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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/12/2023

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/12/2023

PM-Kisan beneficiaries dwindling

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

The number of beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan scheme has decreased by over 20% to 8.12 crore from its peak of 10.47 crore in April-July 2022.

  • In response, the government initiated the “Viksit Bharat SankalpYatra” on November 15, six months before the Lok Sabha elections, aiming to ensure comprehensive coverage of intended beneficiaries under various flagship schemes.
  • The yatra will continue until January 26.

Key Highlights

  • In the latest PM-Kisan payment round on November 15, 8.12 crore farmers received Rs 2,000 installments.
  • As part of the “saturation drive,” 34 lakh farmers have been added to the beneficiary list, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest count at 8.50 lakh.
  • The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare expects the total beneficiaries to exceed 8.75 crore by the yatra’s conclusion in January 2024, emphasizing efforts to include eligible vulnerable farmers who have not yet availed the scheme’s benefits.
  • The additional beneficiaries will be eligible for the next PM-Kisan installment before the end of the 2023-24 financial year.
  • The Prime Minister KisanSamman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme has witnessed a significant decrease in beneficiaries and disbursement of funds, prompting concerns.
  • In the last financial year, the number of beneficiaries dropped to a three-year low in August-November.
  • According to data presented by former Agriculture Minister, the beneficiary count reached its peak at 10.47 crore in April-July 2022 but sharply declined to 8.12 crore in December-March 2022-23.
  • The decline in beneficiary numbers also impacted the annual disbursement of funds, which reached its highest at Rs 67,121 crore in 2021-22 but dropped to Rs 58,258 crore in 2022-23.
  • Agriculture Minister attributed the decline in disbursement to the introduction of mandatory land seeding provisions and the requirement to link Aadhaar with farmers’ active bank accounts.
    • These measures were implemented to ensure smooth and direct transfer of benefits to intended beneficiaries and to avoid leakages.
  • The PM-Kisan scheme, launched on February 24, 2019, provides eligible farmers’ families with Rs 6,000 annually in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) every four months.
    • The initial beneficiary count was 3.03 crore during the first instalment in December-March 2018-19, and it surged over time, reaching a peak of 10.47 crore in April-July 2022.

About Pradhan Mantri KISAN Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

  • The PM-Kisan scheme was launched with the primary objective of providing financial support to small and marginal farmers across the country.
  • It aims to augment the income of farmers and ensure their economic well-being.
  • Under the PM-Kisan scheme, eligible farmers receive direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year.
    • This amount is distributed in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each, and the instalments are provided every four months.
    • The financial assistance is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
  • Eligibility:
    • Earlier, under the scheme, financial benefit has been provided to all Small and Marginal landholder farmer families with total cultivable holding upto 2 hectares.
    • Later, all land holding eligible farmer families (subject to the prevalent exclusion criteria) were included in the benefits under this scheme.
  • The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare at the central level.
  • At the state level, the responsibility falls on the State Government and Union Territory Administrations.

About Viksit Bharat SankalpYatra

  • The Government of India, in collaboration with States and Union Territories, is actively working towards achieving saturation in delivering basic amenities and services through flagship schemes.
  • In this regard, the “Viksit Bharat SankalpYatra” is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness and reaching the last mile to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits and facilities they are entitled to.
  • Objectives:
    • Targeting vulnerable populations eligible for various schemes but not yet availed benefits.
    • Generating awareness about government schemes and their benefits.
    • Interaction with beneficiaries through personal stories and experience sharing.
    • Identifying and enrolling potential beneficiaries during the Yatra.
  • The Yatra was launched on November 15, 2023, coinciding with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
    • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Vans were flagged off initially in districts with significant Scheduled Tribe populations.
    • The Yatra will continue visiting districts, extending up to January 26, 2024.
  • Nodal Ministries:
    • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Tribal Affairs will oversee rural areas and regions with substantial Scheduled Tribe populations
    • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be responsible for urban areas.

India’s stationary course in the shipping value chain: A Comparison with China’s growth

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Yangtze River holds a significant place in China’s rich history, intertwining tradition, legend, myth, and culture with commerce and industry.

  • Today, it remains a vital lifeline for modern China while preserving its ancient allure, further enhanced by the Three Gorges project.

