2023 06 22

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023
Significance of India’s jet engine deal with the US

GS Paper 3:

Draft livestock and livestock products Bill

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Prehistoric rock paintings
Sahitya Akademi Awards
Star Rating Registration Process
China block India’s proposal at UN
Centre to integrate child helpline with ERSS-112
Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD)
Entrepreneurship for Women
US FDI in India
Precision Fermentation
Blue Ocean Event (BOE)

Mapping

Chashma Nuclear Plant (Pakistan)
Uttarakhand (India)

Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Governance: Appointment process

Source: IE

Context: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, under the AAP government, has passed the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

This bill aims to amend and replace certain clauses in The Punjab Police Act, 2007, regarding the appointment of the state Director General of Police (DGP).

Major features of the Act:

The bill will grant the state government the authority to appoint a DGP of its choice.
The bill proposes the formation of a seven-member Empanelment Committee by the Punjab government.
The committee will select three senior-most officers from the pool of eligible officers based on their length of service, record, and experience to lead the police force.
The provisions of the bill will prevail over any court judgments, orders, or decrees.

Issues with the Bill:

As per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the former DGP Prakash Singh case (2006) on police reforms, the state government is supposed to send a panel of eligible officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). UPSC then shortlists three officers from the panel and the state government would select an officer of its choice among those three.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ordered that any rule or law that goes against the guidelines should not be enforced. Therefore, the current bill goes against the Supreme Court’s direction and contradicts it.

Punjab Government’s argument for the bill:

“Public order” and “Police” fall under the state’s jurisdiction, as per the seventh schedule of the Constitution of India.
A proper mechanism for the selection, appointment, and removal of the DGP is necessary, considering the specific challenges faced by Punjab as a border state.

Conclusion:

Punjab has witnessed recent violent incidents involving Sikh separatists and a deteriorating law and order situation. However, this should not be used as a justification to disregard the Supreme Court’s directive. It is important to strike a balance between the state’s authority in appointing bureaucrats and ensuring adherence to legal and constitutional procedures.

Insta Links:

Resurfacing of extremism in Punjab

Mains Links:

During the 1980s, Punjab was engulfed by a separatist movement which was transformed into a campaign of terror. What were the reasons for the genesis of this problem? Critically discuss. (250 Words)

June 22, 2023 /2023, 22 June 2023, DGP appointment process, governance, Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, Today's Article

Significance of India’s jet engine deal with the US

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Bilateral Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Source: TH

Context: A mega defence deal for the manufacture of fighter jet engines in India is expected to dominate the agenda of the Indian PM’s ongoing official State Visit to the US.

About the deal:

It will allow American manufacturing company General Electric (GE) Aerospace to share critical technology with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This will help in the joint production of GE-F414 jet engines that will power indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-II.
According to media reports, the U.S. has agreed to transfer ~80% of the tech value to India, which is unprecedented.

Need for the deal:

India has seen substantial accomplishments in various defence and space programmes and has also designed and built a fighter jet – LCA Tejas.
However, India hasn’t achieved much success in producing engines to power these aircraft.

India’s quest for indigenous aero-engines:

The quest began in the 1960s with the country’s first indigenous fighter, HF-24 Marut – a supersonic jet, which failed to achieve its potential for want of a suitable engine.
The Kaveri programme developed an indigenous military gas turbine engine for the ambitious LCA project in 1986.
- The programme incurred an expenditure of over ₹2,000 crore, however, it failed to meet the necessary technical requirements.
With Kaveri still a work in progress, India shortlisted American GE-F404 engines for LCA Tejas Mark-1 as an interim measure.
In 2010, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) selected the more powerful F414 engines to power Tejas Mark-2. The deal did not materialise due to US domestic legislation and regulatory hindrances.

What led to the finalisation of the recent deal?

With an eye on China, the U.S. recognised India as a major defence partner in 2016, which paved the way for sharing of critical military equipment and technology.
It sought to put India on par with NATO member countries.
A new framework to strengthen strategic technology partnerships put the focus back on the GE-HAL deal at the inaugural meeting of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

What are the features of the F414 engine?

It is a fully digital electronic system to control different aspects of the engine, known as the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
It is added with single-engine safety features customised to meet the country’s defence requirements.
The engines power several advanced, next-generation combat aircraft (Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet and Saab’s JAS 39-Gripen) around the globe.
India will become the 5th country in the world to produce jet engines once the deal is sealed, joining the U.S., Russia, France and the U.K.

Significance of the deal for India:

Challenges faced by India: Dual-threat along its borders and maintaining strategic autonomy in the emerging world order.
- Therefore, self-reliance and technological transformation in the defence sector is the necessity for India.
The proposed deal –
- Will be a significant step for bilateral defence and high-tech cooperation amid China’s growing influence and global technological dominance.
- Will boost India’s military capabilities at the time of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Will help replace the fleet of ageing Russian fighters with indigenously produced fighters.
- Will save decades of research and development costs.
- Overall, it will have a transformative impact on the aerospace and defence manufacturing industry.

