Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CBFC, Film Certification Process
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Union Information & Broadcasting Minister has expressed displeasure with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its approval of the Hollywood film “Oppenheimer.”
- The Minister has reportedly asked officials to remove a particular scene from the movie that has generated controversy on social media.
Understanding the CBFC
- Role: The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- Certification Requirement: Films can be screened in India only after receiving certification from the Board.
- Composition: The CBFC comprises a Chairperson and members appointed by the Central Government. There are nine Regional Offices with Advisory Panels to assist in the examination of films.
Film Certification Process
- Examining Committee: After submitting all film materials and requisite fees, a regional officer forms an Examining Committee to view the film. For short films (shorter than 72 minutes), the committee includes a CBFC officer and one advisory panel member, with at least one being a woman. For long films (longer than 72 minutes), at least two committee members must be women.
- Certification Recommendations: Each committee member provides a written report with their recommendations for modifications and classification of the film.
- CBFC Decision: The Chairperson reviews the committee’s reports and initiates further procedures based on their recommendations.
Types of Certifications:
- Unrestricted Public Exhibition (U)
- Parental Guidance for children below age 12 (U/A)
- Adult (A)
- Viewing by specialized groups (S)
Controversies and Appeals
- Suggested Changes: CBFC may suggest modifications or excisions in the film before granting certification. Applicants dissatisfied with the certification or suggested changes can apply to the Revising Committee.
- Revising Committee: The Revising Committee consists of the Chairperson and up to nine members from the board and advisory panel.
- Appellate Tribunal: If disagreements persist, the Appellate Tribunal, an independent body, can be approached.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meri Maati Mera Desh Initiative
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Union government has launched the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign as a grand culmination of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence.
Meri Maati Mera Desh
- This initiative aims to honor and commemorate the sacrifices of martyrs.
- It includes freedom fighters, defense personnel, and members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Police, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Five-Point Agenda
- Shilaphalakam Installation: Memorials will be erected, adorned with the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. The veers (bravehearts) will be remembered and respected for their immense contribution to the country’s freedom, unity, and integrity.
- Pledge of Commitment: A solemn pledge will be taken by people at the memorial sites, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to the nation and its values.
- Vasudha Vandhan: Every gram panchayat or village will participate in ‘Vasudha Vandhan’ by planting 75 saplings of indigenous species, rejuvenating Mother Earth, and developing Amrit Vatikas (Eternal Gardens).
- Veeron Ka Vandan: Freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters will be honored and felicitated. Retired defense personnel, CAPF, and State Police personnel, along with the families of those who lost their lives in the line of duty, will also receive recognition for their invaluable service to the nation.
- National Flag Hoisting: The National Flag will be proudly hoisted, and the National Anthem will resonate in unison, filling the air with patriotism and pride.
Implementation and Events
- Events will be organized at various levels, from panchayat and village to block, urban local bodies, state, and national levels.
- Soil from every panchayat/village will be collected by young volunteers and brought to the block, from where ‘Mitti Kalash’ (pots of soil) will be ceremoniously transported to Delhi.
- The collected soil will be utilized to create a unique garden, the Amrit Vatika, at the Kartavya Path in Delhi, honoring the heroes of Indian freedom struggle and national integrity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cantonments
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has put forward a proposal to excise civil areas in 58 cantonments across the country, intending to merge them with State municipalities.
- Earlier in May, the centre kicked off a plan to abolish the 62 cantonments around the country as “archaic colonial legacies”.
What are Cantonments?
- Definition: Cantonments are permanent military stations where a group of military personnel are stationed for administrative purposes. They are governed by the Cantonments Act, 2006, which provides for municipal administration and control of these areas.
- Number and Locations: India currently has 62 cantonments spread across various states, with some areas known for their better infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country.
- Cantonment Boards: Cantonments are managed by Cantonment Boards, which are democratic bodies comprising elected and nominated members. The Station Commander of the Cantonment serves as the ex-officio President of the Board.
Historical Background
- The Cantonments Act, 1924, was enacted by the British to regulate the municipal administration of cantonments.
- After India’s independence, the Cantonments Act was modified to suit the democratic setup of the country.
- The current Cantonments Act, 2006, replaced the previous version, aiming to provide greater autonomy and accountability to the Cantonment Boards.
