Star campaigner
Star campaigner Persons who are nominated by parties to campaign in a given set of Constituencies. These persons are, in almost all cases, prominent and popular faces within the Party. However, there are no specific definitions according to law or the Election Commission of India. A recognized political party can have 40-star campaigners and an unrecognized (but registered) political party can have 20. The list of star campaigners has to be communicated to the Chief Electoral Officer and Election Commission within a week from the date of notification of an election. According to Section 77 (b) of The Representation of People’s Act, 1951 expenses incurred by the campaigner shall not be deemed to be an expenditure in connection with the election. In other words, the expenses will be borne by the respective political party The Model Code of Conduct states that if the star campaigner is a prime minister or a former prime minister, then expenses incurred for bullet-proof vehicles required by centrally appointed security personnel will be borne by the government. The manual to the Model Code of Conduct states that for the benefit of availing Section 77 (1) of The Representation of People’s Act, a permit for the mode of transport for every star campaigner will be issued centrally and against their name. It is also mandatory for this permit to be stuck on a prominent and visible place on the vehicle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJh8L3Ezodw 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. join now
CSIRs Indigen Project
CSIRs Indigen Project It was implemented by the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. This has enabled benchmarking the scalability of genome sequencing and computational analysis at population scale in a defined timeline. The ability to decode the genetic blueprint of humans through whole genome sequencing will be a major driver for biomedical science. Benefits: Epidemiology of genetic diseases to enable cost effective genetic tests. Carrier screening applications for expectant couples. Enabling efficient diagnosis of heritable cancers. Pharmacogenetic tests to prevent adverse drug reactions Need for genome sequencing: Genome sequencing is figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides, or bases, in a genome—the order of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts that make up an organism’s DNA. The human genome is made up of over 3 billion of these genetic letters. The outcomes of the IndiGen will be utilized towards understanding the genetic diversity on a population scale, make available genetic variant frequencies for clinical applications and enable genetic epidemiology of diseases. It is important to ensure that India, with its unparalleled human diversity, is adequately represented in terms of genomic data and develops indigenous capacity to generate, maintain, analyse, utilize and communicate large-scale genome data, in a scalable manner. Contributions: To understanding the “Indian Genome Variation”. Pioneering collaborations in genomics has been fostered by CSIR both nationally and internationally. The first personal human genome in India and in understanding ancestral population in India and early migrations that led to what we know today on distinct ethnic groups. CSIR also pioneered the application of genomics in clinical settings in the area of rare genetic diseases in India by means of DNA/Genome based diagnostics and interaction with large number of clinical collaborators. Applications: CSIR conducts Whole Genome Sequencing of over 1,000 Indians for Biomedical Applications. predictive and preventive medicine with a faster and efficient diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. The whole-genome data and know-how for the analysis of largescale genomic data is expected to enable evidence and aid in the development of technologies for clinical and biomedical applications in India. Conclusion: The IndiGenome card and accompanying IndiGen mobile application that enables participants and clinicians to access clinically actionable information in their genomes. It ensures privacy and data security, which is vital for personal genomics to be implemented at scale. This is being pilot tested in individuals across India and has evinced interest from several Indian commercial organisations. Read Also Budget 2022-2023 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. join now
QUAD and India
QUAD and India The democratic nations of the world can use the Quad as an instrument to check China’s ambitions be it in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. It is of the opinion that China’s rise cannot be halted but can only be countered with an equally strong economic and security-oriented organisation and the Quad fits the setting. QUAD: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the ‘Quad’ is an informal setup of Australia-India-Japan-United States. It aims to strengthen the defence and security cooperation amongst the four countries. The ‘quad’ has endorsed a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that isn’t monopolised by a single country. Securing a rules-based global order, liberal trading system and freedom of navigation are believed to the guiding principles. Opportunity for India under QUAD Agreement India has to have a more open approach towards the formation of the Quad and international relations in general. It has to map out a strategy of opening doors of cooperation in relation to its Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Australia. India perhaps can set up naval bases in Australian islands whereas the same can be offered by India to Australia. India can build around collective action in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, monitoring shipping for search and rescue or anti-piracy operations, infrastructure assistance to climatically vulnerable states, connectivity initiatives and similar activities. India holds a significant position in the Quad and if this organisation takes shape in reality it can also counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This way India can maintain peace and security in its Indian Ocean region. Issues related to QUAD: India’s Aversion of Alliance System. Maritime Dominated Undefined Vision Significance: It helps India and the other three nations to counter China’s OBOR It will provide a powerful platform to advance Indian interest in the region and strengthen the Act East policy. It will deepen India’s ties with US, Australia and Japan with benefits in diplomatic