UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 20th October 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Indo-Pacific

Context

Emphasising sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth while preserving the ecosystem's health, the Defence Minister of India during the 18th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM) in New Delhi said India stands for open and rule-based maritime borders in Indo-Pacific.

What is the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM)?

• It is an apex level forum facilitating the congregation of all the major Coast Guard Agencies of the Asian region, it was established in 2004.
• It is a multilateral forum of 23 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Vietnam and one Region i.e., Hong Kong (China).
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting the 18th HACGAM in coordination with the HACGAM Secretariat.
• A total of 55 representatives from 18 countries and two International Organisations — Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC-GMCP) are participating in the meeting.

What is the Indo-Pacific Region?

• About:
  • Indo-Pacific is a recent concept. It was about a decade ago that the world started talking about the Indo-Pacific; its rise has been quite significant.
  • One of the reasons behind the popularity of this term is an understanding that the Indian Ocean and the Pacific are a linked strategic theater.
  • Also, the centre of gravity has shifted to Asia. The reason being maritime routes, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific provide the sea lanes. The majority of the world’s trade passes through these oceans.
• Significance:
  • The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most populous and economically active regions of the world which includes four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia and America.
  • The dynamism and vitality of the region is self-evident, 60% of the world's population and 2/3rd of the global economic output makes this region a global economic centre.
  • The region is also a great source and destination for Foreign Direct Investment. Many of the world’s critical and large supply chains have an Indo-Pacific connection.
  • There are vast reserves of marine resources in the Indian and Pacific Oceans combined, including offshore hydrocarbons, methane hydrates, seabed minerals and rare earth metals.
  • Sizable coastlines and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) provide littoral countries with competitive capabilities for exploiting these resources.
  • In turn, a number of the world's largest economies are located in the Indo-Pacific region, including India, U.S.A, China, Japan, Australia.

What is India’s Perspective of the Indo-Pacific?

• Cooperate with Others for Security Architecture: A lot of India’s special partners, the US, Australia, Japan and Indonesia want India’s presence in the South China Sea, East China Sea, basically to counter China.
  • India, however, seeks to cooperate for an architecture for peace and security in the region. The common prosperity and security require the countries to evolve, through dialogue, a common rules-based order for the region.
• Indo-Pacific Extends from Africa to America: For India, Indo-Pacific stands for a free, open, inclusive region. It includes all nations in the geography and also others who have a stake in it. In its geographical dimension, India considers the area from the shores of Africa to the shores of America.
• Equal Share in Trade and Investment: India supports rule-based, open, balanced and stable trade environment in the Indo-Pacific Region, which lifts up all nations on the tide of trade and investment. This is the same as what the country expects from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
• Unified ASEAN: Unlike China, India seeks a unified ASEAN, not a divided one. China tries to play off some ASEAN members against others, thereby in a way executing ‘divide and rule’ conquest strategy.
• Work in Collaboration with China: India does not comply with the US version of Indo-Pacific, that seeks to contain Chinese dominance. India is rather looking for the ways through which it can work together with China.
• Against Dominance of a Single Player: India is looking for democratising the region. Earlier, the region used to be almost like an American lake. However, there exists a fear that the region will become Chinese lake now. India doesn't want hegemony of any player in the region.

What are the Current Challenges in the Indo-Pacific?

• Theatre of Geo-Strategic Competition: Indo-Pacific is the principal theatre of geo-strategic competition between different multilateral institutions like QUAD and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• China’s Militarization Move: China has been a challenge to India’s interests and stability in the Indian Ocean. India's neighbours are receiving military and infrastructural assistance from China, including submarines for Myanmar, frigates for Sri Lanka, and its overseas military base in Djibouti (Horn of Africa).
  • Also, China has a hold over Hambantota port (Sri Lanka), which is just a few hundred miles off the shores of India.
• Hotspot For Non-Traditional Issues: The region's vastness makes it difficult to assess and address multiple risks, including incidents of piracy, trafficking and terrorism.
  • The Indo-Pacific region is facing serious challenges related to geographical and ecological stability due to climate change and the three consecutive La Niña events that are causing cyclones and tsunamis.
  • Also, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and marine pollution is hampering the aquatic life of this region.
• India’s Limited Naval Capacity: Indian Navy has limited resources and capacity to strengthen its efforts because of limited allocation of Indian military budget. Also, lack of overseas military bases creates a fundamental logistical challenge for India to maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Way Forward

• The countries in the region should have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
• It is important to establish connectivity in the region based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultation, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is necessary for Indo-Pacific security. MDA implies effective understanding of any activity associated with the maritime environment that could impact upon the security, safety, economy or environment
• Multipolarity: Security & peace and law-abiding nature of the countries around the region is crucial. This will also allow multipolarity in the region. The smaller states in the region expect India to step up to the plate and help them widen their options, both economically as well as militarily. India should try to fulfill their aspirations.

