What A Month July 2022 by Atish Mathur

atish mathur
WHAT A MONTH!
JULY 2022
14. DIGITIZATION OF PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL CREDIT
POLITY .......................................................................... 3
SOCIETIES ................................................................... 30
1. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS .........................................3
15. INITIATIVE ON MAINSTREAMING MILLETS IN ASIA AND
2. VICE-PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ..................................3
AFRICA ……………………………………………………………………30
3. NOMINATED MPS IN RAJYA SABHA ............................4
16. STATE START-UP RANKING ................................. 31
4. SUB-CATEGORIZING OF OBCS....................................5
17. UNDP’S COST-OF-LIVING REPORT ....................... 31
5. SPLIT IN POLITICAL PARTY- CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL
18. TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY CAN POSE FISCAL
PROVISIONS ..................................................................5
CHALLENGES ............................................................... 32
6. ELECTION FREEBIES .................................................6
19. INDIA ACHIEVES ITS CLEAN ENERGY TARGETS .......... 33
7. ‘UNPARLIAMENTARY WORDS’ ...................................7
20. STATISTICS ..................................................... 33
8. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS CERTAIN PROVISIONS UNDER
A. Gross GST Collection .................................... 33
PMLA .........................................................................8
B. Inflation ...................................................... 34
9. LATEST GUIDELINES ON ARRESTS AND BAIL ORDERS ........9 C. Unemployment Rate.................................... 34
10. SUPREME COURT- MINORITY STATUS IN INDIA IS STATE D. Forex Reserve .............................................. 34
DEPENDENT ..................................................................9
11. RENOUNCEMENT OF INDIAN CITIZENSHIP .................... 10
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS....................................... 35
12. MUNICIPAL FINANCES ............................................ 11
1. INDIA-RUSSIA DEFENCE COOPERATION ...................... 35
2. IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA INCREASED........................... 36
GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL ISSUES.................................. 13
3. INTERNATIONAL NORTH-SOUTH TRANSIT CORRIDOR
1. ONLY FOUR STATES HAVE ADOPTED THE MODEL TENANCY
(INSTC) .................................................................... 36
LAW 13
4. US EXEMPTS INDIA FROM CAATSA ......................... 37
2. ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA .......................................... 13
5. INDIA, AUSTRALIA BRINGS CRITICAL MINERALS INTO
3. BHARAT NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ................ 14
STRATEGIC TIES ............................................................ 38
4. NAMASTE SCHEME............................................. 15
6. SNAKE ISLAND ..................................................... 38
5. NEW RULES TO KEEP ADVERTISEMENTS IN CHECK ........ 15
6. DRAFT DISABILITY POLICY ....................................... 16
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY .................................. 40
7. STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD
1. TROPICAL OZONE HOLE ......................................... 40
2022 REPORT ............................................................. 16
2. UN OCEAN CONFERENCE – 2022 ............................ 41
8. WORLD POPULATION PROSPECTS REPORT .................. 17
3. NITI AAYOG REPORT ON ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTICS .... 41
9. GLOBAL GENDER GAP INDEX ................................... 18
4. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
10. WOMEN HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAFE ABORTION: SC....... 18
ACT, 1986 ................................................................. 43
11. INDIA INNOVATION INDEX 2022 .............................. 19
5. FOREST (CONSERVATION) RULES, 2022 .................... 44
12. ODISHA TOPS FIRST-EVER NFSA STATE RANKING INDEX 19
6. EIA RULES AMENDMENTS ...................................... 45
13. RISE IN UNVACCINATED CHILDREN IN INDIA ................ 20
7. SNOW LEOPARD .................................................. 45
8. RAMSAR SITES..................................................... 46
ECONOMY .................................................................. 21
9. BANNI GRASSLANDS ............................................. 46
1. FIVE YEARS OF GST .............................................. 21
10. INDIA’S LARGEST FLOATING SOLAR POWER PROJECT..... 47
2. 47TH GST COUNCIL MEETING .................................. 22
11. COALITION FOR DISASTER RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
3. SERVICE CHARGE .................................................. 23
(CDRI) ……………………………………………………………………47
4. POST DEVOLUTION REVENUE DEFICIT GRANT (PDRDG) 23 12. FLASH FLOOD IN AMARNATH .............................. 48
5. INDIA’S FIRST BULLION EXCHANGE............................ 24
6. NITI AAYOG ON DIGITAL BANKS .............................. 25
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ............................................ 49
7. RBI MEASURES TO BOOST FOREIGN INFLOWS ............. 26
1. JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE .............................. 49
8. RBI ALLOWS TRADE SETTLEMENT IN RUPEES............... 26
2. ISRO’S POEM PLATFORM ..................................... 49
9. IFSCA ISSUES FRAMEWORK FOR ANGEL FUNDS ........... 27
3. ARYABHAT – 1 ................................................. 50
10. FINANCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTIONS BUREAU (FSIB) ...... 27
4. LARGE HADRON COLLIDER ...................................... 50
11. NHAI TO OFFER PROJECTS ON BOT MODEL ............... 28
5. MONKEY POX ..................................................... 51
12. DESH BILL ......................................................... 29
6. MARBURG VIRUS ................................................. 52
13. PLATFORM OF PLATFORMS (POP) ............................ 29
7. LUMPY SKIN DISEASE ............................................ 52
8. N-TREAT TECHNOLOGY .......................................... 53 5. ‘HAR GHAR TIRANGA’ CAMPAIGN ............................ 56
6. NATIONAL EMBLEM .............................................. 57
HISTORY & CULTURE................................................... 54 7. ALLURI SITARAM RAJU .......................................... 58
1. KONARK SUN TEMPLE ........................................... 54
2. INDIA ELECTED TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE INTERNAL SECURITY & DEFENCE ................................. 59
OF UNESCO’S CONVENTION .......................................... 54 1. INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS 2021-22 ........................ 59
3. SANTHAL TRIBE .................................................... 55 2. COMMITTEE FOR PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY AUDIT 59
4. NATIONAL CULTURE FUND ..................................... 55 3. LATEST DEFENCE ADDITIONS ................................... 60
e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

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POLITY
1. Presidential Elections
Context
 Recently, Smt. Droupadi Murmu assumed office as India’s 15 th President, first tribal as well as the
second female president.
 The President of India is both the head of state and the country's first citizen. Article 54 of the Indian
Constitution states that the President of India will be elected.
Provisions
 The President of India is elected by indirect election.
 He is elected by an electoral college in accordance with the system of proportional representation by
means of a single transferable vote and secret ballot.
 The elections are conducted and overseen by the ECI.
The electoral college consists of

 The elected member of both the Houses of Parliament.
 The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
 The elected members of the Legislative assembly of Delhi and Puducherry.
 This provision was added by the 70th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
 The nomination of a candidate for election to the office of President must be subscribed ay atleast 50
electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders.
Who does not participate in the election of President of India?

 The nominated member of both the Houses of Parliament.
 The nominated members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.
 The nominated members of the Legislative assembly of Delhi and Puducherry.
 All the members of state legislative councils.
Eligibility for re-election

 A person who holds, or who has held office as President, shall be eligible for re-election as President.
Disputes regarding election of the President

 All the doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of the President are
inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court whose decision is final.
2. Vice-Presidential Elections
Context
 Former West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will be the 14th Vice-President of the country.
 The VP is the deputy to the head of state of the Republic of India, the President of India.
 His/her office is the second-highest constitutional office after the president and ranks second in the
order of precedence and first in the line of succession to the presidency.
Election procedure
 Article 66 of the Constitution of India states the manner of election of the vice president.

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 The vice president is elected indirectly by members of an electoral college consisting of the members
of both Houses of Parliament and NOT the members of state legislative assembly.
 The election is held as per the system of proportional representation using single transferable votes.
 The voting is conducted by Election Commission of India via secret ballot.
 The Electoral College for the poll will comprise 233 Rajya Sabha members, 12 nominated Rajya Sabha
members and 543 Lok Sabha members.
 The Lok Sabha Secretary-General would be appointed the Returning Officer.
 Political parties CANNOT issue any whip to their MPs in the matter of voting in the Vice-Presidential
election.
Removal
 The Constitution states that the vice president can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha
passed by an Effective majority (majority of all the then members) and agreed by the Lok Sabha with
a simple majority (Article 67(b)).
 But no such resolution may be moved unless at least 14 days’ notice in advance has been given.
 Notably, the Constitution does not list grounds for removal.
 No Vice President has ever faced removal or the deputy chairman in the Rajya Sabha cannot be
challenged in any court of law per Article 122.
3. Nominated MPs in Rajya Sabha

Context
 Olympic sprinter PT Usha and music composer Ilaiyaraaja among others have been nominated to the
Rajya Sabha in the category of eminent persons nominated by the President.
Nominated members in RS
 Twelve members are nominated to the RS by the President of India for six-year term.
 This is for their contributions towards arts, literature, sciences, and social services.
 This right has been bestowed upon the President according to the Fourth Schedule under Articles 4(1)
and 80(2) of the Constitution of India.
Normal composition
 The present strength is 245 members of whom 233 are representatives of the states and UTs and 12
are nominated by the President.
 The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year.
Constitutional provisions for nominated members

 80(1)(a) of Constitution of India makes provision for the nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha
by the President of India in accordance with provisions of Art. 80(3).
 80(3) says that the persons to be nominated as members must be possessing special knowledge or
practical experience in respect of such matters as the following namely: Literature, science, art and
social service.
Powers and privileges of such members

 A nominated member enjoys all the powers and privileges and immunities available to an elected
Member of Parliament.
 They take part in the proceedings of the House as any other member.
 Nominated members are however not entitled to vote in an election of the President of India.

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 They however have rights to vote in the vice-presidential election.

 As per Article 99 of the Constitution, a nominated member is allowed six months’ time should he join
a political party.
4. Sub-categorizing of OBCs
Context
 The Centre has extended the tenure of The Commission to Examine Sub-categorisation of Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) headed by Justice G Rohini, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.
Who are the OBCs?

 Other Backward Class is a collective term used to classify castes which are educationally or socially
disadvantaged.
 It is one of several official classifications of the population of India, along with General Class, Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).
 The OBCs were found to comprise 55% of the country’s population by the Mandal Commission report
of 1980, and were determined to be 41% in 2006.
What is the Sub-categorization of OBCs?

 The idea is to create sub-categories within the larger group of OBCs for the purpose of reservation.
 OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government.
 This has been a legal debate for other reservation categories too.
 In September last year, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court reopened the debate on sub-
categorization of SCs and STs for reservations.
Rohini Commission’s terms of reference

 Examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation
 Identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs
 To study the various entries in the Central List of OBCs and recommend correction
 Work out for a scientific approach for sub-categorisation
The findings were

 97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified as OBCs;
 95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities;
 983 OBC communities — 37% of the total — have zero representation in jobs and educational
institutions;
 994 OBC sub-castes have a total representation of only 2.68% in recruitment and admissions.
5. Split in Political Party- Constitutional and Legal Provisions

Context
 The recent split in Shiv Sena and the subsequent political slugfest in Maharashtra.
 There is a legal and constitutional framework to deal with issues when a party splinters and rival
factions assert themselves as the recognised political party.
 Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the superintendence, direction and control of elections is
vested in the Election Commission.

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 Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, Rule 5 specifies that the Commission shall specify the symbols that
may be chosen by candidates at elections in parliamentary or assembly constituencies and the
restrictions to which their choice will be subject.
 Choice and allotment of symbol: The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968
provides for the choice and allotment of symbols in Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies and
for recognition of political parties and matters connected.
 Power to recognise party from splinter group: Paragraph 15 of this Order specifies that the Commission
has the power to recognise as the party, from amongst splinter groups or rival sections.
EC’s powers in election symbol dispute

 The question of a split in a political party outside the legislature is dealt by Para 15 of the Symbols
Order, 1968.
 It states that the ECI may take into account all the available facts and circumstances and undertake a
test of majority.
 The decision of the ECI shall be binding on all such rival sections or groups emerged after the split.
 This applies to disputes in recognised national and state parties.
 For splits in registered but unrecognised parties, the EC usually advises the warring factions to resolve
their differences internally or to approach the court.
Test of majority
 In almost all disputes decided by the EC so far, a clear majority of party delegates/office bearers, MPs
and MLAs have supported one of the factions.
 Whenever the EC could not test the strength of rival groups based on support within the party
organisation (because of disputes regarding the list of office bearers), it fell back on testing the
majority only among elected MPs and MLAs.
What happens to the other group?

 The EC introduced a new rule under which the splinter group of the party — other than the group that
got the party symbol — had to register itself as a separate party.
6. Election Freebies
Context
 Recently, the Supreme court asked the central government whether distributing irrational freebies
during election campaigns is financially viable.
 It also referred to use the expertise of the Finance Commission in curbing the irrational poll freebies.
 According to Election Commission of India, whether such policies are financially viable or its adverse
effect on the economic health of the State is a question that has to be considered and decided by the
voters of the State.
What are freebies?

