Why was A-SAT a necessity - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Why was A-SAT a necessity.

After debating for more than a decade, India has now conducted its anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, pushing itself into an exclusive group of countries that includes the US, Russia and China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement in a televised address saying that the demonstration of the Indian ASAT capabilities has made it a true space power. Hitting a satellite at an altitude of 300 kms. in the low earth orbit, one must agree that this has been a fairly responsible act on India’s part because this would not create long-lasting space debris, which is a serious problem in space.

For example, the Chinese ASAT test in 2007 created a huge debris problem. The US ASAT test in 2008 was done at an altitude of 275 kms and the debris possibly came down in a few weeks. Thus, India will not come in for major flak on that count. As for the rationale and timing, there could be several factors at play. Clearly, the terrestrial competition with China and the larger geopolitical games underway in Asia have possibly had a determining say in the Indian ASAT decision. China’s growing power and aggressiveness, as well as its disregard for established global norms and rules means that it only understands the language of power and deterrence.
It was China’s 2007 ASAT test that broke a long-standing voluntary moratorium on such tests. Moreover, that test was particularly unfortunate because, as mentioned earlier, it created a huge debris field. Such disregard has become a characteristic of China’s behaviour. It appears that China will only take seriously the language of power and deterrence. Thus, demonstrating an ASAT capability was an absolute strategic necessity to let Beijing and others know that if Indian assets in outer space are attacked, India has the means to retaliate. A second important calculation for India is to not find itself in the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) trap yet again. In the case of the NPT, India’s reluctance to push for a nuclear test in the 1960s left it out of the NPT category of “nuclear weapon state”, and India was unwilling to give up the nuclear option by signing on as as a non-nuclear weapon state. Thus, India found itself outside the entire NPT structure.
Having gone through the “pariah” experience for three decades, India has been particularly mindful of the developments in the global governance area to avoid being caught in a similar trap. There have been a few initiatives on and off in the past decade to regulate activities in outer space and India did not want to be on the wrong side of the wall again. However, neither the International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities proposed originally the European Union nor the current UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) seek to ban ASAT tests but it may have been the apprehension about such initiatives that could have motivated India to demonstrate the ASAT capability now.
There is also nothing that stops the current three countries who have tested ASAT capabilities from framing an NPT-like treaty for outer space denying others the technological capacity to develop such weapons. Moreover, India’s test does not violate any existing norms or rules, as the press note put out by the Ministry of External Affairs points out. India is a signatory to all the major agreements on outer space, including Moon Treaty that has seen very few signatories.
Nevertheless, some criticism and concern from other countries should be expected. China has put out a somewhat cautious statement to suggest that countries should “uphold peace and tranquillity in outer space” whereas Pakistan had a stern response calling upon international community to condemn India’s test. Russia and the US are yet to issue a statement. Countries that have pursued strong disarmament efforts such as Japan, for instance, could be a little uneasy with India’s test.
They could perceive India’s test as triggering fresh prospects for militarisation of outer space, which indeed would be unfortunate. India has little interest in militarization of space, considering how dependent India itself is on outer space for a variety of civilian needs. On the other hand, India also had little choice but to respond to China’s earlier test in order to maintain deterrence and protect India’s assets in outer space. Having done that, New Delhi should redouble its efforts to build a global movement to strengthen the norm of non-militarization of outer space. (Source: defencenews.in)


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UN council passes resolution to combat terrorist financing - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

UN council passes resolution to combat terrorist financing.

The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday aimed at strengthening global efforts to combat the numerous and new ways that terrorist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State raise funds to finance their operations.

The French-drafted resolution orders all countries to ensure that their domestic laws are sufficient to prosecute and penalize those responsible for directly or indirectly financing "terrorist organizations or individual terrorists for any purpose."

It also demands that the U.N.'s 193 member states ensure that all measures they take to combat terrorism and its financing comply with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law — a measure sought by aid, rights and refugee organizations concerned that counter-terrorism laws can restrict their activities.
The Security Council has addressed terrorist financing in resolutions since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, but this is the first to focus solely on the issue and address the new methods extremist groups and their affiliates have adopted to raise money.
U.N. counter-terrorism chief Vladimir Voronkov told the council in a video statement from Rome that the resolution's adoption "comes at a critical time."
"Recent attacks around the world demonstrate that financial flows continue to reach terrorist groups from both illegal and legal means," he said. "A concerted effort to redouble the world's attention on stopping the financing of terrorism is therefore a vital topic."
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who presided over the meeting, said after the vote: "The challenge is very great. Our determination has to be equally great."
"We have to tackle the evil at the root and intensify our efforts in order to isolate terrorism by drying up their sources of financing," he said.
Le Drian said terrorist groups such as the Islamic State may have been chased from their territory, "but they have learned to inhabit new virtual financial spaces where they exploit new technologies."
"They know how to amass funds by opening online pools," he added. "They transform their resources into cryptocurrency in order to acquire drones in cyberspace."
They also pervert informal "hawala" money transfer networks which are especially popular in the Middle East, parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, "to transfer funds to the other end of the world" for terrorist activities, Le Drian said.
The resolution adopted Thursday strongly urges all countries to implement international standards established by the Financial Action Task Force or FATF, which was established in 1989 by major economic powers to combat money laundering. It has since expanded its work to countering terrorist financing and the financing of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
Marshall Billingslea, the FATF president, told the Security Council "it is critical for all states to recognize where they may be vulnerable to terrorist financing and then use that understanding to mitigate those risks properly."
He said countries must recognize that the risks extend beyond the banking and finance sector to construction, commodities, pharmaceutical trafficking and even the used car trade.
Billingslea said groups such as Hezbollah, al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and FARC rebels in Colombia "have all benefited from intermingling funds from criminal and otherwise legal trade for the purpose of funding terror attacks."
Kidnapping for ransom is also "a prominent and sometimes even primary source of terrorist revenue," and a major source of funding for the remnants of the Islamic State extremist group around the world, he said, adding that such payments are an incentive for further hostage-taking.
Billingslea said more than 190 countries have committed to being evaluated by FATF and implementing its standards.
As a result of its assessments, he said, FATF will be encouraging more than 50 countries to pass new legislation to counter terrorist financing.
Mercy Buku, an expert from Kenya in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, told the council by video link from Nairobi that there has been a rise in banking over mobile phones, noting that 866 million mobile money accounts — more than 45 percent in sub-Saharan Africa and 32 percent in southern Asia — transacted $1.3 billion last year.
But Buku said such money has become attractive to criminals, and she urged governments to adopt regulations to ensure that mobile transactions aren't used for money laundering or financing terrorism.
The resolution adopted Thursday urges all countries to establish financial intelligence units, to share information on financing terrorism within countries and to exchange relevant information with other nations.


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UN council passes resolution to combat terrorist financing.

GST Authority clarifies on change/transfer in ownership of sole proprietorship - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

GST Authority clarifies on change/transfer in ownership of sole proprietorship.

The Goods and Services Tax, GST Authority has clarified that transfer or change in the ownership of business will include transfer or change in the ownership of business due to death of the sole proprietor.

