UPSC Daily CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02 July 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02 July 2024

GS Paper 1:

In flogging of couple in West Bengal, a warning sign for Mamata Banerjee

GS 1: Social Issues

Why is it in the news?

• The assault on a couple in a kangaroo court by a Trinamool Congress functionary in West Bengal highlights the rise of strongarm justice and the erosion of constitutional mechanisms in the state, reflecting a parallel system that operates with impunity.
• This incident, reminiscent of other cases like “love jihad” persecution and selective punishment using bulldozers, underscores violations of due process and the state’s failure to protect citizen rights.

More about the news

• Despite BJP’s criticism of such “JCB justice” (Islam is known as JCB), Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government must address these issues and avoid deflecting responsibility.
• The recent incident involving Tajimul Islam, who was arrested after the video emerged, signals a larger crisis within the party-state nexus that undermines the rule of law.
• Banerjee’s reliance on women’s support is evident through various financial assistance schemes like Rupashree, Lakshmir Bhandar, and Kanyashree, coupled with outreach initiatives to improve women’s welfare and representation.
• However, mere condemnations from party leaders are insufficient; Banerjee must ensure that the law prevails, irrespective of the accused individuals’ affiliations. The incident in Uttar Dinajpur also sheds light on the systemic issues in West Bengal, marked by the entanglement of government, political parties, and businesses that often disregard legal norms.

Conclusion

• Banerjee’s legacy and the future of her government hinge on upholding the rule of law and holding accountable those within the TMC who undermine it, learning from the fate of her predecessors.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02 July 2024

GS Paper 2:

New criminal laws to prioritize justice instead of punishment: Amit Shah

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Criminal Laws

Why is it in the news?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the implementation of the three new criminal laws may take around three to four years for the entire process and technical aspects to become fully operational.
• Once the process is complete, individuals can expect to receive justice, even from the Supreme Court, within three years of filing an FIR. Shah highlighted the shift in focus of the new laws towards prioritizing justice over punitive measures.

More about the news

• These laws have been translated into various languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, including Tamil, with court proceedings also taking place in these languages.

• The Home Minister assured that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) maintains a maximum 15-day police custody period similar to the previous laws and clarified the absence of a section on penal provisions for sexual crimes against men and transgender individuals, expressing intent to discuss this matter with the Supreme Court.
• Shah emphasized a secure data storage system and accountability for video recordings as stipulated under the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which mandates audio-video recording of search and seizure in criminal cases.
• Shah stressed that the new criminal laws were developed after extensive discussions with stakeholders over four years, aimed at addressing outdated provisions and enhancing relevance in contemporary times.
• The Minister highlighted the abolition of sedition laws from the British era and the introduction of new sections concerning anti-national activities to safeguard India’s unity and integrity.

Govt. undecided on deadline to fix boundaries for Census

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Census

Why is it in the news?

• The deadline for finalizing administrative boundaries of districts, tehsils, towns, municipal bodies, and other regions for the Census has passed without a new date being announced.
• This uncertainty directly impacts the scheduling of the Census, last conducted in The deadline has been extended nine times since December 2020.

More about the news

• A former Census official mentioned that a retrospective extension order may be issued later. If not, it could mean that the Census might be conducted in the next three to six months.
• The order issued on December 30, 2023, extending the freeze on administrative boundaries until June 30, 2024, effectively postpones the decennial Census to at least October 1, considering the typical three-month preparation time required for enumerators.
• Further, the enforcement of the women’s reservation Act, which reserves 33% of seats in Parliament and Assemblies for women, hinges on the Census.
• As per the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the reservation of one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies for women will be implemented following a delimitation exercise based on the latest Census data after the Act’s commencement.

NHRC notice to Centre, T.N. govt over ‘discrimination’ by Foxconn

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Gender Equality

Why is it in the news?

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Central Government and the Tamil Nadu government regarding allegations of ‘discrimination’ by Foxconn against married women.

