Current Affairs – November 22, 2024

{GS2 – Governance – Reforms} Reforming Undertrial Detention in India

• Context (IE): Supreme Court and Union government have emphasized addressing the issue of undertrial prisoners in India with new provisions like Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023.

State of Undertrial Prisoners in India

• High Proportion of Undertrials: Of the 5,73,220 incarcerated people in 2022, 4,34,302 (75.8%) were undertrials, as per NCRB’s Prison Statistics India 2022.
• Women Prisoners: 76.33% of women prisoners (18,146 of 23,772) are undertrials.
• Long Detention: Around 8.6% of undertrials have been in prison for over three years.

Challenges

• Prison Overcrowding: Excessive undertrial population strains prison facilities, affecting living conditions.
• Gendered Impact: Women face additional vulnerabilities, including inadequate facilities and longer periods of uncertainty.
• Judicial Backlog: Pending cases delay justice, prolonging undertrial incarceration.
• Delayed Implementation: As of October 2024, only 19 of 36 states/UTs had filed reports on undertrials eligible for release under Section 479.

Provisions under Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023

• Applicability: Retrospective for cases before July 1, 2024.
• Restrictions: Does not apply to those with multiple cases or pending investigations.
• Relaxed Bail Norms: Undertrials (not facing death/life imprisonment charges) can be released if detained for more than half the maximum sentence. First-time offenders must be released after serving one-third of the maximum sentence.

• Jail Superintendent’s Role: Responsible for notifying courts to initiate bail processes once eligible detention periods are completed.

Supreme Court’s Interventions

• Retrospective Implementation: Directed Section 479 to apply to pre-BNSS cases for greater impact.
• Mandatory Data Submission: States/UTs must report the number of undertrials eligible for release and steps taken.
• Enforcement Accountability: Jail superintendents were ordered to identify and report eligible cases.

Advantages of BNSS Provisions

• Reduction in Overcrowding: Streamlined bail provisions can ease pressure on prison infrastructure.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Faster processing allows undertrials to reintegrate into society and avoid prolonged stigma.
• Justice for First-Time Offenders: Addresses undue hardship on the accused of minor or non-violent crimes.

Challenges in Implementation

• Lack of Coordination: States and UTs have been slow in implementing SC directives, delaying reforms.
• Administrative Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure for tracking eligible undertrials & timely data submission.
• Lack of Awareness: Many undertrial prisoners are unaware of their rights under the new provisions.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Jail Administration: Equip superintendents with resources to identify and report eligible undertrials.
• Clear Deadlines for States/UTs: Ensure compliance with SC orders through stringent timelines.
• Judicial Reforms: Address case backlog by increasing judicial capacity and introducing fast-track mechanisms.
• Awareness Campaigns: Inform undertrials and their families about bail provisions under Section 479.
• Focus on Women and Marginalized Groups: Ensure gender-sensitive reforms and prioritize vulnerable undertrials.

{GS2 – IR – India-Maldives} Cross Border Payments

• Context (IE): RBI and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed an agreement to promote the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions.

• The primary goal of the agreement is to establish a framework that encourages the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) for cross-border transactions.

About Cross-Border Payments (CBPs)

• Cross-border payments are transactions in which the payer and recipient are from different countries. These payments are important for international trade, investment, and personal money transfers.

Types of Cross Border Payment

• Wholesale Cross-Border Payments: Transactions between financial institutions for borrowing, lending, and trading in foreign exchange, stocks, and commodities. It is used by governments and large companies for major transactions related to imports, exports, and financial markets.
• Retail Cross-Border Payments: Payments involving individuals and businesses, such as person-to-person (P2P), person-to-business (P2B), and business-to-business (B2B) transactions. It includes remittances, where migrants send money back home.

Cross-Border Payments in India

• India handles cross-border payment flows, with approximately USD 80 billion in inbound remittances and USD 19 billion outbound.

