulator: IN-SPACe will act as an interface between ISRO and private parties, and assess how best to utilise India’s space resources and increase space-based activities. Fair Competition: IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. Better utilisation of space resources: Existing ISRO infrastructure, both ground- and space-based, scientific and technical resources, and even data are planned to be made accessible to interested parties to enable them to carry out their space-related activities. Strategic benefits: ISRO, like NASA, is essentially a scientific organisation whose main objective is exploration of space and carrying out scientific missions. The private industry will also free up ISRO to concentrate on science, R&D, interplanetary exploration and strategic launches. Widening the horizon of Private participation: IN-SPACe will promote private players in end-to-end space services, including building and launching rockets and satellites and providing space-based services commercially. Reorients space activities: IN-SPACe will reorient space sector from a ‘supply-driven’ model to a ‘demand-driven’ one, thereby ensuring optimum utilization of the nation’s space assets. Leveraging the potential of Young Country: So far only ISRO was doing all space related activities. Opening up of the space sector means the potential of the entire country can be leveraged Boost to Space Start-ups: This will not only result in an accelerated growth of the sector but also enable India to generate large scale employment in the technology sector. Additional revenue: ISRO can earn some money by making its facilities and data available to private players. What is the way Ahead? Need for new navigation policies: India has the SatCom policy and Remote Sensing Data Policy (RSDP) but they need suitable modifications for the purpose of IN-SPACe to perform its duty in an effective manner Changes needed in New Space India Limited (NSIL): It needs to be recalibrated to transform its approach of a supply-driven model to being a demand-driven model for space-based services Enhancing ease of doing space business: Space activities are multi-layered projects which involve a lot of intricacies across domains, such as gaining access to frequencies, licensing of satellites for operation, ability to export products, imagery Updation of Space Regulation: Space legislation is needed for enabling coherence across technical, legal, commercial, diplomatic and defence goals. India’s space vision also needs to address global governance, regulatory and arms control issues. Mains Practice Question –Privatisation of Space industry helps in boosting our economic growth. Comment Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

Jul 26, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th July 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Sports Code Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (Regulatory Bodies) Context:  The sports administration in India was in the headlines frequently these past few weeks all for the wrong reasons. Both the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) face potential ban/suspension if elections to the executive body are not done immediately. A seven-member delegation of the world football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation had come to the country last month for a meeting with the Committee of Administrators (CoA). The CoA was entrusted with the running of football by the Supreme Court after the executive committee of the AIFF was dissolved for violating the Central government’s sports code. Hockey India has also come under scrutiny by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the delay in conducting elections. What is the Sports Code? The Sports Code, or National Sports Development Code of India to be precise, was introduced in 2011 by the Central government, which wanted good governance practices in the management of sports at the national level without interfering in the autonomy of the national sports bodies. It was widely accepted that such a sports code was needed as it was felt that most of the sports federations had become personal fiefdoms of certain individuals — many of them politicians — as they continued to remain in power for long periods. The National Spots Code laid down restrictions regarding age and tenure. What happens when a sports body is found to be in violation of the Sports Code? The respective federations can be put under a CoA. That is what happened with the football and hockey associations. The Supreme Court had appointed a three-member CoA led by former Supreme Court judge A.R. Dave to run the AIFF, whose President Praful Patel had to resign. On similar lines, the Delhi High Court observed that the Sports Code was violated by Hockey India and a CoA was formed to run the game’s administration in India. Previous instances In February, the Delhi High court appointed Gita Mittal as the chairperson of the CoA to run the Table Tennis Federation of India, which was suspended following an inquiry into the match-fixing allegations raised by one of India’s leading players. In 2017, the Supreme Court had appointed a CoA to implement the reforms in the administration of cricket in the country suggested by the Justice R.M. Lodha committee. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’? (2022) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies In the North Pole and South Pole. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council. Places in News Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography Virunga National Park In News: Congo to Auction Land to Oil Companies The Democratic Republic of Congo, home to one of the largest old-growth rainforests on Earth, is auctioning off vast amounts of land in a push to become “the new destination for oil investments,” part of a global shift as the world retreats on fighting climate change in a scramble for fossil fuels. The oil and gas blocks, which will be auctioned, extend into Virunga National Park, the world’s most important gorilla sanctuary, as well as tropical peatlands that store vast amounts of carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere and from contributing to global warming. Peatlands in Equateur province in Congo Source: Nytimes.com Previous Year Question Q.1) “If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys.” Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? (2022) The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation and evaporation. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles and mammals thrive. 58 15 Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. Rivers in News Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography In News: All-party meeting in Rajasthan rejected Madhya Pradesh’s objections to canal project. Rajasthan government opposed centre’s objection to halt work on the proposed Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) until issues with Madhya Pradesh are resolved An all-party meeting on ERCP, reiterated the project’s significance for the State and offered to send a team of experts to the Centre for holding talks on its technical aspects. ERCP is an ambitious project that is set to benefit 13 districts with over 3.5 crore population through the interlinking of the Parvati, Kali Sindh and Chambal rivers. What is the issue? 2005 agreement The Inter-State Water Control Board had decided in an agreement signed in 2005 that any of the two States could use water from its own catchment area as well as 10% of the water received from the catchment areas of the other for any project. Rajasthan government’s stand Rajasthan claims to have prepared the DPR on ERCP in accordance with the Inter-State Water Control Board’s decision and in compliance with the 2010 guidelines of the Central Water Commission (CWC). Terming the objection to its project baseless, Rajasthan said MP had constructed the Mohanpura dam on the Newaj river, a tributary of Parbati river, and the Kundalia dam on Kali Sindh river, developing about 2.65-lakh hectare irrigation area in its territory. Madhya Pradesh obtained the no-objection certificate from Rajasthan after the construction of dams in 2017. The all-party meeting again raised the demand for the national project status for ERCP. Madhya Pradesh’s Objection A significant aspect of Madhya Pradesh’s objection is related to the water dependability. According to the agreement between the two States, a project for water supply can be formulated only on 75% water dependability, whereas the detailed project report (DPR) of ERCP is based on 50% water dependability. This will result in the breach of agreement, according to the Madhya Pradesh. River Chambal Chambal River is also known as Charmanwati or Charmawati The river flows much below its banks due to severe erosion because of poor rainfall and numerous deep ravines have been formed in the Chambal Valley, giving rise to badland topography. Origin Janapav near Mhow (MP) in the Vindhaya mountain range Length 965 kms Discharge Yamuna, Pachnada near Bhareh in UP States & Major Cities Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan: Kota Uttar Pradesh Right Bank Tributaries Parbati, Kali Sindh, Shipra Left Bank Tributaries Banas, Mej Major Dams Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar, Kota Barrage   Kali Sindh Origin Bagli, MP, enters Rajasthan at Binda Village Length 278 kms Discharge Chambal, Nonera village, Rajasthan States & Major Cities MP Rajasthan: Jhalawar, Baran Tributaries Parwan, Niwaj and Ahu Major Dams Kalisindh Dam is a major dam across the river situated in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan Parbati River Parbati River is a river in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, India that flows into the Chambal River. The river rises at a height of 610 m in the Vindhya range in Sehore district Madhya Pradesh and then enters in Rajasthan and flows from Baran District and Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan where it falls into Chambal River. It is one of the Chambal River’s three main tributaries, along with the Banas River and the Kali Sindh River. Ramgarh crater is located on its eastern bank. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2022) Reservoirs:                           States Ghataprabha:      Telangana. Gandhi Sagar:     Madhya Pradesh Indira Sagar:       Andhra Pradesh Maithon:              Chhattisgarh How many pairs given above are not correctly matched? Only one pair Only two pairs Only three pairs All four pairs Q.2) Consider the following rivers: (2021) Brahamani Nagalwali Subarnarekha Vamsadhara Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats? 1 and 2 2 and 4 3 and 4 1 and 3 Fiberisation Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Science & Technology Mains – GS 3 (Science & Technology) What is Fiberisation? The process of connecting radio towers with each other via optical fibre cables is called fiberisation. It helps provide full utilisation of network capacity, and carry large amounts of data once 5G services are rolled out. Aid in providing additional bandwidth and stronger backhaul support Fibre-based media, commonly called optical media, provides almost infinite bandwidth and coverage, low latency and high insulation from interference. With 5G, it will also be necessary to increase the density of mobile towers to provide better coverage to consumers and businesses. This calls for increased requirements for fibre deployment. The Challenges Indian Prime Minister Narendra of India, in his 2020 Independence Day speech, laid out the vision to connect every village in the country with optical fiber cable (OFC) in 1,000 days. To reach the targeted level of fiberisation, India requires about ₹2.2 lakh crore of investment to help fiberise 70% towers. There is also a need to increase data capacity in the fiberised towers. These tower sites which are connected via fibre are called fibre point of presence (POP). Currently these fibre POPs at a tower site can handle data at one to five Gbps speed. One of the biggest issues in the way of fiberisation remains the Right of Way (RoW) rules. While all States/UTs are required to implement these rules, they are not in complete alignment and still require certain amendments to align. Way Forward DoT’s GatiShakti Sanchar online portal can simplify RoW approvals and help deploy cables for 5G. Satellite communication also can facilitate 5G broadband connectivity to areas where it is not feasible to deploy terrestrial infrastructure like remote villages, islands or mountainous regions Note: The right of way (RoW) rules provide for a framework to give approvals and settle disputes in a time-bound manner, as well as improve coordination between companies and government authoritie Must Read: 5G Technology Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q.1) Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022) Cloud Services Quantum Computing Visible Light Communication Technologies Wireless Communication Technologies Private sector in space Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 3 (Science and Technology) In News: Principal Scientific Adviser stated that the government would soon come up with a new space policy that could initiate the rise of India’s private sector participation in space sector. Why is development in the space sector important? Enhancing space technology would be beneficial to bolster connectivity and combat climate-related implications through a more secure and effective means. Satellites provide more accurate information on weather forecasts and assess (and record) long-term trends in the climate and habitability of a region. By monitoring the long-term impact of climate change at regional, territorial, and national scales, governments would be able to devise more pragmatic and combative plans of action for farmers and dependent industries. They can also serve as real-time monitoring and early-warning solutions against natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, mining etc. Real-time tracking can also serve multiple purposes in defence. As for connectivity, satellite communication can reach more remote areas where conventional networks would require a heavy complimenting infrastructure. As to reliability, the WEF had stated that satellite communication can help connect 49% of the world’s unconnected population. In this light, it must be noted that satellite communications, which are used to facilitate telecommunication services, are among the major categories for investment in the space technology sector. The space avenue is an integration of the aerospace, IT hardware and telecom sectors. It is thus argued that investment in this arena would foster positive carryover effects to other sectors as well. Where does India stand in the global space market? Market As per SpaceTech Analytics, India is the sixth-largest player in the industry internationally having 3.6% of the world’s space-tech companies. S. holds the leader’s spot housing 56.4% of all companies in the space-tech ecosystem. Other major players include U.K. (6.5%), Canada (5.3%), China (4.7%) and Germany (4.1%). The Indian Space Industry was valued at $7 billion in 2019 and aspires to grow to $50 billion by 2024. The country’s standout feature is its cost-effectiveness. India holds the distinction of being the first country to have reached the Mars’ orbit in its first attempt and at $75 million — way cheaper than Western standards. Start-ups Most companies in the sector, globally, are involved in manufacture of spacecraft equipment and satellite communications. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology had stated earlier this month that of the 60-odd start-ups that had registered with the ISRO, a majority of them were dealing in projects related to space debris management. As space becomes more congested with satellites, the technology would thus help in managing ‘space junk’. Investment S. and Canada were the highest receivers of space-related investment in 2021. U.S. space budget was $41 billion in 2021, $23.3 billion of which was focused on NASA. India’s total budgetary allocation for FY2022-23 towards the Department of Space was ₹13,700 crore. Funding into the sector’s start-ups (in India) nearly tripled to $67.2 million on a year-over-year basis in 2021. How is the private sector’s involvement regulated in India? In June 2020, the Union government announced reforms in the space sector enabling more private players to provide end-to-end services. (IN-SPACe) An announcement for the establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was made. It was mandated the task of promoting, authorising and licensing private players to carry out space activities. As an oversight and regulatory body, it is responsible for devising mechanisms to offer sharing of technology, expertise, and facilities free of cost to promote non-government private entities (NGPEs). IN-SPACe’s Monitoring and Promotion Directorate oversees NGPE’s activities as per prescribed regulations and reports back in case any corrective actions or resolutions are required. ISRO shares its expertise in matters pertaining to quality and reliability protocols, documentations and testing procedure through IN-SPACe’s ‘interface mechanism’. NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) Additionally, constituted in March 2019, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) is mandated to transfer the matured technologies developed by the ISRO to Indian industries. With India having one of the best space programs in the world, the move to increase private sector participation in space will make India a bigger player in the global space economy. Space sector can play a major catalytic role in the technological advancement and expansion of our Industrial base. India is among a handful of countries with advanced capabilities in the space sector. With these reforms, the sector will receive new energy and dynamism, to help the country leapfrog to the next stages of space activities. Must Read: Space Sustainability Source: The Hindu Guidelines on arrests and bail orders Open in new  window Syllabus Prelims – Polity Mains – GS 2 (Governance) Context: A division bench of the Supreme Court of India in Satender Kumar Antil vs CBI laid down fresh guidelines on arrests in order to have strict compliance with the provisions of Section 41 and 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. These guidelines are in addition to the earlier ones which the apex court had already laid down in the case of Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar (2014). The Court in the present case has also emphasised upon separate legislation on the law relating to bail and has also issued specific directions in this regard. How is a person arrested? Arrest in its simplest form is defined as, “when one is taken and restrained from his liberty”. The police has wide powers to arrest under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. With regard to the Satender Kumar Antil case, the Court has issued specific directions and has also called for a compliance report. The Court said that the investigating agencies and their officers are duty-bound to comply with the mandate of Section 41 and 41A and the directions issued in the Arnesh Kumar case. What are Sections 41 and 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure? Section 41 of the Code provides for the circumstances in which arrest can be made by the police without a warrant and mandates for reasons to be recorded in writing for every arrest and non-arrest. Section 41A of the Code provides for the requirement of a notice to be sent by the investigating agencies before making an arrest in certain conditions prescribed by the Code. The Court stated that any dereliction on the part of the agencies has to be brought to the notice of the higher authorities by the court followed by appropriate action. The Bench further said that the courts will have to satisfy themselves on the compliance of Section 41 and 41A. Any non-compliance would entitle the accused for grant of bail. What are the guidelines with respect to bail? The Court has made a specific observation in the form of an obiter that the Government of India may consider the introduction of a separate enactment, in the nature of a Bail Act, so as to streamline the grant of bails. As part of the new guidelines, it is clearly stated that there need not be any insistence on a bail application while considering the application under Sections 88, 170, 204 and 209 of the Code. The Court said that “there needs to be a strict compliance of the mandate laid down in the judgment of this court in Siddharth” ( Siddharth vs State of U.P., 2021). It is a clear direction of the Court that bail applications ought to be disposed of within a period of two weeks except if the provisions mandate otherwise The Court also said that “applications for anticipatory bail are expected to be disposed of within a period of six weeks with the exception of any intervening application”. What