Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RoDTEP Scheme, SEZ, EoU
Mains level: NA
In the news
- In a significant move aimed at bolstering India’s export sector, the Centre recently announced the extension of tax refunds under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme to outbound shipments from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs).
About RoDTEP Scheme
- Introduced by the Government as a duty remission scheme on exports, implemented from 1st January 2021.
- Aimed at repealing and reducing taxes for exported products to boost exports in the country.
- Administered by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
- Provides reimbursement of taxes, duties, and levies not refunded under any other mechanism, incurred by export entities in the manufacturing and distribution of exported products.
- Includes direct costs incurred by exporters and prior stage cumulative indirect taxes on goods.
Compliance with the WTO
- Follows the global principle that taxes/duties should not be exported.
- Replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Schemes (MEIS) after a WTO dispute ruling against India.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicable to all export sectors regardless of turnover, with the country of manufacturing of exported goods in India.
- Applies to merchant or manufacturer exporters directly exporting goods.
- Goods exported through e-commerce platforms are eligible.
Refund process
- Rebate provided to eligible exporters as a percentage of the Freight on Board (FOB) value of exports.
- Remission issued as transferrable e-scrips maintained in an electronic credit ledger by CBIC.
- E-scrips can be used for paying basic customs duty on imports or transferred electronically to another party.
Back2Basics:
(1) Export Oriented Units (EOUs)
|
Details |
| Establishment |
EOUs are established under the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Export Import Policy. |
| Regulation |
Regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) |
| Benefits |
- Duty-free procurement of raw materials.
- Reimbursement of GST and duty on fuels.
- Fast track clearance facilities.
- Exemption from industrial licensing for certain sectors.
|
| Qualification |
Project must have a minimum investment of Rs. 1 crore in plant and machinery, except for specific sectors like software technology parts and biotechnology parks. |
| Geographical Scope |
EOUs can be set up anywhere in India based on scheme criteria. |
| Comparison with SEZs |
- SEZs are demarcated enclaves outside Customs jurisdiction.
- SEZs enjoy tax exemptions, while EOUs pay taxes that can be claimed as refunds later.
|
(2) Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
|
Details |
| Inception Date |
SEZ policy in India was first implemented on April 1, 2000. |
| Objective |
- Enhance foreign investment and provide an internationally competitive and hassle-free environment for exports.
- Promote exports and ensure a level playing field for domestic enterprises.
|
| SEZ Act 2005 |
Enacted to provide the legal framework covering all important aspects of SEZ development and operations. |
| Setting up SEZs |
- Any private/public/joint sector, state government, or its agencies can establish an SEZ.
- Foreign agencies can also set up SEZs in India.
|
| Role of State Governments |
- State government representatives are consulted during the proposal consideration phase.
- States must ensure the availability of basic infrastructure like water and electricity before recommending proposals.
|
| Government Control |
- Statutory functions are controlled by the government in all SEZs.
- The central government controls operation and maintenance in central government-controlled SEZs; the rest are privatized.
|
| Exemption from Labor Laws |
- SEZs are subject to normal labor laws enforced by state governments.
- A single-window clearance mechanism and simplified procedures/returns have been requested from state governments.
|
| Monitoring Units in SEZs |
Annually by a unit approval committee consisting of a development commissioner, customs, and state government representatives. |
| Special Features for Business Units |
- Business units in SEZs are entitled to incentives and a simplified operating environment.
- No license is required for imports, including second-hand machinery.
|
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:
Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IndiaAI
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the IndiaAI Mission marks a pivotal step towards harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for national development.
- With a significant financial outlay and multifaceted objectives, this mission aims to bolster India’s AI capabilities across various sectors, fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges.
What is IndiaAI Mission?
- Objectives: Launched under the auspices of the Digital India Corporation (DIC), the IndiaAI Mission seeks to establish a robust AI ecosystem conducive to innovation and growth.
- Key Initiatives: From enhancing computing infrastructure to promoting AI applications in critical sectors like healthcare and governance, the mission encompasses diverse initiatives aimed at fostering AI-driven solutions.
- Public-Private Partnership: Leveraging a public-private partnership model, the mission endeavours to synergize governmental resources with private sector expertise, ensuring effective implementation and scalability.
Core Pillars of IndiaAI Mission
- IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Building scalable AI computing infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of AI startups and research endeavours.
- IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Spearheading the development and deployment of indigenous AI models tailored to specific sectors’ needs.
- IndiaAI Datasets Platform: Facilitating access to high-quality datasets to fuel AI innovation and research.
- IndiaAI Application Development Initiative: Promoting the application of AI solutions to address challenges in critical sectors.
