AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (24^th August 2024)

Cash transfer schemes, their implementation and the impact of such schemes

GS 1: Society – Social Empowerment

About the news

Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana:

• Launched on August 17, 2024, offers ₹1,500 per month to women with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh.
• Targeting one crore women, the scheme costs ₹46,000 crore annually, with an initial ₹3,000 disbursed for July and August.
• CM Eknath Shinde has promised future increases in benefits, contingent on electoral support.

Delhi’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana:

• Announced on March 5, 2024, promises ₹1,000 per month to women over 18.
• With a ₹2,000 crore budget, it aims to aid 50 lakh women.
• Implementation has stalled due to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and ongoing political disputes, causing delays.

Madhya Pradesh’s Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana:

• Launched before the March 2023 elections, offers ₹1,250 per month to women with a family income under ₹2.5 lakh.
• Initially set at ₹1,000, the benefit is planned to increase to ₹3,000.
• The scheme covers married women aged 21 to 60, with 1.29 crore enrolled and a budget of ₹18,984 crore for 2024-25.

West Bengal’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme:

• Started in February 2021, provides ₹1,200 monthly to SC/ST women and ₹1,000 to others, benefiting 2.11 crore women. The scheme’s annual budget is ₹12,000 crore.
• A study by Amartya Sen’s Pratichi Trust shows improved financial decision-making and enhanced family status for beneficiaries.

Jharkhand’s Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana:

• Launched on August 18, 2024, offers ₹1,000 monthly to women aged 21 to 50 with a family income cap of ₹3 lakh.
• The scheme targets 48 lakh women, though its budget is not specified. Initial payments were made to 81,000 women.

Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme:

• Introduced within three months of the Congress government’s election, provides ₹2,000 per month to women who head families. With a ₹32,000 crore annual budget, 1.33 crore women enrolled initially.
• By January 2024, 1.17 crore women had received ₹11,726 crore, with a 2024-25 budget of ₹28,608 crore.

Tamil Nadu’s Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam:

• Launched on September 15, 2023, offers ₹1,200 monthly to women recognized as family heads.
• Eligibility includes specific income, land, and electricity criteria.
• At launch, 1.06 crore women were eligible, with an annual budget of ₹12,000 crore, increased by ₹5,696 crore due to higher disbursals.

Effectiveness of Cash Transfer Schemes

• The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) reports that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, launched in 2013, has transferred ₹16.8 lakh crore to women bank account holders by 2022, with 33% of this amount disbursed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• DBT, used in 316 government schemes, has improved women’s financial decision-making and supported their education and job opportunities.
• The PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has facilitated this process by providing basic savings bank accounts, enabling transfers of ₹500 per month to women during the lockdown.

• However, over 32% of women-owned bank accounts in India are inactive, and fewer than one-fifth of women with accounts engage in formal savings. Low digital literacy is a barrier, with only 30% of women aged 15 to 49 able to use the internet despite 60% owning a mobile phone.

Conclusion

• While cash transfer schemes have enhanced women’s financial decision-making, challenges like low digital literacy, restrictive social norms, and insufficient assets for collateral continue to impede progress toward gender equality in financial inclusion.

Additional Information:

About Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):

• Launched on January 1, 2013, DBT is a significant reform initiative by the Government of India, managed by the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance, aimed at improving the efficiency of welfare scheme delivery.
• Under this government program, GoI aims to make payments like subsidies and welfare payments directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries to reduce fraud and inefficiencies.
• The primary objective of the DBT program is to enhance transparency and eliminate pilferage in the distribution of Central Government funds.
• Schemes such as PM Kisan and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana are prime examples of the success of the DBT program.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ:

Prelims

Q. ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for (2015)

(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates

(b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas

(c) promoting financial inclusion in the country

(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

Answer: C

Mains

Q. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. (2016)

Q. Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (2022)

Polaris Dawn: Another small step to Mars?