In a circular, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, CBIC said, that the transferee or the successor will be liable to be registered with effect from the date of such transfer or succession, where a business is transferred to another person for any reasons, including death of the proprietor.
It said, the applicant will be required to mention the reason to obtain registration as death of the proprietor, in the registration form, GST REG-01 to be filed electronically in the common portal. The legal heir of the dead sole proprietor will be required to give application for cancellation of the existing registration.
The GST Identification Number, GSTIN of transferee to whom the business has been transferred is also required to be mentioned to link the GSTIN of the transferor with the GSTIN of transferee. In case of death of sole proprietor, if the business is continued by any person being transferee or successor of business, it shall be construed as transfer of business. In case of transfer of business on account of death of sole proprietor, the transferee or successor will file Form GST ITC-02 in respect of the registration to be cancelled. CBIC said, a mechanism has been specified for transferring unutilised input tax credit.
In an another circular related to verification of applications for grant of new registration, the CBIC said there have been instances when registration gets cancelled due to one reason or any other reason, such businesses prefer to apply for new registration rather than applying for revocation of cancellation of registration. It said, there is possibility that such person might not have furnished requisite returns and not paid tax for the tax periods covered under the old or cancelled registration.
It added that such persons would be required to pay all liabilities due from them for the relevant period in case they apply for revocation of cancellation of registration. Hence, to avoid payment of the tax liabilities, such persons may be using the route of applying for fresh registration. One can take separate registration on the same PAN in the same State.
CBIC has asked its officials to exercise due caution while processing such applications. It clarified that not applying for revocation of cancellation of registration will be deemed to be a deficiency and could be reason for rejection of application for new registration.


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GST Authority clarifies on change/transfer in ownership of sole proprietorship.

Ocean heat hits record high: UN - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Ocean heat hits record high: UN .

Ocean heat hit a record high in 2018, the United Nations said Thursday, raising urgent new concerns about the threat global warming is posing to marine life.

In its latest State of the Climate overview, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reaffirmed that the last four years had been the hottest on record — figures previously announced in provisional drafts of the flagship report. But the final version of the report highlighted worrying developments in other climate indicators beyond surface temperature.

"2018 saw new records for ocean heat content in the upper 700 metres," a WMO statement said.
The agency said the UN had data for heat content in the upper 700 metres (2,290 feet) of the ocean dating back to 1955.
Last year also saw new heat records for the ocean's upper 2,000 metres, but data for that range only goes back to 2005.
The previous records for both ranges were set in 2017.
About 93 per cent of excess heat — trapped around the Earth by greenhouse gases that come from the burning of fossil fuels — accumulates in the world's oceans.
Research published earlier this year in the US journal Science showed that warming in the oceans is on pace with measurements of rising air temperature.
Some models predict the temperature of the top 2,000 metres of world's oceans will rise nearly 0.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Science.
Oceans are also not warming evenly across the planet.
The WMO report said the highest rates of ocean warming are occurring in the southern ocean, where warming has also reached the deepest layers.
This could result in sea levels being substantially different in different places, experts have previously said.
The thermal expansion — water swelling as it warms — is expected to raise sea levels 12 inches (30 centimetres), above any sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets, according to the research published in Science.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who launched the WMO report in New York, said its findings confirmed "the urgency of climate action".
"There is no longer any time for delay," he warned, stressing that nations needed to come to his Climate Action Summit in September with "concrete, realistic plans" to reduce emissions. (Source: The economic times)


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Ocean heat hits record high: UN

Successful anti-satellite missile test puts India in elite club - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Successful anti-satellite missile test puts India in elite club.

PM announces launch in televised address; says it’s for peace, not war-mongering.

In an incremental advance, India on Wednesday successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test, named Mission Shakti, becoming the fourth country in the world to demonstrate the capability to shoot down satellites in orbit. So far, only the United States, Russia and China have this prowess.

“A short while back, our scientists have shot down a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 300 km in space,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, addressing the nation around noon.
The satellite downed by the ASAT missile was Microsat-R, an imaging satellite which was launched into orbit on January 24, 2019 using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), a senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official said.
India has built the broad capabilities and building blocks to develop ASAT missiles for some time as part of its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme.
Mr. Modi said the aim of the test was to maintain peace, rather than war mongering.
“A BMD interceptor missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in LEO in a ‘hit to kill’ mode’, the DRDO said in a statement.
A DRDO official claimed that the ASAT missile was a modified exo-atmospheric interceptor missile of the BMD. A LEO of 300 km was chosen to “minimise” debris and it also won’t last more than a few months, the official said.
Anti-satellite weapons provide the capability to shoot down enemy satellites in orbit thereby disrupting critical communications and surveillance capabilities. ASAT missiles also act as a space deterrent in dissuading adversaries from targeting the country’s satellite network.
In March 2011, The Hindu had reported the then Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister Dr. V.K. Saraswat, who later became the DRDO Chairman, as stating after an interceptor test that India had “all the technologies and building blocks which can be used for anti-satellite missions.”
Meanwhile questions are being raised on the manner of announcement of the ant-satellite capability.
In 2007, a similar test by China at an orbit of 800 km above earth had drawn global condemnation.
This test will make it increasingly difficult for India to present itself as exhibiting more strategic restraint and responsibility than China in matters pertaining to space security, and potentially other areas of defence policy as well, said Frank O'Donnell, South Asia expert at the U.S. Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island. “The timing of this test, and the degree of public communications coordination among the Prime Minister’s Office, DRDO, and Ministry of External Affairs, strongly suggests that this test was ordered and conducted for domestic political reasons with the upcoming elections in mind,” he said, expressing concern on the debris generated which “cannot be controlled in terms of its destination and impact regardless of the MEA statement suggesting otherwise.” (Source: The Hindu)


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Successful anti-satellite missile test puts India in elite club.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursorss - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursorss.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors.

The MoU will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking. It will come into force on the date of signing and will remain in effect for a period of five years.
India has signed similar Conventions/MoUs/Agreements with the 37 countries.
Salient features of the MoU are as under:
• The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
• The cooperation under this MoU includes the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs psychotropic substances and its precursors, allowing and assisting each other in the use of controlled delivery operation with a view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.
• Under the MoU, there is a provision of maintaining the secrecy of information and documents obtained in accordance with this MoU.


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Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursorss.

What is the Belt and Road Initiative, and why is China pushing it hard? - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

What is the Belt and Road Initiative, and why is China pushing it hard?.

Fissures surface in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, but Beijing pushes hard on the project to leverage its influence worldwide.

