AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (19^th July 2024)

Functioning of Assam’s Foreigners Tribunal

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Foreigners Tribunal

Why is it in the news?

• On July 5, the Assam government directed the Border police to stop sending cases of non-Muslims who entered India before 2014 to the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs), in line with the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which offers citizenship to non-Muslims fleeing persecution from neighbouring countries.
• Moreover, a recent Supreme Court ruling overturned an FT decision on Rahim Ali, calling it a “grave miscarriage of justice” and highlighting flaws in the process, including improper notice delivery and accusations of systemic abuse.

More about the news

• FTs were established in 1964 under the Foreigners Act of 1946 to adjudicate claims of foreign nationality in Assam.
• Unlike other states, Assam’s FTs handle these cases directly. Each tribunal is chaired by members with judicial experience.
• Although the Ministry of Home Affairs reported 300 FTs, only 100 are currently operational. These tribunals replaced the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act of 1983, which was repealed in 2005.
• The Assam Police Border Organisation, established in 1962 and independent since 1974, detects and deports illegal foreigners and refers suspicious cases to the FTs.
• This wing includes 3,153 sanctioned posts, with additional staff funded by the state. Its roles include border patrolling, monitoring settlements, and processing referrals from the Election Commission of India and National Register of Citizens (NRC) exclusions.
• As of August 2019, about 19.06 lakh out of 3.3 crore NRC applicants were excluded.

Additional Information:

About National Register of Citizens (NRC):

• The National Register of Citizens, is a register compiled after the 1951 Census, lists households in villages sequentially with names and numbers of residents staying therein.
• It contains demographic details of individuals recognized as Indian citizens under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was initially published in 1951 and remained unchanged until recently when it was updated in Assam.
• Manipur and Tripura were authorized to create their own NRCs, but these initiatives did not come to fruition.
• The preparation of this NRC was mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

What are Tribunals?

• Tribunals are judicial or quasi-judicial institutions established by law. They intend to provide a platform for faster adjudication as compared to traditional courts, as well as expertise on certain subject matters.

U-Win, All Win: A game changer

GS 2: Polity and Governance: UIP

Why is it in the news?

• In 1978, India launched its first national immunisation programme, initially known as the Expanded Programme for Immunisation, which featured four vaccines.
• Today, the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) is one of the world’s major public health successes, now targeting 12 diseases.

More about the news

• With the upcoming launch of the U-Win digital vaccination registry on August 15, the UIP is set to become even more robust.
• This portal will manage the vaccination of 29 million pregnant women and 26 million infants each year against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Currently, vaccination data is manually recorded by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and then aggregated into state and national registries, a process that often takes over a month. Additionally, vaccinations administered at private healthcare facilities frequently go unrecorded.
• U-Win will provide real-time data on every vaccination event, enhancing planning and enabling more effective outbreak prevention.
• Despite the UIP’s success, challenges remain:

1) The Covid pandemic disrupted routine immunisation services, leading to a slight decrease in vaccination rates for diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus, according to WHO-UNICEF data from the previous year.

2) Moreover, a segment of India’s migrant population often misses out on timely vaccinations, and dropout rates from the programme are a persistent issue.

• U-Win, accessible from any location, has the potential to address these problems by improving vaccine coverage among disadvantaged groups, which could ultimately reduce infant mortality rates.
• Parents will receive SMS alerts for upcoming vaccinations and will be able to book slots nationwide without needing physical records. However, it is crucial to address the digital divide to ensure that all beneficiaries can access these services.
• During the pandemic, the COWIN platform was instrumental in vaccine delivery, and the e-Vin portal, tracking vaccine-related cold chain logistics since 2015, has reduced vaccine stock-outs by 80 percent.
• Now, with U-Win, India is on track to create the world’s largest immunisation registry. This development, coupled with existing digital systems, could expand the UIP’s reach and effectiveness, potentially justifying the inclusion of the Human papillomavirus vaccines (HPV) in the programme.