 Political parties promise to offer free electricity/water supply, monthly allowance to unemployed, daily
wage workers, and women as well as gadgets like laptops, smartphones, etc. in order to secure the
vote of the people.
 The states have become habituated to giving freebies, be it in the form of loan waivers or free
electricity, cycles, laptops, TV sets, and so on.

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Stand of ECI on freebies

 It said it has no power to regulate the same or take action against parties making such poll promises.
 ECI cannot regulate policy decisions: “offering/distribution of any freebies either before or after the
election is a policy decision of the party concerned.
Implications
 Elections and democracy:
o Against free and fair elections
o Criminalization of politics
o Competitive populism
 State fiscal:
o Weakens fiscal situations
o Redirects scarce resources
o Domino effect
o Opportunity cost
Merits
 Social investment
 Socialistic policy: This attitude comes from decades of operating within the dominant discourse of
market capitalism.
 Election manifesto: Proponents of such policies would argue that poll promises are essential for voters
to know what the party would do if it comes to power and have the chance to weigh options.
 Welfare: Economists opine that as long as any State has the capacity and ability to finance freebies
then its fine; if not then freebies are the burden on economy.
Judicial intervention against the freebie culture

 In 2013, the existence of freebie culture in Tamil Nadu have been challenged in the Supreme Court
(Subramaniam Balaji vs. Govt. of Tamil Nadu).
 The apex court identified that the case falls in the domain of the Election Commission (EC) and gave
certain guidelines to the EC to revise the model Code of Conduct to check the corrupt practices.
 The SC also observed that the unhealthy practice is bringing a bad name to Indian democracy.
 The new model code of conduct has included clear guidelines to ensure that political parties do not
make such promises in their manifestos.
 It states that distribution of freebies of any kind undoubtedly influence the people and it shakes the
root of free and fair elections to a large degree.
7. ‘Unparliamentary Words’
Context
 The Lok Sabha secretariat recently released a booklet of unparliamentary words that will henceforth
be banned and if used, will be expunged, it created an uproar among the opposing parties.
Who decides the nature of a word?

 MPs have freedom of speech in Parliament.
 But the presiding officers of Parliament have the final authority on what gets recorded in the day’s
proceedings.
 MPs can also draw attention to any unparliamentary words and urge the chair to delete them.

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 Any reporting of the parliamentary discussion that includes the deleted portion is a breach of
parliamentary privilege and invites the ire of the House.
 Deleted words are then added by the parliament secretariat to its compilation of unparliamentary
expressions.
 Why context is important? In any language, the context in which an individual uses a word is critical.
 “Context” means how the word is said, the circumstances in which it is said and when it is said.
Concerns
 The effectiveness in maintaining decency in parliamentary debates.
 The effectiveness of such a list help in promoting or stifling discussion.
 Technological advances have ensured that Parliament can no longer control how its proceedings are
recorded and disseminated.
8. Supreme Court Upholds Certain Provisions Under PMLA

Context
 The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of several key provisions of the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA) which gives the Enforcement Directorate wider powers of arrest, seizure and
makes it difficult to obtain bail.
Key provisions upheld by the SC

 EDs Power of Arrest: The petitioners had argued that 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.
o However, 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 an arrest.

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9. Latest Guidelines on Arrests and Bail Orders

What are the guidelines?
 In the case of Arnesh Kumar
(2014), the apex Court had rightly
observed that “arrest brings
humiliation, curtails freedom and
cast scars forever”.
 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.
o Section 41 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.
o Section 41A 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.
What are the guidelines with respect to bail?

 Regarding bail, the Court has made a specific observation in the form of an obiter that the:
 GoI may consider the introduction of a separate enactment, i.e. a Bail Act, so as to streamline the
grant of bails.
 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 exception being an intervening
application.
 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.
 The High Courts have been directed by the apex court to identify undertrial prisoners who cannot
comply with bail conditions.
10. Supreme Court- Minority Status in India is State Dependent

Context
 Every person in India can be a minority in one State or the other.
 One can be a minority outside his/her State.
 Similarly, a Kannada-speaking person may be in minority in States other than Karnataka.

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Who are the minorities?

 Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jain and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority
communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
 As per the Census 2011, the percentage of minorities in the country is about 19.3% of the total
population of the country.
 The population of Muslims are 14.2%; Christians 2.3%; Sikhs 1.7%, Buddhists 0.7%, Jain 0.4% and Parsis
0.006%.
 Minority Concentration Districts (MCD), Minority Concentration Blocks and Minority Concentration
Towns, have been identified on the basis of both population data and backwardness parameters of
Census 2001 of these areas.
Defining minorities
 The Constitution recognizes Religious minorities in India and Linguistic minorities in India through
Article 29 and Article 30.
 But Minority is not defined in the Constitution.
 Currently, the Linguistic minorities in India are identified on a state-wise basis thus determined by the
state government whereas Religious minorities in India are determined by the Central Government.
 The Parliament has the legislative powers and the Centre has the executive competence to notify a
community as a minority under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992.
11. Renouncement of Indian Citizenship

Context
 The Ministry of Home Affairs
stated that over 1.6 lakh
Indians renounced their
Indian citizenship in 2021.
Constitutional provisions
 Citizenship is listed in the
Union List under the
Constitution and thus is
under the exclusive
jurisdiction of Parliament.
 The Constitution does not
define the term ‘citizen’ but
details of various categories
of persons who are entitled
to citizenship are given in Part
2 (Articles 5 to 11).
What are the ways to renounce citizenship in India?

 Voluntary Renunciation:
o If an Indian citizen wishes, who is of full age and capacity, he can relinquish citizenship of India
by his will.

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o When a person relinquishes his citizenship, every minor child of that person also loses Indian
citizenship. However, when such a child attains the age of 18, he may resume Indian
citizenship.
 By Termination:
o The Constitution of India provides single citizenship. It means an Indian person can only be a
citizen of one country at a time.
o If a person takes the citizenship of another country, then his Indian citizenship ends
automatically. However, this provision does not apply when India is busy in war.
 Deprivation by Government:
o The Government of India may terminate the citizenship of an Indian citizen if;
o The citizen has disrespected the Constitution.
o Has obtained citizenship by fraud.
o The citizen has unlawfully traded or communicated with the enemy during a war.
o Within 5 years of registration or naturalisation, a citizen has been sentenced to 2 years of
imprisonment in any country.
o The citizen has been living outside India for 7 years continuously.
12. Municipal Finances

Context
 Recently, the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) analysed data from 80 Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs) across 24 States between 2012-13 and 2016-17 to understand their finance and spending, and
found some key trends.
What are the revenue sources for ULBs?

 Taxes, fees, fines and charges, and inter-governmental transfers (IGTs) are the key revenue sources of
the ULBs.
 Inter-Governmental Transfers (IGTs) refers to transfers from Central and State governments. First, the
transfers from the Central government are as stipulated by the Central Finance Commissions and
through grants towards specific reforms. Second, the State government transfers are as grants-in-aid
and devolution of State’s collection of local taxes.
Key findings
ULBs’ own revenue was around 47% of their total revenue, in which the largest component was tax revenue.
Their own revenues increased by 7% from 2012-13 to 2016-17.
(A) Own Revenue

 The ULBs’ own sources of revenue were less than half of their total revenue. The share of ULBs own
revenue, in GDP was only 0.5% for the five-year period.
 Further, the share of India’s property tax, the single largest contributor to ULBs’ own revenue,
accounted for only about 0.15% of the GDP. In contrast, its share was about 0.6% and 1% in the ULBs of
developing and developed countries respectively.
(B) IGTs
 It accounted for about 40% of the ULBs’ total revenue. It means ULBs are highly dependent on IGTs.
 However, the dependence of ULBs on IGTs has dipped over the last 5 years between 2012-13 and 2016,
due to modest increase in own revenue.

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 Furter, the scale of IGTs in India remained at around 0.5% of GDP, which is far lower than the
international average of 2% to 5% of GDP.
(C) Inter-city variations
 There are considerable differences in the composition of revenue sources across cities of different
sizes.
 For example, Class I-A cities (population of over 50 lakh) primarily depend on their own tax revenue,
while Class I-B cities and Class I-C cities (population of 10 lakh-50 lakh and 1 lakh-10 lakh, respectively)
primarily rely more on IGTs.
(D) Operations and maintenance(O&M)
 The O&M expenses refers to expenses used to upkeep of infrastructure and for maintaining quality of
service delivery like water supply, solid waste management, etc.
 The share of O&M expenses in ULBs’ total revenue expenditure has increased from about 30% in 2012-
13 to about 35% in 2016-17. However, these expenses remain inadequate.

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GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Only Four States Have Adopted the Model Tenancy Law
Context
 More than a year since the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry circulated the Model Tenancy
Act (MTA), only four States had revised their tenancy laws to be in line with the MTA, i.e., Andhra
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam.
What is the Model Tenancy Act?

 MTA is aimed at opening up of the vacant housing stock for rental housing purposes and helping
bridge the trust deficit that exists between tenants and landlords by clearly delineating their
obligations.
 The housing and urban affairs ministry had floated the draft model tenancy law in July 2019.
2. Road Safety in India

Context
 The United Nations held a high-level meeting on Global Road Safety on June 30 and July 1, 2022 to
review the progress and challenges.
Road accidents in India: a lookover

 In spite of several years of policymaking to improve road safety, India remains among the worst-
performing countries in this area.
 Total 1,47,913 lives lost to road traffic accidents in 2017 as per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
statistics.
 The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) figure for the same year is 1,50,093 road accident deaths.
Why in news?
 The persistently high annual death toll brings into question the country’s ability to meet Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) 3.6.
 This aims to halve the fatalities and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030.
Lancet’s findings on road safety

 A new analytical series on road safety worldwide, published by The Lancet, proposes that India and
other countries could cut accident-related deaths by 25 to 40%.
 This is based on evidence that preventive interventions produce good outcomes when applied to four
well-known risk factors:
o High speed
o Driving under the influence of alcohol
o Not using proper helmets
o Not wearing seat-belts and not using child restraints
Issues highlighted in developing countries

 The structural problems linked to unplanned motorisation and urbanisation remain.
 In India, speedy highway construction takes place without reconciling fast and slow-moving traffic.
 There is a rampant presence of ramshackle vehicles, wrong-side driving, absence of adequate traffic
police forces etc.

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Various steps taken by India

 India amended Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, but its implementation by State governments is not uniform
or complete.
 A National Road Safety Board was constituted under the Act, with advisory powers to reform safety.
 The World Bank has approved a $250 million loan to support for India State Support Programme for
Road Safety.
Solutions provided by the Lancet

 The Lancet calculated that 17% of road traffic injury-related deaths could be avoided if trauma care
facilities improved.
 This is significant as several accidents take place in rural areas on highways, and victims are taken to
poorly-equipped district hospitals or medical college hospitals.
 While positive user behaviour — slower travel, wearing of helmets, seat belts and so on — could save
thousands of lives.
 In the short term, slowing down traffic, particularly near habitations, segregating slower vehicles,
enforcing seat belt and helmet use and cracking down on drunken drivers could produce measurable
gains.
3. Bharat New Car Assessment Program

What is Bharat NCAP?
 Bharat NCAP is a new car safety assessment programme which proposes a mechanism of awarding
‘Star Ratings’ to automobiles based upon their performance in crash tests.
 BNCAP standard is aligned with global benchmarks and it is beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
 The proposed Bharat NCAP assessment will allocate Star Ratings from 1 to 5 stars.
 The testing of vehicles for this programme will be carried out at testing agencies, with the necessary
infrastructure.
Its implementation
 BNCAP will be rolled out from April 1, 2023.
 It will be applicable on type-approved motor vehicles of category M1 with gross vehicle weight less
than 3.5 tonnes, manufactured or imported in the country.
 M1 category motor vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers, comprising eight seats, in addition
to driver’s seat.
Why does India need to crash-test vehicles?

 Indian vehicles have historically not been crash-tested in the country.
 Despite being home to only 1% of the world’s vehicles, India shoulders 11% of the global road crash
fatality burden.
How will it compare with Global NCAP?

 The government wants the two tests to be in congruence with each other.
 It intends to design the BNCAP to resemble the GNCAP, the global gold standard, as closely as possible,
including the speed for crash testing at 64kmph.
 Central Motor Vehicle rules encompass standards with respect to pedestrian protection and seat belt
reminders among others and will be retained in the testing under the BNCAP.
 The government hopes the move will increase the export-worthiness of Indian automobiles.