GS 3: Science and Technology: Space

About the news

• Polaris Dawn, if successful, will be the first non-government mission to perform a spacewalk, and it will do so at an unprecedented altitude of 700 kilometres (435 miles) above Earth, surpassing the International Space Station’s orbit of about 400 kilometres.
• This mission will traverse the Van Allen Belts, regions of intense radiation that astronauts typically avoid.
• The Van Allen Belts, discovered in 1958, are regions of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetosphere. The outer belt contains high-energy solar particles, while the inner belt consists of cosmic rays.
• These belts can expose astronauts to higher radiation levels compared to the ISS, making the Polaris Dawn spacewalk a critical opportunity to gather data on radiation effects.
• Testing new spacesuits designed by SpaceX, Polaris Dawn aims to evaluate protection against this radiation, marking a potential first step towards future human missions to Mars.
• The mission will be supported by SpaceX, which is providing both the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule.
• The crew includes Jared Isaacman, the mission commander and billionaire entrepreneur; Scott Poteet, the mission pilot; and Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both mission specialists with Menon also serving as the medical officer.
• Isaacman, who previously financed and participated in SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission, conceived Polaris Dawn as part of a three-part program.
• Polaris Dawn also aims to advance health research by studying the impacts of space travel on human biology, particularly focusing on Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and decompression sickness.
• Additionally, the mission will test laser communications through SpaceX’s Starlink network, potentially enhancing future space communication systems for missions to the Moon and Mars.
• Isaacman’s three-mission plan includes expanding the scope of human spaceflight, improving space communications, and testing SpaceX’s reusable Starship spacecraft.
• The Polaris Dawn mission, scheduled for August 26, 2024, may face delays due to extreme weather or technical issues.

Significance of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine

GS 2: International Relations: India-Ukraine

About the news

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine is historic as it marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
• This visit comes after Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on July 6, which faced criticism from both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the United States.
• Modi’s trip to Ukraine signifies a notable shift from India’s traditional foreign policy stance, which had been heavily influenced by its historical ties with the Soviet Union and later Russia.
• India’s relationship with Ukraine had been relatively distant due to its alignment with Russia during the Cold War. Similar to its approach with Poland, which saw several Indian prime ministers visit during its Warsaw Pact era, India’s engagement with Ukraine and central and eastern Europe was limited post-Cold War.
• However, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has presented New Delhi with a chance to re-evaluate and strengthen its ties with Kyiv. The war led to a significant drop in bilateral trade between India and Ukraine, from $3.39 billion in 2021-22 to $0.78 billion and $0.71 billion in the subsequent years.
• Despite this, India has maintained high-level engagements with Ukraine, including meetings at multilateral forums and discussions aimed at restoring cooperation.
• Modi’s visit reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing India’s relations with Ukraine and central and eastern Europe. While India’s engagement with Ukraine is expanding, it does not signal a break in its relations with Russia.
• India continues to have a robust partnership with Russia, including military cooperation and economic support amidst Western sanctions. Modi’s visit should be viewed as part of India’s broader strategy to balance its international relations, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
• This engagement highlights India’s evolving foreign policy, which now seeks to build stronger ties with a wider range of European countries while maintaining its historical relationships.
• Hence, Modi’s visit to Ukraine, alongside his recent trip to Poland, represents a significant change in India’s foreign policy. It underscores a move towards a more balanced approach in Europe, expanding beyond traditional ties with Russia to establish deeper connections with other European nations.
• This strategic shift aligns with Modi’s vision of enhancing India’s global presence and forging closer ties with all countries.

India’s Interest in Ukraine is driven by several factors:

• Business Opportunities: The war has impacted India-Ukraine relations, reducing bilateral trade from $3.39 billion in 2021-2022 to $0.78 billion and $0.71 billion in the subsequent years. However, Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction offers new prospects for Indian businesses.
• Strategic Importance: Ukraine’s role as a major supplier of sunflower oil prior to the conflict highlights its strategic value for India, affecting food security and economic interests.
• Defence Cooperation: Potential for defence collaboration exists as Ukraine rebuilds its military capabilities following the conflict, presenting opportunities for India in defence cooperation.

Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India

GS 3: Economy: Seaplanes

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Minister for Civil Aviation has unveiled new guidelines for seaplane operations in India under the RCS-UDAN scheme {Regional Connectivity Scheme -Ude Deshka Aam Naagrik}.

More about the news

Seaplanes:

• About: Seaplanes, capable of landing and taking off from water, will use specially designated waterdromes.
• Waterdromes are designated areas on water bodies for the landing and take-off of seaplanes, functioning similarly to airports but located on water.
• Types of Seaplanes: Flying boats have a buoyant hull for water landings and lack landing gear for land use, while floatplanes are equipped with pontoons for water landings and generally cannot land on solid ground.
• Features of Seaplanes:
• Versatility: Seaplanes can operate in remote locations without runways, making them ideal for connecting isolated and hard-to-reach regions.
• Quick Access: They offer rapid access to coastal and inland water bodies, enhancing connectivity in geographically diverse and challenging terrains.
• Tourism: Seaplanes are popular in tourism for providing scenic flights and reaching destinations that are difficult to access by other means.
• Emergency Services: They play a crucial role in search and rescue operations, medical emergencies, and disaster response, especially in areas with limited infrastructure.
• Historically, seaplane services in India, such as those in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Gujarat, struggled to maintain operations. To address this, the government plans to establish water aerodromes at 18 locations across Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Goa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

New Guidelines:

• Under the relaxed norms of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the guidelines aim to bolster seaplane operations by relaxing regulations under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
• They prioritize safety and outline the responsibilities of stakeholders, including operators and regulatory bodies. Notably, the guidelines eliminate the need for a waterdrome license and reduce compliance requirements.
• Additionally, newly licensed commercial pilots can now obtain seaplane ratings more easily.
• The updated regulations also simplify training and approval processes and allow non-scheduled entities to operate seaplane services through a streamlined certification process.

Other initiatives:

• In conjunction with these changes, the minister introduced UDAN 5.4, which invites fresh bids for routes that were previously cancelled, aiming to enhance connectivity on underserved routes.
• Following the success of RCS-UDAN, the government is contemplating the launch of RCS-UDAN 2.0 for the next decade.

Significance of New Guidelines:

• The integration of seaplanes into India’s aviation system will enhance last-mile connectivity to geographically isolated regions.
• This new transportation mode promises faster, more comfortable travel and could significantly boost economic growth, particularly in tourism.
• The government is committed to leveraging seaplane operations to unlock the potential of the country’s coastlines, rivers, lakes, and islands, driving inclusive development and opening new economic opportunities.

About UDAN scheme:

• Part of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, was designed to improve infrastructure and connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
• Launched in 2016 with a 10-year vision, the scheme’s first flight connected Shimla to Delhi in 2017.
• It focuses on enhancing air routes in both unserved and underserved areas, fulfilling the needs of ordinary citizens through revival of existing air-strips and airports.
• The scheme is jointly funded by the central and state governments and is implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

UDAN Scheme: Key Highlights

• Integration with National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP): The UDAN Scheme is a pivotal component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
• Strategic Regional Connectivity Focus: The scheme’s primary goal is to improve connectivity in remote and regional areas, addressing key needs in national infrastructure development.
• Affordability in Air Travel: UDAN emphasizes making air travel more accessible and affordable, supporting inclusivity and economic growth with approximately 50% of seats on UDAN flights are offered at subsidized fares to ensure affordability.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF):
• Participating airlines receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF), which supports infrastructure projects that are economically viable but need additional funding to cover shortfalls, with a sharing ratio of 80:20 between the central and state governments, and 90:10 for North-Eastern states and Union Territories.
• The Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was established to address the viability gap funding needs of the scheme.
• Joint Funding: The scheme is jointly funded by the central and state governments to support its implementation and operational success.
• Duration: The UDAN scheme is set to operate over a 10-year period, aiming for long-term impact on regional air connectivity.