Evolution in Cross-Border Remittances

• Pre-Technology Era: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) used demand drafts sent via courier for encashment.
• IMPS Integration: The launch of the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) allowed credits to be completed in under 3 minutes.
• Online Remittances: The mid-2000s saw the launch of the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) system, allowing for direct and secure transfers.
• UPI for Foreign Inward Remittance: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) integration for Foreign Inward Remittance (FIR) further streamlined the process.

{GS2 – IR – SA} Modi’s Historic Visit to Guyana

• Context (IE): Prime Minister visited Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. It underscores India’s commitment to enhancing ties with Latin America & Caribbean.

Key Agreements Signed

• MoU for collaboration in crude oil sourcing, natural gas, and hydrocarbon value chain development, strengthening India’s energy security strategy.
• Deployment of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Guyana to promote financial inclusion, part of India’s global digital transformation agenda.
• Establishment of a Jan Ausadhi Kendra to provide affordable medicines in Guyana.
• Agreement to regulate and supply medicines to CARICOM countries under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
• Scholarships, skill development programs & defense capacity-building initiatives for Guyana’s military.
• Delivery of two Dornier aircraft to enhance Guyana’s defense capabilities, with an extended defense Line of Credit.
• MoU for joint R&D, personnel exchange and food security initiatives, with India contributing millet seeds to support Guyana’s food security.

Strategic Importance of the Visit

• PM Modi conferred with Guyana’s highest national award, The Order of Excellence.
• Energy Security: Guyana’s emergence as an oil hub offers India opportunities for energy diversification.Long-term agreements planned for oil imports and joint ventures.
• Regional Cooperation: PM Modi co-chaired the India-CARICOM Summit, reinforcing India’s influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Economic Growth: Expansion of trade & investment in diverse sectors (agriculture, IT & biofuels)
• Symbolic planting of a sapling under the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative, reinforcing cultural ties.

Benefits of Strengthened Relations

• Economic Cooperation: Enhanced trade in hydrocarbons, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
• Defense Preparedness: Bolstered military capacity with Indian support.
• Food Security: Addressing agricultural challenges through Indian expertise.
• Global South Alliances: Strengthened partnerships with developing nations for mutual growth.

Challenges

• Geographical Distance: Logistical hurdles in enhancing trade and operational ties.
• Geopolitical Competition: Balancing partnerships amid influence from global powers like China & US.
• Infrastructure Deficit: Guyana’s underdeveloped infrastructure limits rapid economic growth.
• Climate Vulnerability: Rising sea levels and extreme weather impact development efforts.

Opportunities

• Oil and Gas Reserves: New oil discoveries position Guyana to surpass Venezuela in production by 2026.
• Emerging Energy Hub: Guyana’s vast oil reserves, with 11.2 billion barrels discovered, offer immense potential.
• Technological Integration: UPI deployment transforms Guyana’s digital economy.
• Agricultural Innovation: Collaboration in food security and sustainable farming.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Leveraging Guyana’s Indian diaspora (43.5% of the population) for stronger ties.

Way Forward

• Energy Collaboration: Establish long-term partnerships in hydrocarbons and renewable energy.
• Digital & Technological Innovations: Expand UPI adoption & promote public digital literacy in Guyana.
• Capacity Building: Increase scholarships and training in defense and governance.
• Regional Engagement: Position Guyana as hub for India’s engagement with CARICOM & South America.
• Cultural Exchange: Deepen people-to-people ties through initiatives involving the Indian diaspora.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} Judiciary Reform

• Context (IE): India’s judiciary is facing a pendency crisis, with over 45 million cases clogging the system, particularly in subordinate courts.

Issues in the Indian Judicial System

• Case Pendency and Adjournments: Over 85% of pending cases are in subordinate courts; 50% of listed cases face daily adjournments.
• Administrative Burden on Judges: Judges spend 55% of their time on non-judicial tasks due to lack of skilled support staff.
• Workforce Shortages: 21% shortage of judicial officers and 27% non-judicial staff vacancies; some states report up to 50% gaps.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Insufficient courtrooms, outdated technology, and limited use of video conferencing impede operations.
• Outdated Laws: CrPC 1973 & CPC 1908 enable frequent adjournments & delay trials.
• Gender Disparity and Undertrial Population: Only 11 women judges in SC’s history; 76% of prison inmates in 2020 were undertrials, highlighting justice delays for vulnerable groups.

