AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (20^th July 2024)

NITI Aayog and Policymaking

GS 2: Polity and Governance: NITI Aayog

Why is it in the news?

• On July 16, 2024, the Union Government, led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), reconstituted the NITI Aayog, the central think tank for public policy.

More about the news

• The reorganization includes four full-time members and 15 Union Ministers from the BJP and its allies as ex-officio members or special invitees.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the chairperson, with economist Suman K. Berry continuing as vice-chairperson. The full-time members include V.K. Saraswat, Ramesh Chand, V.K. Paul, and Arvind Virmani.
• The reconstitution also introduces several new Union Ministers to the Aayog. Notable additions include H.D. Kumaraswamy, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, representing various NDA allies.
• Other prominent figures such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan are also part of the think tank.

About NITI Aayog

• NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, serves as the apex public policy think tank for the government.
• It aims to catalyze economic development and foster cooperative federalism by involving State governments in the policymaking process.
• Its activities encompass policy and program framework, cooperative and competitive federalism, monitoring and evaluation, and think-tank activities, knowledge creation, and innovation.
• The Aayog operates with a bottom-up approach, focusing on grassroots issues before addressing higher-level concerns.
• The NITI Aayog also prepares the Sustainable Development Goals India Index, tracking progress on 113 indicators related to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
• The NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission (PC) in January 2015. The Planning Commission was criticized for its one-way policy flow and inefficiencies in public sector investments and public-private partnerships.
• Similar to PC, NITI Aayog was established by an Executive Resolution of the Government of India, making it neither a Constitutional nor a Statutory Body.
• The NITI Aayog was established to address these issues by promoting a more collaborative and bottom-up approach to planning and policy formulation.
• The overall functioning of NITI Aayog is guided by seven pillars of Effective Governance:

Windows Outage: How a faulty software update disrupted businesses worldwide

GS 2: Miscellaneous 

Why is it in the news?

• On July 16, 2024, a significant disruption in Microsoft Corp’s cloud services affected businesses globally, including those in India.

More about the news

• The outage was caused by a faulty software update from US cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, which impacted Windows systems using their Falcon software.
• The update led to connectivity failures in Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform, disrupting Microsoft 365 services that rely on these connections.
• Falcon, a critical endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool, was deeply integrated with Windows operating systems, exacerbating the impact across major corporations.
• In India, the aviation sector faced severe disruptions due to the outage. Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled as airlines, including Indigo and Akasa Air, experienced system failures and were forced to revert to manual operations.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with the Airports Authority of India, implemented manual backup systems and deployed extra staff to assist passengers and maintain operational continuity.
• Globally, airlines faced similar disruptions, with major US carriers and those in Europe and the Asia-Pacific experiencing flight cancellations and delays.
• The financial sector in India experienced minor disruptions, with at least ten banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) affected, although critical systems remained operational due to their non-reliance on cloud services.
• The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) was unaffected, maintaining normal operations. Meanwhile, many Windows users encountered the ‘blue screen of death’, a severe error indicating system failures.

Govt Response

• Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported that the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) was coordinating with Microsoft and impacted entities.
• India’s nodal cyber agency, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), issued advisories and worked with chief information security officers of critical infrastructure to address the issue.
• Vaishnaw confirmed that the National Informatics Centre’s operations were not impacted and that systems were being progressively restored.

Additional Information:

About CERT-In:

• CERT-In, operational since 2004, serves as the national agency responding promptly to computer security incidents as they arise.
• It operates under the Ministry of Information & Electronics Technology, Government of India.
• The constituency of CERT-In is the Indian cyber community and Indian cyberspace.
• Under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act 2008, CERT-In was designated as the national agency to perform the following functions:
• Collecting, analysing, and disseminating information on cyber incidents.
• Issuing forecasts, alerts, and coordinating emergency measures for handling cybersecurity incidents.
• Coordinating cyber incident response activities and issuing guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes, and white papers on information security practices.
• Performing any other prescribed functions related to cybersecurity.
• CERT-In offers services to Government, Public, and Private sector organizations, as well as individuals and home users, ensuring compliance with Indian Constitutional laws regarding information disclosure.