Categories of the erstwhile Cantonments
Cantonments are categorized based on the population size residing within them:
- Category I: Cantonments with a population of over 50,000.
- Category II: Cantonments with a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
- Category III: Cantonments with a population of less than 10,000.
- Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.
Broader plan
- Conversion to Exclusive Military Stations: Under the plan, military areas within all cantonments will be carved out and designated as “exclusive military stations.” The Army will exercise “absolute control” over these areas, streamlining their administration and operations.
- Merger with Local Municipalities: The civilian areas of cantonments will be integrated with the respective local municipalities. These municipalities will take up the responsibility of maintaining these areas, along with providing essential services and infrastructure.
- Move Away from Traditional Cantonment Concept: Post-independence, the Indian Army moved away from the traditional cantonment concept, primarily due to friction between military and civilian authorities. However, certain major cantonments continued to exist, such as Pune Cantonment and Agra Cantonment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Semiconductors
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Despite recent setbacks, including the withdrawal of Foxconn Technology Group from a joint venture with Vedanta, Ltd., India remains committed to its semiconductor ambitions.
What are Semiconductors?
- Semiconductors are a class of materials that exhibit a unique property of electrical conductivity, lying between conductors and insulators.
- Unlike conductors, which allow electricity to flow freely through them, and insulators, which do not conduct electricity at all, semiconductors have an intermediate level of electrical conductivity.
Key characteristics of semiconductors include:
- Electrical Conductivity: Semiconductors conduct electricity better than insulators but not as effectively as conductors. Their conductivity can be controlled and modified.
- Band Gap: Semiconductors have an energy band gap that separates the valence band, where electrons are tightly bound, from the conduction band, where electrons can move more freely. This band gap is smaller than that of insulators but larger than that of conductors.
- Temperature Dependency: The conductivity of semiconductors is highly temperature-dependent. As the temperature increases, their electrical conductivity also increases.
- Doping: Semiconductors can be intentionally doped with impurities to alter their electrical properties. Doping introduces additional charge carriers, either electrons or holes, which can enhance or diminish conductivity.
Semiconductors and Transistors
- Semiconductor Chip Composition: At its core, a semiconductor chip consists of transistors crafted from materials like silicon. Transistors encode information as 0s and 1s and manipulate them to create new data.
- Three Parts of a Transistor: A transistor comprises the source, the gate, and the drain. By manipulating the gate to open or close, data is stored and manipulated in the semiconductor chip.
- Metal Layers and Connectivity: Transistors are connected to multiple metal layers on top, forming a complex network of electrical connections that enable the chip to execute multiple tasks.
Understanding Semiconductor Nodes
- Naming Convention: Semiconductor nodes were historically based on two numbers: gate length and metal pitch. As transistors shrunk, this naming convention evolved.
- Discrepancy and Progress: With advancing miniaturization, both gate length and metal pitch ceased to contribute to node names. Today’s cutting-edge 7 nm node has no physical parameter close to 7 nm.
Importance of Legacy Nodes
- Advantages of Legacy Nodes: While advanced nodes range from 10 nm to 5 nm, India’s current focus is around 28 nm or higher. Starting with legacy nodes offers advantages for cost-effective applications in robotics, defence, aerospace, industry automation, automobiles, IoT, and image sensors.
- Revenue Source: Commercial fabs maintain the production of legacy nodes alongside advanced nodes, catering to various demands. The revenue from legacy nodes is still significant in the semiconductor market.
India’s Semiconductor Journey
- Sensible Approach: India’s choice to start with legacy nodes is strategic. It equips the country for long-term success, as demand for legacy nodes in applications like electric cars and infotainment systems increases.
- Future Potential: With continuous improvement and development, India’s semiconductor industry has the potential to grow and become a global hub for semiconductor technology.
Conclusion
- India’s focus on legacy nodes lays a solid foundation for its semiconductor ambitions.
- Embracing these nodes equips the nation for growth and positions it as a player in the global semiconductor landscape.
- With a commitment to innovation and advancement, India has the potential to become a key player in the semiconductor world.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DNA
Mains level: Genetic Profiling, Issues
Central Idea
- The Union government recently withdrew the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, from the Lok Sabha.