leverage and sharing of burden in defence. Tackle common challenges of terrorism and proliferation Cooperation “to curtail DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)’s nuclear and missile programmes and unlawful acts Free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. Challenges: Strategic analysts argue that India is dragging itself into the US-China rivalry. India has impeded the Chinese desire to have a diplomatic mission in Bhutan, it would be a challenge if the US pursues the same China’s Closeness to ASEAN Economic Power of China QUAD may affect India-Russia relations and gave further impetus to improve China-Russia relations, which will impact India. Way Forward: The process of establishment of the Quad is the beginning of a new idea that is complex and multi-dimensional in nature It can be a possible way to build a liberal international order to counter China’s bold rise. The Quad will need to have a clearer vision for itself. The Quad should focus on building a robust regional consultation mechanism and coordinate with ASEAN nations on issues of regional importance. World Bank and Asian Development Bank must focus on infrastructure funding in the region that would promote economic growth. 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. join now
India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy
India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. Policy Initiatives: India is an active development partner and is involved in several projects in these countries. India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. Our engagement with these countries is based on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented approach, which focuses on delivering benefits like greater connectivity, improved infrastructure, stronger development cooperation in various sectors area, security and broader people-to-people contacts. With Pakistan, the Government desires normal neighbourly relations and is committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. Modi invited all the SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony and on a subsequent day he held bilateral talk with all of them individually. Recently in a launch event at ISRO, Modi asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated SAARC satellite to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme in the region. India First “India First” means that what India needs/wants from each economic and technology power will be expressed with greater clarity and specificity and these counties have to respond in the way think appropriate India’s decisions will then be based on the comparative benefit-cost ratio of dealing with different countries on a defined set of issues, not on philosophical and/or ideological consideration of (non-) alignment. Challenges: Closed Economic Mode Emergence of China Influence of Domestic Politics Divided Subcontinent on the Religious Lines Read GS Full Notes Way Forward: Establishing a Border Commission Focussing on Border states Multilateral engagements Soft power Improving Regional Connectivity Implementing Gujral’s Doctrine Policy Non-interference 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. Join now
Nyay Kaushal
Nyay Kaushal India’s first-ever e-resource centre and virtual court for traffic and transport to enable speedy justice for litigants, called ‘Nyay Kaushal’, at Nagpur. The e-resource Centre at Nagpur is meant to be a step at mitigating various inequalities, being connected to the Supreme Court, the High Courts and the Taluka Courts. The centre will provide the easiest way of filing court matters by utilising technology. It will provide benefits in saving time, avoidance of exertion, travelling long distances, and a saving in costs. The virtual court can deal with all traffic challan cases from every corner of Maharashtra online. It will be possible for the litigants to pay the fine and get the traffic challan case disposed of with the click of a button on a smartphone or a computer. The virtual court will be working from Katol in Nagpur district. 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. join now
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India -TRAI
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India – TRAI Established by an Act of Parliament, called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. TRAI is an independent regulator of Telecom Business in India. Aims to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government. Its mission is to create and nurture conditions for the growth of telecommunications in India to enable the country to have a leading role in the emerging global information society. It also provides fair and transparent environment that promotes level playing field and facilitates fair competition in the market. It also regularly issues orders and directions on various subjects such as tariffs, quality of service, interconnections, Direct To Home (DTH) services, and mobile number portability. Read Also IUC TRAI also fixes or revises the tariffs for telecom services in India. The TRAI Act was amended to establish a Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI. TDSAT was set up to adjudicate any dispute between a licensor and a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers, and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision order of TRAI. 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. Join now
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict and India
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict and India A three-decades-old unresolved ethnos territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up once again. The conflict is between two relatively small countries and is territorial in nature. Origin of the conflict: Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous and heavily forested patch of land that sits inside the territory of the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan. Under international law, Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but the ethnic Armenians who make up the vast majority of the population reject Azeri rule. They have been running their own affairs, with support from Armenia, since Azerbaijan`s troops were pushed out in a war in the 1990s. The Caucasus is a strategically important mountainous region in south-east Europe. For centuries, different powers in the region – both Christian and Muslim – have vied for control there. Nagorno-Karabakh – key facts: A mountainous region of about 4,400 sq km (1,700 sq miles) Traditionally