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4. NAMASTE Scheme
Context
 The Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs has announced the ‘NAMASTE scheme’ for
cleaning sewers and septic tanks.
About
 NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme is a joint venture
between;
o The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
o The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
o The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
 The main objective of the scheme is to ensure;
o Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India.
o No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter.
o All Sewer and Septic tank sanitation workers have access to alternative livelihoods.
 The Ministry has announced that;
o They have shortlisted the types of machinery and core equipment required for maintenance
works and Safety gear for Safai Mitras.
o Skill Development and training of Safai Mitras to be conducted with the help of the Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment through the National Safai Karamchari Finance Development
Corporation.
5. New Rules to Keep Advertisements in Check

Context
 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued guidelines to prevent false or
misleading advertisements.
Key takeaways
 Conditions for non-misleading and valid advertisement
 If it contains truthful and honest representation
 Does not mislead consumers by exaggerating the accuracy, validity or practical usefulness or capability
or performance or service of the goods or product; Does not present rights conferred on consumers
by any law as a distinctive feature of advertiser's offer.
 Bait Advertisement
 An advertisement that attempts to entice consumers to purchase goods, products, or services without
a reasonable prospect of selling them at the advertised price is considered misleading
 Prohibition of surrogate advertising
 No surrogate advertisement or indirect advertisement shall be made for goods or services whose
advertising is otherwise prohibited or restricted by law
 Free claims advertisements
 Advertisers should not describe any goods, product, or service to be 'free' or 'without charge' if the
consumer has to pay anything other than the unavoidable costs
 Children targeted advertisements that targets or uses children shall not condone, encourage, inspire,
or unreasonably emulate behaviour that could be dangerous for children or take advantage of
children’s inexperience, credulity or sense of loyalty
 Limitations on celebrity endorsements.

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6. Draft Disability Policy

Context
 Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited public feedback on the new
draft national policy on persons with disabilities (PwD).
Key provisions
 Certification: The district medical authorities ensure that the disability certificate is issued within 30
days of receipt of the application.
 Health: A targeted mission to ensure PwDs get health services that are accessible and affordable.
 Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY should be aligned with the objective of the RPwD Act and universal
coverage for PwDs.
 Employment: Develop National Employment portal for PwDs. Every government and private
establishment will report their vacancies to the ministry of labour and employment for updating in the
portal.
 Accessibility: All local body building bye-laws will incorporate accessibility standards specified under
the existing guidelines or those specified under National Building Code.
 The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will issue necessary guidelines for making modifications
in the personal vehicles being used by PwDs.
 CDEICs (‘Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centres’): It calls for developing a network of ‘Cross-
Disability Early Intervention Centres’ in every district of the country.
 It will provide facilities like screening and identification and referral for rehabilitative services.
 The EICs would also be given access to the Unique Disability Identification (UDID) portal for helping
parents with the assessment and certification of disability.
 Aligned with New Education Policy & RPwD (Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016) Act:
 The new policy, as per the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) of the
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has been drawn in keeping with the provisions of the
RPwD Act and the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 which promotes inclusive education
Data points
 As per the Census 2011, there were 2.68 crore PwDs.
 As per Census 2011, there are about 20.42 lakh children in the age group of 0-9 years who have some
form of disabilities – either congenital or acquired.
 The literacy rate of the total PwD population was about 55%.
7. State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022 Report

Context
 The "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" was recently released by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other UN agencies including the WHO.
 The report estimated that 820 million people worldwide did not have enough to eat in 2018, up from
811 million in the previous year.
Bottom line
 The number of people going hungry has risen for the third year running to more than 820 million.
 At the same time, the number of overweight individuals and obesity continue to increase in all regions.
 Food insecurity began to increase after decades of decline in 2015.

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Obesity
 Obesity and excess weight are both on the rise in all regions, with school-age children and adults
affected particularly in Africa and Asia.
 The number of obese adults in India has risen by a fourth in four years, from 24.1 million in 2012 to 32.8
million in 2016, while India's undernourished population has dropped by roughly the same fraction in
12 years.
8. World Population Prospects Report

Context
 The Population Division of the UN has been publishing the WPP in a biennial cycle since 1951. Each
revision provides a historical time series of population indicators starting in 1950.
 It does so by taking into account newly released national data to revise estimates of past trends in
fertility, mortality or international migration.
Slow pace of growth

 The world's population continues to grow, but the pace of growth is slowing down.
 In 2020, the global growth rate fell under 1% per year for the first time since 1950. The global population
is expected to grow to around 8.5 bn in 2030, 9.7 bn in 2050, and 10.4bn in 2100.
Region-wise differential
 Rates of population growth vary significantly across countries and regions.
 Half of the projected increase in global population up to 2050 will be concentrated in just eight
countries- Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Tanzania
 Disparate growth rates among the world's largest countries will re-order their ranking by size
Ageing population
 The population of older persons is increasing both in numbers and as a share of the total
 Measures for the ageing population include improving the sustainability of social security and pension
systems, and establishing universal health care and long-term care systems
 In 2030, the global population aged 65 years or above is projected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% in
2050
The decline in the fertility rate

 A sustained drop in fertility has led to an increased concentration of the population at working ages
(between 25 and 64 years), creating an opportunity for accelerated economic growth per capita
International migration
 Between 2000 and 2020, the contribution of international migration to population growth (net inflow
of 80.5 million) exceeded the balance of births over deaths (66.2 million).
What is the significance of India overtaking China?

 In the past, there was concern about overcrowding, but these concerns no longer exist because the
global population is already 8 billion and several countries (including India) have achieved a
replacement rate of fertility.

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9. Global Gender Gap Index

About
 Released by: World Economic Forum
 Key parameters:
o Economic Participation and Opportunity
o Educational Attainment
o Health and Survival
o Political Empowerment
Ranking
 Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most gender-equal country, among 146 nations on the
index.
 Finland, Norway, New Zealand and Sweden are the top five countries on the list respectively.
 Afghanistan is the worst-performing country in the report.
 India’s position: India ranks 107th out of 146, and its score has marginally worsened since last year.
10. Women Have the Right to Safe Abortion: SC

Context
 Denying an unmarried woman, the right to a safe abortion violates her personal autonomy and
freedom, the Supreme Court held in an order.
SC said
 A woman’s right to reproductive choice is an inseparable part of her personal liberty under Article 21
of the Constitution.
 She has a sacrosanct right to bodily integrity, the court quoted from precedents.
 The court said forcing a woman to continue with her pregnancy would not only be a violation of her
bodily integrity but also aggravate her mental trauma.

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 The court noted that an amendment to the Act in 2021 had substituted the term ‘husband’ with
‘partner’, a clear signal that the law covered unmarried women within its ambit.
11. India Innovation Index 2022

About
 Released by: NITI Aayog
 Indicators:
o The indicators that the survey uses
includes the level and quality of
education and parameters such as:
o Number of PhD students and
knowledge-intensive employment.
o Enrolment in engineering and
technology and number of highly
skilled professionals.
o Investment in R&D and number of
patents and trademark applications
filed.
o Internet subscribers.
o FDI inflows, business environment
and safety and legal environment.
12. Odisha Tops First-ever NFSA State Ranking Index
NFSA State Ranking Index

 The GoI has come up with a first-ever
state ranking index to capture the
implementation of the Targeted
Public Distribution System (TPDS)
under the National Food Security Act
(NFSA).
 The states and UTs were ranked for
2022 on the basis of three
parameters:
o NFSA coverage, rightful
targeting and
implementation of all
provisions under the Act
o The delivery platform while
considering the allocation of
food grains, their movement
and last-mile delivery to fair
price shops
o Nutrition initiatives of the
department

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13. Rise in Unvaccinated Children in India

Context
 The number of children in India who were unvaccinated or missed their first dose of diphtheria-
tetanus-pertussis (DTP) combined vaccine doubled due to the pandemic, rising from 1.4 million in 2019
to 2.7 million in 2021, according to official data published by the WHO and UNICEF.
Why in news?
 This data signifies that the world recorded the largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in
approximately 30 years.
 There was an increase in zero dose.
 This is the first time ever there has been a decline in evaluated coverage in immunisation for India as a
whole.
Vaccination measures in India

 Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0: India started IMI 4.0 from February 2022, which is expected
to further reduce the number of unvaccinated children.
 India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): It provide free vaccines to all children across the
country to protect them against Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B,
Pneumonia and Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese
Encephalitis (JE) and Rotavirus diarrhoea. (Rubella, JE and Rotavirus vaccine in select states and
districts).

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ECONOMY
1. Five Years of GST
Context
 July 1, 2022, marks the completion of five years since GST was implemented in the country.
What is GST?
 To bring the country under a ‘one nation, one market, one tax’ regime, the government of India
introduced Goods and Services Tax through the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
 It is a unified indirect tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the
consumer.
Analyzing GST’s 5-year performance

 Achievements:
o Tax base- Over 63.9 lakh taxpayers migrated into the GST in July 2017. This number has more
than doubled to over 1.38 crore taxpayers as of June 2022. Thus, widening the tax base.
o Increased revenue- The average monthly collections have increased from Rs 1.04 lakh crore in
2020-21 to Rs 1.24 lakh crore in 2021-22. In the first two months of this year, the average
collections are Rs 1.55 lakh crore.
o Efficient system of taxation- With no such arbitrage under the IGST and with the e-way bills,
the logistics supply chain efficiencies have increased manifold. Since the launch of the system,
a total of 292 crore e-way bills have been generated of which 42 per cent are for the inter-state
transport of goods.
o Lower tax rates: In the pre-GST regime, on most items, the combined Centre and states rates
were more than 31 per cent. However, under the GST, the rates of over 400 goods and 80
services have been reduced. The highest 28 per cent rate is restricted to sin and luxury items.
Out of a total of 230 items which were in the 28 per cent slab, close to 200 have been shifted
to the lower slabs.
o Unified market: It has led to a common national market as it helped mitigate the double
taxation, cascading effect of taxes, multiplicity of taxes, classification issues etc.
o Spirit of cooperative federalism: In our Federal System, both Centre and States have power to
impose taxes. The division of such taxation powers is given in Union and State List under 7th
Schedule. With the spirit of cooperative federalism, under GST, both Centre and States have
given up seperate taxation powers.
 Shortcomings:
o Multiple Tax Rates: Unlike many other economies which have implemented this tax regime,
India has multiple tax rates. This hampers the progress of a single indirect tax rate for all the
goods and services in the country.
o Exemptions: Nearly half the economy remains outside GST. E.g., petroleum, real estate,
electricity duties remain outside GST purview.
o The complexity of tax filings: The GST legislation requires the filing of the GST annual returns
by specified categories of taxpayers along with a GST audit. But filing annual returns is a
complex and confusing one for the taxpayers.

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o Distrust between centre and states: There is distrust between the States and the Centre on
revenue sharing. There is also anger at the Centre for riding roughshod over the States’
autonomy and disregarding the federal structure of the Constitution
Conclusion
 Emboldened by the experiences of half a decade, the remaining gaps between the expectation and
progress so far, can be addressed to further simplify the tax structure, enhance the Ease of Doing
Business index ranking, increase compliance and an overall reduction in tax rates and prices and
augment revenue.
2. 47th GST Council Meeting

Context
 The 47th GST Council meeting was recently held, where key outcomes were based on removing
exemptions on certain goods and services as well as GST rate rationalization.
Key outcomes of the meeting

 GST rate changes have been made considering the high inflation that we are facing right now.
 Assisted Reproductive Technology and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services are covered under the health
care services for the purpose of GST exemption, but stem cell preservation services will no longer be
tax-free.
About GST Council

 It is a constitutional body under
Article 279A, introduced by the
Constitution (One Hundred and
First Amendment) Act, 2016.
 It is empowered to modify,
reconcile or to procure any law
or regulation based on the
context of GST in India.
 It is also considered as a federal
body where both the centre
and the states get due
representation.
 Functions- It makes
recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to GST.
 Composition- Chairperson: Union Finance Minister; members: Union State Minister of Revenue or
Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.
 Every decision of the GST Council shall be taken at a meeting by a majority of not less than three-
fourths of the weighted votes of the members present and voting, in accordance with the following
principles, namely:
o Vote of the Central Government shall have a weightage of one third of the total votes cast.
o Votes of all the State Governments taken together shall have a Weightage of two-thirds of the
total votes cast, in that meeting.

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3. Service Charge
Context
 The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Monday issued guidelines to prevent unfair
trade practices, and to protect the interest of consumers with regard to the levy of service charge in
hotels and restaurants.
What is a service charge?

 It is a tip or a direct transaction between customer and restaurant personnel, specifically wait staff.
So, it is a cost charged for services related to the purchase of a core product or service.
What are the new guidelines?