More about the news

• The NHRC called for a detailed report from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu in response to claims that Foxconn systematically excludes married women from job opportunities at its iPhone assembly plant in Sriperumbudur.
• It is alleged that Foxconn has instructed Indian hiring agencies not to hire married women due to cultural reasons and societal pressures. The NHRC highlighted that if these claims are true, it would constitute a serious issue of discrimination that violates the right to equality and equal opportunity for married women.
• Additionally, the NHRC emphasized the importance of gender equality in both Indian constitutional law and international agreements, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which prohibit discrimination based on gender in employment.
• The NHRC stressed the responsibility of state authorities to ensure that companies comply with labour laws and uphold the rights to health and dignity for all individuals, especially women, working in the private sector’s production units.
• During its investigation, the NHRC found that only unmarried women were considered eligible for assembly jobs at Foxconn, despite no mention of this requirement in the company’s advertisements. A WhatsApp chat provided as evidence revealed that a married candidate was informed that married individuals are not allowed to apply when inquiring about salary and childcare facilities.
• However, Foxconn has denied the allegations of discrimination based on marital status, gender, religion, or any other form in employment.

Sense of uncertainty: On the new criminal laws, state of preparedness

GS 2: Polity and Governance- New criminal laws

Why is it in the news?

• The country has recently enacted three new criminal laws, raising concerns about the readiness of the policing and judicial systems for their enforcement.
• Despite limited reports of basic training for police officers at station houses, sporadic workshops, and enhancements to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems to facilitate electronic complaint filing, the extent of preparedness among both senior and junior police personnel remains uncertain.

More about the news

• The government had set July 1 as the commencement date for these laws, which include Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

• It seems that the Union government opted to implement these laws and allow the police, courts, and legal professionals to navigate a potentially turbulent transition rather than ensuring comprehensive readiness across the board. The duration of this initial phase of potential confusion is unpredictable, emphasizing the necessity for more time for the police and legal community to equip themselves adequately.
• Questions have arisen regarding the new laws, notably their obscure names and the absence of English equivalents, leading to speculation on why the codes are labelled with unfamiliar Hindi titles. Unlike the unchanged name of the criminal procedure code from 1898 to its replacement in 1973, the renaming of these new laws has stirred unease.
• There is a prevailing sentiment that these laws did not undergo extensive legislative debates or broad consultations with civil society, fostering apprehensions surrounding certain provisions, particularly those granting increased powers to the police, like the ability to avail multiple rounds of police custody to the detriment of citizens.
• The incorporation of ‘terrorism’ as a general offense alongside existing anti-terrorism legislation is anticipated to induce confusion. While the Centre’s statement allowing states to enact their amendments is appreciated, uncertainties persist regarding the prompt ratification of such amendments by the President.
• Although procedural enhancements like mandatory FIR registration irrespective of jurisdiction and the introduction of videography during searches and seizures are commendable, a sense of uncertainty prevails regarding the overarching impact of these new laws.

Israel is facing a strategic defeat in Gaza

GS 2: International Relations- Israel Conflict

Why is it in the news?

• Israel’s push against Hamas in Gaza, initiated in response to a cross-border attack that resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction, has failed to achieve its intended objectives.