The Demand for a Separate Bhil State

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Demand for a Bhil State

Why is it in the news?

• On July 18, 2024, a large rally at Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan’s Banswara saw Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat renew the demand for an independent ‘Bhil state.’
• This rally emphasized the long-standing aspiration for a separate tribal state, with a delegation planning to meet the President and Prime Minister to present the proposal.
• Babulal Kharadi, the State’s Minister for Tribal Area Development, responded by affirming freedom of expression but cautioned against creating states based on caste, suggesting it could lead to societal division.

More about the news

• The idea of ‘Bhil Pradesh’ has been a recurring demand, primarily advocated by regional parties such as the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP), formed in 2017 with this agenda.
• The proposal calls for the creation of a separate tribal state from parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, drawing on historical grievances and the legacy of the Mangarh massacre in 1913, where British forces killed hundreds of Bhil tribals.
• Bhil social reformer Govind Guru initially raised the demand for a separate state in 1913, and it has been reiterated by various leaders over the decades.
• The call for a separate tribal state stems from the belief that the division of tribal regions post-Independence was politically motivated to prevent tribal unification.
• The Bhil community, which constitutes about 14% of Rajasthan’s population, has faced slow implementation of laws meant to empower them, such as The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
• The formation of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) in 2023, which emerged from internal differences within the BTP, has further consolidated tribal political influence in Rajasthan.
• With BAP gaining significant support, including three MLAs and one MP, the demand for Bhil Pradesh remains a prominent issue. BAP leaders have emphasized a distinct tribal identity, asserting their cultural and legal autonomy.
• However, the future of the Bhil Pradesh demand will likely be influenced by ongoing tribal activism and political developments in the state.

Additional Information:

About Mangarh Massacre/Mangarh Hillock tragedy:

• The Mangrah hillock, located on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, is commonly known as the Adivasi Jallianwala.
• Mangarh Dham is known for the massacre of 1,500 Bhil tribals by the British Indian Army on 17th Nov 1913.
• Background:
• During British rule and under princely states, the Bhil community endured exploitation and oppression.
• Led by Govind Guru, a respected social reformer and spiritual leader, they protested against forced labour, high taxes, and injustices.
• In 1913, they convened at Mangarh Hillock, symbolically asserting their desire for freedom.
• The British colonial authorities viewed the gathering as rebellious and issued an ultimatum for the Bhils to disperse; when they refused, British and Indian troops opened fire on the protesters.
• The Mangarh massacre symbolizes the harsh realities of colonial oppression, commemorating the Bhil community’s sacrifice and resilience, now honored as a national monument.

About Bhil Tribe:

• The name ‘Bhil’ is derived from the word villu or billu, which according to the Dravidian language is known as Bow.
• The Bhils, belonging to the Australoid group of tribes, are recognized as one of India’s oldest indigenous communities (as per 2011 census).
• They are mainly divided into two main groups: the central and eastern Rajput Bhils.
• Central Bhils inhabit mountainous regions spanning Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan in India, with additional communities residing in the northwestern areas of Tripura.
• They are classified as Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tripura.

What is PESA Act 1996?

• PESA Act was enacted on 24 December 1996 to enable tribal self-rule in fifth schedule areas for greater autonomy and control over their own affairs.
• States notified Fifth Schedule under the Act: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
• The PESA act drew inspiration from the provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian constitution.
• Significant provisions:
• Gram Sabha Empowerment: Established under the PESA Act, the Gram Sabha facilitates community participation in identifying and implementing development projects and plans.
• Village-Level Institutions: The PESA Act mandates the establishment of village-level institutions like Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, and Panchayat Samitis to deliver basic services and oversee local development.
• Powers and Responsibilities: Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayats are empowered by PESA to manage natural resources, regulate economic activities, and protect the environment in Scheduled Areas.
• Consultation Requirement: Before undertaking any development projects, the Act mandates consultation with the Gram Sabha in Scheduled Areas to ensure community involvement and consent.
• Financial Support: The Act allows for the allocation of funds to Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayats to facilitate effective governance and development activities.
• Protection of Land Rights: PESA safeguards the land rights of tribal communities in Scheduled Areas, requiring their consent before any land acquisition or transfer.
• Cultural and Social Protection: PESA prohibits interference in the cultural and social practices of tribal communities, ensuring preservation and respect for their traditions in Scheduled Areas.