 The CCPA has issued guidelines under Section 18 (2) (I) of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
 The CCPA has issued five major guidelines regarding the levy of service charge. According to the new
guidelines:
I. No hotel or restaurant shall add service charge automatically or by default in the bill.
II. Service charge shall not be collected from consumers by any other name.
III. No hotel or restaurant shall force a consumer to pay service charge and shall clearly inform the
consumer that service charge is voluntary, optional, and at the consumer’s discretion.
IV. No restriction on entry or provision of services based on collection of service charge shall be
imposed on consumers.
V. Service charge shall not be collected by adding it along with the food bill and levying GST on
the total amount.
 Similarly, 4 options have been given to the consumers in case of violation of the provisions by hotels
or restaurants, depending on the levels of escalation of that matter. These are:
I. Consumer can make a request to the hotel or restaurant to remove the service charge from
her bill.
II. Consumer can lodge a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) (number 1915),
which works as an alternative dispute redressal mechanism at the pre-litigation level.
III. The consumer can complain to the Consumer Commission, or through the edaakhil portal.
IV. Consumer can submit a complaint to the District Collector of the concerned district or can
complain directly to the CCPA by sending an e-mail.
About CCPA
 Established under Consumer Protection Act of 2019.
 It has authority under Section 18 of the CPA, 2019 to safeguard, promote, and, most importantly,
defend consumers' rights and prevent violations of their rights under the Act.
 It has a Chief Commissioner as head, and only two other commissioners as members- one of whom
will deal with matters relating to goods while the other will look into cases relating to services.
4. Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant (PDRDG)

Context
 Finance ministry released the fourth instalment of revenue deficit grant of Rs 7,183 crore to 14 states
for the current fiscal year.
 The 15th Finance Commission has recommended a total PDRD Grant of Rs 86,201 crore to 14 states for
the financial year 2022-23. The grant is released in 12 equated monthly instalments.

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 The states for which the grant has been recommended are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh,
Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand and
West Bengal.
What is PDRD Grant?

 The Centre releases this grant to states under Article 275 of the Constitution.
o Article 275- provides for the payment of such sums as Parliament may by law provide as grants-
in aid to such States as Parliament may determine to be in need of assistance.
o This aim:
 to meet the gap in Revenue Accounts of the States post-devolution (of the divisible
tax pool of the Centre),
 to enable the State to meet the costs of such schemes of development as may be
undertaken by it with the approval of the Government of India for the purpose of
promoting the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of
administration of the Scheduled Areas, and
 to correct Inter-State disparities in financial resources.
o These grants are paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
 These are released on the recommendation of the Finance Commission in monthly instalments.
 The eligibility of States to receive this grant and the quantum of grant was decided by the Commission
based on the gap between assessment of revenue and expenditure of the State.
Note: The 15th Finance Commission has recommended post devolution revenue deficit grants
amounting to about Rs. 3 trillion over the five-year period ending FY26. The number of states qualifying
for the revenue deficit grants decreases from 17 in FY22, the first year of the award period to 6 in FY26,
the last year.
5. India’s First Bullion Exchange

Context
 Recently, the PM launched India's first bullion exchange, India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX),
in GIFT city in Gujarat.
What is a bullion exchange?

 A bullion exchange is a platform that enables trading of gold and silver. The primary global market
trading platform for gold and silver is the London Bullion Market.
How will the IIBX work?

 First, they will have to become a trading partner or a client of an existing trading member. A branch or
a subsidiary need to be opened with IFSC for the same.
 The jewellers who do not have a physical presence in India will also be able to transact the metals, but
they will not be allowed to connect with a client under them.
 The exchange is expected to bring transparency to the price-setting mechanism and provide
standardisation to the financialisation of the bullion in India. It shall also work as a standard-setting
tool for the quality of the bullion.
What is International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA)?

 Established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.

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 It works as a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial
services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India. Thus,
GIFT IFSC provides services related to capital markets, offshore insurance, offshore banking and asset
management, aircraft and ship leasing, and ancillary services.
 It houses two international stock exchanges with a combined average daily trading volume of over $11
billion. Soon, an international bullion exchange is also going to be launched.
 Note: An IFSC caters to customers outside the jurisdiction of the domestic economy. Such centres deal
with flows of finance, financial products and services across borders. So, the transactions of financial
services in the IFSCs shall be done in the foreign currency as specified by the Authority in consultation
with the Central Govt.
 HQ: GIFT City
What is GIFT city?

 Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
 It consists of a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which houses India’s first International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and an exclusive Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
 The social infrastructure in the city includes a school, medical facilities, a proposed hospital, GIFT City
business club with indoor and outdoor sports facilities. It also includes integrated well-planned
residential housing projects making GIFT City a truly “Walk to Work” City.
6. NITI Aayog on Digital Banks

Context
 The Centre’s policy think-tank NITI Aayog in its recent report titled ‘A proposal for Digital Banks in
India: Licensing and Regulatory Regime’, has made a case for setting up digital banks.
Key recommendations
 A digital bank would be a bank defined in the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and shall have its own
balance sheet and legal existence.
 Such a bank would be different from the 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs), announced by Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Union Budget 2022-23, which are being set up to push digital payments,
banking and fintech innovations in underserved areas.
 Why the need?
o The current credit gap and the business and policy constraints reveal a need for leveraging
technology effectively to cater to these needs and bring the underserved further within the
formal financial fold.
o Digital channels are a potentially effective channel through which policymakers can achieve
social goals like empowering the under-banked small businesses, and enhancing trust among
retail consumers.
 Digital banks will be subject to prudential and liquidity norms on a par with existing commercial banks.
 Creating a new licensing and regulatory framework has been proposed as regulatory innovation.
 Acc. To NITI Aayog, initially, ‘restricted’ licenses should be given for such banks to applicants which
would be a way to limit the volumes and value of customers serviced. The applicant would then be
required to commence operations as a digital business bank/digital consumer bank in a regulatory
sandbox.
 A full-scale licence would be issued based on satisfactory performance in the sandbox.

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 In order to get the license, the applicant may require one or more controlling persons to have an
established track record in e-commerce, payments, or technology space. Thus, they may have the
option to apply in the form of a consortium.
 Exiting neo-banks are high potential eligible candidates who can upgrade to small finance banks.
7. RBI Measures to Boost Foreign Inflows

Context
 To prevent the depreciation of Indian Rupee and shore up foreign exchange reserves, the RBI has
announced some measures.
Why the need?

 The rupee depreciating 4.1 per cent to 79.30 against the US dollar in the current financial year till July
5, (to know more about depreciation of Indian Rupee, click here)
 FPIs (foreign portfolio investors) pulling out Rs 2.32 lakh crore in six months, and
 $50 billion being shaved off forex reserves over the last nine months.
Key announcements
 Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) can invest in government securities and corporate bonds.
 Boosting debt portfolio inflows by widening the basket of securities available to FPIs.
 The RBI has allowed banks to give higher returns on foreign currency deposits on which they will not
have to maintain any reserves.
 Rules governing External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) for corporates have been relaxed, with the
automatic route being doubled to USD 1.5 billion and the cap on borrowing costs raised by 1% point.
 The Union government has also increased export taxes on oil and petroleum products and import duty
on gold, to control the widening Current Account Deficit.
 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will get high returns for bringing foreign exchange into India into
FCNR(B), and NRE deposits as the cap on rates has been removed for fresh deposits.
Note: FCNR (B) or Foreign Currency Non-Residents (Bank) Deposits are for those who wish to hold the
deposit in a foreign currency of their choice.
8. RBI Allows Trade Settlement in Rupees

Context
 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put in place a mechanism to facilitate International Trade in Rupees
(INR), with immediate effect.
About
 The central bank has put in place this additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement
of exports and imports in rupee.
 The move is aimed at promoting growth of global trade with emphasis on exports from India and to
support the increasing interest of global trading community in Indian rupee.
o Before putting in place this mechanism, authorized dealer banks were required to take prior
approval from the Foreign Exchange Department of RBI.
 Under the framework, all exports and imports may be denominated and invoiced in rupee.

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 Authorized Dealer (AD) banks in India have been permitted to open rupee Vostro accounts.
Accordingly, for settlement of trade transactions with any country, AD bank in India may open special
rupee Vostro accounts of correspondent banks of the partner trading country.
9. IFSCA Issues Framework for Angel Funds

Context
 The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has issued a regulatory framework for
Angel funds under the IFSCA (Fund Management) Regulations, 2022.
What are Angel Funds?
 Angel investment is a form of equity financing where the investor supplies funding in
exchange of taking an equity position in the company.
 They are early-stage investment in business providing capital for start-up or expansion.
 It is riskier than debt financing as unlike a loan, invested capital does not have to be paid
back if the business falls.
 However, Angel funds will have a say in how the business is run and will also receive portion
of the profits when the business is sold.
 These are regulated by SEBI under the ‘Alternative Investment Funds’ (AIFs).
Key provisions
 It is a move aligned to the IFSCA mandate to develop and regulate financial products, financial services,
and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres (IFSC).
 A Fund Management Entity (FME) in IFSC will be able to launch Angel Funds by filing a placement
memorandum with the Authority under a Green Channel. This means the schemes can open for
subscription by investors immediately upon filing the placement memorandum with the IFSCA.
 Angel Funds shall accept investments from accredited investors or investors who are willing to commit
at least $40,000 over a period of five years.
 Angel Funds are permitted to invest in start-ups as well as other regulated angel schemes in IFSC, India,
and foreign jurisdictions upon receiving consent from the desirous investors.
 Although investment(s) by an Angel Fund in a start-up is capped at $1,500,000, the Angel fund will be
permitted to invest in subsequent rounds of fundraising by the start-up in order to protect its
shareholding from dilution, subject to certain conditions.
10. Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB)
Context
 The Government of India has approved a government resolution for establishing the Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in place of the Banks Board Bureau(BBB).

28
About Banks Board Bureau

 Set up in 2016 as a body of eminent professionals and officials to make recommendations for the
appointment of whole-time directors as well as non-executive chairpersons of public sector banks
(PSBs) and state-owned financial institutions.
Why is BBB being replaced by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB)?
 The government was forced to replace the BBB with FSIB after the Delhi High Court in 2021 had ruled
that the BBB couldn’t select the general managers and directors of state-run general insurers as it was
not a competent body. Subsequently, at least half-a-dozen newly appointed directors of non-life
insurers had to vacate their positions.
 So now, FSIB will do the same job but with a much larger, legally tenable mandate.
 It will be a single entity for making recommendations for the appointments of whole-time directors,
non-executive chairman in Public Sector Banks (PSBs), state-run non-life insurance companies and
other financial institutions.
11. NHAI to Offer Projects on BOT Model

Context
 The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to offer at least two highway upgradation
projects to private players using the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model during the current quarter.
 Highway construction is a priority sector, with the ministry setting a target to construct 18,000 km
highways for the current fiscal.
What is the BOT Model?

 BOT comes under the Public-Private Partnership model, where a private player is granted a concession
to finance, build and operate a project for a specified period of time (20- or 30-year concession period).
 Here, the developer recoups the investments by way of user charges or tolls charged from customers
using the facility, and thereby takes on a certain amount of financial risk.
 The government has decided to assess the revenue potential of a project every five years during the
concession period as against every 10 years earlier.
 This would mean that the concession period (or period till which road developers can collect toll) is
extended early in the tenure of the contract, ensuring the surety of revenue for the private company.
Other models
 HAM Model- Since the onset of the pandemic, the NHAI resorted to offering projects under the Hybrid
Annuity Model (HAM) that ensures funds to the company building the road, thereby insulating it from
financial risk to a certain extent. Under the HAM model, 40 per cent of the project cost is paid by the
government as construction support to the private developer, and the remaining 60 per cent is to be
arranged by the developer.
 Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Model- Under this model, the cost is completely
borne by the government. Government invites bids for engineering knowledge from private players.
Procurement of raw materials and construction costs are met by the government.

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12. DESH Bill

Context
 The government plans to table the Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs (DESH) Bill in the
monsoon session of the Parliament, which will replace the current Special economic zones (SEZ)
Act,2005.
About
 Special Economic Zones will now be renamed as Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs (DESH).
 These hubs will no longer be required to be net foreign exchange positive cumulatively in five years
(i.e., export more than they import) as mandated in the SEZ regime.
 The hubs will be allowed to sell in the domestic market easily with duties only to be paid on the
imported inputs and raw materials instead of the final product. In the current SEZ regime, duty is paid
on the final product when a product is sold in the domestic market.
 The Bill proposes an equalization levy for goods or services supplied to the domestic market to bring
taxes at par with those provided by units outside.
 The units operating within the new hubs will no longer benefit from direct tax incentives, which will
be scrapped — a move that will make the hubs compliant with World Trade Organization rules.
 The bill does not limit how long units can store goods, which is one year currently. Besides, there is no
mandatory payment requirement in foreign exchange.
 Lastly, in the current SEZ regime, most decisions were made by the Department of Commerce at the
Centre. Now the Bill allows states to participate and even directly send recommendations for
development hubs to a central board for approval. Besides, state boards would be set up to oversee
the functioning of the hubs.
13. Platform of Platforms (PoP)

Context
 Recently, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched the Platform of Platforms
(PoP) under the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) on the side-lines of the State Agriculture and
Horticulture Ministers' Conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About
 It has been launched under the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM).
 Aim: The platform intends to promote trade & marketing of agricultural produce wherein farmers will
be facilitated to sell the produce outside their state borders.
 Salient feature: e-NAM integrates the platform of Service Providers as “Platform of Platforms” which
includes Logistics Service Provider, Quality Assurance Service Provider, Warehousing Facility Service
Provider and other services such as e-commerce, international agri-business platforms, barter, private
market platforms among others.
 Benefits:
o The inclusion of various service providers gives the users of the platform options to avail services
from different service providers.
o It also enables farmers, FPOs, traders and other stakeholders to access a wide variety of goods
and services across the agricultural value chain through a single window thereby giving more
options to the stakeholders.