inhabited by Christian Armenians and Muslim Turks In Soviet times, it became an autonomous region within the republic of Azerbaijan Internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but majority of population is ethnic Armenian An estimated one million people displaced by war in 1988-1994, and about 30,000 killed Separatist forces captured some extra territory around the enclave in Azerbaijan in the 1990s war Stalemate has largely prevailed since a 1994 ceasefire Turkey openly supports Azerbaijan; Russia has military bases in Armenia Israel: The conflict marks a strange coupling of Turkey and Israel, which are hostile to one another both diplomatically and in terms of security. Significance of the region: The energy-rich Azerbaijan has built several gas and oil pipelines across the Caucasus (the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea) to Turkey and Europe. Some of these pipelines pass close to the conflict zone (within 16 km of the border). In an open war between the two countries, the pipelines could be targeted, which would impact energy supplies and may even lead to higher oil prices globally. Role of India: India does not have a publicly articulated policy for South Caucasus, unlike ‘Neighborhood First’, ‘Act East’ or ‘Central Asia Connect’ policies and the region has remained only on the periphery of its radar. Balancing Between The Two Extremes India has adopted a balanced and neutral stance and made a politically correct statement in which it has expressed its concern, called for restraint and immediate cessation of hostilities and resolution of the conflict peacefully through diplomatic negotiations. Asymmetry in Relations There is a visible asymmetry in India’s relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Armenia is the only country in the region with which it has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (signed in 1995), which incidentally would prohibit India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan in case Azerbaijan’s offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh spills over to the territory of Armenia. Conclusion The conflict between the two countries has reached alarming levels and the international mediators should intervene immediately and push sides for substantive negotiations to prevent any further escalations. Growing Pakistan- China-Turkey’s influence in the south Caucasus region is a source of concern for India. It is important for it to strengthen its ties with both the countries in line continuing its non-aligned stance and call for peace in the region. Under these circumstances, India has done the right thing to adopt a balanced and neutral stance and pitching for a political solution as outlined in the Madrid Principles. Read Also India Afghanistan Relations 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. join now
Dilution of Offset Policy
Dilution of Offset Policy The government diluted the “offset” policy in defence procurement, reportedly in response to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India’s report tabled in Parliament last month. The move is a setback for augmenting domestic capabilities or for realising the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. ‘Offset’ policy: The offset policy, introduced in 2005, mandates foreign suppliers to spend at least 30% of the contract value in India. The 2005 policy helped promote a vibrant aerospace cluster, mostly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) around Bengaluru The offset is an obligation by an international player to boost India’s domestic defence industry if India is buying defence equipment from it The policy was adopted on the recommendations of the Vijay Kelkar Committee. Developing country buyers often lack an industrial base and research and development (R&D) facilities. However, large buyers such as India seek to exercise their “buying power” to secure defence deals, not just the lowest price. Read Also Aero India 2021 Objectives: Fostering the development of internationally competitive enterprises. Augmenting capacity for Research, Design and Development related to defence products and services. Encouraging development of synergistic sectors like civil aerospace, and internal security”. Leverage capital acquisitions to develop Indian defence industry by fostering the development of internationally competitive enterprises domestically. Partially compensating for a significant outflow of the country’s resources in the large purchase of foreign goods. Issues with New Policy: Misplaced Rationale CAG Report Impact of New Policy: The dilution means practically giving up the offset clause. This would impact India’s prospects for boosting defence production and technological self-reliance. Further, India has voluntarily given up a powerful instrument of bargaining to acquire scarce advanced technology. Way Forward: Need for Clear Roadmap Review & Proper Implementation of Offset Clause Better Regulation & Facilitation . 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. Join now
Air Pollution & Concerted Efforts
Air Pollution & Concerted Efforts India’s air pollution problem needs to be tackled systematically, taking an all-of-government approach, to reduce the huge burden of associated ill-health. Deteriorating air quality due to the release of hazardous pollutants from multiple sources is a growing challenge. Most Indian cities report poor levels of air quality, threatening the health of its citizens and adversely impacting economic activity. If air pollution is not controlled, by 2030 the air will become so poisonous that it will be necessary to use an oxygen kit to breathe easily. State of Global Air 2020 Report: State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020) has been released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal are among the top ten countries with the highest PM2.5 (particulate matter) exposures in 2019 and all of these countries experienced increases in outdoor PM2.5 levels between 2010 and 2019. India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Also, among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O3 concentrations in the past ten years. Long-term exposure to outdoor and household (indoor) air pollution contributed to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases, in India in 2019. High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month. WHO: WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits containing high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures. WHO is supporting countries to address air pollution. AQI It helps the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. Index constituted as a part of the Government’s mission to improve the culture of cleanliness. World Bank: According to a 2016 World Bank report, the lost lives and ill health caused are also a colossal economic burden. $225bn is lost labour income in 2013, or $5.11tn per year (about $1m a minute), if welfare losses are also added. Source of Air Pollution Burning of Fossil Fuels Agriculture & Allied Sources(eg: Stubble burning) Natural Sources Pollutants Causing Effect of Health: Mortality and burden of disease from unhealthy environments In children under five years, up to 26% of all deaths could be prevented, if environmental risks were removed. 