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14th March 2023 Current Affairs

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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS BITS

TOPIC – 1 – Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve

A tigress recently died of electrocution in a buffer zone of Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

About Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve:

  • Location:
    • It is located in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh.
    • It is situated in the northeastern part of the state of MP and is bordered by the Guru Ghasidas National Park on the south.
  • It consists of Sanjay National Park and Dubri Sanctuary, along with buffer areas taken from Sidhi and Shahdol districts.
  • The reserve is part of the Bandhavgarh-Sanjay-Guru Ghasidas-Palamau landscape.
  • It forms a wildlife corridor connecting Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserve.
  • Rivers: Banas, Gopad, Mawai, Mahan, Kodmar, Umrari and others.
  • Flora:
    • It comprises of North Indian moist deciduous peninsular sal and North Indian dry deciduous peninsular sal.
    • The forests in the Dubri sanctuary range from dense to open sal forests with remains of degraded bamboo stumps.
  • Fauna: The major species found are tiger, Sloth bear, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambar, leopard, Dhole (wild dog), Jungle Cat, Hyena, Porcupine, Jackal, Fox, Indian Wolf, Indian Python Four-horned Antelope, and Barking deer.
TOPIC – 2 – Indian Black Turtle

Recently, the Marakkanam police seized 46 live Indian Black Turtles ( Melanochelys trijuga ) from two persons who were allegedly smuggling them on a two-wheeler, from neighbouring Puducherry.

About Indian Black Turtle:

  • The Indian black turtle is a medium-sized found across the Indian subcontinent. 
  • It is an aquatic species, mainly associated with standing water bodies, sometimes rivers.
  • The species is an omnivore, consuming both aquatic macrophytes and invertebrates.
  • The species shows a crepuscular to a nocturnal lifestyle, with individuals seen foraging after dark along the edges of water bodies.
  • The distribution in India includes the hill ranges of the Western Ghats, south of Gujarat, and the southeast coast, and then a separate disjunct distribution in northern and northeastern India.
  • Conservation status:
    • IUCN: Least concern
TOPIC – 3 – Doha Political Declaration
Doha Political Declaration was adopted by the head of the states at the recently concluded Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).
About Doha Political Declaration:
  • It is a key outcome of the second part of the LDC5 conference held under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity” in Qatar.
  • The declaration welcomed the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)  and strongly committed to its implementation throughout the coming decade. 
  • The declaration also requested the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to ensure the full mobilization and coordination of all parts of the UN system to facilitate coordinated implementation of the Doha Programme of Action

What is the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)?

  • The DPoA for the Least Developed Countries was adopted at the first part of the LDC5 conference held in New York in
  • It is a 10-year plan to put the world’s 46 most vulnerable countries back on track to achieving the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
  • DPoA (2022-2031) consisted of six key focus areas:
    • eradicating poverty;
    • leveraging the potential of science and technology;
    • addressing climate change;
    • environmental degradation;
    • recovering from COVID-19 pandemic;
    • building resilience against future shocks for risk-informed sustainable development;

Least developed countries (LDCs):

  • They are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development.
  • They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks.
  • There are currently 46 countries on the list of LDCs which is reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the UN.
  • LDCs have exclusive access to certain international support measures, particularly in the areas of development assistance and trade.

TOPIC – 4 – Exercise La Perouse – 2023

A multilateral exercise La Perouse is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023

About Exercise La Perouse:

  • The third edition of the multilateral maritime exercise is conducted in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • This edition will witness the participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters of the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy.
  • The biennial exercise La Perouse is conducted by the French Navy and is aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and optimising maritime coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.
  • The two-day exercise provides an opportunity for like-minded navies to develop closer links in planning, coordination and information sharing for seamless maritime operations.
  • The exercise will witness complex and advanced naval operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air defence exercises, cross-deck landings and tactical manoeuvres. 
  • Indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti will be participating in this edition of the exercise.
  • Participation of the Indian Navy in the exercise showcases the high levels of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the friendly navies, and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

TOPIC – 5 – Bumchu Festival

Recently, the Bumchu Festival was celebrated in the Tashiding Monastery, located in the state of Sikkim.

