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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13/02/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13/02/2024

A global alliance to bridge the gender equity gap

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

India’s commitment to equality and inclusion is evident through recent initiatives, such as the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at the G-20 and the launch of the ‘Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality’ at the World Economic Forum.

  • These initiatives underscore a growth agenda led by women, focusing on various aspects like socio-economic empowerment, digital access, and climate action.

Key Highlights

  • A significant stride towards gender equality in governance was marked by the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill last year.
  • This groundbreaking legislation allocates a third of seats for women in both Parliament and State Assemblies, revolutionizing women’s empowerment in political leadership.
  • Financial Commitment: $27 Billion Gender Budget:
    • Demonstrating a robust commitment to gender equality, the Indian government has allocated a substantial budget of $27 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24.
    • This gender-specific budget emphasizes the importance of addressing gender disparities in various sectors, reflecting a holistic approach to empowerment.
  • Advancements in Governance and Education:
    • The government’s efforts to mainstream gender equality are reflected in the remarkable increase in female labor force participation, soaring from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23.
    • The nation has also witnessed a commendable 28% rise in female enrollment in higher education over the past decade.
    • Notably, women’s participation in STEM courses stands at an impressive 43%, ranking among the highest globally.
    • Even in rural India, strides have been made with over nine crore women actively participating in 83 lakh self-help groups.
    • These initiatives have played a crucial role in improving socio-economic conditions in rural areas, contributing to the overall empowerment of women.
  • India’s Global Recognition and Leadership:
    • India’s contributions across various domains, including space exploration, sports, entrepreneurship, and peacekeeping operations, have garnered acknowledgment from global leaders.
    • These successes have sparked interest and curiosity worldwide, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the We-Lead Lounge established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Davos.
  • Formation of the Alliance for Global Good:
    • At Davos, India showcased its commitment to inclusive development through the establishment of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality.
    • Anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership and guided by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India, this alliance aims to mobilize global support and action for women empowerment.
    • Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and endorsed by the World Economic Forum, the alliance brings together experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive collective efforts towards women’s empowerment on a global scale.
    • Objectives and Focus Areas:
      • The Alliance aims to develop scalable and practical solutions in key areas such as ed-tech, medical capacity building, health interventions for women, learning and skill development, agrotech, and women enterprise development.
      • Leveraging India’s expertise in these domains, particularly in pharmaceuticals and digital technology, the Alliance seeks to advance women-led development initiatives globally.
    • Leadership and Responsibility:
      • India’s leadership in establishing the Alliance reflects its commitment to providing shared direction to global stakeholders.
      • By taking responsibility for driving inclusive growth and gender equity, India underscores its role as a leader in shaping the global development agenda.
      • The global business landscape is presented with a unique opportunity to leverage and exchange practices that promote the entry and growth of women in the workplace.
      • India encourages industries worldwide to share, invest in, and collectively champion proven programs that propel women’s advancement.
      • The goal is to elevate inclusion beyond a mere social initiative and integrate it into mainstream business discussions.
    • Learning and Growing with the Global Community:
      • India sees this as an opportunity to engage with the global community, including industries, think tanks, and investors, to learn, exchange ideas, and collectively develop solutions.
      • The overarching commitment is to enhance women’s engagement and leadership within the global economy.
      • This involves increasing access to essential elements such as healthcare, educational opportunities, and economic prospects.
      • India’s leadership in these domains, notably as the “pharmacy of the world” and its digital prowess, positions the country as a global influencer.
    • Rooted in the principles of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and the ongoing commitment to ‘SabkaSaath, SabkaPrayaas, SabkaVikaas’ (Together, Everyone’s Effort, Everyone’s Development), India positions the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality as a formidable force addressing various gender-related issues.

About the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at the G-20

  • The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration was adopted during the G20 Leader’s Summit on September 9-10, 2023.
  • The Declaration covers a wide range of global challenges, including climate change, economic stability, digital economy, public health, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • The key points of the declaration include:
    • Global Challenges:
      • The declaration addresses headwinds to global economic growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the impact of global challenges on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals
    • Economic Stability and Inclusion:
      • It emphasizes strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth, unlocking trade for growth, preparing for the future of work, advancing financial inclusion, and fighting corruption
    • Climate and Environment:
      • The declaration underscores the need to accelerate efforts towards achieving the Paris Agreement, pursue reforms for better Multilateral Development Banks, promote sustainable and inclusive growth through digital transformation, and address issues such as drought, land degradation, and desertification
    • Health and Well-being:
      • It endorses a Global Initiative on Digital Health for Universal Health Coverage and recognizes the role of traditional medicine
    • Inclusive Development:
      • The declaration emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global value chains, supporting start-ups and MSMEs, and promoting the ease and reducing the cost of doing business
    • Disaster Risk Reduction:
      • The declaration highlights the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the commitment to accelerate progress on Early Warning and Early Action through various measures.