More about the news

• Despite the extensive military campaign aimed at eliminating the Islamist militant group, Israeli forces have encountered substantial challenges. The prolonged conflict has not only devastated Gaza, displacing a significant portion of its population and causing immense loss of life, but it has also raised doubts about Israel’s ability to secure a decisive victory over Hamas.
• Furthermore, Israel’s military endeavors in Gaza have been complicated by escalating tensions with Hezbollah, which has launched attacks from Lebanon, posing a significant threat to Israel’s northern border. The retaliation from Hezbollah has further strained Israel’s military resources and deterrence capabilities. In addition to the challenges posed by Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel also faces a formidable adversary in Iran, whose actions have intensified concerns about regional security and stability.
• As Israel grapples with the complex and multifaceted challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, the strategic landscape in the region remains fraught with uncertainty and escalating tensions. The Arab normalization process faced a setback due to the third issue.
• Prior to the October 7 attack, Israel was on the path to expanding its regional cooperation with Arab nations. By 2020, significant progress had been made through normalization agreements with four Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
• Discussions between Israel and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by the U.S. and described as being at an advanced stage by Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in September 2023, have now been halted. Saudi Arabia has stated that no peace with Israel will be possible unless there is a clear roadmap towards establishing a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
• Furthermore, Israel is currently facing global isolation due to its conduct during the conflict. Despite two United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has disregarded them. At the International Court of Justice (ICJ), there is a genocide case against Israel. The ICJ had previously ordered Israel to take actions to prevent a genocide in Gaza in January, and in May, the court requested Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, all of which were ignored.
• Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has sought arrest warrants against the top leadership of Israel and Hamas. The war has triggered student protests at universities in the West, urging governments to adopt a firmer stance towards Israel. While U.S. President Joe Biden continues to support Israel’s actions, dissenting voices are emerging in Washington.
• Lastly, the issue of Palestine has once again come to the forefront of West Asia’s geopolitics. The war in Gaza is ongoing, and tensions with Hezbollah are escalating. Iran has halted Israel’s attacks on its forces temporarily and is expanding its nuclear program. The Houthis are engaging the Americans in the Red Sea.

Conclusion

• Israel continues to face international criticism for its conduct during the war, while the topic of Palestine has regained prominence. The occupation of Palestine remains a contentious issue for Israel in its interactions with other nations. The events since October 7 have shifted the strategic environment to be more challenging for Israel, raising questions about its leadership and policies moving forward.

A tool to ensure complete voter anonymity

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Electoral Reforms

Why is it in the news?

• The Janata Dal (United) candidate from Sitamarhi Lok Sabha constituency, Devesh Chandra Thakur, garnered attention for allegedly violating the now-inactive Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and reigniting interest in a dormant writ petition (W.P.).
• The statement by Mr. Thakur underscored a transactional approach that verged on undermining democratic ideals, deviating from the essential constitutional ethos of the relation between citizens and their elected representatives.

Proposal of Election Commission of India (ECI):

• Fundamental to a fair election is enabling voters to cast their ballots without fear of retaliation or influence stemming from promises of rewards.
• The principle of voter secrecy, embedded in Rule 56 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, aimed to discourage vote manipulation or coercion. Initially, during counting, ballot papers from various boxes were mixed to prevent voter targeting based on community-specific voting trends. With the advent of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), this practice was discontinued, prompting calls for a totaliser to obscure voting patterns by geographic area.
• The concept of a totaliser to anonymize booth-level voting patterns was first suggested in 2007 to address post-election voter harassment. Following examination and refinement by authorized EVM manufacturers in collaboration with the Technical Experts Committee of the ECI, the totaliser was demonstrated to political parties in 2008, receiving their approval. Trial runs were conducted in March 2009 during bye-elections in Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh.
• Subsequently, the issue has been deliberated among the ECI, government, and legal authorities, with the government delaying the proposal until 2014 and ultimately rejecting it.
• In response to the Madras High Court’s directive in August 2011 to consider amending the rules to introduce the totaliser, the government sought a timeline for implementation, initially estimated at four months by the EC. Despite subsequent requests from the ECI in 2013 and later in 2014, progress was stalled.

• A legal petition in April 2014 urged the Supreme Court to mandate counting results at the parliamentary constituency level to safeguard voter privacy, highlighting concerns over booth-wise result declarations aiding political intimidation. The EC maintained its support for the totaliser, emphasizing the need for rule amendments.

Agenda of the 16th Finance Commission

GS 2: Polity and Governance- 16^th Finance Commission

Why is it in the news?

• The 16th Finance Commission (FC) is commencing its work as established by Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, with a primary focus on the devolution of the consolidated fund.
• Following the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, local bodies have gained significant recognition within the federal system. These amendments introduced clauses 280(3) (bb) and (c), which mandate the FC to propose measures to enhance State consolidated funds to support panchayats and municipalities.

