Current Affairs – July 21-22, 2024

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Bhil Pradesh: Tribals Demand for Separate State

Context (IE): Recently, there has been a resurgence in the demands for “Bhil Pradesh,” a separate state for tribal people in western India.

The Bhil community has been advocating for the creation of Bhil Pradesh, comprising 49 districts encompassing parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Background

Mangarh Massacre: In 1913, British forces killed hundreds of Bhil tribals in the Mangarh hills, referred to as the “Adivasi Jallianwala”.
Post-Independence: Various leaders have repeatedly raised the demand for a separate state.
Political Impact: The division of tribal regions post-independence diluted their political power.
Regional Party Discussions: Regional parties such as the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) have previously discussed the idea of a tribal state.

Bhil Tribe

The Bhils are one of India’s oldest and second-largest tribes.
They are a cross-section of the Munda race, identified as a Dravidian racial tribe of Western India, and speak a Dravidian language known as Bhilli.
Location: Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and northern Maharashtra. Bhils are also present in Tripura, having migrated mainly from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
Economic activities: Economy focuses on tea gardens, brickfields, and agriculture.
Religious practices: Predominantly practice Hinduism and a small percentage follow Christianity.

{GS2 – MoPPP – Schemes} NPS for the Informal sector

Context (DTE): The article discusses key reforms in NPS lite that can add the informal sector into the National Pension Scheme as they often lack access to benefits like provident funds or gratuity.

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National Pension System-Lite (NPS-Lite)

Introduced by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in 2010.
Designed to secure the future of economically disadvantaged individuals.
Based on the Group Servicing Model (Low-income groups represented by “Aggregators” for registration, contributions, and maintenance).
Individuals aged between 18 and 60 can join.

To read more about pension schemes in India, refer > Old Pension Scheme vs. New Pension Scheme.

Challenges

The informal sector is diverse, making implementing a one-size-fits-all pension solution difficult.
Varying levels of saving capacity among workers complicate the inclusion in pension schemes.
Standard annuity plans may disadvantage informal sector workers.
Informal sector workers may have a lower life expectancy, which could lead to potential unfair subsidies (those who live longer benefit disproportionately).

Reforms Needed

Using Existing Infrastructure

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: Utilize the current NPS infrastructure, which includes central record-keeping, licensed fund managers, the NPS Trust, and PFRDA regulation.
Integrated Schemes: Allow Union and state governments to integrate new pension schemes into the NPS framework, avoiding the creation of separate welfare funds.
Portability of Accounts: Ensure pension accounts remain valid even when workers move between states.
Government Co-contributions: Enable governments to provide co-contributions to encourage enrollment and manage pension savings transparently.
State Integration Framework: Develop a framework to facilitate state governments’ integration with the NPS ecosystem.

Reforming Drawdowns

Addressing Annuity Issues: PFRDA should develop accurate life tables reflecting informal sector mortality rates.
Phased Withdrawals: Extend the proposed Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal facility to informal sector workers.

The Systematic Lump Sum Withdrawal facility in NPS allows subscribers to withdraw up to 60% of their pension savings in phased intervals—monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually—until age 75.

Why Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is Less Suitable Compared to NPS-Lite