Practice Prelims MCQ:

Q. Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century? (UPSC 2011)

(a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products.

(b) Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas.

(c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas.

(d) The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities.

Answer: D

The Green Revolution in Maize

GS 3: Economy: Agriculture

Why is it in the news?

• The Green Revolution in India is most famously associated with the rise of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, significantly boosting the country’s production of these staples.
• Institutions like Mexico-based CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, played pivotal roles, with notable contributions from scientists such as Norman Borlaug and M S Swaminathan. However, another revolution, though less celebrated, has been taking place in maize production.

More about the news

• Significant increase in production: Since 1999-2000, India’s maize output has more than tripled, rising from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes by 2023-24. Maize yields have also increased, from 1.8 tonnes per hectare to 3.3 tonnes.

• Diverse use of Maize:
• Unlike rice and wheat, maize is not primarily a food grain; about 60% of India’s maize is used as feed for poultry and livestock, indirectly contributing to human food supply through products like chicken, eggs, and milk.
• Starch and Ethanol:
• Maize’s industrial uses are expanding, with 14-15% of maize utilized for producing starch, which is essential in the textile, paper, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
• A newer application is ethanol production, where maize is used as a feedstock to blend with petrol. The shift to maize from rice for ethanol production is partly due to concerns about depleting rice stocks.
• Advancements in Maize Varieties:
• IARI has developed a “waxy” maize hybrid with high amylopectin content, which enhances ethanol production efficiency due to better starch recovery and fermentation rates. Further advancements are being made with new breeding technologies.
• CIMMYT has established a maize doubled haploid (DH) facility in Karnataka, which accelerates the development of high-yielding, genetically pure inbred lines.
• This facility produces uniform lines that are vital for creating new hybrids with improved traits such as drought tolerance and pest resistance.
• Role of private sector:
• The Green Revolution in maize, unlike in wheat and rice, has been largely driven by the private sector. More than 80% of maize cultivation in India involves hybrids bred by private companies, with public sector institutions like CIMMYT also contributing improved inbred lines.
• This hybrid-driven model continues to shape the maize sector, reflecting a shift from the public to private sector dominance in crop innovation.

Additional Information:

About Maize crop:

• Year-Round Cultivation: Maize is grown throughout the year, predominantly dominated in rainy (kharif) season, which accounts for 83% of the total maize area, with the winter (rabi) season comprising the remaining 17%.
• Major States: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are the primary maize-growing states.
• Export Volume:  India exported 3,453,680.58 metric tons of maize valued at Rs. 8,987.13 crores during the fiscal year 2022-23, with significant markets including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Overview of the Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution, spearheaded by Norman Borlaug in the 1960s and championed by M.S. Swaminathan in India, marked a pivotal era in agriculture.

Achievements:

• Development of HYVs: Introduction of High Yielding Varieties of wheat and rice revolutionized grain production.
• Increased Food Production: Transformed India from a food-deficient nation to a major agricultural powerhouse within a decade.
• Technological Advancements: Adoption of irrigation methods, mechanization, and chemical inputs boosted efficiency and crop yields.
• Expansion of Cultivation: Utilization of HYV seeds and irrigation expanded farming areas, particularly in semi-arid regions.
• Poverty Alleviation: Higher agricultural productivity lifted many small-scale farmers out of poverty through increased incomes.
• Export Growth: India emerged as a net exporter of wheat, rice, and other food grains, with significant export volumes.

