In News

 The US, UK, and the EU have imposed various economic sanctions on Russia that could prove to be detrimental to the country.

About the News

• Economic Sanctions on Russia include major Russian banks being banned from SWIFT, their assets being frozen, sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund and against some of Russia’s wealthiest people, denial of access to air-space and exports control.
• The countries imposing curbs on Russia account for 34% of world GDP.

What are Economic Sanctions?

• Economic sanctions are defined as the withdrawal of customary trade and financial relations for foreign-policy and security-policy purposes.
• Sanctions may be comprehensive, prohibiting commercial activity with regard to an entire country or they may be targeted, blocking transactions by and with particular businesses, groups, or individuals.
• Sanctions take a variety of forms, including travel bans, asset freezes, arms embargoes, capital restraints, foreign aid reductions, and trade restrictions.
  • There has been a pronounced shift toward targeted or so-called smart sanctions, which aim to minimize the suffering of innocent civilians.

When are Economic sanctions used?

• National governments and international bodies such as the United Nations and European Union have imposed economic sanctions to coerce, deter, punish, or shame entities that endanger their interests or violate international norms of behaviour.
• Sanctions have been used to advance a range of foreign policy goals, including counterterrorism, counternarcotics, non-proliferation, democracy and human rights promotion, conflict resolution, and cybersecurity.
• Sanctions, while a form of intervention, are generally viewed as a lower-cost, lower-risk course of action between diplomacy and war.

How Sanctions impact an economy?

• The targeted country’s supply chain gets disrupted in terms of inflow of goods and services and for reaching out to the export markets.
• In the former, there is a risk of the internal economy being crippled, especially if it depends on imports of critical raw material.
  • The domestic economy could also be deprived of external market support.
  • The risk element is high especially in case of economic curbs being imposed collectively by many bodies or countries.

For articles related to the topic, refer:

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-06-11/global-economic-prospects

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-11-02/formalization-of-economy

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-09-02/30-years-of-1991-reforms-a-stocktake

Sources:

• Do  economic sanctions work as a deterrent?:
• What Are Economic Sanctions?:

In News

The government has suspended smart meter bids under its ₹3.03 trillion Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) till 15 March due to multiple issues.

About the News

The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), an ambitious plan to reduce power theft and distribution losses, has been suspended till 15 March due to the following issues:

• Lack of communication by some installed smart meters,
• Excessive time taken in integrating Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with the legacy billing software of state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMS),
• Interoperability problems of headend system (HES) with multiple meter manufacturers, stalling automatic acquisition of meter data.
  • A head-end system is hardware and software that receives the stream of meter data brought back to the utility through the AMI.
• Delay in operationalizing prepaid functionality in these meters,
• Connections and disconnections are done manually and not automatically, defeating the objective of avoiding human intervention.
• The programme is also facing a shortage of electronic chips necessary for operationalisation of the electronic meters.

About the scheme

• The world’s largest electricity smart metering programme aims to replace 250 million conventional meters with smart.
• A smart meter architecture minimizes human intervention in billing and collection and reduces theft by identifying loss pockets.
• It requires a two-way communication network, control centre equipment and software applications that enable near real-time gathering and transfer of energy usage information.
• A total of 3.3 million smart meters have been installed across India, with 100 million more to be commissioned and installed by December 2023.

For Articles related to the topic, refer:

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-07-07/revamped-distribution-sector-scheme

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-07-02/indias-new-net-metering-norms

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2022-01-31/standalone-energy-storage-systems

Sources:

• A surprise hurdle for India's smart meter plans:
• RDSS:

In News

In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine standoff, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently proposed to open an investigation into the situation in Ukraine.

About the News

• Russia is believed to have committed both war crimes and crimes against humanity and have been accused of targeting civilian and residential areas.
• Although neither Russia nor Ukraine is not a state party to the ICC, however, Ukraine has in the past accepted the court’s jurisdiction in its territory twice in the past in relation to deaths of countless protesters at the hands of security forces in early 2014 and later killing of nearly 14,000 people especially separatists or pro-Russian by Ukrainian forces till the start of 2022.
• ICC has also recently come under criticism for its effectiveness and limited jurisdiction.

What are the major criticisms against the ICC?