30
o The platform will also help increase farmers’ digital access to multiple markets and bring
transparency to business transactions.
14. Digitization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies

Context
 Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently approved a proposal to digitize around
63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
 Computerization of PACS will increase their transparency, reliability and efficiency, and will also
facilitate the accounting of multipurpose PACS.
 It will help PACS to become a nodal centre for providing various services such as Direct Benefit Transfer
(DBT), Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS), Crop Insurance Scheme (PMFBY), and inputs like fertilizers
& seeds.
15. Initiative on Mainstreaming Millets in Asia and Africa

Context
 NITI Aayog and the World Food Programme (WFP), India launched the ‘Mapping and Exchange of
Good Practices’ initiative for mainstreaming millets in Asia and Africa on 19 July 2022 in a hybrid event.
What is it?
 Under the initiative, NITI and WFP will prepare a compendium of good practices for scaling up the
production and consumption of millets in India and abroad.
Why millets?
 Millets are nutri-cereals rich in protein, essential fatty acids, dietary fibre, Vitamin B, calcium and other
essential nutrients. They help in tackling health challenges such as obesity, diabetes and lifestyle
problems as they are gluten-free, have a low glycaemic index and are high in dietary fibre and
antioxidants.

31
 However, the awareness of the benefits of millets is still low and this is the reason for the lesser
number of players working on value-added millet products in India. Moreover, there are some
operational challenges too, like, lack of proper linkages, lack of input subsidies and price incentives,
etc.
What are the steps taken by the government of India?

 The Union Agriculture Ministry, in April 2018, declared millets as “Nutri-Cereals”, considering their
“high nutritive value” and also “anti-diabetic properties”.
 The year 2018 was observed as the ‘National Year of Millets.’
 The Government of India’s Millet Mission also comes under the National Food Security Mission
(NFSM).
 Millets are being promoted through technology dissemination, millet seed hubs, minimum support
price and inclusion in PDS.
 The Government of India had proposed to the United Nations for declaring 2023 as International Year
of Millets (IYOM), which has been agreed upon by UNGA.
16. State Start-up Ranking

Context
 The 3rd edition of the State Startup Ranking was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
What is it?
 Released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) since 2018 to
support states and union territories in developing their start-up ecosystem and learn from the best
practices in each state and union territory.
 Parameters: The states were evaluated across 7 broad Reform Areas ranging from
o Institutional Support o Incubation support
o Fostering Innovation & o Funding Support
Entrepreneurship o Mentorship Support
o Access to Market o Capacity Building of Enablers.
 Categories for ranking the states are: 1) Best Performers, 2) Top Performers, 3) Leaders, 4) Aspiring
Leaders and 5) Emerging Start-up Ecosystems.
 Key findings:
o Best Performers- Gujarat and Karnataka appeared as the Best Performers in the States category.
Meghalaya topped among UTs and North-eastern States category.
o Top Performers- Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and Telangana won the Top Performers award
among states category. Jammu and Kashmir appeared as the Top Performer among UTs and NE
states category.
17. UNDP’s Cost-of-Living Report

Context
 On July 14, 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published its “Cost-of-Living
Crisis in Developing Countries” report.

32
Key findings
 As per report, global cost-of-living crisis is forcing another 71 million people in poorest countries of
world, into extreme poverty.
 Analysis over 159 developing countries highlighted that, increase in key commodity prices in 2022 is
already disturbing parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Balkans.
 The UNDP has asked for tailored action like direct cash transfer to the vulnerable and urged the rich
nations to extend and expand the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) they have set to help poor
countries during COVID-19 pandemic.
 This is because a recent comparative assessment of price and income support measures shows that
targeted transfers help poorer households cope with price spikes.
 With respect to India, the report stated that the impact of inflation on India’s poor would be negligible.
This is because of the ‘well-tailored’ programmes carried out over the past two years to support people
and ensure they don’t run the risk of slipping into poverty seemed to have made an impact on the
ground, said the report.
 It further added that the chances of those in India earning $1.9 a day slipping into poverty due to this
upturn would be zero, while the impact would be a mere 0.02% and 0.04% if a poverty line of $3.30 or
$5.50 a day was assumed, respectively.
Note: International institutions such as UN, International Monetary Fund and World Bank have set a
number of ‘poverty lines.’ Poverty line of USD 1.90 or less a day has been for poorest countries, USD
3.20-a-day is for lower middle-income countries while a USD 5.50-a-day is for upper middle-income
countries.
18. Transition to Renewable Energy can Pose Fiscal Challenges

Context
 A recent study by the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) has concluded that
the global transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources could trigger financial
challenges for India and major developing countries such as Russia, Brazil and China.
Why?
 Though India is a net importer of petroleum products, it earns substantial revenues- via cesses and
taxes- from the consumption of petrol, diesel and oil.
 The study finds that by 2050, overall fossil fuel revenues in Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, India and China
could be as much as $570 billion lower than a business-as-usual scenario.
 The widest gaps are expected to occur in India ($178 billion), China ($140 billion), and Russia ($134
billion).
 Public revenues from fossil fuel production and consumption currently account for 34% of general
government revenue in Russia, 18% in India, and 16% in Indonesia.
 This includes only direct, first-order, government financial revenues. Fossil fuel dependence would be
much larger if private incomes and flow-on effects in these economies were added.
 By comparison, such revenues form a smaller fraction of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developed
countries. For instance, in a finding by Resources for Future, only about 4.5% of the $3.46 trillion
revenue of U.S. govt. came from fossil fuels in 2019.
 The report suggested that ‘emerging economies have an enormous opportunity to build more resilient
and economically sustainable energy systems as they decarbonise, but they must plan ahead to avoid

33
shortfalls in public revenues that could reverse progress on poverty eradication and economic
development.’
19. India Achieves its Clean Energy Targets

Context
 India has achieved clean energy targets nine years ahead of schedule. India has installed 162 GW (1
GW is a 1000 MW) of renewable energy capacity which is 41% of the 402 GW of electricity installed.
 In 2015, India committed to ensuring that 40% of its energy would be from renewable sources by 2030
as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
 Major initiatives by the govt. of India:
PM-KUSUM - Launched by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

- to support installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce
dependence on grid, in grid-connected areas.
International Solar - an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation with a global mandate to
Alliance catalyse solar growth by helping to reduce the cost of financing and
technology.
Hydrogen Mission - Announced by Finance Minister in Union budget 2021-22
- aims to push for the implementation of hydrogen energy that would drive
the country in the right direction of making the best out of the renewable
energy sector.
Roof Top Solar - To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the
Programme Phase houses, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy implemented Grid-
II connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase II).
National Wind- - to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar
Solar Hybrid Policy PV hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar
resources, transmission infrastructure and land.
20. Statistics
A. Gross GST Collection

34
B. Inflation
CPI Inflation WPI Inflation
C. Unemployment Rate
Unemployment Rate (%)

India Urban Rural
Jul 2022 6.80 8.21 6.14
Jun 2022 7.80 7.30 8.03
May 2022 7.12 8.21 6.62
Apr 2022 7.83 9.22 7.18
Mar 2022 7.57 8.28 7.24
Feb 2022 8.11 7.57 8.37
Jan 2022 6.56 8.14 5.83
D. Forex Reserve

35
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India-Russia Defence Cooperation
Context
 Due to the prolonged war in Ukraine, apprehensions about Russia delivering spares and hardware to
India have arisen.
History
 India was almost solely reliant on the British, and other Western nations after Independence for
ordnance.
 But this dependence decreased after India started importing them from Russia(then USSR).
 Russia has provided some of the most sensitive weapons platforms like nuclear submarines, aircraft
carriers, tanks, guns, jets, etc.
 According to one estimate, the share of Russian-origin weapons and platforms across Indian armed
forces is as high as 85%.
 Russia is the largest arms exporter in the world after the United States.
 India is Russia’s largest arms importer, and for India, Russia is the largest exporter when it comes to
arms transfer.
Decline
 Between 2000 and 2020, Russia accounted for 66.5% of India’s arms imports.
 Russia’s share in Indian arms imports was down to about 50% between 2016 and 2020, but it still
remained the largest single importer.
Present status of defence cooperation

 When the war began, the Indian armed forces had stocks of spares and supplies for eight to ten
months and the expectation was that the war would end quickly.
 However, as it stretches on with no clear endgame, there are apprehensions about Russia’s ability to
adhere to the timelines for both spares as well as new deliveries.
 Armed forces are looking at certain alternative mitigation measures and identifying alternate sources
from friendly foreign countries.
 However, in the long term, this is also an opportunity for the private industry to step up production
and meet the requirements.
Impact of the war

 While some timeline lapses and shipping delays were possible, there would not be any dent in the
Army’s operational preparedness along the borders.
 In addition, the armed forces have also made significant emergency procurements since the standoff
in Eastern Ladakh and have stocked up on spares and ammunition.
 However, Russia has assured India that it would adhere to delivery timelines.
 Since the war sees no end, Russian industry would be caught up in replenishing the inventories of their
own armed forces.
Deals underway/new deals pending with Russia

 The defence trade between India and Russia has crossed $15 billion since 2018, in the backdrop of some
big deals including the $5.43 billion S-400 long-range air defence systems.

36
 Other major contracts currently under implementation are the construction of four additional stealth
frigates in Russia and India,
 There is a licensed production of the Mango Armor-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS)
rounds for the T-90S tanks as also additional T-90S tanks, and AK-203 assault rifles among others.
Deferred deals in downtime

 There are several big deals deferred by the Defence Ministry as part of the review of all direct import
deals.
 This is in conjunction with efforts to push the ‘Make in India’ scheme in defence.
 Russian deals have also been deferred including the one for 21 MiG-29 fighter jets for the Indian Air
Force (IAF) along with the upgradation of 59 existing Mig-29 jets.
 This also includes the deferment of the manufacture of 12 SU-30 MKI aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL).
Status of payments
 With Russia being shut out of the global SWIFT system for money transfers, India and Russia have
agreed to conduct payments through the Rupee-Rouble arrangement.
2. Imports from Russia Increased

About
 Driven by a sharp spike in crude oil imports, India’s imports from Russia have shot up 3.7 times to top
$5 billion during April and May 2022.
 Since February, when Russia attacked Ukraine, imports have risen close to 3.5 times to $8.6 billion,
compared to $2.5 billion in the corresponding period in 2021.
 Apart from petroleum, some other product categories, such as fertilizer and edible oil, have also seen
a significant rise.
 The numbers indicate that since March 2022, the government has not been shy of allowing imports
from Russia despite international pressure.
 The decision to import from Russia is mainly driven by India’s own national interests as the sanctions
by the West have helped India get a better deal from Russian companies.
3. International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC)

Context
 Iran started transfer of Russian goods to India
by using INSTC.
What is INSTC?
 INSTC members: INSTC is a 7,200-km-long
multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road
route for moving freight between India, Iran,
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia
and Europe.
 The primary objective of the NSTC project is to
reduce costs in terms of time and money over
the traditional route currently being used.

37
INSTC significance
 Reduced time and cost: One of the primary objectives the transport model is it will reduce the time
taken to send the consignments from one country to another, which will eventually reduce the cost,
 Russia Ukraine war: The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions against Russia have
led to an exodus of Western businesses from the country, which in turn has given an opportunity to
India to fill up the economic vacuum.
 Increase trade with Russia: India’s exports to Russia stood at $3.24 billion in 2021-22, up from the pre-
pandemic figure of $3 billion. Meanwhile, imports from the country have risen to $9.86 billion. INSTC
will further ensure more overland trade with Russia.
 Counter Chinese traders: In the wake of outflow of western companies from Russia, Chinese traders
are rushing to enter the Russian market. INSTC has the ability to make India a significant global player.
 Expands market: The route is also part of India’s overall efforts to establish greater connectivity and
trade with the high-potential markets of the adjoining Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
countries.
 Bypasses Pakistan: INSTC provides a route to India that ensured an opening to global supply chains
and trade networks while bypassing Pakistan.
4. US Exempts India from CAATSA

Context
 Recently, the United States (US) House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the
National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA), proposing India-specific waiver under the Countering
America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
 The US President was given the authority in 2018 to waive CAATSA sanctions on a case-by-case basis.
What is CAATSA?
 The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a law that came into effect
in the US in 2017 meant to punish countries having deep engagements with Russia, North Korea, and
Iran using economic sanctions.
Why did the US enact a law like CAATSA?

