2023 08 12
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Health Facilities for Tribal Women Report
GS Paper 3:
- Revised Draft of the National Policy on Official Statistics
- CAG Report on Railway Finance
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Niveshak Sarathi
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- RBI launches new features for UPI
- Deflation
- The Ganga Afforestation Project Falls Short of Target
- Rising Pest Threats
- Mangroves
- Interpol Global Academy Network
Mapping
- Katchatheevu Island (Tamil Nadu)
Health Facilities for Tribal Women Report
GS2/GS1 Paper
Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Indian Society
Source: TH
Context: A Parliamentary Committee (on the empowerment of women) tabled a report criticizing the Union government for lacking disaggregated data on tribal populations’ health conditions and emphasized the need for comprehensive data collection.
Major Highlights of the Report:
| Key Highlights | Description |
| Lack of Disaggregated Health Data | The report highlights the absence of detailed data on the health conditions of tribal populations in the country. |
| Early Marriage | Early marriage in tribal women causes early pregnancy and other general health risks. |
| Prevalence of Health Issues among Tribal Women | The report highlights how tribal women suffer from malnutrition, a high infant mortality rate (over 41%), and communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis etc (NHFS-5) More than half of tribal women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia |
| Online Portal for Registration | An online portal is being established for tribal people to register for diseases, allowing targeted interventions. However, the committee critiques the online portal and suggests setting up self-help kiosks for easier registration. |
Key Recommendations:
- Extensive Data Collection: The committee recommended the inclusion of tribal sub-samples in the National Family Health Survey-5
- Empowerment of ministry: The committee suggests empowering the Tribal Affairs Ministry to plan resources for tribal welfare in various sectors.
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs should work with MoHFW to generate central health data for tribals with separate classifications like girl children, women of various age groups etc
- Inclusive data collection: The committee recommends including tribal populations in data collection and examining the information periodically.
- Focus on Prenatal, Post-natal Care, and Access to Health Services, including mental health and emergency services.
- Ministry’s Efforts to Monitor Tribal Health Data: The Tribal Affairs Ministry is working on a central database to monitor the health of tribal people.
- Linking of the Swasthya portal to various government databases such as the POSHAN tracker
- Education: Devise a special action plan to retain tribal girl children in school and develop an alternate learning program for ‘out of school’ girl child
For Health Schemes in Tribal areas: Click Here
Best practices:
- It aims to fight malnutrition through public participation in Datia district, Madhya Pradesh.
- As a result, the district witnessed a drop in malnutrition rates (by over 17%), a rise in immunisation, breastfeeding and a drop in diarrhoea.
Piramal Swasthya – One of the largest implementing agencies of primary healthcare programmes in India:
- It has over a decade’s experience of working with the tribal communities of Andhra Pradesh, implementing its unique community-based model.
- More recently, it has partnered with NITI Aayog to transform the health and nutrition systems in 25 Aspirational Districts spread across 7 States of India.
Insta Links:
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Today's Article, Tribal Health, Tribal women
Revised Draft of the National Policy on Official Statistics
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Indian Economy
Source: ET
Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released a revised draft of the National Policy on Official Statistics, emphasizing the utilization of big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to create and disseminate economic and social statistics.
Key features of the draft National Policy on Official Statistics:
| Key Features | Description |
| Aim | This policy aims to provide reliable, timely, and credible data to support decision-making both within and outside the government. |
| In line with UNFPOS guidelines | The policy aligns with the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (UNFPOS) adopted by India in 2016, which advocate for a high level of independence in national statistical systems and layout 10 guiding principles for official statistics. |
| Focus on emerging technologies | Emphasizes the use of Big Data Analytics, AI, and ML for creating and releasing economic and social statistics |
| Integrated Data System | Establish a unified data system for consistent data collection and dissemination |
| Administrative data | Improve the efficiency and accuracy of administrative data used in official statistics |
| Short, Medium, and Long-Term Plans | The policy outlines a phased approach to implementation, including short, medium, and long-term strategies |
| Coordination | Focuses on collaboration with regional governments for data collection and dissemination |
| Training and Capacity Building | Includes plans for training programs and capacity building to enhance statistical skills |
To get a view of India’s statistical system: Click Here
To Know Concerns Related to the Indian Statistical System: Click Here
Insta Links:
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Revised Draft of the National Policy on Official Statistics, Statical system, Today's Article
CAG Report on Railway Finance
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Economy: Railways
Source: HT
Context: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reported that in the fiscal year 2021-22, the financial health of Indian Railways entered a “concern zone.”
