Daily Current Affairs 2 June 2020 | UPSC Current Affairs 2020

Current Affairs Of Today Are

1) PM Modi Launches CHAMPIONS: Technology Platform to empower MSMEs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the technology platform CHAMPIONS which stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.
As the name suggests, the portal is basically for making the smaller units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping, and handholding. It is a real one-stop-shop solution of MSME Ministry.
This ICT based system is set up to help the MSMEs in a present difficult situation and also to handhold them to become a national and international champions

Detailed objectives of CHAMPIONS:

Grievance Redressal: To resolve the problems of MSMEs including those of finance, raw materials, labor, regulatory permissions, etc particularly in the Covid created a difficult situation;
To help them capture new opportunities: including manufacturing of medical equipment and accessories like PPEs, masks, etc and supply them in National and International markets;
To identify and encourage the sparks: i.e. the potential MSMEs who can withstand the current situation and can become national and international champions.

It is a technology-packed control room-cum-management information system. In addition to ICT tools including telephone, internet, and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. It is also fully integrated on a real-time basis with GOI’s main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own other web-based mechanisms. The entire ICT architecture is created in house with the help of NIC at no cost. Similarly, the physical infrastructure is created in one of the ministry’s dumping rooms in record time.
As part of the system, a network of control rooms is created in a Hub & Spoke Model. The Hub is situated in New Delhi in the Secretary of MSME’s office. The spokes are in the States in various offices and institutions of the MSME Ministry. As of now, 66 state-level control rooms are created made functional. They have connected through video conference also in addition to the portal of Champions. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued to the officers and staff have been deployed and training has been conducted for them.

Source: PIB

2) Ultra Swachh

Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics, etc.
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), the Delhi based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner M/s Gel Craft Healthcare Private Ltd, Ghaziabad.
The system uses an advanced oxidative process comprising of multiple barrier disruption approaches using Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection.
The system is double layered with specialized Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle. It also has a catalytic converter to ensure environment-friendly exhaust i.e. only oxygen and water.
The system is in compliance with the International Standards of Industrial, Occupational, Personal and Environmental Safety. The Ultra Swachh comes in two variants namely Ozonated Space and Trinetra Technology. Trinetra technology is a combination of Ozonated space and radical dispenser. Treatment is optimized with automation for a quick disinfection cycle.
The system operates on 15 Ampere, 220 Volts, 50 Hertz power supply. The system has been provided with various safety features such as emergency shutdown, door interlocks, dual door, delay cycle, and leak monitors, etc to ensure safe operations for a longer duration. Dimensions of the Industrial Cabinet are 7’x4’x3.25’ to disinfect large quantities at a time. Cabinets of different sizes will be available for the industry.

Source: PIB

3) Finance Commission includes Air Quality in reports

The 15th Finance Commission headed by Sh. N. K. Singh and including its Members and senior officials held a detailed meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change headed by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, senior officers on issues relating to Air Quality(AQ) especially that in Urban Areas. It may be recalled that the XVFC Report 2020-2021 was the first time that any Commission has given attention to air quality (AQ) as a major focus and this FC had not only recommended grants for 2020-21 and also provided a road map for its award period.
The Commission is currently deliberating the recommendations to be made for the next five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 and needs to formulate suitable provisions for continuing the grants for these cities/UAs for sustainably improving ambient air quality. In this regard, it needed to understand the procedure and operational guidelines finalized in administering these grants and monitoring the outcomes for 2020-21
The objective of the meeting focused was to discuss on the status of the implementation of the FC’s recommendations for 2020-21 for administering the grants to improve AQ in million-plus cities and also to seek inputs from the Ministry on what should be considered for the next five years from 2021 to 2026

The Commission was given the following information:

Regarding reliable data on AQ measurement, it was explained that there is a network of around 984 stations covering a wide range of cities and towns, around 779 manual stations and 205 continuous monitoring stations in around 500 cities which were set up under the National Control of Air Pollution (NACP) to meet its objectives. Through a network of AQI, monitoring stations are in place, there is a need for strengthening and expanding these along with the geographical area to cover the air-shed areas to make it more robust and accurate.
The Ministry has begun this work earlier as part of the roll-out of NACP and various think-tanks like IITs, IIMs, and NITs have been made local partners for different cities/towns. Ministry will also seek their expert guidance on what the Commission needs to consider for the five years from 2021.
As the problem of AQ is mostly not a localized phenomenon and is influenced by many factors beyond the control of a particular region, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is now focusing on the air-shed management approach.
Construction & Demolition Waste Management was a priority of the Government and that the Government would seek the support of the Commission for the same.

It will be recalled that the 15th Finance Commission in its report for the Financial Year 2020-2021 had recommended grants of Rs. 4,400 crore for the year 2020-21 to improve the ambient air quality in fifty million-plus cities/Urban Agglomerations (UAs). For this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Challenge has been entrusted with the responsibility to facilitate the desired outcomes through these urban local bodies.

Source: PIB

4) Agroecology and Natural Farming Could Accelerate Inclusive Economic Growth in India

International experts in a convention organized on 29 May by NITI Aayog endorsed efforts to significantly boost agroecological and natural farming approaches in India.
Minister of Agriculture Shri Narendra Singh Tomar stated, “Natural farming is our indigenous system based on cow dung and urine, biomass, mulch, and soil aeration. In the next five years, we intend to reach 20 lakh hectares in any form of organic farming, including natural farming, of which 12 lakh hectares are under BPKP [Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme].’
He further noted that the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana launched in 2015 to promote organic farming among small and marginal farmers has in the last four years covered 7 lakh hectares and 8 lakh, farmers. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala have taken up natural farming on a large scale. Andhra Pradesh alone has brought 2 lakh hectares under natural farming under this scheme. He concluded by highlighting that the need of the hour, in light of the covid-19 pandemic, was to have ‘food free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides’, while not ignoring the need to feed and nourish the country.
Setting the scene for the online High-level Roundtable, the first of its kind in India, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar established a high bar for the transformation and renewal of agriculture in India when he asked whether agroecology and natural farming can ‘avoid excessive and wasteful use of water, prevent farmer indebtedness, contribute to mitigating greenhouse gases while supporting farmer incomes and their ability to adapt to climate change’.
International experts from the US, UK, Netherlands, CGIAR, Australia, Germany, and of UN acknowledged India’s pioneering leadership in the arena of agroecology—the science of applying ecology to agriculture for sustainable outcomes that are more resilient to climate shocks such as droughts or flooding and pest attacks but are still productive and support farmer’s livelihoods—and especially natural farming, which is a form of agroecology. Natural farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while focusing on reviving the beneficial soil organisms that contribute to fertility and good nutrition of the plants. Experts explained that well-nourished plants lead to well-nourished human beings.
The gathered experts provided evidence from the latest studies, cutting-edge research, and science as well as practical experience from economics, finance, and markets. The overwhelming conclusion was to support the Minister’s conclusion that natural farming and other agroecological approaches, such as organic agriculture, have great promise for a renaissance of Indian agriculture so that farming is not just productive but truly regenerative and sustainable.
Experts concluded that it would be a mistake to view natural farming as a step backward to the farming techniques of our forefathers, but rather, as the high-level panel of experts report on Agroecology to the Committee on Food Security of FAO so clearly demonstrated, it is based on the cutting-edge science of the future that recognizes the need for systemic approaches to dealing with complex adaptive systems that are the basis of a healthy natural world. Working with nature, understanding how to do so will help us ‘build back better’ as one expert noted.

Conclusion

It is not man vs nature, but the man in nature or man with nature. Humans need to realize their responsibility in protecting other species and nature. We need knowledge-intensive agriculture and the metrics need to be redefined where production is not the only criterion for good performance. It has to include the entire landscape and the positive and negative externalities that are generated by alternative forms of agriculture practices.

