CNA 09 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE 1. Coming, women-only courts for alternative dispute resolution C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Why is China limiting exports of raw materials? 2. Why are India-Russia trade payments in crisis? F. Prelims Facts 1. Deliberations on to increase rate of permanent intake through Agnipath scheme 2. Centre adding more services to Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres G. Tidbits 1. About Klotho H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Coming, women-only courts for alternative dispute resolution
Syllabus: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Prelims: Nari Adalats, Nyaya Sakhis
Mains: Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism, Welfare Schemes, Women empowerment
Context:
The government is launching a new initiative called Nari Adalats that are women-only courts at the village level as an alternate dispute settlement mechanism.
Read more on Alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
What are Nari Adalats?
- The courts will focus on resolving cases related to domestic violence, property rights etc
- The courts will be established in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase.
- The Nari Adalats will be composed of seven-nine members. Half of the members will be elected members of the gram panchayat and the other half will be women of eminence such as doctors, teachers etc.
- All the women and girls within the local communities who are in need of assistance will have access to Nari Adalats.
- The courts will not have any legal status, but will focus on reconciliation, grievance redressal, and creating awareness of women’s rights. They will provide a platform for women to raise awareness about their rights and entitlements and collect feedback from women about the effectiveness of government schemes.
- The scheme will be run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (under the Mission Shakti) in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Mission Shakti is an integrated women empowerment programme at strengthening interventions for women safety, security and empowerment.
- The scheme will be implemented till 2025-26.
- Mission Shakti has two sub-schemes:
- Sambal: for safety and security of women
- Samarthya: for empowerment of women
- The components of Sambal sub-scheme include:
- One Stop Centre (OSC)
- Women Helpline (WHL)
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
- Nari Adalats
- The components of Samarthya sub-scheme include:
- Ujjwala
- Swadhar Greh
- Working Women Hostel
- National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Gap Funding for Economic Empowerment
Get the List of Women Empowerment Schemes in India at the linked article.
Who are Nyaya Sakhis?
- “Nyaya Sakhis” will be nominated or selected by the gram panchayat who will act as the legal friends to women in need.
- The head of the Nari Adalat will be called the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi, or chief legal friend.
- The Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi will be chosen from among the Nyaya Sakhis.
- The tenure of the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi will generally be six months, after which a new one will be selected.
Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats(PMLA) – Case Study
- Nari Adalats takes inspiration from the Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats(PMLA), which were run by the National Commission for Women until 2014-15.
- PMLA dealt with family affairs, matrimonial disputes, bigamy, succession, and other women issues.
- The NGOs in association with District Legal Aid and Advisory Boards, activists, advocates and other stakeholders, used to organize PMLAs.
- A total of 298 such Adalats were held until the scheme was discontinued in 2014-15.
Nut Graf: As part of the Mission Shakti program, the Government has started the Nari Adalats as an alternate dispute resolution mechanism with focus on women empowerment and access to legal services.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Why is China limiting exports of raw materials?
Syllabus – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Prelims – Importance of Gallium and Germanium
Mains – US – China Rivalry, Implications of chip wars on India
Context:
- China has announced export controls on items related to gallium and germanium in order to “safeguard national security interests”. Experts have commented that this is a response to the “chip war” with the USA.
- The announcement has led to a spike in the prices of essential raw materials due to the fear of supply shortages.
Nature of Export Restrictions
- Export operators in China will have to acquire a specific licence to export the two raw materials. To obtain the licence, operators have to list the importers, end-users and end use of these materials.
- Exporters who don’t comply with the new rules, might be held criminally responsible and attract penalties.
Why is this a cause of concern?
- Gallium is used to make the substrate for semiconductors.
- This is a key component in the manufacture of integrated circuits, mobile and satellite communication chips, LEDs etc. It is also used in the sensors of space and defence systems.
- According to the Critical Raw Materials Alliance (CRMA), China commands 80% of the total production of gallium.
- Germanium also finds a similar application. It is used in fibre-optic cables, infrared imaging devices, optical devices and solar cells.
- China also produces 60% of the total production of germanium.
- Countries have identified these elements as “critical raw materials” for both national security and development.
Geo-politics associated with the “chip war”?
- The US and China are engaged in a trade and technological conflict.
- Both are heavily reliant on Taiwan for their supply of chips. Taiwan is the world leader in semiconductor manufacturing, producing more than 60% of the world’s chips.
- China has significant border tensions with Taiwan.
- The US is concerned that if China were to invade or blockade Taiwan, it would result in a global semiconductor shortage.
- The US is also concerned that China could use its dominance in the semiconductor industry to develop advanced military technology, such as hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence.
- The COVID-19 pandemic had already led to a global shortage of semiconductors in 2021 and this has exacerbated tensions between the US and China.
- China is trying to become self-sufficient in semiconductor manufacturing, but it is still years behind Taiwan.
- In October 2022, the US government restricted exports of semiconductor manufacturing items to China to protect its national security. Japan and the Netherlands also restricted exports of semiconductor manufacturing items to China.
- These restrictions are seen as part of a broader effort by the US and its allies to limit China’s access to advanced technology.
- China’s export restrictions on these critical elements are being seen by experts as retaliation to these measures.
- China has denied that the export controls were targeted at any specific country, but a former vice-minister of commerce warned that China’s response would escalate if restrictions imposed by the USA and its allies became tougher.
Read more on Tension between US and China.
Also read – Semiconductor Shortage.
Impact on India
- The Chinese export controls are expected to have a short-term impact on India and its industries due to the disruption in immediate supply chains.
- The long-term consequences for India’s chip-making plans and industries will depend on several factors, including alternative supply sources, domestic semiconductor production capabilities, and strategic partnerships, especially with the US.
- The scenario also provides an opportunity for India to focus on waste recovery from zinc and alumina production. Gallium and germanium are byproducts in the processing of zinc and alumina.
- Moving attention towards available substitutes as indium and silicon could also be considered.
Read more on Sansad TV Perspective: Chip’ping in for Industry 4.0.
Nut Graf: The technological rivalry between US and China has escalated with China imposing export bans on critical elements associated with semiconductor technology. This escalation is bound to have repercussions on the global supply chains and highlights the need to build resilience.
2. Why are India-Russia trade payments in crisis?
Syllabus – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Prelims – De-dollarization, Crude Oil Trade, Trade deficit
Mains – De-dollarization of International Trade, Implications of Ukraine conflict on India, India – Russia relations
Context
- The amount of oil imported from Russia increased by nearly 13 times, from less than $2.5 billion in 2021-22 to over $31 billion in 2022-23. This makes Russia the largest supplier of oil to India, replacing traditional suppliers such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- With the possibility of breaching the sanctions imposed by the West and increased use of Chinese currency for payments, continuing to pay for Russian oil imports might be difficult for India
What are the difficulties in oil trade with Russia?
- To weaken Russia’s economy, western countries have targeted its energy exports. They have jointly agreed on an oil ban from Russia and decided to cap the maximum price of Russian oil at $60 per barrel, which is significantly lower than the market price. This will make it more difficult for Russia to earn money from its oil exports. This was in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
- India has been paying for the oil in dollars all this while, but Russia has lowered its discounts due to high demand from China and lower-grade oil now being in short supply. This has led to fear of India’s import of Russian oil breaching the oil cap.
- Due to the threat of western sanctions, financial institutions like banks are avoiding the transactions which breach the limits of this oil cap.
- As an alternative, India was in negotiations with Russia to activate the rupee-rouble trade arrangement. This has not taken off due to the following reasons:
- India’s trade deficit with Russia has touched $43 billion in 2022-23. This has led to significant increase of Indian Rupees with Russian banks that can’t directly be used by Russia in its war efforts.
- Rupee-rouble convertibility is an issue. Experts have highlighted that the rouble’s value is artificially inflated by capital controls of Russia and not determined by the market. On the other hand, Russia has expressed concerns about the volatility of the rupee.
Read more on Russian Oil Price Cap
Is de-dollarization possible?
- The US dollar is the world’s reserve currency, which means that it is the most widely used currency for international trade and investment.
- Some countries are concerned that the US can use its control over the dollar as a weapon, such as by imposing sanctions on countries it does not like.
- This has led to calls for de-dollarization, which means replacing the US dollar with other currencies as the global reserve currency.
- India is one of the countries that is looking at de-dollarization. It has recently released a roadmap for the internationalization of the Indian rupee, which would make it more widely accepted as a currency for trade and investment.
- However, it is important to note that the value and acceptability of any currency depends on its purchasing power. The Indian rupee is not as widely used as the US dollar, and its value is relatively low.
- India has also started to settle some payments for Russian oil in currencies other than the US dollar, such as the Chinese yuan and the UAE dirham.
Way forward
- India – China relations have been tense since the escalation of border disputes. It might be difficult for India to continue to use Chinese Yuan for oil payments.
- India could work with Russia for more energy projects and investments in India and reduce the trade deficit along the way.
Nut Graf: India’s oil imports from Russia have increased significantly in recent months. However, India faces difficulties in paying for these imports, as western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and capped the maximum price of Russian oil. India is exploring ways to pay for Russian oil in currencies other than the US dollar, but this has been challenging.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Deliberations on to increase rate of permanent intake through Agnipath scheme
Syllabus: Indian Polity and Governance
Prelims: Agnipath Scheme, Agniveer
Mains: Significance of Agnipath Scheme, Government Policies
Context:
- The government is considering increasing the intake size per batch under the Agniveer scheme.
- This is being done to make up for the shortage in personnel that has accumulated over the last three years primarily due to the pandemic (COVID -19).
What is the Agnipath Scheme?
- The Union Cabinet had approved a new recruitment scheme for the Indian Armed Forces called the Agnipath Scheme. The youth selected under the scheme will be known as Agniveers.
- Under the scheme, young people between the ages of 17.5 and 21 (For the year 2022, the upper age limit was lowered to 23 due to the protests) were to be recruited for a four-year term.
- After four years of service, Agniveers will receive a “Seva Nidhi” package of Rs. 11.71 lakh, which will be tax-free.
- They will also be given a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs. 48 lakh.
- Up to 25% of Agniveers will be offered the opportunity to continue in the Armed Forces on a regular basis after four years.
- The scheme is expected to bring in a younger and more technically adept workforce into the Armed Forces. The government has said that the Agnipath scheme would bring down the average age of the armed forces from 32 to 26 years over the next few years.
Issues with the Agnipath Scheme
- The government is also considering imposing some criteria for trainees who leave during training.
- Currently, there are no restrictions or criteria, and several trainees have left midway as they received better opportunities.
Nut graf: The Central Government is considering increasing the intake of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme to address the shortage of armed personnel which has been developing over the last few years.
2. Centre adding more services to Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres
Syllabus: Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives,
Prelims: Ayushman Bharat, Social Sector Schemes
Mains: Sustainable Development Goals, Development and Management of Services relating to Health, Poverty Alleviation, Impact of Ayushman Bharat
Context: India’s Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWCs) programme is being expanded for additional delivery of health care services.
About Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
- Ayushman Bharat is a flagship scheme of Government of India launched to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
- It aims to undertake interventions to holistically address the healthcare system at primary, secondary and tertiary level.
- It comprises of two inter-related components:
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) – To deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) bringing healthcare closer to the homes of people.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – To provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers over 12 crores poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) that form the bottom 40% of the Indian population.
- The cost of implementation is shared between the Central and State Governments.
Also read Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
What are the new services being offered under the scheme?
- The expansion includes services such as screening, prevention, control & management of non-communicable diseases, care for common ophthalmic & ENT problems, basic oral health care, elderly and palliative health care services, emergency medical services, and screening and management of mental health ailments.
- Additionally, the essential list of medicines and diagnostics has been expanded at the Primary and Secondary Health Care centers. (PWC and SWC respectively)
- A new cadre of Community Health Officers has been introduced to act as clinicians as well as public health managers at the Secondary Health Care Centers.
- The facilities are being encouraged to undergo the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessment and certification to ensure consistent and quality delivery of health care services.
- Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), started in 2018, is aimed at providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
- The goal is to provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services, maternal care, treatments for non communicable diseases etc through AB-HWCs.
- These centers also provide wellness activities including yoga, zumba, meditation, counseling for healthy diet and lifestyle to provide comprehensive primary health care.
- According to Central government data, more than 122.02 crore cumulative screenings for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and various forms of cancer have been conducted in the Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres.
Read more on Healthcare sector in India.
Nutgraf: The ambit of services under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres is being increased to take a step towards comprehensive primary healthcare. Emphasis is also being placed on the Quality of the services provided under the scheme.
G. Tidbits
1. About Klotho
- Klotho is a protein that is primarily produced in the kidneys.
- It has been shown to suppress both oxidative stress and age related inflammation and hence makes it an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-aging factor.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding 'Mission Shakti':
- It aims to strengthen interventions for women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
- The ‘Samarthya’ sub-scheme focuses on the safety and security of women.
- The ‘Sambal’ sub-scheme is dedicated to the empowerment of women.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Statement 2 and Statement 3 are not correct. While the “Sambal” sub-scheme is for safety and security of women, the “Samarthya” sub-scheme is for empowerment of women.
Q2. Which of the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) is/are incorrect?
- AB-HWCs were launched under the Ayushman Bharat Programme.
- It offers free essential medicines and diagnostic services.
- It also promotes wellness activities like Yoga.
- AB-HWCs provide only curative care services.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: AB-HWCs provide a comprehensive range of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, not just curative care.
Q3. Consider the following statement:
- Gallium is a vital component in the production of semiconductors, integrated circuits, and LEDs, serving as the core substrate for these devices.
- Germanium is used in solar cells for its heat resistance and high energy conversion efficiency.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Both statements are correct.
Q4. Which of the following statements about Rhesus macaques is incorrect?
- They are native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia.
- They are the closest living relatives of humans.
- Rhesus macaques has a least concerned status in the IUCN red list.
- They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The chimpanzee and bonobo are humans closest living relatives.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Agnipath scheme:
- It aims to annually recruit a significant number of soldiers.
- It applies to personnel below officer ranks in the armed forces.
- The scheme provides permanent commission to all recruits in the armed forces.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The scheme aims to recruit a large number of soldiers annually and applies to personnel below officer ranks. The scheme does not provide permanent commission to all recruits.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- The Nari Courts will be helpful in making dispute resolution more accessible to rural women. Analyse. (10 marks 150 words) (GS-2; Social Justice)
- China has been using its position as one of the biggest producers of critical elements for geopolitical gains. Elucidate. (15 marks 250 words) (GS-2; International Relations)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 09 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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