About the Cities

• The National Commission on Urbanization in the mid-1980s characterized cities as the primary drivers of economic growth. While this perspective may be somewhat limited, the fact remains that cities contribute approximately 66% of India’s GDP and about 90% of total government revenues. Therefore, cities play a crucial role as spatial zones for the holistic development of the country.
• Nevertheless, our current economic capacity falls short of meeting escalating requirements. According to the World Bank, an estimated $840 billion will be required for fundamental urban infrastructure in the next ten years.
• Despite the endeavours of five commissions post the 11th Finance Commission, financial allocation to cities continues to be inadequate. The fiscal condition of municipalities is weak, negatively impacting both urban productivity and the residents’ quality of life.
• The swift urbanization lacking adequate fiscal measures has detrimental implications for progress. Intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India constitute around 0.5% of the GDP, significantly lower than the 2-5% norm in other developing countries. For example, South Africa allots 2.6%, Mexico 1.6%, the Philippines 2.5%, and Brazil 5.1% of their GDPs to their urban areas.
• Despite IGTs contributing nearly 40% of ULBs’ total revenue, challenges persist concerning their reliability, allocation for vulnerable demographics, and equitable distribution. Given the financial situation of ULBs and the imperative for sustained support until their own income streams strengthen, IGTs remain vital.

About Taxation System

• The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to a decrease in Urban Local Bodies’ (ULBs) tax revenue (excluding property tax) from approximately 23% in 2012-13 to about 9% in 2017-18.
• Intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) from States to ULBs remain notably low, as State Finance Commissions suggested only around 7% of States’ own revenue in 2018-19.
• It is imperative to enhance the volume of IGTs as a proportion of GDP. Despite the 74th constitutional amendment’s objective to enhance the financial capacity of ULBs, progress over the past three decades has been inadequate.
• The 13th Finance Commission noted that “parallel agencies and bodies are weakening local governments both financially and operationally.” Local governments necessitate backing from Union and State administrations in terms of finances, personnel, and technical assistance. Nonetheless, the proliferation of parallel agencies has disrupted the roles of local governments.
• Further, initiatives like the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme and the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Scheme exacerbate this problem, leading to a distortion of the federal structure.

Importance of Census

• In the absence of the 2021 Census, relying on 2011 data is insufficient for evidence-based fiscal devolution.
• India has around 4,000 statutory towns and an equal number of Census towns, along with an estimated 23,000 villages, all effectively urban. These numbers need to be accounted for by the 16th FC, especially considering the significant migration to Tier-2 and 3 cities.
• Given this, the 15th FC’s nine guiding principles need to be reassessed. Not all, but aspects such as improving property tax collection alongside State’s GST, maintaining proper accounts, allocating resources for pollution control, and emphasizing primary health care, solid waste management, and drinking water, merit attention.

Conclusion

• The 16th FC should acknowledge India’s urbanization trends and ensure higher grants to urban areas.
• Further, a report by the McKinsey Global Institute cautions that without increased investment in urban infrastructure, there will be water supply shortages and untreated sewage issues.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02 July 2024

GS Paper 3:

June’s GST revenue growth slows to three-year low

GS 3: Economy- GST

Why is it in the news?

• The latest data reveals that India’s Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June amounted to approximately ₹74 lakh crore, marking a year-on-year growth of around 7.74% from the previous year’s figure of ₹1,61,497 crore. However, this growth rate represents the slowest pace in three years.