DNA Bill, 2019: Highlights
- The Bill, first proposed in 2003, aims to establish a regulatory framework for obtaining, storing, and testing DNA samples of individuals, primarily for criminal investigations and establishing identity.
- Over the years, the Bill has undergone changes and was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee in 2019.
- The committee raised concerns about potential misuse based on religion, caste, or political views.
Key Features
- Objective: The Bill sought to create a regulatory framework for DNA sample collection, testing, and storage, primarily for criminal investigations and establishing a person’s identity.
- Existing Uses of DNA Technology: DNA testing is already employed for criminal investigations, parentage establishment, and locating missing individuals.
- Proposed Institutional Structures: The Bill aimed to establish a DNA regulatory board and a DNA data bank at the national level, with the possibility of regional centers at the state level.
- Role of the DNA Regulatory Board: The board would frame guidelines and rules for DNA collection, testing, and storage.
- DNA Data Bank: The data bank would store all DNA samples collected under specified rules.
- Restricted Testing: DNA sample testing would be allowed only at laboratories authorized by the regulatory board.
- Handling of DNA Samples: The Bill specified the circumstances under which individuals could be asked to submit DNA samples, the purposes for such requests, and the exact procedures for handling, storing, and accessing these samples.
Controversies and Objections against the Bill:
- Reliability of DNA Technology: Critics raised concerns about the foolproof nature of DNA technology and its potential for error.
- Risk of Misuse: The main debate centered on the possibility of abuse of DNA information. Detractors feared that intrusive DNA data collection and storage could lead to misuse and violations of individual privacy.
- Privacy Concerns: DNA information reveals not only a person’s identity but also physical and biological attributes such as eye, hair, or skin color, susceptibility to diseases, and possible medical history. Critics argued that storing such personal information could compromise privacy rights.
Standing Committee’s Concerns
- Technical and Sensitive Nature: The Standing Committee’s report acknowledged that the Bill was technical, complex, and sensitive.
- Addressing Fears: The report recognized and addressed concerns expressed by several members about the potential misuse of DNA technology based on factors like religion, caste, or political views.
Government’s Defense of the Bill
- International Precedents: The government argued that nearly 60 countries have enacted similar legislation, justifying the need for such a law in India.
- Limited Information Storage: The government contended that only a limited set of numbers, just 17 out of the billions that DNA samples can reveal, would be stored in the indices. This information would act as a unique identifier and not reveal any personal details.
Conclusion
- The withdrawal of the Bill marks a pause in the government’s efforts to create a regulatory framework for DNA technology usage.
- The controversies and objections raised highlight the need for a balanced approach.
- The Centre must address concerns over misuse and privacy while harnessing the potential benefits of DNA technology for criminal investigations and other purposes.
Back2Basics: DNA
- DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.
- It is often referred to as the “building blocks of life.”
Key features of DNA include:
- Molecular Structure: DNA is a double-stranded molecule, consisting of two long chains of nucleotides that form a double helix. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
- Base Pairing: The two DNA strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs. Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) always pairs with guanine (G).
- Genetic Code: The sequence of nucleotide bases along the DNA strand constitutes the genetic code, which determines the specific traits and characteristics of an organism.
- Genes: DNA is organized into specific segments called genes, which are responsible for encoding proteins or functional RNA molecules. Proteins play a crucial role in various biological processes, while RNA molecules contribute to gene expression and protein synthesis.
- Replication: DNA has the unique ability to replicate itself through a process called DNA replication. During cell division, the DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.
- Inheritance: DNA is passed from one generation to the next through reproduction, ensuring the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.
- Role in Protein Synthesis: DNA provides the instructions for protein synthesis through a two-step process. First, the information in a gene is transcribed into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. Then, the mRNA is translated by ribosomes in the cell to produce specific proteins.
- Genetic Variation: Mutations, or changes in the DNA sequence, can lead to genetic variation within a species. These variations are essential for evolution and adaptation to changing environments.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India has taken its first step towards introducing Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), a research model widely used in other countries for vaccine and treatment development.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Bioethics Unit has prepared a consensus policy statement open for public comment, addressing the need, benefits, and ethical challenges associated with CHIS.
What is Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)?