Source: PIB

5) Three more States included in One Nation One Card scheme

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today announced the inclusion of three more states namely - Odisha, Sikkim, and Mizoram in the scheme on ‘Integrated Management of Public Distribution System’ (IM-PDS).Under this system nation-wide portability of the benefits under NFSA through “One Nation One Ration Card” plan is implemented to enable the NFSA ration card holders to lift their entitled quota of subsidized foodgrains from any ePoS enabled FPS of their choice anywhere in the country, by using the existing/same ration card after Aadhaar authentication on ePoS device.
The facility so far is enabled in 17 States/UTs, namely – Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh. Further, constant efforts are being made by this Department of Food & Public Distribution to expand the reach of national portability to the beneficiaries of other States/UTs also in association with respective State/UT Governments. In this endeavor, necessary preparatory activities to integrate these three new States with the national cluster viz. upgradation of ePoS software, integration with central IM-PDS and Annavitran portals, availability of ration cards/beneficiaries data in Central Repository, requisite testing of national portability transactions has also been completed with the support of central NIC team. After completing all these arrangements, the national/ inter-State portability transactions under the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ plan have been enabled in these States w.e.f distribution month of June 2020. By August 2020 three more States namely - Uttarakhand, Nagaland, and Manipur will also be added to the national cluster. Department is doing all necessary arrangements to include remaining all 13 States namely - West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Delhi, J&K, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Andaman&Nicobar and Lakshadweep island to the national cluster. It is confirmed that by 31st March 2021 all States will be added to the One Nation One Ration Card scheme and the scheme will be operational all over India.
Shri Paswan highlighted that the central technical team has imparted the requisite orientation training to the technical team and concerned officers of these States/UTs through Video Conferencing and necessary guidelines/ instructions for the implementation of national/inter-State portability were also provided to them. It is reiterated that those NFSA ration cards which have recorded at least one Aadhaar authenticated transaction during the last 6-months shall be eligible for the national portability transactions under this plan. This feature has been enabled through the central repository of ration cards/beneficiaries maintained by NIC. Further, it is mentioned that requisite web-services for reporting of portability transaction details to the central dashboard are also enabled for these States with immediate effect and the central NIC team shall be continuously assisting the State Governments in the seamless rollout of ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ plan.
Shri Paswan requested all these States to commence the national/ inter-State portability transactions in June 2020. This would also enable the beneficiaries of these States anywhere in the national cluster of States/UTs to access their quota of foodgrains through national portability with immediate effect. In this regard, efforts/activities to generate necessary awareness among the NFSA beneficiaries and FPS dealers may also be undertaken on priority.

Source: PIB

6) Meghalaya plans to provide tap connection to all rural households by December 2022