More about the news

• Despite the absence of an official announcement, the Ministry did commemorate the seventh anniversary of the GST regime on social media, highlighting the positive impacts of the tax system on household goods, taxpayers, and small businesses.
• The growth in June’s gross GST revenues, reflecting transactions conducted in May, stands as the slowest growth rate since June 2021, when revenues increased by only 2% amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Compared to the preceding months, the growth in June’s GST revenues lags behind, recording 0.73% higher than May’s figure of ₹1,72,739 crore. For the first quarter, the gross GST revenues reached approximately ₹5,57,006 crore, indicating a 10.2% increase from the same period last year.
• Based on available information, the apportionment of Central and State GST collections from the Integrated GST (IGST) pool has been detailed, showcasing a rise in CGST and SGST allocations in June 2024 compared to June 2023. Despite the slowed growth in revenue for June, analysts remain optimistic about the overall trend in GST collections over the past months.

Glossing over unemployment, its high electoral price

GS 3: Economy- Unemployment

Why is it in the news?

• To address the current unemployment crisis in India, the economy needs to generate over 25 million jobs within the next five years to provide employment opportunities for all the currently unemployed individuals in the country.

More about the news

• Despite the current government’s assertion of an impressive 8% GDP growth rate in the previous year, this growth has not translated into a sufficient number of suitable job opportunities, given the prevailing high levels of unemployment.
• Although official statistics suggest a decrease in the unemployment rate from 2% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2023 among individuals aged 15 years and above, this reduction does not align with the rapid GDP growth rate of 8%.
• Over the past two decades, there has been a widening gap between the affluent and the impoverished sections of society. Furthermore, official figures highlight a significant increase in wealth inequality. Presently, 1% of India’s population possesses 40% of the nation’s wealth, which poses challenges for democracy and national stability.
• This scenario illustrates what is commonly referred to as “K-shaped” economic inequality, where the consumption and income of a small segment of the population are rising while a substantial proportion of the less privileged experience a decrease in their standard of living—an outline represented by ‘K’ graphically.

• Despite the current Prime Minister’s claims in public gatherings that the country has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty due to GDP growth from heavy capital expenditure over the past nine years, the validation of sustained and accelerated economic growth resulting in citizen satisfaction remains uncertain in the coming years.
• The electoral outcome has cast doubts on the assertions made by government experts through the media proclaiming India as the “fastest-growing large economy globally.”
• While the government frequently overstates an 8.2% GDP growth in 2023-24 following a robust 7% growth in the previous fiscal year, the lack of transparency in calculating these figures raises concerns about the sustained economic growth.
• The recent economic upturn has primarily been supported by a substantial budget deficit to fund the government’s capital expenditure, rather than structural investments across the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. Past fluctuations in GDP growth rates underscore the volatility of India’s economic performance and raise doubts about maintaining the current growth trajectory in the upcoming fiscal year.
• Furthermore, policymakers have stressed the need for a “next generation of reforms” to reinvigorate national economic growth. Notably, a large percentage of jobs remain within the unorganized sectors in agriculture and the informal sectors in industry and services, underscoring the necessity for a new comprehensive economic strategy to address these pressing issues amid the current political dynamics.

Why are scientists looking for the Higgs boson’s closest friend?

GS 3: Science and Technology- Physics

Why is it in the news?

• At the world’s largest physics experiment, researchers have recently unveiled the most precise measurement ever recorded of the most massive subatomic particle known to us. While this discovery may seem abstract, it holds profound implications for the entire universe.
• Nearly two and a half millennia ago, the Greek philosopher Empedocles theorized that matter could be continuously divided into smaller entities until reduced to air, earth, fire, and water. In contrast, twentieth-century physicists have delved into smaller components of matter and uncovered a multitude of diverse subatomic particles, enough to populate a metaphorical zoo.

Exploring the Top Quark

• Contemporary particle physicists, rather than pursuing ‘smaller’ particles, are now focused on enigmatic particles.
• In particle decay processes, more energetic particles often decay into particles of lesser energy. The considerable difference in energy between a particle and its decay products impacts its stability, with more massive particles inherently possessing greater energy. The most massive subatomic particle identified to date is the top quark.
• This quark, ten times heavier than a water molecule and approximately three times the mass of a copper atom, maintains remarkable instability, disintegrating into lighter, more stable particles in less than 10−25 seconds.
• The top quark’s mass holds significant importance within physics, as a particle’s mass is the collective sum of masses contributed by various sources, including the pervasive Higgs field that extends through the entire universe. The interaction between different fields, such as the Higgs field interacting with the electron field, imparts mass to elementary particles. This elucidation earned François Englert and Peter Higgs the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics.
• Given the strong interaction between Higgs bosons and the top quark, measuring the top quark’s mass with utmost precision enables physicists to gain valuable insights into the Higgs boson.

Unravelling the Universe

• The intrigue doesn’t stop there. Physicists are eager to investigate the Higgs boson’s mass, acquired through its interactions with other Higgs bosons. Surprisingly, the Higgs boson is more massive than anticipated, indicating a more energetically charged Higgs field. This elevated energy state within the Higgs field suggests that the universe possesses greater energy than initially assumed based on physicists’ calculations.
• Additionally, physicists speculate about the origin of the Higgs field and its potential for drastic universe-modifying adjustments through self-adjustments. If their hypotheses bear out, the universe might experience significant transformations influenced by the Higgs field’s energy dynamics. They are aware that the field currently holds some potential energy and there exists a method for it to release a portion of that energy, leading to a reduced state and increased stability. There are two pathways to achieve this state of stability.

1) Firstly, the field can accumulate energy before releasing it, akin to ascending one side of a mountain to enter a deeper valley on the opposite side.

2) Secondly, the field may experience quantum tunnelling, a phenomenon where its potential energy ‘tunnels’ through the mountain instead of scaling it, then descending into the distant valley.

• In 2016, Stephen Hawking suggested that the Higgs boson could trigger the “end of the universe” in its current form. If the Higgs field were slightly stronger, it could result in the destruction of most chemical elements, including stars, galaxies, and life on Earth. Though Hawking’s observation was accurate, other physicists promptly noted that the likelihood of the tunnelling event occurring was 1 in 10100 years.
• The mass of the Higgs boson, at 126 GeV/c², is finely tuned to maintain the universe’s current structure; any deviation could lead to the universe’s demise. This intricately precise value has intrigued physicists, who seek to understand the natural processes contributing to it. The top quark plays a crucial role in this scenario due to being the most massive particle, essentially the closest companion of the Higgs boson.

Seeking the top quark

• Physicists unearthed the top quark in 1995 at the Tevatron particle accelerator in the US, deducing its mass to be within the range of 151-197 GeV/c². Following the Tevatron’s closure in 2011, researchers continued data analysis, updating the mass value to 174.98 GeV/c² three years later. Additional experiments and research endeavours progressively produced more exact measurements. Recently, on June 27, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Europe unveiled the most precise figure to date: 172.52 GeV/c².

• Measuring the mass of a top quark is a challenging task, given its short lifespan of around 10-25 seconds. Typically, a particle colliding experiment generates a high-energy particle mix. Should a top quark be present, it swiftly decays into specific sets of lighter particles. Detectors observe these occurrences, recording their characteristics. Subsequently, data is collected and analyzed by physicists to recreate the physical attributes of the top quark.
• Further researchers anticipate outcomes at each stage of this process based on sophisticated mathematical models while dealing with various uncertainties. The devices utilized in these experiments integrate cutting-edge technologies; advancements in engineering further enhance both the machines and the physicists’ results.

Presently, researchers will factor the measurement of the top quark’s mass into calculations that enhance our understanding of the universe’s particles. Some will aim for an even more precise value. Hence, the precise determination of the top quark’s mass is essential in uncovering whether another particle with a mass similar to that of the top quark could be hidden in the data.

What is Project Nexus that RBI has signed up for?

GS 3: Economy – RBI

About the news

• Project Nexus is a multilateral international initiative that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently joined. This initiative aims to facilitate instant cross-border retail payments by connecting domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs)
• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be interlinked with FPSs of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand through Nexus. The platform is designed for potential expansion to more countries in the future.