Challenges:

• Environmental Impact: Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides led to environmental degradation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Monoculture practices displaced indigenous crops and reduced genetic diversity.
• Largely limited to wheat and rice.
• Vulnerability to Risks: Increased susceptibility of crops to pests, diseases, and climate change due to uniform crop varieties.
• Increased input cost: The adoption of high-input agriculture led to increased borrowing by small farmers, contributing to their indebtedness.
• Increased regional disparities: This is because the green revolution spread only in irrigated and high-potential rainfed areas.

Practice Prelims MCQ:

Q. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol? (UPSC 2010)

(a) Jatropha

(b) Maize

(c) Pongamia

(d) Sunflower

Answer: B

Mains PYQ:

Q. Explain various types of revolutions, that took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC 2017)

Anti-quota protests in Bangladesh

GS 2: International Relations: Protest in Bangladesh 

Why is it in the news?

• Students in Bangladesh have been protesting violently against a government job reservation policy, resulting in significant unrest.

More about the news

• The demonstrations, which began on June 1, initially focused on a court ruling that reinstated a 30% quota in government jobs for the descendants of the country’s freedom fighters.
• By July 15, the protests had escalated sharply, leading to over 50 deaths, with violence erupting across 47 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts.
• The government responded with severe measures, including banning gatherings in Dhaka, shutting down internet and mobile services, and ordering news TV off the air.
• The situation worsened as protesters set a district jail on fire, leading to the release of hundreds of inmates, and disruptions to train services while Dhaka’s airport remained operational.
• The protests gained momentum following a controversial statement by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 14, where she compared the protesters to descendants of razakars—collaborators with the Pakistani military who committed atrocities during Bangladesh’s fight for independence in 1971. This inflammatory comparison further fuelled the unrest.
• The reservation policy, which has been a contentious issue since its inception in 1972, is currently at the centre of a broader socio-economic conflict.
• The country’s young population faces high unemployment rates and economic challenges, including high inflation and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.
• The quota system, which includes additional reservations for women, tribal communities, and people with disabilities, contributes to a total reservation of 56% in government jobs.
• Despite this, there are significant numbers of vacant positions, and the job market remains highly competitive.
• The government’s stance, coupled with economic frustration, has intensified the protests, which are now seen by some analysts as a reflection of deeper economic discontent.

India, Japan plan joint carbon crediting mechanism

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Carbon trading

Why is it in the news?

• India and Japan are set to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to facilitate carbon trading and credit adjustments.

More about the news

• Under this mechanism, carbon credits will be allocated via a structured process with a registry to track them, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Projects will only proceed once approved by a Joint Committee, with both governments issuing credits based on reports.
• These credits will support each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and can be used towards reducing emissions and enhancing climate action.
• The JCM, based on Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, aims to promote the diffusion of decarbonizing technologies and attract investments in clean technologies.
• The mechanism will adhere to domestic laws and involve a joint committee to oversee project registration, credit issuance, and other related matters, ensuring that credits contribute effectively to both countries’ climate goals while avoiding double counting.
• Further, Japan will also aid in transferring technology and building capacity for the mechanism.

Additional Information:

About Joint Credit Mechanism:

• The JCM aims to facilitate the diffusion of leading decarbonizing technologies and infrastructure through investments by Japanese entities.
• This initiative contributes to the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promotes sustainable development in partner countries.
• By quantitatively evaluating Japan’s contributions and acquiring part of the credit, the JCM supports the achievement of both countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Thus the JCM is a system to cooperate with developing countries for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, under which the amount of emission reduction is assessed as contribution by both partner countries and Japan.

About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are central to the Paris Agreement and the achievement of its long-term goals.
• NDCs are non-binding climate action plans that represent each nation’s efforts to lower national emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change (applying equally to developed and developing nations).
• Each Party shall prepare, communicate, and maintain consecutive nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that it expects to achieve by Article 4, Paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement.
• NDCs are updated by each nation and submitted to the UNFCCC secretariat every five years.

About Paris Agreement:

• The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.
• It was adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC in Paris in 2015.
• The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
• India is a party to the UNFCCC and a signatory to the Paris Agreement.