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) launched by Central Government last year aims to provide “Functional Household Tap Connection” (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024. Being implemented in partnership with States, the Mission aims to enable every rural household to have assured availability of potable water at a service level of 55 liters per capita per day (lpcd) on a regular and long-term basis. Furthering the mission target, all states are presenting their implementation plans to the National level Committee headed by Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Govt. of India for approval.
Meghalaya today presented the Annual Action Plan to achieve 100% household tap connections to National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti for approval. Meghalaya proposed 100% tap connections to all the households by December 2022. Out of 5.89 lakh total rural households, the State is planning to provide 1.80 lakh tap connections in 2020-21. It was appreciatively noted that Meghalaya is planning to cover 1096 villages with 100% tap connection in 2020-21. Under JJM, States are given additional funds in the form of performance grants based on their performances in terms of outputs achieved i.e. the household tap connections. The government of India approved Rs.175 crore for the implementation of JJM in 2020-21.
Meghalaya is blessed with more than average rainfall and has abundant natural water resources. However, due to detrimental human interference, the water levels being depleted. Thus, a multi-pronged corrective approach is required by the State Government. Indeed, Jal Jeevan Mission does provide a definite roadmap to the State to provide clean, potable water to its citizens in their houses, so that the women and girls do not have to face difficulty for fetching clean water. Though it was noted that Meghalaya has so far not provided tap connections to a large number of households, the Annual Action Plan was suggestive for extensive work in the coming years. To achieve that, a better implementation strategy and arrangements on the village level are needed, for which the State is making elaborate arrangements.
The state is giving emphasis on the ‘low-hanging fruits’ i.e. in the villages/ habitations where piped water supply schemes already exist so that the remaining household could be provided with tap connections easily in very less time. The state plans to immediately provide tap connections to all remaining households belonging to weaker and marginalized sections of the society on priority. During the Covid–19 pandemic, people mustn’t crowd public stand posts/ public water sources to fetch drinking water. Therefore, State was advised for taking up water supply works in villages to provide household tap connections, which will help in practicing social distancing, and will additionally help local people in getting employment and boost the rural economy.
A defined roadmap is also charted for the effective implementation of the Village Action Plan (VAP) with the active participation of the rural community. Strengthening of existing drinking water sources for the long-term sustainability of drinking water supply systems through the convergence of various programs like MGNREGS, SBM (G), 15th FC Grants to PRIs, District Mineral Development Fund, CAMPA, Local Area Development Fund, etc. at village level is planned for effective use of all available resources. The State has been allocated Rs. 182 Crore under 15th Finance Commission Grants to PRIs during 2020-21; 50% of this amount has to be mandatory to be spent on water and sanitation.
While planning, thrust is given on covering households in quality-affected habitations, aspirational district, Sansad Adarsh Gramin Yojna villages, etc. on priority.
Under Jal Jeevan Mission, water quality testing laboratories at district & state levels are given priority. The community is being encouraged for surveillance of water quality. PHE Department is facilitating to empower and engage with the community. For this, action plan carried out to incorporate the various planned activities like timely procurement of kits, the supply of kits to the community, identification of at least five women in every village, training women for use of Field Test Kits and reporting and collating the reports with laboratory-based findings of the water sources.
When the country is grappling with the CoVid-19 pandemic, it has become very important to provide a livelihood to the migrant workers who have returned to their native villages in Meghalaya. These personnel could be utilized in water supply related works especially plumbing, fitting, water conservation works, etc. in every village to ensure sufficient groundwater availability leading to water security, water availability for agriculture, and most importantly will help in the provision of drinking water to every rural household.

Source: PIB

7) Cabinet approves Upward revision of MSME

In line with Government of India's top focus on energizing MSMEs in the country, a special meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was convened under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which approved the upward revision of MSME definition and modalities/ road map for laying down effective implementation mechanism for the remaining two announcements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package. These include:

In the package announcement, the definition of micro-manufacturing and services unit was increased to Rs. 1 crore of investment and Rs. 5 crores of turnover. The limit of the small units was increased to Rs. 10 crores of investment and Rs 50 crore of turnover. Similarly, the limit of a medium unit was increased to Rs 20 crore of investment and Rs. 100 crore of turnover. It may be noted that this revision was done after 14 years since the MSME Development Act came into existence in 2006. After the package announcement on 13th May 2020, there were several representations that the announced revision is still not in tune with market and pricing conditions and it should be further revised upwards. Keeping in mind these representations, it was decided to further increase the limit for medium manufacturing and service units. Now it will be Rs. 50 crore of investment and Rs. 250 crore of turnover. It has also been decided that the turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in the limits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small, or medium. This is yet another step towards ease of doing business. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector. The following table provides the details of revised limits:

Approval for provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs.
Approval for equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crore for MSMEs through Fund of Funds (FoF). This will establish a framework to help MSMEs in capacity augmentation. This will also provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Modi was quick to recognize the role of MSMEs in building the Nation. As such, MSMEs formed a very prominent part of the announcements made under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Under this package, the MSME sector has not only been given substantial allocation but has also been accorded priority in the implementation of the measures to revive the economy. To provide immediate relief to the MSME sector, various announcements have been made under the Package. The most important ones also included:

Rupees Three lakh crore collateral-free automatic loans for MSMEs to meet operational liabilities, buy raw material, and restart businesses.
Revision of MSME definition to render maximum benefits to the sector;
Disallowing global tenders in procurements options. 200 crores- to create more opportunities for domestic players,
And clearing of MSME dues by the Government and Public Sector Units within 45 days.

The government of India has been taking all necessary steps to ensure that the benefit of these landmark decisions reaches to the MSMEs at the earliest. In this regard, the following necessary policy decisions have been already taken and the implementation strategy has been put in place.

The scheme for Rs. Three lakh crore col lateral-free automatic loans was earlier approved by CCEA and has been formally launched.
Modalities have been worked out for Upward revision of MSME Definition making it more inclusive broad-based providing greater avenues to MSMEs to harness their potentials.
Similarly, amendments in General Financial Rules mandating no global tenders for procurement upto 200 crores have been carried out. The new rules have already been issued and effected. This will open up new business avenues for Indian MSMEs.
To ensure that MSME payments are released within the timeframe of 45 days, directions have been issued at the level of Cabinet Secretary, Expenditure Secretary, and Secretary, MSME.
To further ease the burden on MSMEs, RBI has extended the moratorium on repayment of loans for another three months.

Background:

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) popularly called as MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy. Silently operating in different areas across the country, more than 6 crore MSMEs have a crucial role to play in building a stronger and self-reliant India. These small economic engines have a huge impact on the country's GDP-making a contribution of 29 percent. They contribute to almost half of the exports from the country. Additionally, more than 11 crore people are employed in the MSME sector.

Source: PIB

8) Proposed Expansion of G7

Recently, the USA has suggested the postponement of the 46th G7 (Group of 7) Summit which was scheduled to be held in June (2020) at Camp David (USA).

Additionally, the USA President has also proposed the expansion of the G7 to be called ‘G10 or G11’.

Key Points

Expansion of G7:

The proposed expansion has suggested the inclusion of India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia in the grouping of the largest advanced economies.
The existing G7 group has been called an outdated group of countries as it does not include emerging economies of the world and thus it is believed that the group does not follow the current world order.
It is unclear that the proposed expansion will be permanent or temporary.

Re-inclusion of Russia:

The proposal to re-admit Russia is expected to receive strong reactions from other G7 member countries.
Russia is seen as an ally of China.
The G7 was known as the ‘G8’ for several years after the original seven were joined by Russia in 1997.
The Group returned to being called G7 after Russia was expelled as a member in 2014 following the latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine.

India at the G7 Summit:

India had attended the G7 summit of 2019 at Biarritz in France as a special guest of French President.
India has attended the G8 five times as special guests by various hosts of the G8 Summit in the past.

Attempt to Unite Allies Against China:

China is not a member of G7 despite being the world's biggest population and second-biggest economy. But, China has relatively low levels of wealth per head of the population. Thus it is not considered as an advanced economy like other G7 members.
The expansion of G7 has been believed to be a plan to unite all traditional allies to deal with the assertive diplomacy of China.
The proposal comes amid ongoing issues between the US and China which includes Hong Kong’s autonomy to Taiwan, the origins of Covid-19, South China Sea tensions, and trade issues.

Way Forward

The rise of India, China, and Brazil over the past few decades has reduced the G7’s relevance. Thus, the inclusion of emerging economies like India, South Korea, etc. may extend the support to establish equal levels for each country at the global level.
The proposed expansion may also help G7 to be a more representative institution than the current G7 and subsequently to establish an equal platform at a global level.

