18 September 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related GOVERNANCE 1. Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT services? C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INDIAN POLITY 1. Crafting a new chapter in parliamentary conduct SOCIAL JUSTICE 1. India is at a pivotal moment in its health-care journey F. Prelims Facts 1. PM Vishwakarma scheme G. Tidbits 1. Dhanush guns 2. Santiniketan in UNESCO’s World Heritage List 3. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign mutual defence pact H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
1. Why is the government pushing for regulatory mechanisms for OTT services?
Syllabus: Government policies and interventions aimed at development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Mains: Regulatory mechanisms for OTT services.
Prelims: OTT services and TRAI
Context
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) sought input on regulating OTT communication services, sparking a debate involving stakeholders, including telecom providers, over issues of revenue sharing and regulation.
Introduction
- On July 7, 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on regulating Over-The-Top (OTT) communication services.
- The consultation paper also mentions the possibility of selective banning of these services.
- Stakeholders submitted responses to TRAI by September 1, 2023, and guidelines on regulating OTT services are anticipated.
Background
- The discussion on selective banning of OTT services arose from a notice issued by a Parliamentary Standing Committee to the Department of Telecom (DoT) due to concerns about unrest caused by these widely used platforms.
- It is essential to distinguish between OTT communication services (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Meta, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.) and ‘content’ OTTs (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime). Content regulation falls under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), not TRAI.
- TRAI sought stakeholder input on defining OTT and cost-sharing mechanisms between Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and OTT services.
Conflict Between TSPs and OTTs
- Telecom Service Providers argue that OTTs should be regulated and charged because they utilise the infrastructure developed by telecom operators without contributing to it.
- OTT communication services offer various services, including multimedia messaging, instant messaging, and voice and video calls, over the internet, reducing traditional telecom services’ revenue streams.
Demands and Proposals
- Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) demands a policy framework for fair contribution from large OTT service providers to telecom network operators based on assessable criteria like subscribers or data usage.
- COAI argues that OTT communication service providers should pay a fair share charge to TSPs to support network expansion and contribute to the exchequer.
- Internet Service Providers Association of India suggests that OTT services should be treated as the same services offered under telecom licences, subject to the same rules.
Other Stakeholder Perspectives
- Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) opposes cost-sharing models like “sending party network pays” (SPNP) as it would result in double charges for consumers and potentially raise internet usage costs.
- IAMAI asserts that such models conflict with the principle of net neutrality.
- The Internet Freedom Foundation expresses reservations about the proposal to selectively ban OTT services.
Also read IAMAI and Start-up Divide.
Arguments for Banning OTT Services
- COAI argues that licensing OTT communication services would facilitate location-based access restrictions and selective blocking.
- Source-level blocking is proposed as a means to implement restrictions more effectively.
- IAMAI contends that additional regulations or selective bans on OTT services are unnecessary.
- Broadband India Forum (BIF) firmly opposes selective bans, citing existing regulations under the IT Act, 2000, Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and associated Acts and Rules.
- COAI suggests exploring and implementing options for selective banning and recommends IT solutions for swift suspension of OTT services during internet outages.
Conclusion
- The debate over regulating and potentially banning OTT communication services in India revolves around issues of revenue sharing, infrastructure usage, consumer costs, and internet freedom.
- The final decision on the regulatory framework for OTT services in India will have far-reaching implications for both service providers and consumers.
Nut Graf: TRAI’s consultation paper on regulating OTT communication services has ignited a discussion on the need for such regulation, with telecom providers advocating for revenue-sharing mechanisms and potential selective bans.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Crafting a new chapter in parliamentary conduct
Syllabus- Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Prelims- Prime Minister’s Question Time, Code of Conduct in Parliament
Mains- Decline of Parliamentary Democracy, Parliamentary Reforms
Context:
- Concerns are being raised on the decline of parliamentary democracy in India with standards of behavior in the parliament slipping.
- Many fear that this conduct has damaged the reputation of the legislature with serious consequences for the future of democracy in India.