12.6 million people died as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment, representing 23% of all deaths. When accounting for both death and disability, the fraction of the global burden of disease due to the environment is 22%. particulate air pollution exposure during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. Air pollution is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (umbrella term for several progressive lung diseases including emphysema) and lung cancer, and increases the risks for acute respiratory infections and exacerbates asthma. Government Initiatives: Introduction of BS-VI emission standards Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Household LPG programme). National Clean Air Programme. Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Way Forward: To address this multifaceted problem, solutions are needed to tackle existing challenges like knowledge gaps, institutional capacity, monitoring capabilities and data availability, policy enforcement and low levels of public awareness. Average pollution levels in India are declining over the past three years but these have been marginal, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains which see extremely high PM pollution especially during winter. After a decline in pollution due to the nationwide lockdowns after March, pollution levels are again rising and air quality is dipping to the ‘very poor’ category in several cities. WHO’s 4 Pillar Strategy: Expanding the knowledge base Monitoring and reporting Global leadership and coordination Institutional capacity strengthening Responsibility of Citizens Addressing Injustice 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
Air Pollution & Concerted Efforts
Air Pollution & Concerted Efforts India’s air pollution problem needs to be tackled systematically, taking an all-of-government approach, to reduce the huge burden of associated ill-health. Deteriorating air quality due to the release of hazardous pollutants from multiple sources is a growing challenge. Most Indian cities report poor levels of air quality, threatening the health of its citizens and adversely impacting economic activity. If air pollution is not controlled, by 2030 the air will become so poisonous that it will be necessary to use an oxygen kit to breathe easily. State of Global Air 2020 Report: State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020) has been released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal are among the top ten countries with the highest PM2.5 (particulate matter) exposures in 2019 and all of these countries experienced increases in outdoor PM2.5 levels between 2010 and 2019. India is also among the top ten countries with highest ozone (O3) exposure in 2019. Also, among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O3 concentrations in the past ten years. Long-term exposure to outdoor and household (indoor) air pollution contributed to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart attack, diabetes, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and neonatal diseases, in India in 2019. High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month. WHO: WHO data shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that exceeds WHO guideline limits containing high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income countries suffering from the highest exposures. WHO is supporting countries to address air pollution. AQI It helps the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. Index constituted as a part of the Government’s mission to improve the culture of cleanliness. World Bank: According to a 2016 World Bank report, the lost lives and ill health caused are also a colossal economic burden. $225bn is lost labour income in 2013, or $5.11tn per year (about $1m a minute), if welfare losses are also added. Source of Air Pollution Burning of Fossil Fuels Agriculture & Allied Sources(eg: Stubble burning) Natural Sources Pollutants Causing Effect of Health: Mortality and burden of disease from unhealthy environments In children under five years, up to 26% of all deaths could be prevented, if environmental risks were removed. 12.6 million people died as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment, representing 23% of all deaths. When accounting for both death and disability, the fraction of the global burden of disease due to the environment is 22%. particulate air pollution exposure during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. Air pollution is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (umbrella term for several progressive lung diseases including emphysema) and lung cancer, and increases the risks for acute respiratory infections and exacerbates asthma. Government Initiatives: Introduction of BS-VI emission standards Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Household LPG programme). National Clean Air Programme. Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Way Forward: To address this multifaceted problem, solutions are needed to tackle existing challenges like knowledge gaps, institutional capacity, monitoring capabilities and data availability, policy enforcement and low levels of public awareness. Average pollution levels in India are declining over the past three years but these have been marginal, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plains which see extremely high PM pollution especially during winter. After a decline in pollution due to the nationwide lockdowns after March, pollution levels are again rising and air quality is dipping to the ‘very poor’ category in several cities. WHO’s 4 Pillar Strategy: Expanding the knowledge base Monitoring and reporting Global leadership and coordination Institutional capacity strengthening Responsibility of Citizens Addressing Injustice