Conclusion: The deal may elevate the U.S. as an alternative to India’s traditional dependence on Russian hardware, particularly amid rising concerns about Russia’s strategic embrace of China.

Insta Links:

India-US Defence Agreement

Mains Links:

What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC 2020)

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, 22 June CA, GE-F414 jet engines, GS 2, India's jet engine deal with the US, Kaveri programme, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Today's Article, Today’s article

Draft livestock and livestock products Bill

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation

Source: IE

Context: The Centre has withdrawn the proposed draft of the Live-stock and Live-stock Product (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023.

About the new Bill:

The Bill is meant to replace the Live-stock Importation Act 1898 and the Live-stock (Amendment) Act 2001.
It was prepared by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.


Salient provisions
The Live-stock Importation Act 1898	The Live-Stock Importation (Amendment) Act 2001	The new Bill
It regulates only the importation of livestock.	It led to the inclusion of the import of livestock products (meat and meat products).	It allows the export of live animals.
It also empowered the Centre to regulate, restrict or prohibit the trade of any live-stock product that may be liable to affect human or animal health.	It widens the scope of animal import-export (including cats and dogs among ‘live-stock’).
It has expanded the definition of livestock to include felines and canines also.
It takes away some powers of state governments to regulate this area.

Need for a new law:

The present law is 125 years old.
Hence, a need has been felt to align it with the contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to –
- Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and
- Its extant Allocation of Business Rules 1961

Criticism of the draft Bill:

Animal rights organisations have said that the draft Bill will open a “Pandora’s Box” of cruelties on animals.
Allowing the live export of animals from India is a free pass for the abuse of millions of animals farmed for food and other uses.

Govt’s response: Facing criticism, the Centre has withdrawn the draft Bill.

Conclusion: The issue involves sensitivity and emotions with animal welfare and related aspects, and, hence, would need wider consultation.

Insta Links:

Economics of Animal-Rearing

Mains Links:

Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable examples. (UPSC 2015)

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, 22 June CA, GS 2, The Live-stock and Live-stock Product (Importation and Exportation) Bill 2023, Today's Article, Today’s article

Prehistoric rock paintings

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: A Mesolithic period rock painting depicting a person tilling a piece of land has been found in Orvakallu village in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.

Prehistoric rock paintings:

The term ‘Prehistory’ refers to the distant past when there was no paper or language, and hence painting and drawing were the oldest art forms practised by human beings to express themselves, using the cave walls as their canvas.
The first discovery of rock paintings was made in India in 1867–68 by an archaeologist, Archibold Carlleyle, twelve years before the discovery of Altamira in Spain.

Evolution:


Period	Upper Paleolithic (40000 – 10000 BC)	Mesolithic (10000 – 4000 BC)	Mesolithic Rock Painting in Guntur
Paintings	Linear representations of animal and human figures	Smaller in size with hunting scenes predominating	Made with natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments
Prominent Locations	Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh	Langhnaj (Gujarat), Bhimbetka, Adamgarh	Guntur
Themes	Daily life events to sacred and royal images	The naturalistic style for animals, stylistic for humans	Depicts social life and culture, man tilling the land

June 22, 2023 /21 June CA, 22 June 2023, GS 1, Prehistoric rock paintings, Today's Article, Today’s article

Sahitya Akademi Awards

Source: HT

Context: The Union Ministry of Culture expressed its intent to change the process of nomination for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.

The Sahitya Akademi Awards:

These are bestowed annually by the Sahitya Akademi – India’s National Academy of Letters, on writers of the most outstanding books of literary merit published in
- Any of the 22 languages of the 8th Schedule to the Indian constitution
- As well as in English and Rajasthani
With four awards for each language, the Akademi plays a crucial role in recognising excellence in literature.

The selection process:

For the main award/ Bhasha Samman conducted through a rigorous and confidential process overseen by experts – the body comprises one writer chosen from each of the 24 regional languages.
Each member suggests 200 names, following which an expert committee finalises 50 in phase one → 5 in the next phase and finally, one of the five is shortlisted.

Changes proposed: Open nomination process, where any writer can nominate himself or herself and also recommend other candidates for the awards.

Concerns: Political interference will distract the qualitative work of the Akademi.

June 22, 2023 /21 June CA, 22 June 2023, The Sahitya Akademi Awards, Today's Article, Today’s article

Star Rating Registration Process

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Coal has announced the start of the Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines for the fiscal year 2022-23.

