CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06/09/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06/09/2023

Carrying Capacity Study of the Himalayan Region

(General Studies- Paper I and III)

Source : The Hindu

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The destructive floods in northern India in August have raised concerns at the highest levels of government.

• Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had previously suggested the need for a comprehensive study on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan region.
• In response, the Indian government has proposed the establishment of a 13-member technical committee to address this issue.

Key Highlights

• Understanding Carrying Capacity:
  • The concept of “carrying capacity” is rooted in population biology and refers to the sustainable quantity of a species within a defined ecosystem.
  • In the context of the Himalayan region, it pertains to the balance between a rising population, infrastructure development, and the region’s delicate geography.
• Historical Challenges:
  • Past experiences have shown that achieving a consensus on this issue among stakeholders in the Himalayan States is challenging.
  • After the devastating floods in Uttarakhand in 2013, a committee of experts was appointed to assess the role of hydropower projects, but their recommendations didn’t prevent unsuitable road-widening projects and mountainous terrain alterations.
• A Previous Proposal:
  • The recent proposal by the Centre is not entirely new, as in 2020, guidelines were circulated to the 13 Himalayan States for assessing the carrying capacity of their hill stations, cities, and eco-sensitive zones.
  • The Environment Ministry had urged all states to conduct such studies.
• Recent Environmental Crises:
  • Environmental crises, such as land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, and unexpected deluges in Himachal Pradesh, have highlighted the conflict between infrastructure development and ecological concerns in the region.
• Sustainable Development vs. No-Go Zones:
  • There are two possible approaches to address the issue: either states must bear the higher cost of building sustainably and minimizing risks to residents or designate certain regions as no-go zones.
  • The latter, however, has historically been a breeding ground for political opportunism.
• In light of unequivocal scientific evidence, delaying action on the issue of carrying capacity is no longer an option.

The Himalayan region of India

• The Himalayan region of India can be divided into three main geographical regions based on elevation and topographical features: the Upper Himalayas, the Middle Himalayas, and the Lower Himalayas.
• Each of these regions has distinct characteristics and plays a unique role in the geography of the Himalayan range.
• Upper Himalayas (Trans-Himalayas):
  • Elevation: The Upper Himalayas are the northernmost and highest part of the Himalayan range.
    • They include peaks that often exceed 6,000 meters in elevation, with some towering above 8,000 meters.
  • Glaciers: This region is characterized by numerous glaciers, including the Gangotri Glacier, which is the source of the Ganges River.
    • It also includes the Siachen Glacier, one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions.
  • Climatic Conditions: The Upper Himalayas experience extreme cold and are covered in snow and ice throughout the year.
  • The climate is harsh and inhospitable to most forms of vegetation.
  • Wildlife: Wildlife in this region is adapted to high-altitude conditions and includes animals like snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and Tibetan wolves.
  • Cultural Significance:
    • Culturally, the Upper Himalayas are sparsely populated, but they are home to communities like the Ladakhis and Tibetans who practice Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Key towns and regions in the Upper Himalayas include Leh, Ladakh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh.
• Middle Himalayas (Himachal Region):
  • Elevation: The Middle Himalayas are situated south of the Upper Himalayas and are characterized by elevations ranging from 1,500 meters to 4,000 meters.
  • Landforms: This region features a mix of rugged mountain terrain, deep valleys, and plateaus.
    • It includes famous hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie.
  • Climatic Conditions:
    • The Middle Himalayas have a more temperate climate compared to the Upper Himalayas.
    • They experience distinct seasons, including a pleasant summer and cold winter with snowfall.
  • Vegetation: This region supports diverse vegetation, including temperate forests with oak, pine, and rhododendron trees.
  • Wildlife:
    • Wildlife in the Middle Himalayas includes species like the Himalayan tahr, red panda, and various species of pheasants.
  • Cultural Significance:
    • The Middle Himalayas are densely populated and home to various indigenous communities.
    • These areas have a rich cultural heritage and are often visited by tourists for their natural beauty.
• Lower Himalayas (Shivalik Range):
  • Elevation: The Lower Himalayas, also known as the Shivalik Range, are the southernmost part of the Himalayas, with elevations ranging from 600 meters to 1,500 meters.
  • Landforms:
    • This region consists of foothills and low-lying mountains that gradually descend into the northern plains of India.
    • It acts as a transition zone between the Himalayas and the Indo-Gangetic plain.
  • Climatic Conditions:
    • The climate in the Lower Himalayas is subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
    • It receives relatively higher rainfall than the Upper and Middle Himalayas.
  • Vegetation:
    • This region is characterized by subtropical forests and deciduous trees like sal, teak, and bamboo.
  • Wildlife:
    • Wildlife in the Lower Himalayas includes species like leopards, elephants, and various bird species.
  • Cultural Significance:
    • The Lower Himalayas are densely populated and home to many towns and cities.
    • They are culturally diverse and have historically been important trade and pilgrimage routes.

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Coup in Gabon

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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The African continent has been witnessing a troubling surge in military coups in recent months, raising concerns about political stability, democracy, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

• This trend has been exemplified by coup incidents in countries like Niger, Gabon, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

Key Highlights

• Niger’s Coup and Western Ultimatum:
  • In July, Niger experienced a military coup that ousted the pro-Western regime of President Mohamed Bazoum.
  • In response, regional powers and Western countries issued an ultimatum to restore democracy in Niger, but the coup leaders dismissed this ultimatum.
• Multiple Coups in Africa:
  • Several countries across Africa, including Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, have faced coups in quick succession.
  • In each case, the military has seized power, often citing concerns about security and economic opportunities.
• Gabon’s Coup and Political Transition:
  • Gabon, a resource-rich country and an OPEC member, witnessed a coup when the Republican Guard, tasked with protecting President Ali Bongo, took control after a disputed election.
  • Ali Bongo’s regime faced pressure from the Opposition, demands for free and fair elections, and economic equity.
  • Gabon, despite its wealth, has high poverty rates and unemployment.
• Changing Geopolitical Dynamics:
  • These coups have revealed significant shifts in Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
  • Many of the affected countries were former French colonies, but there is evidence of diversification in their international alliances.
  • For example:
    • Russia’s Influence: In Mali and Burkina Faso, Russian influence expanded following the coups.
    • China’s Growing Role: Gabon replaced France with China as its primary trading partner, indicating changing economic alliances.
• Western Response:
  • Western calls for the return of military putschists to the barracks have been largely ineffective, suggesting a shift away from traditional Western influence.
• Emerging Trends: These coups underscore two major trends in Africa:
  • Internal Pressure on Traditional Regimes: Traditional regimes are facing growing pressure from within, as citizens demand political reforms, free elections, and economic equality.
    • This pressure has emboldened risk-taking generals to seize power.
  • Changing Geopolitical Dynamics:
    • The evolving geopolitical dynamics in Africa are reshaping alliances and partnerships.
    • African countries are diversifying their international relationships beyond historical colonial ties.

About Gabon

• Gabon is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa.
• It is situated along the equator, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
• It shares borders with several African countries, including Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and Sao Tome and Principe to the west.
• Capital: The capital city of Gabon is Libreville, which is also the largest city in the country.
  • Libreville is situated on the coast and serves as Gabon’s economic and cultural center.
• Official Language: The official language of Gabon is French, reflecting its colonial history as a former French colony.
• Geography:
  • Gabon is known for its diverse geography, which includes lush rainforests, savannas, and coastal areas.
  • The country is part of the Congo Basin rainforest, and approximately 90% of its land is covered by forests.
  • The Ivindo River, one of Gabon’s major rivers, is home to impressive waterfalls.
• Economy:
  • Gabon’s economy is characterized by its rich natural resources, including oil, manganese, and timber.
  • Oil production is a major contributor to the country’s revenue.
• Currency: The official currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is also used by several other Central African countries.
• History:
  • Gabon gained independence from France on August 16, 1960, and has since experienced periods of political stability and change.
  • The country has had a relatively small number of presidents, with the Bongo family holding power for an extended period.
  • Ali Bongo Ondimba, who came to power in 2009, succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled Gabon for over four decades.

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The implications of the expansion of BRICS

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Hindu

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The 15th BRICS summit held in Johannesburg announced the inclusion of six new members: Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina.

• This expansion reflects the growing importance and influence of the BRICS grouping, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• The move signifies a challenge to the Western-dominated international order and aims to promote a more representative and fair global system.

Key Highlights

• BRICS Background:
  • BRICS has met annually since 2009 and includes ministerial and expert conclaves.
  • It has established significant institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) for development assistance and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement for countries facing balance-of-payments pressures.
  • The NDB has already financed numerous projects.
• Critique of Western-Dominated Institutions:
  • BRICS members share dissatisfaction with Western-dominated international institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, UN, and WTO.
  • They seek wide-ranging reforms to accommodate the interests of emerging economies.
  • The Johannesburg Declaration reaffirms their commitment to a more equitable international order.
• Expanding Membership and Collective Influence:
  • With the inclusion of new members, BRICS will represent 46% of the world’s population and contribute to 37% of global GDP in PPP terms, surpassing the G-7’s GDP share of 30.7%.
  • BRICS accounts for 23% of global exports and 19% of global imports.
  • Energy sector impacts are significant, with BRICS members expected to produce 42% of global oil output.
• GDP of BRICS+
  • GDP Share Before Expansion (End of 2022):
    • The original six members of BRICS represented approximately 25.77% of the global GDP, based on data from the World Bank.
    • These six countries collectively contributed significantly to the world’s economic output.
  • GDP of BRICS Countries Post-Expansion:
    • Following the inclusion of the six new economies, BRICS now comprises five countries with GDPs exceeding the trillion-dollar mark.
    • This indicates the economic significance and clout of BRICS as a grouping.
  • GDP Share After Expansion (Post-Expansion):
    • After the expansion, BRICS now constitutes nearly 29% of the world’s GDP, reflecting its increased economic influence on the global stage.
    • This expansion has strengthened BRICS as a bloc with considerable economic power and potential.
• Oil Production:
  • Prior to the expansion, the BRICS countries collectively accounted for a daily production share of approximately 20.4% of the global oil production.
  • Following the expansion, the BRICS countries’ share of global oil production substantially increased to 43.1%.
  • This indicates a remarkable growth in the group’s influence over global oil production.
  • Among the new BRICS members, Saudi Arabia emerges as the largest oil producer, with a daily production of 12,136 barrels.
• Exports of Goods and Services:
  • The original members of BRICS collectively contributed approximately 18.28% of the global exports of goods and services.
  • China, among the original members, played a significant role, accounting for 12% of global exports, while India followed with a 2.5% share.
  • BRICS Share of Global Exports After Expansion:
    • With the addition of the six new economies, BRICS now represents 20.58% of global exports.
    • This indicates a modest increase in BRICS’ overall share of global exports, reflecting the economic strength of the expanded group.

• Population
  • Prior to the expansion, the original members of BRICS collectively represented approximately 40.9% of the global population.
  • This was primarily driven by the large populations of India and China, two of the world’s most populous countries.
  • With the addition of the six new economies, BRICS now accounts for approximately 46% of the global population.

• Geo-Strategic Value of New Members:
  • The new BRICS members enhance the grouping’s geo-strategic significance.
  • West Asian members are already tied to BRICS nations through energy trade.
  • Egypt and Ethiopia are strategically important in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, while Argentina is a major Latin American economy.
• BRICS Achievements and Shared Vision:
  • Critics have dismissed BRICS as a “talk-shop” with no shared vision, but the annual declarations demonstrate consensus among members.
  • The Johannesburg Declaration emphasizes intra-BRICS cooperation and outreach to other developing countries.
  • Members aim to promote the use of local currencies in trade transactions.
• Political Alignment and Regional Impact:
  • New members, especially those from West Asia, align with BRICS’ political and economic framework.
  • Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pursued independent foreign policies, engaging with Iran and expanding their regional roles.
  • Iran’s entry into BRICS opens opportunities for regional economic cooperation and connectivity projects.
• Rejecting Binary Divides:
  • BRICS members reject the idea of a new cold war or binary divide in global affairs.
  • They assert their strategic autonomy in a multipolar world and demand their voices be heard and interests respected.

In Image: BRICS+ member countries.

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Myanmar won’t be allowed to lead ASEAN in 2026

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Southeast Asian leaders have decided that Myanmar will not take over the rotating leadership of the ASEAN regional bloc as scheduled in 2026.

• This decision comes as a blow to Myanmar’s ruling generals, who have faced international condemnation for violently seizing power in 2021.

Key Highlights

• Western Condemnation and Demands:
  • Western governments, led by the U.S., have strongly condemned the Myanmar Army’s overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in 2021.
  • They have demanded the immediate release of Suu Kyi and other officials who have been detained for years.
• Philippines to Assume ASEAN Chairmanship:
  • The Philippines has agreed to take over the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
  • This announcement was made at an ASEAN summit hosted by Indonesia.
• The decision to give the chairmanship to the Philippines instead of Myanmar was not explicitly explained, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing civil strife in Myanmar.
• There is also a concern about undermining relations with countries like the U.S. and the European Union due to their non-recognition of Myanmar’s military-led government.
• Challenges in the Region:
  • The ASEAN summit addressed various challenges in the region, including the continuing deadly civil strife in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
  • The U.S.-China rivalry in the region has also created divisions within ASEAN, and unity was emphasized as crucial during the summit.
• Exclusion of Myanmar’s Generals:
  • Myanmar’s top generals and their appointed officials were once again barred from attending this year’s ASEAN summit, as a punitive measure for not complying with a domestic peace plan crafted by ASEAN leaders in 2021.
  • The ejection of Myanmar’s officials has not resolved the country’s crisis.
• Human Rights Concerns:
  • Myanmar security forces have been accused of killing approximately 4,000 civilians and arresting over 24,000 others since the army takeover in 2021.
• South China Sea Territorial Disputes:
  • ASEAN leaders reaffirmed the need for mutual trust and confidence and the exercise of self-restraint in the South China Sea.
  • Concerns were expressed about land reclamations, activities, and incidents that could escalate disputes and affect peace and stability in the region.

About ASEAN

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries.
• Member Countries:
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • the Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
• Foundation:
• ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (also known as the Bangkok Declaration) in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Bangkok Declaration was initiated by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, which included Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• The gradual expansion of ASEAN’s membership occurred over the years, shaping it into the regional bloc it is today.
• Brunei Darussalam became a member on January 7, 1984, followed by Viet Nam on July 28, 1995.
• Lao PDR and Myanmar joined on July 23, 1997, and Cambodia completed the roster of ten Member States on April 30, 1999.
• Objectives:
  • The primary objectives of ASEAN include promoting political and economic cooperation, regional stability, and cultural exchange among member countries.
  • ASEAN aims to enhance the well-being and livelihood of its people through regional integration and cooperation.
• Principles:
  • ASEAN operates on the basis of several key principles, including non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, consensus-based decision-making, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and cooperation for mutual benefit.
• ASEAN Charter:
  • The ASEAN Charter, adopted in 2007, provides a legal framework for the organization and outlines its principles and objectives.
• Summits and Meetings:
  • ASEAN holds annual summits where leaders from member countries gather to discuss regional and international issues.
• Economic Community:
  • ASEAN has worked towards establishing an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to promote economic integration among member states.
  • The AEC aims to create a single market and production base, facilitate the movement of goods, services, and skilled labour, and promote competitiveness.
• Regional Diplomacy:
  • ASEAN plays a significant role in regional diplomacy, addressing issues like territorial disputes, security, and cooperation with major powers.
  • The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a forum for dialogue on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Community Building:
  • ASEAN has three pillars of community building:
    • the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC),
    • the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and
• the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
• The ASEAN Secretariat, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, serves as the organization’s administrative and coordinating body.

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Mexico’s Maya Train Project: A Controversial Megaproject and Ecocide

(General Studies- Paper III)

Mexico’s Maya Train project has garnered both admiration and criticism due to its scale and environmental impact.

• The Maya Train is a massive infrastructure project covering a distance of 1,525 km.
• It aims to connect tourists in the Caribbean with historic Maya sites, enhancing tourism in the region.
• The project comes with a significant cost of $20 billion, making it one of Mexico’s largest infrastructure undertakings.
• Criticism as a “Megaproject of Death”:
  • The Maya Train project has faced severe criticism for its potential negative impacts on the Yucatán peninsula:
  • It poses threats to the region’s rich wilderness, ancient cave systems, and indigenous communities.
  • Environmental activists and indigenous groups argue that it may lead to ecocide and ethnocide, harming both the environment and indigenous populations.
  • The Tribunal for the Rights of Nature declared in August that the project had caused “crimes of ecocide and ethnocide.“
• Legislation to Address Ecocide:
  • In response to growing concerns about ecocide, some nations are considering ecocide legislation.
  • Mexico is among the countries exploring ecocide-related legal measures.
  • Beyond national legislation, there is a global effort to recognize ecocide as an international crime, akin to genocide.
  • Elevating ecocide to an international crime would subject it to legal scrutiny at the international level, with potential consequences for individuals and entities involved in ecocidal acts.

What is Ecocide?

Ecocide is defined as actions that knowingly cause severe and either widespread or long-term harm to the environment.

• It encompasses various activities such as port expansion, deforestation, illegal sand mining, and river pollution.
• Historical Context:
  • Biologist Arthur Galston is credited with linking environmental destruction to genocide in 1970.
    • He raised concerns about the U.S. military’s use of Agent Orange, a herbicide, during the Vietnam War.
• Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme mentioned the term in a speech at the United Nations in 1972, warning of the irreversible environmental damage caused by unchecked industrialization.
• British lawyer Polly Higgins played a pivotal role in advocating for the recognition of ecocide as an international crime in 2010.
• The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) currently addresses four major international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
• Polly Higgins proposed that the Rome Statute be amended to treat crimes against nature as equivalent to crimes against humanity.
• Her proposed definition of ecocide includes “extensive loss, damage to, or destruction of ecosystems” that substantially diminishes the peaceful enjoyment of inhabitants, encompassing all living creatures.
• The Call for Ecocide to Be a Crime
  • Ecocide has been recognized as a crime in 11 countries, with 27 others considering laws to criminalize willful environmental damage that harms humans, animals, and ecosystems
• Addressing a Legal Gap:
  • Existing international criminal laws do not protect the environment as an end in itself.
  • Ecocide laws aim to fill this gap by recognizing environmental harm as a crime.
• Responding to Climate Realities:
  • Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to the planet.
  • Ecocide laws are a response to the urgent need for environmental protection in the face of mass extinctions, extreme weather events, and other environmental crises.
• Building International Consensus:
  • The movement to criminalize ecocide is gaining momentum globally.
  • The European Parliament unanimously voted to enshrine ecocide in law, and individual nations are considering their own legislation.
• Holding Individuals and Corporations Accountable:
  • Ecocide laws can hold individuals, including corporate leaders, accountable for environmental damage.
  • This can deter harmful activities and promote responsible environmental practices.
• Justice for Vulnerable Nations:
  • Low- and middle-income countries often bear the brunt of extreme weather events and environmental disasters.
  • Ecocide laws can help these nations seek justice on the international stage.
• Symbolic Impact:
  • Recognizing ecocide as a crime sends a powerful message about the value of nature.
  • It acknowledges that ecosystems deserve protection in their own right, beyond their utility to humans.
• Changing Public Consciousness:
  • Ecocide laws can shift public consciousness and promote a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with the environment.
• Limitations and Challenges:
  • Ambiguity in Definitions:
    • Some critics argue that the definition of ecocide is ambiguous and sets a low threshold for implicating entities.
    • Terms like “long-term damage” and “wanton acts” may be open to misinterpretation.
• Development vs. Environment Narrative:
  • • The concept of ecocide may inadvertently reinforce a development-versus-environment narrative, suggesting that environmental destruction is acceptable if it benefits humans.
• Burden of Proof:
  • • Establishing the intentionality of environmental harm can be challenging, making it difficult to prove ecocide.
    • High burdens of proof may limit liability.
• Jurisdictional Challenges:
  • • Many environmental crimes are transnational, involving corporations with operations in multiple countries.
    • Determining jurisdiction and enforcing ecocide laws globally can be complex.
• India’s Stance and Challenges:
  • India has seen discussions related to ecocide in legal contexts but has not fully incorporated it into its legal framework.
  • India faces challenges in streamlining its environmental laws, addressing issues of liability and compensation, and aligning its institutions with ecocide principles.

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What is one-hour trade settlement?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced plans to implement one-hour settlement of trades, aiming for a launch by March next year.

• SEBI Chairperson MadhabiPuriBuch revealed this initiative during a recent announcement.
• Additionally, an Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA)-like facility for trading in the secondary market is expected to be introduced in January 2024.

Key Highlights

• Understanding Trade Settlement:
  • Trade settlement is a two-way process involving the transfer of funds and securities on the settlement date.
  • It is considered complete when purchased securities are delivered to the buyer, and the seller receives the corresponding payment.
  • The current settlement cycle in India is known as T+1, which signifies that trade-related settlements are completed within one day or 24 hours of the actual transactions.
• Benefits of One-Hour Trade Settlement:
  • One-hour trade settlement significantly accelerates the process compared to the current T+1 cycle.
  • In the current system, if an investor sells securities, the proceeds are credited to their account the following day.
  • However, with one-hour settlement, the investor selling shares will see the money credited to their account within one hour, and the buyer will receive the shares in their demat account within the same timeframe.
• Roadmap to Instantaneous Trade Settlement:
  • While SEBI aims to implement one-hour trade settlement promptly, it also envisions the eventual rollout of instantaneous trade settlement.
  • The instantaneous settlement requires additional technology development, and SEBI anticipates its launch by the end of 2024.
• Operational Efficiency and User Convenience:
  • These changes in trade settlement cycles are expected to enhance operational efficiency, provide faster fund remittances, facilitate prompt share delivery, and offer greater convenience to participants in the Indian stock market.

About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulatory authority in India that oversees and regulates the securities and capital markets.
• It was established on April 12, 1992, under the SEBI Act, 1992, as a statutory body to protect the interests of investors in securities and promote the development and regulation of the securities market in India.
• SEBI is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Key functions:
  • Regulation of Securities Market:
    • SEBI regulates various segments of the securities market, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
  • Registration and Regulation of Market Intermediaries:
    • SEBI registers and regulates various market intermediaries, such as stockbrokers, sub-brokers, depository participants, and portfolio managers, to ensure their compliance with regulatory norms.
  • Investor Protection:
    • One of SEBI’s primary objectives is to protect the interests of investors in securities.
    • It achieves this by implementing measures to prevent fraudulent and unfair trade practices, ensuring transparency, and providing investor education and awareness.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance:
    • SEBI conducts surveillance and monitoring of market activities to detect and prevent market manipulation, insider trading, and other market abuses.
  • Listing and Disclosure Requirements:
    • SEBI sets listing and disclosure requirements for companies seeking to issue securities to the public.
  • Regulation of Mutual Funds:
    • SEBI regulates mutual funds in India, including their registration, operations, and disclosures.
  • Regulation of Takeovers and Mergers:
    • SEBI regulates takeovers and mergers of listed companies to ensure transparency and protect the interests of shareholders.
  • Regulation of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs):
    • SEBI regulates the participation of foreign institutional investors in the Indian securities market.
  • Development of the Securities Market:
    • SEBI promotes the development of the securities market by introducing new financial instruments, encouraging technological advancements, and facilitating market infrastructure improvements.
  • Enforcement and Adjudication:
    • SEBI has enforcement powers and can impose penalties and sanctions on entities found in violation of securities laws.

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