About Bumchu Festival:

  • Bumchu Festival is the Tashiding holy water vase ritual which is a unique and important occasion that draws travellers from all over the world.
  • Annual performances of this ancient ceremony are held at the Tashiding Monastery, located in the western part of Sikkim.
  • The Bumchu festival commemorates a supernatural occurrence that took place in the 18th century under Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal.
  • Bumchu means “pot of sacred water” in Tibetan. The vase is opened during the event, and the water inside is shared among the worshippers.
  • The water is thought to have healing qualities and to grant luck and riches to those who drink it.
  • The celebration takes place on the 14th and 15th of the first lunar month, which often falls in February or March.
  • In Sikkim, the Bumchu festival is a time of intense delight and celebration. At the event, pilgrims travel to Tashiding from all around India as well as from close by nations like Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Key facts about the Tashiding Monastery

  • It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, located on a hilltop overlooking the Rangeet River in Sikkim.
  • Guru Padmasambhava, better known as Guru Rinpoche, the great Buddhist guru who brought Buddhism to Tibet, blessed the location of the monastery.
  • A Nyingma teacher named Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing later founded the monastery in the 17th century.

TOPIC – 6 – Black Sea Grain Initiative

Russia recently agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal following talks with the United Nations for an additional 60 days.

About Black Sea Grain Initiative:

  • It was set up to resume vital food and fertilizer exports from Ukraine to the rest of the world.
  • It was brokered between Russia and Ukraine by the United Nations and Turkey. 
  • The Initiative allowed exports of grain, other foodstuffs, and fertilizer, including ammonia, to resume through a safe maritime humanitarian corridor from three key Ukrainian ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi, to the rest of the world.
  • Joint Coordination Centre (JCC):
    • A  JCC was established to monitor the implementation of the Initiative.
    • JCC Centre is hosted in Istanbul and includes representatives from Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Nations. 
    • The UN acts as the Secretariat for the Centre.
  • Procedure:
    • Vessels wishing to participate in the Initiative will undergo inspection off Istanbul to ensure they are empty of cargo.
    • They then sail through the maritime humanitarian corridor to Ukrainian ports to load. 
    • The corridor is monitored 24/7 to ensure the safe passage of vessels.
    • Vessels on the return journey will also be inspected at the inspection area off Istanbul.

Key Facts about Black Sea:

  • It is an inland sea between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
  • It is bound by Ukraine to the north and northwest, Russia and Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west.
  • It links to the Sea of Marmara through the Strait of Bosphorus and then to the Aegean through the Strait of Dardanelles.

TOPIC – 7 – Water Heritage sites

Recently, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti informed Rajya Sabha about the Water Heritage sites of India.

About Water Heritage sites:

  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti had constituted a Committee to identify 75 Water Heritage Structure (WHS) in reference to 75 years of India’s Independence.
  • The Committee has recommended 75 water heritage structures, which include 5 Water Heritage structures from Gujarat and 4 Water Heritage structures from Andhra Pradesh respectively.
  • In this connection, the “Jal-Itihas” sub-portal under the India-WRIS portal, showcasing the 75 WHS, was launched at the 1st All India State Ministers Conference on Water at Bhopal. 
  • Jal Itihaas showcases some selected water heritage structures more than 100 years old.

What is the India-WRIS portal?

  • It is a web-enabled Water Resources Information System popularly known as India-WRIS.
  • It was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), under the National Hydrology Project, launched the first version of the India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS) in July 2019.
  • India WRIS is, at present, receiving data from many central and state agencies like CWC, CGWB, IMD, NRSC, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat etc. on regular basis.
  • The MoJS has established a dedicated organization, National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC)to maintain and update India WRIS.

What is National Hydrology Project?

  • It aims to improve the extent, quality and accessibility of water resources information and to strengthen the capacity of targeted water resources management institutions in India

TOPIC – 8 – India’s first Behavioural Lab

The Rajasthan government recently approved the setting up of India’s first Behavioural lab at Jaipur.

About India’s first Behavioural Lab:

  • It will be set up at the Patel Bhawan at Harish Chandra Mathur Rajasthan Institute of Public Administration (HCM-RIPA), Jaipur.
  • The lab to be set up in about 2665.04 square feet area will be managed and operated by IIM Udaipur.
  • The faculty of the IIM will impart training on applied methods, and certificate courses of Ph.D level will be conducted here.
  • International experts will also be involved in conducting experiments and workshops.
  • Human behavior will be studied with the help of innovative technology, including ultra-modern software and hardware.
  • Training programs will be organized in various colleges and universities in the field of experiential studies through this laboratory, along with imparting training to teachers and programs for practical training.
TOPIC – 9 – Dragon Fruit (Kamalam)

 

Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare approved a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Dragon Fruit (Kamalam Fruit) to be established by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka.