Six years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a mammoth infrastructure project straddling many countries and continents. Of the projects, the most ambitious is the $60+ billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, aimed at linking China’s Xinjiang province with the Arabian Sea.
What is it?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the One Belt One Road Initiative, is the most emblematic of China’s economic and industrial might, as of its ambitions for global, political and strategic influence. The appellation has come to signify the many Beijing-backed infrastructure projects that predate Mr. Xi’s ascent.
When Mr. Xi announced the BRI’s formal launch in Kazakhstan in 2013, there were few signs that the policy would command the heft and reach it has acquired since. BRI partnerships encompass infrastructure investments in the construction, transport, aviation, telecommunications and energy sectors stretching across many countries in Asia and Africa. A number of Latin American and Caribbean states recently signed a memorandum of understanding to join the BRI. The so-called 16+1 (China) grouping of central and eastern European countries includes 11 states from the European Union (EU). Rome endorsed the BRI last week, the first among the Group of 7 most industrialised nations to do so. The move has caused consternation in Brussels and Washington, which are grappling with the many fissures that have surfaced in the trans-Atlantic alliance.
Typically, the terms around BRI bilateral tie-ups are fluid and amorphous in nature, premised on negotiation and accommodation rather than being underpinned by rigidly written-down rules and procedures. The upside to this style of doing things is the flow of investment on seemingly soft terms to places hard up for basic infrastructure. The politically neutral stance of Beijing-backed deals starkly contrasts with much western hypocrisy and high-mindedness about respect for the rule of law and human rights. The downside is the risk of falling into a prolonged debt trap and the uncertainty over contractual obligations between the parties. With the rise of populist forces in many countries in recent years, the world’s open trading system has come under a protectionist strain. Perhaps, there are signs in the BRI of the beginnings of a different kind of globalisation.
Why did China push for it?
The BRI is, above all, a response to slowing domestic economic growth earlier this decade, accentuated by a slump in Chinese exports to developed countries following the 2007-08 economic meltdown. As infrastructure spending at home became less sustainable, Beijing shifted the emphasis in a big way to boosting the global competitiveness of domestic businesses. During the BRI’s fifth anniversary in September, Mr. Xi described this flagship programme as an economic cooperation initiative rather than a geopolitical or military alliance. But the more common narrative is that the large infrastructure investments in the least developed and developing countries have enabled Beijing to leverage its influence around the world, potentially altering the established rules of the global order.
How many major BRI projects are in the works?
It is hard to put a precise number on them because projects are negotiated informally between investor and recipient countries. But they are clearly in the thousands, unprecedented in the history of development cooperation, in terms of the volume of investment and potential benefits. Let us begin with the Greek harbour of Piraeus. Backed by Chinese investment, the port has climbed from the world’s 93rd container port in 2010 to 38th in 2017. This stupendous success has apparently raised expectations even higher. A most strategic BRI venture is the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which would connect Malaysia’s less developed east coast to southern Thailand and the capital Kuala Lumpur. The newly elected government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad suspended the project last year, owing to reservations about the cost of financing by the China Communication Construction Company. Following Beijing’s willingness to address Kuala Lumpur’s concerns, the ECRL has been brought back on track with revisions to its pricing and size. There are other large Malaysian gas and oil pipeline projects that were suspended owing to the alleged misappropriation of funds during the previous government. They might eventually be revived, just as the rail project.
By far the most ambitious BRI project is the $60+ billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Once the Gwadar city port in coastal Balochistan is built, its strategic location, near the Strait of Hormuz, will connect the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, the arterial route to world oil transport. The force of Balochi opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as to most other projects, essentially comes down to a demand to reallocate its promised benefits rather than an outright roll-back. India has opted to stay out of the BRI owing to concerns of national sovereignty and integrity, choosing instead to stick with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. New Delhi’s reservations are entirely understandable, given that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a core BRI endeavour, passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Where does the BRI go from here?
Many BRI projects are said to have overshot their original estimated cost. The burgeoning debt burden recipient countries have thus accumulated has led to questions over the long-term viability and benefits of such ventures. While these may be legitimate concerns, it is equally true that it is still early days in the evolution of the BRI. Another concern for the BRI is its current dependence on the U.S. dollar to fund the bulk of its projects. But unlike some years ago, its stocks of the greenback are in limited supply. Conversely, the renminbi is yet to emerge as a full-fledged global currency. That may leave China with the option of adopting a co-financing strategy. Such cooperation with multilateral banking institutions would be a welcome balancing act. Western critics have attacked the initiative as new colonialism, or Marshal Plan for the 21st century. China has generally played down such comparisons, drawing parallels with the U.S. endeavour to rebuild Europe as a counter to the Soviet Union after World War II. Beijing has embarked upon a ‘Made in China 2025’ industrial policy, an audacious bid for global dominance in artificial intelligence, aerospace, and 5G telecommunication, among others. Washington’s current trade dispute with China aims fundamentally to challenge this growing dominance. It has even portrayed Chinese competition in terms of an ultimate threat to U.S. national security, invoking provisions rarely used in international trade disputes. The outcome of negotiations between the world’s two largest economies to break the deadlock would echo across the Belt and Road process. Italy’s endorsement of the BRI is a potential game changer. Other major economies may follow Rome’s lead, in much the same way as the initial resistance to China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank eventually evaporated. That opens room to indulge in some idle speculation about how closely or little the new Silk Road would one day resemble the current order of things. The answer would depend upon who among its innumerable participants can wield the maximum influence and ultimately emerge winners or losers. One day, the BRI might remain Chinese in all but name. That may be the next phase of globalisation in the making. (Source: The Hindu)


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What are the powers and duties of Lokpal? - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

What are the powers and duties of Lokpal?.

The appointment, though delayed by five years, is an important step towards the cause of fighting graft in high places.

On March 19, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh was appointed as India’s first Lokpal. The announcement came after a delay of five years as the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, which envisaged appointment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the States to look into cases of corruption against certain categories of public servants, was passed in 2013. Now that the Lokpal chairman and eight members have been appointed, there may arise many questions related to its functions, duties and powers. Here, we seek to answer some questions about its functioning and the procedure for dealing with complaints against public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Who are the public servants covered by the Act?
The Lokpal has jurisdiction to inquire into allegations of corruption against anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, or a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as officials of the Union government under Groups A, B, C and D. Also covered are chairpersons, members, officers and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust or autonomous body either established by an Act of Parliament or wholly or partly funded by the Centre. It also covers any society or trust or body that receives foreign contribution above ₹10 lakh.
What happens if a charge is made against the PM?
The Lokpal cannot inquire into any corruption charge against the Prime Minister if the allegations are related to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy and space, unless a full Bench of the Lokpal, consisting of its chair and all members, considers the initiation of a probe, and at least two-thirds of the members approve it. Such a hearing should be held in camera, and if the complaint is dismissed, the records shall not be published or made available to anyone.
How can a complaint be made and what happens next?
A complaint under the Lokpal Act should be in the prescribed form and must pertain to an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a public servant. There is no restriction on who can make such a complaint. When a complaint is received, the Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry by its Inquiry Wing, or refer it for investigation by any agency, including the CBI, if there is a prima facie case. Before the ordering of an investigation by the agency, the Lokpal shall call for an explanation from the public servant to determine whether a prima facie case exists. This provision, the Act says, will not interfere with any search and seizure that may be undertaken by the investigating agency. The Lokpal, with respect to Central government servants, may refer the complaints to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CVC will send a report to the Lokpal regarding officials falling under Groups A and B; and proceed as per the CVC Act against those in Groups C and D.
What is the procedure for preliminary inquiry?
The Inquiry Wing or any other agency will have to complete its preliminary inquiry and submit a report to the Lokpal within 60 days. It has to seek comments from both the public servant and “the competent authority,” before submitting its report. There will be a ‘competent authority’ for each category of public servant. For instance, for the Prime Minister, it is the Lok Sabha, and for other Ministers, it will be the Prime Minister. And for department officials, it will be the Minister concerned.
A Lokpal Bench consisting of no less than three members shall consider the preliminary inquiry report, and after giving an opportunity to the public servant, decide whether it should proceed with the investigation. It can order a full investigation, or initiate departmental proceedings or close the proceedings. It may also proceed against the complainant if the allegation is false. The preliminary inquiry should normally be completed within 90 days of receipt of the complaint.
What happens after the investigation?
The agency ordered to conduct the probe has to file its investigation report in the court of appropriate jurisdiction, and a copy before the Lokpal. A Bench of at least three members will consider the report and may grant sanction to the Prosecution Wing to proceed against the public servant based on the agency’s chargesheet. It may also ask the competent authority to take departmental action or direct the closure of the report. Previously, the authority vested with the power to appoint or dismiss a public servant was the one to grant sanction under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Now this power will be exercised by the Lokpal, a judicial body. In any case, the Lokpal will have to seek the comments of the ‘competent authority’ as well as the public servant’s comments before granting such sanction.
Who are the functionaries of the Lokpal?
The Lokpal will have a Secretary, who will be appointed by the Lokpal Chairperson from a panel of names prepared by the Central government. The Secretary will be of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. The Lokpal will have to appoint an Inquiry Wing, headed by a Director of Inquiry, and a Prosecution Wing, headed by a Director of Prosecution. Until these officers are appointed, the government will have to make available officers and staff from its Ministries and Departments to conduct preliminary inquiries and pursue prosecution. The institution will also have to appoint other officers and staff.
Is there any norm for disclosure of assets?
Yes. Public servants will have to declare their assets and liabilities in a prescribed form. If any assets found in their possession is not declared, or if misleading information about these are furnished, it may lead to an inference that assets were acquired by corrupt means. For public servants under the State governments, the States have to set up Lok Ayuktas to deal with charges against their own officials. (Source: The Hindu)


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Why is India developing its maiden deep-sea port in Indonesia - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Why is India developing its maiden deep-sea port in Indonesia.