Reasons	Explanation
Capped Contributions	Limits the amount workers can invest, preventing them from saving more for a higher pension.
Low Pension Amount	Results in a relatively low pension, insufficient for financial security in retirement.
Lack of Flexibility	Does not accommodate variable contributions, which is essential for workers with irregular incomes.
Guaranteed but Limited Returns	Limited returns need to account for inflation or rising living costs, leading to inadequate support.
No Investment Choices	Does not offer various investment options, missing potential higher returns for workers.
Inadequate for Diverse Needs	One-size-fits-all approach does not cater to the diverse financial needs and capabilities of workers.
Encourages Low Savings	Capped contributions and pensions indirectly discourage higher savings.
Comparatively Less Attractive	Less appealing compared to schemes like NPS-Lite that offer higher potential returns and flexibility.
Potential for Greater Economic Disparity	Low returns may widen the economic gap between informal and formal sector retirees.
Limited Appeal	Rigid structure and limited benefits might not attract enough informal sector workers to participate.
Recent Government Initiatives Aimed at Supporting the Informal Sector Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: Provides annual financial assistance to small and marginal farmers to support their agricultural activities. PM SVAnidhi: A micro-credit program offering financial support to street vendors to help them restart and expand their businesses. E-Shram Portal: An online registration platform for informal sector workers to access social security benefits and government schemes. Labour Codes: Unified labour laws designed to streamline compliance and enhance workers’ rights and protections across various sectors. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan: A pension scheme providing monthly pensions to unorganised sector workers aged 60 and above based on their contributions. World Bank Support to India’s Informal Working Class: Financial and technical assistance from the World Bank to improve conditions and opportunities for informal sector workers in India.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Statutory Foundation: Established under the PFRDA Act of 2014. Mission: Ensure old age income security through the establishment, development, and regulation of pension funds, safeguarding subscriber interests. Oversight: Operates under the Ministry of Finance. Headquarters: New Delhi. Structure: Led by a Chairperson, with up to six members, including at least three Whole-Time Members, appointed by the Central Government. Key Functions: Oversees the NPS and other applicable pension schemes. Establishes and develops pension funds. Safeguards the interests of pension fund subscribers. Registers and regulates intermediaries involved in pension funds. Set standards for managing pension fund corpus. Provides a mechanism for addressing subscriber complaints. Resolves disputes between intermediaries and between intermediaries and subscribers. Educates the public and trains intermediaries on pension and retirement savings. Conducts inquiries, investigations, and audits related to pension funds and their intermediaries.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Citizenship} Illegal Migration

Context (IE): The Supreme Court restored the citizenship of Rahim Ali two years after his death, highlighting the issue of people being unfairly targeted in citizenship verification processes.

Illegal migration, or undocumented migration, refers to the unauthorised entry or residence of foreign nationals in a country without proper documentation or permission from the authorities.

Illegal Migration in India

There are varying estimates on the number of illegal migrants in India, but exact figures are challenging to determine due to the clandestine nature of illegal migration.
A significant portion of illegal migrants in India are believed to be from Bangladesh.
States like Assam and Mizoram have been particularly affected by illegal migration.

Causes of Illegal Migration

Political instability and violence: Conflict and persecution force people, like Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, to seek safety in countries like India.
Economic disparity: People from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar migrate to India for better job opportunities and livelihoods.
Natural disasters: Floods, cyclones, and climate-related disasters compel populations to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including India.
Lack of clear legal pathways: The absence of well-defined refugee and migration laws leads to illegal migration, creating risks for migrants and host countries.
Porous borders: Extensive and porous borders with several countries make monitoring and controlling unauthorised crossings challenging, impacting border security and migration management.

Citizenship in India

Article 5 refers to the citizenship on January 26, 1950.
Article 6 provides citizenship to those persons who have migrated to India from Pakistan.
Article 7 Right of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan who returned to India to live permanently.
Article 8 provides the citizenship rights of certain persons of Indian origin residing outside India.
Article 9 says no person who has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of any foreign state shall be a citizen of India or deemed to be a citizen of India.
Article 10 states that every person who is or is deemed to be a citizen of India shall continue to be such citizen, subject to the provisions of any law made by the Parliament.
Article 11 empowers the parliament to make any provision concerning the acquisition and termination of citizenship and all other matters relating to citizenship.

Concerns about Illegal Migration

Strain on resources: In Assam, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have strained the education system. Overcrowded classrooms and limited resources make it challenging for Indian children.
Economic impact: In sectors with high demand for unskilled labour, illegal immigrants may accept lower wages than Indian citizens, potentially undercutting local wages.
Social tensions: In regions with cultural differences between locals and immigrants, tensions can arise due to language barriers, cultural practices, and resource competition.
National security: Porous borders may be exploited by criminals or terrorist organisations.
Unfair competition: In professions requiring licenses, illegal immigrants may offer services at lower rates without proper training or licensing, disadvantaging legal residents who comply with regula-tions.
Human trafficking: Porous borders are exploited by human trafficking rings to illegally transport vulnerable populations like women and children for forced labour or prostitution.

The Foreigners Act, 1946: Governs the entry, stay, and departure of foreigners in India. It empowers the government to register, regulate, and deport foreigners who are staying illegally.
The Passport (Entry into India) Act,1920: Mandates that all foreign nationals (excluding Overseas Citizens of India) carry a valid passport for entering India.
The Citizenship Act, 1955: This act defines the eligibility criteria for acquiring Indian citizenship and outlines how illegal immigrants can be identified and dealt with.
The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939: Requires all foreign nationals residing in India for more than 180 days to register with the local authorities.

