Space- Role for private sector

Space- Role for private sector United state sends Astronauts to outer space on wings of public-private collaboration by NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a space tech company. SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactica are some Rocket manufacturing and space technology-based company which explores the promising field of commercial enterprises in outer space. Space extends unexplored opportunities where the advent of private players provide advantages in Innovation, cost-effectiveness and competitiveness. Indian context The Indian space programme is not just about civilian applications for remote-sensing, meteorology and communication, as in the early decades. India’s space sector and its requirements have grown enormously in the last decade to include television and broadband services, space science and exploration, space-based navigation and, of course, defence and security applications. Besides the commercial wing of ISRO, the ATRIX provides satellite launching services internationally. Despite the low-cost services , India’s share in global space commerce is mere 2%. Indian initiative for private sector collaboration Under Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Finance Minister proposed comprehensive reforms in space sector to ensure greater participation of private sector. Newly formed ‘New Space India Limited’ (NSIL), an initiative to engage private sector. ISRO began to work with a few in the private sector such as the Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies, contracted to build satellites. Similarly, Bellatrix Aerospace began to work with ISRO on advanced in-space propulsion systems. However much of this remain pipe dream and industry is giving cold response. We need serious structural changes to encourage private participation in the space sector Way forward In India the same agency has undertaken promotion, commercial and regulatory function, which is not healthy. Need an independent regulator in the sector to ensure transparency ,better responsibility and regulation and a level playing field. Address concerns of private sector on issues such as sharing of intellectual property (IP) of their products,by establishing a robust IP regime. Rather than viewing private companies as manufacturering and service partners, they should be involved in serious business of product development. A certain amount of democratisation of space technology with the participation of the private sector. Most of all implementation of these initiatives, not the lip service, is most important. The Indian space programme has several advantages, the most important being cost: the ability to provide reliable launches in a cost-effective manner is a big advantage. India can gain significantly if ISRO and the country’s private space sector can cooperate effectively and synergistically. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Click here

Child Labour during pandemic period

Child Labour during pandemic period The year 2021 is set to be marked as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. June 12 is celebrated as world day against child labour to foster world wide movement against any form of child labour. It was launched by International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to focus on child labour and the action needed to eliminate it. Virtual campaign is being organized with joint ILO-UNICEF paper on COVID-19 impact on child labour. Read Also Epidemic Diseases act 1897 Theme 2020: Covid-19: Protect Children from Child Labour, now more than ever! The crisis can push millions of vulnerable children into child labour. Already, there are an estimated 152 million children in child labour, 72 million of which are in hazardous work. These children are now at even greater risk of facing circumstances that are even more difficult and working longer hours. The COVID-19 pandemic may force children into work given that families are facing falling incomes during pandemic. Children are out of school due to lockdown restrictions draw them to child labour. Government and civil society need to be vigil and put in extra effort to prevent child labour. Read Also Vande Bharat Mission

SERO SURVEY ICMR

SERO SURVEY ICMR A sero survey by ICMR ( Indian Council of Medical Research ) from 69 districts across 21 States in India found that an estimated 7,00,000 people could have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in these districts even in early May. Serological or antibody tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests, but they are useful indicators of the spread of the novel coronavirus among people. Results from the survey suggest that the actual COVID-19 case count by early May could have been at least 20 times more than what was detected in India at that time. A serological survey is when blood samples of the general population are analysed and incase specific anti-bodies are detected, they are labeled as infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past. In May, about 24,000 blood samples of adults were examined for antibodies produced specifically by SARS-CoV-2 via an ELISA test. The test has been developed and validated by the ICMR-National Institute of Virology and is said to be the most reliable so far. While the actual number of those infected was not disclosed, 0.73% of the population in these districts had evidence of past exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The adult population of these districts according to the 2011 census works out to around 96 million persons. If the results are applied to the adult population of these districts, the number of people likely to have been infected crosses 7 lakh. This number is twenty times higher than the 35,000 confirmed cases as of early May in the entire country. Testing, tracking and treatment at a higher-order across the population besides measures such as mask-wearing and practising hand hygiene, as the experience of several countries that have considerably slowed down the rise in the case count shows, is the clearest way to address the outbreak. Read Also Delimitation commission Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help.   contact us