Highlights
• The port will give India better access to the South East Asian markets
• It will also give India a strategic hedge at a time China is increasing its presence in the Strait of Malacca
• The port will be key to India's Indo-Pacific strategy
India is developing its maiden deep-sea port in Indonesia's Sabang, not far from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, amid China's attempts to have a greater say in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The port will be key to India's Indo-Pacific strategy.

The port will give India better access to the South East Asian markets and provide a strategic hedge at a time China is increasing its presence in the Strait of Malacca (as also the larger Indian Ocean).
Despite the Look East Policy, tracing back to the days of then PM Narasimha Rao, India's relationship with ASEAN nations have largely been trade-oriented. But the rise of China in the waters of Indo-Pacific (and its economic clout) calls for a new approach to the region. Hence, the reason the Narendra Modi government has upgraded its policy to Act East.
But countering China in the region is easier said than done. For one, China is the largest trade partner to ASEAN, increasing from $192 billion in 2008 to $515 billion by 2018. Then there is the BRI, through which China has spent about $400 billion.
Also, China's focus on Indo-Pacific region is aimed at displacing the US from the region — American military bases in Guam, Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean) as well as in Darwin (Australia), and its economic ties with the region ensure its primacy. But that mission threatens India as well, considering the nature of the relationship between Beijing and New Delhi.
Hence, strategic partnerships with Indo-Pacific nations help.
During PM Modi's visit to Indonesia last year, the two nations had agreed on a "Shared vision of maritime co-operation in the Indo-Pacific". Connectivity with Sabang port was identified as a key priority area within that vision.
Following this, an Indian naval ship, INS Sumitra, visited Sabang for the first time last July. Now an Indian Coast Guard ship, Vijit, has visited the port (from March 17-20).
India is also strengthening its forces in the Andamans. The Indian Navy recently commissioned its third (and India's fourth) air base in the islands. (Source:defencenews.in)


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Why is India developing its maiden deep-sea port in Indonesia.

RBI likely to change disclosure norms for bonds - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

RBI likely to change disclosure norms for bonds.

If the RBI eases the rules, banks would get to shift more of state loans that are in HTM category to AFS, translating into an increase in liquidity as these bonds carry higher coupon.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to ease disclosure rules on the transfer of various categories of state government bonds held by high-street lenders, a move that could help increase treasury incomes at traditional banks.
The banking regulator may say that lenders need not disclose the transfer of state bonds from the held-to-maturity (HTM) category to the available-for-sale (AFS) segment, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

An email query sent to RBI remained unanswered until the publication of this report.
If the RBI eases the rules, banks would get to shift more of state loans that are in HTM category to AFS, translating into an increase in liquidity as these bonds carry higher coupon. This will also help financially prudent state governments buy back bonds as those states would aim to cut their borrowing costs in a falling rate regime.
“If banks are allowed to transfer state bonds from HTM (Held-to-Maturity) to AFS (Available for Sale) without any disclosure, it should increase the stock of such bonds available for secondary market trading,” said a senior executive from a large bond house.
The differential between state and central government bonds should continue to compress until fiscal year end before it expands in the new financial year on higher supply, the person said.
This makes a 'buy' case for investors for now. The differential was as high as 110 basis points three-four weeks ago, prompting investors to book mark-to-market profits with falling yields.
The easing of rules was discussed in a meeting held between the RBI and different state government secretaries a week ago.
State bonds, known as State Development Loans (SDL) in market parlance, are expected to inch up to Rs 4.3 lakh crore in FY20 from Rs 4 lakh crore in FY19, according to a note by PhillipCapital India. Net-net, supply is higher in FY2019-20.
Total outstanding stock of state bonds is more than Rs 23 lakh crore now.
State bonds offer 75-85 basis points higher than central debt securities. Bond yields and prices move in opposite directions.
State government bonds have of late assumed importance as such debt papers, now voluminous, can change market dynamics.
“SDL crowds out corporate borrowings in the bond market by increasing costs,” said B. P. Kanungo, RBI Deputy Governor, in a note in September last year. “A one percentage point increase in the ratio of state debt issuance to GDP (resulted) in an 11 percent decline in the volume (in Rupees) of corporate bonds issued in FY16.” (Source: The Economic Times)


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RBI likely to change disclosure norms for bonds.

India's loses 7 spots in global list of happiest nations, ranks 140th - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India's loses 7 spots in global list of happiest nations, ranks 140th.

The report was released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations on March 20 which has was declared as World Happiness Day by the UN General Assembly in 2012.

Indians are not as happy in 2019 as they were in 2018 and the country figures at 140th place, seven spots down from last year, on this year's UN World Happiness Report released Wednesday which is topped by Finland for the second year in a row.
The report was released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations on March 20 which has was declared as World Happiness Day by the UN General Assembly in 2012.

The report ranks countries on six key variables that support well-being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity.
According to the report, the overall world happiness has fallen over the past few years, which has mostly been fuelled by a sustained drop in India, which came in 140th place this year compared with 133rd place in 2018.
The UN's seventh annual World Happiness Report, which ranks the world's 156 countries on "how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be", also noted that there has been an increase in negative emotions, including worry, sadness and anger.
Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the second year in succession. The Nordic nation is followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland and The Netherlands.
Pakistan is ranked 67th, Bangladesh 125th and China is place at 93rd, according to the report.
People in war-torn South Sudan are the most unhappy with their lives, followed by Central African Republic (155), Afghanistan (154), Tanzania (153) and Rwanda (152).
The happiness study ranks the countries of the world on the basis of questions from the Gallup World Poll. The results are then correlated with other factors, including GDP and social security. (Source: The Business Standard)


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India's loses 7 spots in global list of happiest nations, ranks 140th.

India's Next-Gen Anti-Radiation Missile set for trials - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India's Next-Gen Anti-Radiation Missile set for trials.

India's maiden attempt to develop a New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM) has finally picked up momentum.

Scientists with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are warming up to undertake the pending trials of this stateof-the-art missile without further delay.
Its user—the Indian Air Force (IAF)—feels that the DRDO must fasttrack the project.