Key findings of the CAG:
| Key Findings | Details |
| Operating Ratio (OR) | The railway operator spent ₹107 to earn ₹100 due to increased pension funding |
| Net Surplus | Indian Railways couldn’t generate a net surplus in 2021-22 |
| Total Expenditure | Ministry of Railways’ total expenditure increased over 35% more than the previous year. |
| High revenue Expenses | Over 75% of total working expenses are spent on staff costs, pension payments, and rolling stock lease charges |
| Dependence on Budgetary Support and Resources | Inadequate internal resource generation led to greater dependence on Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) and Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) |
| Cross-Subsidization of Passenger Fares | Passenger fares subsidized by profits from freight operations |
For Challenges hindering the development of Railways in India: Click Here
Key recommendations from Vivek Debroy’s committee for Indian Railways:
| Recommendations | Details |
| Restructuring and Unbundling | - Separate Railways’ functions into distinct verticals like operations, regulation, and infrastructure - Create an independent regulatory body - Form Rail Development Authority (RDA) |
| Commercial and Financial Autonomy | - Enhance commercial and financial autonomy of Zonal Railways |
| Decentralization of Powers | - Delegate more decision-making powers to lower levels of management |
| Resource Mobilization and PPP | - Increase non-fare revenue through advertising, commercial use of stations, and land monetization. Explore PPP for projects |
| Technology Integration and Modernization | - Integrate technology for better customer service, efficiency, and safety |
| Governance and Performance Management | - Implement an outcome-oriented performance management system |
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructure projects? Examine the role of the PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC 2022)
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, CAG Report on Railway finance, Indian Railways, Today's Article
Niveshak Sarathi
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: PIB
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and Common Service Centre (CSC) have jointly launched “Niveshak Sarathi” (translates to “Investor Guide” or “Investor Mentor”) Vans in Delhi-NCR as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Aim: The initiative aims to enhance financial literacy and awareness about fraudulent schemes in the region. The vans are equipped with a TV screen showcasing investor awareness movies, a public address system, and informative brochures.
Process: The initiative included sessions conducted by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) from IEPFA at key locations. Common Service Centre served as the knowledge partner for this campaign.
Usage: The example can be used in an Economy/ Ethics case study to show steps that can be used for improving financial literacy.
About IEPFA:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to manage the Investor Education and Protection Fund. It focuses on refunding shares, unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, and debentures to investors, among other responsibilities.
About CSC:
The Common Service Centre (CSC) 2.0 Project, initiated under Digital India, aims to set up service centres in Gram Panchayats across India to deliver citizen-centric services.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Financial literacy, Niveshak Sarathi
RBI launches new features for UPI
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced several measures to further advance digital payments through the unified payments interface (UPI):
Features are:
- Conversational Payments with AI: The RBI is launching “conversational payments” (audio interaction with AI bots) on UPI, enabling users to interact with an AI-powered system to initiate and complete transactions safely.
- This innovative mode aims to enhance ease of use and expand UPI’s reach.
- Offline Transactions with NFC: The RBI proposes enabling offline transactions using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
- This approach supports digital payments in scenarios with weak or no internet connectivity, enhancing speed and accessibility.
- Transaction Limit Increase for Small-Value Payments: The transaction limit for small-value offline digital payments will be increased to ₹500.
- The overall limit of ₹2,000 will remain to mitigate risks. This adjustment facilitates faster, more reliable, and contactless payments for everyday small-value transactions.
- Expansion of UPI-Lite: The UPI-Lite wallet introduced by RBI, aimed at optimizing processing resources for banks, now processes over 10 million transactions a month, enhancing transaction reliability.
- Digital Public Tech Platform: The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub is developing a digital platform for frictionless credit delivery with open architecture and APIs, allowing seamless connectivity for all financial sector players.
About UPI:
A unified payment system (UPI) powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features like Instant transfer of funds, bill-sharing facility, etc. It has been developed by: National Payments Corporation of India.
About UPI-Lite:
UPI-Lite is an on-device wallet service that enables low-value transactions without utilizing a Remitter bank’s core banking systems in real-time.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Today's Article, UPI, UPI-Lite
Deflation
Source: DW
Context: China has entered a state of deflation due to challenges in its post-pandemic recovery efforts, as evidenced by recent data.
What is Deflation?
Deflation is an economic phenomenon characterized by a sustained decrease in the general price level of goods and services within an economy. It is the opposite of inflation, where prices tend to rise over time. Deflation occurs when the supply of goods and services exceeds demand, leading to a decrease in consumer spending.
Effects of Deflation: While lower prices might seem advantageous, they can hinder economic growth by causing businesses to cut jobs, freeze hiring, and offer discounts to maintain sales.
Reasons for deflation in China:
- Government intervention in IT, Real state industries
- Crackdown on polluting industries
- Rising wages in China
- Geopolitical tensions leading to the trade war with the USA
- Challenges to Recovery: China’s post-COVID-recovery momentum has faltered as domestic demand weakens.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) Dropped in China
- Product Price Index (PPI) Decline: The product price index, a measure of wholesale prices, continued its downward trajectory
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Deflation, Today's Article
The Ganga Afforestation Project Falls Short of Target
Source: DTE
Context: An afforestation initiative aimed at protecting the Ganga River has concluded its first phase without achieving its goals, according to a Right to Information (RTI)-based investigation.
- The project, which aimed to plant trees along the banks of the Ganga River, managed to cover only a little over 22% of the target area during its initial phase (2016-2021).
The project, overseen by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), aimed to enhance water retention, reduce erosion, and improve the overall hydrological cycle.
