Current Affairs – August 25-26, 2024

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) **

Context (TH): The NDA government has introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which closely resembles the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and assures government employees a lifelong monthly benefit of 50% of their last drawn salary.

The Unified Pension Scheme was based on T.V. Somanathan Committee recommendations for reviewing the National Pension System (NPS) to balance employee aspirations with fiscal responsibility.
The scheme offers a choice for employees who joined after 2004 between the new scheme and the existing National Pension System (NPS).
It will take effect from April 1, 2025. The State governments can adopt it as per their preference.

Key Features of UPS

Guaranteed Pension: Of 50% of their last drawn salary as a lifelong monthly pension.
Inflation indexation: Dearness relief calculated based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers will be available on these three kinds of pensions, as in the case of serving employees.
Family Pension: In case of an employee’s death, the family will receive 60% of the pension amount.
Lumpsum Superannuation Payout: Additional payout at retirement, alongside gratuity benefits.
Minimum Pension: ₹10,000 per month for those with at least 10 years of central government service.
Contribution: The UPS scheme is contributory, similar to the NPS, and is funded by contributions from both employees (10% of their salary) and the government (18.5% of the salary). The government’s contribution may be adjusted on periodic actuarial assessments to ensure the scheme’s sustainability.

OPS

OPS pension to government employees at the Centre and States was fixed at 50% of their last drawn basic pay. In addition, a Dearness Relief was given to adjust to the increase in cost of living which was calculated as a percentage of the basic salary
However, it was unfunded as no corpus was specifically available for pension which led to the introduction of New Pension Scheme in 2004 by the NDA government.

NPS

NPS replaced the OPS on January 1, 2004 as a part of Centre’s effort to reform pension policies in India as OPS could not run in long term as it imbalances fiscal expenditure.
NPS contribution: 10% of the basic salary and dearness allowance by the employees and 14% by government (which is proposed to be increased to 18% under UPS).
Schemes under NPS is offered by nine pension fund managers: LIC, SBI, ICICI, Tata, Aditya Birla, Kotak Mahindra, HDFC, UTI and Max.

Difference between OPS and UPS

OPS pension to government employees at the Centre and States was fixed at 50% of their last drawn basic pay in addition to a Dearness Relief calculated as a percentage of the basic salary to adjust to the increase in cost of living but it was unfunded as no corpus was specifically available for pension..

OPS	UPS
50% of the last drawn salary which increases with Dearness Allowance hikes.	50% of average basic pay over last 12 months before retirement.
Contribution: Government bears the entire cost.	Contribution: 10% of their salary by employees and 18.5% of the salary by the government
Family pension: Continued pension benefits to family after retiree’s death	Family pensions: Provides 60% of the employee’s pension to their family in the event of their death.
Inflation indexation: Pension increases with increase in Dearness Allowance,	Inflation indexation: Dearness relief calculated based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.

Difference between NPS and UPS

NPS	UPS
NPS linked pension to contributions invested in market securities.	Provides a guaranteed pension amount (50% of average basic pay over last 12 months before retirement), regardless of market.
Contribution: 10% of the basic salary and dearness allowance by the employees and 14% by government.	Contribution: 10% of their salary by employees and 18.5% of the salary by the government.
Family pensions: Depends on the accumulated corpus and annuity plans of retirement.	Family pensions: Provides 60% of the employee’s pension to their family in the event of their death.
Inflation indexation: Not applicable as it is market-linked.	Inflation indexation: Dearness relief calculated based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.

{GS2 – IR – EU} India-Poland Relations **

Context (TP): Recently, the Prime Minister of India’s visit to Poland marked a significant milestone as India and Poland celebrated the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

India’s rapid economic ascent and Poland’s strategic role in Europe have created a dynamic bilateral relationship as India emerges as a global player and Poland reinforces its position as NATO’s eastern flank.

Historical Ties

Maharaja of Jamnagar: During World War II, the Maharaja provided refuge to Polish refugees. A street and a junior high school in Warsaw are named after the Maharaja, commemorating his act.
Monte Cassino Battle, 1944: Indian and Polish forces fought together which was a pivotal battle in Italy.
Formal Establishment of Diplomatic relations between India and Poland were established in 1954.

Economic and Trade Relations

Trade Growth: Bilateral trade has surpassed $3 billion. India exports pharmaceuticals, like generic drugs, to Poland. Conversely, Poland exports machinery and equipment, such as agricultural machinery.
Investments: Indian IT companies, such as Infosys, have significant operations in Poland creating jobs and fostering technological collaboration.

