Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VVPATs, EVM
Mains level: Limitation and significance of EVM
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
What is the history of the Voting Process?
- First two General Elections: In the Elections of 1952 and 1957, a separate box was placed for each candidate with their election symbol. Voters had to drop a blank ballot paper into the box of the candidate whom they wanted to vote for.
- Third Election: In the third election, the ballot paper with names of candidates and their symbols was introduced with voters putting a stamp on the candidate of their choice.
- Introduction of EVM in Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2004 general elections to the Lok Sabha, EVMs were used in all 543 constituencies.
- Global Scenario:
- Many Western democracies, including England, France, The Netherlands, and the United States, have opted to continue using paper ballots for their National or Federal Elections instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Some countries have discontinued the use of EVMs after trials over the past two decades. For example, Germany’s Supreme Court declared the use of EVMs in elections unconstitutional in 2009.
Significance of EVM:
- Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs have significantly reduced the likelihood of booth capturing, a practice where unauthorized individuals seize control of polling booths to manipulate votes.
- Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs have effectively eliminated invalid votes, which were a common issue with paper ballots.
- Environmental Sustainability: With a large electorate size like India’s, which is close to one billion, the use of EVMs contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the consumption of paper.
- Administrative Convenience: EVMs provide administrative convenience for polling officers on the day of the poll. They simplify the voting process, making it easier for voters to cast their ballots and for officials to manage polling stations efficiently.
Limitations on using EVM:
- Susceptibility to Hacking Allegations: Despite assurances from electoral authorities, doubts have been raised about the security of EVMs, with concerns that they may be vulnerable to hacking due to their electronic nature.
- Limited Sample Size for VVPAT Verification: The current practice of verifying the EVM count with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips has a small sample size of only five per assembly constituency/segment.
- Identification of Polling Behavior: The process of matching EVM counts with VVPAT slips at the booth level allows for the identification of polling behavior by various political parties. This information could potentially be used for profiling voters and intimidation, undermining the secrecy and fairness of the electoral process.
Way Forward:
- Enhancing Transparency and Comprehensibility: In a transparent democracy, citizens should be able to understand and verify the election process without requiring specialized technical knowledge.
- Scientific Sampling for EVM-VVPAT Matching: Rather than a 100% match, the sample for matching the EVM count with VVPAT slips should be determined scientifically, possibly by dividing each state into large regions as suggested by experts.
- Error Resolution: In case any error is detected, the VVPAT slips for the concerned region should be fully counted, forming the basis for results. This would instill statistically significant confidence in the counting process.
Mains PYQ
Q In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Status of Gas based plants in India; Section 11 (Electricity Act, 2003);
Mains level: Significance of Gas-Based Plants;
Why in the News?
- The Central government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, of 2003 to all gas-based generating stations to ensure Maximum Power Generation.
- This section empowers the Central/state government to specify the operation of generating stations in extraordinary circumstances.
Why India Needs Gas-based Plants?
- Electricity Demand in India: India faces a surge in electricity demand, especially during the upcoming summer season. The government has instructed gas-based power plants to commence operations to address this demand surge.
- Optimizing Power Availability: The directive aims to optimize power availability from gas-based generating stations during the anticipated high-demand period, similar to measures taken for imported-coal-based power plants.
- Ideal Transitioning Fuel: Gas-based power plants can be an ideal transition fuel for the shift from coal-based generation to renewable energy in the Indian power sector. They can provide the necessary flexibility and reliability to the grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
- Targets: The Indian government has set a target of increasing the share of non-fossil fuel, especially renewables, in power generation to 50% by 2030, and gas-based power plants can play a crucial role in achieving this target.
Challenges in building Gas-based Infrastructure:
- Underutilized Capacity: Despite having considerable capacity, gas-based generating stations remain underutilized, primarily due to commercial considerations.
- Non-availability of Affordable Fuel: India’s gas-based power plants are either stranded or operating at sub-optimal levels due to the non-availability of affordable fuel
- Lack of Domestic Gas Supply: The limited domestic gas supply has forced gas-based power producers to depend on LNG to meet their fuel needs, but the high cost of LNG has increased the variable cost of power, making it difficult to schedule in merit order dispatch
- Dependence on Imports: With barely half of the current gas consumption coming from local production, dependence on gas-based power plants can only be interim and not a long-term solution.
Initiatives taken by the Government:
- Setting up biogas plants: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, launched the Biogas program to set up biogas plants for various applications, including power generation.
- Use of gas-based power for peaking and balancing: The government will use some gas-based power to meet the country’s peaking and balancing needs during the summer of 2024.
- Increasing gas-based power generation: The government wants the share of gas-based power to rise to 15% of India’s total installed power generation capacity.
