In news

The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 has been introduced in Lok Sabha to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 

Key proposals under the Bill

• Obligation to use non-fossil sources of energy: The Bill adds that the government may require the designated consumers to meet a minimum share of energy consumption from non-fossil sources. Designated consumers include:
  • industries such as mining, steel, cement, textile, chemicals, and petrochemicals
  • transport sector including Railways, and
  • commercial buildings, as specified in the schedule. 

• Carbon trading: The Bill empowers the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme.  Carbon credit implies a tradeable permit to produce a specified amount of carbon emissions.The central government or any authorised agency may issue carbon credit certificates to entities registered under and compliant with the scheme.
• Energy conservation code for buildings:The Bill amends the previous code by the Act, to provide for an ‘energy conservation and sustainable building code’. This new code will provide norms for energy efficiency and conservation, use of renewable energy, and other requirements for green buildings.
• Applicability to residential buildings: Under the present Act, the energy conservation code applies to commercial buildings with certain criteria. Under the Bill, building code will also apply to the office and residential buildings meeting the above criteria.
• Standards for vehicles and vessels:  The Bill expands the scope for he energy consumption standards to include vehicles (as defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988), and vessels (includes ships and boats). 
• Regulatory powers of SERCs: The Act empowers the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) to adjudge penalties under the Act.  
• Composition of the governing council of BEE: Altering the present structure, the Bill provides that the number of members in Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will be between 31 and 37.  It increases the number of secretaries to 12. It also provides for up to seven members representing industries and consumers.

With the 2022 amended the government helps to support Prime Minister's stance of offering 'Panchamrit', or five nectar elements, as a part of the country’s commitment towards low-carbon development strategy.

• The so-called 'Panchamrit' includes India’s commitment to install 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% over 2005 levels, source 50% of the electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030, reduce carbon emission by 1 billion tonnes till 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2070.

Source:

• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022 introduced in Lok Sabha
• The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Image source:

• https://twitter.com/crpaatil/status/1456661083909808136

In News:

The Union cabinet has recently approved amendment in MMDR Act to specify royalty of certain minerals.

About the News:

• The Ministry of Mines had previously proposed an amendment to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The proposal was for reasonable rates of royalty in order to encourage better participation in the auction of mines.
• In this regard, the Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Second Schedule to the MMDR Act to specify the royalty rates of certain minerals, including potash, emerald and platinum group of metals.

Major highlights of the proposed amendments:

• Auction: The approval would ensure auction of specified mineral blocks in respect of glauconite, potash, emerald, platinum group of metals, andalusite and molybdenum.
• Fixing rates: Rates have been fixed after extensive consultations with the state governments and various ministries/ department of the central government.
• Method: The Mines Ministry will provide methodology for calculation of average sale price (ASP) of these minerals required for enabling auction of these mineral blocks.
• Present Status: At present, more than 146 blocks have been put up for auction in the financial year 2021-22, of this, 34 blocks have been successfully auctioned in the financial year.

• Importance of the step:
  • Reducing import dependence: The proposed step is expected to help reducing imports of these minerals.
  • Promoting growth and development: The approval will help generating empowerment opportunity in the mining sector as well as the manufacturing sector which will further help in ensuring inclusive growth of a large section of the society.
  • Better participation: The proposed reasonable rates of royalty will encourage better participation in the auction of mines.
  • More blocs for auction: Specification of royalty and ASP for the specified minerals would increase number of blocks for auction and thus better price realisation.

Source:

• https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/policy/story/cabinet-approves-amendment-in-mmdr-act-to-specify-royalty-of-certain-minerals-325321-2022-03-09#:~:text=%22Cabinet%20has%20approved%20proposal%20for,and%20Molybdenum%2C%22%20it%20said.

Image source:

• https://www.icserankers.com/2021/08/icse-solutions-for-chapter7-minerals-in-india-class10-geography.html

In News

India has recently signed six agreements with Maldives in order to broaden its ties with the island nation.

About the News:

• With the agreements, India and Maldives have vowed to strengthen their defence and security ties with a major focus on maritime security, while highlighting the threat of transnational crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean.

Key Outcomes of the Bilateral Talks:

• Security:
  • To counter the threat of transnational crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region, India will give 24 vehicles and one naval boat to the Maldives Security Force and help train the island-nation’s security personnel.
  • India will also cooperate in building police facilities in 61 islands of Maldives.