About NMCG:
This mission was established under the Societies Registration Act,1860 as a registered society.
Objectives:
- The mission incorporates rehabilitating and boosting the existing STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) and instant short-term steps to curb pollution at exit points on the riverfront in order to check the inflow of sewage.
- To regenerate and maintain the natural vegetation of the area.
- To conserve and regenerate the aquatic biodiversity as well as the riparian biodiversity of the river Ganga basin.
- To allow the participation of the public in the process of protection, rejuvenation and management of the river.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, National Mission for Clean Ganga, The Ganga Afforestation Project Falls Short of Target, Today's Article
Rising Pest Threats
Source: DTE
Context: Tea planters in southern India are facing an urgent issue as the tea mosquito bug, a serious pest of fruits and tea plantations, is spreading to high-elevation areas where it was previously uncommon.
- The bug is causing significant damage to tea production in both low and high-elevation plantations across northern and southern states.
- This expansion of the bug’s territory is attributed to climate change, as warming temperatures and shifts in rainfall patterns create more suitable conditions for pests.
In addition to the tea mosquito bug, other pests are also adapting to the changing climate. Aphids, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, are particularly affected. Rising temperatures allow them to reproduce more frequently, and their populations can increase significantly with even small temperature rises.
Changes in rainfall patterns and soil conditions are also impacting pest behaviour, leading to new challenges for farmers. The increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, a result of greenhouse gas emissions, is exacerbating the abundance and behaviour of herbivorous insects, further threatening crops.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, AGRICULTURE, GS3, Pest, Rising Pest Threats, tea mosquito bug, Today's Article
Mangroves
Source: LM
Mangroves make up only about 0.15% of India’s land area but provide numerous benefits to coastal communities over its vast coastline (spanning 7516km)
Benefits of Mangroves for India:
| Benefits | Examples |
| Coastal Protection | Mangroves act as natural barriers against erosion, storms, and cyclones. They reduce wave impact, protecting coastal areas from damage. |
| Flood Mitigation | Mangroves stabilize sedimentation and help mitigate coastal flooding. In the Sundarbans region, mangroves help prevent inland flooding during monsoon seasons. |
| Biodiversity Habitat | Mangroves provide critical habitats for various plant and animal species, including endangered ones like the Bengal tiger and the Ganges river dolphin. E.g., Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, hosts a diverse range of species, supporting biodiversity. |
| Livelihood Support | Mangroves contribute to the livelihoods of fisher communities. Programs in the Sundarbans demonstrate how involving local communities can lead to sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk. |
| Water Quality Improvement | Mangroves act as natural filters, trapping sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients. They improve water quality and benefit marine ecosystems. |
| Climate Change Mitigation | Mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, aiding in climate change mitigation. |
| Resilience to Climate Change | Mangroves show adaptability to sea-level rise and increased storm intensity. They recover relatively quickly from climate-related impacts. |
- Objective: Revive and conserve wetlands, enhance biodiversity, eco-tourism, and livelihoods of local communities.
- Approach: Optimal utilization of wetlands, public participation, and Ramsar site designation.
Key Features:
- Encourages sustainable ecosystem use.
- Combats wetland degradation.
- Ensures water availability for migratory birds.
- Foster’s intelligent wetland use.
- Public participation for wise wetland management.
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes):
- Objective: Plant mangroves along coastlines and salt pan lands, promote intensive afforestation, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
- Approach: Convergence of MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources for mangrove plantation.
Key Features:
- Intensive coastal mangrove afforestation.
- Comprehensive coverage across states and territories.
- Sharing best practices through Public Private Partnership.
- Promotes eco-tourism, agroforestry, and alternative livelihoods.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Mangroves., Today's Article
Interpol Global Academy Network
Source: TH
Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy has recently joined the Interpol Global Academy Network as its 10th member.
What is Interpol Global Academy Network?
It is an initiative launched by Interpol in 2019 to enhance global law enforcement training. It fosters collaboration among law enforcement training institutions through joint programs, research, and knowledge exchange while promoting excellence and innovation in training.
About CBI Academy
The CBI Academy is the training institution of India’s premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Established in 1996, the academy is in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, aiming for professionalism, impartiality, and dedication. It offers diverse training on topics like cybercrime, and anti-corruption, and collaborates with foreign agencies and international organizations.
About CBI:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was founded in 1963 to combat corruption and breaches of central laws. Operating under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, it investigates bribery, corruption, organized crime, and international cases.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, CBI, Interpol Global Academy Network, Today's Article
Katchatheevu Island (Tamil Nadu)
Mapping
Source: IE
The island of Katchatheevu is a tiny uninhabited landmass located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka. The island, which was ceded to Sri Lanka by the Indian government in 1974, has sparked ongoing debates and protests in Tamil Nadu due to its historical and cultural significance, as well as its impact on fishermen’s livelihoods. Tamil Nadu continues to call for the retrieval of Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka.
August 12, 2023 /12 Aug 2023, Katchatheevu Island, tamil nadu, Today's Article