Additional Information:

U-WIN Portal: Key Points

• Objective: Electronic Registry: Aims to maintain a digital record of routine immunizations.
• Current Status: Pilot Mode – Currently being tested in all states and Union Territories, except for West Bengal.
• Scope
• Target Groups: Captures vaccination events for pregnant women and children under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Coverage: Ensures timely administration of vaccines by digitally recording every vaccination event for pregnant women and children aged 0-5 years.
• Features
• E-Vaccination Certificate: Generates a uniform QR-based, digitally verifiable certificate similar to the Covid vaccination certificate.
• Single Source of Information: Records pregnancy details, outcomes, newborn registration, and immunization at birth.
• Real-Time Updates: Tracks vaccination status and delivery outcomes in real-time.
• Citizen Services:
• Self-registration for vaccinations via the U-WIN web portal or Android app.
• Option to select preferred vaccination centres and schedule appointments.
• Automated SMS alerts for registration confirmations, administered doses, and upcoming dose reminders.
• ABHA IDs: Facilitates creation of Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for comprehensive health record maintenance.
• Support for Frontline Workers: Assists in the digital recording of all vaccination events for accurate and easy record maintenance.
• Significance
• Timely Vaccinations: Ensures age-appropriate and timely vaccinations through systematic tracking and reminders.
• Comprehensive Records: Enhances the accuracy and accessibility of immunisation records.

What is Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)?

Background:

• Expanded Programme on Immunization was launched in 1978. It was renamed as Universal Immunization Programme in 1985 when its reach was expanded beyond urban areas. 
• In 1992, it became part of Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme. In 1997 it was included in the ambit of National Reproductive and Child Health Programme. 
• Since the launch of National Rural Health Mission in 2005, Universal Immunization Programme has always been an integral part of it.

About:

• UIP is one of the largest public health programmes targeting close of 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.
• Under UIP, immunization is providing free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases:
• Nationally against 9 diseases – Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Hemophilus Influenza type B.
• Sub-nationally against 3 diseases – Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis;
• A child is said to be fully immunized if child receives all due vaccine as per national immunization schedule within 1st year age of child.
• Major milestones: The two major milestones of UIP have been the elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination in 2015.

Prelims:

Q. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (UPSC 2016)

(a)  immunization of children and pregnant women 

(b)  construction of smart cities across the country 

(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space 

(d) New Educational Policy 

Answer: A

Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (UPSC 2017)

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 3 and 4 only

Answer: A

Role of the Finance Commission

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Finance Commission

Why is it in the news?

• The sixteenth Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, began its work in December 2023 and is expected to submit its recommendations by October 2025.
• Its suggestions will apply for five years starting April 1, 2026.

About the Finance Commission

• The Finance Commission, a constitutional body, recommends the distribution of tax revenues collected by the Central government between the Centre and various States.
• It is not legally required to enforce its recommendations, and it is typically reconstituted every five years, taking a couple of years to finalize its recommendations.
• The Commission decides the proportion of the Centre’s net tax revenue allocated to States (vertical devolution) and how this allocation is distributed among States (horizontal devolution).
• Horizontal devolution is based on a formula considering factors like population, fertility, income levels, and geography.

• Vertical devolution has seen increasing recommendations over recent years, with the 13th, 14th, and 15th Commissions recommending the Centre share 32%, 42%, and 41% of funds, respectively. Additionally, the Centre may provide extra grants for jointly funded schemes.
•  The 16th Finance Commission is also expected to address the revenue needs of local bodies like panchayats and municipalities, which received only about 3% of public spending as of 2015, compared to over 50% in countries like China.

Friction between the Centre and States

• Conflicts between the Centre and States over tax revenue sharing have been ongoing.
• The Centre collects major taxes, including income tax, corporate tax, and GST, while States rely on taxes from goods like liquor and fuels not covered by GST.
• States, responsible for delivering services such as education, healthcare, and police, argue that the Centre has reduced their tax powers and does not provide sufficient funds to meet their responsibilities.
• States often disagree with the Centre on the percentage of total tax proceeds allocated to them and the delivery of these funds. They claim that the Centre does not fully honour the Finance Commission’s recommendations, which they view as inadequate.
• For instance, the Centre has devolved an average of 38% of funds from the divisible pool under the Fifteenth Finance Commission, despite a recommendation of 41%. States also contest the exclusion of cesses and surcharges from the divisible pool, which can make up to 28% of the Centre’s tax revenues, thereby reducing the funds available to States.
• Developed States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu argue they receive less funding relative to their tax contributions compared to less developed States. For example, Tamil Nadu received only 29 paise for each rupee contributed, while Bihar received over ₹7 per rupee.

• Critics suggest that more developed States are penalized to benefit those with poorer governance. Additionally, some question the independence of the Finance Commission, given that its members are appointed by the Centre, raising concerns about potential political influence.