G7

Description:

The G7 or ‘Group of Seven’ consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
It is an intergovernmental organization that was formed in 1975 as an informal forum to discuss pressing world issues.

Initially, it focussed on economic issues but later it focussed on several challenges such as the oil crashes of the 1970s, terrorism, arms control, and drug trafficking, etc.

The group does not have a formal constitution or a fixed headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during annual summits are non-binding.
The G7 nations meet at annual summits that are presided over by leaders of member countries on a rotational basis.

Host Country of the Summit:

The host country not only holds the G7 presidency but also sets the agenda for the year.
It also gets a chance to invite dignitaries from outside the G7 to attend the Summit.

Presence of Sherpas:

The groundwork for the Summit, including matters to be discussed and follow-up meetings, is done by the sherpas.
The sherpas are generally personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors.

G7 Vs G20

Members: The G20 is a larger group of countries, which also includes G7 members.

Apart from the G7 countries, the G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey.

Share in Global Economy: The G20 countries make up around 80% of the world’s economy. G7’s share in global GDP has fallen to around 40%.
Range of Issues: As opposed to the G7, the G20 discusses a broad range of issues including those concerning the global economy and financial markets.

Source: Indian Express

9) Universal Basic Income

To deal with the economic inequality, unemployment, and poverty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, many advocate Universal Basic Income (UBI) program be a solution.

Key Points

In order to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, governments across the world have imposed measures like lockdown and social distancing.
However, these measures have caused collateral damage to almost every sector of the economy, so much so that the International Monetary Fund held the current economic crisis could be the worst ever since the Great depression 1929.
With almost 90% of India’s workforce in the informal sector without minimum wages or social security, micro-level circumstances in India are worse than anywhere else.

Even before the pandemic, India was struggling to provide job opportunities for millions of job aspirants who were entering the job market.

Regular payments through Universal Basic Income (UBI) can ensure the sustenance of the workers engaged in the informal sector, at least till the economy normalizes.
Countries across the world, which include Kenya, Brazil, Finland, and Switzerland, have bought into this concept.
Supporters of the UBI program include Economics Nobel Laureates Peter Diamond and Christopher Pissarides, and tech leaders Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.

The idea of Universal Basic Income

The Economic Survey of India 2016-17 has advocated the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty.
The idea behind the Universal Basic Income is that every person should have a right to a basic income to cover his needs, just by virtue of being a citizen.
The purpose of the UBI is to prevent or reduce poverty and increase equality among citizens.
UBI has five components:

Universality- It is universal in nature.
Periodic- Payments at periodic regular intervals (not one-off grants)
Payments to individuals
Payments in cash (not food vouchers or service coupons).
Unconditionality- There are no preconditions attached to the cash transferred to the beneficiary.

Benefits of Universal Basic Income (UBI)

UBI will provide secured income to individuals.
The scheme will reduce poverty and income inequality in society.
It will increase the purchasing power of every poor which will further increase aggregate demand.
Easy to implement because no identification of the beneficiary is involved.
It will reduce the wastage of government money because its implementation is very simple.

Issues In implementing UBI

Lack of political will because of the costs involved.

The fiscal cost of a UBI pegged at Rs. 7,620, at 75% universality, was 4.9% of the GDP.

The Economic Survey of India's (2016-17) model of UBI suggested providing Rs. 7,620 per annum to 75% of India's population.
The income was based on Suresh Tendulkar's poverty line of 2011-12 inflation-indexed to 2016-17.

A UBI on par with the numbers suggested by the Economic Survey could lead to targeted household incomes increasing by almost Rs. 40,000 per annum, since the average Indian household size is approximately five.

Difficulty in reducing some of the existing subsidies to balance the resultant deficit.
There is no guarantee that the given cash will be spent on productive activities, health & education, etc. It may be spent on tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other luxury goods, etc.
Free cash to the people will increase the rate of inflation in the economy.
Workers can refuse to work as a laborer or demand higher wages which can increase the cost of production of agricultural goods.

