In News: Independent Expert Group (IEG), appointed under the auspices of the India G20 Presidency, has recommended a triple agenda to harness the potential of multilateral development banks (MDBs).

About

• Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are international financial institutions comprising member nations from both developed and developing countries. Their primary role is to extend loans and grants to member nations, especially those in need, to finance projects aimed at fostering social and economic development within those countries.
• The emergence of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, a period when there was a pressing need for reconstruction and development in war-torn countries.
• The first and most prominent MDB is the World Bank, formally known as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). It was established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference in New Hampshire, USA.

Triple agenda to harness the potential of MDBs:

• Adopting a triple mandate of eliminating extreme poverty, boosting shared prosperity, and contributing to global public goods;
• Tripling sustainable lending levels by 2030; and
• Creating a third funding mechanism that would permit flexible and innovative arrangements for purposefully engaging with investors willing to support elements of the MDB agenda.

Effective Implementation of Triple Agenda

• Effective implementation of the triple agenda requires important changes in the ways that MDBs operate.
• Individually and collectively MDBs must become effective agents in all developing countries for integrating the development and climate agendas,
• Working with governments and the private sector to reduce, share and manage risks and thereby bring down the cost of capital.
• They must change their culture, become more client-responsive, and take more risk.
• Timelines for project preparation should be shrunk and procedures rationalised. They must also increase the scale and nature of their activities.
• Coordination between private and public sector arms of the MDBs on the use of the Cascade principles, guarantees, blended finance, political risk insurance, and foreign exchange hedging should be systematic rather than episodic.

Functions of Multilateral development banks (MDBs)

MDBs play a vital role in global development. They provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries to help them achieve their economic and social goals. MDBs also work to promote good governance and sustainable development.

• Providing loans and grants: These loans and grants can help developing countries to build roads, bridges, and other infrastructure; improve agricultural productivity; provide access to education and healthcare; and reduce poverty.
• Providing technical assistance: Technical assistance can cover a wide range of topics, such as project management, financial management, and environmental impact assessment.
• Promoting good governance:MDBs promote good governance in developing countries by supporting reforms that strengthen the rule of law, improve transparency and accountability, and reduce corruption.
• Promoting sustainable development:MDBs promote sustainable development by supporting projects that protect the environment and reduce poverty. This includes projects that promote renewable energy, improve water management, and protect biodiversity.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/expert-group-on-strengthening-mdbs-need-for-triple-agenda-to-harness-the-potential/article67090495.ece

https://www.cgdev.org/sites/default/files/The_Triple_Agenda_G20-IEG_Report_Volume1_2023.pdf

Why in News: Recently, NATO summit 2023 held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

• NATO (founded: Washington Treaty, 1949; HQ: Brussels, Belgium) is also called the North Atlantic Alliance.
• It is an intergovernmental military alliance between 31 member states (including Finland)– 29 European and two North American.
• Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.
• Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one Ally is an attack against all.

Key Highlights of the Summit:

• The launch of the NATO-Ukraine Council aimed to engage and support Ukraine. This council is intended to serve as a permanent body where the alliance’s 31 members and Ukraine can hold consultations and call for meetings in emergency situations.
• Finland and Sweden’s approval as NATO members showcased the alliance’s commitment to expansion and deterrence against potential threats, including Russia.
• Ukraine won new security assurances from the U.S. and its allies. A joint declaration issued by the G-7, issued during the summit, lays the groundwork for each nation to negotiate agreements to help Ukraine bolster its military over the long term.
• The summit addressed China’s malicious cyber operations, confrontational rhetoric, and disinformation, recognizing its emerging challenges to Euro-Atlantic security.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/what-are-the-takeaways-from-the-nato-summit/article67099183.ece#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20garbed%20in%20the%20urgency,a%20Defence%20Production%20Action%20Plan.

Why in News: Recently, the Madras High Court upheld the legality of Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam.

Enforcement Directorate (ED):

• It is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated with the Investigation of offenses of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
• It works under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Its headquarter is in New Delhi headed by the Director of Enforcement; has five regional offices in Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi; 10 zonal offices each headed by a Deputy Director.
• Director’s tenure is of two years but can be extended from two years up to five years.
• Enforcement of Acts including:
  • Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974 – Empowered to sponsor cases of preventive detention Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
  • Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
  • Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOA), 2018.
• As FEMA and PMLA apply to all of India, allowing ED to take action against any person.