Note:

• Income Distance: Refers to the disparity between a state’s income and the state with the highest per capita income.
• States with lower per capita income receive a higher share to ensure equity among states.
• Population: Represents the population count based on the 2011 Census. Previously, until the 14th Finance Commission, population from the 1971 Census was considered, but this practice was discontinued in the 15th Finance Commission.
• Forest and Ecology: Considers the proportion of dense forest area in each state compared to the total dense forest area across all states.
• Demographic Performance: Introduced to recognize states’ efforts in population control, with states exhibiting lower fertility ratios receiving higher scores.
• Tax Effort: Used to reward states demonstrating higher efficiency in tax collection.

Practice MCQ:

Q. Consider the following: (UPSC 2023)

1. Demographic performance

2. Forest and ecology

3. Governance reforms

4. Stable government

5. Tax and fiscal efforts

For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

Answer: B

India and a case for strategic autonomy

GS 2: International Relations: India’s Foreign Policy

Why is it in the news?

• On July 11, 2024, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti stated, “In times of conflict there is no such thing as strategic autonomy; we will, in crisis moments, need to know each other.”
• This comment followed U.S. officials’ displeasure with India’s decision to proceed with the Moscow visit despite the ongoing NATO summit and U.S. concerns about India’s stance on Russia.
• U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan further criticized India’s partnership with Russia, suggesting it was unwise to rely on Russia, which might align more with China than with India.

An Analysis

• The debate around strategic autonomy has resurfaced, focusing on whether India’s existing policies and international stance are sufficient.
• Historically, Indian foreign policy has been characterized by strategic autonomy, whether labelled as non-alignment, multi-alignment, or otherwise. This approach has allowed India to navigate global power shifts while pursuing its national interests.
• Despite the U.S. and its allies’ economic sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, India maintained its strategic partnership with Russia, expanded energy cooperation, and refrained from condemning the Russian invasion, which the West perceived as supportive of Russia’s actions.
• Strategic autonomy, as understood, allows nations to make decisions based on their interests without external pressures. Ambassador Garcetti’s assertion that strategic autonomy is meaningless during crises contradicts this premise.
• Indian foreign policy has consistently prioritized strategic autonomy, adapting to changing global dynamics while balancing relationships with major powers.
• For instance, during the Cold War, India maintained neutrality despite its closer ties with the Soviet Union, and post-Cold War, it engaged more with the West while keeping relations with Moscow.
• The current global order is multipolar, with the U.S., China, and Russia as significant players. India seeks to balance its relations among these powers, reflecting its strategic interests.
• Russia remains a key partner for India in defense and energy sectors, despite its increasing alignment with China. This complex relationship underscores the importance of strategic autonomy, enabling India to navigate its foreign policy without being constrained by alliance obligations.
• Strategic autonomy allows India to manage its ties with Russia and the West, contributing to global stability. India’s energy trade with Russia helps stabilize oil markets and counters China’s influence.
• However, Western partners often view India’s approach through a unipolar lens, failing to appreciate the broader strategic context.
• India’s approach, rooted in strategic autonomy, seeks a positive-sum game where engagement with multiple power centres benefit all parties, contrasting with the zero-sum mentality often prevalent in Western perspectives.

• Strategic autonomy refers to a state’s ability to pursue its national interests and foreign policy independently, adapting to the security environment to safeguard India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Issue with Tree Planting Schemes

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Forest Restoration

Why is it in the news?

• Forest degradation, due to unsustainable practices, has led to significant global forest loss. The UN’s Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land and sequester 13-26 gigatons of greenhouse gases.
• UN’s Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) is a global initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• While tree planting is widely endorsed for its potential in climate mitigation and biodiversity support, its effectiveness is under scrutiny.

More about the news

Emerging Trends in Conservation Initiatives:

• Rising Momentum in Tree Planting Initiatives: Globally and nationally, there is a surge in tree planting campaigns such as the “One Trillion Project” by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan’s “10 billion Tree Tsunami,” China’s “Great Green Wall,” and the “Bonn Challenge” focusing on landscape restoration.
• Media Fervour and Public Engagement: These initiatives leverage catchy slogans and captivating campaigns, garnering significant media coverage and encouraging widespread public participation.
• Annual Celebration: India annually celebrates Van Mahotsava in July, dedicated to promoting tree planting and fostering environmental conservation efforts.