steps need to be taken for compliance of these orders? The State and Central governments will have to comply with the directions issued by the Court from time to time with respect to the constitution of special courts. The High Court in consultation with the State governments will have to undertake an exercise on the need for special courts. The vacancies in the position of Presiding Officers of the special courts will have to be filled up expeditiously. What about undertrial prisoners? The High Courts have been directed by the apex court to identify undertrial prisoners who cannot comply with bail conditions. After doing so, appropriate action will have to be taken in the light of Section 440 of the Code, facilitating their release. Under Section 440, the amount of bond shall not be excessive, and high courts and sessions courts may reduce the amount prescribed by the magistrate or a police officer. An exercise will have to be done similarly to comply with the mandate of Section 436A of the Code, under which a person imprisoned during investigation or trial shall be released on bail on completion of half of the jail term prescribed for that offence. Must Read: Pressing need for Bail Law + Article 142 Source: The Hindu Toll of human-animal conflict Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – GS 3 (Environment) Stats: Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, 222 elephants were killed by electrocution across the country, 45 by trains, 29 by poachers and 11 by poisoning. Among tigers, too, 29 were killed by poaching between 2019 and 2021, while 197 tiger deaths are under scrutiny. Among human casualties of conflict with animals, elephants killed 1,579 humans in three years. Odisha accounted for the highest number of these deaths at 322. Around 222 elephant deaths is caused by electrocution Tigers killed 125 humans in reserves between 2019 and 2021. Maharashtra accounted for nearly half these deaths, at 61 Assessments of human-wildlife conflicts indicate that the main causes of human wildlife conflict include habitat loss, growth of population of wild animals, changing cropping patterns that attract wild animals to farmlands, movement of wild animals from forests area to human dominated landscapes for food and fodder, movement of human beings to forests for illegal collection of forest produce, habitat degradation due to growth of invasive alien species, etc. Must Read: Man-Animal Conflict Source: Indian Express Shortage of IAS Officers Open in new  window Syllabus Mains – Governance In News: At least 26 states of India have less number of Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officials than sanctioned strength. This is the situation when India is the first country in the world where a unique model, called ‘National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions’ (NSCST), has recently been launched for the training of civil servants. The number of IAS officials currently stands at 5,317 against the sanctioned strength of 6,789. According to data, among the sanctioned strength of 6,789, 4,712 are to be recruited through UPSC while the remaining via state civil services. Although the Union government claims to have started recruiting 180 IAS officers directly annually since 2012 following the recommendation of the Baswan Committee, the shortages still persist. The Effect: The gap between sanctioned and available strength is hampering policy-making and implementation of national welfare schemes in the states. Must Read: Link 1 Source: Newindian Express Baba’s Explainer – Privatisation in Space Sector Privatisation in Space Sector Syllabus GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources Context: In 2022, the space sector is witnessing what the information technology sector experienced in the 1990s. As a result, government would soon come up with a new space policy that could initiate the rise of India’s own “SpaceX-like ventures”. The proposed move would increase private sector participation in the industry. Read Complete Details on Privatisation in Space Sector Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements about National Sports Development Code of India It was introduced in 2011 by the Government of India with an aim of bringing good governance practices in the management of sports at the national level. The sports code does not interfere with the autonomy of the national sports bodies. Choose the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Consider the following statements River Chambal originates in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan River Parbati and Kali Sindh are left bank tributaries of River Chambal Gandhi Sagar and Kota Barrage on the River Barrage Choose the incorrect statements: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 only Q.3) Consider the following statements about fiberisation It is the process of connecting radio towers with each other via optical fibre cables. It aids in providing additional bandwidth and stronger backhaul support. Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’26th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs. ANSWERS FOR 25th JULY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – b Q.3) – d table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;}