Political, Cultural and Strategic Cooperation

High-Level Visits: Enhanced political ties through visits of the Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 2024.
Strategic Dialogue on counter-terrorism, including sharing intelligence and best practices.
Cultural Cooperation: The Annual Bollywood Film Festival in Warsaw.
Academic Collaboration: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has a research collaboration with the Warsaw University of Technology on sustainable energy.
Research and Development: Collaborative projects in electric vehicle technology. Indian and Polish firms are working together on developing EV charging infrastructure.
Hydrogen and Green Technologies: Research in hydrogen fuel cells and renewable energy. Poland’s PKN Orlen and India’s NTPC are partnering on hydrogen energy projects.
Space Sector Collaboration between ISRO and the Polish Space Agency for satellite development. E.g. “POLAND 1″ satellite for earth observation.
Agri-Food Sector: India exports spices & pulses to Poland and imports dairy products & meat to India.
Defence and IT Sectors: Polish defence company WB Electronics is providing advanced communication systems to the Indian military.
Aviation and Connectivity: Direct flights between Warsaw and Delhi facilitate business and tourism.

Recent Developments

Strategic Partnership: Upgraded to a Strategic Partnership with a five-year Action Plan which includes goals for increased trade, cultural exchanges, and joint research.
Social Security Agreement: New agreement to protect workers. Indian IT professionals working in Poland and Polish workers in India are covered under this agreement.

Challenges

Language Barriers due to limited proficiency in Polish among Indian professionals and vice versa.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex regulatory environments and differing bureaucratic processes can delay paperwork and regulatory approvals.
Economic Uncertainties: Trade tariffs and supply chain disruptions impact the volume of goods traded between India and Poland.
Cultural Differences: Divergent business practices and cultural norms can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. It may hinder business collaborations.
Infrastructure Challenges: Inadequate infrastructure in certain sectors may limit the effectiveness of bilateral projects. E.g. Limited development of EV charging infrastructure in India.
Security Concerns: Geopolitical tensions and security issues impacting bilateral defence cooperation.

Way Forward

Enhanced Bilateral Dialogues to address emerging challenges through regular summits.
Expansion of Collaborative Projects: Focus on new and emerging sectors such as digital technologies, green energy, and space exploration. E.g. Joint ventures in AI and renewable energy.
Strengthening Cultural and Academic Ties: Establishing scholarships and research partnerships to foster mutual understanding and innovation.
Improving Infrastructure: Develop EV charging infrastructure in India and enhance connectivity between major cities in both countries. E.g. Fame Scheme.
Addressing Security Concerns by implementing robust cybersecurity measures.
Facilitating Trade and Investment by simplifying regulatory processes and reducing trade barriers.

{GS2 – IR – India-US} US-India Defence Relations **

Context (TP): With the new government, bipartisan support for the US-India relationship in the US, the defence collaboration between the two nations is expected to grow significantly.

Historical Milestones in India -US Defence relations

2005: Initiation of strategic dialogues, marking deeper engagement between India and the US.
2016: The US designated India as a “Major Defense Partner,” enhancing access to advanced technologies and collaboration.
2016-2018: The US and India signed several vital agreements:
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) (2016): Facilitated mutual logistics support.
- Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) (2018): Enhanced secure information exchange and interoperability.
- Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) (2018): Enabled geo-spatial intelligence sharing.
2018: India received Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 (STA-1) status for easier access to US military technology.
2018: Establishment of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to deepen strategic cooperation.
2019: First tri-service exercise, “Tiger Triumph,” and signing of the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) for US companies in Indian defence production.
2020: Launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to drive collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
2021: Establishment of the Maritime Information Sharing Technical Arrangement (MISTA) for improved maritime domain awareness.
2021-2022: Progress in major equipment deals, including MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones and F-414 fighter jet engines.
2023: Launch of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) under iCET to foster collaboration among defence companies, investors, and research institutions.

Credits: The print

Upcoming Initiatives and Anticipated Developments

Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): To ensure reliable and secure supply of defense equipment and technology. Negotiations are progressing to enhance supply chain resilience.
Reciprocal Defense Procurement Arrangement (RDP): To streamline defense procurement processes and increase market access for Indian manufacturers, thus improving procurement efficiency.
Joint Production of Stryker Armoured Combat Vehicles: To boost joint defense capabilities.
Enhanced Public-Private Collaborations: To establish incubator centres, joint innovation funds, and support for startups via Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
Streamlined Regulatory Reforms: To simplify and expedite defense export and technology transfer regulations, address International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) complexities and improve STA-1 exemptions for smoother transactions.
Expansion of Innovation Initiatives: Promote advancements in AI and advanced materials. Support INDUS-X, create joint innovation funds, and enhance talent mobility.
Increased Maritime Security Cooperation: Improve maritime operations, information sharing, and security. Expand maritime exercises and information-sharing agreements.
Strategic Dialogues and Joint Exercises: Deepen strategic cooperation and interoperability. Expand high-level dialogues and increase joint military exercises.
Advanced Technology Collaboration: Drive joint R&D in critical technologies like quantum computing & cybersecurity. Collaborate under iCET, focusing on joint projects and technology-sharing.