Impact on Justice Delivery

• Delayed Justice: Prolonged litigation and backlog erode public trust.
• Economic Burden: Prolonged legal disputes deter business activities.
• Financial Stress: High costs for litigants due to extended proceedings.
• Erosion of Trust: Citizens lose faith in the system due to inefficiency and inaccessibility.

Steps taken for Effective Judicial Service Delivery

• National Mission for Justice Delivery (2011): Aims to enhance access to justice and improve accountability in the judicial system.
• Virtual Courts & e-Sewa Kendras: Enable remote legal processes and provide digital access to justice services.
• National Judicial Data Grid: Monitors case status and tracks pendency across courts.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas, and Online Dispute Resolution offer faster, cost-effective case resolutions.
• Fast-Track Courts: Special courts for women, children, and senior citizens expedite justice for vulnerable groups.
• Judicial Appointments: 769 High Court judges appointed between 2014-2022 to address judicial officer shortages.
• Gram Nyayalaya Portals: Implemented for improved data management and transparency in rural justice delivery.

Recommendations for Enhancing Judicial Efficiency

• Promote All India Judicial Services (AIJS) to create a unified recruitment system and ensure a consistent standard of judicial appointments.
• Expedite judicial recruitment and ensure skill-specific training programs to meet the demands of the judicial system.
• Delegate non-judicial tasks to skilled managers under the supervision of high courts to allow judges to focus on judicial responsibilities.
• Introduce performance-based incentives for judges and administrative staff to enhance motivation and productivity.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Invest in digital tools, IT infrastructure, and additional courtrooms to support judicial functions & establish public dashboards to track case progress, increasing transparency and public trust.
• Expand technology integration with e-filing, digitization, and AI-based tools for efficient case tracking and video conferencing for routine court procedures.
• Ensure 50% representation of women in the judiciary to improve inclusivity and enhance decision-making quality.
• Coordinated Implementation: State law secretaries, high court registrars, and district judges must collaborate to onboard skilled administrative personnel.
• Procedural Simplification: Revise outdated procedural laws to reduce adjournments and delays and expand ADR mechanisms to promote out-of-court settlements.
• Utilize External Expertise from retired personnel from sectors like railways and postal services for court administration to leverage their experience and skills.

Advantages of External Expertise in Judiciary

• Enhanced Efficiency: Frees judicial officers to focus on adjudication.
• Cost-Effective: Retirees’ salaries adjusted against pensions reduce costs.
• Improved Productivity: Skilled administrative support expedites case resolution.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency

• Context (TH): India’s rising pollution levels threaten public health and economic growth, prompting the proposal of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) to tackle these challenges.

Need for urgency of Integration

• Current Challenges: India’s rapid economic growth is worsening pollution, impacting air, water and soil quality, resulting in severe health risks.
• Health Impact: PM2.5 exposure is linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, child development issues and mental health disorders.
• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly & economically disadvantaged are particularly at risk.
• Existing Framework Gaps: The CPCB and MoEFCC focus on environmental issues, while the MoHFW handles disease surveillance, with no integration between them.
• Data Integration Issues: Lack of data sharing between environmental and health ministries hampers effective, coordinated action on pollution-related health issues.
• Need for Integration: Integrating environmental and health data and policies will enable coordinated efforts to mitigate pollution and improve public health outcomes.
• Policy Efficiency: A unified approach will optimize resources, streamline action plans and ensure comprehensive, long-term solutions for pollution-related health challenges.
• Global Inspiration: Countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan have successfully integrated environmental and health policies, leading to more effective action.