Early this year, the DRDO had claimed that the NGARM was successfully launched from a Sukhoi-30 MKI for the first time over Bay of Bengal.
Parameters such as control guidance, aerodynamics and propulsion without a seeker were tested during this maiden trial held on January 18.
This is the first time an indigenous anti-radiation missile system is being developed within the country.
Story so far ::
Feasibility studies on NGARM were initiated during 2012/13 period. Based on preliminary studies and design iterations, a missile configuration was evolved. The missile configuration was planned to be developed fully indigenously with an aim to provide tactical air superiority capability to the user.
The crucial technologies to be mastered were development of a wide-band passive seeker, a milli-metric wave active seeker, radome for the seekers and development of dual-pulse propulsion system.
The top-3 anti-radiation missiles (ARMs) in the world are AARGM (AGM-88E) of the United States, Kh-31P of Russia and MAR-1 of Brazil. All these missiles have a range in the order of 100 kms, while India’s NGARM, too, is in the same range.
The IAF has Kh-31P in its weaponry and DRDO’s next-generation desi ARM promises to be better.
What is NGARM?
ARM is a specialised weapon and as the name suggests it is used to destroy or suppress radiation emitting sources like enemy surveillance radars or fire control radars.
The missile is approx 5.5 m with a cruciform wing surfaces to meet the manoeuvrability requirements. The all-movable tail control surfaces provide control in pitch/yaw/roll planes. The weight of the missile is around 600kg and is powered by a dual-pulse solid rocket motor system.
Mid-course guidance is accomplished through inertial navigation and PHH (passive homing head) seeker. The terminal guidance is through millimetre wave (MMW) active seeker.
What is a seeker?
Seeker is basically the eye of the missile. It transmits radio frequency pulses and receives the echo from the intended target object. Based on processing of the signal, the range of the target i.e. its position can be deduced. In the case of imaging seeker, we can literally see the image of the target.
DRDO says the missile can be integrated on to fighter aircraft under different combinations and it is tailor-made to be flight-tested from Su-30 MkI. In future, the missile could be flying on board the Mirages and Tejas, as well.
Currently, many home-grown weapons are under development with Su-30 MKI as the platform.
How does it work?
It is an air-to-ground weapon generally launched from a multi-role strike aircraft to provide tactical air superiority in warfare. The passive seeker in the missile is able to detect and lock on to a ground based radiation emitting source/radar. Key features of the radar and the direction of arrival of the RF (radio frequency) emission are processed by the seeker. This information along with range to target is provided to launch computer.
Missile navigation and guidance towards the target during the midcourse is based on the continuous inputs from sensors like INS (inertial navigation system) and passive homing seeker. These are processed by an on-board computer to generate the autopilot commands and the control system steers the missile towards the target. During the terminal phase of the mission, the target location information is provided by MMW seeker.
Role in War ::
Anti-radiation missiles have come to play a crucial role in air-to-ground warfare against radar installations with the aim of achieving air superiority.
Suppression of the radar systems enables the strike aircraft to perform their missions without the perform their missions without the prospect of facing imminent threats from radar-guided surface-to-air missiles.
Historically, the first ARM, US AGM-45 Shrike entered combat during late 1960’s, wherein the weapon was integrated with a specialized aircraft that was capable of detecting threat emitters and launching the missile for a ‘hard’ kill. Subsequently, upgraded versions AGM-88 (HARM) have been widely used by the US Air Force during Operation Desert Storm against Iraqi radar installations.
Project Momentum ::
A young project team with an average age of 40-42 years have been hooked on to India’s NGARM mission since 2014, the time project started to pick up momentum.
Hyderabad-based DRDL is the nodal agency for this missile project and its management, with DRDO’s sister labs including RCI, HEMRL, ARDE, TBRL and DLRL playing their respective roles in the development of the weapon.
The software labs of IAF are the key brains behind the project ensuring the smooth marriage between the missile and the mean machine, Sukhoi. The modication on Sukhoi has been carried out by HAL’s Nasik division while Bengaluru-based National Trisonic Aerodynamic Facilities (NTAF) of National Aerospace Laboratories undertook extensive wind-tunnel tests. Several private industrial partners too have chipped in towards realisation of various hardware sub-systems.
Trials so far ::
Carriage flight trials in several phases have been carried out to prove the mechanical/electrical integration and software interfacing of the missile with the aircraft. Based on the successful completion of these activities, the maiden flight trial of NGARM was carried out in January.
DRDO officials claim that the missile successfully impacted at the designated point with high accuracy. The point of impact was within 10 m of the circular error probability (CEP). In ballistic parlance, CEP is the measurement of the weapon’s precision.
In the recent flight mission, aspects like auto-launch sequence, store separation, dual pulse propulsion system, guidance and inertial navigation, autopilot and control system, thermal batteries, aerodynamics and airframe were successfully proven.
The January trial was for a range of 100 km and scientists say the NGARM can strike at distances ‘double the intended range’ depending upon the altitude.
Looking Ahead ::
The missile will now be heading for a series of carriage and release flight trials. The carriage flight trials will be conducted to evaluate the performance of seekers against a wide range of targets. Subsequently, release flight missions will be planned to demonstrate the mid-course guidance and terminal guidance using seekers.
Scientists tracking NGARM flightpath confirmed that the next flight will be a ‘seeker performance evaluation’ one. A desi passive seeker will be onboard the missile during the next trial, while the test after that will have an active seeker as well.
Trials of NGARM with both seekers together should be in July or August this year.
Plans are also afoot to develop future variants of NGARM. It would mean upgrades with higher versions of software with capability to handle larger variety of targets under various operational scenarios. (SOurce:defencenews.in)


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India's Next-Gen Anti-Radiation Missile set for trials.

Eyeing Southeast Asia, India builds port in Indonesia - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Eyeing Southeast Asia, India builds port in Indonesia.

India is developing its maiden deep-sea port in Indonesia's Sabang close to Andaman and Nicobar Islands making its maiden foray in the southeast Asian amid China’s slew of connectivity plans for ASEAN under BRI.
The Sabang port is being developed in partnership with neighbour and strategic partner Indonesia. An Indian Coast Guard Ship Vijit, is currently on a visit to Sabang, Indonesia, from March 17-20. The deep sea portwill give India wide access to Southeast Asia as a counter-balancing force. The port will be a key element in India's Indo-Pacific strategy, persons familiar with the project told ET.
A joint initiative to develop deep-sea port in Sabang in Indonesia’s Aceh province to enhance maritime connectivity as part of respective Indo-Pacific strategies was launched last year. India and Indonesia are trying to complement each other with proposed connectivity and infrastructure projects in the region.
During the visit of Prime Minister of India to Indonesia in May 2018, both sides had arrived at a “Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo Pacific” under which deepening economic and people-to-people exchanges, including connectivity with port of Sabang was identified as a key priority area. A series of steps have since been undertaken by both sides to implement the joint vision.
This visit of “VIJIT” follows from the first ever visit of Naval ship - INS Sumitra to Sabang in July 2018. The visit of the ship to Sabang highlights the close maritime proximity between India and Indonesia and the strengthening cooperation in the area of maritime security and safety, officials here told ET.
The VIJIT is commanded by Comdt T Ashish (0532-J), who is a long Navigation Direction officer. ICGS Vijit is the 2nd in the series of 90 meter Offshore Patrol Vessels, and was commissioned at Goa on 11 Dec 2010. 'Vijit' meaning "Winner or Victorious" is the testimony of India’s ship building capabilities and the resolve of Govt of India to safeguard country’s maritime interests. The ship’s complement includes a team of 15 Officers and 90 men who are highly motivated and fully trained to excel at all tasks with alacrity and élan in keeping with Coast Guard’s motto “Vayam Rakshamah”.
The ship is the fastest in its category with a designed speed of 26 knots at a displacement of 2393 tons. This new generation ship is equipped with the advanced Navigational and Communicational equipment, sensors and machinery including an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS), High Power External Fire Fighting System (ABS Fi-Fi Class-1) and one indigenous Close Range Naval (CRN) 91 Gun Mount along with an IR/ UV fire control system for day and night usage.
The ship is designed to carry one twin engine HAL built Advance Light Helicopter and five high speed boats for Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement and Marine Pollution Response. The ship is fitted with advanced Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) making it a very versatile platform to carryout Search and Rescue operations in Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) besides carrying out other tasks as mandated in CG Charter. The sustenance and reach coupled with most modern weapons, sensors and communication systems, provides her the capabilities of performing the role of a command platform for the conduct of Coast Guard operations at high seas and near the coast.
Last November the first bilateral naval exercise named “Samudra Shakti” between the Indian and the Indonesian Navies was inaugurated on Tuesday in Surabaya were held in Java Sea.
The commencement of this bilateral naval exercise marked a significant forward step in the operational engagement between the two navies following the Ind-Indo Corpat which have been ongoing since 2002. INS Rana ( a destroyer class vessel) commanded participated from the Indian Navy and from the Indonesian Navy the units that participated included KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda and Maritime Patrol Aircrafts. The exercise was held in two phases: the harbour phase and followed by the sea phase. (Source:defencenews.in)


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Eyeing Southeast Asia, India builds port in Indonesia.