Madras High Court’s Ruling:

• The judge accepted that ED officials are not police officers as per the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India (2022).
• It was further highlighted that Section 167(2) CrPC enables the remand of an accused to ‘such custody as the Magistrate thinks fit’ during the first fifteen days and does not specify whether it has to be ‘police custody’ or ‘judicial custody’.
• ED can subject any person accused in a case booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to custodial interrogation.

Previous Judgements of Supreme Court:

• In Central Bureau of Investigation v. Anupam J. Kulkarni (1992), the Supreme Court laid down the law that no police custody can be allowed beyond the first 15 days from the date of arrest; any further remand during an investigation can only be in judicial custody.
• In its landmark 2022 ruling Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that since the officers under the PMLA are not given powers of a police officer, they could not seek police custody. She noted that the officers empowered to arrest under Section 19 of the PMLA are required to produce the accused to the competent court within 24 hours of arrest and can only seek judicial remand.
• In Central Bureau of Investigation v. Anupam J. Kulkarni (1992), the Supreme Court laid down the law that no police custody can be allowed beyond the first 15 days from the date of arrest; any further remand during the investigation can only be in judicial custody.
• In Chidambaram v. Directorate of Enforcement (2019), the Supreme Court rejected a prayer for anticipatory bail with respect to an offence of money laundering and proceeded to grant custody to the ED. The court reasoned that in a case of money laundering which involves many stages of placement and layering of funds, a ‘systematic and analysed’ investigation is required which would be frustrated if pre-arrest bail is granted.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-senthilbalaji-case-what-has-the-sc-said-about-eds-powers-to-arrest-and-seek-custody-in-the-past/article67089535.ece

In News: Union government launches first ever "Credit Guarantee Scheme" for Livestock Sector

About Credit Guarantee Scheme for Livestock Sector:

• Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launches the first-ever "Credit Guarantee Scheme" for the Livestock Sector.
• The scheme aims to reboot rural economy by leveraging Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Livestock sector.
• It has been approved under the Prime Minister's AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package as part of the "Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund" (AHIDF).
• The implementation of the Credit Guarantee Scheme will be overseen by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Important features:
  • A Credit Guarantee Fund Trust of Rs. 750.00 crores will be established to provide credit guarantee coverage up to 25% of credit facilities for eligible MSMEs.
  • A Credit Guarantee Portal will be opened to facilitate the enrolment of eligible lending institutions, issuance/renewal of Credit Guarantee Cover, and Settlement of Claims.
  • Loans of up to 90% of the total project cost can be obtained from Scheduled Banks and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
  • Additionally, an interest Subvention of 3% is provided for beneficiaries for timely repayments of loan installments.
• The credit will target investments in dairy processing, meat processing, animal feed plants, breed improvement, waste management, and veterinary vaccine/drugs manufacturing facilities.
• The scheme will act as a key enabler and risk mitigation measure for lending institutions and will facilitate collateral-free funding to the Livestock Sector.
• Overall, the scheme is expected to increase the participation of MSMEs in the livestock sector, enhance credit flow and strengthening of the Livestock sector's contribution to the overall rural economy.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1940935

In News: World Bank president Ajay Banga deliberates on India's opportunity to become an alternative to China in Manufacturing

About India has a 3–5-year China+1 window:

• World Bank President Ajay Banga recently visited India and emphasized the country's potential to become an alternative to China in
• India has a limited window of three to five years to capitalize on this opportunity and establish itself as a viable manufacturing destination.

Key observations:

• The changing global supply chain dynamics are prompting companies to explore diversifying their manufacturing locations, moving away from excessive reliance on China.
• India has an excellent opportunity to position itself as a preferred destination for companies seeking an alternative to China for manufacturing operations.
• India should act with determination and enthusiasm to seize this window of opportunity and attract manufacturing investments.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-has-3-5-year-to-cash-in-on-the-china1-window-world-bank-president-ajay-banga/articleshow/101970626.cms

In News: With the reporting of new polio cases in unvaccinated people of the U.S., U.K., and Israel, concern has been raised over the effectiveness of oral polio vaccines.