About Dragon Fruit:

  • Dragon Fruit is a herbaceous perennial climbing cactus widely known as Pitaya, has its origin in Southern Mexico, Central America and South America.
  • Its flowers are hermaphrodites (male and female organs in the same flower) in nature and open at night.
  • It grows in all kinds of soil and does not require much water.
  • The plant sustains yield for more than 20 years, is high in nutraceutical properties(medicinal effects) and good for value-added processing industries.
  • It is widely cultivated in South-East Asia, India, the USA, The Caribbean Islands, and Australia throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world.
  • The world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit is Vietnam, where the plant was brought by the French in the 19th century.
  • In India, the cultivation of Kamalam Fruit is done in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Nagaland.
  • In this endeavor under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a roadmap is being prepared for the cultivation of this crop.

Key facts about the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Mission

  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
  • Under MIDH, the Government of India (GOI) contributes 60%, of the total outlay for developmental programmes in all the states except states in the North East and the Himalayas, and 40% share is contributed by State Governments.
  • In the case of North Eastern States and Himalayan States, GOI contributes 90%.
  • In the case of the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Coconut Development Board (CDB), Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland and the National Level Agencies (NLA), GOI contributes 100%.

TOPIC – 10 – SIPRI Report on India’s Arms Imports

According to a recent report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the five largest arms importers in the world during 2018-22 were India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and China.

About India’s Arms Imports:

  • India remained the world’s largest arms importer for the five-year period between 2018-22.
  • India accounted for an 11 percent share of total global arms imports in 2018–22.
  • Russia accounted for 45% is India’s imports, followed by France (29%) and the US (11%).
  • Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India in both 2013–17 and 2018–22, but its share of total Indian arms imports fell from 64% to 45%.
  • India has seen an 11 percent drop in its arms import between 2013-17 and 2018-22.
  • India was the biggest arms export market to three countries — Russia, France, and Israel and the second largest export market to South Korea.

Highlights of the SIPRI Report:

  • The US was the world’s topmost military exporter in the past five years, accounting for 40% of global exports, followed by Russia (16%), France (11%), China (5.2%), and Germany (4.2%).
  • United States’ share of global arms exports increased from 33 to 40 percent, while Russia’s fell from 22 to 16 percent between 2013-17 and 2018-22.
  • France’s arms exports jumped 44% between 2013-17 and 2018-22, with India receiving 30% of its exports during the past five years. 
TOPIC – 11 – 30th anniversary of the 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Indian Constitution
 
Why in News? ‘

The year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the 73rd and 74th Amendment to the Indian Constitution. But still India’s local government requires many technical, administrative and financial fixes.

What are the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments?

  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act:
    • Panchayati Raj Institution was constitutionalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
    • This act has added a new Part-IX to the Constitution of India and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243 O.
    • In addition, the act has also added a new 11th Schedule to the Constitution and contains 29 functional items of the panchayats.
  • 74th Constitutional Amendment Act:
    • Urban local governments were constitutionalized through the 74th Amendment Act during the regime of P.V. Narsimha Rao’s government in 1992. It came into force on 1st June 1993.
    • It added Part IX -A and consists of provisions from Articles 243-P to 243-ZG.
    • In addition, the act also added the 12th Schedule to the Constitution. It contains 18 functional items of Municipalities.

What is the Status of Democratic Decentralisation in India?

  • Positive Aspects:
    • Empowerment of Local Communities: Democratic decentralisation has given more power to local communities to participate in decision-making processes and to implement development projects according to their specific needs and priorities.
      • This has led to greater participation of citizens in governance and decision-making processes.
    • Accountability and Transparency: Decentralisation has also led to greater accountability and transparency in governance.
      • Local governments are more directly accountable to citizens, and decision-making processes are more transparent and open to public scrutiny.
    • Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity: Democratic decentralisation has allowed for greater representation of marginalised communities in decision-making processes.
      • This has led to more inclusive policies that address the needs and interests of all citizens, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background.
  • Challenges Related to Decentralisation in India:
    • Uneven Distribution of Power and Resources: Decentralisation has been implemented unevenly across different states and regions of India, leading to disparities in the distribution of power and resources.
      • Some states and regions have been more successful in implementing decentralisation than others, which has led to uneven development outcomes.
    • Ceremonial Status to Mayor: The 2nd Administrative Reform Commission noted the Mayor in the Urban Local Government in most states enjoys primarily a ceremonial status.
      • In most cases, the Municipal Commissioner, appointed by the State Government has all the powers and the elected Mayor ends up performing the role of the subordinate.
    • Infrastructural Loopholes: Many Gram Panchayats (GPs) lack a building of their own and share spaces with schools, anganwadi, and other entities.
      • While some have their own building, they lack basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and electricity.
      • Although Panchayats have internet connections, they are not always functional. Panchayat officials have to visit Block Development offices for any data entry purposes, which delays the work.