- CHIS also known as human challenge trials, are scientific studies conducted to deliberately expose healthy human volunteers to infectious agents under controlled conditions.
- The primary objective of these studies is to gain a better understanding of the pathogens’ behavior, human immune response, and to test potential vaccines, treatments, or preventive measures against the infection.
Key points about Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) include:
- Informed Consent: Volunteers participating in CHIS must provide informed consent, fully understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with their participation.
- Types of Pathogens: CHIS can be used to study various infectious agents, such as viruses (e.g., influenza, dengue, Zika), bacteria (e.g., cholera, typhoid), and parasites (e.g., malaria).
- Vaccine Development: CHIS plays a crucial role in vaccine development by providing controlled environments to assess the efficacy of candidate vaccines and their ability to induce protective immune responses.
- Controversy: The use of CHIS has sparked ethical debates about balancing potential risks to participants against potential benefits to public health.
Ethical Concerns Surrounding CHIS in India
- Delicate Ethical Balance: CHIS is considered ethically sensitive due to concerns about deliberate harm to participants, fair compensation, third-party risks, and withdrawal from the study, and involving vulnerable participants.
- Streamlined Ethics Review: ICMR acknowledges the need for a specialized ethics review process with additional oversight and safeguards to protect study participants.
- Deterrents and Unique Context: Technical, clinical, ethical, and legal challenges deterred India from adopting CHIS earlier, partly influenced by the nation’s unique socio-cultural context.
Potential Benefits of CHIS in India
- High Disease Burden: India faces a significant burden of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, contributing about 30% of the disease burden in the country.
- Novel Insights and Efficiency: CHIS offers unique insights into disease pathogenesis and enables accelerated and cost-effective outcomes with smaller sample sizes compared to large clinical trials.
- Social Value: CHIS can contribute to public health response, healthcare decision-making, policies, economic benefits, improved pandemic preparedness, and community empowerment.
Encouraging Collaboration and Expertise
- Complex Nature of CHIS: ICMR highlights the complexity of CHIS and suggests that collaborations between researchers, institutions, organizations, and countries may be necessary to ensure the right expertise is available.
- Crucial Role in Advancing Scientific Understanding: The ICMR Bioethics Unit’s consensus policy statement aims to address ethical concerns associated with CHIS, acknowledging its potential role in advancing the scientific understanding of infectious diseases and accelerating treatment strategies.
Public Consultation and Future Directions
- Open for Public Consultation: The ICMR’s consensus policy statement on CHIS is open for public consultation until August 16 to gather input from stakeholders and experts.
- Striving for Ethical Research: ICMR emphasizes its commitment to conduct CHIS in India while ensuring ethical principles are upheld and human participants are protected.
Conclusion
- The introduction of CHIS in India is a significant step towards advancing medical research and finding cost-effective solutions for infectious diseases.
- Public consultation and expert collaborations will help shape the future direction of CHIS research in India and contribute to scientific progress and improved healthcare outcomes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 13th Amendment Provisions
Mains level: Tamil Minority issue in Sri Lanka
Central Idea
- PM Modi’s recent call for Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to implement the 13th Amendment has stirred controversy within the political landscape.
- The ruling party led by President Wickremesinghe, rejected the prospect, arguing that the President lacked the mandate for it.
- Not much earlier, President Wickremesinghe had promised that the Sri Lankan government will “fully implement” the 13th Amendment.
Tamil issue in Sri Lanka
- Violent persecution against the Tamil population erupted in the form of the 1956, 1958, 1977, 1981, and 1983 anti-Tamil pogroms in Sri Lanka.
- Over 13 years since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war, in which tens of thousands of civilians were killed and disappeared, survivors continue demanding justice and accountability for war-time crimes.
- In the post-war years, Sri Lanka’s human rights defenders have frequently flagged concerns over persisting militarisation, especially in the Tamil-majority north and east; repression, and the shrinking space for dissent.
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What is the 13th Amendment?
- It is an outcome of the Indo-Lanka Accord of July 1987, signed by the then PM Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayawardene, in an attempt to resolve the ethnic conflict and civil war.
- The 13th Amendment led to the creation of Provincial Councils and assured a power-sharing arrangement to enable all nine provinces in the country, including Sinhala majority areas, to self-govern.