Key Highlights

  • The sight of merchant ships, frequently two or three abreast, is a testament to the engineering and shipping marvels along the Yangtze.
  • The river serves as a conduit for raw materials sourced globally, including from Chinese-owned mines in far-off locations like Peru and Africa.
  • Simultaneously, these ships transport finished products from China to destinations worldwide.
  • The Yangtze River encapsulates the narrative of China’s remarkable economic leapfrog, often expressed through the clichéd “look where China is and where we are now” comparison.
  • Statistics underline how China and India shared a similar trajectory until the late 1980s, after which China surged ahead, leaving India trailing behind.
  • Evolution of India’s Maritime:
    • Until the late 1980s, India held a prominent position in global merchant shipping, surpassing China in this domain.
    • Unlike China, which was then a minor player in the international shipping scene, India boasted a well-established foundation.
    • India had a rich tradition of modern ship-owning, exemplified by a daring former Indian Navy officer who commissioned and owned the world’s largest oil tankers, leaving an indelible mark on the global maritime industry.
    • Additionally, India played a crucial role in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underlining its significant presence on the maritime stage.
  • Private Sector Ventures and Shipbuilding Hope:
    • While China entered the shipping arena relatively late, private players in India were already making strides in an industry dominated by large public sector facilities.
    • India’s shipyards showed promise in building ships competitively for the global market.
    • Labor arbitrage, a concept familiar in the IT sector, had preceded shipping by two decades.
    • English-speaking Indian seafarers became commonplace globally, as the industry shifted away from employing less proficient eastern Europeans due to language considerations crucial for safety in shipping.
    • Similar to other sectors, India’s growth and foreign exchange earnings in shipping were driven by the supply of labor.
    • Successive governments, including the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, prioritized expanding the seafarer population.
    • The maritime training landscape, once concentrated in Mumbai and Kolkata, underwent a transformation during the UPA government, opening up to private players across the country.
    • Today, various institutions nationwide produce seafarers of diverse grades and competencies.
    • India’s focus on seafarer training has led to a global presence, with Indian seafarers constituting a significant portion of crews on ships worldwide.
    • Whether navigating Arctic ice-class merchant ships or calling on Chilean ports, Indian seafarers play a vital role, often comprising a substantial percentage of a ship’s crew.
  • India’s Maritime Successes and Challenges:
    • Indians have emerged as key players in ship management, displaying an adept ability for efficient operations and a keen sense of bargaining.
    • Indian ship management companies, overseeing hundreds of ships, contribute significantly to the industry.
    • According to estimates by Sanjay Prashar, an industry professional, Indian seafarers and their management companies generate approximately $6 billion in foreign exchange annually.
    • While Indian seafarers and management companies contribute $6 billion in foreign exchange annually, India’s total foreign remittances amount to $125 billion, surpassing China’s $50 billion.
    • Limitations in Ship Owning, Chartering, and Building:
      • Despite advancements in seafaring and ship management, India has struggled to move up the shipping value chain.
      • Ship owning, chartering, financing, and building remain largely inaccessible to Indians.
      • The state-owned Shipping Corporation of India has faced challenges, impacting the order book of Indian shipyards.
      • New private shipowners catering to India’s trade growth often opt for second-hand ships due to their affordability and alignment with short-term market forecasts.
    • Contrast with China’s Strategic Approach:
      • In stark contrast, China has strategically propelled itself to the forefront of the maritime industry.
      • Fueled by a dedicated government plan to boost shipbuilding and ownership, China accounted for half of the world’s ship production by 2020.
      • Chinese shipowners, reminiscent of the practices in Japan and Korea, the previous leaders in shipbuilding, predominantly constructed their own ships at state-owned government yards.
      • This strategic approach has propelled China to a dominant position in global shipbuilding.
    • India’s Struggle in Shipbuilding:
      • The UPA government’s Maritime Agenda 2020 aimed to boost India’s share in global shipbuilding from less than 2% to 5% within a decade.
      • However, by 2020, India’s share had dwindled to practically zero, signaling a failure to meet the set targets.
      • The subsequent Bharatiya Janata Party government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, while addressing various maritime themes, notably omitted any specific plans for shipbuilding and ownership.
      • Despite its long coastline and strategic geographical position in global shipping, India has not prioritized shipbuilding as an integral component of manufacturing capacity and strategic power.
      • The absence of a clear roadmap and initiatives to promote shipbuilding and owning reflects a missed opportunity for India to establish itself in the international maritime industry and enhance its role in global trade.
    • Link Between Shipbuilding, Naval Strength, and International Presence:
      • Shipbuilding is highlighted as crucial for India to secure a seat at the global maritime table and bolster its presence in international trade.
      • With its extensive coastline, investing in shipbuilding would not only contribute to economic growth but also strengthen India’s naval capabilities.
      • Shipbuilding is recognized as integral to military strength, and it plays a pivotal role in establishing a robust naval base.
      • The example of Nagasaki’s shipyard thriving post-World War II underscores the enduring importance of shipbuilding in maintaining strategic capabilities.