Domestic violence during National Lockdown

Domestic violence during National Lockdown The National Commission for Women (NCW) registered an increase of at least 2.5 times in domestic violence since the national lockdown, according to official data. Domestic violence is a reality that existed prior to COVID-19 and has intensified as a result of the lockdown because women are locked in with their abusers 24×7, their housework and care work responsibilities have increased and all the stress and tensions are released on women. According to the National Family Health Survey released by Union Health Ministry, every third woman since the age of 15, has faced domestic violence of any forms in the country. Domestic violence is done not only by husbands but includes abuse by parents, in-laws and other family members. Read Also Green Crackers and Petroleum Domestic violence includes physical, mental/emotional and financial abuse. The government needs to prepare a robust plan and provide adequate budgets to provide support services to survivors. Ensure effective implementation of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Conduct campaigns that highlight that Domestic Violence is a crime, unacceptable and that the state will take firm action against it. One-stop centres, Women ‘s helpline, Women’s Commission are a mechanism to protect women from domestic violence. Read Also Scheduled Tribes Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us

Chang pa- Ladakh

Chang pa- Ladakh Chang pa are semi nomadic tribal people residing in Changthang regions of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. The Changpa are high altitude pastoralists, raising mainly yaks and goats. For many Changpas, rearing of animals, and consuming and selling their produce (milk and its products, hair and meat) is the only means of livelihood. They are classified as scheduled tribes by Indian government for affirmative action. The Changpas rear the highly pedigreed and prized Changra goats that yield the rare Pashmina wool. Kashmir Pashmina has been accorded Geographical indication (GI) tag under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Nomads have roamed around the undemarcated borders with China and Tibet, for centuries, herding the famed and hardy goats that produce the ultrasoft wool known as Pashmina, the finest of cashmeres. The months-long military standoff between India and China is hurting local communities due to the loss of tens of thousands of Himalayan goat kids died because they couldn’t reach traditional winter grazing lands. Read Also PVTGS Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us

Border dispute India – Nepal

Border dispute India – Nepal Nepal parliament passed the constitutional amendment bill giving approval of recent political map published by Nepal government including the territories of Limpiyadhura,Lipu Lekh and Kalapani.These disputed territories were not originally included in the Nepal constitution promulgated in 2015 SeptemberWhile India Nepal-India maintains open border and very cordial relations major border dispute between two exist in Kalapani and Susta. The Nepal kingdom of 19th century extended up to river Sutlej in the west to river Teesta in the east The two-year war between East India Company and Nepal in 1814 ( Anglo-Gorkha war) which led to the Sugauli treaty of 1816, demarcated the Kali river as the border of India and Nepal. While Kali river is the agreed boundary between two nation, there exists a difference of opinion over the origin of the Kali river. Nepal claims that Kali river starts at Limpiyadhura and the 370 sq km adjoining area belongs to Nepal. However, the area is occupied by India for long . Lipu Lekh is used for annual Kailash Manasasarovar pilgrimage and is an active trade route controlled by India. India has an active military outpost in these regions. Nepal claims that area was temporarily granted for Indian military for strategic purposes after 1961 indo China war by the king Mahindra of Nepal. Before 1962 Nepal government collected land revenue from this region and census were held. The dispute over the regions begins only in 1990s. In 2000 border negotiations were put in place under Vajpayee government but didn’t produce an outcome. The India China agreement in 2015 to develop Lipulekh as commercial and pilgrimage hub invited formal protest from Nepal and made claims over the region. The issue resurfaced in 2019 when New Delhi publishes new political map to reflect the changes following the decision on August 5 to reorganise the State of Jammu and Kashmir, and Nepal objected to the depiction of the disputed territory. The passage of the constitutional amendment and high decibel rhetoric leaves lesser space for diplomacy. India should shed its big brother attitude and should treat Nepal as an equal partner in all engagements. While Indian diplomacy needs to factor in ‘active Chinese presence ‘ as a third player, excess emphasis on China in Nepal-India equation could be counterproductive. Once celebrated the “special” relationship between the two countries can be rebuilt only through mutual trust. Read Also India Nepal Relations