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) site at Gujarat’s Lothal.

• NMHC at Lothal is being developed as a one-of-its-kind project to display India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage.

Lothal- A Harappan Civilization Site

• Background: Lothal was one of the southernmost sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, located in the modern state of Gujarat.
  • Construction of the city is believed to have begun around 2200 BCE.
  • The excavation started from 13 February 1955 to 19 May 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to unearth the ancient city.
  • Archaeologists believe that the city was a part of a major river system on the ancient trade route from Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat.
• About: Lothal was one of the prominent cities of the Harappan civilization and is known for the discovery of the oldest man-made dockyard.
• Location: Lothal is situated in Gujarat; on Bhogva river near the Gulf of Cambay.
• Key Findings: Following are the key findings from Lothal Harappan Site-
  • Port Town
  • Graveyard
  • Ivory weight balance
  • Copper dog
  • First manmade port
  • Dockyard
  • Rice husk
  • Fire alters
  • Chess-playing
• Significance: Artefacts suggest that trade from Lothal may have been conducted with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.
  • An entire township with market and dock has been unearthed here.

National Maritime Heritage Complex

• About: National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is being developed as a one-of-its-kind project to display India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage.
  • The foundation stone for the NMHC project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019.
• Associated Ministry: National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal is being built under overall supervision and guidance of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • also help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.
• Cost: National Maritime Heritage Complex is being built with total cost of 3500 crore rupees.
• Indian Institute of Heritage’ (IIH): To be set up as a Deemed to be University

What are the key features of National Maritime Heritage Complex at lothal?

National Maritime Heritage Complex will have several innovative and unique features such as-

• Lothal mini recreation to recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle,
• Four theme parks –
  • Memorial theme park,
  • Maritime and Navy theme park,
  • Climate theme park, and
  • Adventure and Amusement theme park.
• It will also house following among others-
  • the world’s tallest lighthouse museum,
  • Fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage starting from the Harappan times till today,
• A Coastal states pavilion displaying the diverse maritime heritage of states and UTs.
• Swadesh Darshan scheme- New Projects Sanctioned under Heritage Circuit Theme

Significance of National Maritime Heritage Complex

• National Maritime Heritage Complex will help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.
• A maritime heritage complex in Lothal is a fitting tribute to the city’s historical legacy and heritage.
• National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal will act as a centre for learning and understanding of India’s diverse maritime history.
• The boost to the tourism potential through this project will also augment the economic development of the region.

GS-II

Context

Preparations are going on in full swing for the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat. Election Commission had signed MoUs with over 1,000 corporate houses undertaking to monitor electoral participation of their workforce and publish on their websites and notice boards those who do not vote.

Background

• In June, the EC had asked central and state government departments, public sector units and corporate entities with over 500 employees to appoint nodal officers to identify employees who take leave on polling day but do not vote, The Indian Express reported.
• The Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat has said that the employees of state public sector units and government departments who don’t vote will also be tracked.
• The report also mentioned that on a recent visit to Gujarat, the CEC himself had said that though the commission cannot enforce compulsory voting, it “wanted to identify workers in big industries who don’t vote despite availing the holiday”.

All you need to know about Election Commission of India

• The ECI is a constitutional authority whose responsibilities and powers are prescribed in the Constitution of India under Article 324.
• In the performance of its functions, the Election Commission is insulated from executive interference.
• It is the Commission that decides the election schedules for the conduct of elections, whether general elections or by-elections.
• ECI decides on the location of polling stations, assignment of voters to the polling stations, location of counting centres, arrangements to be made in and around polling stations and counting centres and all allied matters.