Way Forward

  • Strengthening Local Government Institutions: The institutional framework for local governance in India needs to be strengthened by providing them with more autonomy, resources and powers.
    • This can be done by revising laws, regulations and procedures that constrain the functioning of local governments
  • Capacity Building: Local government officials and elected representatives need to be trained and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their roles and responsibilities.
    • This can be achieved through training programs, exchange visits and mentoring.
  • Community Participation: The success of democratic decentralisation depends on active participation of citizens in decision-making and implementation of local development plans.
    • Community participation can be enhanced through awareness campaigns, public meetings and consultations.
TOPIC – 12 – Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556)
 
Historian Ebba Koch’s book ‘The Planetary King: Humayun Padshah, Inventor and Visionary on the Mughal Throne’ was launched in New Delhi on Humayun’s birth anniversary.
 
About
  • Nasiruddin Humayun (1530-1540, 1555-1556) is the second Mughal padshah.
  • He was the successor of Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty and father of Akbar.
  • He lost to his rival Sher Shah Suri in Battle of Chausa (1539) and Battle of Kanauj (1540), forcing him to flee to Iran.
  • In Iran Humayun received help from the Safavid Shah and regained his throne in Delhi in 1555.
  • A year later he died in an accident.
  • Accounts – His biography is Qanun-i Humayuni was written by historian Khwandamir, it is also known as Humayun Nama of Khwandamir.
  • Humayun-Nama is an account of his life written by his sister Gulbadan Begam during Akbar’s reign.
  • Shah Jahan’s court poet Abu Talib Kalim Kashani wrote a poem on Humayun’s tomb.
  • Tomb – Akbar erected Humayun’s tomb in Delhi. It is near the Purana Qila, the palace fortress, and other Mughal buildings.
  • Interests – Humayun had immense knowledge and interest in astronomy and astrology.
  • Humayun himself wrote scientific treatises including ‘an introduction to the science of astronomy and some other unusual matters’.
  • Humayun even planned to construct an observatory in India.

TOPIC – 13 – UPI for in-bound travellers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed in-bound travellers into India to use UPI.

About

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently has opened up the UPI channel of payments to non-resident Indians.
  • To take this ahead by a step, it has allowed UPI for all foreign travellers entering India.
  • A prepaid payment instrument (PPI) is issued for travellers from foreign countries in the form of wallets linked to UPI.
  • Issuer – Authorised banks and NBFCs can issue rupee-denominated wallets to in-bound foreign travellers.
  • Also be issued under co-branding arrangements with those permitted to deal with foreign exchange under FEMA.
  • Currently, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank and two non-bank PPI issuers, Pine Labs Private Limited and Transcorp International are issuing UPI linked wallets.
  • The regulator allows a fully KYC compliant wallet to hold up to Rs.2 lakh and this amount is extended to the travellers also.
  • Usage – The wallet can be used only to make merchant payments for goods and services and not for transfer money.
  • The unutilised money can be repatriated back to the customer from the wallet.
  • The wallet can be loaded against cash or by swiping a credit card at the kiosk.
  • Limitations for now – As a test case, the facility is open only to travellers from G20 countries as India is holding the G20 presidency.
  • Only in-bound passengers in select international airports (Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi) can avail of the facility for now.

UPI for NRIs – UPI for NRIs is tagged to fully KYC compliant NRO/NRE accounts linked to their non-Indian mobile phone number and every time UPI is used, money is directly debited from their bank accounts

TOPIC – 14 – Channar Revolt
 

The bicentenary celebration of one of the earliest recorded anti-caste assertions in southern India was held in Nagercoil with the attendance of Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamilnadu.

  • The anti-caste revolt fought in 1823 in the southern parts of Travancore Kingdom is known as
    1. ‘Marumarakkal Samaram’ and ‘Channar Revolt’ in Kerala.
    2. ‘Thol Seelai Porattam’ in Tamil Nadu.
  • The revolt is a militant public action fought with women from the Nadar caste, an OBC community in the forefront.
  • Their demand was that they be allowed to cloth the upper part of their body, a choice then limited to upper caste women.
  • Hence the Channar revolt is also known as ‘the Upper Cloth Revolt’.
  • The agitation spread across the southern talukas of the then Travancore kingdom.
  • The Hindu upper castes, particularly the Nair community that dominated the administration opposed the demand.
  • A royal proclamation acceding to the demand was made in 1859.