PM Cares Fund

PM Cares Fund The Supreme Court sought a response from the government to a plea that contributions made to the PM CARES fund to fight COVID-19 should be transferred entirely to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund)’ is a public charitable trust that has been set up keeping in mind the need for having a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide relief to the affected. Objectives : To undertake and support relief or assistance of any kind relating to a public health emergency or any other kind of emergency, calamity or distress, either man-made or natural, including the creation or up-gradation of healthcare or pharmaceutical facilities, other necessary infrastructure, funding relevant research or any other type of support. To render financial assistance, provide grants of payments of money or take such other steps as may be deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees to the affected population. To undertake any other activity, which is not inconsistent with the above Objects. Constitution of the Trust : Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the PM CARES Fund and Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance, Government of India are ex-officio Trustees of the Fund. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (Prime Minister) shall have the power to nominate three trustees to the Board of Trustees who shall be eminent persons in the field of research, health, science, social work, law, public administration and philanthropy. Any person appointed a Trustee shall act in a pro bono capacity. Other details : The fund consists entirely of voluntary contributions from individuals/organizations and does not get any budgetary support. The fund will be utilised in meeting the objectives as stated above. Donations to PM CARES Fund would qualify for 100% exemption under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Donations to PM CARES Fund will also qualify to be counted as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013 PM CARES Fund has also got exemption under the FCRA and a separate account for receiving foreign donations has been opened. This enables PM CARES Fund to accept donations and contributions from individuals and organizations based in foreign countries. Concerns The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) set up in January 1948, have similar objectives. The fund doesn’t comes under the ambit of the RTI Act or oversight by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The PM CARES is opaque regarding the amount of money collected, names of donors, the expenditure of the fund so far, or names of beneficiaries. The PMNRF provides annual donation and expenditure information without any detailed break-up. The PM CARES Fund’s trust deed is not available for public scrutiny. The decision to allow uncapped corporate donations to the fund to count as CSR expenditure — a facility not provided to PMNRF — goes against previous guidelines stating that CSR should not be used to fund government schemes. A government panel had previously advised against allowing CSR contributions to the PMNRF on the grounds that the double benefit of tax exemption would be a “regressive incentive”.

Polling to Rajya Sabha

Polling to Rajya Sabha Polling to Rajya Sabha, scattered over nine states including in 18 seats that are deferred due to corona pandemic is held on 19th June. Composition/Strength Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of which 12 members are nominated by the President and 238 are representatives of the States and of the two Union Territories. The present strength of Rajya Sabha, however, is 245, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry and 12 are nominated by the President. The members nominated by the President are persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service. Allocation of Seats The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in Rajya Sabha.  The allocation of seats is made on the basis of the population of each State. Process for Election/Nomination Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is not subject to dissolution.  However, one-third Members of Rajya Sabha retire after every second year. The representatives of the States and of the Union Territories in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the method of indirect election.  The representatives of each State and two Union territories are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State and by the members of the Electoral College for that Union Territory, as the case may be, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Read Also Electoral reforms in India Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us

Dexamethasone for COVID-19 therapy

Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 therapy (RECOVERY), a clinical based trial in UK found that Dexamethasone, a steroid-based drug, is effective in reducing mortality due to severe COVID-19. In the trial, around 2,100 patients were randomly assigned to get the steroid. This was compared with over 4,300 patients who did not get it. It has reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third and patients on oxygen by one-fifth. The drug is an inexpensive and a commonly available drug. It is widely used to treat diseases like lupus, arthritis, asthma and some skin conditions. It appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. The trials also find that Hydroxychloroquine is not effective in reducing mortality.

Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020

Global Status Report on Preventing Violence Against Children 2020 Globally, an estimated one out of two children aged 2–17 years old suffer some form of violence each year. Over their lifetime, children exposed to violence are at increased risk of mental and physical health problems, and negative educational outcomes. The economic costs of these consequences are enormous. The document presents the INSPIRE framework a set of seven strategies to help countries and communities intensify their focus on prevention programs and services with the greatest potential to reduce violence against children. INSPIRE is a collaboration between organizations initiated by the World Health Organisation. The collaborating organizations are: the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), End Violence Against Children: The Global Partnership, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Together for Girls, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Bank. The report signalled a clear need in all countries to scale up efforts to implement them. Read Also International Counter Terrorism Conference 2022