Importance of Election Commission of India

• Conduction of Election: The ECI has been successfully conducting national as well as state elections since 1952.
• Electoral participation: In recent years, however, the Commission has started to play a more active role to ensure greater participation of people.
• Discipline of political parties: It had gone to the extent of disciplining the political parties with a threat of derecognizing if the parties failed in maintaining inner-party democracy.
• Upholds federalism: It upholds the values enshrined in the Constitution viz, equality, equity, impartiality, independence; and rule of law in superintendence, direction, and control over electoral governance.
• Free and fair elections: It conducts elections with the highest standard of credibility, freeness, fairness, transparency, integrity, accountability, autonomy and professionalism.

What is the criticism over the EC’s move to track who do not vote?

• Unethical and against the democracy: Any coercion particularly coercion of the kind being proposed by the EC in this case betrays an authoritarian approach that is not only antithetical to democracy, but is directly violative of the Constitution and the laws of the land.
• Against the freedom of Expression: Constitution provides a fundamental right of freedom of expression. (Article 19). It is individual’s choice to cast their Right to vote or not to vote.
• Revealing Identity would be violative of Article 14: Protection of elector’s identity and affording secrecy is therefore integral to free and fair elections and an arbitrary distinction between a voter who casts and a voter who does not cast his vote is violative of Article 14. Thus, secrecy is to be maintained for both categories of persons.” the list of non-voters be put up on a company’s notice board or website? It will clearly be contempt of court.
• Supreme Court’s judgement on NOTA and mandatory voting: The Supreme Court, in PUCL vs Union of India, 2013, (popularly known as the NOTA judgment) has held that abstention from voting and negative voting are protected as freedom of expression a fundamental right. Earlier, in April 2009, the Court had taken the same view while dismissing a plea that sought to make voting mandatory on grounds of governments not representing the majority because of low turnouts.
• No of circumstances that one can’t vote on the day: In every election, there will be those who do not vote out of conviction or for ideological reasons. More importantly, there are millions of daily wage workers, and many homeless and ill.

What are the legal and constitutional provisions for a citizen?

• Section 79 D of RPA Act: Section 79 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 defines “electoral right” to mean the right of a person to vote or refrain from vote at an election”. The law completely enables, but does not force, citizens to vote. The same provision exists in the Indian Penal Code, vide Section 171A (b).
• Section135B of the RPA Act: Section135B of the Representation of People Act, 1951, grants a paid holiday to every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment.
• A compulsory paid Holiday: Even a daily wage worker shall be paid for the day.The only exception is essential services Contravention of the law carries a fine for the employer which may extend to Rs 500, which was fixed over 25 years ago.
• Rulings of the supreme court on the matter of voting rights
• Free and fair election is a basic structure: In PUCL vs Union of India, the Court said: “free and fair election is a basic structure of the Constitution and necessarily includes within its ambit the right of an elector to cast his vote without fear of reprisal, duress or coercion.

What does the Election Commission say over this new development?

• Clarification by Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat: MoU’s are signed in the form of appeal for increasing registration and voter turnout, establish voter awareness forum in their organisations.
• To track electoral participation: Election Commission said that it will help to track electoral participation of their workforce.
• Less voting percentage: Out of seven least voting percentage districts during 2019 general elections, four were metropolitan cities. Voting percentage in urban areas is generally less, pulling down the overall voting percentage.
• Purpose is to educate voters: CEC clarified MoUs are only for voter education and facilitation and not for compelling them to vote.

 How to address the issue of less participation of voters?

• Systematic voter education programme: The noble objective of enhanced voter participation can be best achieved through systematic voter education, amply demonstrated by the ECI in elections in all the states and Union territories since 2010 when a voter education division was set up. This soon evolved into its SVEEP programme. This has led to all elections ever since seeing the highest-ever turnouts.
• Through Motivation and facilitation: The EC’s consistent efforts should be towards motivation and facilitation, rather than compulsion, are the best ways to address the issue.
• The voter education programme: The voter education programme has sought to motivate the youth to participate in democracy by registering as voters, voting in every election and voting ethically that is, without inducement. It has involved schools and colleges to take the registration facility to the doorstep by introducing voter clubs, and youth icons and placing drop boxes in the pubic locations and online drop boxes.
• Awareness in the corporate setup: Employers have been encouraged to create similar facilities in their offices. They are legally obliged to close their establishments on poll day, but this is seldom enforced.

Conclusion

The noble objective of enhanced voter participation can be best achieved through systematic voter education, and awareness programs and not the cost of fundamental rights of the citizen which is enshrined the fundamental law of the land. Motivation and awareness could be the way for enhancing voter participation.