• Delayed justice: One of the major criticisms of the court has been its poor pace of investigations and judgements. Even after 19 years of being active, the court has convicted only 10 persons accused in a small number of cases and acquitted four individuals.
• Poor Return on investment: Experts have often questioned whether the time, efforts and financial resources invested in the court by member countries is worth the outcome. For example, the court’s annual budget for 2021 was over $160 million.
• Ineffective: ICC has often shied away from taking on western powers like the United States. This was pointed out first, when the court denied permission to start an investigation into Afghanistan in 2019, and later during Taliban takeover.
• Skewed imprint: Barring recent years, the court, since its formation, largely took up investigations into alleged crimes committed in African countries. All of the nearly 30 cases currently in the trial stage before the court are from African countries.
• Poor Success rate: Since its inception only 30 cases have been opened before the ICC of which it has so far convicted ten individuals while acquitted four.

What is the ICC?

• Background: The International Criminal Court is a permanent court to prosecute serious international crimes committed by individuals. It became functional in 2002. It is located in Hague, Netherlands
• Cases: It tries crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.
• Need: The court was established to fight global impunity and bring to justice criminals under international law, regardless of their rank or stature.
• Types of investigation: There are three ways a prosecutor can open an investigation viz. when a case is referred by a member country in its own territory; when a case is referred by the UN Security Council; and when the prosecutor takes up a case proprio motu or on his own.
• Membership: To become a member of the ICC or State party to the Rome Statute, countries have to sign the statute and ratify it under their respective legislatures.
• At present 123 countries are members of the ICC, with African countries making up the largest bloc.
• Countries including India, China, Iraq, North Korea and Turkey never signed the Rome Statute. Countries including US, Russia, Israel and Syria signed, but never ratified it.
• Investigation by Non-member states: These can investigate cases in three ways:
• if alleged crimes were perpetrated by non-members in member states,
• if the non-members accept the court’s jurisdiction
• when the Security Council authorises

Sources:

• Explained | The International Criminal Court and the cases it deals with:
• ICJ and ICC Comparison:

On March 7, 1961 Govind Ballabh Pant died of prolonged illness. Born on September 10 in 1887, Govind Ballabh Pant was a freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Today many hospitals, educational institutions and foundations in India bear his name. He received the Bharat Ratna in 1957. After India’s Independence in 1947, Govind, along with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Government. He was a capable lawyer and was thus appointed by the Congress party to fight for the Kakori Case in the 1920s. During his political career, he was the Premier of the United Provinces from 1937 - 1939, First Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1946 -1954 and the Union Home Minister from 1955-1961. He was also responsible for the establishment of Hindi as an official language in a few states and the Central Government.

Source:

• Remembering Govind Ballabh Pant, The First CM Of Uttar Pradesh, On His Death Anniversary:

In News

In a historic event, 175 nations have come together to sign a deal to curb the use of plastics.

About the News

• The historic resolution, titled “End Plastic Pollution: Towards an internationally legally binding instrument” was adopted by heads of State, Ministers of environment and other representatives from 175 nations, at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi to End Plastic Pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024.
  • The resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.
• The treaty is based upon three core documents:
  • A joint resolution by Rwanda and Peru, backed by 60 countries
  • A proposal by Japan, and
  • A proposal by India:
  • The proposal by India insisted on adding the terms – ‘national circumstances and capabilities’, to adhere to the Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR).

How big is the plastic problem that necessitates a Global Cooperation?

• Plastic Generation:
  • Plastic waste is set to increase fourfold by the year 2050 and will constitute about 10 – 13% of the global climate budget.
  • We generate 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, out of which 8 million tonnes finds it ways to the oceans, having 4 million pieces of microplastics which cannot be seen with the naked eyes.
  • 48% of the total plastic waste is single use, which is sourced from fossil fuels.
• Damage created due to Plastic:
  • Solid Waste generation due to durability and extremely slow decomposition.
  • Groundwater and soil pollution due to the release of toxic chemicals from plastics in the landfill sites draining out and seeping into the groundwater, flowing downstream into lakes and rivers.
  • Marine Pollution is increased as Plastics do not decompose easily and hence reduce the levels of oxygen in the water, endangering the survival of life in water.
  • Health Hazards to Humans: Burning of plastic releases toxins such as Halogens which lead to cancer, neurological damage, endocrine disruption, birth defects and child developmental disorders etc.
  • By 2050 greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, use and disposal would account for 15 per cent of allowed emissions, under the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree C.
  • The problem of plastic pollution doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The environmental, social, economic and health risks of plastics need to be assessed alongside other environmental stressors, like climate change, ecosystem degradation and resource use.