About the ‘Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality’ at the World Economic Forum

  • The “Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality” was established at the 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
  • The alliance is a response to the G20 Summit 2023 Leaders’ Declaration and India’s commitment to women-led development.
  • It aims to build on the initiatives of the Engagement Group and frameworks like Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER.
  • The primary objective of this alliance is to bring together global best practices, knowledge sharing, and investments in the identified areas of women’s health, education, and enterprise.
  • Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Centre for Women Leadership.
  • The WEF has come on board as a ‘Network Partner’ and Invest India as an ‘Institutional Partner’.

About the World Economic Forum (WEF)

  • The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss nonprofit organization founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab.
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its annual meeting in Davos, which brings together political leaders, business executives, academics, and other influential figures from around the world to discuss and collaborate on global issues.

Government’s Hospitality Hygiene Rating System Faces Slow Uptake across States

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The government’s initiative to implement a Swachhata Green Leaf Rating system in the hospitality sector, aimed at ensuring high hygiene standards in hotels, resorts, and homestays, has encountered a slow response.

  • Launched by the Union Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the rating system has seen minimal participation, with only a pilot project initiated in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Despite three communiques from the Ministry, the states have not shown interest, as of the latest update in early February.

Key Highlights

  • The initiative involves state teams from Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin and the tourism department conducting workshops to educate stakeholders on the rating system’s concept, process, and desired outcomes.
  • The government is urging owners and operators of lodging services to adopt good practices for enhanced and safe sanitation, fecal sludge management, solid waste segregation, and the reduction of single-use plastic.
  • The proposed ‘Swacchta Green Leaf Rating’ system aims to be implemented across all hospitality facilities in the country, encompassing hotels, lodges, homestays, ‘Dharamshalas,’ and camps with portable toilets.
  • Ratings will be based on compliance with outlined safe sanitation practices, with the primary objective of preventing water body pollution and maintaining environmental cleanliness.
  • Vision for Sustainable Tourism:
    • The vision statement emphasizes achieving the rating system through public participation, envisioning voluntary engagement from the hospitality sector to contribute to cleaner and more sustainable tourism practices in India.
    • The government is considering potential incentives to encourage participation, and there is a focus on rural areas where low-cost technologies can assist small hospitality units like homestays, bed and breakfasts, small restaurants, and tea shops in adopting improved sanitation practices.
  • Three-Tiered Committee System:
    • The proposed implementation involves a three-tiered committee system.
    • It begins with a Verification Sub-Committee led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for on-ground verification, followed by a District Committee chaired by the District Collector, and finally, a State-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary of the State.
    • The initiative aims to drive positive change in sanitation standards across the hospitality sector, with a particular emphasis on rural areas and public participation.

Appointing Deputy CMs not a breach of Constitution: SC

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition challenging the appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers in States, asserting that no constitutional violation exists as these officials are essentially Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and Ministers in State governments.

  • The three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized that the nomenclature of “Deputy Chief Minister” does not breach the Constitution.
  • The court reasoned that these appointees have the same status and responsibilities as other Ministers, and their appointments do not lead to a higher salary.
  • The petitioner, Public Political Party, claimed the appointments were motivated by religious and sectarian considerations, violating the right to equality under Article 14 and the principles of Article 15.
  • However, the court dismissed the petition, citing a lack of substance.

About the Office of Chief Minister

  • The constitutional framework of the parliamentary system designates the governor as the nominal executive authority (de jure executive), while the Chief Minister holds the position of the real executive authority (de facto executive) at the state level.
  • Similar to the Prime Minister’s role at the national level, the Chief Minister is the head of the government.
  • Appointment Process:
    • The Constitution doesn’t outline a specific procedure for selecting and appointing the Chief Minister.
    • According to parliamentary conventions, the governor typically appoints the leader of the majority party in the state legislative assembly as the Chief Minister.
    • In cases of no clear majority, the governor may exercise discretion, often appointing the leader of the largest party or coalition, who is then required to seek a vote of confidence within a month.
    • In certain circumstances, such as the sudden death of a Chief Minister with no obvious successor, the governor may have to exercise personal judgment in selecting the new Chief Minister.
    • However, when the ruling party elects a new leader in such situations, the governor is obligated to appoint the elected leader as the Chief Minister.
  • Majority Proof Requirement:
    • Contrary to a mandatory requirement, the Constitution doesn’t stipulate that a person must prove their majority in the legislative assembly before being appointed as Chief Minister.
    • The governor may appoint the Chief Minister first and subsequently request a majority test within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Temporary Appointment and Legislative Membership:
    • A person not currently a member of the state legislature can be appointed as Chief Minister for six months.
    • Within this period, the individual must be elected to the state legislature, or else they cease to hold the position of Chief Minister.
    • This provision allows for flexibility in the initial appointment, recognizing the necessity for legislative representation.
  • Key Constitutional Provisions:
    • Article 163 mandates that the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers shall aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in cases where the Governor is required to act at his discretion.
    • Article 164(1): States that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.
    • Article 164(2): Specifies that the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.