GS-III

Context

Addressing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said that India is ready to supply missiles and weapon systems to friendly countries in the region.

• He said that India seeks collaboration of the IOR countries to tackle terrorism, narcotics and unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean.

About IOR+ Conclave:

• The first Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave was held in Bengaluru in February 2021.
• At the Conclave, Defence Minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh had emphasised that as the largest nation in the IOR with a vast coastline of 7500 Kms, India has an active role to play for peaceful and prosperous co-existence of all countries.
• Building on the success of the first conclave, the Defence Minister hosted an IOR+ Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Gandhinagar, Gujarat recently for the year 2022.
• The broad theme was ‘Challenges Opportunities and Collaborations in the Indian Ocean’.
• The conclave was attended by 40 countries located in the Indian Ocean region.
• It facilitated dialogue towards fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean, with strategic and commercial partnerships within the IOR.

Challenges faced by the Indian Ocean Region:

The IOR countries face shared challenges such as –

• Spread of terrorism through sea routes,
• Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing,
• Piracy and
• Regional and Global food security.

Significance of IOR+ Conclave:

• The conclave is an initiative to promote dialogue in an institutional and cooperative environment that can foster peace, stability & prosperity in the IOR.
• The forum has been named IOR+ as the idea of this conclave is shared responsibility and prosperity.
• At the IOR+ conclave, Shri Rajnath Singh said that India was ready to supply weapons to friendly countries in IOR to help counter the challenges.
• Through IOR+ Conclave, India showcased three significant aspects of its commitment to foster peace and prosperity in the region –
  • The first is readiness to convert its exhibition of its indigenously produced military hardware into a willingness to provide it to strategic partners in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Secondly, there is a determined push by the government to enhance exports of defence production institutions in India.
  • Thirdly, the defence production facilities of India now have a clear political backing for exports.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
• It was formed in 1997 by an initiative of India and South Africa.
• The IORA has flourished for over 25 years and it now has 23 members and nine dialogue partners.
• France was the last country to be accepted on the basis of its territory of Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.

What is the need for an IOR Conclave when there is already an IORA?

• Government of India has neatly created a conclave of Defence Ministers of the Indian Ocean region without making it an event of IORA.
• Through IOR Conclave, India seeks to promote the objectives of SAGAR.
• SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region is the theme of Indian Ocean Policy as outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015.
• Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
• India’s approach and vision to tackle global challenges was highlighted by the dynamic five ‘S’ vision –
  • Samman (Respect); Samvaad (Dialogue); Sahyog (Cooperation); Shanti (Peace) and Samriddhi (Prosperity).
• India’s willingness to export defence equipment is not to strengthen any capability against third countries but mainly to contain and counter non-traditional threats and deal with coastal security, disasters, terrorism, piracy, pollution and illegal actions.
• This gives maritime security cooperation a better construct and is wisely pursued by initiatives like the IOR Conclave.

Context

Our world today is in turmoil, facing multiple, mutually reinforcing crises. for the first time since it began over 30 years ago, the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report has warned that global human development measures have declined across most countries in the past two years.

Background

• Ever increasing Existential threat: The greatest existential threat of all, the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
• Climate change and extreme forms of weather events associated with it: Nine of the warmest years on record have come in the past decade alone. This year’s record-breaking heat waves, floods, droughts, and other extreme forms of weather have forced us to face these increasingly devastating impacts.
• Window for action is closing fast: Climate change is a disruption multiplier in a disrupted world, rolling back progress across the global Sustainable Development Goals. Commitments we have now will not keep warming below the 1.5°C target that gives us the best chance of averting catastrophe.
• LIFE, a fresh perspective: LIFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in November 2021, brings a fresh and much-needed perspective.

What is “LIFE” called by PM Narendra Modi?

• LIFE: “LIFE – Lifestyle for the Environment”, PM Modi had proposed the one-word mass movement “LIFE” at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at Glasgow last November.
• A theme for COP27: “LIFE”, a global initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be the theme of the India pavilion at the upcoming COP27 at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.
• LIFE Movement: Subsequently, PM Modi launched ‘Lifestyle for the Environment – LIFE Movement’ on 5 June on the occasion of world environment day.
• What is the vision of LIFE: The vision of ‘LIFE’ is to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it The people who live such a lifestyle can be called “Pro-Planet people.”

What is LiFE-Movement?