El Nino gains strength, may impact monsoon - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

El Nino gains strength, may impact monsoon.

• There is an 80% chance that El Nino will prevail in March-May
• El Nino affects the flow of moisture-bearing winds from the cooler oceans towards India
El Nino, characterised by a warming of surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is associated with lower than normal monsoon rainfall in India. The El Nino weather phenomenon is gaining strength, latest global forecasts indicate, potentially affecting the South-west (June to September).

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there is an 80% chance that El Nino will prevail in March-May, decreasing to 60% during the June-August period, when the South-West monsoon normally arrives.
El Nino affects the flow of moisture-bearing winds from the cooler oceans towards India, negatively impact the summer monsoon, which accounts for over 70% of annual rainfall. It remains to be seen how it would actually evolve over the next few months, but if it does retain its strength after the summer, it could mar the prospects of a good monsoon in India.
IMD forecast models suggest that weak El Nino conditions are likely to persist in the early part of the summer and weaken thereafter.
Contrary to last year’s global forecasts indicating that El Nino would form around October 2018, its formation was confirmed in February this year.
Even though it is weak at present, forecasters said El Nino has become more marked than last month. An El Niño of any strength can reduce the amount of monsoon rainfall and thus have significant local impact.
There is increase in both the sea surface temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures, allowing weak El Nino to persist for at least next several months. Nevertheless, India is set to witness warmer than normal temperatures due to El Nino, which would be evident during the next three months. (Source: Livemint)


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El Nino gains strength, may impact monsoon.

India to provide aid to people affected by cyclone ‘IDAI’ in Mozambique - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India to provide aid to people affected by cyclone ‘IDAI’ in Mozambique.

In the wake of Cyclone Idai which ravaged South African nations of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, killing as many as 100, India diverted three naval ships to the port city of Beira in Mozambique to provide immediate humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

Secretary Economic Relations (ER) TS Tirumurti tweeted, "In response to request from Mozambique hit by tropical cyclone causing loss of lives and damage, India has diverted 3 Indian Naval Ships to port city of Beira to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief of food, clothes and medical help to affected people."

A total of around 1.5 million people have been affected by Cyclone Idai's torrential rains and winds that have reached speeds of up to 200 kilometers or 124 miles, per hour.
According to a lawmaker from the affected area, Joshua Sacco, the number of people missing is unclear as an entire village in Zimbabwe's Chimanimani East district was swept away due to flash floods triggered by torrential rains.
"We are talking about the loss of lives, at the moment 65 deaths have been confirmed," Sacco told Anadolu Agency.
Stressing that death toll could rise in the coming days, Sacco said: "We are worried about an area called Copper where Rusitu and Nyahode Rivers meet and that's where the whole police camp and several government houses were swept away. We don't know where those workers are."
Rescue efforts have been challenging owing to the inclement weather and Zimbabwean military forces are being forced to use road transport for providing immediate aid, despite facing challenges and dangers of encountering several damaged bridges.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has cut short his visit to the UAE due to the ensuing crisis and is closely monitoring the situation.
Cyclone Idai has left a trail of destruction in eastern Zimbabwe, with flash floods sweeping away houses and destroying trees and crops.
The tropical cyclone which made landfall first in Mozambique on Thursday evening, spread to Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa affecting millions of people in the region.
Farmers in the affected areas said that massive losses have been recorded as agricultural fields have been inundated, destroying crop plantations. (Source: The Business Standard)


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India to provide aid to people affected by cyclone ‘IDAI’ in Mozambique.

India and Maldives sign three agreements - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India and Maldives sign three agreements.

Maldives and India have signed three key agreements. The agreements were signed following a meeting between Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid.

The agreements signed during the trip were on visa facilitation for diplomatic and official passport holders, development cooperation and renewable energy. Under the agreements, Maldivian diplomatic passport holders can stay in India longer via free visa. Moreover, India will assist Maldives in its development and enhancing renewable energy resources.
It is the first time Sushma Swaraj arrived in Maldives on an official visit on an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.


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India and Maldives sign three agreements.

Govt has to frame schemes; courts should stay out of governance, says Supreme Court - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Govt has to frame schemes; courts should stay out of governance, says Supreme Court.

Such directions to the government to “consider” framing a scheme should be with regard to the facts and circumstances of each case.

It is the sole prerogative of the government to frame schemes, courts should stay out of governance, the Supreme Court has said in a judgment.
A Bench led by Justice A.M. Sapre criticised the Uttarakhand High Court for framing a scheme to regularise hundreds of casual workers engaged by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Ministry of Defence in the construction of roads for going to pilgrimage of Char Dham Yatra.

“The High Court failed to see that it is not the function of the courts to frame any scheme but it is the sole prerogative of the government to do it… All the High Court, in exercise of its extraordinary power under Article 226 of the Constitution, can do is to direct the government to consider for framing an appropriate scheme,” Justice Sapre, who wrote the judgment for the Bench, observed in the judgment dated March 15.
Such directions to the government to “consider” framing a scheme should be with regard to the facts and circumstances of each case.
“It is only in exceptional cases when the court considers it proper to issue appropriate mandatory directions,” Supreme Court held.
Instead, in the present, a Single Judge of the High Court framed “a scheme itself to regularise the services of the casual paid labourers and granted them the benefits similar to those of the regular employees under the labour law.”
When the Centre appealed to the Division Bench, the latter dismissed the appeal and went a step further to direct the government to frame a scheme to provide specific facilities to the workers.
The case was filed in the High Court by trade unions representing the casual workers, including the All India Trade Union Congress. It was their case that the Centre had regularised these labourers though they had been working for the BRO for years together.
They argued that the workers were neither paid regular salary/perks/facilities nor given any protection due to a government employee.
In its judgment, the court recorded that the government has “now framed a welfare scheme for all such casual workers” during the pendency of the case. (Source: The Hindu)


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Govt has to frame schemes; courts should stay out of governance, says Supreme Court.

India pilots resolutions on Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India pilots resolutions on Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly.

In a significant first, India piloted resolutions on two important global environment issues relating to Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at the fourth session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) which was held in Nairobi from 11th to 15th March 2019.UNEA adopted both the resolutions with consensus. The theme of the UNEA this year was Innovative Solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable production and consumption.

The global nitrogen use efficiency is low, resulting in pollution by reactive nitrogen which threatens human health, eco system services, contributes to climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. Only a small proportion of the plastics produced globally are recycled with most of it damaging the environment and aquatic bio-diversity. Both these are global challenges and the resolutions piloted by India at the UNEA are vital first steps towards addressing these issues and attracting focus of the global community.
India also hosted, in the High-Level Segment of UNEA, a session on “Global Partnerships: Key to Unlocking Resource Efficiency and Inclusive Green Economies”. The side event was attended by representatives of Member States, Civil Society Organizations, private sector organizations including leading financial institutions. The Side Event had a panel discussion which had High Level diplomatic participation from Germany, Brazil, South Africa and senior management of international financial institutions. The mainstreaming of resource efficiency and use of secondary raw materials through partnerships and action at scale is critical for moving towards green economy.