Other anti-caste movements in the region

  • The Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-1925) was held to allow all castes access to roads that went past the Vaikom Shiva temple.
  • Vaikom Satyagraha saw the participation of Hindu upper castes in large numbers.
  • A savarna march was organised from Vaikom to Thiruvananthapuram to press the demand of the satyagrahis.
  • Sree Narayana Guru (1854-1928), fought against the caste system for social equality.
  • His message was: ‘Man is of one kind, one faith and one God’.
  • Vaikunta Swami, born in a Nadar family, started a radical spiritual movement that had equality at its core.
  • Influenced by the Tamil Siddha tradition, Vaikunta Swami challenged the custodians of caste and the religious sphere it maintained and questioned all sets of authority.
  • The Guruvayur temple entry movement in 1931 allowed entry to socially backward Hindus.
TOPIC – 15 – Least Developed Country
 
Bhutan became the seventh nation to graduate from the United Nations’ (UN) list of Least Developed Countries (LDC).
 
  • The Least Developed Countries (LDC) are developing countries listed by the UN that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development.
  • The concept first originated in the late 1960s and was codified under UN resolution 2768 passed in November 1971.
  • Definition – According to the UN, Least developed countries (LDCs) are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development.
  • They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.
  • LDC at present – Currently, the UN lists 46 countries that qualify as LDCs.
  • Of those, 33 are from Africa, nine from Asia, 3 from the Pacific and 1 from the Caribbean.
  • Criteria – The UN identifies 3 criteria for a country to be classified as an LDC:
    1. Income – Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below the threshold of USD 1,230 over a three-year average.
    2. Human Assets – Perform poorly on a composite human assets index based on indicators including nutrition, health and education.
    3. Economic Vulnerability – Demonstrate economic vulnerability such as being prone to natural disasters and possessing structural economic constraints.
  • The criteria are reviewed on a 3-year basis (triennial) by the UN.
  • Getting off the LDC list – To graduate from the LDC list, a country must meet certain criteria in the above 3 areas in the triennial review.
    1. A nation must have a GNI per capita of at least USD 1,242 for 2 consecutive triennial reviews in order to meet the income requirement.
    2. By using measures like education, health, and nutrition, a nation must show that it has improved its human capital in order to achieve the human assets requirement.
    3. A nation also must show that it has improved its ability to withstand external economic shocks in order to pass the economic vulnerability test.
  • Advantages of being an LDC – LDCs also enjoy duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) access to the markets of developed countries.
  • LDCs are also eligible for loans with special terms for development, which include ‘Official Development Assistance’ (ODA) or ‘aid’.

Botswana is the first country to achieve graduation in 1994. Its strong economic performance driven by its diamond mining industry and investments in education and infrastructure was a major reason.

Bhutan
  • Bhutan is a mountainous, landlocked country in Asia.
  • It is consistently ranked one of the happiest in the world.
  • Bhutan was included in the first group of LDCs in 1971.
  • It has made remarkable progress on a variety of socio-economic metrics and fulfilled the requirements for graduation in 2015 and in 2018.
  • Exporting hydropower to India accounts for 20% of Bhutan’s economy.
TOPIC – 16 – Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
 
The Environment Minister opened the Neeli Jheel ecotourism site in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary to the public.
 
  • The Asola Bhatti sanctuary is situated in the South Delhi Ridge section of the Aravalli range on the Delhi-Haryana border.
  • It lies in Southern Delhi as well as northern parts of Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana state.
  • It is spread over an area of 6,784 acres and covers 32.71 sq km.
  • It is also part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor which runs from the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to the Delhi Ridge.

asolabhatti

  • Protection – Mining for quartzite and sand in the area was banned in 1991.
  • The Eco-Task Force of the Territorial Army has also been part of protection and plantation at the sanctuary since 2001.
  • In 2019, the area around the boundary of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Gurgaon and Faridabad was declared as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
  • Flora – The type of forest in the sanctuary is identified as ‘thorny scrub’.
  • A forest nursery and a seed bank were also set up at the sanctuary.
  • Fauna – Leopards, striped hyena, jungle cat, golden jackal, Indian hare, Indian boar, black buck, sambar deer, spotted deer, and hog deer.
  • Neeli Jheel – It has been developed as an eco-tourism site inside the sanctuary.
  • Neeli Jheel is a lake formed in an abandoned mining pit.
  • The 100 feet deep Neeli Jheel is an important source of water for wildlife in the sanctuary.
  • Four solar-powered artificial waterfalls has been developed there, in which the water cascades down 100 feet to the lake below.
  • The site will feature artificial waterfalls, selfie points, trails and facilities such as a cafeteria.
TOPIC – 17 – Suspension of Operations Pact
The Manipur government decided to withdraw from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with 2 hill-based tribal militant groups.
  • Suspension of Operations (SoO) is a tripartite pact between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur.
  • As many as 17 are under the umbrella group Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and 8 are under the United People’s Front (UPF).
  • The SoO pact was signed on August 22, 2008 between the tripartite.
  • The primary objective of SoO pact is initiating political dialogue.
  • So Far – The Kuki outfits who were initially demanding a separate Kuki state have come down to a ‘Kukiland territorial council’.
  • Kuki Territorial Council would have financial and administrative powers independent of the Manipur Assembly and government.
  • Interlocutor – AB Mathur, former special secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
  • Monitoring – The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) with representatives from all the signatories, has been formed to oversee the effective implementation of the SoO pact.
  • Terms under SoO – Security forces, including state and central forces, are not to launch any operations, nor can the underground groups.
  • The signatories of UPF and KNO shall abide by the Constitution of India, the laws of the land and the territorial integrity of Manipur.
  • They are prohibited from committing all kinds of atrocities, extortion, among others.
  • The militant cadres are to be confined in designated camps identified by the Government.
  • The groups are given arms only to guard their camps and protect their leaders, other arms are deposited in a safe room.
  • Finance – The UG cadres living in the designated camps are given a monthly stipend of Rs 5000, as a rehabilitation package.
  • Financial assistance is also being provided to maintain the designated camps.
DAILY EDITORIAL BITS 
 
EDITORIAL – 1 – SIPRI: India remains biggest arms importer between 2018-22 despite drop in overall imports
 
Why in News?
  • According to the SIPRI, India remained the world’s largest arms importer for the five-year period between 2018-22 even though its arms imports dropped by 11% between 2013–17 and 2018–22. 

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • What is Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?
  • What are the Key Findings of the SIPRI’s latest data?
  • What are the Challenges ahead for India and the World?

What is Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)?

  • SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
  • Established in 1966 and based in Stockholm (Sweden), SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
  • It is regularly ranked among the most respected think tanks

What are the Key Findings of the SIPRI’s latest data?

India as the world’s top importer of arms:

  • India continues to be the world’s largest arms importer (a position it has held for the period 1993–2022) followed by Saudi Arabia. India accounted for 11% of the total global imports in 2018-2022.
  • Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India in both 2013–17 and 2018–22, but its share of total Indian arms imports fell from 64% to 45% while France (29%) and the US (11%) emerged as the 2nd and 3rd largest supplier between 2018-22.
    • However, Russia’s position is under pressure due to strong competition, increased Indian arms production and constraints on Russia’s arms exports due to invasion of Ukraine.
  • Among the top 10 arms exporters for the period 2018-22, India was the biggest arms export market to three countries – Russia, France and Israel and the second largest export market to South Korea.
  • India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21 in the list of arms exporters.

 India’s arms imports from France:

  • Increased by 489% between 2013–17 and 2018–22, India’s arms imports from France included 62 combat aircraft and four submarines.
  • France therefore displaced the USA to become the second largest supplier to India in 2018–22.

 India’s imports dropped by 11% between 2013–17 and 2018–22: The decrease can be attributed to several factors including –

  • India’s slow and complex arms procurement process,
  • Efforts to diversify its arms suppliers, and
  • Attempts to replace imports with major arms that are designed and produced domestically.

What drives India’s Demand for Arms? India’s tensions with Pakistan and China largely drive its demand for arms imports.

India as an arms exporter: India was the third largest arms supplier to Myanmar after Russia and China accounting for 14% of its imports.

Overall: The U.S. share of global arms exports increased from 33% to 40% while Russia’s fell from 22% to 16%.

 What are the Challenges ahead for India and the World?

  • India continues to languish in the strategically-vulnerable as well as embarrassing position of being the world’s largest arms importer, despite the government’s thrust on “Make in India” in defence production.
  • Russian exports to India decreased by 37% between the two periods. In contrast, exports to China (+39%) and Pakistan (14%) increased between 2013–17 and 2018–22.
  • China supplied 77% of Pakistan’s arms imports in 2018–22.
  • While the global level of international arms transfers decreased by 5.1%, imports of major arms by European states increased by 47% between 2013–17 and 2018–22 in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
  • Strategic competition also continues elsewhere – arms imports to East Asia have increased and those to the Middle East remain at a high level.
  • All the above are a clear indication of the ‘security dilemma’ fueling arm race in different regions of the world and threatening world peace.

EDITORIAL – 2 – Laws for Antiquities in India

Context

In an investigation by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and Finance has found that the catalogue of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, includes at least 77 items with links to Subhash Kapoor, who is serving a 10-year jail term in Tamil Nadu for smuggling antiquities.

Background:

  • Before Independence, an Antiquities (Export Control) Act had been passed in April 1947 to ensure that “no antiquity could be exported without license.” 
  • In 1958, The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act were enacted. 
  • Along with the UNESCO convention, prompted the government to enact The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (AATA), implemented from April 1, 1976.
  • After the AATA was implemented, the Centre asked traders in antiquities and art objects to declare their possessions of antiquities by June 5, 1976, and individual owners by July 5, 1976.

UNESCO Convention:

  • The UNESCO 1970 Convention is based on “the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property defined “cultural property” as the property designated by countries having “importance for archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art or science.”
  • The Declaration further said that “the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property is one of the main causes of the impoverishment of the cultural heritage of the countries of origin of such property and that international co-operation constitutes one of the most efficient means of protecting each country’s cultural property.”

What is an antiquity?

  • The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, implemented on April 1, 1976, defined “antiquity” as “any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship; any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave; any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages; any article, object or thing of historical interest” that has been in existence for not less than ‘one hundred years’.
For manuscript, record or other document which is of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value, this duration is not less than ‘seventy-five years’.

What do Indian laws say?

  • In India, Item-67 of the Union List, Item-12 of the State List, and Item-40 of the Concurrent List of the Constitution deal with the country’s heritage.

Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (AATA):

  • The AATA states, “It shall not be lawful for any person, other than the Central Government or any authority or agency authorised by the Central Government in this behalf, to export any antiquity or art treasure.”
  • No person shall, himself or by any other person on his behalf, carry on the business of selling or offering to sell any antiquity except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence.
  • This licence is granted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 
What is ‘provenance’ of an antiquity?

“Provenance includes the list of all owners from the time the object left its maker’s possession to the time it was acquired by the current owner.”

How to check for fake antiquities?

  • Under section 14(3) of the AATA, “Every person who owns or controls or is in possession of any antiquity” shall register such antiquity before the registering officer “and obtain a certificate in token of such registration.”
  • So far, the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, launched in March 2007, has registered 3.52 lakh antiquities among the 16.70 lakh it has documented, to help in “effective check” of illegal activities.
  • This is a very small portion of the total number of antiquities in the country, which the government estimates to be around 58 lakh.

Can India bring back antiquities?

  • There are three categories to take note of: 
    • Antiquities taken out of India pre-independence; 
    • Those which were taken out since independence until March 1976, i.e. before the implementation of AATA; and 
    • Antiquities taken out of the country since April 1976.
  • For items in the first two categories, requests have to be raised bilaterally or on international fora. 
    • For instance, the Maharashtra government on November 10, 2022 announced it was working to bring back the sword of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from London. 
    • This sword was given to Edward, the Prince of Wales (the later King Edward VII) by Shivaji IV in 1875-76. 
    • Several antiquities, from Vagdevi of Dhar (MP), to the Kohinoor diamond, to Amaravati marbles to the Sultanganj Buddha to antiquities related to Rani Laxmibai and Tipu Sultan, are currently abroad.
  • Antiquities in the second and third categories can be retrieved easily by raising an issue bilaterally with proof of ownership and with the help of the UNESCO convention. 

EDITORIAL – 3 – Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA)

Context

The crafting of the country’s data governance must enable to ensure a secure, more egalitarian and trustworthy digital future for all.

About:

  • India’s G-20 presidency has provided an opportunity for the country to showcase its advancements in the digital arena, particularly with regards to data infrastructures and data governance. 
  • As the world becomes increasingly digital, the G-20 has recognised the need for international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the challenges, opportunities and risks posed by the rapid growth of data and digital technologies.
  • Significant progress has been made in the use of digital technologies to provide access to bank accounts and in the promotion of digital transactions through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other options.
  • Thus recently India has taken steps like Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) and India Data Management Office (IDMO) to solve the problems.

What is Data sovereignty?

  • The term “data sovereignty” refers to the principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and also to the informational self-determination of citizens over their data.

 Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA):

  • India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) is a consent management tool launched for better data management.
  • DEPA has the potential to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over the use and sharing of their personal information. 
  • By allowing individuals to easily manage and control their data consents, DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance. 

India Data Management Office (IDMO):

  • India’s establishment of an India Data Management Office (IDMO) is a step forward in the country’s journey towards data sharing and data governance. 
  • The IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework, and to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities. 
  • It will also work to promote the development and implementation of open-source solutions, which will help to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.

Concerns associated: 

  • However, there are also risks associated with DEPA, particularly in terms of security and privacy. 
  • If the consent management tool is not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be ‘misused’ or ‘misappropriated’.
  • There are concerns that the implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.
  • There are also concerns around the potential misuse of data and information in these sectors. 
  • For example, in the health sector, there is a risk that sensitive medical information could be misused or exploited for commercial purposes, while in agriculture; there is a risk that market information could be manipulated for the benefit of certain actors.

Suggestive measures:

  • In order to realise the potential benefits of DEPA and minimise the risks, it is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner. 
  • This will require close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders and the development of clear and effective regulations and standards.
  • The use of digital technologies can enhance access to health-care services, particularly in rural and remote areas, while in agriculture they can empower farmers and enhance their incomes.

EDITORIAL – 4 – India’s increase in petroleum product exports to EU

Context

India’s petroleum product exports to the European Union (EU) have grown notably over the past few months as the region is suffering from no supplies of refined products from Russia, due to the war in Ukraine.

About:

  • India’s petroleum product exports to the EU rose 20.4 per cent year on year in April-January to 11.6 million tonnes.
  • The trend is significant as the global oil markets affected from Russia ban on supplies; countries like India are helping maintain a demand-supply balance, while preventing extreme price shocks. 
  • The EU does not want to buy crude as well as refined fuels and products from Russia. 
  • Countries like India, which is a major oil refiner, are playing their part in bridging the gap by buying Russian oil on one hand, and increasing the supply of refined products to the EU on the other.

What are petroleum products?

  • Petroleum product means products that are obtained from distilling and processing crude oil and that is capable of being used as a fuel for the propulsion of a motor vehicle or aircraft, including motor gasoline, gasohol, other alcohol-blended fuels, aviation gasoline, kerosene, distillate fuel oil and number 1 and number 2 diesels. 
The term does not include naphtha-type jet fuel, kerosene-type jet fuel, or a petroleum product destined for use in chemical manufacturing or feedstock of that manufacturing or fuel sold to vessels engaged in interstate or foreign commerce.

India Petroleum products industry:

  • India is a major refiner with an annual refining capacity of about 250 million tonnes. 
  • While it is also one of the top consumers of crude oil, India’s refining capacity is higher than its domestic demand, making the country a net exporter of petroleum products.
  • Indian refiners, particularly export-oriented private sector players Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, stand to gain from the West’s punitive action against the Russian oil and gas sector. 
EDITORIAL – 5 – Global hunger crisis and high Debt

 

Context

According to the special report by the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), at least 21 countries — including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Lebanon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe were nearing catastrophic levels of both debt distress and rising hunger in 2022.

Key Points of the report:

  • Global public debt was at its highest levels in almost 60 years and countries had to choose between repaying debts and feeding people.
  • About 60 per cent of low-income countries and 30 per cent of middle-income countries were considered at high risk of (or already in) debt distress. 
  • The world’s poorest countries saw the costs of servicing their debt increase by 35 per cent in 2022.
  • Africa’s food import dependency has tripled in recent decades, leaving countries exposed to food price spikes like in 2022.
  • The report called for urgent action to provide debt relief and development finance on a scale to meet the needs of COVID-19 recovery, climate-resilient food systems and sustainable development goals.

India’s Hunger problem:

  • India has long been home to the largest number of malnourished children in the world.
  • The highest levels of stunted and underweight children are found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Some progress has been made in reducing the extent of malnutrition.
  • United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) paints a picture of hunger and malnutrition amongst children in large pockets of India.
  • The report shows the poorest sections of society caught in a trap of poverty and malnutrition, which is being passed on from generation to generation.

Reasons for increasing global hunger and related debt:

  • Due disruptions in Global supply chains and Inflation
  • Lack of Job Opportunities
  • Poverty
  • Population Explosion
  • Lack of estimated targets for schemes including Children and Women.
  • Other reasons being reduced soil fertility, fragmented lands or fluctuating market price of farm produce etc.

Initiatives to Eradicate Hunger/Malnutrition:

  • POSHAN Abhiyan
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
  • Food Fortification
  • National Food Security Act, 2013
  • Mission Indradhanush
  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme
  • Eat Right India Movement