• Objective of LiFE: The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption’.
• Aim of LiFE: The LiFE Movement aims to utilise the power of collective action and nudge individuals across the world to undertake simple climate-friendly actions in their daily lives. The LiFE movement, additionally, also seeks to leverage the strength of social networks to influence social norms surrounding climate.
• Creating Pro-planet people: The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3), who will have a shared commitment to adopt and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.
• Seeks to behavioural change and individual actions: Through the P3 community, the Mission seeks to create an ecosystem that will reinforce and enable environmentally friendly behaviours to be self-sustainable. LIFE recognizes that small individual actions can tip the balance in the planet’s favour.
• Mission liFE for India: Mission LiFE borrows from the past, operates in the present and focuses on the future. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are the concepts woven into our life. The Circular Economy has been an integral part of our culture and lifestyle.

What can be done to fulfil the vision of LiFE?

• Cultivating the attitude of individual responsibility starting from the home: Mindful choices cultivated by LIFE animate this spirit actions such as saving energy at home; cycling and using public transport instead of driving; eating more plant-based foods and wasting less; and leveraging our position as customers and employees to demand climate-friendly choices.
• Applying the nudging techniques to encourage positive behaviour: Many of the goals of LIFE can be achieved by deploying ‘nudges’, gentle persuasion techniques to encourage positive behaviour. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) employs proven nudging techniques such as discouraging food waste by offering smaller plates in cafeterias; encouraging recycling by making bin lids eye-catching; and encouraging cycling by creating cycle paths.
• Adopting greener consumption habits: According to the UNEP, more than two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to household consumption and lifestyles the urgent cuts to global emissions we need can only be achieved through widespread adoption of greener consumption habits.

How India could be the torch bearer?

• Historical wisdom: “Vasudhaiv kutumbakam” which means the world is one family, India insists on this philosophy. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “the world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” Even The Prime Minister recalled that Mahatma Gandhi talked about a zero-carbon lifestyle.
• India’s proven track record of mass movements: India has a proven track record translating the aspirations of national missions into whole-of-society efforts. The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which mobilised individuals and communities across socio-economic strata to become drivers of collective good health and sanitation is an example.
• India is strong to uphold Climate Justice: LIFE resonates with the global climate justice India has rightfully called for highlighting enhanced obligations those in developed countries bear, to support climate adaptation and mitigation for those most affected, yet least responsible. The average carbon footprint of a person in high income country is more than 80 times higher than that of a person in a least developed country. It is common sense and only fair to call on the developed world to shoulder a proportionate share of this transition.
• Indi’s leadership on climate action at the international stage: From the Panchamrit targets announced by Mr. Modi at COP26, to support for the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and South-South cooperation platforms, from the world’s fifth largest economy with vibrant businesses making enormous investments in renewables and electric mobility, to a world class public digital tech stack, India brings scale, expertise and legitimacy; a well-positioned founding UN Member State bridging the G20 and G77.
• India’s COP pavilions setting up an example: India has been setting up its pavilions at COPs since 2015 to showcase its achievements in climate actions. Several think tanks, civil society organizations, industry bodies and private sector organise side events at the India pavilion.

Conclusion

While governments and industry carry the lion’s share of responsibility for responding to the crisis of climate change, we as consumers play a large role in driving unsustainable production methods. With COP27 next month, we should commit to be an active partner of a global network of ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3), to adopt and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Context

Recently, the central government appointed the former head of eastern command Lt General Anil Chauhan (retired) as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

What is Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?

• Background: Its creation was recommended in 2001 by a Group of Ministers (GoM) that was tasked with studying the Kargil Review Committee (1999) report.
  • After the GoM recommendations, in preparation for the post of CDS, the government created the Integrated Defence Staff in 2002, which was to eventually serve as the CDS’s Secretariat.
  • In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee recommended the appointment of a Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee as a midway to eliminate apprehensions over the CDS.
  • Finally, the post of CDS was created in 2019 on the recommendations of a committee of defence experts headed by Lt General DB Shekatkar.
  • General Bipin Rawat was the first CDS in the country and was appointed on December 31, 2019.
• Roles and Responsibilities: His core function will be to foster greater operational synergy between the three service branches of the Indian military and keep inter-service frictions to a minimum.
  • He also heads the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Ministry of Defence.
  • The CDS will be the single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister on matters involving all three services and the service chiefs will be obliged to confine their counsel to issues pertaining to their respective services.
  • As the head of DMA, CDS is vested with the authority in prioritising inter-service procurement decisions as Permanent Chairman-Chiefs of Staff Committee.
  • The CDS is also vested with the authority to provide directives to the three chiefs. However, he does not enjoy any command authority over any of the forces.
  • CDS is first among equals, he enjoys the rank of Secretary within the DoD (Department of Defence) and his powers will be confined to only the revenue budget.
  • He will also perform an advisory role in the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
• Significance:
  • Synergy between Armed forces and Government: CDS’ role is not simply about tri-service (Army, Navy and Indian Air Force) cooperation, it is equally about fostering better cooperation between the Ministry of Defense bureaucracy and the Armed services.
    • Since 1947, there have been three Service Headquarters (SHQ) designated as “Attached Offices” of the Department of Defense (DoD). Due to this, communication between SHQ and DoD takes place largely through the medium of files.
    • With the creation of CDS as Principal Military Adviser (PMA) to Defense Minister, the process of decision-making will be accelerated.
  • Jointness in operations: The Chiefs of Staff Committee-COSC (predecessor of CDS), has been dysfunctional because its chairmanship is held by one of the three chiefs on a part-time rotational basis.
    • Historically, the chairman COSC lacked the authority as well as capacity and inclination to tackle tri-service issues of substance.
    • With the CDS now being designated as “permanent chairman of COSC”, he will be able to devote undivided attention to the administration of tri-service organisations.
  • Operationalisation of Theatre Command: Creation of DMA will facilitate the operationalisation of joint/theatre command.
    • Although a successful template for joint operations was created in the Andaman & Nicobar Command, the lack of political direction and indifference of the COSC has led to inactivity of this joint command.
    • Theatre commands would need staff with the knowledge and experience to deploy land, maritime and air forces. Given the disruptive impact of each of these measures, they would best be implemented by the CDS.
    • CDS as a key functionary in the nuclear command chain will also administer the Strategic Forces Command.
    • This measure will go a long way in enhancing the credibility of India's nuclear deterrent.
    • The CDS would also initiate an early review of India's Nuclear Doctrine.
• In the approaching era of dwindling defence budgets, a crucial function of CDS will be “prioritising” the capital acquisition proposals of individual services.

Context

The Commission for Air Quality Management directed New Delhi authorities to enforce stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• In 2014, when a study by the WHO found that Delhi was the most polluted city in the world, panic spread in the Centre and the state government.
• Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, the plan was formulated after several meetings that the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) held with state government and experts.
• The result was a plan that institutionalized measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates.
• GRAP also works as an emergency measure.
• It includes strict measures such as a ban on the entry of heavy vehicles, the odd-even road rationing restrictions, and a halt of construction work – each of which is likely to be impractical at a time when the pandemic has exacted heavy economic costs and public transport has been seen as an infection risk.

How does it work?

• As such, the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions.
• When the air quality shifts from poor to very poor, the measures listed under both sections have to be followed since the plan is incremental in nature.
• If air quality reaches the severe+ stage, GRAP talks about shutting down schools and implementing the odd-even road-space rationing scheme.

Measures taken under GRAP

Severe+ or Emergency

(PM 2.5 over 300 µg/cubic metre or PM10 over 500 µg/cu. m. for 48+ hours)

• Stop entry of trucks into Delhi (except essential commodities)
• Stop construction work
• Introduce odd/even scheme for private vehicles and minimise exemptions
• Task Force to decide any additional steps including shutting of schools

Severe

(PM 2.5 over 250 µg/cu. m. or PM10 over 430 µg/cu. m.)

• Close brick kilns, hot mix plants, stone crushers
• Maximise power generation from natural gas to reduce generation from coal
• Encourage public transport, with differential rates
• More frequent mechanized cleaning of road and sprinkling of water

 Very Poor

(PM2.5 121-250 µg/cu. m. or PM10 351-430 µg/cu. m.)

• Stop use of diesel generator sets
• Enhance parking fee by 3-4 times
• Increase bus and Metro services
• Apartment owners to discourage burning fires in winter by providing electric heaters during winter
• Advisories to people with respiratory and cardiac conditions to restrict outdoor movement

Moderate to poor

(PM2.5 61-120 µg/cu. m. or PM10 101-350 µg/cu. m.)

• Heavy fines for garbage burning
• Close/enforce pollution control regulations in brick kilns and industries
• Mechanized sweeping on roads with heavy traffic and water sprinkling
• Strictly enforce a ban on firecrackers

Has GRAP helped?

• The biggest success of GRAP has been in fixing accountability and deadlines.
• For each action to be taken under a particular air quality category, executing agencies are clearly marked.
• In a territory like Delhi, where a multiplicity of authorities has been a long-standing impediment to effective governance, this step made a crucial difference.

Context

According to NASSCOM's latest report, India is home to 11% of the global Web3.0 talent and employs nearly 75,000 blockchain professionals.

About:

• The study titled “The India Web3 Start-up Landscape, An Emerging Technology Leadership Frontier,” was aimed at promoting a broader understanding of the diverse possibilities with Web3 and the landscape of Web3 start-ups in the country.
• According to the study, in the last two years, Indian Web3 start-ups have grown to a 450-plus community with four unicorns.
• Between 2021-2022 alone, India registered more than 170 new Web3 start-ups, yielding over 50% CAGR growth since 2015.
• While global response to Web3 was still shaping up, India’s growing economy, demographic dividend, and exponential adoption of emerging technologies across sectors, positioned the country to become one of the highest growth markets for Web3 globally.

Web 3.0:

• Web 3.0 or Web3 is the third generation of the World Wide Web.
• It is an evolving term that refers to a “read-write-execute” web – with decentralization as its bedrock.
• It speaks about a digital world, built leveraging the blockchain technology, where people are able to interact with each other without the need of an intermediary.
• Web 3.0 will be driven by Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.
• It has now become a buzzword incorporating concepts such as blockchain technologies, metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Context

Prime Minister Modi formally inaugurated DefExpo 2022 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• At the ongoing DefExpo, he launched the ‘Mission DefSpace’.  

DefExpo 2022

• The 12th edition of DefExpo 2022 is being hosted at Gandhinagar, Gujrat with a theme of - ‘Path to Pride’.
• This is the first defence expo where only Indian companies are participating and it features only Made in India equipment.
• This is a biennial exhibition organised to support, showcase and forge partnerships for the Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors with Indian as well as global customers.
• It aims to achieve the overall objective of catering to domestic defence equipment requirements while fulfilling the needs of friendly foreign countries.

Mission DefSpace launched:

• PM Modi launched the ‘Mission DefSpace’ at the ongoing DefExpo.
• The mission aims to develop innovative solutions for the Defence Forces in the domain of space through startups and industry.
• In other words, this new initiative would enable the industry to offer solutions to the armed forces for future offensive and defensive requirements.

Importance of this mission:

• Space technology assumes significance as it is shaping new definitions of India’s generous space diplomacy, giving rise to new possibilities.
• There are more than 60 developing countries with whom India is sharing its space science. SAARC satellite is an example of this.
• By next year, 10 ASEAN countries will also get real-time access to India’s satellite data.
• Space technology is also necessary for supporting maritime trade and activities.
• Today's armed forces rely on Space technology. Space technology has been extensively used by private as well as commercial domains.
• In modern warfare, armed forces have been using space technology for fighting wars.Experts believe, in any future war, the new domains of warfare will include Space and Cyber.

Fourth defence indigenisation list

• At the Expo, PM Modi also released the fourth defence indigenisation list which bars import of 101 items after certain timelines.
• It helps in reducing the burden of imports.
• Indian Government is pushing towards defence indigenisation. For this, it has, from time to time, released negative import list/positive indigenisation list.
• The items on the lists cannot be imported by the Services and should be sourced from within the country.
• So far, first, second and third Positive Indigenisation Lists, comprising 310 items have been released.
• Unveiled the HTT-40 indigenous trainer aircraft
• It is designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at the India Pavilion during the Expo.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security is expected to give its final approval for procurement of these trainers for the Air Force.
• Laid the foundation stone for the Deesa airfield in Gujarat which will be a forward Air Force base.
• It is close to the border from Pakistan and will respond to any misadventure on the Western border.

India as a defence exporter

• India’s defence exports have grown eight times in the last five years. It is exporting defence materials and equipment to more than 75 countries of the world.
• In 2021-22 Defence exports from India reached $1.59 billion
• In the coming time, India has set a target to reach $5 billion
• India has earmarked 68% of its defence budget for Indian companies.