Instances of decline of Parliamentary Democracy and Conduct
- Disruption is a common practice in India’s Parliament, where members often believe that showing the strength of their party positions is more important than debating the law.
- The opposition parties united to stall both houses almost every day in the last session, and there have been very few sessions in recent years where some days weren’t lost to deliberate disruption.
- State Assemblies have seen violent behavior from legislators, including overturned furniture, damaged microphones, flying objects, physical altercations, and torn clothing.
- The Parliament has also experienced breaches of conduct, despite newly-elected MPs being instructed against speaking out of turn, shouting slogans, waving placards, and entering the well of the house.
- An MP once used pepper spray in the well, causing discomfort for other MPs and the Speaker.
- Lawmakers often disregard the rules they are meant to uphold, leading to instances of MPs charging towards the presiding officer’s desk, grabbing their microphone, and tearing up papers.
- These transgressions have resulted in temporary suspensions of the MPs, followed by their quiet reinstatement after an apology.
How to reduce the scope for disruptions?
- Opposition parties select the disruptive path because they believe their views are not being adequately considered in parliamentary debates. This can be addressed by the following practices:
- Allowing the Opposition a day each week to set the agenda, known as “Opposition Day,” could help address the root cause of disruptions.
- On Opposition Day, opposition parties could choose specific policy areas or issues to bring to the floor of the House for debate.
- This would give them a platform to discuss matters of importance, criticize government policies, and propose alternatives.
- The number of Opposition Days in a parliamentary session could be negotiated between the government and opposition parties.
- Adopting this procedure could provide the Opposition with a designated platform to express their views and priorities within the parliamentary schedule, potentially reducing the need for disruptions.
2. Following the model of Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQs) as seen in the British Parliament.
- PMQs takes place every Wednesday when the House of Commons (in UK) is in session, usually at noon.
- The Leader of the Opposition starts by asking several short questions to the Prime Minister, followed by supplementaries, and then other MPs also have a turn.
- Each question is relatively short, and the Prime Minister responds directly.
3. Reforms to the role of Speaker.
- Changing the current practice of rejecting every single adjournment motion moved by an Opposition MP could help Opposition members feel valued.
- Clubbing all proposed amendments to Bills from the opposition into one and rejecting them by voice vote without discussion could also be reformed.
Conclusion
- The reforms suggested above would allow Opposition members to feel valued and not disregarded, help reduce the precious time lost to disruptions which is essential for a healthy parliamentary democracy.
Nut Graf: Parliamentary democracy in India is declining due to disruptions, use of force and breach of conduct on the floor. These disruptions can be reduced by giving the Opposition more opportunities to debate issues of importance, following the model of Prime Minister’s Question Time in the UK, and reforming the role of the Speaker.
1. India is at a pivotal moment in its health-care journey
Syllabus- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Prelims- Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Mains- Reforms needed in the HealthCare Sector, AI in Healthcare, Rise of Non Communicable Diseases in India, Potential of Medical Tourism in India
Context:
- India has made significant progress in healthcare.
- Since 1983, Infant mortality has improved by a factor of four, Maternal mortality has improved by a factor of seven and average life expectancy has increased by nearly 30%, from 55 years to over 70 years.
- Addressing the rising cases of non-communicable diseases, unlocking the potential of medical tourism and integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare should emerge as the key focus areas of public policy.
Key Focus areas in Health Care for India
- Non communicable diseases
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer could cost the country $4 trillion by 2030 and create an ‘age tax’ on its demographic dividend.
- As India grapples with rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs), increasing medical costs, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, the healthcare industry must work together to increase awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide comprehensive health checks that include proper scans, rather than relying solely on blood tests.
- India needs to shift its focus from sickness care to preventive healthcare, leveraging technologies like telemedicine.
- By doing so, the country can reduce hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and improve population health outcomes.
- To achieve this goal, India must invest in rural healthcare infrastructure, strengthen primary healthcare centers, and promote public-private partnerships.
- Collaboration between government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and private players can ensure last-mile connectivity and bridge the existing gaps in healthcare delivery.