About the Polio Vaccine types:

• Polioviruses are enteroviruses that are transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route. Its transmission is linked to water, sanitation and hygiene.
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is a live attenuated vaccine that contains weakened polioviruses (all three types – 1, 2, and 3) to induce an immune response in the human body without causing disease.
• Advantages of OPV:
  • Inexpensive and easy to administer
  • Triggers a robust immune response in the gut lining i.e. the mucosal immune response in addition to the systemic immune response.
  • It is excellent at preventing disease as well as transmission.
  • Easier to manufacture
• Drawback of OPV:
  • It requires multiple booster shots since its uptake by the immune system is not as good.
  • OPV can reverse the virus’s neurovirulence in rare cases, leading to vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and vaccine-derived paralytic poliomyelitis (VDPVs).
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) contains inactivated polioviruses (all three types) and is administered by injection.
  • It induces a strong systemic immune response, thus protecting against paralytic poliomyelitis, without any risk of VAPP or VDPV.
• Limitations:
  • It hardly elicits mucosal immunity and is thus unable to prevent silent infections and transmission.
  • Manufacturing the IPV requires a high level of biosafety measures, because wild viruses are chemically inactivated.

The Global Switch

• Since 90% of VAPP and VDPV cases were due to poliovirus type 2, present in the vaccine, it was decided that OPV type-2 be discontinued. Hence since 2016, the OPV has attenuated versions of types 1 and 3 of the virus.

• This switch was accompanied by the introduction of IPV in countries that are still dependent on OPV.
• However, the number of VDPV cases didn’t come down after 2016 due factors like limited supply of IPV, cost/logistics, a sudden increase in the demand for IPV and interruption in routine immunisation due to COVID-19.
• Hence a child vaccinated with only IPV will resist the virus’s ability to cause a paralytic disease, but will still be at risk of being infected and contributing to silent transmission.
• Therefore it would be dangerous and unethical to discontinue OPV in a hasty manner, but new alternatives such as novel OPV (nOPV) can be used.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/oral-poliovirus-vaccine-role-disease-transmission/article67105487.ece#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20being%20inexpensive,called%20the%20mucosal%20immune%20response).

In News: India is considering expanding its Solar Technology and Application Resource Centres (STAR -C) initiative to a number of Pacific Island countries

About the STAR-C initiative:

• The STAR-C is an initiative, run by the International Solar Alliance in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
• The overall objective of the STAR-C initiative is to create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA Member States to enhance quality infrastructure (QI) for the uptake of solar energy product and service markets, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
• The programme aims to boost capacity in developing countries by building solar workforces, standardizing products, setting up infrastructure and bringing greater awareness among policymakers.
• STAR Centre initiative caters to a Member Country’s capacity-building needs in one or a combination of ways:
  • Building capable solar workforces
  • Sensitising policymakers and financial institutions
  • Incubating enterprises, standardising products and services
  • Creating a knowledge repository on information related to solar energy
• In its initial stages, the focus was on the Economic Community of West African States, the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and the East African Community.

Impetus for working with Pacific Islands:

• The STAR Centre initiative currently runs in Tonga and after India’s participation in a summit with Pacific Island countries, India is looking to enhance its diplomatic footprint in the region.
• Increased outreach by China in this region has prompted increased outreach by traditional partners like Australia and the Quad nations (US, Japan, Australia, and India) to place greater emphasis on engaging with Pacific Island countries to address shared challenges.
• Pacific islands are the most vulnerable countries exposed to severe threats due to climate change.

Source:

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-may-build-solar-infra-in-pacific-island-nations-amid-chinese-push-11689875862684.html

In News:  Recently, Rajya Sabha Chairman nominates four women parliamentarians to panel of vice-chairpersons

About

The appointment of four women in the panel of vice-chairpersons is a significant step to give equal representation to female in a panel of Vice-Chairpersons and remove gender inequality. This created a history as it is for the time when women were appointed to the panel of vice-chairpersons.