UPSC Civil Services Mains PYQ:

Q. Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (2017)

National Space Day

GS 3: Science and Technology: Space

Why it is in the news?

• On August 23, 2024, India celebrated its inaugural National Space Day, with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announcing that an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon by 2040.

More about the news

• Speaking at Bharat Mandapam in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Dr. Singh reflected on India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration and outlined ambitious future goals.
• Dr. Singh highlighted the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole, a milestone that established India as a leader in space exploration.
• He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had designated August 23 as National Space Day and named the Chandrayaan-3 landing site ‘Shiv Shakti Point.’
• The event’s theme, “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” celebrated India’s space journey over the past six decades.
• Tracing India’s space achievements since 1969, Dr. Singh lauded the scientific community’s dedication, which led to India’s successful missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, AstroSat, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3.
• He credited Prime Minister Modi’s support since 2014 for accelerating scientific missions and noted the rise in space startups, now nearing 300, due to increased private sector participation.
• Dr. Singh echoed the Finance Minister’s projection that India’s space economy will grow from $8 billion to $44 billion in the next decade.
• Looking forward, Dr. Singh outlined the Space Vision 2047, which includes the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) by 2035 and a Moon landing by 2040.
• Dr. Singh also emphasized the impact of space technologies on various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and communication.
• As National Space Day becomes an annual event, he hopes it will inspire greater public interest and enthusiasm for India’s space endeavours.

Additional Information:

About Chandrayaan-3 Programme:

• The Chandrayaan-3 mission, India’s third lunar mission and its second attempt at a soft moon landing, was launched using the LVM3 rocket system.
• It is a three-stage launch vehicle with two solid strap stages and one core liquid stage.
• Objectives include:
• To showcase a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
• To demonstrate the Rover’s ability to navigate and explore the Moon.
• To perform in-situ scientific experiments on the lunar surface.
• Components: Chandrayaan-3 comprises three components: a Propulsion Module, a Lander Module, and a Rover Module.
• The Propulsion Module will deliver the lander and rover to a 100 km lunar orbit and carries the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric data from the moon.
• The Lander Module (Vikram) carries scientific instruments to study the lunar surface and atmosphere, including RAMBHA for measuring plasma density fluctuations, ChaSTE for assessing thermal properties of the Moon’s polar regions, ILSA for detecting seismic activity and revealing the crust-mantle configuration, and LRA for studying lunar system dynamics through laser ranging.
• The Rover Module (Pragyan) features the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) to analyze soil and rock composition and the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to study elemental composition for lunar geology insights.

UPSC Civil Services Mains PYQ:

Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)

Rail Force One: the train PM Modi took from Poland to Ukraine

GS 2: International Relations: India-Ukraine

About the news

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine on August 23, 2024, involved a journey by train from Poland, a notable choice given the closure of Ukrainian airspace since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
• This mode of transport has become customary for global leaders visiting Kyiv, a practice that began after U.S. President Joe Biden’s train trip to the city last year, which led to the train being dubbed “Rail Force One.”
• Operated by Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrzaliznytsia, the train is painted in blue and yellow, reflecting Ukraine’s flag colours. It features luxury compartments with modern amenities, including leather sofas, king-size beds, and wall-mounted flatscreen TVs.
• The train’s 10-hour, 700-kilometer journey starts from Przemyśl Główny station in Poland, close to the Ukrainian border, and ends in Kyiv.
• The train has been used by several high-profile dignitaries since the onset of the war, including Polish, Slovenian, Czech, and British leaders, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and now Modi.
• Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin, who oversees Ukrzaliznytsia, refers to this practice as “Iron Diplomacy,” highlighting the train’s symbolic and practical significance during the conflict.
• Beyond diplomatic use, Ukraine’s railway network plays a crucial role in the war effort, facilitating the transport of aid and helping displaced individuals.
• The railways have become an essential part of Ukraine’s strategy, boosting public morale and proving vital for both domestic and international transport.