Houthi attacks: a threat to global shipping?

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : TH

On December 23, the Red Sea crisis extended to Indian waters as the Liberian-flagged merchant vessel Chem Pluto, en route to Mangalore port, was struck by a projectile approximately 271 miles from Porbandar in Gujarat.

  • This incident follows a surge in missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen, particularly in response to Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

Key Highlights

  • Status of m.v. Chem Pluto:
    • Chem Pluto, carrying 21 Indian and one Vietnamese crew members, successfully navigated to Mumbai under its own power after the attack.
    • The Indian Coast Guard Ship (INGS) Vikram provided an escort.
    • Upon arrival, a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted a preliminary assessment, suggesting a drone attack.
    • Further forensic and technical analysis is required to determine the specifics of the attack, including the type and amount of explosive used.
    • A joint investigation by various agencies is currently underway.
  • Additional Incident:
    • Another vessel, the Gabon-flagged m.v. Sai Baba, crewed by Indians, reported a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea on December 23.
    • The ship is now en route to India.
    • These incidents mark the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping by Houthi militants since October 17, according to the U.S. Central Command, with more attacks reported subsequently.
  • Serious Escalation and Supply Chain Disruption:
    • Recent events in the Red Sea, marked by drone attacks on merchant vessels, represent a serious escalation in the region’s security situation.
    • While threats to shipping in the Gulf of Aden are not new, these incidents have the potential to disrupt global supply chains and impact economies.
    • The Red Sea serves as a crucial shipping artery for global commerce, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical choke point.
    • In the aftermath of terror attacks on Israel by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent offensive, Houthi rebels in Yemen declared their intent to target maritime commerce linked to Israel.
    • Of concern is their possession of a sophisticated arsenal, including ballistic missiles and long-range drones, posing a threat to maritime traffic far from their shores.
    • The U.S. Navy has been actively countering these threats.
  • Global Trade Impact and Shipping Route Changes:
    • Approximately 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, constituting a substantial portion of goods and about 30% of the world’s container shipping.
    • The recent attacks have prompted several major shipping companies to announce the avoidance of the Red Sea route.
    • Instead, they opt for longer routes through the Southern Indian Ocean, leading to increased fuel and operating costs, as well as extended transit times.
    • Shipping industry giant Maersk, for instance, has redirected vessels around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.
    • This shift carries significant implications, potentially adding one to two weeks to voyages, disrupting shipping schedules, and increasing fuel and insurance costs.
    • The strategic change also impacts the revenue generated by the Suez Canal and operational dynamics of ports in Djibouti and the Gulf of Aden.
  • International Response to Red Sea Security Crisis:
    • To address the escalating security situation in the Red Sea, U.S. Secretary of Defence announced the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPS) on December 18.
    • OPS is a multinational security initiative under the Combined Maritime Forces, led by Task Force 153, focusing on enhancing security in the Red Sea.
    • The initiative aims to safeguard the free flow of commerce in the region.
    • Since the announcement of OPS, several global shipping companies have started reviewing their route plans.
  • Indian Naval and Coast Guard Response:
    • India has heightened its naval and Coast Guard presence in the region in response to the security threats in the Red Sea.
    • Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Navy, stated on December 26 that the Navy has deployed four destroyers, patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and Coast Guard ships to counter piracy and drone attacks in the region.
    • The Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating operational responses to ensure the safety of vessels in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Concerns and Unanswered Questions:
    • Despite these measures, questions linger about the potential impact on global economies in the event of a major attack resulting in loss of life or cargo.
    • India, with close to 15% of commercial sailors, faces challenges as its owned vessels are limited, and much of its crude and cargo is transported by foreign ships.
    • Officials raise concerns about where to draw the line and how countries would respond to significant incidents.