• The Deputy Chairman heads the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha.
• The members are nominated from the members of the Rajya Sabha by the
• Its role is to assist in passing bills and ensuring the effective functioning of the government.
• In case of the Chairman’s absence, the same duty is delegated and executed by the house's deputy chairman.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/for-the-first-time-rajya-sabha-chairman-nominates-4-women-to-panel-of-vice-chairpersons-giving-them-equal-representation/article67101902.ece#:~:text=Among%20the%20newly%20nominated%20members,Deo%20and%20NCP's%20Fauzia%20Khan.

In News: The opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament the Opposition insisted that the Prime Minister make a suo motu statement followed by a discussion, suspending all business under Rule 267.

About

• Rule 176: Rule 176 enables any member of the Rajya Sabha to raise a short-duration discussion on a matter of urgent public importance.
• Rule 267: Rule 267 deals with the suspension of rules and is used when any member wishes to move that a particular rule be suspended in its application to a motion related to the business listed before the Council on that day.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/rule-176-vs-rule-267-what-govt-agrees-to-what-opp-demands-8851408/

In News: Recently, Ms. Nivruti Rai appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Invest India.

About

• Invest India, set up in 2009, is a non-profit venture under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• It is the national investment promotion and facilitation agency.
• Invest India focuses on sector-specific investor targeting and the development of new partnerships to enable sustainable investments in India.
• In addition to a core team that focuses on sustainable investments, Invest India also partners with substantial investment promotion agencies and multilateral organizations.
• Invest India also actively works with several Indian states to build capacity as well as bring in global best practices in investment targeting, promotion, and facilitation areas.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Union-Ministers-Piyush-Goyal-and-Prakash-Javadekar-congratulate-Invest-India-for-winning-most-innovative-Investment-Promotion-Agency-2021-award&id=421111

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1940772

In News: As the global market of biofortification is projected to reach $217.21 million by 2030 from the current $100.84 million (in 2022), the government is seeking the private sector’s help to popularise the access to nutrient-rich crops.

About

• Biofortification is a process that involves increasing the nutritional value of crops by enhancing the levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients through traditional breeding techniques or modern biotechnology.
• It aims to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods and combat malnutrition, particularly in regions where people have limited access to a diverse diet and suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.
• Biofortification primarily focuses on staple crops like rice, wheat, maize, beans, and sweet potatoes, which are major sources of calories for millions of people worldwide.

Biofortification offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address this problem. There are two primary methods of biofortification:

• Conventional Breeding: This method involves selecting and crossbreeding plant varieties that naturally have higher levels of specific nutrients.
• Genetic Modification: Also known as genetic engineering or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), this method involves introducing specific genes into the crop's DNA to enhance its nutritional content.

Some successful examples of biofortification include:

• Golden Rice: A genetically modified rice variety engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness and weaken the immune system, making Golden Rice a potential solution to combat this issue.
• Iron and Zinc-fortified Beans: Beans are a staple food for many communities, and fortifying them with iron and zinc can help address deficiencies of these vital minerals.
• High-Iron Pearl Millet: Pearl millet is a drought-resistant staple crop grown in arid regions. Biofortified varieties of pearl millet with increased iron content can aid in tackling iron deficiency anemia.

https://epaper.thehindubusinessline.com/ccidist-ws/bl/bl_hyderabad/issues/44260/OPS/GMLBGJOO9.1+GQEBGLT69.1.html

In News: Recently, Prime Minister expected to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse, claimed to be the world’s biggest office space in a single project.

About

• The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) has planned to expand and shift the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat, the hub of cutting and polishing diamonds.
• The SDB has been built on an area of 66 lakh square feet at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city.
• Surat’s diamond trading market is located at present in Mahidharpra Hira Bazaar and Varachha Hira Bazaar.
• The SDB core committee has seven members with Vallabhbhai Lakhani, owner of Kiran Gems, the biggest diamond firm of Surat, as its chairman.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-worlds-biggest-office-all-you-need-to-know-surat-diamond-bourse-8851385/#:~:text=Biggest%20office%20space%20in%20the,Pentagon%20in%20the%20United%20States.

In News: Recently, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently launched the Heat Index on experimental basis

About

• Heat Index has been launched by IMD to provide general guidance for the regions within India where, the apparent temperature/feels like temperature (considering the impact of humidity along with the temperature) are on the higher side causing discomfort for the people.
• At present, the heat index is derived using the heat index equation similar to what is used by National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.
• Heat index provides information about the impact of humidity on high temperatures and thus provides a feel-like temperature for human beings which can be used as an indication of human discomfort. It provides guidance towards additional care to be taken by people to reduce discomfort.