It emerged that collaborations and action at scale is key to success. The actions should be oriented towards having an inclusive green economy and blended finance will help in implementation whereas public finance should be provided to de-risk private finance in transformational projects.
The Indian delegation also participated in the panel discussion in High Level Segment on “Need for additional commitments of public finance and the ways to maximize mobilization of climate finance”.
It was highlighted that climate finance is an important lever for climate action related to both mitigation and adaption in the developing countries. The contributions to climate finance need to be in consonance with the basic principles of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). Climate finance is more of an obligation of the developed countries, based on their historical emissions. The availability of sufficient, additional and predictable climate finance is a key for action. Importantly, the lack of pledged funds in Green Climate Fund and the potential reliance on private sector has been highlighted by many developing countries. India has been initiating domestic climate actions, both related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, primarily through its own financial resources. There is a sense of urgency for financial support to developing countries, which have not been so responsible for these global environmental concerns. (Source: pib)


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India pilots resolutions on Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly.

India, Myanmar conduct coordinated operation against insurgents posing threat to Kaladan project - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India, Myanmar conduct coordinated operation against insurgents posing threat to Kaladan project.

• The Indian Army did not cross the border during the operation
• The focus of the operation was to crack down on the members of the Arakan Army, an insurgent group in Myanmar
The armies of India and Myanmar conducted a "coordinated operation" from February 17 to March 2 against insurgents in Myanmarese territory to avert a possible threat to the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project, official sources said.

However, the Indian Army did not cross the border during the operation, they said.
The focus of the operation was to crack down on the members of the Arakan Army, an insurgent group in Myanmar, the sources said. The members of the Arakan Army had also moved close to the international border along Mizoram, they said.
The sources added that during the operation, the Indian Army beefed up the security along the border from Nagaland and Manipur to ensure that the insurgents do not cross over to the Indian side.
The Indian Army also helped the Myanmarese Army by providing them intelligence, they said. There were also inputs that some members of the Arakan Army were also planning to sneak into India.
The sources said setting up of camps by the insurgent groups was being viewed as a grave concern by armies of the two countries.
The operation was also undertaken keeping in view the safety of Indian workers engaged in the project.
After a series of meetings between personnel from both the countries, it was decided to carry out the coordinated operation. Additional troops were moved to the international border areas, besides deploying the Assam Rifles personnel.
The Assam Rifles has the responsibility to guard the international border with Myanmar.
The Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project is being viewed as India's gateway to the Southeast Asia.
India entered into a framework agreement with Myanmar in April 2008 to facilitate implementation of the project. On completion, the project will help connect Mizoram with the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
On the Indian side, work is on to extend the Aizawl-Saiha National Highway by 90 km to the international border at Zorinpui. (Source:Livemint)


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India, Myanmar conduct coordinated operation against insurgents posing threat to Kaladan project.

Made in India missiles big hit! Countries across the Globe show interest in buying BrahMos, Akash - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Made in India missiles big hit! Countries across the Globe show interest in buying BrahMos, Akash.

The government has been receiving proposals for the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Missile from as diverse as ASEAN countries, South American nation Chile and South Africa which is a member of the BRICS Grouping. The BrahMos has been developed at a low budget of $300 million.

India’s lacklustre effort to sell indigenously developed missiles has helped neighbouring China to boost its export prospects of its weapons system to potential buyers, which New Delhi has been eyeing.

The government has been receiving proposals for the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Missile from as diverse as ASEAN countries, South American nation Chile and South Africa which is a member of the BRICS Grouping. The BrahMos has been developed at a low budget of $300 million.
ASEAN nations have approached India seeking to purchase major defence and weapon systems from India, including the Akash and BrahMos missiles. As has been reported earlier by The Financial Express, export of Akash and BrahMos missiles was topping the agenda of talks when 10 ASEAN leaders met during the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on the eve of India’s Republic Day in 2018.
Highly placed sources have confirmed to the Financial Express Online that the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos is also in discussions with other countries, including Philippines, South Korea, Algeria, Greece, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Singapore, and Bulgaria.
Despite interests from the ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines for buying the BrahMos missiles, informed sources have indicated that “The deals could not be finalised with any of the ASEAN countries as New Delhi did not want to antagonise China which is already exporting to countries in the region including Pakistan.”
“India has never exported any weapons systems, except armaments ordnance, which is not real defence exports,” explained a senior officer on condition of anonymity.
Says Amit Cowshish, former Financial Advisor (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, “We are not a significant exporter of arms mainly because we have very little exportable military equipment.”
Some of the countries from the ASEAN region as well Gulf countries have also expressed interest in buying ‘Akash’ missile designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), has an interception range of 25-km, which are meant to keep fighter aircraft, helicopters and drones from attacking critical installations.
As has been reported earlier, Vietnam was negotiating with India for both BrahMos and Akash missiles. While the government clarified that BrahMos was never being discussed with Vietnam, discussions related to Akash missile fell through as the pricing is one of the issues between the two countries.
“The government should have intervened to ensure the deal goes through as that would have helped India get a foothold in that country. Also, exports at this level not only boost the economy, it also gives strategic hold in the region,” said the senior officer quoted above.
During the recently concluded Aero-India 2019, Russian officials confirmed to Financial Express Online that they had no objection to export BrahMos Missiles to friendly nations.
According to Prof Srikanth Kondapalli, Chinese Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, “In the case of both Indonesia and Vietnam, Russia is already selling SU-27 fighters and Kilo Class submarines to both countries. Indonesia is keen on the air version of BrahMos from India.”
Countries like UAE have also expressed interests in both the `Made in India’ missiles. Last October DRDO had made a presentation for the `Akash’ surface to air missile system to UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falacy. The UAE after visiting the BEL facility and meeting with DRDO officials had expressed keenness on the indigenous missile system along with other platforms.
India has consciously tried balance its relationship in the Middle East and has so far not finalised deal for any system in the region and the same for the South American region. Lot of interest was generated in the South American region after the successful launch of BrahMos from SU-30 aircraft against a sea target, as many countries have opted for the Sukhoi aircraft from Russia.
BrahMos is a short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land and is a joint venture between Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia and the DRDO. (Source:defencenews.in)


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Made in India missiles big hit! Countries across the Globe show interest in buying BrahMos, Akash.

Climate vulnerability assessment of all states, UTs soon - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Climate vulnerability assessment of all states, UTs soon.

• It would be the first-such climate vulnerability index for all states
• India is among the most vulnerable to climate change
After the first-ever vulnerability assessment of 12 Himalayan states to climate risks, the Department of Science and Technology has now decided to carry out a climate vulnerability assessment of all states and union territories (UTs).
The assessment would be based on the global methodological framework of 2014 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), where vulnerability is defined by how ‘sensitive’ a specific eco-system is to climate change risks and what is the current adaptive capacity to mitigate the risks.

“The project for the 12 Himalayan states is completed and now it would be extended to all other states and union territories. This would enable us to compare vulnerability profiles of all states and prioritize action on climate change," said Dr Akhilesh Gupta, head, climate change programme, Department of Science and Technology (DST).
It would be the first-such climate vulnerability index for all states, as there is no such national rating at present to determine which states are more vulnerable to climate risks based on a common set of indicators — socio-economic, demographic, health, sensitivity of agricultural production, forest-dependent livelihood and access to information.
Among the 12 Himalayan states, Assam and Mizoram were found to be the most vulnerable to climate change. Assam, not only has a low per capita income, but also the least area under irrigation, low percentage area covered under crop insurance and a high proportion of marginal farmers, making it extremely vulnerable.
“More than 60% of population in Assam rely on climate sensitive agriculture as a primary source of income. There is high yield variability of food grains, which indicates fluctuations in agro-climatic conditions over time. The population living below the poverty line (BPL) is also greater than national average, and there is lack of access of information," stated the report, which was presented at the 24th Conference of Parties (COP) meeting held in Poland last December.
The assessment for Himalayan states was conducted by researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and IIT Mandi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
“India is among the most vulnerable to climate change. Such assessment would help government to assess which states or districts need more resource allocation for adaptation and mitigation of climate change, depending on how vulnerable they are," said Professor N H Ravindranath, from IISc Bangalore, adding that it would also nudge governments to revise their first state action plan based on current situation.
The assessment found low per capita income, low open forest area per 1,000 households and lack of irrigation coverage to be the most important drivers of vulnerability in Himalayan states. Other crucial indicators were percentage of area under slope, yield variability of food grains, forest cover, irrigation cover and access to healthcare. (Source: Livemint)


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Climate vulnerability assessment of all states, UTs soon.