- IndiaAI FutureSkills: Fostering AI talent by expanding educational programs and training initiatives at various academic levels.
- IndiaAI Startup Financing: Supporting deep-tech AI startups through streamlined funding mechanisms to drive innovation.
- Safe & Trusted AI: Ensuring responsible AI deployment through the development of indigenous tools and frameworks.
Strategic Significance
- National Development Agenda: The IndiaAI Mission aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging technology for inclusive growth and development.
- Global Competitiveness: By showcasing India’s prowess in AI innovation and application, the mission enhances the country’s global standing and competitiveness.
- Economic Impetus: By fostering AI-driven entrepreneurship and innovation, the mission catalyzes economic growth and job creation, leveraging India’s demographic dividend.
- Regulatory Landscape: While fostering innovation, the mission underscores the need for responsible AI governance and regulatory frameworks to address ethical and safety concerns.
Integration with National Policy
- Comprehensive Approach: The IndiaAI Mission complements existing national initiatives, such as the Digital India campaign and efforts to boost electronics manufacturing.
- Strategic Alignment: The mission’s focus on AI infrastructure and talent development aligns with broader policy objectives aimed at fostering a conducive ecosystem for technology-driven innovation.
- International Parallels: The government’s approach mirrors global trends, with other nations also prioritizing AI development and regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with safety and ethics.
Challenges and Regulatory Considerations
- Navigating Regulatory Landscape: While promoting AI innovation, policymakers must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to ensure ethical AI deployment and safeguard against potential risks.
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Striking a balance between fostering innovation and implementing regulatory safeguards remains a critical challenge for policymakers globally.
- Lessons from International Models: Drawing insights from international models, India can devise a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while upholding ethical and safety standards.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the IndiaAI Mission heralds a new era of AI-driven innovation and development in India, offering a strategic roadmap to harness the transformative potential of AI for societal benefit.
- By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors and prioritizing talent development, this mission underscores India’s commitment to emerging as a global leader in AI innovation while navigating regulatory challenges to ensure responsible and ethical AI deployment.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sacred Groves, Orans
Mains level: NA
In the news
- A recent state government notification has struck fear in Rajasthan community dwellers about losing access to forest produce and livelihoods.
- Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify Oran, Dev-vans and Rundhs (sacred groves) as deemed forests.
What are Sacred Groves?
- Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
- It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
- Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
- The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.
Historical references
- Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
- Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
- Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
- Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
- There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana
Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves
- Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
- Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
- NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
- Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.
Threats to such grooves
- Threats to the groves include urbanization and over-exploitation of resources.
- While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.
Total grooves in India
- Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
- Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
- They are called by different names in different states:
- Sarna in Bihar
- Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
- Devarakadu in Karnataka
- Kavu in Kerala
- Dev in Madhya Pradesh
- Devarahati or Devarai in Maharashtra
- Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
- Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu in Tamil Nadu
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Women's Day
Mains level: NA
In the news
- March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global observance celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
- Rooted in historical movements for women’s rights, IWD serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:
Q. What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? |
International Women’s Day: It’s Origin
- First National Woman’s Day: The precursor to IWD dates back to February 28, 1909, when the Socialist Party of America designated this day to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York City, where women demanded better working conditions and voting rights.
- First Wave Feminism: These protests were part of the broader First Wave Feminist movement, advocating for women’s suffrage, equal pay, and fundamental rights.
- Global Initiatives: The call for an International Women’s Day gained momentum at the Second International Conference of Working Women in 1910, where Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of a global day of celebration to press for women’s demands.
Historical Milestones
- Russian Influence: March 8 gained prominence globally due to protests by Russian women on February 23, 1917 (according to the Julian calendar), demanding an end to war and food shortages. This date aligned with March 8 on the Gregorian calendar, becoming the symbolic date for IWD celebrations.
- Role in Russian Revolution: Women’s participation in the 1917 protests played a pivotal role in galvanizing public opinion against the monarchy, ultimately leading to the Russian Revolution and the establishment of a communist state.
- Global Recognition: Over the years, IWD has garnered international recognition, with governments and organizations commemorating the day to honor women’s contributions to society and advocate for gender equality.
Evolution and Contemporary Significance
- Continued Advocacy: Despite progress, challenges persist, necessitating ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality.
- Global Celebration: IWD serves as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and address areas needing improvement, such as leadership representation and gender-based violence.
- Policy and Recognition: Governments and organizations worldwide recognize IWD’s importance, with initiatives like Women’s History Month emphasizing women’s contributions throughout history.
- Ongoing Struggle: The fight for gender equality continues, reaffirming the significance of IWD as a rallying point for collective action and solidarity.
Conclusion
- International Women’s Day is a testament to women’s resilience and activism throughout history.