- Subjects such as education, health, agriculture, housing, land and police are devolved to the provincial administrations.
- Sinhala nationalists have resisted the full implementation of the 13th Amendment since its inception over 35 years ago.
Challenges to Full Implementation
- Historic Demand: Sri Lanka’s Tamil polity maintains that even full implementation of the 13th Amendment falls short of addressing the historic demand for the right to self-determination.
- Unfulfilled Promises: Successive governments have promised to implement the 13th Amendment fully but have failed to do so, further deepening the contentious issue.
- UN Human Rights Council Resolution: The UNHRC resolution adopted in October 2022 urged Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitments on devolving political authority for reconciliation and the enjoyment of human rights for all citizens.
Why is it contentious?
- The 13th Amendment carries considerable baggage from the country’s civil war years.
- It was opposed vociferously by both Sinhala nationalist parties and the LTTE.
- The opposition within Sri Lanka saw the Accord and the consequent legislation as an imprint of Indian intervention.
- It was widely perceived as an imposition by a neighbour wielding hegemonic influence.
- The Tamil polity, especially its dominant nationalist strain, does not find the 13th Amendment sufficient in its ambit or substance.
- However, some find it an important starting point, something to build upon.
India’s reservations
- Because of restrictions on financial powers and overriding powers given to the President, the provincial administrations have not made much headway.
- In particular, the provisions relating to police and land have never been implemented.
Significance of 13A
- To date, the Amendment represents the only constitutional provision on the settlement of the long-pending Tamil question.
- In addition to assuring a measure of devolution, it is considered part of the few significant gains since the 1980s, in the face of growing Sinhala-Buddhist majoritarianism.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Statistical Organisation (NSO)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has appointed a panel to review the methodology of the National Statistical Organisation (NSO).
- This step comes amid discussions regarding the accuracy of national surveys such as the National Sample Survey (NSS), National Family Health Survey (NFHS), and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
About National Statistical Office (NSO)
Historical Background:
- The NSO was established in 1950 as the Central Statistical Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Planning.
- It was later renamed the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 1970 and subsequently became the NSO in 2019.
- Over the years, it has evolved to become the primary statistical agency in India.
Organizational Structure:
- The NSO consists of several divisions and units responsible for different statistical functions.
- These include the Survey Design and Research Division, Field Operations Division, Data Processing Division, National Accounts Division, Price Statistics Division, and Social Statistics Division, among others.
Key organizations under NSO: Central Statistical Office (CSO)
- The CSO is a part of the NSO and focuses on macroeconomic statistics and national income accounting.
- It is responsible for producing key economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
Important Surveys Conducted:
- Population Census: The NSO conducts a decennial Population Census in collaboration with the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. The census collects data on population size, composition, and other demographic characteristics.
- National Sample Survey (NSS): The NSS is a large-scale household survey conducted by the NSO to collect data on various socio-economic aspects. It provides valuable information on employment, consumer expenditure, poverty, education, health, and other important indicators.
- Economic Census: The NSO conducts the Economic Census periodically to collect data on the number of business establishments, their distribution across sectors and regions, employment, and other relevant economic variables.
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI): The ASI is conducted by the NSO to collect data on the performance and structure of the industrial sector in India. It covers various aspects such as employment, wages, production, and financial indicators.
- Agricultural Census: The NSO conducts the Agricultural Census periodically to collect comprehensive data on agricultural holdings, cropping patterns, land use, irrigation, livestock, and other relevant agricultural variables.
- Health and Morbidity Survey: The NSO conducts surveys on health and morbidity to gather data on healthcare utilization, access to healthcare services, prevalence of diseases, and other health-related indicators.
Why under review?
- Concerns about Methodology: Experts argue that the usage of outdated survey methodology in national surveys may have systematically underestimated India’s development.
- Narrower capture of data: The dynamic nature of the Indian economy over the last 30 years might not be adequately captured.
- Different Perspectives: While some experts believe there is no systematic underestimation of development by these surveys, they acknowledge the presence of errors that should be minimized.
- Role of National Data: Accurate national-level data is crucial for research, policymaking, and development planning.
Focus on NFHS Data
- Crucial development data: The National Family Health Survey provides vital data on health and family welfare indicators.