Advantages of Establishing an EHRA

• Science-Driven Framework: Encourages evidence-based policies by commissioning studies on India-specific issues like heavy metal exposure and climate change-related health risks.
• Health Impact Assessments (HIAs): Incorporates HIAs into major infrastructure and urban planning projects to address potential health risks.
• Integrated Governance: Centralizes data from environmental and health sectors for cohesive policy-making and effective pollution-health impact mitigation.
• Cumulative Accountability: Encourages collective responsibility for environmental health outcomes across multiple sectors.
• Enhanced Public Trust: Increases public confidence through transparent, data-driven decision-making processes.
• Sustainable Development: Promotes innovation in green technologies and sustainable practices, aligning environmental health objectives with economic policies.
• Economic Growth and Green Jobs: Fosters green job creation and long-term resilience by integrating environmental health into economic policies.
• Long-Term Resilience: Strengthens India’s resilience by integrating environmental health goals into economic and policy frameworks.
• Global Commitments: Strengthens India’s efforts to meet Paris Agreement goals & Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to international collaborations on transboundary environmental health issues.

Challenges with implementation of EHRA

• Bureaucratic Inertia may hinder the swift implementation and enforcement of EHRA’s policies and regulations.
• Industry Resistance could slow down the adoption of stricter environmental health standards and regulatory measures.
• Regional Disparities in infrastructure and resources could impede the uniform application of EHRA’s policies across different areas.

Way Forward

• Establish EHRA: Establish a robust Environmental Health Regulatory Authority (EHRA) for monitoring of health outcomes, involving grassroots organizations for bottom-up accountability.
• Unified Database: Develop a comprehensive database integrating health and environmental metrics for better decision-making.
• Policy Effectiveness: Ensure that environmental health policies are adaptable, actionable, and backed by data-driven insights to address diverse regional and industrial challenges.
• Nationwide Education: Integrate environmental health topics into education and awareness campaigns across the country.
• Sustainable Development: Address India’s environmental health crisis urgently to drive sustainable development.
• Governance Transformation: Establishing EHRA can transform India’s governance, aligning health, environment, and economy for a sustainable future.
• Align EHRA with global best practices to ensure effective, adaptive governance for environmental health.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Poverty} Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• Context (IE): The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative was launched during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Need for the Alliance

• By 2030, 622 million people are projected to live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day.
• 582 million people are expected to suffer from hunger by 2030, the same figure as in 2015.
• Global Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts disrupt food systems and economic stability.
• Climate Change: Increasing climate-related disasters negatively impact agriculture and food security.
• Inequalities: Socio-economic disparities continue to widen, hindering progress.

About Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• Aim: To address setbacks in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, and climate change. The goal is to accelerate progress towards ending poverty and hunger by 2030.
• Objective: To connect countries needing assistance with partners willing to offer expertise or financial support to eradicate hunger and poverty.
• Members: 81 countries (including India), 26 international organisations, 9 financial institutions, and 31 NGOs and philanthropic foundations.
• Funding: No exclusive fund; Operational costs ($2-3 million annually) relies on contributions from members and institutions like FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.
• Key Initiatives: School meals programs, Water access solutions, Support for smallholder & family farming, Maternal & early childhood interventions, Cash transfers, Socio-economic inclusion initiatives.

{GS3 – Agri – Fisheries} Various Initiatives in India’s Fisheries Sector

• Context (TH): On World Fisheries Day, the Centre unveiled multiple projects in India’s fisheries sector.

Marine Fisheries Census 2025

• Digital Implementation: The fifth Marine Fisheries Census will be entirely digital, utilising mobile apps and virtual servers for real-time data collection and processing, increasing efficiency by 80%.
• Scope and Coverage: The census will cover India’s coastline, from Lakhpat in Gujarat to North 24 Parganas in West Bengal and Bitra Island in Lakshadweep to Campbell Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Data Collection: Information on household sizes, socio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement will be gathered to provide comprehensive insights.

National Plan of Action on Sharks

• Sustainable Shark Management: This plan, inspired by the FAO’s International Plan of Action for Sharks, focuses on sustainable shark conservation and management.
• Key Components: The plan includes improving data collection, increasing resource allocation, enhancing inter-state coordination, and building capacity in species identification and habitat mapping.
• Traditional Knowledge Utilisation: Incorporates the traditional knowledge of fishermen to aid conservation efforts.