Challenges

Complex Regulatory Environment: Stringent licensing procedures under ITAR, EAR, and Arms Export Control Act (AECA) complicate defence transactions. Despite STA-1 exemptions, their complexity and perceived delays hinder efficient defence deals.
Bureaucratic Procurement Processes: India’s complex defence procurement system. Startups face difficulties, often opting for commercial markets instead, limiting innovation and collaboration.
Geopolitical Dynamics: India’s defence ties with Russia and US engagements with Pakistan. These factors complicate India’s military modernisation and strategic alignment.
Technology Transfer and Interoperability: Differences in technology standards. Misalignment can hinder effective joint operations and integration of advanced technologies.
Regulatory and Procedural Barriers: Cumbersome export controls and procurement rules. These barriers affect timely access to critical technologies and equipment.

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Hijab ban Controversy

Context (TH): The Supreme Court split on Karnataka’s hijab ban, supporting the ban for uniformity and opposing it on grounds of individual rights and education access.

Karnataka’s hijab controversy

The hijab controversy in Karnataka began when six Muslim female students at a Government College in Udupi were barred from classes for wearing hijabs, prompting protests in 2021.
This led to a writ petition in the HC & a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission.
The issue escalated as some boys wore saffron shawls in protest while some other students wore blue shawls in support of the hijab.
The Karnataka Government responded by enforcing dress code compliance according to College Development Committees, which led to widespread debates and political reactions.

Legal Framework

Article 14: The State shall not deny any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
Article 19(1)(a): Includes the freedom to express thoughts, ideas, & opinions through various mediums.
Article 21: Guarantees that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.
Article 25(1): Guarantees freedom of conscience & the right to profess, practice, & propagate religion.
Violation of University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, intended to increase access to higher education for minority communities.

Key Judgements

Karnataka High Court Ruling: The Karnataka HC upheld the Karnataka government’s order to prohibit students from wearing religious attire, including hijabs, on school premises ruling that it was necessary to maintain uniformity and discipline in educational institutions.
Supreme Court Split Verdict: On appealing the High Court’s decision to the SC, the SC delivered a split verdict, with two judges expressing differing opinions. Justice Hemant Gupta upheld the ban, while Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia opposed it.
Case Referred to Larger Bench: Due to the split verdict, the case was referred to a larger Bench of the SC for further consideration. As of now, the SC has not yet delivered a final verdict on the hijab ban case.

Arguments in Favour of Hijab Banning

Secularism: Ensures schools remain neutral and free from religious symbols.
Uniformity: Promotes equality by standardising student attire.
Discipline: Helps maintain order and reduce distractions.
Conflict Prevention: Minimizes potential disputes among students of different religions.
Regulation Compliance: Aligns with existing dress code policies and regulations.
Educational Focus: Encourages concentration on academics rather than personal attire.

Arguments against Hijab Banning

Religious Freedom: It restricts the right to practice religion.
Individual Dignity: It impacts personal dignity and privacy.
Educational Access: It may disrupt access to education for some students.
Diversity: It demotes inclusivity and respect for different cultures.
Personal Choice: It disrespects individual expression and identity.
Cultural Sensitivity: It potentially alienates minority students.

Way Forward

Judicial Consensus & Supreme Court’s Role: Aligning High Court judgments can indicate an emerging judicial view. The Supreme Court’s verdict will be crucial for a clear legal framework.
Balancing Rights & Institutional Needs: The challenge lies in balancing individual religious freedom with institutions’ autonomy to implement dress codes.
Comprehensive Guidelines & Inclusivity: The lack of national-level dress code guidelines necessitates clear policies from the UGC, ensuring uniformity and protecting fundamental rights.
Diversity and Inclusivity: Formulating dress codes through a consultative process involving all stakeholders is needed to foster inclusivity and address concerns regarding diverse religious practices.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} India’s Space Missions

Context (TH|PIB|TH): The President of India graced the first National Space Day celebration on August 23, 2024. Over the last decade, the space sector contributed ₹20,000 crore to India’s GDP.