Rafale case: Will first decide on Centre's preliminary objections, says SC - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Rafale case: Will first decide on Centre's preliminary objections, says SC.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the petitioners seeking review of its order to focus on the preliminary objections regarding admissibility of the leaked documents

The Supreme Court made it clear on Thursday that it will decide first on the preliminary objections raised by the Centre and then go into the facts of the Rafale fighter jet deal case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked the petitioners seeking review of its order to focus on the preliminary objections regarding admissibility of the leaked documents.

"Only after we decide the preliminary objection raised by the Centre, we will go into the facts of the case," said the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph.
At the outset, Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, claimed privilege over documents pertaining to the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and told the Supreme Court that no one can produce them in the court without the permission of the department concerned.
Venugopal referred to section 123 of the Evidence Act and provisions of RTI Act to buttress his claim. He told the top court that no one can publish documents which relate to national security as the security of the State supercedes everything.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, one of the petitioners seeking review, opposed the submission and said that the Rafale deal documents, which AG says are privileged, have been published and are already in public domain.
Bhushan said that provisions of RTI Act say public interest outweighs other things and no privilege can be claimed except for documents which pertain to intelligence agencies.
There is no government-to-government contract in purchasing Rafale jets as there is no sovereign guarantee extended to India by France in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, Bhushan said.
He also said the Press Council of India Act provides provisions for protecting sources of journalists. (Source: The Business Standard)


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Rafale case: Will first decide on Centre's preliminary objections, says SC.

Ganga water quality has worsened in 3 years: Study - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Ganga water quality has worsened in 3 years: Study.

The Rs 20,000-crore “Namami Gange” project to “conserve, clean and rejuvenate” the Ganga river seems to have failed to achieve its target. On the contrary, analysis of data collected by the city-based Sankat Mochan Foundation (SMF) has revealed a significant rise in coliform bacteria and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), important parameters to evaluate water quality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set an ambitious 2019 deadline to achieve results on nirmalta (cleanliness) of Ganga when he launched the project in May 2015. Union minister Nitin Gadkari last year extended the deadline to March 2020.
SMF, a Varanasi-based NGO, has been monitoring the quality of Ganga water since the launch of the Ganga Action Plan by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. Working as a watchdog for the cause of the Ganga, SMF has established its own laboratory to analyse the samples of Ganga water on a regular basis.
Coliform in Ganga water at alarming levels
Data collected by SMF’s Ganga Laboratory at Tulsi Ghat here has painted a gloomy picture of the Ganga’s health due to high bacterial pollution. Coliform organisms should be 50MPN (most probable number)/100ml or less in drinking water and 500MPN/100ml in outdoor bathing water, while BOD should be less than 3mg/l. According to SMF data, faecal coliform count rose from 4.5 lakh (upstream at Nagwa) and 5.2 crore (downstream in Varuna) in January 2016 to 3.8 crore (upstream) and 14.4 crore (downstream) in February 2019.
“Similarly, BOD level has risen from 46.8-54mg/l to 66-78mg/l during January 2016-February 2019. Besides, the level of dissolved oxygen (DO), which should be 6mg/l or more, has gone down from 2.4mg/l to 1.4mg/l during this period. High presence of coliform bacteria in Ganga water is alarming for human health,” said SMF president and IIT-BHU professor V N Mishra, who is also the mahant of the famous Sankat Mochan temple.
“Faecal coliform is present in the gut and faeces of warmblooded animals. Consequently, E coli is considered to be the species of coliform bacteria that is the best indicator of faecal pollution and possible presence of disease-causing pathogens,” said noted environmental scientist and former BHU professor B D Tripathi.
A slight improvement was seen in tapping discharge of sewage into the Ganga during this period. (Source: The Economic Times)


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Ganga water quality has worsened in 3 years: Study.

India successfully completes trials of guided Pinaka rockets in Pokhran - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

India successfully completes trials of guided Pinaka rockets in Pokhran.

The consecutive successful missions of guided Pinaka proves the efficacy, reliability and high precision capabilities of the weapon system.

India on Tuesday successfully carried out the third test-fire of the guided Pinaka rocket from Pokhran ranges after two successful runs on Monday, March 11, the Defence Research and Development Organisation said in a statement.
The consecutive successful missions of guided Pinaka proves the efficiency, reliability and high precision capabilities of the weapon system, the government statement said. “All the three trials met mission objectives,” the communique read.
The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system. In both the missions, the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies
Telemetry Systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met. The indigenously-developed Guided Pinaka by DRDO, India’s central agency responsible for military research and development, will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits.
The multi-barrel rocket system Pinaka is an area weapon system to supplement the existing artillery gun at ranges beyond 30 kilometres, having quick reaction time and high rate of fire, the DRDO website says.


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India successfully completes trials of guided Pinaka rockets in Pokhran.

Govt proposes national green aviation policy - Pragnya IAS Academy - News Analysis.

Govt proposes national green aviation policy.

• India is one of the fastest growing domestic aviation markets
• In a white paper on 'National Green Aviation Policy' that has been put up for public comments
The civil aviation ministry will create a simplified regulatory regime to speed up clearances for airport development and other aviation projects while taking due care of environment sustainability, according to a white paper.
In a white paper on 'National Green Aviation Policy' that has been put up for public comments, the ministry said aviation regulator DGCA would work with other government agencies for making bio-jet fuels commercially viable.
Besides, the watchdog would assess and understand emissions from all aviation related sources, their contribution to the local air quality and their effect on compliance with local air quality regulations, as per the paper.

According to the paper, the ministry would create a "favourable regulatory regime for clearances of aviation projects such as new airports development and expansion".
There would be a special provision and timelines that would be worked out in collaboration with central and state government bodies, environment ministry, pollution control boards and the DGCA to speed up the developmental activities with due care environment sustainability, it added.
India is one of the fastest growing domestic aviation markets and is projected to become the the world's third largest air passenger market in 10 years.
As part of the proposed green aviation policy, the DGCA would assess and understand emissions from all aviation related sources and their contribution to the local air quality.
"DGCA will work with aviation stakeholders and other government authorities with framework to adopt measures to reduce emissions in all areas -- aircraft, ground support, airport infrastructure and landside access traffic," it added.
Among others, airports would adopt local air quality monitoring system and programs to monitoring the air quality around airport.
The paper noted that the DGCA would work with other government agencies including petroleum and natural gas ministry as well as private agencies for ensuring availability of bio-jet fuels for aircraft use which is commercially viable.
All aviation stakeholders shall also explore the possibilities of use of bio-fuel and other alternate fuels with lower emissions for ground vehicle application," it added.
Further, the paper noted that the stakeholders would work closely with government agencies, local bodies for effective waste management around the airport to ensure reduced bird hazards and safe airport operation.
A centre of excellence for green aviation has also been proposed, that would focus on identifying environment friendly solutions, research, competency and skill developments and aviation programmes, among others.(Source: Livemint)


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Govt proposes national green aviation policy.