- Claims of Bias: Some experts suggest that national surveys, including NFHS, may exhibit a “rural bias” in representation, leading to an underestimation of India’s development.
- Issue of Error and Random Bias: While errors in population estimations have occurred in some rounds, they appear to be random rather than systematic.
Minimizing Errors in Data Collection
- Improving Response Rates: Efforts to increase response rates in both rural and urban areas can lead to more accurate data.
- Importance of Sample Weights: Proper assignment of sample weights can significantly improve the accuracy of estimations and correct any underrepresentation of rural or urban populations.
Recommendations for the Review Panel:
- Addressing Concerns: The review panel should focus on ensuring that the samples are adequately representative rather than proposing a complete overhaul of survey methodologies.
- Correcting Bias Where It Exists: While addressing any perceived biases, the panel should aim to eliminate bias where it genuinely exists without introducing new biases in policymaking and planning.
Conclusion
- Accurate data serves as the bedrock of progress and development in the country.
- Reviewing the methodology of national surveys is vital to ensure accurate and representative data for India’s development.
- Striking the right balance between addressing concerns and minimizing errors will lead to more informed decision-making and policy formulation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Present status of forests in India, Forest Conservation Amendment Bill, 2023, key provisions
Mains level: Importance of preserving forests, Forest Conservation Amendment Bill, 2023,concerns and way forward
What’s the news?
- Recently, a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) gave its endorsement to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, which seeks to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The proposed amendments have attracted objections and controversy, raising concerns.
Central idea
- Since the early 1970s, growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by human activities has led to an understanding of its impact on our lives. Disastrous events, such as wildfires, extreme weather conditions and the loss of biodiversity, have adversely affected billions of people worldwide. In response, numerous multilateral environmental agreements and policies have been established to reverse these trends.
What is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023?
- The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill is a proposed legislation aimed at amending the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 in India.
- The proposed amendments seek to address certain issues and introduce changes to enhance forest conservation efforts and promote sustainable development.
Background: Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, was enacted to protect the country’s forests and empower the central government to regulate the extraction of forest resources, including timber, bamboo, coal, and minerals, by industries and forest-dwelling communities.
- Prior to the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act, extensive deforestation and diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes were prevalent.
- From 1951 to 1975, approximately four million hectares of forest land were diverted. However, since the Act came into effect, from 1980 to 2023, only around one million hectares have been diverted.
Analysis: Proposed Amendments and Their Implications
- Reclassification of Forest Areas:
- The proposed amendment restricts the Forest Conservation Act’s application to only areas officially declared as forest after October 25, 1980, which may invalidate the expansive interpretation provided by the Supreme Court’s 1996 judgment.
- Potentially, this could lead to thousands of square kilometers of forests losing legal protection, putting 27.62 percent of India’s forest cover at risk.
- Exemptions for Projects Near Border Areas and Security Purposes:
- The amendment proposes to eliminate the requirement of forest clearances for security-related infrastructure within 100 km of international borders.
- While national security is important, ecological security plays an equally critical role in safeguarding citizens’ well-being. Fast-tracking without environmental appraisal could lead to irreversible damage to ecologically significant ecosystems in these regions.
- Exemptions for Zoos, Safari Parks, and Ecotourism Activities:
- Granting exemptions for zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism activities may result in the destruction of natural ecosystems, which are vital in buffering against climate change-induced weather patterns.
- Instead, conservation centers should be established away from forested areas, and ecotourism projects should undergo thorough environmental assessments to prevent adverse impacts.
- Disempowering Local Communities:
- The proposal to exempt a vast number of projects from the clearance process would deprive forest-dwelling communities of their right to be consulted.
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, mandates obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from local communities through gram sabhas.
- By bypassing this process, the proposed amendment undermines the rights of forest-dwelling tribal people and others.
Challenges in forest conservation in India
- Inadequate Forest Cover: With only 21 percent of India’s land area having forest cover and a mere 12.37 percent being intact natural forest, meeting the target of 33 percent forest cover poses a significant challenge.
- Decline in Northeastern Forests: The northeastern states, known for their biodiversity richness, have experienced a net decline of 3,199 sq km of forest cover from 2009 to 2019, further exacerbating the forest conservation challenge.
Why should protecting India’s forests be a part of national security?