Way forward

Development aid: Providing economic development assistance to countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar can reduce the need for migration by creating more job opportunities.
Conflict resolution: Supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and improve political stability in source countries can encourage people to stay and rebuild their lives at home.
Technological advancements: Strengthening Border Security by investing in border technology such as drones and surveillance cameras can deter illegal crossings.
Streamlined processes: Promote legal migration by simplifying and improving the efficiency of visa application procedures.
Labour shortages: Introducing temporary work visas for sectors facing labour shortages can benefit the economy while regulating immigration.
Clear path to citizenship: Establishing a clear and fair process for long-term undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship promotes societal integration.
Humane deportation: Ensuring humane and respectful deportation procedures for those ineligible for citizenship maintains dignity and respect.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federal Structure} NITI Aayog and Policymaking

Context (TH I TH): NITI Aayog is reconstituted with four full-time members and 15 Union Ministers.

It is the apex public policy think-tank tasked with catalysing economic development.
It promotes cooperative federalism (involving State governments in policy-making) and utilises a bottom-up approach.
It aims to “develop as a state-of-the-art resource centre with necessary knowledge and skills, ” promote research and innovation, provide strategic policy vision, and deal with contingent issues.

It prepares the SDG India Index and serves as a platform to “discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda.”
It replaced the Planning Commission in January 2015.

Aspect	NITI Aayog	Planning Commission
Role	Advisory Think Tank.	Extra-constitutional body.
Membership	Includes experts and specialists.	Had limited expertise.
Approach	Uses ‘Bottom-Up’ planning approach.	Followed ‘Top-Down’ approach.
Federalism	Promotes Cooperative Federalism with equal state partnership.	States were spectators in planning.
Leadership	CEO appointed by the Prime Minister.	Secretaries are appointed through the usual process.
Policy Imposition	Does not impose policies; focuses on advice.	Imposed policies & tied funds to approvals.
Funding Powers	It does not allocate funds; the finance minister handles that.	Had authority to allocate funds to ministries and states.

Composition of NITI Aayog

Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India.
Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
Members: Full-time & part-time members from leading institutions and other sectors.
Ex-Officio Members: Four Union Ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by the Prime Minister.
Special Invitees: Experts, specialists, and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge.

Sustainable Development Goals India Index

Measures progress across 113 indicators aligned with the National Indicator Framework (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)).
Computes scores on 16 SDGs for each State and Union Territory.
The latest report notes that India “accelerated progress” on SDGs despite global challenges, highlighting improvements due to the government’s focus on food security, health, education, electrification, housing, sanitation, and clean energy.
India’s composite score improved to 77 in 2023-24 from 22 in 2020-21.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Reservation} Sub-caste reservations

Context (TH): The Supreme Court has reserved the decision on sub-caste reservation for SC/STs.

Problems with sub-caste reservations

Weak focus on asset creation: Without improving their capital ownership and educational participation, sub-caste reservations result in a low share of jobs and education.
- SCs, with 18% of the population, own only 8.5% of the land (All-India Debt and Investment Survey).
Does not address the underlying facts: Under-representation of subcaste in jobs and educational institutions is mainly due to a lack of capabilities rather than discrimination by other sub-castes.
- For example, out of 928 director-level posts in various government departments, only 13% are from the SC/ST category, compared to the 208 mandated by the reservation policy.
Future demands: This may lead to demands by sub-castes/tribes from SC/ST/OBC.

Way Forward

Focus on capability building: to access jobs through reservations and education and enhance their capital asset ownership.
- For example, the SHRESHTA scheme enhances the reach of government development intervention and fills the gap in service-deficient SCs’ dominant areas in the education sector.
Develop better criteria: Develop an inclusive criterion for sub-categorization based on the underlying reasons for backwardness and sub-castes’ data.
- For example, Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission recommended the sub-categorization of SCs in the State based on their level of backwardness and lower representation compared to others.
Better coordination of policies: Like reservation in the legislature, public jobs, education institutions, and measures to improve ownership of capital assets such as land, businesses, and education levels to address both present and historical disadvantages.

More Info > Sub-Categorisation Within Castes.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – PwDs} GST on disability aids

Context (IE): GST imposes an additional 5% tax on essential disability aids.

The tax perpetuates negative stereotypes as there is no equivalent tax for able-bodied individuals.
The tax undermines the dignity and empowerment of disabled and sends a message of inferiority.
It violates the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016 (Section 3 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities).