• Male connectivity project:
  • Both sides have welcome the launch of the Greater Male Connectivity Project, a USD 500 million project funded by New Delhi.
• Agreements:
  • The countries signed six agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas in Maldives, including:
    • Cybersecurity
    • Capacity Building
    • Housing
    • Disaster Management
    • Infrastructure Development
    • India announced USD100 million financial aid to help the island-nation complete certain infrastructure projects.

India-Maldives Relations

Historical:

• Both share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links.
• India was among the first to recognize the Maldivesafter its independence in 1965 and later established its mission at Male in 1972.
• They officially and amicably decided their maritime boundary in 1976.

Security Partnership:

• The National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE)was inaugurated by India in Maldives.

Strategic Importance:

• The Maldives holds strategic importance for India under the government’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy due to its location in the Indian Ocean. 
• In the Indian Ocean, the Maldives archipelago comprising 1,200 coral islands lies next to key shipping lanes which ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to countries like China, Japan, and India.

• Both nations are working together to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR). 

Rehabilitation Centre:

• Signing of an USD80-million contract for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project.
• A drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre in Addu is built with Indian assistance.
  • The centre is one of 20 high impact community development projects being implemented by India in areas such as healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism, sports and culture.

Economic Cooperation:

• In 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives which is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
• India is Maldives 2nd largest trading partner– rising up from its 4th position in 2018.
• In 2021, bilateral trade registered a growth of 31% over the previous year – overcoming the pandemic-related challenges.

Pivot role in the SAGAR Initiative of India: 

• The Maldives is key to India’s ambition to become a regional maritime security provider.

Anti-Piracy and Anti-Terror operations can also be carried out with Maldives' help.

Challenges in India-Maldives Relations:

• Political Instability:
  • India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development.
• Radicalisation:
  • In the past decade, the number of Maldiviansdrawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups has been increasing.
  • This gives rise to the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.
• China Factor:
  • China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important 'pearl' in China’s “String of Pearls”construct in South Asia.
  • Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relations, China’s strategic presence in the Maldives remains a concern.
  • Also, the Maldives have started using the China card to bargain with India.

Source:

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-signs-6-pacts-with-the-maldives-cybersecurity-defence-take-centrepoint-101659446885024.html

• Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2022-23 (October - September) at ₹305 per quintal.
• FRP is the price declared by the government,which mills are legally bound to pay to farmers for the cane procured from them.

• Mills have theoption of signing an agreement with farmers, which would allow them to pay the FRP in installments (delays in payment can attract an interest up to 15% per annum, and the sugar commissioner can recover unpaid FRP as dues in revenue recovery by attaching properties of the mills).
• The payment of FRP across the country is governed bythe Sugarcane Control order, 1966 issued under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA),1955 which mandates payment within 14 days of the date of delivery of the cane.
• It has been determined on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)and announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• The FRP is based on the Rangarajan Committee reporton reorganizing the sugarcane industry.
• The State Advised Prices (SAP) are announced by the Governments of key sugarcane producing states which are generally higher than FRP.

Source:

• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-increases-fair-and-remunerative-price-on-sugarcane/article65722642.ece

Image source:

• https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/ccea-approves-5-hike-in-sugarcane-frp-support-price-88-more-than-production-cost/2616645/

• Context: The National Health Authority (NHA) has recently announced expansion of the digital health ecosystem under its flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• ABDM was launched in 2021to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals, insurance firms, and citizens access health records electronicallywhen required.
• The project was implemented in the pilot phase in six States & Union Territories.
• TheNational Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will be the implementing Agency.
• The features of ABDM is:

1. 1. Health ID: It will be issued for every citizen that will also work as their health account containing details of every test, every disease, the doctors visited, the medicines taken and the diagnosis. Health ID is free of cost, voluntary.
   2. Healthcare Facilities & Professionals’ Registry: It is a comprehensive repository of all healthcare professionalsinvolved in delivering healthcare services across both modern and traditional systems of medicine.
   3. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sandbox: The Sandbox,created as a part of the mission, will act as a framework for technology and product testing that will help organisations, including private players intending to be a part of the national digital health ecosystem become a Health Information Provider or Health Information User or efficiently link with building blocks of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

Source:

•  https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1845845

Image: 

• https://sandbox.abdm.gov.in/

• Context: The Union Cabinet has recently approved India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.
• The updated NDC seeks to enhance India’s contributions towards achievement of strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under Paris Agreement.

• It will incorporate India’s 'Panchamrit' strategy announced at the Glasgow Conference into enhanced climate targets.
• It promotes healthy and sustainable way of living through mass movement called LIFE ( Lifestyle for Environment).
• These commitments are a step towards achieving India’s goal of reaching net-zero by 2070.
• India’s updated NDC will be implemented over the period 2021-2030 through programs and schemes of relevant Ministries /departments and with due support from States and UTs.
• According to the updated NDC, India now stands committed to reducing emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 level (acc to NDC 2015, it is 33 to 35% from 2005 levels) and achieving about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity (40%, NDC 2015) from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

Source:

• Climate change: Cabinet approves India's updated nationally determined contribution

Image source:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-climate-targets-progress-new-committments-narendra-modi-panchamrit-8069518/

• Context: The prestigious President’s Colours award was recently given to the Tamil Nadu police in recognition of the State police’s commendable service and many achievements.
• The President's Colour Award is the highest honour that may be given to any Indian military unit.
• The Colours acknowledges the spirit of bravery, courage, commitment, professionalism, integrity, and service to humanity.

• It is known by many names such as Ensign, Flag, Standards, or Colours.
• It is also known as ′Nishaan′ which is an emblem that is worn by all unit officers on the left-hand sleeve of their uniform.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of women police stations and the second highest number of women police personnel in the country. It also holds the distinction of establishing the first women commando force in the country. 
• Tamil Nadu is the only State in the country to have an exclusive Idol Wing, a unit dedicated to investigating into cases of theft or loss of cultural artefacts such as idols, paintings, and other treasures of the nation's heritage.

Sources:

• 'President's Colours' presented to Tamil Nadu police | Chennai News - Times of India (indiatimes.com)
• Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu presents President’s Colours to Tamil Nadu police | Cities News,The Indian Express
• Vice-Prez Naidu presents President's Colours to Tamil Nadu police – ThePrint – PTIFeed

Essence – The editorial investigates whether the depreciation of rupee is a crisis situation or an opportunity. In analyses the impact of rupee depreciation in terms of rising CAD, External debt, inflation, volatility of rupees, real and nominal exchange rate, etc. It also mentions on what front policy can focus to bring down domestic prices to ease inflationary pressure.

At the end it recommends to shift the dependence from only monetary policy towards fiscal policy and restructure the corporate tax regime. Along with tweaking the fiscal policy to enhance its domain to boost aggregate output growth rate and demand.

Why to read this editorial

• To understand the inter-relationship among exchange rate, CAD, External debt, inflation, etc.
• To know what could be done to manage this crisis of depreciating exchange rate.

Source:

• https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/is-the-declining-rupee-a-crisis-or-an-opportunity/article65727473.ece

Essence:

Recently the Ministry of Electronics and IT had withdrawn the Personal Data Protection Bill. The reason cited was the Joint Parliamentary Committee Report that cited and recommended changes. However, it is worth noting that the JPC report recommended the passing of the bill with suggested amendments. The question that remains is what exactly is the reason behind the withdrawal of the bill and who will benefit from the absence of such a comprehensive bill?

The article discusses the life-cycle of the bill and reports that led to it. It argues that the complete exercise of the drafting and the resources and time involved in the process has been wasted. Further, the bill is much needed to secure the data and privacy of all Indian amidst the rapid digitalization of all the sectors of the economy.

Why to read this editorial

• The article outlines important decisions, reports, and judgments related to Data Protection and Privacy.
• It highlights the need for data protection law.
• The article gives insights into the general process of legislation formulation and enactment.

Source:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/withdrawal-of-personal-data-protection-bill-who-benefits-from-delay-8071067/

Background

Recently, a couple decided to do away with the usual customs of a traditional Hindu marriage to hold a self-respecting wedding

About Self-Respect Wedding

• ‘Self-respect’ wedding ceremony, also called 'Suyamariyathai' in Tamil, are marriages typically between inter-caste couples where the rituals are non-patriarchal in nature.

• Mangalsutra, kanyadan, etc. which are usually found in Hindu weddings, are not there in self-respecting marriages.
• Instead, marriage happens by an officiant in the presence of elders, family members, and friends.
• The whole idea is to do away with Brahmanical customs and traditions that are unequal, unfair and unjust.
• The concept of Self-respect Wedding, was introduced by EV Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar), as part of the ‘Self-Respect Movement’ that vouched for equality between men and women, and a caste-free society.
• This wedding is legal in Tamil Nadu under the state amendment of Hindu Marriage Act.

Source:

• No Priest, No Pheras, No Patriarchy: What This Couple’s Self-Respecting Wedding Looked Like

Image source:

• https://swarajyamag.com/politics/ten-things-about-periyar-dravidian-parties-dont-want-you-to-know