2. Medical Value Travel
- India boasts world-class healthcare infrastructure, exceptional clinical talent, and cutting-edge treatments at affordable prices, making it a popular destination for medical tourism.
- However, there is tremendous untapped potential in this space. By further developing its medical value travel industry, India can become a global leader in healthcare services exports.
- Specialized branches like oncology, orthopedics, and robotic surgery have seen significant advancements in recent years, with Indian hospitals offering cutting-edge treatments at competitive prices.
- For example, Proton beam therapy, minimal invasiveness, and robotic-assisted surgeries are a sign of India’s growing medical prowess.
- Public-private collaborations can facilitate the creation of state-of-the-art infrastructure, streamline processes, and promote India as a premier medical tourism destination earning valuable foreign exchange and creating employment along the way.
3. Artificial Intelligence
- AI is expected to add $1 trillion to India’s economy by 2035.
- It has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in India by improving diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment planning, and accelerating drug discovery.
- By leveraging predictive analytics, healthcare providers can identify disease patterns and intervene early, potentially preventing serious health issues from developing.
- Additionally, AI-powered systems can help streamline clinical workflows, improve patient engagement, and create personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients’ needs.
- Furthermore, AI can assist in optimizing resource allocation in public health, reducing healthcare costs, and improving patient outcomes.
- With the integration of AI into healthcare, India can set a new standard for efficient and effective care delivery.
Conclusion
- By emphasizing community health in treating non communicable diseases, leveraging medical value travel, and embracing AI, India can position itself as a global leader in healthcare innovation while ensuring better health outcomes for its citizens.
- A concerted effort from all stakeholders i.e public, private, and civil society organizations is necessary to realize this vision.
Nut Graf: India’s healthcare landscape should evolve, with a focus on combating NCDs, unlocking the potential of medical tourism, and integrating AI. These key focus areas can revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring better health outcomes for its citizens.
F. Prelims Facts
Syllabus: GS 2- Government Schemes
Prelims: PM Vishwakarma scheme
Introduction
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) with an emphasis on elevating the status of artisans and skilled craftsmen.
- Additionally, he officially inaugurated the initial stage of the India International Convention and Expo Centre, named Yashobhoomi, situated in Dwarka, New Delhi, with a project cost of ₹5,400 crore.
Commitment to Artisans
- PM Modi emphasised the government’s commitment to the welfare of artisans and craftspeople.
- The PMVY aims to equip craftspeople with modern technology to enhance their skills and compete in the contemporary market.
- PM Modi dedicated Yashobhoomi to labourers and Vishwakarma workers, acknowledging the government’s support for marginalised individuals.
Scheme Details
- The Vishwakarma scheme’s goal is to improve the accessibility and quality of products and services offered by traditional artisans.
- The scheme offers interest-free enterprise development loans amounting to ₹1 lakh (with the first instalment due in 18 months) and ₹2 lakh (with the second instalment due in 30 months) without requiring collateral.
- Beneficiaries will be charged a concessional interest rate of 5%, with the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises providing an interest subvention cap of 8%.
- The Union government will bear the credit guarantee fees.
Promoting ‘Vocal for Local’
- PM Modi emphasised the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative and encouraged individuals to purchase locally made products during the upcoming festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Dhanteras, and Deepavali.
Yashobhoomi Convention Center
- PM Modi emphasised the substantial potential of the conference tourism sector, estimated to be worth ₹25 lakh crore, and underscored its importance for India.
- Yashobhoomi, with a vast project area and built-up space, will rank among the world’s largest MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) facilities.
- The facility is expected to generate employment opportunities for youth.
G. Tidbits
1. Dhanush guns
- The Indian Army has placed an order for 114 Dhanush artillery guns and currently has one operational regiment.
- The delays in the Dhanush project have been resolved, and the Army aims to equip balance regiments by 2026.
- Dhanush:
- Dhanush is a towed artillery gun with a calibre of 155mm and a range of 36 km (which can be extended to 38 km with specialised ammunition).
- It is an upgrade of the existing 155mm, 39-calibre Bofors FH 77 gun.
- The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd., responsible for manufacturing Dhanush guns, is working closely with the Army.
- Pinaka:
- The Army is focusing on increasing the range and configurations of Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS).
- The original Pinaka rockets had a range of 37 km, which was enhanced to 45 km with the upgraded Mk-1 version.
- The Defence Acquisition Council has given its approval for the procurement of the guided Pinaka rocket system, which boasts a range of 75 km.
- Additionally, a Pinaka rocket system designed for Area Denial Munition has been successfully developed.
- DRDO is working on a Pinaka with a range of 120 km, as previously stated by officials.
- At present the Army currently possesses four Pinaka regiments
- The Pralay surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile is in advanced stages of induction.
2. Santiniketan in UNESCO’s World Heritage Listng
- Santiniketan, established by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, earns a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
- Located in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, Santiniketan, meaning “abode of peace,” began its development in 1901 and is where Tagore laid the foundation for Visva-Bharati University.
- It becomes India’s 41st World Heritage Site to be included in UNESCO‘s List.
- Santiniketan has immense significance in human values, architectural and technological developments, monumental arts, town planning, and landscape design.
- Efforts to get Santiniketan listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site date back to 2010, with the latest nomination proposal initiated in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been involved in restoring various structures in Santiniketan in recent years.
Also read UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
3. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign mutual defence pact
- Leaders of the military in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have inked a mutual defence agreement in Bamako, Mali.
- This agreement, known as the Liptako-Gourma Charter, sets up the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with the goal of establishing a structure for collective defence and reciprocal support.
- The agreement aims to tackle the security issues presented by the jihadist insurgency in the Liptako-Gourma area, where the borders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger come together.
- It combines military and economic efforts to combat terrorism, with a priority on fighting terrorism in these three countries.
- The charter commits the signatories to assist each other militarily in the event of an attack on any of them and considers such an attack as aggression against all parties, leading to a duty of assistance, including the use of armed force to restore security.
- Additionally, it obliges the three countries to work together to prevent or resolve armed rebellions.
- The Sahel region has been grappling with jihadist violence and instability, with the insurgency spreading across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso since 2012, leading to coups in these nations.
- The mutual defence pact is aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about Dhanush artillery gun:
- Dhanush has a range of 36 km with standard ammunition.
- Dhanush is an upgrade of the Bofors gun.
- The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. is responsible for manufacturing Dhanush guns.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Dhanush has a range of 36 km, and it is indeed an upgrade of the Bofors FH 77 gun. The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd. manufactures Dhanush guns.
Q2. Which international agreement establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with the aim of collective defence and mutual assistance for the Sahel region's populations?
- Maghreb Security Accord
- Liptako-Gourma Charter
- Sahara Cooperation Pact
- African Union Agreement
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: The Liptako-Gourma Charter establishes the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) for collective defence and mutual assistance in the Sahel region.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Vishwakarma scheme:
- It aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of products and services offered by traditional artisans and craftsmen.
- The scheme provides collateral-free enterprise development loans of ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh in two tranches.
- Beneficiaries will be charged a concessional interest rate, with an interest subvention cap of 8% paid by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The Vishwakarma scheme supports artisans with collateral-free loans, low-interest rates, and interest subvention by the Ministry.
Q4. With reference to net neutrality, consider the following statements:
- Net neutrality advocates for equal treatment of all internet traffic.
- It ensures equal access to online information, irrespective of website size or financial resources.
Which of the statements above is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Net neutrality promotes equal access to internet content, safeguarding information flow and fairness online.
Q5. Which town in West Bengal's Birbhum district, established by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, and home to Visva-Bharati University, was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2023?
- Santiniketan
- Darjeeling
- Sundarbans
- Kaziranga National Park
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Recently, Santiniketan made it to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Assess the hits and misses of India’s Project Cheetah in the light of a series of Cheetah deaths in India. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-3; Environment]
- “Parliament of the country is the repository of the sovereign will of the people, and its successful functioning is a joint responsibility of both the government and the opposition.” In the light of this statement, suggest ways to reduce disruptions in the Indian Parliament. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS-2; Polity]
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