- Ecological Security: Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and stability, providing essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
- Climate Change Mitigation: By safeguarding forests, India can contribute significantly to global efforts in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water Security: Forests act as natural watersheds, regulating water flow and ensuring the replenishment of groundwater, thereby securing a sustainable water supply.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting forests is vital for maintaining ecological resilience and preserving unique plant and animal species.
- Livelihoods and Food Security: Millions of people, especially tribal communities, depend on forests for their livelihoods, food, and cultural practices.
- Prevention of Conflict: Protecting forests near international borders can help prevent conflicts related to resource disputes and cross-border activities.
- National Economy and Resources: Forests contribute significantly to the national economy through industries like timber and non-timber forest products.
- Health and Well-being: Access to green spaces and forests promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces stress, benefiting public health.
Way forward: key steps and strategies to consider
- Strengthen Implementation of Existing Laws: Rather than introducing new amendments, focus on enhancing the implementation of existing laws, such as the Forest Act, 1980, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Act, 2006. Effective enforcement and monitoring of these laws can lead to better protection of forests and the rights of local communities.
- Maintain a Broader Interpretation of Forest: Uphold the Supreme Court’s interpretation of forest as encompassing all forests, regardless of official declarations. This will ensure the continued legal protection of ecologically sensitive areas, preventing the loss of forests due to reclassification.
- Preserve Ecologically Important Areas: Avoid exempting projects near border areas and for security purposes from forest clearances, especially in ecologically significant regions like the northeastern states. Maintain a balance between national security concerns and ecological security.
- Review Exemptions for Development Projects: Reassess the exemptions for zoos, safari parks, and ecotourism activities. Develop guidelines and criteria for ecotourism projects that prioritize environmental conservation and minimize negative impacts.
- Ensure Transparent Decision-Making: Eliminate the provision allowing the central government to exempt clearances for any other purposes to avoid potential misuse, and ensure transparent and accountable decision-making in all projects.
- Empower Local Communities: Uphold the rights of forest-dwelling communities by actively involving them in decision-making processes. Obtain free, prior, and informed consent through gram sabhas before implementing any projects on forest lands.
- Raise Public Awareness: Educate the public about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. Create awareness campaigns to garner public support for sustainable forest management and protection.
- Research and Science-Based Conservation: Support scientific research on forest ecosystems and their functions. Utilize scientific evidence to inform conservation policies and strategies.
Conclusion
- While the preamble of the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill, 2023, outlines commendable goals, the proposed amendments themselves appear to contradict these objectives. It is essential to prioritize environmental protection and consider the long-term consequences of such amendments on India’s natural ecosystems and the well-being of its citizens. To safeguard our environment for future generations, it is crucial to avoid any changes that weaken existing protective measures.
Also read:
Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Bill and the Forests rights
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Concepts of gig economy, gig workers and Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill,
Mains level: Gig economy, Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, significance, concerns a way forward
What’s the news?
- The Rajasthan Assembly on Monday passed the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, without a debate amid uproar by the opposition members in the House.
Central Idea
- The Rajasthan government has taken a significant stride towards safeguarding the interests of gig workers with the passage of the Rajasthan Gig Workers Bill, 2023. This groundbreaking legislation, the first of its kind, seeks to establish a Welfare Board and a dedicated welfare fund, ensuring social security measures for platform-based gig workers in the state.
Definition of gig Workers?
- The bill defines gig workers as individuals who perform work or participate in work arrangements outside the traditional employer-employee relationship. These workers earn from such activities and typically work on a contract that outlines specific terms and conditions, including piece-rate work.
- Gig workers are often associated with the gig economy, which is characterized by a flexible and on-demand labor market. They may work in various sectors, including ride-hailing, food delivery, online freelancing, home services, and other platform-based services.
Key features of the bill
- Applicability: The bill applies to both aggregators, which are digital intermediaries connecting buyers and sellers, and primary employers, encompassing individuals or organizations that engage platform-based workers.
- Formation of Welfare Board: A crucial aspect of the legislation is the establishment of a Welfare Board, chaired by the minister in charge of the Labour Department. The Board will consist of nominated members, with at least one-third representing women. It will be responsible for overseeing and implementing welfare measures for platform-based gig workers in the state.
