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2023 08 04

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

  1. Constitutional Challenge to the 2019 Abrogation of Article 370
  2. “Limited Internet shutdowns” and their impact
  3. India and the Nuclear Weapon

Content for Mains Enrichment

  1. India’s first captive breeding success story in Assam Zoo 

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

  1. New Ayush visa category for foreign nationals
  2. Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff
  3. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards
  4. Sahakar 22
  5. Smart Corn GMO
  6. Saving Vultures: Ban on aceclofenac and ketoprofen
  7. Bal Raksha Bharat’loses FCRA permit

Mapping

  1. Johannesburg (South Africa)

Constitutional Challenge to the 2019 Abrogation of Article 370

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Constitutional provisions

Source: IE

Context: The Supreme Court began hearings on the constitutional challenge to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

What is Article 370?

Article 370 was a provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomy and privileges to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over most matters except foreign affairs, defence, and communications. This article was abrogated in 2019, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and integrating it fully into the Indian Union.

Why was Article 370 abrogated in 2019?

Article 370 was abrogated in 2019 to fully integrate the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union and remove its special autonomy. The Indian government stated that this move aimed to promote economic development, better governance, and equal rights for all citizens across the region, while critics expressed concerns about the potential erosion of cultural and political distinctiveness.

The present argument in the Supreme Court regarding Article 370: 

Article 370 is part of the Constitution’s “Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions” section and is titled “Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”. The provision outlines that the President can declare it inoperative, making it commonly seen as temporary. However, the petitioners argue that its temporary nature is due to the  Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly’s role (1951-1957) in recommending changes to it. Once the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist in 1957, the provision was argued to have become a permanent feature.

The central question that SC will decide is whether Parliament has the power to abrogate Article 370 after 1957 when the Constituent Assembly was no longer in existence.

The argument for favour and Against:
Arguments in Favor of Removing Article 370 Arguments Against Removing Article 370
Temporary Provision: Article 370 is titled “Temporary provisions with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”. This suggests it wasn’t meant to be permanent. Original Agreement: The accession of Jammu & Kashmir to India was based on certain terms, with Article 370 being central.
Self-contained Exit: Article 370(3) allows for the President to declare the article inoperative, indicating a mechanism for its removal. “Temporary” Misunderstood: The term “temporary” in Article 370 refers to the period before J&K’s Constituent Assembly created its Constitution (1951-1957), not the Article’s lifespan.
Uniformity: Removal can lead to the uniform application of Indian laws to Jammu & Kashmir, integrating it fully with India. Constituent Assembly’s Role: Clause (3) of Article 370 mandated that any change to the relationship between J&K and India needed the J&K Constituent Assembly’s recommendation.
Development & Growth: Some believe removal can boost the region’s development, as it would get equal attention and opportunities like other states. End of Constituent Assembly: Since the Constituent Assembly ceased to exist after 1957, the power to alter Article 370 also ended, making the Article permanent.
Preservation of Identity: Article 370 ensured J&K maintained its unique identity and relationship with India.

Conclusion:

As the ongoing Supreme Court hearing unfolds, it’s evident that finding a balanced resolution that respects historical agreements while considering contemporary realities is crucial for the future of the region and the country.

Insta links 

In the Article 370 hearing, the original text and spirit count

Mains Links:

The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – Islami in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency-affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.(UPSC 2019) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir, Today's Article

“Limited Internet shutdowns” and their impact

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions

Source: IE

Context: The idea of “limited internet shutdowns” is gaining traction as a way to control riots and security threats while allowing beneficial use of the internet. However, there is no study by the Indian government or any state government to assess the effectiveness of these shutdowns.

What is “Limited internet shutdowns”?

It refers to the intentional restriction or blocking of access to the internet, often specific websites or online services, within a defined geographic area or for a specified period of time. This is done as a response to security threats, social unrest, or public emergencies, with the aim of controlling the flow of information and communication.

  • g., this has been applied in Manipur violence and recent Nuh (Haryana) communal violence.

Status of India on Internet shutdown: 

According to a report by Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition, India enforced as many as 84 internet shutdowns in 2022 and was on top of the list for the fifth year in a row.

  • In 2022, the Internet was shut down 49 times in Jammu and Kashmir, the highest of any state in the country.

Constitutional Articles & Internet Shutdown:

  • Internet-related rights are protected by Articles 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) and 19(1)(g) (freedom of trade and commerce).
  • Exceptions: Restrictions on these rights should follow the guidelines of Articles 19(2) and (6) and adhere to the principle of proportionality.
    • Proportionality Test: It assesses whether governmental actions justifiably infringe on individual rights.

Legal ground:

Internet shutdown orders are regulated by the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, which fall under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. These rules allow for the temporary suspension of telecom services in a specific area during public emergencies.

  • Senior officials from the Home Ministry at both central and state levels are authorized to issue shutdown orders.

SC Judgment & Amendments on Internet Shutdown:

  • In Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020), SC stated indefinite internet shutdowns are illegal, requiring necessity and proportionality.
  • The Union govt amended 2017 Rules in Nov 2020, capping shutdowns at 15 days.
  • In Dec 2021, the Standing Committee on Communication and IT proposed further amendments.
    • The committee suggested a comprehensive review of Rules, technology-oriented changes, and uniform guidelines for states/UTs to minimize public disruption.

Impact of Internet shutdown:
Impact of Internet Shutdowns Examples
Communication Disruption A recently released United Nations-backed report (by OHCHR) has highlighted that shutting down the internet affects people’s safety & well-being, hampers information flow and harms the economy
Businesses are unable to conduct online transactions, affecting e-commerce and communication with clients.
Information Flow Disruption Limited access to news websites, hindering access to timely and accurate information.
Inability to access educational resources, affecting students’ learning during shutdowns.
Economic Impact Loss of revenue for businesses relying on online operations and services.
Impediments to remote work, affecting productivity and economic activity.
Social and Political Impact Inability to organize protests or rallies via social media, affecting freedom of expression and assembly.
Government control over information flow during sensitive events, limits public awareness.
Human Rights Concerns Violation of freedom of speech and expression, undermining democratic values.
Infringement on the right to access information crucial for making informed decisions.
Educational Disruption Students unable to attend online classes, disrupt education during shutdowns.
Lack of access to online educational resources and platforms.
Healthcare and Emergency Impact Impaired access to telemedicine services and health information during critical times.
Delays in accessing emergency services or assistance due to disrupted communication.
Global Perception Negative impact on a country’s image, raising concerns about digital rights and freedom.
International criticism for hindering access to information and communication.

Addressing internet shutdowns requires a balanced approach that respects security and rights:

  • Adhere to Legal Standards: Follow clear legal grounds and constitutional principles of necessity and proportionality.
  • Transparency: Provide transparent justifications for shutdowns and hold authorities accountable.
  • Limited Measures: Use specific, time-bound shutdowns; avoid blanket measures.
  • Alternatives: Consider content removal or service restrictions instead of full shutdowns.
  • Judicial Oversight: Ensure judicial review, preventing misuse as seen in Anuradha Bhasin case.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with civil society, businesses, and experts for balanced guidelines.
  • Digital Literacy: Educate citizens about rights, safe practices, and shutdown consequences.

UN’s OHCHR Recommendations

  • Stop imposing Internet shutdowns: It may be the last recourse but should be used rarely for legitimate reasons
  • Legitimate shutdown: Need to control the spread of hate speech, disinformation or other forms of content deemed illegal or harmful
  • Clear policies:There should be an unambiguous, publicly available and legitimate policy for any shutdown
  • Internet companies should engage and collaboratewith stakeholders including government and civil society to prevent such disruption

Insta Links

Practice Questions

Are Internet shutdowns healthy for India? Critically analyse and also comment on the recent trends associated with and the laws governing it. (250 words)

August 4, 2023 /"limited internet shutdowns" and their impact, 04 August 2023, Today's Article

India and the Nuclear Weapon

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Energy: Nuclear/Challenges to Internal Security/Indigenization of Technology

Source: IE

Context: The article discusses the timeline of India’s nuclear journey as well as its advantages.

Timeline of India’s Nuclear Journey:
Year Event
1947 India gains independence.
1948 Atomic Energy Act was passed, establishing AEC.
1950 Nehru’s dual intent strategy on nuclear power.
1964 China conducts its first nuclear test.
1974 India conducts its first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha).
1985 US President R Reagan tells Rajiv Gandhi about Pakistan’s bomb.
1989 Rajiv Gandhi approves the development of nuclear weapons.
1998 India conducts nuclear tests (Operation Shakti).
1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan.
2005 Indo-US nuclear deal negotiations begin.
2008 Indo-US nuclear deal ratified by Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Present India maintains a policy of credible minimum deterrence and global nuclear disarmament.

India’s nuclear doctrine (presented in 1999) since Pokhran-II:

  • It highlighted a credible minimum deterrence (CMD) and a no-first-use (NFU) policy, while concurrently supporting non-proliferation and universal disarmament.
  • The sole purpose of India’s nuclear deterrence is to deter adversaries’ use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.
  • The policy changed India’s image and the US (once an adversary of India’s nuclear programme) signed a civil nuclear deal with India in 2008, acknowledging India as a responsible nuclear player.

India’s Three stages nuclear program)

Performance of India’s three-stage nuclear power plan: India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to secure the country’s long-term energy independence, through the use of uranium and thorium reserves found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.

  • Three-stage nuclear Plan: The first two stages, natural uranium-fueled heavy water reactors and plutonium-fueled fast breeder reactors, are intended to generate sufficient fissile material from India’s limited uranium resources so that all its vast thorium reserves can be fully utilized in the third stage of thermal breeder reactors.

Performance:

  • First-stage PHWRs, cover around half the entire existing base of Indian nuclear power (4780 MW).
  • As of now, India produces about 6.7 GW of power from nuclear fuel from its 22 nuclear power plants, effectively contributing 1.8 per cent to the total energy mix.
  • While India has successfully completed the first stage of its nuclear fuel program, the second stage is still in the works and has taken much longer than expected.
  • The first 500 MW Pressurized Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) BHAVINI, being set up in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is still in the process of being commissioned and has suffered from significant time and cost overruns.
  • According to a report by the government large-scale thorium deployment is only to be expected 3 – 4 decades after the commercial operation of fast breeder reactors. [2040-2070]
    • As there is a long delay before direct thorium utilisation in the three-stage programme, the country is now looking at reactor designs that allow more direct use of thorium in parallel with the sequential three-stage programme.

Nuclear power has empowered India:
Aspect Empowerment through Nuclear Power
Strategic Autonomy Enables independent decision-making in national security matters.
Deterrence Capability Provides a credible deterrence against potential adversaries.
Global Recognition Elevates India’s status as a responsible nuclear power on the global stage.
Negotiating Power Enhances India’s leverage in international diplomatic negotiations.
Technology Advancement Drives advancements in nuclear technology, research, and development.
Energy Generation Contributes to clean energy generation and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
International Cooperation Facilitates collaboration with other nations in nuclear research and trade.
Space Exploration Supports advancements in space technology through nuclear propulsion.
Scientific Excellence Boosts India’s scientific capabilities and human resources development

Conclusion

Nuclear power provides about 10% of the world’s electricity, and 18% of electricity in OECD countries. Almost all reports on future energy supply from major organizations suggest an increasing role for nuclear power as an environmentally benign way of producing reliable electricity on a large scale.

Insta Links:

Mains Links: 

Though nuclear energy is a source of clean energy but the vulnerabilities of nuclear reactors make it prone to disasters. Examine. (150 words)

Prelims Links: UPSC 2016

India is an important member of the  ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

  1. It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
  2. It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
  3. It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
  4. It can build fusion reactors for power generation

Ans: 4

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, India’s three-stage nuclear power, nuclear energy, Today's Article

India’s first captive breeding success story in Assam Zoo

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: DH

In 2011-2012, Himalayan vultures were saved from poisoning incidents in Assam. Despite doubts from veterinarians about surviving the hot and humid weather, most survived and contributed to India’s first successful captive breeding of Himalayan vultures at Assam State Zoo.

Usage: The example can be used in environment conservation questions.

About Himalayan vultures

The Himalayan Griffon vulture, also known as the Himalayan Vulture, is found in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. It ranges from western China to central China and Mongolia, with the ability to fly at altitudes of up to 5,500 meters. It’s classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Himalayan vultures, Today's Article

New Ayush visa category for foreign nationals

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Indian government has introduced a new Ayush visa category for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, wellness, and Yoga.

  • The introduction of the AYUSH Visa is part of India’s roadmap for Heal in India initiative, which is intended at promoting India as a medical value travel (MVT) destination.
  • The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare are collaborating to establish a Heal in India portal for promoting medical tourism.

Aim: This visa category aims to promote medical value travel in India and strengthen the global recognition of Indian traditional medicine.

Significance:

  • Promotion to Indian traditional medicine.
  • A vital step in India’s efforts to become a prominent medical tourism destination.
  • This initiative is part of India’s strategy to develop the Ayush healthcare and wellness economy, projected to reach $70 billion by 2025.

What is Ayush?

Ayush is a term used in India to refer to traditional systems of medicine and holistic wellness practices. It stands for “Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy,” representing various ancient healthcare systems and alternative medicine practices in the country.

What is Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism refers to the practice of travelling to another country to receive medical treatment or healthcare services, often due to cost savings, higher quality care, or availability of specialized treatments.

  • India has also been ranked 10th in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) for 2020-21 out of 46 destinations in the world by the Medical Tourism Association.

Other steps to encourage medical tourism:

  • National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board
  • Champion service sector scheme for Medical tourism
  • National strategy and roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, New Ayush visa category for foreign nationals, Today's Article

Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff

Source: BS

Context: The article discusses India’s new electricity pricing system, Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff, which adjusts prices based on demand, aiming to reduce consumption during peak hours

What is Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff?

Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff is an electricity pricing system that adjusts prices based on demand, with higher rates during peak hours and lower rates during off-peak hours. The goal is to encourage consumers to use electricity when demand is lower, helping to manage energy consumption and grid load.

Status: This system is being introduced in India in 2024 for commercial and industrial users and in 2025 for other users. ToD tariffs are already used in many countries, including the US, UK, and Japan. For this system to work, smart meters are needed to track electricity use every 15 minutes.

Limitations of the system:

  • Increased Complexity: Billing becomes more intricate as users must monitor usage across different times.
  • Behavioural Changes Needed: Consumers must adapt routines, like altering vehicle charging or appliance use.
  • Higher Costs at Peaks: Inflexible users face elevated costs during high-demand hours.
  • Dependence on Smart Meters: Success relies on ample smart meter deployment; India aims for 250M by 2026.
  • Possible Resistance: Some users might not adjust their consumption habits.
  • Storage Challenges: Renewable energy’s storage limitations can hinder constant supply, despite ToD incentives.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Time of Day (ToD) Tariff, Today's Article

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards

Source: IE

Context: The government has set a deadline for pharmaceutical companies to implement the revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

What are Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards?

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards are guidelines and regulations that ensure the quality, safety, and consistency of pharmaceutical products.

Status of GMP in India:

  • GMP system was first incorporated in India in 1988 in Schedule M of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. It was revised in 2018, bringing them on par with WHO standards.
  • Presently, only 2,000 of 10,500 manufacturing units in the country were found to be compliant with WHO-GMP standards.

New regulations:

  • Companies with over Rs 250 crore turnover must adopt the revised GMP within six months, while smaller enterprises having a turnover of less than 250 crore have a year.
  • Non-compliance could lead to license suspension or penalties.

Aim: The move aims to enhance drug quality and safety, addressing deficiencies found in inspections The changes will include a pharmaceutical quality system, quality risk management, and product quality review.

Significance of GMP certification:

  • GMP certification holds great importance as it reduces the likelihood of product contamination, labelling errors, and inconsistent ingredient levels.
  • For India, a major medicine exporter to low- and middle-income countries, WHO-GMP certification is crucial.
  • It’s also necessary for the procurement of products under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) from suppliers with this certification.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, Today's Article, WHO

(no title)

Sahakar 22

Source: PIB

Context: During the fiscal year 2017-18, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) initiated Sahakar-22, a program aimed at achieving rural and agricultural prosperity through cooperative efforts by the year 2022.

This initiative encompassed several components, including:

  • FOCUS 222: NCDC’s dedicated support for cooperatives in 222 districts, which also includes 117 Aspirational Districts.
  • PACS HUB: The transformation of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and other cooperatives into Apna Kisan Resource Centers.
  • AENEC: Facilitating cooperatives in the Act East and North East regions of the country.
  • CEMtC: Establishing Centres of Excellence to enhance market access through cooperative networks.
  • SAHAKAR PRAGYA: Enhancing capacity development through the Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC).

NCDC (founded 1963; HQ: New Delhi) operates as a statutory body under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Cooperation. It is implementing Agency under the Central Sector Scheme titled “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)”.

  • NCDC is also supporting and handholding the FPOs, for registration and legal compliance processes, through Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs)

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Sahakar 22, Today's Article

Smart Corn GMO

Source: LM

Context: A new genetically modified (GMO) corn called ‘smart corn’ has been developed by Bayer to withstand climate change pressures.

What is ‘Smart Corn’ GMO?

Smart Corn GMO is a genetically modified corn varietal developed by Bayer. It grows shorter and sturdier than conventional corn to withstand high-wind storms caused by climate change. This adaptation aims to reduce damage to crops and address the challenges posed by climate-related events.

Benefits:

  • Increased Resilience: Shorter, sturdier stalks make the corn more resistant to high-wind storms, reducing crop damage.
  • Addressing Climate Pressures: Smart corn is designed to adapt to climate change-induced challenges, like extreme weather events.
  • Innovative Solution: This shows the potential of genetic engineering to create crops that can better withstand climate impacts.

Limitations:

  • Partial Solution: While smart corn can mitigate some effects of climate change, it doesn’t address the root causes of the crisis.
  • Technical Constraints: Heavy rainfall and other climate-related factors can still impact crop health, regardless of stalk height.
  • Narrow Focus: Focusing solely on crop adaptations might divert attention from broader efforts like decarbonization and ecosystem preservation.

Other notable recent climate-adapted crops include:

  • HB4 wheat: FDA-approved drought-tolerant wheat with a sunflower gene, developed by Bioceres.
  • ZeaKal soybean: GMO soybean with enhanced photosynthesis (to capture more CO2) by ZeaKal Inc., distributed by Nutrien.

What is GMO?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It refers to an organism, typically a plant or animal, whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. This involves the insertion of genes from one species into the DNA of another to introduce specific traits or characteristics.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, GMO, Smart Corn, Today's Article

Saving Vultures: Ban on aceclofenac and ketoprofen

Source: DTE

Context: Experts working on vulture conservation have praised the Indian government’s decision to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of aceclofenac and ketoprofen, which are harmful to vultures

What are Aceclofenac and ketoprofen?

They are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in humans and animals. However, these drugs are harmful to vultures and other raptor species when they feed on carcasses treated with these drugs.

Actions to protect vultures:

  • India has banned the use of Aceclofenac and ketoprofen to protect vulture populations (under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940)
  • The ban on diclofenac for veterinary use was imposed in 2006.

India’s vulture population faced a drastic decline in the 1990s due to diclofenac use in cattle. Despite the ban, it will take many years before the population is revived. Vultures are slow breeders, and mortality rates could lead to extinction if not controlled.

About Vultures in India:

  • Vultures are medium- to large-sized birds of prey. They are known for eating carrion(the bodies of dead animals).
  • India hosts nine vulture species, including six residents (white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture) and three migratory species (cinereous vulture, griffon vulture, Himalayan vulture).

Conservation Initiatives:

  • National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Key highlights of the plan include,
  • Vulture Conservation Centre
  • Vulture Safe zone
  • Rescue Centres: Establishment of four rescue centres, in Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad (Telangana). There are currently no dedicated rescue centres for treating vultures.
  • Toxic Drugs: A system to automatically remove a drug from veterinary use if it is found to be toxic to vultures with the help of the Drugs Controller General of India.
  • Vultures Census
  • Database on Threats to Vultures

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Today's Article, Vulture in India

Bal Raksha Bharat’loses FCRA permit

Source: TH

Context: The Indian offshoot of the U.K.-based NGO Save The Children, known as Bal Raksha Bharat, has had its permit under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) withdrawn by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Why was the Permit withdrawn?

The action was taken following the organization’s involvement in a fundraising campaign on malnutrition in 2022. The Ministry of Women and Child Development objected to the campaign, asserting that the issue was already being addressed through government schemes.

Impact:

The FCRA registration is essential for receiving foreign funds, and the government has cancelled the registrations of numerous NGOs in recent years.
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is a law enacted in 1976 to regulate foreign donations to individuals and organizations in India. It aims to ensure that foreign funds are utilized in alignment with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
Amendments 2010 (consolidation, prohibition of detrimental activities)
2020 (increased government control and scrutiny)
Criteria for seeking permission from the Ministry of Home Registration under the FCR Act
Bank account in State Bank of India, Delhi
Funds usage aligned with Act stipulations
Definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programmes
Prohibitions under the Act Applicants seeking FCRA permits should have no prosecution for conversion, communal tension, disharmony
No engagement in the propagation of sedition
Restrictions on election candidates, media, government servants, political parties
Validity 5 years; renewal within 6 months of expiry
Cancellation of permit Violation of Act
No reasonable activity in the chosen field for 2 years
Becoming defunct
No re-registration for 3 years after cancellation
FCRA 2022 Rules Increased compoundable offences (from 7 to 12)
Exemption for contributions < Rs 10 lakh from abroad
The extended time limit for intimation of bank accounts

Note: Compoundable offences are legal violations for which the parties involved can reach a settlement, usually involving the payment of a fine or compensation, rather than facing criminal prosecution or trial.

About The Save the Children

It is an international, non-government-operated organization. It was founded in the UK in 1919, with the goal of helping improve the lives of children worldwide. The NGO focuses on child rights, health, education, and vulnerable children. The organization has general consultative status in the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Bal Raksha Bharat, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), NGO Save The Children, Today's Article

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Mapping

Source: TH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has confirmed his attendance at the BRICS summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg. The 15th BRICS summit is expected to involve substantive discussions about the potential expansion of BRICS membership.

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game.

August 4, 2023 /04 August 2023, Johannesburg (South Africa), Today's Article