CNA 20 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. Cong. brings in Bill promising minimum income in Rajasthan GOVERNANCE 1. 40% of districts do not have nursing colleges, Health Ministry data show INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. What are the takeaways from the NATO summit? C. GS 3 Related ECONOMICS 1. Why are tomato prices still high? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. India supports U.N. on Black Sea initiative G. Tidbits 1. India climbs seven points to 80 on Passport Index; Singapore at top position 2. Manufacturing ecosystem for Airbus C-295 aircraft taking shape in India H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Cong. brings in Bill promising minimum income in Rajasthan
Syllabus: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and the States and the performance of these schemes.
Mains: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections.
Prelims: About Minimum Guaranteed Income and MGNREGA
Context:
The Rajasthan government has introduced ‘The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023,’ aiming to provide legislative backing for urban employment guarantee schemes and make pension a legal right with an annual increment.
Introduction:
- The Rajasthan government has introduced ‘The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023’ in the Assembly, becoming the first state to provide legislative backing for urban employment guarantee schemes and make pension a legal right with a 15% annual increment.
Legislative Backing for Urban Employment Guarantee Schemes:
- The bill offers legislative support to urban employment guarantee schemes, a first in the country.
- Every adult resident in rural areas of the state is entitled to guaranteed employment for at least 25 additional days per financial year, following the completion of the maximum workdays prescribed under the Union government’s MGNREGA Scheme.
Legal Right to Pension:
- The bill ensures pension as a legal right for individuals falling under specific categories, including old age, specially-abled, widows, and single women.
- The pension amount will be subject to a 15% annual increment.
National Implementation Demanded:
- Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written to the Prime Minister, urging the enactment of a similar law across the entire country.
- The State Cabinet passed a resolution supporting the demand.
Unique Approach for Vulnerable Families:
- Social activist Nikhil Dey highlights the bill’s innovative approach to minimum income guarantees for vulnerable families nationwide.
- It combines employment guarantees for those able to work, both in rural and urban areas, and minimum social security pensions for those unable to work, ensuring income security for all.
First Legislative Backing for Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme:
- Other states have introduced employment guarantee schemes for urban areas via executive orders, but this bill provides legislative support for the first time.
Significance of Legalising Social Security Pensions:
- The bill makes social security pensions a legal guarantee, a first in the country.
- It includes a minimum pension amount of ₹1,000 with automatic annual increments of 15%, covering a broader scope.
Nut Graf: Rajasthan becomes the first state to introduce a groundbreaking bill, assuring urban employment guarantee schemes and legalising pensions with an annual 15% increment.
1. 40% of districts do not have nursing colleges, Health Ministry data show
Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Mains: Challenges in the healthcare sector, availability of healthcare institutions in various districts, and measures to improve healthcare infrastructure.
Context:
Health Ministry data reveals regional disparities in nursing education and services in India, with 40% of districts lacking nursing colleges.
Introduction:
- Health Ministry data reveals regional disparities in nursing education and services in India.
- 40% of districts lack nursing colleges, and there is a concentration of institutions in certain states.
- The Central government has introduced a scheme to establish new nursing colleges and provide short-term training.
Regional Disparities in Nursing Education:
- Geographic Concentration:
- 42% of nursing institutions are concentrated in five southern states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
- Three western states have 17% of nursing institutions, and northeastern states have only 2% representation.
- Underutilization of Scheme:
- Some states have underutilised the scheme to establish new nursing colleges.
- States like Kerala, Manipur, Delhi and Mizoram have benefited from the short-term training scheme, but Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have underutilised the opportunity.
Nurse-to-Population Ratio and Global Comparison:
- India’s nurse-to-population ratio is 2.06:1000, falling short of the global benchmark of 3:1000.
- The global shortage of health workers, with nurses and midwives, is affected the most.
Central Government’s Scheme and Concerns:
- Scheme Funding:
- The Central government has allocated ₹10 crore per college to establish 157 new nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges. This initiative aims to expedite nursing education and services across the country.
- Monitoring and Progress:
- States are advised to send proposals for establishing nursing colleges and create state-level monitoring committees to ensure the timely completion of the project.
- Poor Uptake:
- The Centre has expressed concerns over the underutilization of the Development of Nursing Services scheme in some states, indicating a need for greater participation and engagement in the initiative.
Conclusion:
- Urgent measures are needed to address regional disparities in nursing education and services.
- Co-locating nursing colleges and providing training can bridge the gap in the nursing workforce.
- State governments must actively participate to enhance healthcare delivery and meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Nut Graf: India’s nurse-to-population ratio falls short of the global benchmark. The Central government aims to address the issue by establishing new nursing colleges and providing training, but concerns remain over poor utilisation in some states.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. What are the takeaways from the NATO summit?
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: NATO’s stance in evolving Global order and its impact on Global peace
Context: The NATO summit in Vilnius focused on Ukraine’s potential membership, expanding the alliance, U.S. support, and emerging threats from China and Russia.
How this NATO summit was different?
- Inclusion of Ukrainian President: The Vilnius Summit stood out for the attendance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting the possibility of extending NATO membership to Ukraine.