Constitutional Principles

Article 14 ensures equality before the law; the GST on disability aids fails this test of reasonableness.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of place of birth; a purposive interpretation of this should include individuals with disabilities.

Supreme Court Landmark Cases on Testing the Constitutionality of Taxes Levied

Aashirwad Films (2007): SC struck down a tax levied on non-Telugu movies screened in Andhra Pradesh, describing it as socially divisive.
Indian Express (1984): The Court struck down the customs duty imposed on newsprint, deeming such a levy a burden on the common man for being literate and conscious of his duty as an informed citizen.
Sakal Papers (1961): SC struck down a tax on advertising in newspapers, citing that reduced advertising would lower newspaper circulation and impact citizens’ fundamental right to free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).

Way Forward

GST Exemption: Zero GST on essential disability aids, like the UK’s zero-rated VAT(on mobility aids).
GST Review: Rationalise indirect discrimination inspired by Canada’s tax credits for disability aids.
Stakeholder Engagement: Regular consultations with disability groups, similar to the UK’s approach (Government consulting the Disability Rights UK, an NGO).
Legal Alignment: Amend laws for equality and non-discrimination per the Constitution and the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016.
Financial Support: Funding for mobility aids like Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Context (DTE): The Assam state government is reluctant to bring its case before the National Green Tribunal about the Baghjan blowout that occurred nearly four years ago in Tinsukia.

Baghjan Blowout in Assam

It was an uncontrolled release of natural gas, and a massive fire that lasted over five months erupted from an oil well near Baghjan village in May 2020.
This environmental disaster caused widespread damage to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
Local communities were forced to evacuate, and the oil industry faced significant economic losses.
The Baghjan blowout raised serious concerns about safety protocols and highlighted the devastating consequences such events can have on the environment and local communities.

National Green Tribunal(NGT)

It is a special court established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to handle environmental matters, including disputes and violations of environmental laws.
The NGT is designed to provide a quick and efficient resolution of environmental disputes while also promoting environmental awareness and protection.
The NGT can hear cases related to air, water, and soil pollution, climate change, and biodiversity, among other environmental issues.
It can also recommend fines and penalties for environmental violations and issue directions to government agencies to take action on environmental issues.

Concerns

Slow Compensation: Despite NGT orders, there have been delays in disbursing compensation to affected families, causing financial hardship for those who lost livelihoods and homes.
Accountability Delays: The investigation into the cause of the blowout and safety lapses is prolonged, delaying accountability and potential deterrents for future incidents.
Environmental Restoration Timeline: Concerns about the efficiency and pace of NGT-ordered environmental restoration plans, prolonging ecological recovery from the damage caused by the blowout.
Long-Term Health Impacts: Delays in addressing health issues due to exposure to gas and pollutants from the blowout of residents in nearby villages.
Uncertain Future for Livelihoods: Many lost their primary source of income due to the blowout.

Way forward

Fast-Track Courts: To prioritise proceedings related to compensation, environmental restoration plans, and penalties for Oil India Limited (OIL).
Streamlined Compensation Process: Implement a simplified mechanism through grievance redressal committees and online claim applications.
Independent Environmental Impact Assessment: Appoint an independent body to assess environmental damage and develop a time-bound restoration plan.
Health Impact Studies and Support: Conduct independent health studies and provide ongoing healthcare support to affected individuals (to prevent further impacts like in Chornobyl and Bhopal).

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} India’s Tree Plantation Drive

Context (TH): India’s tree planting schemes face challenges that hinder restoration efforts’ effectiveness despite extensive planting drives.

Tree planting schemes in India

Van Mahotsava: Annual tree planting festival initiated in 1950.
Green India Mission: Aimed at increasing forest cover and improving ecosystem services.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): Utilises afforestation and forest conservation funds.
National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Focuses on rehabilitating degraded forests.
State-specific Initiatives: Karnataka’s Hasiru Usiru and Telangana’s Haritha Haram.

International Efforts

One Trillion Trees Project: World Economic Forum’s global initiative to plant one trillion trees to combat climate change.
Great Green Wall of China: An extensive tree planting project to combat desertification.
10 Billion Tree Tsunami: Pakistan’s massive reforestation drive to restore degraded forests.
Bonn Challenge: To restore 150 Mn hect. of degraded landscapes by 2020 and 350 Mn hect. by 2030.