Way forward:
- Diversification of fuel sources: Encourage the exploration and development of domestic gas reserves to reduce reliance on imported gas and mitigate price volatility.
- Investment in infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for transporting gas efficiently across the country to ensure a steady and reliable supply to power plants.
- Policy support: Provide long-term policy certainty and incentives for investment in gas-based power generation, including tax breaks, subsidies, and assured purchase agreements.
Mains PYQ
Q Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Bond;
Mains level: FIIs; Green Bonds; Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022);
Why in the News?
On April 5 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
- These are the investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and nation-states’ sovereign wealth funds.
What is the Sovereign Green Bond?
- It is a type of bond issued by a government to finance projects and expenditures that have a positive environmental impact and are aligned with sustainability goals.
- These bonds are specifically earmarked for funding green projects, assets, and expenditures that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate objectives.
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Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds?
- For attracting Foreign Investments: By allowing FIIs to invest in green bonds, India attracts foreign capital into its green projects.
- For Widening the Pool of Capital: Allowing FIIs to invest in India’s green projects expands the sources of funding available for the country’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources to 50%.
- For Meeting Climate Commitments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 to reduce India’s carbon emission by 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.
- For Diversification of Investments: FIIs are looking to diversify their portfolios and seek opportunities in green investments due to regulatory support, particularly in developed countries.
- India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022), addresses concerns about greenwashing by providing a credible framework for green investments.
Limitation For Govt. of India:
- Limited credibility of projects: The absence of specific regulations for green bonds leaves investors unable to assess the financial risk associated with the projects.
- Higher costs of issuing: The high cost of issuing green bonds in India poses a challenge for the market. Green bonds are initially costly but provide long-term cost savings.
- Greenwashing may not be resolved: Greenwashing, which is the deceptive promotion of a company’s eco-friendly image, is prevalent in the green bond industry. Some bonds are labeled as “green” despite not meeting the specified criteria.
Way Forward:
- Establish Clear Regulations: The government should establish clear and stringent regulations for green bonds, outlining specific criteria for eligible projects.
- Enhance Project Credibility: Implement mechanisms for independent verification and certification of green projects to ensure their credibility.
- Lower Issuance Costs: Explore options to reduce the issuance costs of green bonds, such as providing incentives or subsidies to issuers.
BACK2BASICS:
About India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework:
- It was first announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, where the proceeds of these green bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure.
- It was aimed to mobilize Rs 16,000 crore through the issuance of Green Bonds in the fiscal ending of March 2023.
How they are issued?
- The Finance Ministry will, each year, inform the RBI about spending on green projects for which the funds raised through these bonds will be used.
- Green Bonds will be issued through a Uniform Price Auction (a public sale in which a fixed number of similar things are sold at the same price).
What is the Eligibility for Repurchase Transactions (Repo)?
- SGrBs will be eligible for Repurchase Transactions (Repo).
- SGrBs will also be reckoned as eligible investments for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
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Mains PYQ
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII); United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC);
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- The 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, commenced on April 15 in New York.
- It focuses on the pressing need to accelerate the recognition and protection of Indigenous Territories (ITs) worldwide.
About UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII):
|
Details |
| What is it? |
- One of three UN bodies mandated to deal specifically with indigenous peoples’ issues.
- Others are-
- Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and
- Special Rapporteur Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
|
| Formation |
28 July 2000 |
| Headquarters |
New York, USA |
| Parent Organization |
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) |
| Membership |
- 16 independent experts serving three-year terms, with eight nominated by member governments and eight directly nominated by indigenous organizations
- Countries: Finland, Nepal, Chad, Australia, Colombia, Bolivia, United States, Russia, China, Ecuador, Burundi, Denmark, Mexico, Namibia, Estonia, and one additional rotating seat
|
| Mandate |
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, UN programs, funds, and agencies through ECOSOC.
- Raise awareness and promote integration of indigenous issues within the UN system.
- Prepare and disseminate information on indigenous issues.
|
| Secretariat |
- Established by General Assembly in 2002.
- Based in New York within Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
|
PYQ:
[UPSC CSE 2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:
- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
- It is elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3-year term.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Dhole, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection.
About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, alongside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.
- The name “Mudumalai” signifies “the ancient hill range,” dating back 65 million years to the formation of the Western Ghats.
- Flora: The reserve boasts tall grasses, including Elephant Grass, and diverse flora such as giant bamboo, Teak, and Rosewood.
- Fauna: It is home to flagship species like the Tiger and Asian Elephant, as well as the Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Jungle Cat, among others.
- With over 260 bird species, Mudumalai hosts 8% of India’s avian species, including rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.
Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)
|
Details |
| Name |
Dhole (Cuon alpinus) |
| Native Range |
Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia |
| Distribution in India |
Most of India south of the Ganges, Central Indian Highlands, Western and Eastern Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Terai region of Indo-Gangetic Plain |
| Other Names |
Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, mountain wolf |
| Conservation Status |
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
|
| Social Structure |
Lives in big, loosely organized groups with several breeding females |
| Factors Contributing to Decline |
Habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, disease transfer from domestic dogs |
| Significance |
Besides the tiger, it is the only large carnivore in India that is under IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category. |
|
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ashwagandha and its medicinal uses
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Ashwagandha exports have surged by 8 times in the past six years, penetrating markets like the United States, Czech Republic, and Canada.
- The Ayurvedic industry in India has been growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17%, with the industry size increasing from $3 billion in 2014 to $24 billion today.
- Gujarat, with about 850 Ayurvedic manufacturing units, ranks fourth in the country after Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
- India leads in Ashwagandha production and export, with states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh emerging as key producers.
- The herb is exported primarily as extracts and has gained significant traction in the United States, where it competes with Chinese Ginseng.
|
What is Ashwagandha?
- Also known as Indian Ginseng or Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha belongs to a group of herbs known as ‘adaptogens’( best rejuvenating agent).
- It is available in various forms such as extracts, powder, and raw herbs, catering to domestic and international markets.
Medicinal Properties and Usage:
- In treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy.
- Used as a tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc.
- Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis.
- Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores.
- Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in the preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets, and syrups.
Cultivation of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha-growing states: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Being a hardy and drought-tolerant crop, Ashwagandha requires a relatively dry season throughout its growing period.
- It is grown as late rainy season (kharif) crop between 600-1200 m altitudes.
- It grows well in sandy loam or light red soil having pH 7.5 to 8.0 (alkaloid) with good drainage.
- Black soil or such heavy soil is suitable for cultivation.
With inputs from: https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/farm_enterprises/Farm%20enterprises_%20Ashwagantha.html
PYQ:
[2010] Consider the following statements:
- The Taxus tree is naturally found in the Himalayas
- The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
- A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Banking Institutions; Types of Inflation;
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The Asian Development Bank recently issued a cautionary note for India’s susceptibility to imported inflation due to potential rupee depreciation amidst escalating interest rates in the West.
What is Imported Inflation?
- Imported inflation refers to the increase in the prices of goods and services within a country caused by a rise in the cost or price of imports.
- This phenomenon occurs when factors such as a depreciating currency, higher import costs, or increased international prices lead to elevated expenses for imported goods and services.
- Consequently, producers may adjust their prices upward to offset these higher costs, resulting in inflationary pressures within the domestic economy.
- This idea connects with the theory of cost-push inflation, which means that when input costs go up, it can cause prices for final products to go up too.
Reason behind the imported inflation:
- Capital Flows: Increased interest rates in Western economies attract foreign investors seeking higher returns, leading to capital outflows from countries like India and potentially depreciating the Indian rupee.
- When a currency depreciates, local consumers require more of their domestic currency to procure foreign goods, consequently elevating import prices.
- Borrowing Costs: Indian businesses and the government may face higher borrowing costs for infrastructure projects and investments if they raise funds in foreign currency-denominated international markets.
- Inflationary Pressures: Capital outflows can pressure the Indian rupee, causing imported inflation as the cost of imported goods rises due to currency depreciation.
- Trade Competitiveness: Exchange rate fluctuations from Western interest rate changes affect India’s trade competitiveness, impacting exports, imports, and domestic consumption.
Back2Basics: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
|
Information |
| Establishment |
Established in 1966 as a result of the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation held by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East. |
| Headquarters |
Manila, Philippines |
| Official Status |
Official United Nations Observer |
| Objectives |
- Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.
- Providing Loans, technical assistance, and Grants.
- Offering “hard” loans on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries and “soft” loans with lower interest rates to poorer countries.
- Providing direct financial assistance to private sector companies for projects with clear social benefits.
- Maximizing development impact through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing operations.
|
| Membership |
- 67 members, with 48 from the Asia and Pacific region.
- Admits members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
|
| Funding |
- Japan and United States hold the largest proportion of shares at 15.607%.
- China holds 6.444%, India holds 6.331%, and Australia holds 5.786%.
|
| Sources |
- Bond issues on the world’s capital markets.
- Members’ contributions and retained earnings from lending operations.
- Repayment of loans.
|
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following?
- Expansionary policies
- Fiscal stimulus
- Inflation-indexing wages
- Higher purchasing power
- Rising interest rates
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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