Experimental Heat Index are as follows:

• Green: - Experimental heat Index less than 35 deg C
• Yellow: - Experimental heat Index in the range 36-45 deg C
• Orange: - Experimental heat Index in the range 46-55 deg C
• Red: - Experimental heat Index greater than 55 deg C

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1941012

Context: The deranged crime in Manipur, especially during communally charged conflicts, is a social and political dislocation of a deeper sort. Such systems of violence are a by-product of India’s majoritarian turn.

Decoding the editorial: Meltdown in Manipur

Aspects of meltdown in Manipur

• The systems of violence
  • The hill administration in southern Manipur is now being run from New Delhi, with the N Biren Singh government’s mandate reduced to the Imphal Valley.
  • Even such limited writ came into question with the recent murder of a Naga woman in Imphal East, which threatened to dislocate Naga-Meitei ties.
  • It took strong condemnation by civil society members as well as radical Meitei outfits such as the Arambai Tenggol, to prevent a Meitei-Naga war in north Manipur.
  • Such a situation risks roping Nagaland into the vortex, akin to the Meitei-Kuki rupture in the south that has already involved Mizoram into the mix.
  • Hosting thousands of displaced Kuki-Zo families, the Mizoram government is openly supporting this community.
  • Mizos feel the need to protect their ethnic kin in Manipur from Meitei majoritarianism.
  • The last time this happened was in the 1970s and 1980s, when the Mizo National Front was an insurgent organisation seeking to unify all these communities into greater Mizoram.
  • Political tensions between Mizoram, Assam and Manipur, including over disputed boundaries, have become highly charged.
• Partitioned state administration
  • Meitei police officers are not operating in the hills, and Kuki-Zo officers are not operating in the Valley.
• Missing arms
  • To worsen matters, 6.32-lakh bullets and around 4,537-arms, including light and medium machine-guns, are reportedly missing from the Manipur Police Training Centre, 7th India Reserve Battalion, and 8th Manipur Rifles in Imphal city.
  • Of these weapons, about 5.31 percent are said to be in the Kuki-dominated hills, and the rest in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley.
• Complicated gender politics
  • Meitei women’s groups scuttled an army operation and forced the release of 12 Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup militants, with no follow-up action against either.
  • This brings into sharp relief the complicated gender politics and inter-community balance-of-power in this conflict.
• Massive infusion of drug profits and products from Myanmar.
• India’s majoritarian turn
  • Fresh partitions and associated armed ethnic mobilisation in Northeast India with support from states-within-the-Union are a by-product of India’s majoritarian turn.
  • Majoritarianism, here, is defined by competing desires for regional hegemony and demands for access to resources and power within the Union, and not territorial separation.
  • Socially corrosive, such ecosystems are lubricated by perverse vote-bank politics, and illicit, unaccounted cash-flows, both of which are abundant in the Northeast.
• The structures of silence around the violence
  • The silence of India’s prime minister.
    • He has finally and belatedly spoken on Manipur.
    • It raises the question of where exactly the ruling party figures on the complicit-incompetent spectrum in Manipur.
  • The silence on systemic violence against women in Manipur.
    • But it took a leaked video and associated public shock for Manipur police to order an investigation. Till then, there was silence.
    • Unfortunately, if one goes by the predicament of India’s wrestling champions who’ve been fighting for justice against sexual harassment by those in power, chances of a fair investigation in Manipur’s case remain thin. There may be a spectacle around arrests of certain identifiable individuals in the video. But to expect this moment to translate into a turning-point where the state asserts itself and reinstates a modicum of constitutional integrity to a strife-torn state is delusional.
  • India’s eroding social contract
    • India’s social contract is eroding, not because there aren’t enough people who care about it.
    • India’s social contract seems to be weakening because wrongdoers in power aren’t being held accountable.
    • The only way to deliver justice to the two survivors of this mob assault, and perhaps to stabilise the situation in Manipur, is to ensure accountability.

India’s social contract is melting, and while it may seem geographically peripheral, Manipur is right at the heart of it.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/who-is-accountable-in-manipur-8850423/