Regional Plan of Action on IUU Fishing

• Collaborative Effort: India, in collaboration with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives, endorsed the Regional Plan of Action to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Bay of Bengal.
• Objective: The plan aims to prevent IUU fishing through coordinated regional efforts.

GloLitter Partnership Project

• Marine Plastic Litter: The International Maritime Organization–FAO GloLitter Partnership Project aims to combat marine plastic litter.
• Implementation: Standard Operating Procedures for retrofitted LPG kits were introduced to promote energy-efficient, low-cost marine fishing fuels.

Coastal Aquaculture Authority’s New Single Window System

• Online Registration: The new system enables the online registration of coastal aquaculture farms, streamlining the registration process.
• Voluntary Carbon Market: An MoU was signed to implement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Market, focusing on carbon-sequestering practices in the fisheries sector.

Read More > Govt Initiatives Improve the Fisheries Sector.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Air-to-Air Refuelling

• Context (TH): Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have formalised an air-to-air refuelling arrangement to boost the operational capabilities of their air forces.

Key Details of Agreement

• Multi-role Tanker Transport: The RAAF’s KC-30A aircraft will be used to refuel Indian military planes.
• P-8I Neptune Surveillance: The RAAF also engages in training and engagement activities with the Indian Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.
• Indo-Pacific Stability: The initiative is part of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, focusing on practical cooperation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

About Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR)

• It is a process in modern military aviation that allows aircraft to extend their range and endurance by transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight.

Benefits of Air-to-Air Refuelling

• Extended Range: AAR increases the operational range of military aircraft, allowing them to reach distant targets or stay airborne for extended periods.
• Increased Endurance: Aircraft can perform longer missions without requiring land for refuelling.
• Strategic Flexibility: Enables rapid deployment and sustained operations in remote or hostile regions.

Applications in Military Operations

• Combat Missions: Fighters and bombers can strike targets far from their home bases.
• Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Surveillance aircraft can remain in the air for prolonged periods, providing continuous intelligence.
• Humanitarian and Rescue Missions: Refuelling capabilities allow for extended search and rescue operations and support humanitarian efforts in disaster zones.

Challenges and Considerations

• Complex Coordination: AAR requires precise coordination between tanker and receiver aircraft to ensure safe and efficient fuel transfer.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can complicate the refuelling process, making it challenging to connect the hose or boom.
• Training and Skill: Both tanker and receiving aircraft crews must undergo extensive training to master the procedures and ensure safety during refuelling.

{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} Implementation Agreement (IA)

• Context (TH): ISRO signs IA with the Australian Space Agency for the Gaganyaan mission.

About Implementation Agreement (IA)

• It is a legal document that outlines the detailed steps and specifics required to carry out a larger contract or project. It acts as a roadmap for implementing the agreed-upon terms, including timelines, responsibilities, and technical specifications for each party involved.
• Detailed execution plan: Unlike a general contract, an IA provides a more granular breakdown of how the project will be implemented, including milestones, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Used in various scenarios: IAs are commonly used in large infrastructure projects, technology implementations, mergers & acquisitions, or public-private partnerships where complex execution is necessary.
• Key elements: Project scope and deliverables, Roles and responsibilities of each party, Timeline and milestones, Reporting requirements, Technical specifications, and Dispute resolution mechanisms.

{Prelims – In News} VISION Portal

• Context (PIB): Union Minster launched the “Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network” (VISION) Portal.

About the VISION Portal

• Aim: It empowers underprivileged children with access to education, skill development, and innovation resources. The portal seeks to bridge the gap between remote areas and India’s mainstream entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Democratising Startup Skills: Provide opportunities for underprivileged youth to gain insights into the startup ecosystem.
• Skill Development: Focus on education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship for holistic development across sectors like IT, agriculture, and biotechnology.
• Access to Resources: Create avenues for students in remote areas to access mentorship, training, and technological tools—Aligns with India’s aspirations for Vision India 2047.