- Registration and Unique ID: The Welfare Board will ensure the registration of both platform-based gig workers and aggregators operating within the state. Each gig worker will receive a Unique ID applicable across all platforms, streamlining access to various welfare schemes and benefits.
- Social Security and Welfare Fund: To support registered gig workers, the state government will create The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund. This dedicated fund will be utilized to provide social security benefits to gig workers, enhancing their financial protection.
- Welfare Fee Deduction Mechanism: Aggregators will be responsible for contributing to the welfare fund by deducting a welfare fee from each transaction related to platform-based gig workers. The fee will be based on a percentage of the transaction value, ensuring a sustainable funding mechanism for gig workers welfare.
- Access to Social Security Benefits: The Bill guarantees gig workers access to various social security benefits formulated by the state government. These benefits are intended to offer financial protection and support to gig workers during times of need, such as accidental insurance and health insurance.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Gig workers will have the right to present grievances related to entitlements, payments, and benefits offered under the Act. A robust grievance redressal mechanism will be put in place to address these concerns and ensure timely resolutions.
- Representation in Decision-Making: Gig workers will have a voice in decisions impacting their welfare through representation on the Welfare Board. This provision ensures that the interests of gig workers are taken into account when formulating policies and programs.
- Compliance and Fines: Aggregators are mandated to comply with the provisions of the Act and the rules set forth by the Welfare Board. Failure to adhere to these regulations may lead to fines imposed by the state government. For the first contravention, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh may be imposed, and for subsequent contraventions, the fine may extend up to Rs 50 lakh.
Concerns raised over the bill
- Vague Terminologies: Labor unions have objected to the use of vague terminologies in the bill, fearing that they may create loopholes for companies and aggregators. The lack of clarity in definitions and language could potentially weaken the protection provided to gig workers.
- Funding Mechanism: Labor unions have expressed concerns about gig workers being required to contribute to the welfare fund. They argue that the funding burden should primarily fall on aggregator companies and State funds due to the fluctuating and inadequate nature of gig workers’ pay.
- Scope of Social Security Benefits: The bill’s limited mention of social security benefits, primarily focusing on accidental insurance and health insurance, has been criticized. Labor unions recommend a comprehensive list of benefits to ensure adequate coverage for gig workers.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the grievance redressal mechanism outlined in the bill. Reports of ineffective redressal mechanisms for gig workers have raised doubts about their efficacy.
- Definition of Gig Workers: Some stakeholders have questioned the scope of the bill’s definition of gig workers, as there may be other forms of gig workers not covered under the defined criteria.
- Rights Recognition: While the bill improves on the eligibility criteria compared to existing labor laws, critics argue that gig workers may not be fully recognized as employees entitled to certain labor rights.
- Implementation Challenges: The successful implementation of the bill relies on the effectiveness of the Welfare Board and State government in ensuring seamless registration, representation, and benefit distribution to gig workers.
Way forward
- Addressing Concerns: Hold consultations with labor unions and stakeholders to clarify ambiguous terms and ensure a more equitable funding mechanism for the welfare fund.
- Comprehensive Social Security Benefits: Expand benefits to include disability coverage, maternity benefits, and retirement benefits, in addition to accidental and health insurance.
- Strengthening Grievance Redressal: Establish a responsive mechanism for prompt resolution of disputes between gig workers and aggregators.
- Empowering the Welfare Board: Provide adequate resources and authority to the Welfare Board for effective implementation and decision-making.
- Periodic Review and Feedback: Conduct regular evaluations to assess the bill’s impact and seek feedback from gig workers, labor unions, and aggregators.
- Awareness and Outreach: Organize awareness campaigns to educate gig workers about their rights and entitlements.
- Transparent Implementation: Ensure transparency in registration, benefit distribution, and fund utilization.
- Collaborative Approach: Foster collaboration among government departments, labor unions, aggregators, and gig worker representatives for an inclusive framework.
Conclusion
- The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023, sets a notable precedent for acknowledging the significance of gig workers and their rights in the Indian workforce. While the legislation addresses various aspects related to the welfare and social security of gig workers, there remains room for refinement and further expansion of benefits to ensure their overall well-being and empowerment.
Also read:
Rajasthan minimum income Bill: provisions, what makes it unique
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