Issues with Conservation Drives:

• Limited Community Participation: Many programs lack significant involvement from local communities, impacting their sustainability and effectiveness.
• Post-Planting Measures: Insufficient focus on post-planting care and monitoring hinders the success of tree planting efforts.
• Monoculture Risks: Promotion of monoculture can negatively impact biodiversity and carbon sequestration goals.
• Ecological Impact: Planting in non-forested areas like grasslands can harm ecosystems, increase wildfire risks, and exacerbate global warming.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: Lack of adequate follow-up and monitoring diminishes the impact of these initiatives compared to alternative methods like tree islands.

India’s Environmental Commitments:

• India’s Achievements: India reports fulfilling its Paris Agreement commitments and achieving an additional carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• Challenges in Forest Conservation:
• Forest encroachment affects approximately 10 million hectares, with 5.7 million hectares lost for non-forestry purposes.
• Sustainable management is crucial as 27.5 crore people depend on forests for their livelihood.
• Goal: India aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030, amidst challenges in implementation and effective tree planting strategies.

Way Forward:

• Enhancing Community Engagement: Foster local participation in tree planting initiatives through inclusive planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance involvement.
• Improving Monitoring and Maintenance: Implement robust systems for post-planting monitoring and care to support tree survival and growth.
• Policy and Strategic Enhancements: Address critiques of mass planting initiatives by prioritizing adequate financing, active community involvement, and technical rigor in forestry and restoration strategies.

Conclusion:

• To improve tree planting schemes, India needs to focus on better financing, community engagement, and technical support.
• Emphasizing public awareness, social media, and incentivized participation can enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives, leading to more resilient and ecologically diverse forests.

Amit Shah calls for Action Against Drug Syndicates

GS 3: Internal Security: Drugs Smuggling

Why is it in the news?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged for decisive action against drug smuggling syndicates, emphasizing that efforts should extend beyond merely arresting narcotics consumers.

More about the news

• During the seventh apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre, Mr. Shah introduced several new initiatives, including a toll-free helpline (1933) called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra), a web portal, and a mobile app.
• These platforms allow citizens to connect with the Narcotics Control Bureau, providing anonymous information on drug peddling and trafficking or seeking consultation related to drug abuse, de-addiction, and rehabilitation.
• Mr. Shah highlighted the increasing threat posed by synthetic drugs, noting that the drug trade is becoming increasingly intertwined with terrorism.
• He pointed out that revenue from drug trafficking poses a significant threat to national security and undermines the economy by bolstering illegal financial activities such as hawala dealings and tax evasion.
• He called on agencies to make greater use of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and to transition from a ‘Need to Know’ policy to a ‘Duty to Share’ approach for better coordination and information sharing.
• The Minister advocated for a multifaceted strategy to tackle the drug problem: a ruthless approach towards the supply of drugs, a strategic approach towards reducing demand, and a humane approach towards harm reduction.
• He asserted that the success of anti-drug efforts depends on the simultaneous implementation of all three strategies.

Additional Information:

India’s Efforts Against Drug Menace:

• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transportation, storage, and consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction:  led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasizes preventive education, awareness, identification, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals, and capacity building of service providers through government and NGO collaboration.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign (NMBA) 2020.
• India is a signatory of the following international treaties and conventions:
• United Nations (UN) Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)
• UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988)
• UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971)
• UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) 2000

About Narcotics Control Bureau:

• The Narcotics Control Bureau was established by the Government of India in 1986, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• It operates as the primary coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances aligns with Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, which urges the State to strive for the prohibition of consuming intoxicating drugs harmful to health, except for medicinal use.
• Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985:

• NDPS Act prohibits any individual from engaging in any activity consisting of the production, cultivation, sale, purchase, transport, storage, and/or consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
• The objectives include preventing, combating, and regulating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, forfeiting property from illicit trafficking, implementing international conventions, and modifying psychotropic substance lists as necessary.

About MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) Mobile App:

• MANAS mobile app, endorsed as a national program by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), to enhance mental wellbeing across all age groups.
• PM-STIAC serves as a comprehensive advisory council under the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, assessing scientific and technological domains, addressing challenges, devising interventions, and advising the Prime Minister on future strategies.
• Developed By: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C-DAC) Bengaluru.
• Beneficiaries: Initially targeting individuals aged 15-35, MANAS aims to enhance positive mental health for people of all age groups.
• Aim: MANAS strives to foster a healthier and happier community, empowering individuals to realize their potential in contributing to a Swasth and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Motto of MANAS: “Uttam Mann, Saksham Jan”.

Mains Practice Question

Q. In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well assume senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point of time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as Superintendent of Police to bring the situation to normalcy.

If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (UPSC 2019)