- From its grassroots origins to its global recognition today, IWD embodies the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender parity.
- As the world celebrates the achievements of women past, present, and future, IWD serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable world.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CREA
Mains level: Air pollution woes
In the news
- The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently released data shedding light on air pollution levels across urban centers in India during February 2024.
- Surprisingly, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted ‘city’ in the nation, sparking concerns about air quality in the otherwise cleaner Northeast region.
About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
- CREA is a non-profit think tank researching energy and air pollution based in Helsinki (Finland).
- It was established in 2019 with the goal of tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.
Key Insights
(1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE
- Pollution Pinnacle: Byrnihat, an industrial town near the Assam border, recorded the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in India, with a monthly average concentration of 183 µg/m3.
- Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in Bihar’s Araria, the second-most polluted city, highlighting the severity of pollution in the former.
- Northeastern Representation: Other northeastern cities such as Nalbari, Agartala, Guwahati, and Nagaon also featured among the 30 most polluted cities in India, indicating a broader regional trend of worsening pollution levels.
(2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities
- Positive Performers: Sivasagar, Silchar, Aizawl, and Imphal emerged as the cleanest cities in the region, with PM2.5 concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
- National Rankings: Sivasagar secured the second position nationally, underscoring its exemplary air quality standards.
(3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities
- Positive Trends: February witnessed a notable improvement in air quality, with 36 cities classified under the ‘good’ category, reflecting positive strides in pollution mitigation efforts.
- Opportunities for Progress: The data signals opportunities for collaborative action and policy interventions to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health.
Implications and Recommendations
- Monitoring Imperative: The data underscores the urgent need to enhance air quality monitoring infrastructure in the northeastern states to effectively track pollution levels.
- Environmental Concerns: Unregulated industrial operations, inadequate public transportation, rampant construction, and other factors contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the region, necessitating stringent regulatory measures.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nominated Members to Rajya Sabha
Mains level: Women Empowerment
What is the news?
- Noted author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India on International Women’s Day.
Nominated Members to Rajya Sabha
- 12 members are nominated to the RS by the President of India for six-year term.
- This is for their contributions towards arts, literature, sciences, and social services.
- This right has been bestowed upon the President according to the Fourth Schedule under Articles 4(1) and 80(2) of the Constitution of India.
Normal composition
- The present strength is 245 members of whom 233 are representatives of the states and UTs and 12 are nominated by the President.
- The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every second year.
Constitutional provisions for nominated members
- 80(1)(a) of the Constitution of India makes provision for the nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India under provisions of Article 80(3).
- 80(3) says that the persons to be nominated as members must possess special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as the following namely: Literature, science, art and social service.
Powers and privileges of such members
- A nominated member enjoys all the powers and privileges and immunities available to an elected Member of Parliament.
- They take part in the proceedings of the House as any other member.
- Nominated members are however not entitled to vote in an election of the President of India.
- They however have rights to vote in the vice presidential election.
- As per Article 99 of the Constitution, a nominated member is allowed six months’ time should he join a political party.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2013:
Consider the following statements:
- The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
- While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Post your answers here.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNNATI Scheme
Mains level: NER Development
In the news
- The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) Scheme, 2024.
What is the UNNATI Scheme?
- The UNNATI is a significant initiative aimed at fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities in the North East Region of India.
- With a focus on promoting manufacturing and services sectors, the scheme aims to stimulate economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of the region.
Objectives
- Employment Generation: UNNATI aims to create productive economic activities that generate gainful employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the North East Region.
- Industrial Development: The scheme seeks to encourage the establishment of industries and the expansion of existing ones, fostering growth and development across various sectors.
Expenditure Allocation
- UNNATI will operate as a Central Sector Scheme, with funds allocated for both incentives to eligible units (Part A) and implementation and institutional arrangements (Part B).
- Part A of the scheme will receive Rs. 9,737 crores, while Rs. 300 crores will be allocated for Part B.
Salient Features
- Scheme Period: Effective from the date of Notification until March 31, 2034, along with 8 years of committed liabilities.
- Commencement of Production: Eligible industrial units must commence production or operation within 4 years from the grant of registration.
- Categorization of Districts: Districts are categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) and Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) to ensure targeted development.
- Funds Allocation: 60% of Part A outlay is earmarked for the 8 North Eastern states, while the remaining 40% follows a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.
- Eligibility: New and expanding industrial units are eligible for incentives under the scheme.
Implementation and Oversight
- The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will oversee the implementation of UNNATI.
- National and state-level committees, including the Steering Committee and State Level Committee, will monitor implementation, ensure transparency, and facilitate the registration and claims process for incentives.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now