Women account for approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Data released by the Health Ministry highlights the significant participation of women in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PM-JAY).

  • Approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards created and 48% of authorized hospital admissions are accounted for by women.

Key Highlights

  • Ayushman Bharat scheme, touted as the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance initiative, provides health coverage of ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
  • AB PM-JAY covers 55 crore individuals from 12 crore families, offering extensive health coverage.
  • Many states and union territories have independently expanded the beneficiary base, supplementing the government figures.
  • As of December 20, 2023, approximately 28.45 crore Ayushman cards have been created, with 9.38 crore generated in 2023.
  • Hospital Admissions and Empanelled Hospitals:
    • The scheme has facilitated a total of 6.11 crore hospital admissions, amounting to ₹78,188 crores.
    • In 2023 alone, 1.7 crore hospital admissions, totaling over ₹25,000 crores, were authorized.
    • A network of 26,901 hospitals, including 11,813 private hospitals, has been empanelled under AB PM-JAY to deliver healthcare services to beneficiaries.
  • Preventive Healthcare Initiatives:
    • Data from AyushmanArogyaMandir Portal reveals proactive efforts in preventive healthcare.
    • Over 55.66 crore screenings for hypertension, 48.44 crore screenings for diabetes, 32.80 crore screenings for oral cancer, 14.90 crore screenings for cervical cancer in women, and over 10.04 crore screenings for breast cancer in women have been conducted.
    • Additionally, as of December 15, 2023, 2.80 crore Yoga/wellness sessions have been organized in operational AyushmanArogyaMandir.

About Ayushman Bharat–PM Jan ArogyaYojana

  • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
  • It encompasses two major health initiatives, namely Health and Wellness Centres and the National Health Protection Scheme, with the aim of bringing healthcare services closer to people’s homes and providing financial protection against medical expenses.
  • Health and Wellness Centres:
    • 5 lakh existing sub-centers will transform into Health and Wellness Centres.
    • These centers will offer comprehensive healthcare, including services for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health.
    • The objective is to bring the healthcare system closer to the homes of people.
    • List of Services to be provided at Health & Wellness Centre
      • Pregnancy care and maternal health services
      • Neonatal and infant health services
      • Child health
      • Chronic communicable diseases
      • Non-communicable diseases
      • Management of mental illness
      • Dental care
      • Eye care
      • Geriatric care Emergency medicine
    • National Health Protection Scheme (AB-PMJAY):
      • AB-PMJAY offers a defined benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.
      • This cover encompasses almost all secondary care and most tertiary care procedures.
      • Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
      • No cap on family size and age to ensure inclusivity, especially for women, children, and the elderly.
      • The benefit cover includes pre and post-hospitalization expenses.
      • PM-JAY provides cashless access to health care services (Indoor) for the beneficiary at the point of service, that is, the hospital.
      • Coverage for all pre-existing conditions from day one of the policy.
      • Benefits are portable across the country, allowing beneficiaries to access cashless benefits from any public/private empanelled hospital nationwide.
      • Beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities.
      • All public hospitals in states implementing AB-PMJAY are deemed empanelled.
    • The selection of households is based on deprivation and occupational criteria outlined in the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas.
    • The scheme incorporates families covered under the RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RSBY), which was initiated in 2008.
    • The scheme is fully funded by the government, with the cost of implementation shared between the Central and State Governments.

FIU slaps Binance, other crypto exchanges with show cause notices

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), under the Finance Ministry’s Department of Revenue in India, has sent notices to several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Kucoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfinex.

  • The notices allege that these exchanges are “operating illegally” in India through offshore entities located in Seychelles, Cayman Islands, and Switzerland.