RuPay, UPI rolled out in Mauritius, Sri Lanka

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the establishment of RuPay card and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity between India and Mauritius, along with UPI connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

  • The initiative aims to deepen financial integration and facilitate digital payments among citizens of the three countries.
  • NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), in collaboration with partner banks and non-banks from Mauritius and Sri Lanka, executed these projects under RBI’s guidance.

Key Highlights

  • Indian travellers to Mauritius can now use UPI to pay merchants, and similarly, Mauritian travellers can use the Instant Payment System (IPS) app to pay merchants in India.
    • The MauCAS card scheme in Mauritius will utilize RuPay technology, allowing banks in Mauritius to issue RuPay cards domestically.
    • These cards can be used at ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals in Mauritius and India.
    • With this integration, Mauritius becomes the first country outside Asia to issue cards using RuPay technology.
    • Indian RuPay cards will also be accepted at ATMs and PoS terminals in Mauritius.
  • Similarly, Indian travellers can make QR code-based payments in Sri Lanka using their UPI apps, enhancing digital payment options for cross-border transactions.
  • NPCI International Payments Ltd played a pivotal role in developing and executing these digital payment projects.
    • The Bank of Mauritius and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka collaborated in making these digital payment facilities operational.
  • The collaboration aims to deepen financial integration and reinforce the historical, cultural, and economic ties between India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.

About the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

  • The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system in India that facilitates instant fund transfer between two bank accounts through mobile devices.
  • UPI was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to simplify the electronic payment process and promote digital transactions.
  • Key features:
    • UPI enables immediate money transfers between banks on a real-time basis.
      • This eliminates the need for traditional methods like NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) or RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) that may have longer processing times.
    • Users can link multiple bank accounts to a single UPI app, providing a unified platform for managing various accounts.
    • Instead of using complicated bank account numbers and IFSC codes, UPI transactions are initiated using a mobile number linked to the bank account or a unique UPI ID.
    • UPI operates round the clock, allowing users to make transactions at any time of the day, including weekends and holidays.
    • UPI transactions are secured through two-factor authentication, typically involving a combination of a unique UPI PIN and mobile OTP (One-Time Password).
      • These security measures help protect users from unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions.
    • UPI can be used for various purposes, including person-to-person (P2P) transfers, bill payments, merchant transactions, and more.
    • UPI has been integrated into various digital payment platforms, allowing users to make transactions seamlessly across different systems.

About the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
  • The NPCI was founded in December 2008 under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
  • Ownership:
    • NPCI is owned by a consortium of major banks and financial institutions in India.
    • Some of the prominent stakeholders include State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and others.
  • Mission and Objectives:
    • NPCI’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and secure payment solutions to all Indians.
    • It aims to empower every Indian with access to e-payment services, thereby promoting financial inclusion and digital transactions.
  • Products and Services:
    • Unified Payments Interface (UPI): A real-time payment system for instant fund transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices.
    • Immediate Payment Service (IMPS): A real-time electronic funds transfer service available 24/7.
    • National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT): A nationwide electronic funds transfer system for interbank transfers.
    • Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS): A high-value fund transfer system that settles transactions on a real-time basis.
    • Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS):
      • NPCI operates the Bharat Bill Payment System, a centralized bill payment system that allows users to pay various utility bills online through a single platform.
    • RuPay:
      • NPCI launched the RuPay card, a domestic card payment network that competes with international card networks like Visa and MasterCard.
      • RuPay cards are issued by various banks in India.
  • NPCI has played a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion by providing easy and affordable access to digital payment solutions, especially in rural and underserved areas.

PM-SVANidhi boosted annual income of street vendors

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

A study commissioned by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, conducted by the Centre for Analytical Finance of the Indian School of Business (ISB), evaluated the impact of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.

  • The study revealed that the first tranche of ₹10,000 provided under the scheme resulted in an additional annual income of ₹23,460 for each beneficiary.