Aim: It aims to promote competitiveness and sustainable mining by evaluating mines based on key parameters such as mining operations, environmental impact, technology adoption, economic performance, and worker compliance.

Process: Participating mines will undergo a self-evaluation process, and the top 10% performing mines will be further validated through inspections. The evaluation will be conducted by the Coal Controller’s Organization. The ratings awarded range from Five Star to NO Star, comprehensively evaluating each mine’s achievements.

Significance: The initiative seeks to enhance the overall performance and sustainability of coal and lignite mining in the country by recognizing and promoting responsible mining practices.

About Coal and Lignite:

Coal is a solid, carbon-rich mineral formed from plant remains, while lignite is a lower-grade, brownish-black coal. Both fuels are abundant and widely used for their energy content. However, they also contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Related news:

CCI imposes a penalty on CIL

Source: TH

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a penalty of ₹591 crores on Coal India Ltd (CIL), a public sector undertaking, for unfair and discriminatory conditions in fuel supply agreements with power producers. CIL was found to be supplying lower-quality coal at higher prices and imposing opaque conditions in the contracts. Previously, Supreme Court ruled that CIL cannot be exempted from the Competition Act, emphasizing the need for fair competition and non-discrimination. The judgment reaffirms the principle of competitive neutrality, applying antitrust laws equally to public and private sector enterprises.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Coal India Ltd (CIL), Star Rating Registration process for Coal and Lignite Mines for FY 2022-23, Today's Article

China block India’s proposal at UN

Source: TH

Context: China has blocked a proposal at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Sajid Mir as a global terrorist.

The proposal, moved by the U.S. and co-designated by India, aimed to blacklist Mir for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. China had previously put a hold on the proposal in September last year and has now blocked it altogether.

The proposal was under the al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council. UN Security Council had adopted Resolution 1267, which imposed sanctions against the Taliban for providing sanctuary and training for terrorists, including Osama bin Laden. Sanction by the committee includes, assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.

About Mir

He is considered one of India’s most wanted terrorists and has a $5 million bounty on his head.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, Resolution 1267, Today's Article

Centre to integrate child helpline with ERSS-112

Source: Economic Times

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development in India has decided to integrate the women’s helpline and child helpline services with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) as part of the One Nation One Helpline vision.

More about the News:

The Childline service, which provides emergency outreach services for children in crisis, will now be accessible by dialling a four-digit toll-free number (1098) that connects to the ERSS-112.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has been entrusted with automating the child helpline (1098) and integrating it with the ERSS-112.
The incoming calls to 1098 will be classified into emergency, non-emergency, and information calls, with emergency calls being forwarded to the ERSS-112.

Issues with the current service:

Previously, the Childline service was supported by the Child Protection Services (CPS) scheme through the Childline India Foundation (CIF) and its partner NGOs. However, the current system lacked interoperability with other emergency services, causing delays in responding to distress calls. Additionally, some districts were left uncovered by the Childline service.

Significance:

By integrating the child helpline with the ERSS-112, the government aims to improve the administration’s responsiveness and ensure seamless information flow for the repatriation and restoration of vulnerable children within and across districts and states.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Child Helpline, ERSS-112, governance, GS2, Today's Article

Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD)

Source: DTE

Context: Inadequate dietary diversity and meal frequency contribute to child malnutrition in India, including stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.

What is Minimum Dietary Diversity?

Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) refers to a recommended standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children aged 6-23 months. It suggests that during the previous day or within 24 hours, children should consume foods and beverages from at least five of the eight defined food groups.

Aim of the MDD:

It aims to ensure that children receive a diverse range of nutrients to meet their nutritional needs and promote their healthy growth and development.

Status of MDD:

India has a significantly low proportion of children (15 per cent) who meet MDD, followed by Nepal (34 per cent), which suggests that South Asian countries are trailing behind in terms of MDD

Need of MDD:

Poor-quality diets during the first two years of life can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health and development. India has high rates of child malnutrition, with a low proportion of children meeting the MDD.

About WHO initiative:

WHO has developed guidelines for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, with MDD being one of the core indicators. The eight food groups used for the tabulation of this indicator are:

Breast milk
Grains products
Vegetables such as roots, tubers, plantains
Pulses (beans, peas, lentils)
Nuts, seeds
Dairy products (milk, infant formula, yoghurt, cheese)
Flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry, organ meats), eggs
Vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables

Suggestions:

Breast milk alone is not sufficient after 6-8 months, and complementary solid or semi-solid foods are necessary. Socioeconomic factors and maternal education play a significant role in MDD inequalities. National programs like the POSHAN Abhiyaan need to be strengthened further. Relying solely on supplements and fortification may not be enough.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, malnutrition, Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD), Today's Article

Entrepreneurship for Women

Source: PIB

Context: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have partnered to empower women entrepreneurs.