Need of Plantation Drives

Addressing Forest Degradation: World Bank estimates uncontrolled exploitation has degraded forest landscapes; 10 million sq km lost since the 20th century.
Ecosystem Restoration: UN’s Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land.
Climate Change Mitigation: Tree planting aids in biological carbon sequestration, helping to remove and store CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Rising temperatures: According to the Forest Survey Report, 45-64% of forests in India will experience the effects of climate change and rising temperatures by 2030.

Sustaining Biodiversity to tackle climate-related crises and other environmental challenges.

Challenges of Plantation Drives

Initiatives like the One Trillion Project and the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami are criticised for limited community involvement and inadequate post-planting care, leading to ineffective carbon sequestration.
Environmentalists highlight the negative impact of tree planting on grasslands and animal habitats, causing ecosystem damage, increased wildfire risk, and exacerbating global warming.
Promoting monoculture in planting drives reduces biodiversity and is less effective for long-term environmental benefits.
In India, encroachment on 10 million hectares of forests, dependence of 27.5 crore people on forests, and loss of 5.7 million hectares for non-forestry purposes hinder restoration efforts.

Way Ahead

Increase budget allocations for forestry projects. For example, in 2021, the Indian government allocated ₹18,000 crore for the Green India Mission to increase forest cover.
Active community participation like the Odisha village initiative, where women rejuvenated a forest.
Utilize scientific methods, such as the Miyawaki method, which is used in urban afforestation projects in India, which involves planting native species close together to simulate natural forests.
Public awareness campaigns like the Green Good Deeds campaign by the Ministry of Environment use social media to engage individuals in environmentally friendly activities.
Implement continuous monitoring systems for planted trees. In Telangana’s Haritha Haram program, geo-tagging and mobile applications are used to track the growth and survival of planted saplings.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} Sri Lankan Frogs Discovered at Eastern Ghats

Context (DTE): Two frogs native to Sri Lanka found in the Eastern Ghats (Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh) hint at an ancient land bridge between the two 10,000 years ago.

Geological events & fluctuating sea levels likely affected the frogs’ isolated populations in two countries.
The two frogs Golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis, lives in freshwater) and shrub frog (Pseudophilautus regius, develop directly without a water phase) are the same species found in Sri Lanka with slight morphological variations.
India hosts 19 golden-backed frog species, with 11 endemic to the country.

{Prelims – In News} Battir *

Context (TH): Israeli settlement has boomed since the Isarel-Palestine war in the Palestinian village of Battir, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

In June 2024, Israel approved the settlement in Heletz, which is inside the protection zone for Battir.
It is located a few kilometres southwest of Jerusalem and comprises a series of farmed valleys (widian).
Terrace farming in this region is supported by an irrigation channel network fed by underground sources.
Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Palestine: Ancient Jericho (Tell es-Sultan); Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route; Bethlehem and Hebron (Al-Khalil Old Town).

{Prelims – In News} International Centre for Audit of Local Governance

Context (IE): Recently, CAG inaugurated International Centre for Audit of Local Governance in Gujarat.

It is the country’s first initiative to establish global standards for auditing local governance.
It would be a collaborative platform for policymakers and auditors linked with local governments.
Objectives
- Enhance the local government auditors’ independence to ensure improved financial performance assessment, service delivery, and data reporting.
- Act as a think tank to address governance issues and introduction of global best practices.

{Prelims – In News} National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC)

Context (PIB): The National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC) was inaugurated at the Geological Survey of India (GSI)’s Campus in Kolkata.
The Bhusanket Web Portal and the Bhooskhalan Mobile App were also launched.

Objectives of NLFC

Early Warning System: Nationwide landslide alerts by 2030.
Advanced Technology: Real-time data integration for precise forecasting.
Local Support: Timely updates for administration and communities.
Comprehensive Inventories: Up-to-date landslide data and analysis.
Enhanced Forecasting: Accurate predictions using rainfall and slope instability data.
Alignment with National Goals: Aatmanirbhar Bharat (fulfils mineral and disaster management needs) and Viksit Bharat by 2047 (advances sustainable development and resource management).

Bhusanket Web Portal and Bhooskhalan Mobile App

Bhusanket Web Portal: Central hub for landslide hazard data and forecasts.
Bhooskhalan Mobile App: Instant access to daily landslide forecasts and updates.
Real-Time Updates: Share and receive spatial and temporal landslide information.
User-Friendly: Easy navigation and quick dissemination of crucial data.