Key Highlights

  • Background of PM SVANidhi:
    • Launched in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, PM SVANidhi aims to support street vendors in resuming their livelihoods by offering affordable working capital loans.
    • The scheme allows beneficiaries to avail an initial loan of ₹10,000, followed by subsequent loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 upon successful repayment.
  • Loan Disbursement Data:
    • According to data from the PM-SVANidhi portal, as of now, the scheme has disbursed 60.65 lakh first-term loans, 16.95 lakh second-term loans, and 2.43 lakh third-term loans.
    • The disbursement reflects the widespread reach and impact of the initiative.
  • Study Details and Beneficiary Insights:
    • The ISB study covered 5,141 vendors across 100 urban local bodies in 22 states.
    • Notably, 95% of those surveyed reported that the PM-SVANidhi loan was their first-ever bank loan, while 72% stated it was their initial experience with a business loan.
    • The positive outcomes revealed by the study will likely inform the Ministry’s assessment of the PM SVANidhi scheme.
    • The report findings emphasize the scheme’s efficacy in providing tangible economic benefits to street vendors, contributing to their financial upliftment amid challenging circumstances.
    • The study reveals that 94% of beneficiaries utilizing the first loan of ₹10,000 and 98% of those with the second loan invested the funds in business activities.
    • The study indicates that the first loan led to an additional income of ₹1,955 per month, totaling ₹23,460 over the loan’s one-year duration, aligning with global estimates of marginal returns for small businesses.
  • Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and Loan Performance:
    • The study found that 13.9% of all disbursed loans were classified as non-performing assets (NPAs), indicating no payments for three months or more.
    • Notably, NPAs were highest during the Covid-19 pandemic but declined over time, with only 9% of loans disbursed in 2022 turning into NPAs.
    • This highlights the resilience and recovery of the scheme amid challenging circumstances.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio and Creditworthiness:
    • The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of beneficiaries stood at 9%, lower than expected for small businesses, indicating the high creditworthiness of street vendors.
    • This underscores the responsible use of loans and the financial stability of the beneficiaries.
    • Despite the positive impact of PM SVANidhi, the study found that there was no significant improvement in street vendors’ access to formal credit from other sources.
    • Only 9% of beneficiaries reported having loans from other financial institutions, indicating the need for continued efforts to enhance financial inclusion for this segment.

About the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme

  • The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme is a government initiative launched as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • The scheme aims to provide financial support to street vendors to resume their livelihoods and help them become self-reliant.
  • The government aims to provide benefits under the PM SVANidhi Scheme to a total of 42 lakh street vendors by December 2024.
  • The scheme provides collateral-free working capital loans up to Rs. 10,000 for a 1-year tenure, repayable in monthly installments.
    • Vendors who make timely repayments are eligible for an interest subsidy of 7% per annum.
  • Incentives are given to those who make timely repayment of loans, and digital payment channels are encouraged to promote cashless transactions.
  • The scheme is available to all street vendors engaged in vending in urban areas.
  • The eligible vendors will be identified based on specific criteria, including possession of a Certificate of Vending/Identity Card issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), provisional Certificate of Vending for vendors identified in surveys, and Letter of Recommendation (LoR) for vendors not covered in the survey.
    • Street vendors can apply for the PM SVANidhi scheme through designated Common Service Centres (CSCs), mobile apps, and online portals.
  • The scheme has received close to 2 million applications, with over 750,000 sanctioned and 218,751 loans disbursed.
  • The scheme is fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

What is Nazool land?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

Nazool land in India refers to government-owned land that is not directly administered as state property.

  • Instead, the government typically allocates this land to various entities on lease, with lease terms ranging from 15 to 99 years.

Key Highlights

  • Lease Renewal Process:
    • When the lease term is approaching expiration, individuals or entities can seek lease renewal by submitting a written application to the Revenue Department of the local development authority.
    • The government holds the authority to either renew the lease or cancel it, thereby reclaiming the Nazool land.
  • Allocation for Various Purposes:
    • Nazool land is distributed to different entities for diverse purposes across major cities in India.
    • The allocations serve a variety of functions and contribute to the overall development and utilization of these government-owned lands.
  • Historical Origin:
    • The emergence of Nazool land traces back to the period of British rule in India.
    • During this time, kings and kingdoms that opposed British forces engaged in frequent battles.
    • Upon defeating these kingdoms, the British would confiscate their lands.
    • After India gained independence, the British vacated these lands.
    • However, lacking proper documentation to establish prior ownership, these lands were categorized as Nazool land, becoming the property of the respective state governments.
  • Utilization of Nazool Land:
    • The government predominantly employs Nazool land for public purposes, such as constructing schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, and other essential infrastructure.
    • Additionally, several Indian cities have witnessed the allocation of Nazool land for housing societies, often through lease agreements with different entities.
    • Nazool land is strategically utilized to fulfill the needs of public welfare projects, ensuring that essential facilities and infrastructure are established to benefit communities.
    • Leasing to Entities:
      • Rather than directly administering Nazool land, the government frequently leases it to various entities, allowing for diverse uses that align with developmental objectives.
    • Governance Framework:
      • While different states have introduced government orders to establish rules for Nazool land, The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956, is the primary legal framework commonly employed for Nazool land adjudication.
      • This legislation provides guidelines and procedures for the transfer and management of Nazool land.