Way Forward

The 2017 Economic Survey had flagged the UBI scheme as “a conceptually appealing idea” and a possible alternative to social welfare programs targeted at reducing poverty.
UBI envisages an uncompromised social safety net that seeks to assure a dignified life for everyone, a concept that is expected to gain traction in a global economy buffeted by uncertainties on account of globalization, technological change, and automation.
If universal basic income ever had a time, it is now. It can be implemented to deal with the unemployment, income inequality, and poverty posed by Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: The Hindu

10) Violation of Armistice Agreement: UNC

Recently, the United Nations Command (UNC) has found both North and South Korea guilty of violating the Korean Armistice Agreement 1953 due to gunfire along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two countries.

United Nations Command

The USA led UNC is a unified command for the multinational military forces.
It oversees affairs in the heavily fortified DMZ and ensures the terms of the armistice are being agreed upon by both North Korea and South Korea.
It was established on 24th July 1950 in Tokyo, Japan.

Key Points

The UNC led a multinational special investigation regarding the recent shootings at DMZ whose findings have not been accepted by South Korea owing to non-cooperation by North Korea in the investigations.

Investigations had been unable to determine whether the shootings that originated from North Korea had been intentional.

The shooting also violates the Pyongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018, an inter-Korean military agreement, which calls for reduced military tensions between the two countries.

Korean Armistice Agreement 1953

The armistice agreement halted the Korean War of 1950-53 and established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the current border between the two nations.
India has played a major role in the cease-fire agreement, strengthening India-South Korea relations.
The DMZ runs close to the 38th parallel line.
The armistice was signed on 27th July 1953 and was designed to ensure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.
It was signed by representatives of the UNC, Korean People’s Army (KPA) and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (PVA).
South Korea did not sign the armistice as it refused to accept it.
It was only a ceasefire and there was no official declaration of the end of the war so in the absence of an official peace treaty, as is the norm, the two countries officially remain at war.
However, in December 1991, North and South Korea signed a pact agreeing to refrain from aggression.

Way Forward

Both North and South Korea should work towards improving their relations and seek a potential resolution of the situation by bilateral talks and discussions possibly leading to a peace treaty that would end the Korean war formally. Denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and USA removing its nuclear-capable forces from South Korea is a prerequisite for ensuring balance, peace, mutual cooperation, and growth.

Source: Indian Express

11) Measures Related to Biosafety Regulations

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology has taken measures to streamline the biosafety regulation for researchers and industries involved in Recombinant DNA Technology and management of hazardous microorganisms in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Key Points

Operationalization of Indian Biosafety Knowledge Portal:

It was launched in May 2019 through which the Department receives all new applications related to research proposals. This has made the whole process transparent and time-bound.
It is a web-based portal, with a major thrust to reach out to researchers, industry and other stakeholders to provide the latest scientific information and regulatory guidance related to authorization of Genetically Modified Organisms/Living Modified Organisms (GMOs/LMOs) and products thereof.

Institutional Biosafety Committee: This committee has been delegated authority to make decisions on applications of import, export, and exchange of GMOs and products thereof for R&D purposes under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
Facilitation of Research and Development on Covid-19: The DBT has proactively taken several steps to facilitate researchers and industries involved in research on Covid-19.

India's Biosafety and Recombinant DNA Guidelines

Biosafety refers to policies and procedures adopted to avoid risk to human health and safety and to the conservation of the environment as a result of the use of GMOs for research and trade
Under the Biosafety Research program, the main emphasis is given to facilitate the implementation of biosafety procedures, rules and guidelines under Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Rules 1989 to ensure safety from the use of GMOs and products thereof in research and application to the users as well as to the environment.
A three-tier mechanism comprising Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBSC) at the Institute/company; the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) in the Department of Biotechnology; and the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoE&F) for granting approval for research and development activities on recombinant DNA products, the environmental release of Genetically Engineered (GE) crops and monitoring and evaluation of research activities involving recombinant DNA technology has been established.

Recombinant DNA Technology

The technology used for producing artificial Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) through the combination of different genetic materials (DNA) from different sources is referred to as Recombinant DNA Technology.
Recombinant DNA technology is popularly known as genetic engineering.
Process of Recombinant DNA Technology: Recombinant DNA technology involves several steps in a specific sequence:

Isolation of Genetic Material: It involves the isolation of desired DNA in its purest form i.e. free from macromolecules.
Cutting the gene at the recognition sites: The restriction enzymes determine the location at which the desired gene is inserted into the vector genome (a virus or plasmid that is used to ferry the desired DNA sequence into a host cell).
Ligation of DNA Molecules: Ligation involves joining of the two pieces – a cut fragment of DNA and the vector together with the help of the enzyme DNA ligase. The DNA molecule thus produced is called recombinant DNA.
Insertion of Recombinant DNA into Host: The recombinant DNA is introduced into a recipient host cell. This process is termed as Transformation.

After the insertion of the recombinant DNA into the host cell, it gets multiplied and is expressed in the form of the manufactured protein under optimal conditions.
The effectively transformed cells/organisms carry forward the recombinant gene to the offspring.
The recombinant DNA molecule produces new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Application

Gene Therapy: It is used as an attempt to correct the gene defects which give rise to heredity diseases.
Clinical diagnosis–

It has been useful in detecting the presence of a Human immunodeficiency Virus in a person.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is an example of the application of recombinant DNA technology.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a test that detects and measures antibodies in the blood.

Medicines: For the production of Insulin.
Agriculture: To produce genetically-modified organisms such as Flavr Savr tomatoes.

Source: PIB

12) Scorpion Fish: Scorpaenopsis neglecta

Recently, researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a rare Scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis neglecta) from the Sethukarai coast in the Gulf of Mannar.
This for the first time the particular species is discovered alive in Indian waters.
It has been deposited in the National Marine Biodiversity Museum of the CMFRI.

Key Points

Characteristics of Scorpaenopsis neglecta:

Powerful sensory system:

Unlike other fish, this band-tail Scorpionfish uses its lateral sensory system instead of eyes to hunt its prey.
The lateral sensory system is a system of sense organs found in fishes which is used to detect movement, vibration, and pressure gradients in the surrounding water.

Color changing:

The fish has the ability to change color and camouflage to escape from predators and while catching prey.
Camouflage: It is a defense or tactic that organisms use to disguise their appearance, usually to blend in with their surrounding environment. This allows prey to avoid predators, and for predators to sneak up on prey.

Neurotoxic:

The fish is called ‘scorpionfish’ because its spines contain a neurotoxin.

Neurotoxins are chemical substances that are poisonous to the nervous system.
Neurotoxins work by disrupting chemical signals sent between neurons and paralyzing the whole system.
Generally snakes i.e. King Cobra and marine snakes have these types of venom

When the spines pierce an individual, the venom gets injected immediately.
Eating the fish would also lead to death.

About the Scorpionfish:

Scorpionfish belong to the family Scorpaenidae which are mostly marine fish that includes many of the world's most venomous species.
It is commonly found in the Indo-West Pacific region of the world.

It is a biogeographic region of Earth's seas, comprising the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two in the general area of Indonesia.

It is a nocturnal feeder and lays motionless in the sea bottom and waits for the prey to come close to it.

Nocturnal species are those which prefer to be active at night and sleep during the day. E.g. Bats.

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

It was established by the Government of India in 1947 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and later it joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) family in 1967.
It is a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
Objectives:

Marine Fishery Resource Assessment.
Productivity and Production Enhancement through Mariculture.
Conservation of Marine Biodiversity.
Transfer of Technology, Training, and Consultancy.