Aim: It is aimed at empowering women to make well-informed career choices in the field of entrepreneurship.

Sectors covered: It will provide support to women starting or expanding their enterprises in sectors such as the care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, and food packaging.

Timeline: The three-year project (extendable beyond 2025), initially covering eight cities, will focus on entrepreneurship development and enterprise growth.

UNDP will offer capacity-building support and knowledge generation, while DAY-NULM will mobilize and provide handholding support to entrepreneurs, aiming to uplift urban poor women and enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (founded: 1965; HQ: New York; parent organization: UN General Assembly) is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development. The UNDP emphasizes developing local capacity towards long-term self-sufficiency and prosperity.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Entrepreneurship for Women, Today's Article

US FDI in India

Source: BS

Context: During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, there has been an increase in both inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) to India and Indian investment in the US.

What are FDI and FPI?

FDI stands for Foreign Direct Investment, which refers to the investment made by a foreign entity or individual in a business or venture located in another country.

FDI involves a direct investment by a foreign entity or individual in a business or venture located in another country, with the aim of establishing ownership or control.

FPI stands for Foreign Portfolio Investment, which involves the purchase of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, or other securities by foreign individuals, institutions, or funds.

FPI involves the purchase of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, or securities by foreign individuals, institutions, or funds, without seeking ownership or control of the invested business.

The trend of FDI and FPI to the US:

The average annual US FDI flows into India have risen from $2.7 billion to $8.7 billion in the past four years.
Indian outward investment in the US has increased from an average of $1.7 billion to $3.2 billion.
The US is the largest foreign portfolio investor in India, accounting for 38% of India’s FPI holding.
In terms of trade, India exports more to the US than it imports, with exports reaching $79 billion and imports at $50 billion in 2022-23.
Imports from the US include crude, petroleum products, and coal
Exports from India include pharmaceutical products and cotton garments.
Imports from the US have risen a little faster than exports in the last five years.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, FDI, FPI, Today's Article, USA

Precision Fermentation

Source: Live Mint

Context: R2 is a biomanufacturing facility in Karnataka, known for its precision fermentation technology.

It produces proteins without the need for traditional livestock farming, offering potential benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, land conservation, and a decrease in animal cruelty.

About Precision Fermentation:

Precision fermentation involves using microbes to produce proteins by giving them genetic instructions.
The process allows for the production of various proteins used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, ranging from milk proteins and enzymes for cheese to components of human breast milk.

Significance:

The fermentation industry holds promise for sustainable food production, but concerns have been raised about the potential for consolidation by large food companies, potentially replicating issues seen in existing food systems.
The development of alternative proteins, including plant-based, cultivated meat, and fermentation-derived proteins, is gaining traction in India.
Start-ups and established brands are investing in the sector, and the market is showing a willingness to pay a premium for these products.
However, cultivated meat faces additional challenges due to high production costs and regulatory barriers.

Issues:

While these precision-fermentation-derived proteins are currently more expensive than those sourced from traditional methods, the industry aims to achieve cost reduction through innovation and technological advancements.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, GS3, Precision fermentation, SCIENCE, Today's Article

Blue Ocean Event (BOE)

Source: TH

Context: A new study suggests that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even with efforts to reduce emissions.

What is the Blue Ocean Event?

A “blue ocean event” refers to a situation in which the Arctic Ocean becomes ice-free during the summer, with the sea ice area dropping below 1 million square kilometres. It signifies the absence of sea ice at the top of the world and is considered a significant and alarming consequence of climate change.

The event represents a critical tipping point in the Arctic system, as more sea ice melts, it reduces the amount of sunlight reflected into space, leading to further warming and ice loss.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Arctic Ocean, Blue Ocean Event (BOE), Today's Article

Chashma Nuclear Plant (Pakistan)

Mapping

Source: TH

China has inked an agreement with Pakistan to set up a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant Chashma-V at Chashma in the Mianwali district of Pakistan Punjab.

The Chashma Nuclear Power Plant is a large commercial nuclear power plant covered under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring and safeguards which also provides funding for the site expansion.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Chashma Nuclear plant, Mapping, Pakistan, Today's Article

Uttarakhand (India)

Source: TH

Sixteen tigers have died in Uttarakhand, since January, prompting concern from the Environment Ministry.

Currently, Uttarakhand has 3 active Tiger reserves (Corbett National Park, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, and Rajaji Tiger Reserve) and 2 more will be open soon named Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary and Surai Range of Terai East. The State, at present, has over 420 tigers, as per the recent tiger census. As many as 250 tigers are in the Corbett Tiger Reserve area alone.

June 22, 2023 /22 June 2023, Today's Article, Uttarakhand Tiger Reserve