Significance of the Treaty

• Full cycle: It deals with the full life cycle of plastics- from production to disposal, a significant shift in the policy from the past, where it was merely seen as marine litter.
• Effects of Plastic: It also highlights the toxic effects which plastics have on the air, water and soil leading to infertility, metabolic dysfunction and cancers among the human population.
• Recognition of Informal sector: In a first, the treaty appreciates the efforts undertaken by the informal sector and the cooperatives in the developing countries to store, collect and recycle plastic waste.
• Better Coverage: The treaty on plastic pollution, which includes both microplastics and marine litter, will have both binding and voluntary approaches.
• Co-operative Plans: The resolution indicated that the proposed treaty has to include provisions of promoting national and international co-operative measures and national action plans to work towards the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution.
• Open-ended Participation: The participation in the ad-hoc open-ended working group and the intergovernmental negotiating committee will be open to all member states of the United Nations and members of its specialised agencies, regional economic integration organisations and relevant stakeholders.
• Funding: The resolution also indicated the possibility of a global dedicated fund and invited governments and other stakeholders to provide budgetary resources.
• Capacity Building: The treaty will also specify arrangements for capacity building, technical assistance, technology transfer and financial assistance.

Challenges to the successful implementation of the Treaty

• Objections have been raised by the United States of America, Japan and India:
  • The issue of chemicals in the plastics have been dropped from the resolution due to pressure from the USA.
  • Japan is insisting that the treaty be limited to Marine litter.
  • It is due to India’s insistence that the treaty is voluntary in nature.
• Hubs of plastic production like the USA, China, Saudi Arabia and Japan want to limit the provisions to the use and management of plastics while some developing countries along with the European Union want restrictions on the production of Plastics.
• Experts are expecting fierce resistance from the petrochemical industry, who are not happy with the resolution. This is because plastics are some of the biggest drivers of fossil fuel demand.
• There are very high chances that the plastic industry might attempt to insert false solutions like chemical recycling (plastic to fuel) and incineration (including co-incineration) in the final text. This is because the agreement invites all relevant stakeholders that include giant businesses and industries such as petroleum and petrochemical.
• In India, as per the latest extended producer responsibility notifications, most fast-moving consumer goods companies will now start focusing on trading plastic credits and move towards plastic neutrality to greenwash their brands and move away from the accountability aspect of plastic.

Way Forward

• The next two years (till 2024) is where the actual work is going to be. While the strong mandate coming out of UNEA is a reflection of how quickly the plastic crisis is escalating, a lot still needs to be done to translate the commitment to tangible reality.
• We can also expect a lot of companies to start claiming they are “plastic neutral”. The term refers to the practice of collecting back and recycling the same amount of plastic they put out in the market as products. A classic example is Indian multinational consumer goods company Dabur Ltd that announced they’re plastic neutral February 14, 2022.
• The beginning of writing a global plastic treaty is just the first step to winning the battle against plastic pollution. The real fight now is to develop a treaty without the negative influence of the conglomerates.

For articles related to the topic, refer:

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-10-28/plastic-waste-management-pwm

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2022-02-22/epr-rules-for-plastic-packaging

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2022-02-15/one-ocean-summit

https://edukemy.com/current-affairs/gazette/2021-06-22/global-trade-and-marine-pollution

• Question: Discuss the need for a Global Plastic Treaty. How far will it be able to solve the plastic pollution problem?