- NATO-Ukraine Council: The summit established the NATO-Ukraine Council as a crisis consultation and decision-making forum to engage Ukraine and potentially pave the way for future membership.
- Limited immediate gains for Ukraine: While the summit brought promises, President Zelenskyy’s priorities, such as new weapons packages, security guarantees, and an invitation to join NATO, were not immediately fulfilled.
- Strengthening NATO’s defenses: In response to the crisis in Eastern Europe, NATO plans to maintain a force of 300,000 troops, with air and naval capabilities and endorsed a Defence Production Action Plan.
Significance of the entry of new members:
- Finland and Sweden joining NATO: The approval of Finland and Sweden as NATO members demonstrated the alliance’s adherence to Article 10 of the Washington Treaty, enabling member countries to invite other European countries to join NATO.
- Fertile grounds for Ukraine’s membership: The inclusion of Finland and Sweden indicates a supportive environment for Ukraine’s potential membership, potentially deterring Russia from taking aggressive actions against NATO members.
- Turkey’s changing stance: Turkey’s scaling back of opposition to Sweden’s inclusion in NATO marked a significant shift, possibly aiming to improve relations with the U.S., which could benefit Turkey’s economy and bilateral issues.
US’s stance at the summit:
- President Biden’s support: U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed unwavering support for NATO and Ukraine, diverging from the previous administration’s approach, where Donald Trump had considered withdrawing the U.S. from NATO.
- Political legacy: President Biden sees his support for Ukraine as a key aspect of his administration’s political legacy, not only in strengthening trans-Atlantic solidarity but also gaining bipartisan consensus on Ukraine domestically.
Other emerging threats to NATO:
- China’s ambitions and policies: The Vilnius Summit highlighted the challenges posed by China’s aggressive cyber operations, confrontational rhetoric, and disinformation targeting NATO allies, making China an emerging threat to the Alliance.
- Relevance of the Indo-Pacific: The summit recognized the increasing significance of developments in the Indo-Pacific for Euro-Atlantic security, with expanding space for QUAD countries, New Zealand, South Korea, and others.
- The undeterred approach of Russia: Despite the summit’s discussions on potential NATO expansion, Russia’s drone attack on Kyiv during the summit indicated an unyielding stance, suggesting that the future of Eurasian security is still contested.
Nut Graf: The NATO summit in Vilnius highlighted the possibility of Ukraine’s membership, approved Finland and Sweden’s inclusion, gained U.S. support for the alliance and Ukraine, and addressed emerging threats from China and Russia.
C. GS 3 Related
1. Why are tomato prices still high?
Syllabus: Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints
Mains: The cause of inflated tomato prices and its remedies.
Context: Tomato prices remain high due to weather-related production challenges and seasonal volatility, impacting overall inflation in India.
How is tomato produced in India?
- Tomato production is concentrated in states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Gujarat, accounting for about 50% of total production.
- Two major tomato crops are grown annually – kharif and rabi. The rabi crop is available in the market from March to August, while the Kharif crop is available from September.
- Some regions in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh can produce tomatoes during the monsoon months, and Andhra Pradesh’s Madanapalle region alone accounts for tomato cultivation during summer.
- Tomato production reached its peak in 2019-20 at 21.187 million tonnes (MT) but has been declining since then, dropping to 20.69MT in 2021-22 and 20.62MT in 2022-23.
What is fuelling the price rise?
- Extreme weather conditions and low commercial realization of crops have contributed to the decline in overall tomato production this year.
- Heatwaves and high temperatures in April and May, along with delayed monsoon showers, led to pest attacks on tomato crops, resulting in inferior-quality varieties entering the market early in the year, fetching low prices for farmers.
- Incessant rains in tomato-growing regions further affected the new crop, causing a supply crunch.
- Some farmers shifted to cultivating other crops, such as beans, due to the higher prices they fetched last year.
Systemic issue:
- Tomato price volatility is a recurring seasonal and temporary issue.
- The high seasonal price volatility of tomatoes has historically contributed to overall inflation levels in the country.
- Tomato is the most volatile among the three TOP agri-commodities (tomato, onion, potato) and has a significant impact on the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Transportation and supply chain issues exacerbate the problem of price volatility.
How can we change the situation?
- To control volatility, improvements can be made in value and supply chains. An organised value chain involving collaboration among entities can lead to more effective production, processing, and marketing of tomatoes.
- Increasing processing capacity, building more processing units, and converting 10% of tomato production into tomato paste and puree during peak seasons can help stabilize prices during lean seasons.
- The development of integrated cold chains can also aid in reducing price fluctuations.
- Eliminating middlemen and encouraging Farmer Producers Organizations to sell produce directly, along with amending rules of Agricultural Produce Market Committees to reduce commission and fees, are suggested measures to increase farmers’ share of consumer payments for tomatoes.
Nut Graf: Amidst high tomato prices in India, extreme weather, supply crunch, and seasonal volatility affect production, leading to concerns about inflation and calls for improved value chains. It is being suggested to address the issue through value chains and reducing middlemen to stabilize prices and inflation.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Nothing here for today!!!
F. Prelims Facts
1. India supports U.N. on Black Sea initiative
Syllabus: GS 2- International Relations
Prelims: Black Sea initiative
Background
- The Black Sea Grain Initiative was aimed at enabling food trade from Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia in the region.
- The Black Sea Grain Initiative was a UN-brokered deal that facilitated food exports and fertilisers from Ukraine despite the conflict with Russia.
Details
- On 17 July 2023, Russia announced the termination of the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
- India expressed its support for the UN‘s efforts to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
India’s Position
- India voiced its support for the UN’s endeavours to find a solution to the impasse created by Russia’s decision to terminate the initiative.
- The country hopes for an early resolution to the situation, indicating its concern about the potential impact on food exports and fertilisers from Ukraine.
Conclusion
- India’s support for the UN’s efforts shows its commitment to fostering international cooperation in resolving conflicts related to food and agriculture.
- The termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative by Russia raises concerns about the continuity of food exports and fertilisers from Ukraine, and India’s stance seeks to address these concerns and encourage a peaceful resolution.
G. Tidbits
1. India climbs seven points to 80 on Passport Index; Singapore at top position
- The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on visa-free access to different countries.
- The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.
- India’s ranking on the Henley Passport Index improved from 87 to 80 in 2023.
- Top performers: (1) Singapore (2) Germany, Italy, and Spain; (3) Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, Sweden and Japan.
- Henley Openness Index
- Henley & Partners also introduced the Henley Openness Index, measuring how many nations a country allows visa-free access to.
- India ranked 94 out of 97 ranks, allowing only four countries visa-free access.
- Afghanistan, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Turkmenistan scored zero, offering no visa-free access to any passport holders.
2. Manufacturing ecosystem for Airbus C-295 aircraft taking shape in India
- Progress in C-295 India Programme
- Indian Air Force (IAF) to receive the first C-295 transport aircraft in September 2023.
- Six pilots trained by Airbus in Seville, and 20-member maintenance crew training underway.
- Training and Production Timeline
- Groundbreaking ceremony for a training centre at Air Force Station, Agra, held in March.
- Full motion simulator to be delivered by the end of 2024.
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is establishing the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara.
- First indigenous aircraft to be delivered in September 2026.
- Procurement Deal and ‘Make-in-India’ Obligations
- A ₹22,000-crore deal was signed by the Defence Ministry with Airbus and Space S.A., Spain, for the procurement of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft.
- 16 aircraft to come in flyaway condition, and 40 to be manufactured in India jointly with TASL.
- IAF to become the largest operator of the C-295.
- Service Support Programs and Performance-Based Logistics
- Contract includes service support programs for spares, ground support, tech publications, training, and logistics.
- Performance-Based Logistics contract signed for five years to ensure an 85% fleet availability rate.
- Indigenous Systems and Certifications
- The first aircraft is equipped with indigenous radar warning receivers and missile approach warning systems, manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- Additionally, countermeasure dispensing systems, produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), have been certified and installed.
- Job Creation Impact
- Project to create 15,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs over 10 years.
- FAL spread over 36 acres to be operational by November 2024, contributing to local job opportunities.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following scenarios does not violate the right to live with dignity?
- Experience of discrimination and harassment based on gender
- Inability to access affordable healthcare services
- Employment opportunities and fair wages
- Lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
Employment opportunities and fair wages do not violate the right to live with dignity, as they are essential components that support a person’s livelihood and economic well-being.
Q2. Consider the following States:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
- Bihar
How many of the above are major tomato-producing States?
- Only two States
- All four States
- Only three States
- Only one State
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
The major tomato producing States are Andhra Pradesh, MP, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, UP, Haryana and Tamil Nadu.
Q3. Which of the following statements about Make in India is correct?
- Make in India is a government scheme to encourage outsourcing of manufacturing to other countries.
- Make in India focuses solely on attracting foreign direct investment and discourages domestic investment.
- Make in India is an initiative to promote domestic manufacturing and boost job creation in India.
- Make in India is a program aimed at promoting imports and reducing reliance on domestic industries.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
Make in India aims to promote domestic manufacturing & attract investments. It encourages FDI, not outsourcing, to boost job creation & exports.
Q4. The Black Sea Grain Initiative is an agreement among which of the following countries/Organisations?
- Ukraine, Russia, China, and Turkey
- Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United States
- Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union
- Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Black Sea Grain Initiative was launched by Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United Nations. It aims to facilitate the export of grain from Ukraine through the Black Sea.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Henley Passport Index:
- It ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can access without a prior visa.
- In 2023, India’s ranking on the Passport Index declined to 80th place.
- According to the index, Singapore is currently the most powerful passport in the world.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
In 2023, India’s ranking on the Passport Index improved to 80th place. Singapore is currently the most powerful passport in the world, allowing visa-free access to 192 travel destinations.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- In the context of The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, discuss the concept of Universal Basic income. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; Social Justice]
- “The Price of Tomatoes is an indicator of the economic cost of climate change”. Comment. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-3; Economics]
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CNA 20 July 2023:- Download PDF Here
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