Key Highlights

  • The FIU invoked Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, bringing virtual digital asset service providers under the Anti Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) framework in March 2023.
  • The notices were issued due to the exchanges’ purported failure to comply with reporting obligations outlined in the AML-CFT framework.
  • While compliance is not solely contingent on physical presence in India, the FIU claimed that these companies did not meet reporting obligations, leading to the notices.
  • The FIU has also written to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), urging the blocking of these cryptocurrency services’ websites.
  • The move is part of an effort to ensure that cryptocurrency firms, even if operating offshore, adhere to Indian regulations related to AML-CFT and reporting of suspicious activities, similar to traditional banking institutions.
  • While some cryptocurrency firms have complied with these requirements, the FIU contends that several offshore entities catering to a significant portion of Indian users have not registered and come under the AML-CFT framework.

About the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

  • The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is a specialized government agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating financial intelligence related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
  • The Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) operates under the Department of Revenue, Government of India, and was established in November 2004.
  • FIU- IND works under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
  • The primary objective of an FIU is to combat illicit financial activities by facilitating the detection and investigation of suspicious transactions.
  • FIU-IND is an independent body reporting directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) headed by the Finance Minister.

COVID-19 hit MSMEs can tap new relief window

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Indian government has reinstated the Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme to offer relief to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) entangled in disputes with central government agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Originally accepting claims from mid-April to the end of July, the scheme successfully settled ₹650 crore in nearly 44,000 cases by December.

Key Highlights

  • In response to concerns that eligible MSMEs missed the initial claim window due to inadequate information, the Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry has extended the scheme.
  • Starting January 1, 2024, MSMEs can submit fresh claims until March 31, 2024.
  • The Vivad Se Vishwas (VSVS) I scheme, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2023-24, was designed to provide relief to MSMEs facing difficulties in complying with central government contracts due to the pandemic.
  • Launched on April 11, the scheme covered all procurement contracts related to goods, services, and works entered into by government departments.

About Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief for MSMEs Scheme

  • The Vivad se Vishwas I – Relief for MSMEs scheme was introduced in the Budget Speech 2023-24 by the Union Finance Minister and was subsequently launched through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal on April 17, 2023.
  • The scheme, aimed at providing relief to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), had a deadline for claim submission set on July 31, 2023.
  • The GeM portal created a dedicated platform for this scheme.
  • The Department of Expenditure issued detailed instructions on April 11, 2023, outlining the scheme and the claim submission process.
  • Originally focused on goods procurement, the scheme was later expanded to include works procurement and earning contracts.
  • Under the scheme, MSMEs were eligible for relief in the form of a 95% refund on deducted performance security, bid security, and liquidated damages.
  • The scheme also offered relief to MSMEs that had been debarred due to defaults in contract execution.
  • These measures were part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support and sustain the MSME sector, which had been significantly impacted by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disabled staff to get quota in promotion with effect from 2016

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Union government has taken a significant step by allowing Persons with Disabilities (PwD) to be considered for reservation in promotions up to the lowest Group A posts in the Central government, effective from June 30, 2016.

  • This decision comes after years of legal battles and follows a crucial Supreme Court ruling in 2021 affirming the right to reservation in promotions for PwD candidates.

Key Highlights

  • The journey toward this decision involved PwD candidates fighting for more than a decade, with the matter undergoing scrutiny by multiple Supreme Court Benches.
  • In 2021, the court upheld the right to reservation in promotions, prompting the government to issue rules for its implementation.
  • However, a petitioner approached the court in 2023 with a contempt petition, claiming that the directions were not being implemented.
  • In response to the petitioner’s concerns, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) held consultations with the Department of Legal Affairs.
  • Subsequently, it was decided to grant notional promotion to PwD candidates from June 30, 2016.
  • However, the DoPT clarified that candidates becoming eligible for notional promotion would not receive financial arrears from the date they assumed charge of their promoted position.
  • The DoPT justified this decision by explaining that allowing notional promotion for candidates between the June 30, 2016 cut-off and the date they assumed charge would necessitate a complete overhaul of the seniority list. 
  • To avoid such complexities, the DoPT suggested the creation of supernumerary posts, which would be personal to the PwD employee receiving the benefit of reservation in promotion on a notional basis.
  • These supernumerary posts would stand abolished when the employee is adjusted against available vacancies or upon retirement or further promotion.
  • Additionally, the DoPT emphasized that the system of notional promotions would not adversely affect the promotions of PwD candidates who have already availed the benefit of reservation in promotion according to various court judgments.
  • This comprehensive decision aims to address the longstanding demand for reservation in promotions for PwD candidates and bring greater inclusivity to Central government jobs.