Sources:

• UN environment meet: 175 nations sign mandate to curb use of plastic:
• False solutions, green washing may put dampner on historic global plastic treaty
• Analysis: Big oil’s plastic boom threatens the historic UN Climate pact:
• World Economic Forum:
• United Nations:
• Historic day in the campaign to beat plastic pollution: Nations commit to develop a legally binding agreement:
• GLOBAL TREATY ON PLASTIC POLLUTION:
• Plastics at sea: Treaty design for a global solution to marine plastic pollution:
•  

This is image of recently discovered new gin berry species from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The species, named Glycosmis albicarpa with a distinct large white fruit, is endemic to the southern Western Ghats. The species belongs to the orange family, Rutaceae. Berries of Glycosmis species have the unique characteristic of ‘gin aroma’ and has gained in popularity as an edible fruit. The species is also a larval host plant for butterflies like other species of Glycosmis. The species, an evergreen small tree, was found as undergrowth in Tirunelveli semi-evergreen forests at the Panagudi forest section of the wildlife sanctuary as a single population that covers an area of approximately 2 sq.km

Source:

• New gin berry species discovered in southern Western Ghats:

• Context: In the backdrop of Russia’s attack on Ukraine's nuclear power plant, NATO has planned to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. 
• A no-fly zone, also known as a no-flight zone (NFZ), or air exclusion zone (AEZ) is a territory or area established by a military power over which certain aircrafts are not permitted to fly.
• It is usually set up in an enemy power's territory during a conflict.
• In this case, a no-fly zone would bar all unauthorized aircraft from flying over Ukraine which would protect civilians and other infrastructure from Russian air strikes.
• Such no-fly zone restrictions had earlier been imposed by Western nations over parts of Iraq for more than a decade following the 1991 Gulf War, during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1993-95, and during the Libyan civil war in 2011.

Source:

• Explained: Why a no-fly zone is unlikely in Ukraine
• Zelensky pushes call for Ukraine no fly zone

Image source:

• No-Fly Zone for Ukraine Now!

• Context: The forest officials have installed GPS transmitters on Nothern River Terrapin in Indian Sundarbans.
• This initiative is to track the movement of the species across International Boundaries.
• Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) is a species of riverine turtle that is commonly known to inhabit tidal areas of the estuaries of medium and large rivers and also the mangroves.
• They are one of Asia's largest freshwater and brackish turtles and are known for their seasonal migration.
• They exhibit site fidelity in nesting-they return to the same place (sand bars and river banks) for laying eggs.
• They are found only in Bangladesh (the Sundarbans and in captivity in Vawal National Park), Cambodia, India (parts- West Bengal & Odisha), Indonesia & Malaysia and are regionally extinct in Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam.
• They are categorized as “critically endangered” in IUCN Red List.

 Source:

• Endangered turtles play fast and loose with borders
• Northern River Terrapin: Habitat, Conservation, Lifespan

Image source:

• Northern River Terrapin: Habitat, Conservation, Lifespan

• Context: A recent draft legislation in Kerala has proposed two-year jail term for ‘nokkukooli’.
• Nokku kooli or gawking chargesrefers to loading, unloading and supervision charges demanded by workers, even if nobody has hired them to do the work.
• ‘Loading and unloading worker’ means “a person engaged or employed directly or through a contractor for an establishment to carry out the functions of loading/unloading/carrying, manually or using any machinery for wages.
• It was a common practice earlier among head-load workers in Kerala who were part of trade unions.
• The draft legislation prescribes:
  • Imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to a lakh or both for claiming work as a loading and unloading worker without a valid and subsisting registration.
  • Same penalty for claiming work that a worker is not entitled to; for claiming higher wages than prescribed; or for threatening any employer or his employee for more than prescribed wages.
  • The use of foul language, being drunk during work hours, indulging in immoral activities or financial misappropriation or extortion will be treated as offences under IPC and CrPC.
  • Kerala Headload Workers’ Welfare Board (KHWWB) would be the authority to notify prescribed wages.

Source:

• Draft legislation proposes two-year jail term for ‘nokkukooli’
• How 'nokku kooli' harassment continues in Kerala, 3 years after CM scrapped it

Image source:

• High courtsequates union demanding Nokku kooli

• Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) has launched the ‘Stree Manoraksha Project’ in collaboration with NIMHANS recently.
• It is an initiative aimed to improve the mental health of women in India.
• The project would focus on building on capacity building of OSC (One-Stop Center) functionaries on the tools and techniques as to how to handle the cases of women approaching the One-Stop Centres, particularly the women who have suffered violence and distress with due sensitivity and care.
• The project will be imparted in two formats:
• One format will focus on basic training for all OSC functionaries including the security guards, cooks, helpers, caseworkers, counsellors, centre administrators, paramedical staff, etc.
• The second format will emphasise the advanced course which focuses on varied components such as lifetime trauma in case of violence against women; guiding principles and challenges in managing trauma in case of sexual violence; assessment of mental distress, suicidal tendency etc.
• This advanced training program will be given in all the regional languages in order to make it easily understandable.

