CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06/11/2023

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06/11/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 06/11/2023

Free ration scheme to be extended for five more years: PM

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a government scheme for another five years.

The scheme was extended multiple times but was set to end in December 2022.

About Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

PM-GKAY is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to provide free food grains to migrants and the economically disadvantaged.

The nodal Ministry for implementation is the Ministry of Finance.
PMGKAY was launched in 2020 as a relief measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It aimed to ensure that vulnerable populations had access to food during the challenging economic conditions caused by the pandemic.
Benefits of PM-GKAY:
- The scheme will benefit more than 81.35 crore people.
- Eligible individuals will receive 5 kg of free wheat or rice per person per month.
- Each family will also receive 1 kg of free whole chana (chickpeas) per month.
- Wheat is allocated to specific states/union territories (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gujarat), while rice is provided to the remaining states/union territories.
- The distribution under PM-GKAY is in addition to the regular monthly entitlements under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH): Families falling within these categories are eligible for the scheme.
  - PHH are identified by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations based on their criteria.
- AAY families are identified by States/UTs according to criteria prescribed by the Central Government, including:
  - Households headed by widows, terminally ill persons, disabled persons, or individuals aged 60 years or more with no means of subsistence or societal support.
  - Widows, terminally ill persons, disabled persons, individuals aged 60 years or more, single women, single men with no family or societal support or means of subsistence.
  - All primitive tribal households.
  - Landless agricultural laborers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen (e.g., potters, tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters), slum dwellers, and daily wage earners in the informal sector.
- All eligible Below Poverty Line families of HIV-positive persons.

What is the status of Kavach installations?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

A tragic collision between two passenger trains in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in fatalities and injuries.

The collision could have been avoided with the implementation of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), particularly the indigenously developed ‘Kavach’ system.

Key Highlights

TCAS – Kavach: A Lifesaving Technology
- Purpose of Kavach: Kavach is a cab signalling train control system designed with anti-collision features, serving as a crucial safety measure for railway operations.
- Kavach’s development began in 2012 and continued for a decade under the Indian Railways Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
- Kavach acts as a vigilant guardian for the existing railway signalling system by issuing warnings and taking action to prevent potential accidents.
Warning Mechanism:
- When a train approaches a red signal and the loco pilot fails to stop, Kavach issues warnings to the loco pilot through a display.
- If the pilot doesn’t reduce speed below 15 kilometers per hour, the Kavach system automatically engages the brakes to halt the train.
Deployment of Kavach System: The Kavach system is implemented with three main components, strategically deployed along railway routes:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology:
  - Installed in the tracks at sanctioned railway stations, RFID technology utilizes radio waves to identify objects or information contained in wireless devices from a distance, without requiring physical contact or a direct line of sight.
- Locomotive Equipment:
  - The locomotive (driver’s cabin) is equipped with RFID readers, a computer, and brake interface equipment.
  - These components facilitate communication and interaction with the RFID technology on the tracks.
- Radio Infrastructure:
  - Towers and modems are installed at railway stations to support communication between the train’s locomotive and the RFID technology on the tracks.
- Kavach Infrastructure and Its Functionality
  - The three Kavach components on rail tracks, locomotives, and at railway stations work in tandem to monitor train movements and transmit signals to locomotives.
  - This intercommunication is not affected by visual interferences, such as hilly terrain or haze.
  - The system enables direct communication between locomotives, allowing for the exchange of location and track identification information.
    - This is crucial in cases where two trains are on the same line.
  - Locomotives are equipped with antennas that communicate with towers at railway stations.
    - The system can issue warnings to the driver through a monitor in the cabin.
  - Real-World Test and Success
    - Safety Test: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally participated in a Kavach test where two trains were approaching each other on the same track at high speeds.
    - Kavach successfully applied automatic brakes, preventing a collision.
  - Cause of the Andhra Pradesh Train Accident
    - Attributed Cause: The Railways Ministry attributed the Andhra Pradesh train accident to “human error” by the loco pilot of the Visakhapatnam-Palasa train.
    - The loco pilot failed to stop or slow down the train despite a red signal, potentially leading to the collision.
    - Experts suggest that if the Kavach system were in place, it could have prevented the accident by issuing warnings and applying emergency brakes.
  - Cost and Coverage of Kavach System
    - Deployment Cost:
      - Implementing Kavach costs ₹50 lakh per kilometer for the Indian Railways.
    - Current Coverage:
      - Kavach has a limited coverage of 1,500 km, with some testing ongoing on high-density routes.
      - Given India’s extensive rail network of 68,000 km, it may take many years to implement Kavach comprehensively.
    - Budget Allocation:
      - The Indian Railways has allocated ₹4,000 crore under the Signalling and Telecom budget head, which includes ₹2,000 crore from the Rashtriya Rail SanrakshaKosh (RRSK) fund for Kavach implementation.
    - Implementation Projection:
      - With the allocated funds, it is estimated that around 2,500 to 3,000 km of Kavach installation may be achievable in the upcoming fiscal year.

Defence Minister approves extended maternity benefits to women soldiers

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

In a significant gender empowerment move, India’s Defence Minister, has approved a proposal to extend maternity, child care, and child adoption leave provisions to women soldiers, sailors, and air warriors in the tri-services.

This extension ensures that women in the military will now have access to maternity benefits at the same level as their officer counterparts, promoting inclusivity and equality within the armed forces.

Key Highlights

Extension of Leave Rules:
- The Ministry of Defence officially announced that women in the military, regardless of their rank, will have access to maternity, child care, and child adoption leaves.
- The decision reflects the Defence Minister’s vision for inclusive participation of women in the Armed Forces, irrespective of their ranks.
- The extension of leave rules is aimed at addressing women-specific family and social issues within the military, ultimately improving the work conditions of women in the armed forces.
Government’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment:
- The move aligns with the commitment of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harness “Nari Shakti” (women’s power).
- The Army, Navy, and Air Force have taken a progressive approach by including women as soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, contributing to the country’s defense efforts.
- The recruitment of women in various roles, including operational deployment in challenging areas like Siachen, warships, and aviation, highlights their significant contributions to the armed forces.
Historical Milestones:
- Notably, the Indian Army achieved a significant milestone in 2019 by recruiting women as soldiers in the Corps of Military Police.
- The defence ministry has consistently advocated for gender equality in all fields, emphasizing that women should be on par with their male counterparts.

Giving the urban Indian a better life

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The theme of World Cities Day was “Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All,” emphasizing the need for better financial allocation to address the detrimental effects of flawed urbanization in India.

It highlights the alarming air pollution levels in the country, leading to significant reductions in life expectancy.
Out of the 50 most polluted cities globally, 39 are in India, with the average Indian losing 5.3 years of life expectancy due to pollution.
The residents of Delhi, in particular, suffer a loss of 11.9 years of life expectancy.

Key Highlights

Health Impacts of Pollution:
- Pollution adversely affects people’s health, leading to various issues such as burning eyes, respiratory irritation, coughing, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
- A media report labelled air pollution in Mumbai as “Death by Breath” due to extremely poor Air Quality Index levels.
- Poor air quality is not confined to the Indo-Gangetic plains but is increasingly affecting India’s coastal cities as well.
Challenges in Indian Urban Development:
- The acute air pollution problem in Indian cities can be attributed to the prevailing urban development strategies, which prioritize real estate development, road expansion, and accommodating large, fuel-consuming vehicles.
- Factors contributing to pollution include road dust, concrete batching, industrial pollution, and vehicular emissions, with motorized transport responsible for 60% of urban pollution.
- The growth of “grey” infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, has led to the reduction of green spaces, water bodies, urban forests, and urban agriculture, necessitating a shift in priorities.
Impact of Rapid Automobile Market Growth:
- The rapid growth of the Indian automobile market, projected to reach $160 billion by 2027, must be accompanied by a re-evaluation of urban development practices.
- Expanding roads to accommodate more vehicles without addressing traffic congestion and pollution levels is an unsustainable approach.
- Construction activities, which contribute to 10% of air pollution in the National Capital Region, lack effective monitoring and control measures.
Promoting Public Transport and Bicycle Lanes:
- There is a significant need of enhancing public transport, such as buses, to meet the demands of urban mobility.
- The addition of a significant number of buses to the existing fleet will also make public transport accessible and affordable.
- Creation of secure pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes, along with the appointment of bicycle officers, can encourage sustainable modes of transportation.
Controlling Private Motorized Vehicles:
- The measures to control private motorized vehicular movement, including the possibility of implementing a congestion tax during peak hours or an odd-even number plate formula is also advocated.
- The idea of having designated “no car days” and influential figures using public transport can serve as motivating examples.
- Encouraging the transition to green vehicles is highlighted as a crucial step in reducing pollution.
- Response Action Plan (GRAP) similar to Delhi can also be adopted in other Indian cities, activating specific anti-air pollution measures based on air quality.
Zero Tolerance for Industrial Pollution:
- There needs to be an emphasis on the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards industrial pollution.
- It is suggested to have real-time monitoring to ensure immediate action.
- Street supervision by residents is proposed as a proactive measure to complement the efforts of statutory bodies.
Protection of Urban Commons:
- Urban commons, including ponds, water bodies, urban forests, parks, and playgrounds, should be safeguarded from being taken over for private gain.
- The urban community should play a role in preserving and expanding these spaces.
Prioritizing Ecological Wisdom in Urban Development:
- There is a need to shift urban development strategies towards ecological principles, citing the importance of afforestation within cities and open spaces.
- This approach is in contrast with the current trend of land use changes and open space allocation to real estate developers.
Empowering Citizens and Strengthening Governance:
- The emphasis should also be on empowerment of citizens through effective governance.
- Pollution guides and standard operating procedures should be made accessible to the public and integrated into the city’s lifestyle.
- Strong governance mechanisms, similar to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), are seen as essential, and public health advisories should be supported by the medical community.

Much to lose if the ‘Indian veterans in Qatar’ case festers

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The challenging diplomatic situation where eight former Indian Navy officials, detained in Qatar since August 2022, were unexpectedly sentenced to death by a Qatari court is a matter of concern.

The lack of transparency regarding the charges and the rapid trial process has caught the Indian authorities off guard.

Key Highlights

Background on the Case:
- The eight Indian Navy veterans were employed by Dahra Global Technologies, an Omani company with operations in Doha, Qatar.
- This vertical is known to have provided training to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF).
- The QENF had previously approached Indian authorities between 2006 and 2008 to provide training for their personnel, which did not materialize.
- This led to private enterprises, like Dahra, stepping in to fill the gap.
- The Indian Navy officials, led by Commander Purnendu Tiwari, played a significant role in training junior QENF officers but were not involved in any submarine project, as speculated.
Contributions of the Indian Veterans:
- The Indian Navy veterans provided valuable training services to the QENF and integrated into Qatari society, residing with their families in Qatar.
- Commander Tiwari, in particular, received recognition and awards for enhancing India’s image abroad.
Dispute and Charges:
- The veterans had no incentive for spying or espionage, contrary to the charges brought against them.
- Any serious charges may have arisen due to random acts of indiscretion or oversight.
Legal Proceedings:
- India has provided legal assistance to the veterans since their arrest in 2022.
- Three out of six charges against them led to the death sentence.
- There are two levels of Qatar’s legal system left (Court of Appeals and Court of Cassation) for the veterans to pursue legal remedies.
- The Emir has the authority to pardon or offer clemency.
- Qatar has not historically executed many people, but the geopolitical context introduces uncertainties.
- The veterans, most of whom are in their late fifties and sixties, may face life imprisonment even if their death sentences are commuted, posing a significant humanitarian concern.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations:
- These developments have arisen at an inopportune time, as India’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict and support for the Palestinian cause will be tested in light of Qatar’s emerging role in mediating between the Arab world and Israel.
- India’s relationship with Qatar is at risk if the diplomatic row is not resolved through mutually acceptable terms.
Bilateral Agreement and Extradition Challenge:
- While India has provided extensive legal and diplomatic assistance, the Qatari court has issued its judgment.
- The existing bilateral agreement allows for the extradition of convicted citizens, but it excludes cases involving the death penalty.
- The potential consequences of this situation include damage to the global standing of both India and Qatar.
Call for Leadership and Appeal to Emir:
- The Indian political leadership has to rise to the challenge and appeal to the Emir of Qatar for a complete and unconditional pardon for the eight naval veterans.
- Such an act would serve the best interests of both countries and prevent the escalation of this complex issue.

Taking a leaf out of New Zealand’s voting system

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The concept of split voting behaviour was observed in the electoral systems of Odisha, India, and Auckland, New Zealand, despite their distinct socio-economic profiles.

It underscores the significance of understanding voter behavior and the impact of electoral systems.

Key Highlights

Split Voting in Odisha:
- Odisha experienced split voting in its concurrent Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections in 2019.
- While the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured a majority in 113 out of 146 Assembly Constituencies, it led in 88 out of 146 Lok Sabha Constituencies on the same day.
- This highlighted a difference of 25 seats and nearly a 2% vote share for the BJD.
The MMP System in New Zealand:
- New Zealand utilizes the mixed member proportional (MMP) system, which differs from India’s first-past-the-post voting system.
- Under MMP, voters cast two votes: a ‘party vote’ and an ‘electorate vote.’
- The party vote determines Parliament’s overall composition, while the electorate vote selects a local Member of Parliament (MP).
- Parties fill the list seats (48 out of 120) based on their party vote share.
- The electorate vote does not affect party representation in Parliament, allowing voters to split their votes.
- The MMP system accommodates diverse voting patterns and enables voters to choose different parties for the local MP and the party vote.
Split Voting in Auckland, New Zealand:
- Auckland Central’s parliamentary election in 2020 exemplified the split voting pattern.
- Voters elected Chlöe Swarbrick of the Green Party as their local MP while favoring the Labour Party in the party vote.
- The Electoral Commission of New Zealand recorded an increase in split votes from 27.33% in 2017 to 31.86% in 2020.
- Eight out of 72 electorate seats had ‘switch seats,’ where the local MP came from a party different from the one that secured the majority of party votes.
Advantages of Split Voting and MMP:
- Localized Accountability:
  - Split voting ensures greater local accountability for elected representatives.
  - They cannot solely rely on the party’s popularity but must also cater to the preferences of their constituents.
- Policy Focus:
  - Parties can shift their focus from individual candidate winnability to emphasizing policies and ideologies when seeking party votes, promoting more substantive political debates.
- Improved Representation:
  - The MMP system enhances the representation of underrepresented groups, including women, indigenous communities, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized segments of society.
  - New Zealand’s Parliament saw a substantial increase in the representation of women and Maori community members since the introduction of MMP.
- Enhanced Democracy:
  - Split voting allows voters to express a diverse range of political preferences without their votes going to waste.
  - Every party vote counts in determining the party’s overall seat allocation, promoting inclusivity.
- Flexibility and Choice:
  - The system provides flexibility to voters, allowing them to choose the best candidate-party combination based on their beliefs.
  - Party and candidate choices are mutually exclusive, ensuring that one does not affect the other.
- Young Political Participation:
  - This has also led to a decline in the average age of Members of Parliament (MPs), with greater participation of young individuals in politics.
- Relevance to Indian Electoral Framework:
  - In India, compulsory voting often restricts voters’ freedom to express their genuine preferences, as they may hesitate to vote for candidates outside their preferred party or those perceived as winnable.
  - The introduction of a split voting system could address this issue, allowing voters to choose candidates based on merit while ensuring that their party preference determines the legislative composition.
  - Such a system reflects a mature democracy that offers nuanced and diverse choices to the electorate.
  - Recent political behavior in Odisha suggests a growing willingness among Indian voters to embrace such nuanced choices.

Understanding in detail: Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system

The Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system is an electoral system that combines elements of both proportional representation and first-past-the-post (FPTP) systems.
It is commonly used in various countries, including New Zealand, Germany, and some other nations.
The MMP system aims to provide a more proportional representation of voters’ preferences in the legislative body while maintaining a local connection between constituents and their elected representatives.
How does the MMP system works?
- Two Types of Votes:
  - In an MMP system, voters have the opportunity to cast two types of votes: a “party vote” and an “electorate vote.”
  - These votes serve different purposes in the election process.
- Party Vote:
  - The “party vote” is a vote for a political party, and it determines the overall composition of the legislative body, such as a parliament or assembly.
  - This vote contributes to the allocation of seats to political parties in proportion to the total party votes they receive nationwide.
- Electorate Vote:
  - The “electorate vote” is a vote for a specific local candidate running in a geographical constituency or electorate.
  - This vote determines the local Member of Parliament (MP) who will represent that constituency in the legislative body.
  - The electoral system for this vote is often similar to the traditional first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.
- List Seats:
  - In an MMP system, there are typically two types of seats in the legislative body: electorate seats and list seats.
  - Electorate seats are filled based on the results of the electorate votes, just like in a FPTP system.
  - These are the local representatives elected by their respective constituencies.
- Proportional Allocation:
  - The remaining seats in the legislative body, called “list seats” or “proportional representation seats,” are allocated based on the party votes.
  - The number of list seats a party receives is determined by the proportion of party votes they obtain relative to the total party votes cast nationwide.
- Party Lists:
  - Each political party participating in the election submits a ranked party list to the electoral commission or authority.
  - These lists specify the candidates the party intends to assign to list seats if they secure enough party votes to earn those seats.
- Maintaining Proportionality:
  - The combination of electorate seats and list seats aims to ensure that the overall composition of the legislative body reflects the proportion of party votes cast by voters.
  - In other words, if a party receives 30% of the party votes, they should ideally secure approximately 30% of the total seats in the legislative body.
- Government Formation:
  - After the election results are determined, parties may need to form coalitions or alliances to achieve a majority in the legislative body and establish a government.
  - The exact process for government formation can vary depending on the country’s political dynamics and constitution.

Understanding in detail: First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system

The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, also known as the “winner-takes-all” or “plurality voting” system, is one of the most straightforward and widely used electoral systems for electing representatives.
It is often employed in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and India, among others.
How does the FPTP system work?
- Single-Member Constituencies:
  - In an FPTP system, a country is divided into several single-member constituencies, each of which elects one representative to the legislative body, such as a parliament or a congress.
- Candidates:
  - Political parties or independent candidates nominate individuals to contest in these constituencies as potential representatives.
- Voting Process:
  - When voters go to the polls, they cast their vote for their preferred candidate in their local constituency.
  - They can only choose one candidate, and their vote is typically for the individual rather than the party.
- Counting Votes:
  - After the voting process is complete, the votes are counted, and the candidate who receives the most votes in each constituency is declared the winner.
  - This candidate is often referred to as the “first past the post” since they have surpassed all other candidates in that particular constituency.
- Winner Takes All:
  - In the FPTP system, it’s not necessary for a candidate to secure an absolute majority (more than 50% of the votes) to win.
  - The candidate with the highest number of votes, even if it’s less than 50%, is declared the winner, and the rest of the votes are essentially disregarded.
  - This means that a candidate can win with a plurality of the votes.
- Formation of Government:
  - After all constituencies have elected their representatives, the political party or coalition that holds the majority of seats in the legislative body typically forms the government.
  - If a single party gains an absolute majority, they can form a government on their own.
  - If no party secures a majority, there may be negotiations to form coalitions or alliances.

NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

NITI Aayog, India’s government think tank, has marked the reports on states’ progress in water management for the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 for “internal use” after having publicly released the previous editions.

The reports, known as the ‘Composite Water Management Index’ (CWMI) report, were first launched in June 2018 and highlighted India’s water challenges, ranking states based on their efficacy in water management using 28 parameters.

Key Highlights

The first edition of the report covered data for 2015-16 and 2016-17, while the second edition, released in August 2019, focused on data for 2017-18.
The CWMI reports were prepared in collaboration with three ministries:
- Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development.
Water Scarcity in India
- The latest report, for 2018-19 and 2019-20, emphasizes that water scarcity is a “national problem” in India.
- It highlights that the average annual per capita water availability is expected to decrease from 1,545 cubic meters per person per year in 2011 to 1,486 cubic meters per person per year by 2021, according to the Jal Shakti Ministry.
- This data underscores the growing concerns related to water resources in India.
Water Availability Norms
- Annual water availability norms define that water availability below 1,700 cubic meters per person per year indicates water shortage, and anything below 1,000 cubic meters per capita per year is considered “scarcity.”
Performance of Indian States
- The report for 2019-20 reveals that Gujarat leads in terms of performance, with continuous improvements in water management.
- It is followed closely by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Rajasthan has notably jumped nine positions upward in rankings from 2017-18 to FY 2019-20, showing substantial progress.
- In contrast, Goa has dropped from the fourth position in 2017-18 to the tenth position in 2019-20, indicating a decline in water management performance.
- Punjab has also seen a decrease in its ranking during this period.
Purpose of the CWMI Report
- The CWMI report, launched in June 2018, aimed to promote a culture of evidence and data-backed policy decisions for efficient water resource management in India.
- It also aimed to encourage competitive and cooperative federalism among states.
Concerns about Groundwater
In October, the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) warned that India is approaching a groundwater risk tipping point, signifying the critical state of India’s groundwater resources.
Environmental tipping points are thresholds where abrupt and often irreversible changes occur in the Earth’s systems.

About the ‘Composite Water Management Index’ (CWMI) report

The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) was introduced by NITI Aayog in 2018 to promote cooperative and competitive federalism among Indian states.
The report offers actionable guidance to states by highlighting their strengths and areas needing improvement in water management.
The CWMI is structured around nine key themes that provide a comprehensive assessment of water management in different states and union territories.
The nine themes are further divided into on 28 parameters related to water management, quality, and availability.
- These parameters cover various aspects of water resources, infrastructure, and policies.