Challenges

Limited Access to Technology: international laws and politics have caused difficulties for ISRO in obtaining the newest space technology. This has slowed down programs like Chandrayaan-3.
Financial Challenges: ISRO still has a far smaller budget than NASA and ESA. This lowers ISRO’s capacity to invest in new technology, restricting large projects.
Talent Shortage: ISRO faces challenges in recruiting and retaining highly competent space scientists and engineers due to their high demand in India and beyond.
Bureaucratic Delays: The lengthy approval processes and bureaucratic regulations imposed by the government frequently hamper the progress of ISRO’s initiatives.
Growing Satellite Traffic: Challenges due to the crowded orbital environment, with 11,330 satellites and 36,500 pieces of debris larger than 10 cm orbiting Earth as of June 2023.

Missions (2023-2024)

Aditya L1 Mission: Launched on Sept 2023, it entered orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) in and completed its first orbit in 2024. It successfully studied a solar storm.
Gaganyaan TV D1 Mission: In Oct 2023, the Crew Escape System (CES) was successfully demonstrated in an abort mission as part of India’s human spaceflight mission.
XPoSat Mission: Launched on Jan 1, 2024, it aims to study polarised radiation from celestial objects using the XSPECT and POLIX instruments
INSAT-3DS Mission: Launched on February 17, 2024, using the GSLV, the mission focused on meteorological observations and building credibility for future missions like NISAR.
RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle) Tests: In March and June 2024, ISRO conducted landing experiments (LEX-02 and LEX-03) using a RLV called Pushpak to simulate landing conditions from space.
SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): Successfully launched EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat on August 16, 2024, marking the completion of SSLV’s development.

Future missions

Gaganyaan Mission: It represents India’s first human spaceflight program.
Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): A heavy-lift launch vehicle to replace PSLV and GSLV is under development, and the project proposal has been submitted for Union Cabinet approval.
Lunar Exploration Roadmap: It include a crewed lunar mission and long-duration moon surface missions by 2040 in collaboration with NASA’s Lunar Gateway under the Artemis program.
NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd.) Missions: SpaceX will launch the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite in 2024, while LVM-3 production will proceed through a public-private partnership.
Private Space Sector Growth: The support for Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace will continue alongside IN-SPACe regulatory updates to enhance private sector participation and foreign investment.

{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Vladivostok

Context (IE): Indian companies face logistics constraints for transporting copper concentrate from Mangolia, the landlocked Central Asian country to India.

The possible routes are by rail to Chian’s Tiajin port or a combined road and rail route to Vladivostok.

Credit: Pinterest

Vladivostok is a port city on the Pacific Ocean shore of the Russian Far East.
It is located around Zolotoy Rog (“Golden Horn Bay”) on the western side of Muravyov-Amursky peninsula that separates Amur and Ussuri bays on the Sea of Japan.
It is the end point of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and is the first free seaport of the Far East.

Yellow Sea

Also known as North Sea, it is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula, and can be considered the northwestern part of the East China Sea.
It is separated from the Sea of Japan by the boundary from the southern end of Haenam Peninsula to Jeju Island in South Korea.
The innermost bay of the northwestern Yellow Sea is called the Bohai Sea, into which flow the Yellow River, the Hai River and the Liao River.
The northeastern extension of the Yellow Sea is called the Korea Bay, into which flow the Yalu River, the Chongchon River and the Taedong River.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Clostebol

Context (NDTV): International Tennis Integrity Agency lifted the doping ban on Jannik Sinner. He was tested positive for low levels of the banned anabolic agent Clostebol.

Clostebol or 4-chlorotestosterone is a weak synthetic anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) with potential use as a performance enhancing drug. It is detectable in urine.
It is currently banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and International Olympic Committee.
It can also be used for ophthalmological and dermatological use in humans (as Clostebol acetate) and to improve animal growth in cattle.

International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)

It is an upgraded version of Tennis Integrity Unit (2008-2020), which was established in 2021.
HQ: London (UK). It is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of professional tennis worldwide.
Functions: Prevention, education and drug testing activities, intelligence gathering and investigation of competition manipulation

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

It is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee based in Canada to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
It was set up on 10 November 1999 and its headquarters is in Montreal, Canada.
It is responsible for the World Anti-Doping Code. India’s National Anti-Doping Agency adopts it.

International Olympic Committee

It was established on 23 June 1894 as an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization to encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sports as well as education of youth through sports.
It is an apex authority of the worldwide modern Olympic movement which organizes the modern Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, held in summer and winter, every four years.