 The US flagged issues of Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 Presidential elections, and its role in
the Syrian war as some of the reasons for punishing engagement with it.
What is the proposed amendment?

 The amendment urges the US administration to use its authority to provide India with a Countering
America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) waiver to help deter aggressors like China.
 The legislation says that the United States-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET)
is a welcome and essential step to developing closer partnerships between governments, academia,
and industry in the two countries to address the latest advances in artificial intelligence, quantum
computing, biotechnology, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturing.
What are the sanctions that can impact India?

 Prohibition of Banking transactions: The first of these, which is likely to have an impact on India-Russia
relations, is the “Prohibition of Banking transactions”.
o This would mean difficulties for India in making payments in US Dollars to Russia for the
purchase of the S-400 systems. It will also affect India’s purchase of spare parts, components,
raw materials and other assistance.

38
o In 2020, Turkey was sanctioned for its purchase of the S-400 system.
 Export Sanction: The sanction will have greater consequences for India-US relations.
o This is the “export sanction” which has the potential to completely derail the India-US
Strategic and Defence partnership, as it will deny the license for, and export of, any items
controlled by the US.
Why is the S-400 deal so important to

India?
 Security paradigm
 The system will also offset the air
defence capability gaps due to the
IAF's dwindling fighter squadron
strength.
 Russian legacy
 Integrating will be much easier
 Strategic autonomy
 For both political as well as
operational reasons, the deal is at a
point of no return
5. India, Australia Brings Critical Minerals into Strategic Ties

Context
 India and Australia are expanding their strategic ties to critical minerals in a bid to create a bulwark
against China’s dominance over raw materials.
 An MoU has been signed to establish India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership.
o The MoU envisages $6 million as initial funding, to be shared equally by both countries, towards a
shared ambition to develop secure, robust and commercially viable critical minerals supply chains.
o The partnership envisages joint investment for viable lithium and cobalt projects in Australia. This
is critical for India’s transition towards clean energy ambitions.
 Before the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, eastern Ukraine was expected to emerge as a major
source of lithium in the world market.
 Russian control of the Donbas region- Donetsk & Luhansk- has forced emerging electric vehicle makers
to look for lithium elsewhere, like in Australia.
6. Snake Island
Context
 Snake Island, also known as Snake or Serpent Island, is a small
piece of rock less than 700 metres from end to end, that has
been described as being "X-shaped". It is located 35 km from
the coast in the Black Sea, to the east of the mouth of the
Danube and roughly southwest of the port city of Odessa.
Why does Russia seek to control the Black Sea?

 Domination of the Black sea region is a geostrategic
imperative for Moscow

39
 The famed water body is bound by Ukraine to the north and northwest, Russia and Georgia to the
east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west.
 It links to the Sea of Marmara through the Bosporus and then to the Aegean through the Dardanelles.
It has traditionally been Russia's warm water gateway to Europe.

40
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY

1. Tropical Ozone Hole
Context
 A new ozone hole has been detected over the tropics, at latitudes of 30 degrees South to 30 degrees
North, a recent study claimed. But some experts have raised questions about the findings.
About
 Ozone exists in the atmosphere only in trace quantities (less than 0.001%), but its effects are very
important.
 Ozone molecules are created by the interaction of ultra-violet (UV) radiation from the Sun with O2
molecules.
 Because UV radiation is more intense at higher altitudes where the air is thinner, it is in the
stratosphere where most of the ozone is produced, giving rise to what is called the ‘ozone layer’.
 Dobson Unit (DU) is the unit of measure for total ozone.
 The ozone layer, containing over 90% of all atmospheric ozone, extends between about 10 and 40km
altitude, peaking at about 25km in Stratosphere.
Why need Ozone Layer?

 The ozone layer is very important for life on Earth because it has the property of absorbing the most
damaging form of UV radiation, UV-B radiation which has a wavelength of between 280 and 315
nanometres.
Polar Ozone Hole

 Ozone hole is a region of exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere over the Antarctic that
happens at the beginning of Southern Hemisphere spring (August–October).
 Ozone hole is caused by chemicals called CFCs, short for chlorofluorocarbons. CFCs escape into the
atmosphere from
refrigeration and
propellant devices
and processes. In the
lower atmosphere,
they are so stable
that they persist for
years, even decades.
This long lifetime
allows some of the
CFCs to eventually
reach the
stratosphere. In the
stratosphere,
ultraviolet light
breaks the bond
holding chlorine
atoms (Cl) to the CFC
molecule. A free chlorine atom goes on to participate in a series of chemical reactions that both
destroy ozone and return the free chlorine atom to the atmosphere unchanged, where it can destroy
more and more ozone molecules.

41
Tropical Ozone Hole

 The study has claimed that a new ozone hole has been detected over the tropics, at latitudes of 30
degrees South to 30 degrees North.
 This ozone hole is located at altitudes of 10-25 km over the tropics. It is about seven times larger than
Antarctica.
 However, the mechanism of ozone loss proposed by this study has been discredited by experts.
2. UN Ocean Conference – 2022

Context
 UN Ocean Conference, took place
in Altice Arena, Lisbon, Portugal on
June 27th -July 1st.
 Theme: “Scaling up Ocean action
based on Science and innovation
for the implementation of SDG-14:
stocktaking, partnerships and
solutions”.
Key agendas
 Members adopted the Lisbon
Declaration on ocean
conservation.
 The nations committed to follow
science-based and innovative
actions on an urgent basis.
 They also recognised that developing countries, particularly small island developing states and least
developed countries, need assistance with capacity building.
 Participants at the conference also agreed to work on preventing, reducing and controlling marine
pollution. It includes:
o Nutrient pollution o Emissions from the maritime sector,
o Untreated wastewater including shipping, shipwrecks
o Solid waste discharges o Anthropogenic underwater nois
o Hazardous substances
 Other pledges include developing and promoting innovative financing solutions to help create sustainable
ocean-based economies as well as expanding nature-based solutions to help conserve and preserve
coastal communities.
3. NITI Aayog Report on Alternatives to Plastics

Context
 NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Alternative Products and Technologies to Plastics and their
Applications.

42
About
 The experts assessed the development of research on plastic and alternatives or technologies
making plastic degradable. The report postulates clear definitions of bioplastics, biodegradable
plastics, compostable plastics and oxo-degradable plastics.
Key Findings
 India produces approx. 3.47 million tons of plastic waste per annum, out of which only 60% is
collected for recycling.
 There is a need to manage plastic waste, specially microplastics (plastic particles with the size up
to 5 mm) due to their increasing concentration on land, air and water bodies.
 Informal sector and vulnerable groups significantly contribute to recycling waste.
 Bioplastics need significant technology investment and scale to become a cost-effective alternative.
Recommendations
 Strengthening waste minimization through extended producer responsibility (EPR).
 Proper labelling and collection of compostable and biodegradable plastics.
 Enhanced transparency in disclosing waste generation, collection, recycling or scientific disposal to
bring accountability and avoid greenwashing. Greenwashing is the practice of conveying a false
impression or providing misleading information about a Company’s products as environmentally
sound.
Alternatives to plastics
 Glass: Glass has always been the safest and the most viable option for the packaging and use of food and
liquid.
 Bagasse: Compostable, eco-friendly bagasse can replace plastic needing as disposable plates, cups or
takeout boxes. Bagasse is made from the pulp that is leftover when the juice is extracted from sugarcane
or beets. It can be used for other purposes, such as a biofuel.
 Bioplastics: Plant-based plastics, known as bioplastics, have been hailed as a green alternative to fossil
fuel-based plastic, especially when it comes to food packaging. But bioplastics have their own
environmental footprint, requiring the growing of crops and therefore land and water use.

43
 Natural Textiles: When it

comes to replacing
polyester and nylon
clothing which shed
millions of tiny plastic
fibres with every single
wash, the traditional
alternatives are cotton,
wool, linen and hemp. But
the production of cotton
has been causing serious
threats to the
environment and also
comes at a human cost.
 Refill, reuse and buy
unpackaged: By far the least damaging type of packaging is one that can be used again and again, or none
at all.
4. Proposed Amendments Environment Protection Act, 1986

Context
 MoEFCC proposes to soften the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) by replacing a
clause that provides for imprisoning violators with one that only requires them to pay a fine.
Key points
 Present Clause in the Act:
o The Act currently says that violators will be punishable with imprisonment up to five years or
with a fine up to Rs. 1 lakh, or with both.
o Were violations to continue, an additional fine of up to Rs. 5,000 for every day during which
such failure or contravention continues after the conviction would be levied.
o There’s also a provision for jail terms to extend to seven years.
 Proposed Change:
o The clause providing for imprisonment will be replaced with one that only requires them to
pay a fine.
o The proposed fines, in lieu of imprisonment, are 5-500 times greater than those currently
levied. In case of contraventions of the Act, the penalties could extend to anywhere from Rs.
5 lakhs to Rs. 5 crores.
o However, in case of serious violations which lead to grievous injury or loss of life, they shall
be covered under the provision of Indian Penal Code, 1860 read with Section 24 of EP Act.
o The removal of prison terms also applies to the Air Act, that is the cornerstone legislation for
dealing with air pollution, and the Water Act, which deals with violations to water bodies.
o Appointing an “adjudication officer” who would decide on a penalty in cases of environmental
violations such as reports not being submitted or information not provided when demanded.
o Funds collected as penalties would be accrued in an “Environmental Protection Fund”.
 Rationale behind the proposal:
o The Environment Ministry had received suggestions to decriminalise existing provisions of the
EPA to weed out “fear of imprisonment for simple violations”.

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o The current EPA provisions will govern the penalties in case of the single-use plastic ban that
came into recently.
o Pending Cases:
 An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that Indian courts
took between 9-33 years to clear a backlog of cases for environmental violations.
 Beginning 2018, close to 45,000 cases were pending trial and another 35,000 cases
were added in that year.
 More than 90% cases were pending trial in five of the seven environment laws.
5. Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022

Context
 Recently, the MoEFCC issued the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 under the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980. It supercedes the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003.
Forest Conservation Act and Rules

 The Forest Conservation Rules deal with the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA),
1980. They prescribe the procedure to be followed for diversion of forest land for non-forestry
uses such as road construction, highway development, railway lines, and mining.
 The broad aims of the Forest Conservation Act are to protect forest and wildlife, act as a check on the
State Governments’ attempts to divert forest land for commercial projects and strive to increase the
area under forests.
 For forest land beyond 5 hectares, approval for diverting land must be given by the Union
Government. This is through a specially constituted committee, called the Forest Advisory Committee
(FAC).
 The Committee examines whether the user agency has made a convincing case for the upheaval of
that specific parcel of land. It also examines whether users have a plan in place to ensure that the
damage from felling of trees in that area and denuding the local landscape will be minimal. The
Committee also ensures that diversion of land doesn’t cause damage to wildlife habitat.
 Once the FAC is convinced and approves (or rejects a proposal), it is forwarded to the concerned State
Government where the land is located. The State Government then has to ensure that provisions of
the Forest Right Act, 2006 are duly complied.
 The FAC approval also means that the future users of the land must provide compensatory land for
afforestation as well as pay the net present value (ranging between ₹10-15 lakh per hectare.)
Forest Conservation Rules, 2022

 The new rules “streamline” the process of approvals. The rules make a provision for private parties to
cultivate plantations and sell them as land to companies who need to meet compensatory forestation
targets.
 If the state already has over two-thirds area under green cover or over one-third area under forest
cover, then CA could be taken in other states/UTs where the cover is less than 20%
 States are given the responsibility of settling forest rights of forest dwellers (Forest Rights Act, 2006)
and allowing diversion of forest land.
 It constituted an Advisory Committee, a regional empowered committee at each of the integrated
regional offices and a screening committee at State/Union Territory (UT) government-level.

45
Concerns
 The new Forest Conservation Rules do not mention the earlier requirement of attaining a gram sabha
NOC before diverting forest land for a project.
 They also allow forest rights to be settled after the final approval for forest clearances has been
granted by the Centre.
 Since forest rights now needs to be carried out by the state government, state governments will be
under even greater pressure from the Centre to accelerate the process of diversion of forest land.
6. EIA Rules Amendments

Context
 The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has notified amendments to the
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Rules.
Amendments in EIA Rules

 Strategic and Defence Projects - Exempted strategic and defence-related highway projects, including
those located 100 km from the Line of Control, from the need for an environmental review before
construction.
 Power Plants – Thermal power plants up to 15 MW based on biomass or non-hazardous municipal solid
waste using auxiliary fuel such as coal, lignite or petroleum products up to 15%, have also been given
an exemption as long as the fuel mix is eco-friendly.
 Ports and Harbour Dealing in Fish with less pollution potential compared to others, and caters to small
fishermen, are exempted from environmental clearance.
 Toll Plazas – Toll Plaza that need more width for installation of toll collection booths to cater to a large
number of vehicles are exempted.
 Airport - Expansion activities in existing airports related to terminal building expansion without
increase in the airport’s existing area, rather than expansion of runways also exempted.
Significance Of The Amendments

 It will improve the investment climate in these sectors.
 It will create jobs and support livelihood especially poor fishermen.
 It will ease the traffic flow on congested highways.
 It will faster the infrastructure development in strategic areas like border areas. Now Char Dham road
widening Project in the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone stretch will not need EIA clarification.
7. Snow Leopard
Context
 Recently, a study conducted by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) under National Mission on Himalayan
Studies highlighted relation between habitat uses by Snow Leopard, Siberian ibex and blue sheep.
 It aimed at examining how the predator used habitat in presence or absence of its prey species and
vice-versa.

46
About Snow Leopard

 It is a large member of the cat family native to the
mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.
 It acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain
ecosystem in which they live.
 It is the State animal of Himachal Pradesh
 Hemis National Park in Ladakh, is famous as the Capital
of Snow Leopard in India.
 It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List and Sc
hedule I on Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
8. Ramsar Sites
Context
 India has added five more Ramsar sites in July bringing the number of such sites to 54. 11 more wetland
sites were added in August raising the tally to 75.
5 sites added in July

 Karikili Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
 Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu)
 Pichavaram Mangrove (Tamil Nadu)
 Sakhya Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
 Pala Wetland in Mizoram (Mizoram)
11 sites added in August

1. Tampara Lake in Odisha; 8. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil
2. Hirakud Reservoir in Odisha; Nadu;
3. Ansupa Lake in Odisha; 9. Thane Creek in Maharashtra;
4. Yashwant Sagar in Madhya Pradesh; 10. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve in
5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu; Jammu and Kashmir;
6. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex in 11. Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve
Tamil Nadu; in Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu;
9. Banni Grasslands
Context
 The Gujarat forest department plans to restore 10,000 hectares of the Banni grasslands in the coming
year and every year in the coming decade.
About
 Location: Banni Grassland is situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
 Ecosystem and Vegetation: Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands, are mixed side by side in Banni.
 It is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt-
tolerant).
 Banni grassland was declared a Protected Forest in 1955, under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
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 The grasslands have native trees like Acacia nilotica, Salvadora persica and Capparis decidua which are
protected under Section 26 in the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
 Banni also has sensitive soil ecology where the sweet
soil rests on salinity only 2 to 3 meters below the
ground and any disturbance of the soil brings up
salinity destroying the rich productivity of the land.
 Maldharis are a tribal herdsmen community
inhabiting Banni.
 It is one of the last remaining habitats of the cheetah
in India and a possible reintroduction site for the
species.
 Threats faced by Banni Grassland: heavy
uncontrolled grazing, widespread ingress of
Prosopis Juliflora (a harmful exotic tree species), dams constructed on rivers flowing towards Banni,
periodic occurrence of droughts and continuous increase in soil salinity.
10. India’s Largest Floating Solar Power Project

Context
 India’s largest floating solar plant (100 MW) is now fully operational at Ramagundam in Telangana’s
Peddapalli district.
 Total commercial operation of Floating Solar Capacity in Southern Region rises to 217 MW.
About
 Commissioned by the National Thermal Power Corporation, the country’s foremost public-sector
power generator.
 Built at a cost of Rs 423 crore through Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited on an EPC (engineering,
procurement and construction) contract.
 This project is unique because all the electrical equipment from the inverter, transformer, high-tension
panel to supervisory control and data acquisition are also set up on floating ferro-cement platforms.
What are the advantages of a floating solar plant?

 Though these floating farms are a bit more expensive than the traditional ones mounted on land
surfaces, the former are advantageous because:
o When large tracts of land are unavailable, floating solar power plants can be installed on water
surfaces.
o They are more efficient as the presence of water underneath helps them keep cool.
o They also reduce water evaporation, thereby saving more water for hydropower generation.
At Ramagundam, approximately 32.5 lakh cubic metres per year of water evaporation can be
avoided.
o Also, coal consumption of 1,65,000 tons can be avoided per year; carbon dioxide emissions of
2,10,000 tons per year can be avoided, according to the NTPC.
11. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Context
Cabinet approved Categorization of the CDRI as an ‘International Organization’.

48
About
 It also approved signing of Headquarters Agreement (HQA) with Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure (CDRI) for granting it the exemptions, immunities and privileges under Section-3 of
United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
 The United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act was enacted in India to give effect to the Convention
on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1946.
 Article 104 and 105 of the UN Charter allows UN to enjoy in the territory of each of its Members with
such legal capacity, privileges and immunities which are necessary for the exercise of its functions and
the fulfillment of its purposes.
 It will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona, allowing it to carry out its
functions on a global scale efficiently and effectively.
 It will allow CDRI to Deputing experts and also bringing in experts from member countries to India. o
Deploying funds globally and receiving contributions from member countries.
 Making available technical expertise to assist countries to develop resilient infrastructure.
 Leveraging international engagement to foster disaster resilient infrastructure at home.
About CDRI (Secretariat: New Delhi):

 CDRI is a multi-stakeholder global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and
programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic
and knowledge institutions.
 It was launched in 2019 by the Indian PM at the UN Climate Action Summit (New York) to promote the
resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable
development.
 Since its launch, 31 Countries, 6 International Organizations and 2 private sector organizations have
joined CDRI as members.
12. Flash Flood in Amarnath

Context
Recently, flash floods occurred near the Amarnath cave shrine.
 Amarnath Temple is a shrine located in

Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is
situated at an altitude of 3,888 m, about 100
km from Srinagar.
 IMD said the deaths and destruction near the
Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir were
due to a highly localised rain event and not
due to a cloudburst.
 According to the IMD, a rain event is
categorised as a cloudburst if a weather
station receives 100 mm of rain in one hour.

49
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1. James Webb Space Telescope
Context
NASA has unveiled images from the James Webb Space Telescope, the
largest and most powerful orbital observatory ever launched.
About
NASA released a deep field photo of a distant galaxy cluster, SMACS
0723, revealing the most detailed glimpse of the early universe
recorded to date.
The collection also included fresh images of another galaxy cluster
known as Stephan’s Quintet, first discovered in 1877.
James Webb Space Telescope

 JWST is a joint NASA–ESA–CSA (Canada) space
telescope that has succeeded the Hubble Space
Telescope as NASA’s flagship astrophysics
mission.
 It is the most powerful space telescope ever
built.
 It will enable a broad range of investigations

across the fields of astronomy and cosmology,
including observing some of the most distant
events and objects in the universe.
 It would help understand events such as the
formation of the first galaxies, and detailed
atmospheric characterization of potentially
habitable exoplanets.
2. ISRO’s POEM Platform
Context
 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the PSLV Orbital Experimental
Module (POEM).

50
About
 The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a platform that will help perform in-orbit experiments using
the final and otherwise discarded stage of ISRO’s workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV).
What is PSLV and how was it used in PSLV-C53?

 The PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final
stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — ends up as space junk.
 However, in the PSLV-C53 mission, the spent final stage was utilized as a “stabilized platform” to
perform experiments.
 This is the first time that the PS4 stage would orbit the earth as a stabilized platform.
How will ISRO keep POEM ‘alive and stable’ in orbit?

 POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control(NGC) system for attitude stabilization, which
stands for controlling the orientation of any aerospace vehicle within permitted limits. The NGC will
act as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.
 POEM will also derive its power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a Li-Ion battery.
It will navigate using four sun sensors, a magnetometer, gyros & NavIC.
 ISRO first demonstrated the capability of using PS4 as an orbital platform in 2019 with the PSLV-C44
mission that injected Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits. The fourth
stage in that mission was kept alive as an orbital platform for space-based experiments.
3. ARYABHAT – 1
Context
 Recently, Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science or IISc have developed an analogue chipset
called ARYABHAT-1.
About
 ARYABHAT-1 stands for Analog Reconfigurable Technology and Bias-scalable Hardware for AI Tasks.
 It is an analog chipset that will allow Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning apps to perform much
better and faster.
 This chipset is especially helpful for AI-based applications which deal with object or speech recognition
systems, like Alexa or Siri. They are also very useful in operations that require massive parallel
computing at high speeds.
4. Large Hadron Collider

Context
The world’s most powerful particle collider, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), will begin smashing protons into
each other at unprecedented levels of energy beginning July 5.
About
 The Large Hadron Collider is a giant, complex machine built to study particles that are the smallest
known building blocks of all things.
 It is a 27-km-long track-loop buried 100 meters underground on the Swiss-French border.
 It was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) between 1998 and 2008 in
collaboration with over 10,000 scientists from hundreds of universities and laboratories.

51
Particle Detectors at LHC

 ATLAS is the largest general-purpose particle detector experiment at the LHC
 Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment is one of the largest international scientific collaborations
in history with the same goals as ATLAS, but which uses a different magnet-system design.
 Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment specializes in investigating the slight differences
between matter and antimatter.
Achievements
 In 2012, scientists at CERN had announced to the world the discovery of the Higgs boson or the ‘God
Particle’ during the LHC’s first run. This led to Peter Higgs and his collaborator François Englert being
awarded the Nobel Prize for physics in 2013.
 The Higgs boson is the fundamental particle associated with the Higgs field, a field that gives mass to
other fundamental particles such as electrons and quarks.
5. Monkey Pox
Context
 World Health Organisation sounded its
highest level of alarm for monkeypox,
declaring it a ‘Public Health Emergency of
International Concern’.
About Monkey Pox

 Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus
transmitted to humans from animals) with
symptoms similar to those seen in the past in
smallpox patients, although it is clinically less
severe.
 There are 2 major strains - Congo Basin strain
and West African strain. The Congo Basin
strain has historically caused more severe
disease and is thought to be more
transmissible.

52
 Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then,
most cases have been reported from rural, rainforest regions of the Congo Basin, particularly in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and human cases have increasingly been reported from across
central and west Africa.
 In May this year, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in several non-endemic countries.
6. Marburg Virus
Context
 Ghana announced the country’s first
outbreak of Marburg virus disease after
two people who were not related died
About
 Marburg virus disease(MVD) is a severe
disease in humans caused by Marburg
Marburgvirus (MARV).
 The virus belongs to the same family
(Filoviridae family) as the Ebola virus.
 The disease was first identified in 1967 in
Germany’s Marburg and Frankfurt and
Serbia’s Belgrade following two large
outbreaks.
 Fruit bats are the key carriers of the
disease. It typically infects humans
following prolonged exposure to mines
or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat
colonies.
 Human-to-human transmission takes
place through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected
people. Surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids are other vital sources. Its incubation
period ranges from two days to three weeks.
7. Lumpy Skin Disease

Context
 Several states in India are battling large outbreaks of a deadly virus in cattle that results in a condition
called lumpy skin disease, causing financial losses to farmers and hitting milk output
About
 The virus, called capripoxvirus, is spread by blood-feeding insects and mosquitoes, causing thick
nodules to form on the skin, with accompanying symptoms such as debilitating fever and lower milk
production, especially among cows and buffalos.

53
Prevention
 Four tactics to control and prevent LSD are quarantine, vaccination, slaughter campaigns and
management strategies.
 Insecticides can be sprayed to prevent mosquitoes, flies, lice in the animal habitats during the
monsoon season.
Treatment
 There is no treatment for the virus, so prevention by vaccination is the most effective means of control.
Secondary infections in the skin may be treated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs) and
also antibiotics when appropriate.
8. N-treat Technology
Context
 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned in-situ treatment of sewage from the drains
to prevent sludge and sewage from water drains flowing into the sea.
About
 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.
Seven stages in the process

 First stage: It involves screening to prevent the entry of floating objects such as plastic cups, paper
dishes, polythene bags, sanitary napkins, or wood.
 Second stage: It has proposed the construction of a silt trap which creates an inclination and ‘parking
spot’ on the bed for sedimentation.
 Next three stages: These are the installation of ‘bio zones’ in the form of coconut fibre curtains that
will act as filters and promote the growth of biofilm to help in the decomposition of organic matter.
 Sixth stage: It proposes a floating wetland with aquatic vegetation planted on floating mats. In the
floating wetlands, plants acquire nutrition directly from the water column for their growth and
development, thus reducing the organic as well as inorganic pollutants.
 Final stage: It will include disinfection using sodium hypochlorite to kill the bacteria in the water.
Significance
 It is a natural and environmentally friendly way for sewage treatment. Its setup takes place within the
nullah channels, that is through the in-situ or on-site method of treatment and does not require
additional space.

54
HISTORY & CULTURE

1. Konark Sun Temple
Context
 Visitors will soon see the newly carved stones on the northern side of the assembly hall of the Sun
Temple in Konark, which have been added as part of the restoration work that started in 2021.
 According to the National Conservation Policy (2014), ‘restoration may be undertaken on monuments
with high architectural value and only in parts of a monument wherein there are missing geometric or
floral patterns, or structural members of a monument which have been damaged recently.’
About the temple

 It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in
1984.
 It is a 13th-century temple at Konark, northeast
from Puri city, Odisha, attributed to king
Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
about 1250 CE.
 The temple represents a chariot of the Sun God,
with 12 pairs of wheels drawn by 7 horses evoking
its movement across the heavens.
 Also known as 'BLACK PAGODA', Konark was
used by sailors as a navigational landmark to
Odisha. The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of sunrise strike the principal entrance.
 It marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture depicting the grace, the joy, and the
rhythm of life all its wondrous variety.
 The temple is often directly and materially linked to the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya.
(The cult originated in Kashmir during the 8th century and reached the shores of Eastern India.)
2. India Elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s

Convention
Context
 Recently, India has been elected as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 cycle.
 The elections took place during the 9th General Assembly of the 2003 Convention held at UNESCO
headquarters from 5th to 7th July 2022.
 India has previously served as a member of the ICH Committee twice - from 2006 to 2010 & from 2014
to 2018.
What is the 2003 Convention?

 The Convention of the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2003 and entered into force in
2006.
 It consists of 24 members.

55
 Purpose:
o to safeguard the expressions of intangible cultural heritage that are endangered by the
processes of globalization,
o to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups, and
individuals, and
o to raise awareness at the local, national, and international levels of the importance of
intangible cultural heritage.
 Functions:
o promoting the objectives of the Convention, and
o providing guidance on best practices and making recommendations on measures for the
safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.
o The Committee also examines requests submitted by States Parties for the inscription of
intangible heritage on the lists as well as proposals for programmes and projects.
 India ratified the convention in September 2005.
 With 14 inscriptions on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, India also
ranks high in the listing of intangible cultural heritage.
3. Santhal Tribe
Context
 Smt. Droupadi Murmu, belonging to the Santhal tribe, has made history becoming the first woman
tribal President of India.
About the Santhal tribe

 The Santhals are the third-largest scheduled tribe community in the country (after the Gonds and
Bhils).
 They are mostly distributed in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
 Major Occupation: cultivation, industrial labour, mining, and quarrying.
 Language spoken: Santhali- which has its own script called ‘OL chiki’ invented by Pandit Raghunath
Murmu.
Note: Santhali in OL-Chiki script has been included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
Santhal Rebellion:
The Santhal rebellion also known as Santhal Hool was a revolt by the Santhal in present-day
Jharkhand, India, against the British East India Company and the Permanent Settlement of
1793. It began in June 1855 and lasted until January 1856. The four Murmu Brothers – Sidhu,
Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav – spearheaded the revolt.
4. National Culture Fund

Context
 Recently, National Culture Fund has completed 52 projects with various donors since its inception.

56
About
 Established as a trust on 28th November 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.
 Aim:
o to establish and nurture partnerships in the field of culture and heritage with private and public
sectors, government, non-government agencies, private institutions and foundations, and
o mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and development of India’s
rich, natural, tangible and intangible heritage.
 It is managed by:
o Governing Council- of 21 members including 15 non-official members representing various
fields including corporate sector, private foundations and not-for-profit voluntary
organizations. (Chairman- Union Minister of Culture)
o Executive Committee- of 9 members including 4 non-official members from the Council.
(Chairman- Secretary of Culture).
5. ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign

Context
 Recently, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign to celebrate the
75th year of India's independence.
About the campaign

 The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to
celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.
 This campaign aims to have flags hoisted across the country from August 13-15.
 Steps undertaken by the Central govt. under the campaign:
o All Post Offices in the country will sell flags from August 1, 2022.
o State governments have also tied up with various stakeholders for the supply and sale of flags.
o The Indian National Flag has also been registered on the GeM portal.
o The Centre has also tied up with various e-commerce websites and self-help groups to
streamline the process of the supply of the flags.
Things to know
 Origin of Indian National Flag:
o The first national flag of
India is said to have
been hoisted on 7th
August 1906, in Kolkata
at the Parsee Bagan
Square (Green Park). It
comprised of three
horizontal strips of red,
yellow and green, with
Vande Mataram written
in the middle.

57
o Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany in
1907 — this was the first Indian flag to be hoisted in a foreign land.
o In 1917, Dr Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak adopted a new flag as part of the Home Rule
Movement.
o The Congress Committee met in Karachi and adopted the tricolour (that of Pingali Venkayya)
as India’s national flag in 1931. The flag was to have no religious interpretation.
 Basics of Indian National Flag:

o Saffron on top symbolises “strength and courage”, white represents “peace and truth” and
green at the bottom stands for “fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land”.
o The Ashok Chakra with 24 spokes is intended “to show that there is life in movement and death
in stagnation”.
o The National Flag should be rectangular in shape with a length to width ratio of 3:2.
 Flag Code of India:

o The Flag Code of India is a set of laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of
the national flag of India.
o The Code took effect from 26 January 2002.
o The Ministry of Home Affairs recently amended the Flag Code of India 2022 to allow for the
national flag to be flown even at night. Earlier, the flag could be hoisted only between sunrise
and sunset.
o Some key provisions:
 The material that is used to produce the national flag should be hand spun or hand-
woven or machine-made.
 The use of a damaged and dishevelled national flag is strictly prohibited.
 When the national flag is placed, no other flag can be set at any position (higher, above
or side by side) of the National Flag.
 The flag should not touch the ground in any case or on the floor or trail in the water.
 The privilege of hoisting the national flag is limited to certain positions acquired by the
people of the country.
 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971: The law, enacted on December 23, 1971, penalizes
the desecration of or insult to Indian national symbols, such as the National Flag, the Constitution, the
National Anthem, and the Indian map, as well as contempt of the Constitution of India.
6. National Emblem
Context
 The Prime Minister has unveiled the national emblem atop the new Parliament House coming up as
part of the Central Vista Project.
About the National Emblem

 The National Emblem contains four Asiatic lions with three lions being visible to the naked eye and the
fourth one always hidden from general view.
 They are taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital of the Mauryan emperor Asoka.

58
 It was built in 250 BC to commemorate the first sermon of Gautama Buddha, where he is said to have
shared the Four Noble Truths of life.
 The seven feet tall sculpture made of polished sandstone represented courage, power and pride.
 The emblem includes a horse, a lion, a bull and an elephant moving in a clockwise direction. The four
animals are said to be guardians of the four directions — north, south, east and west. They are
separated by a wheel, representing the Dharma chakra of Buddhism, on all four sides.
 This abacus was mounted on an inverted lotus which is a symbol of Buddhism.
Note: Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang has left a detailed account of Asoka’s lion pillar in his writings.
 On January 26, 1950, the Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath officially became the national emblem of
India. It was felt that the pillar epitomised the power, courage and confidence of the free nation.
 The emblem depicts a two-dimensional sculpture with the words Satyameva Jayate (truth alone
triumphs) written below it, taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, written in Devanagari script.
7. Alluri Sitaram Raju

Context
 On the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitaram Raju, PM Modi has unveiled 30-ft bronze
statue of legendary freedom fighter in Andhra Pradesh.
 The statue has also been installed as part of the yearlong celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.’
(Click here to read about the legend Alluri Sitaram Raju.)

59
INTERNAL SECURITY & DEFENCE

1. India’s Defence Exports 2021-22
Context
 A top defence ministry official has revealed India’s 2021-22 defence exports to Rs. 13000 crores, the
highest ever.
Key points
 The defence exports have risen by 54.1 per cent over the previous year.
 India's defence exports were worth ₹8,434 crore in 2020-21, ₹9,115 crore in 2019-20 and ₹2,059 crore
in 2015-16.
 India's defence exports are chiefly to the United States, the Philippines and other countries in the
South-East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
 Out of the Rs. 13000 crores export, 70 per cent contribution came from the private sector and the
remaining 30 per cent from the public sector.
 In a recent trend, the defence exports from public sector are on the rise.
(Click here to read the World Military Expenditure Report released by SIPRI.)
2. Committee for Performance and Efficiency Audit

Context
 The defence ministry has set up an apex committee to conduct "performance and efficiency" audit.
About the committee

 It will advise Defence Minister on measures for overall improvement in strengthening of internal
oversight and risk management framework in various aspects of functioning of the ministry.
 To be headed by Defence Secretary.
 Composition: Vice chiefs of the three services, secretary defence (finance), chief of integrated staff
committee, controller general of defence accounts and director general (acquisition) and other senior
officials of the ministry, including representatives from the Defence Research and Development
Organisation.
 Area of operation: The broad areas for the conduct of performance and efficiency audit include
defence capital procurements, provisioning, logistics, inventory levels, maintenance of
platforms/assets, role and performance of authority holding sealed particulars etc.
o It said the apex committee can also recommend any other specific area for performance and
efficiency audit.
 This is a "major shift" from the existing transaction-based compliance audit to carry out an outcome-
based performance and efficiency audit.

60
3. Latest Defence Additions
Name Nature Builder Part of Features

INS Aircraft Cochin Atmanirbhar - It is the first aircraft carrier built in India and the
Vikrant carrier Shipyard Bharat motto of the ship is ‘Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah’
Ltd. which is taken from Rig Veda and is translated as
“I defeat those who fight against me”.
- It features a Short Take-Off But Arrested
Recovery (STOBAR) configuration with a ski-
jump. The deck is designed to enable aircraft
such as the MiG-29K to operate from the carrier
(expected to carry an air group of up to thirty
aircraft).
- It is powered by four General Electric LM2500 +
gas turbines on two shafts, generating over 80
megawatts (110,000 hp) of power.
Y-3023 Frigate Garden Project 17A - Named after a mountain range in the state of
Dunagiri Reach & Uttarakhand, it is the 4th ship under Project 17A.
Shipbuilders Atmanirbhar - Designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Directorate
Limited Bharat of Naval Design (DND) with improved stealth
(GRSE) features, advanced weapons and sensors and
platform management systems.
- It is the reincarnation of the erstwhile ‘Dunagiri’,
the Leander Class ASW Frigate which served for
33 years.
- With improved stealth features, advanced

Project Frigates 4 by Follow-up of
weapons and sensors and platform
17A Mazgaon P17 (Shivalik
management systems. Thus, P17A frigates
Dock Class)
incorporate new design concepts for improved
Shipbuilders
survivability, sea keeping, stealth and ship
(MDL) and 3
manoeuvrability.
by Garden
- Special feature is low acoustic noise emanating
Reach Ship
from propellers, operating machinery like diesel
Builders
generators etc., which helps sonars on other
Limited
ships to detect its presence.
(GRSE) = 7
- Four ships built till date under Project 17A are:
frigates in
INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS
total
Dunagiri.

What A Month July 2022 by Atish Mathur

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atish mathur

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

The electoral college consists of

Who does not participate in the election of President of India?

Eligibility for re-election

Disputes regarding election of the President

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

3. Nominated MPs in Rajya Sabha

Constitutional provisions for nominated members

Powers and privileges of such members

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

 They however have rights to vote in the vice-presidential election.

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What is the Sub-categorization of OBCs?

Rohini Commission’s terms of reference

The findings were

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EC’s powers in election symbol dispute

What happens to the other group?

What are freebies?

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

Stand of ECI on freebies

Judicial intervention against the freebie culture

Who decides the nature of a word?

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

8. Supreme Court Upholds Certain Provisions Under PMLA

Key provisions upheld by the SC

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What are the guidelines with respect to bail?

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e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

Who are the minorities?

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What are the ways to renounce citizenship in India?

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

12. Municipal Finances

What are the revenue sources for ULBs?

(A) Own Revenue

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e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

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What is the Model Tenancy Act?

2. Road Safety in India

Road accidents in India: a lookover

Lancet’s findings on road safety

Issues highlighted in developing countries

e-mail: contact@atishmathur.com www.atishmathur.com telegram: https://t.me/csepaper2atish

Various steps taken by India

Solutions provided by the Lancet

3. Bharat New Car Assessment Program

Why does India need to crash-test vehicles?

How will it compare with Global NCAP?

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5. New Rules to Keep Advertisements in Check

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6. Draft Disability Policy

7. State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022 Report

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8. World Population Prospects Report

Slow pace of growth