Source:

• Women and Child Development Ministry launches ‘Stree Manoraksha Project’ aiming to improve mental health of women
• Only 6 of 32 One stop centres for women function in Tamil Nadu

Image source:

• Only 6 of 32 One stop centres for women function in Tamil Nadu

Essence: The pandemic has pushed companies to think of hybrid workforces and remote working as new normal. Thus, companies need to institutionalise frameworks, develop a nurturing environment and define measures of success to adjust to this new normal and enhance productivity of virtual working. The author suggests the higher management to be more empathetic and improve trust on the employees to develop their preferred working styles. New key performance indicators need to track collaboration and well-being. New innovative ways such as gamification of performance leader boards and competitions needs to be undertaken to build a culture of work recognition.  

The author also suggests the following additional measures to enhance productivity of virtual working: 

• Making sure the tech and video conferencing platforms are right
• Connecting with colleagues outside the work calls on social media platforms
• Having a dedicated workplace at home and keeping track of one’s time 

 Why should you read this article? 

• To understand the changing dynamics of work culture due to the pandemic.
• To know about the steps companies, need to take to increase the productivity of the virtual workforce.
   

Source: 

• Elevating productivity in the virtual workforce: the rulebook for organizations and the workforce

Essence: Digitization of the financial world has happened at an unpredictable pace. Digital payments and cryptocurrencies are testament to this. However, this sector needs to be properly regulated to balance its benefits with adequate consumer protection and national security. That alone will ensure consumer’s trust which is vital for stability and resilience of the system.

Stance of the government and RBI has been ambivalent and legality of instruments like cryptocurrency has remain clouded. Sooner official stand of the government and central Bank is out, better it will be for all the stakeholders.

Why should you read this article?

• To understand the recent rise in digitization of finances and the need for robust regulation.
• To understand policy indecision surrounding cryptocurrency.

Source:

• Crypto policy and India: The spectacle continues:

Essence: India is regarded as a world leader in the digital public infrastructure (DPI) movement but hasn't gotten as much attention is the budget's emphasis on DPI. This year's budget contributes to the ongoing conversation around DPIs by announcing four major initiatives: health, skilling, a Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), and travel. According to studies, the construction of national digital ecosystems in the above mentioned might add more than 5% to India's GDP. However, if we are to fully unleash the potential of these platforms by distinguishing between the "tech" and "non-tech" layers of our digital infrastructure, critical design issues must be addressed.

To fully realize the promise of India's open digital ecosystems (ODEs), we must first address the "non-tech" layers, emphasizing data protection, universal access, and accountability. A "National ODE Council" to guide coordinated policies and retain the focus on citizen-centricity should be added to the sector-specific institutions. It is now necessary to turn attention to the non-tech levels of the stack in order to realize the full potential of these platforms for every Indian.

Why should you read this article?

• To comprehend the significance of DPI for India and how they would contribute to the country's economic growth.
• What actions should we take to realise the full potential of India's open digital ecosystems (ODEs)

Subject:

• Filling the physical gaps in India’s digital push:

Background

• Art plays a vital role in understanding a society and its mindset, especially ancient art, as they are a huge source of learning the past.
• Bulu Imam from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand is working extensively to preserve a 10000 year old art form of the region.

How it all started?

• Bulu Imam, from a family of politician and diplomats, never had any interest in art or academic knowledge.
• He turned into an activist as soon as he learned about the a mining project that threatened the existence of 300 tribal villages.
• In the year 1991, an Australian Jesuit Father informed him about some art found in the caves of the mining area, which turned out to be from the Mesolithic time.
• Bulu Imam has been working to preserve this art and bring awareness about the art amongst the people of the region.
• He has also formed a tribal women cooperative to encourage them in practicing the art.
• He has been awarded the Padma Shri award for his never-ending service to the safeguarding of the art.

Quote: “The art of a people is a true mirror to their minds.”- Jawaharlal Nehru

Source:

• 79-YO Padma Shri Awardee Spent 30 Years Preserving 10000-Year-Old Art: