UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 24th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

PM Modi meets Palestinian PM Abbas in New York

Source: Mint

Why in news?

PM Modi met the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York. The meeting occurred shortly after India abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution demanding that Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

India – Palestine Relation

• Background:
  • India's commitment to the Palestinian cause has been a vital aspect of its foreign policy.
  • In 1974, India was the first non-Arab country to acknowledge the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
  • India recognized the Palestinian State in 1988, becoming one of the initial countries to do so.
  • In 1996, India established its Representative Office in Gaza, which was moved to Ramallah in 2003.
• Support at Multilateral Fora
  • India has taken an active role in promoting support for the Palestinian cause in international platforms.
• India has consistently backed and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions aimed at:
  • Ensuring the right to self-determination for Palestinians,
    • Encouraging Israel to comply with its legal obligations, and
    • Advocating for Palestine's status as a non-member state at the UN.
  • In 2011, India supported Palestine's bid to become a full member of UNESCO.
• United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
  • India aids Palestine and its refugees through financial contributions to UNRWA.
  • Since 2020, India has been part of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, contributing a total of approximately US$ 36.5 million from 2002 to 2022-23.
• IBSA Cooperation
  • The India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund has financed four projects in Palestine, amounting to around US$ 5 million.
• Important Bilateral Visits and Political Interactions
  • In February 2018, PM Modi made a significant visit to Palestine, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the region.
• Developmental Cooperation
  • India has provided various types of developmental assistance to Palestine over the years, totaling approximately US$ 141 million.
  • Additionally, India has extended US$ 39 million in budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority.
  • In July 2021, India offered a Line of Credit of USD 50 million to Palestine for development and sustainable projects.
• Some major successful projects include:
  • Palestine-India Techno-Park,
    • Jawaharlal Nehru Library at Al Azhar University in Gaza City,
    • The Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College in Deir Al Balah, Gaza Strip.
• Currently, eight developmental projects are underway, including:
  • Palestinian Institute of Higher Diplomacy in Ramallah,
    • National Printing Press in Ramallah,
    • Construction of a Super-specialty hospital in Ramallah,
    • Turathi - Women Empowerment Centres in Ramallah and Gaza.
• Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)
• In 2021-22, India executed four Quick Impact Projects, which include:
  • Rehabilitation of Yasser Arafat Square in Ramallah City,
  • Integration of Technology into Education with the Young Scientists Club (Al Muntada),
  • Establishment of Beitunia Municipality Nursery, and
  • Construction of Aqraba Children Park.
• About the News
  • During the UN General Assembly session in New York, PM Modi's meeting with President Abbas came shortly after India abstained from voting on a resolution urging Israel to cease its occupation within 12 months.
  • Other nations like Australia, the UK, Germany, and Canada also abstained from this vote.
  • In the meeting, PM Modi expressed concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reaffirming India’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
• India’s Balancing Approach on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
  • The meeting with Abbas followed a phone call in October 2023, where PM Modi expressed condolences for civilian casualties in Gaza and reiterated India's long-standing stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.
  • Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, PM Modi also expressed solidarity with Israel, labeling the incident as a terrorist attack.
  • India faces the diplomatic challenge of balancing its relationships in West Asia, maintaining strong ties with Israel while also engaging with nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran, and Egypt.

GS1/History & Culture

Why Ambedkar and Gandhi disagreed on question of separate electorates for SC’s?

Source: The Print

Why in News?

On September 20, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail, Pune, to protest against the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes.

Gandhi’s Views on Caste

• Initially, Gandhi held traditional views, supporting social prohibitions like restrictions on inter-dining and inter-marriage.
• Over time, he rejected untouchability, referring to untouchables as "Harijans."
• Despite this, he did not discard the institution of caste, as it was intertwined with Hindu religious practices.

Ambedkar’s Radical Approach

• Ambedkar argued that to genuinely abolish caste, it was necessary to challenge the divine authority of Hindu scriptures (shastras) that justified caste.
• He believed that reforms that did not reject the religious basis of caste were inadequate.
• Ambedkar focused on empowering lower castes politically to combat their oppression within the Hindu social hierarchy.

Ambedkar’s Argument for Separate Electorates

• Distinct Identity of Depressed Classes: Ambedkar claimed that the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes) represented a distinct group, separate from the Hindus.
• They faced systemic oppression despite being part of Hindu society and did not receive equal treatment.
• Political Machinery for Representation: He proposed a double vote system where Scheduled Castes could vote for their own candidates as well as participate in the general electorate.
• Protection from Majority Rule: Ambedkar cautioned that joint electorates would allow the Hindu majority to dominate the election of Dalit representatives, thereby jeopardizing their interests.

Why Gandhi Opposed Separate Electorates

• Integration of Lower Castes: Gandhi believed that separate electorates would further marginalize lower castes.
• He argued for broader participation in political leadership rather than limiting them to a fraction of seats.
• Fear of Dividing Hindu Society: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would fracture Hindu society, weakening its cohesion.
• He believed this division would benefit British "divide and rule" policies, undermining India’s fight for independence.
• Strategic Concerns: Separate electorates for Scheduled Castes, alongside those for Muslims, would fragment the Hindu political base, diminishing the influence of upper-caste Hindus.

Culmination of the Debate: The Poona Pact

• Gandhi’s Fast: In 1932, Gandhi undertook a fast unto death to protest separate electorates, pressuring Ambedkar to reach a compromise.
• Ambedkar, despite reservations, agreed to the Poona Pact, which allocated reserved seats for Scheduled Castes within a joint electorate.
• Ambedkar’s Dissatisfaction: Ambedkar was not entirely satisfied with the outcome, feeling that the joint electorate allowed upper-caste Hindus to control the nomination of Dalit representatives, limiting their political autonomy.

Conclusion:

• The debate between Gandhi and Ambedkar on caste resulted in the Poona Pact, with Gandhi advocating for Hindu unity while Ambedkar sought political empowerment for lower castes.
• Although Ambedkar agreed to the pact, he remained discontented with the resolution.

GS3/Science and Technology

How Starlink satellites are ‘blinding’ astronomers?

Source: Money Control

Why in news?

Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are creating significant challenges for astronomers by interfering with both optical and radio astronomy due to unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR).

What is a Starlink Satellite?

• Starlink satellites are part of a vast network created by SpaceX aimed at providing high-speed internet access to remote regions globally.
• This satellite constellation currently comprises over 6,300 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 550 km.
• The goal is to deliver connectivity to areas that lack internet access, particularly rural or underserved locations.

Why Radio Astronomy Matters?

• Radio astronomy focuses on studying celestial objects through their radio frequencies, rather than visible light.
• Radio telescopes capture radio waves, which are longer than light waves, emitted by distant objects like stars, galaxies, and black holes.
• This field is crucial for understanding the universe beyond the limitations of optical telescopes.
• Radio noise from various sources can disrupt these observations, similar to how bright lights can obscure faint stars in the night sky.

What Starlink Does to Space Communications?

• Starlink satellites aim to enhance global internet coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, by transmitting signals from space.
• However, these satellites also produce radio noise, which interferes with astronomical observations.
• The situation is expected to worsen as more satellites are launched, with projections estimating that up to 100,000 satellites could orbit Earth by 2030.
• Currently, there are no regulations governing the amount of radio pollution these satellites can generate, making it challenging to mitigate their impact on astronomical research.

Previous Year Question (PYQ):

[2011] A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called the Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?

1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

GS3/Environment

Massive Greenland Landslide

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

In September 2023, seismic stations worldwide picked up an unusual signal that lasted for nine days. This was due to a massive landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord, which is a narrow sea inlet characterized by steep cliffs formed by glaciers.

About the Massive Greenland Landslide

• The landslide involved an enormous volume of approximately 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice, which is comparable to filling 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• This event triggered a mega-tsunami, resulting in waves reaching heights of up to 200 meters, significantly impacting the surrounding area.
• The seismic waves generated from the landslide persisted for nine days, indicating the scale of the event.
• The loss of such a substantial amount of glacial ice underscores the accelerating damage to these vulnerable environments due to global warming.

Causes of the Greenland Landslide

• The primary cause of the landslide was the melting and shrinking of Greenland's glaciers, driven by rising temperatures over the past few decades.
• The Hvide Stovhorn peak glacier had been stabilizing the mountain slopes, but as it thinned, the rock above became unstable and ultimately collapsed.
• Additionally, the melting of permafrost (frozen ground) on the steep mountain slopes contributed to their instability.
• When the ice and rocks fell into the fjord, they triggered a submarine landslide, which intensified the event.

PYQ:

[2021] Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

GS2/International Relations

PM Modi Address at the Summit of the Future

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

PM Modi addressed the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The theme of the Summit is ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• Established in 1945 under the UN Charter, headquartered in New York City.
• One of the six main organs of the UN, serving as its primary policy-making body.
• Provides a unique platform for multilateral discussions on a range of international issues.
• Each Member State has an equal vote.

Key decisions

• Appointing the Secretary-General based on Security Council recommendations.
• Selecting non-permanent members of the Security Council.
• Approving the UN budget.

Some of the important achievements of UNGA

• Adoption of the Millennium Declaration in 2000.
• 2005 World Summit Outcome Document.
• Formulation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.

General debate of UNGA

• The annual general debate allows Member States to express views on major international issues.
• The Secretary-General presents a report on the organization's work on the opening day.
• The 79th session, held from September 10 to 30, 2024, focuses on accelerating progress towards the 17 SDGs.
• Global leaders will address interconnected challenges and adopt the Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact emphasizing gender equality.
• Chaired by Cameroonian President Philemon Yong.

Theme

• “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
• On September 22-23, 2024, leaders met at UN Headquarters to address global governance challenges revealed by recent crises.
• The summit aims to reaffirm commitments to the SDGs and the UN Charter, enhance cooperation, and lay the foundation for a more effective multilateral system.
• Emphasized the importance of international collaboration to address critical global issues like climate change, poverty, inequality, ongoing conflicts, and health crises.
• Expected outcomes include a Pact for the Future, alongside documents like the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations.

Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi at Summit of the Future

• Emphasis on Collective Strength for Global Peace and Development
  • PM Modi asserted that humanity's success lies in collective strength rather than conflict.
  • He called for reforms in global institutions to achieve enduring peace and sustainable development, advocating for a human-centric approach to global challenges.
• New Theatres of Conflict: Cyber, Maritime, and Space
  • PM Modi highlighted cyber, maritime, and space as emerging conflict arenas, in addition to traditional threats like terrorism.
  • He advocated for global digital governance to protect national sovereignty and integrity.
  • Stressed the need for balanced global regulation for the safe and responsible use of technology.
• India’s Commitment to Sustainable Development and Global South
  • Reflecting on India's achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty, PM Modi showcased the nation's sustainable development efforts.
  • He expressed India’s readiness to share this experience with the Global South.
  • Reaffirmed India's belief in "One Earth, One Family, One Future," demonstrated through initiatives like One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid.
• India’s Role in Global Governance Reforms
  • Modi highlighted the need for reforming international institutions like the UN Security Council, aligning with India's goal of permanent membership.
  • He cited the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s presidency as an example of making global governance more inclusive.
• Digital Infrastructure for Global Good
  • PM Modi promoted digital public infrastructure as a means to foster global good, offering India's digital resources to the world.
  • He emphasized that global actions must correspond with global ambitions in sectors like cyber, maritime, and space security.

GS1/History & Culture

Who was Mary Poonen Lukose?

Source: Mint

Why in News?

On September 23, 1924, Mary Poonen Lukose made history by becoming the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, specifically the Travancore Legislative Council.

Who Was Mary Poonen Lukose?

Mary Poonen Lukose was born on August 2, 1886, in Kerala. She achieved the distinction of being the first woman from the state to obtain a medical degree, focusing on gynaecology and obstetrics.

Her contributions include:

• Performing the first cesarean section in Kerala prior to 1920, often in challenging circumstances with limited medical equipment.
• Initiating a midwifery training program for local women, which significantly improved the safety of home births, thus reducing risks for mothers and infants.
• As a member of the Travancore Legislative Council, she played a vital role in shaping public health policies, leveraging her medical expertise for community benefit.

Records set by Mary Poonen Lukose:

• First woman legislator in an Indian princely state by joining the Travancore Legislative Council in 1924, a precursor to the current Kerala Legislative Assembly.
• First woman to graduate from Madras University in 1909, overcoming significant obstacles to study science as a female.
• First woman Surgeon General of Travancore, and potentially the first in the world, appointed in 1938.
• First woman to lead the health department in Travancore, a position she took on in 1924.
• Awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 in recognition of her remarkable contributions.

GS2/Governance

SC Strengthening Law Against Child Pornography in India

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Marking a significant move in the fight against child exploitation, the Supreme Court of India emphasised that the consumption of sexually explicit content involving minors is a severe criminal offence under the POCSO Act. The top court overruled a controversial judgement by the Madras HC, which held that passive consumption of child pornography did not constitute an offence under the POCSO Act or the Information Technology (IT) Act.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act:

About:

• The POCSO Act is the first comprehensive legislation in India, enacted in 2012, aimed specifically at addressing sexual abuse against children.
• This law is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and is designed to:
  • Protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornographic violations.
  • Establish Special Courts for expedited trials related to such offences.
• In 2019, the Act was amended to enhance penalties for specific offences, thereby deterring potential abusers and ensuring a dignified upbringing for children.

Key provisions:

• Gender-neutral legislation: The Act defines a child as "any person" under the age of 18.
• Non-reporting is a crime: Individuals in charge of institutions who fail to report sexual offences involving minors face legal consequences.
• No time limit for reporting abuse: Victims can report offences at any time, even years after the incident.
• Keeping victim’s identity confidential: The Act prohibits disclosing a victim's identity in media unless permitted by special courts.

Concerns:

• Rise in such abuse: Instances of child exploitation have increased, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, with new forms of cybercrime emerging.
• Lack of awareness: There is a significant gap in awareness among minors, parents, and society regarding the issues of child exploitation.

Examining the SC's Decision to Tighten the Law on Child Pornography:

The provision of the POCSO Act in question:

• The Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice of India, broadened the interpretation of Section 15 of the POCSO Act, which addresses the “Punishment for storage of pornographic material involving a child.”
• Section 15 penalizes anyone who stores or possesses child pornography with the intent to share or distribute it, imposing a jail sentence of three to five years.
• The court ruled that Section 15 is not restricted to just the sharing or transmitting of child pornography; it can also cover the intent to commit such acts.

For example, the court stated that failing to delete or report child pornography could imply an intention to share or distribute it under Section 15.

• Overturning the Madras HC judgement, the SC expanded the definition of "possession" in cases of child pornography to include situations where an individual does not physically possess the material but has control over it and knowledge of that control.
• This concept of "constructive possession" means that simply viewing, distributing, or displaying such material is considered as possessing it under Section 15.

SC’s Recommendations to the Centre to Address the Issue of Child Pornography:

• Amend the POCSO Act: The term "child pornography" should be replaced with "child sexual exploitative and abuse material" (CSEAM) to better describe the crime.
• Support for victims: Provide psychological counselling, therapeutic interventions, and educational support to assist victims in their recovery and reintegration.
• Introduce cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes: These should target the cognitive distortions that underpin such criminal behaviour.
• Encourage coordinated efforts: Collaboration among educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and child welfare services is essential to identify problematic sexual behaviours early and implement intervention strategies.
• Raise public awareness: Campaigns should focus on reducing the stigma associated with reporting abuse and promote community vigilance.
• Form an expert committee: This committee would develop comprehensive health and sex education programmes and enhance awareness of the POCSO Act among children from an early age.

GS3/Economy

NBFC sector resilient under scale-based regulations framework: RBI bulletin

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) sector has shown remarkable resilience under the newly introduced Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, as highlighted in the RBI bulletin. This transition has led to notable credit growth, improved capital adequacy, and lower delinquency levels in the sector.

Significance of NBFC sector:

• The NBFC sector plays a crucial role in the Indian economy by providing credit to various segments that may not be adequately served by traditional banks.

What is Scale-Based Regulation (SBR)?

• The SBR framework categorizes NBFCs based on their size, operational activities, and perceived risk rather than simply differentiating between systemically important and non-systemically important entities. This framework was first introduced in October 2021.

Key Points on the Resilience of the NBFC Sector:

• Improvement in Asset Quality: Since the implementation of the SBR framework, there has been a notable enhancement in asset quality among NBFCs, evidenced by a decline in gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratios. By December 2023, GNPA ratios were reported at 2.4% for government-owned NBFCs and 6.3% for non-government NBFCs, indicating better risk management practices.
• Double-Digit Credit Growth: The NBFC sector achieved significant credit growth throughout 2023, driven by a diversified funding base, which includes retail credit segments such as gold loans, vehicle loans, and housing loans, while also expanding into industrial and service sectors.
• Improved Profitability: There has been an increase in profitability within the sector, reflected in improved returns on assets (RoA) and equity (RoE), showcasing the financial health of NBFCs.
• Net NPA (NNPA) Performance: Upper layer NBFCs reported lower GNPA ratios compared to middle layer NBFCs. Nevertheless, middle layer NBFCs maintained adequate provisions for their riskier portfolios, helping to keep their NNPA ratios under control.
• Compliance with SBR: Prominent NBFCs classified in the "Upper Layer" by the RBI, such as LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, and L&T Finance, have either complied with or initiated steps to adhere to listing requirements set forth by the SBR framework.

Regulatory Measures Implemented by the NBFC Sector:

• Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework: Introduced in October 2022, the SBR framework categorizes NBFCs into distinct layers based on size, systemic importance, and risk profile. It aims to enhance asset quality, capital requirements, and risk management practices.
• Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Norms: Effective from October 2024, PCA norms will be applicable to government-owned NBFCs, focusing on enhancing financial discipline through capital adequacy and asset quality measures.
• Diversification of Funding Sources: In response to increasing risk weights on bank lending, NBFCs have diversified their funding sources by decreasing reliance on bank borrowings and expanding into secured retail credit.
• Listing Compliance: Many upper-layer NBFCs have achieved compliance or are in the process of fulfilling listing requirements as mandated by regulatory authorities.

Emerging Risks for NBFCs:

• Cybersecurity Risks: With a growing reliance on digital platforms, enhancing cybersecurity measures is essential for NBFCs to protect against evolving cyber threats.
• Climate Risk: The financial implications of climate change represent a new risk. It is crucial for NBFCs to incorporate climate-related risks into their risk management frameworks to mitigate potential disruptions.
• Financial Assurance Functions: The RBI underscores the importance of assurance functions such as risk management, compliance, and internal audits in ensuring resilience amid rapid changes in the financial landscape.
• Evolving Regulatory Environment: As the financial landscape continues to evolve, NBFCs need to stay ahead of regulatory changes and align their risk management practices with new threats and regulations.

GS3/Economy

Leveraging Transit-Oriented Development to Build Productive Cities

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Indian cities are on the verge of a significant transformation in their transportation systems, with an anticipated investment of ₹3 trillion in metro rail projects scheduled between 2022 and 2027. This substantial investment aims not only to enhance urban mobility but also to unlock considerable economic potential by improving access to jobs and increasing productivity.

Introduction

• Indian cities are experiencing a pivotal shift in transportation with massive investments planned for metro rail systems.
• The Government of India introduced the National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and Metro Rail Policy in 2017 to maximize the benefits of mass transit investments.
• Transit-Oriented Development is a strategic urban planning approach that links land use with transportation infrastructure.
• TOD encourages compact, mixed-use developments and promotes sustainable transportation methods such as walking, cycling, and mass transit.
• Currently, 27 Indian cities are developing metro systems, with numerous others enhancing bus and rail-based transit options.

Benefits of TOD

• TOD effectively integrates land use with transportation, helping to separate economic growth from issues like congestion and carbon emissions.
• It promotes job clusters close to transit options, enhancing both workforce productivity and participation.
• Being near transit stations increases job densities, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and competitiveness.

Challenges of TOD

• Public policies and land market dynamics have facilitated the growth of economic centers in suburban and peri-urban regions.
• This development has led to challenges for public transport systems as urban sprawl continues to increase.
• Greater reliance on private vehicles results in longer commutes, heightened congestion, and increased pollution, adversely affecting productivity and job accessibility.
• Bengaluru, for example, suffers an estimated social cost of ₹38,000 crore annually due to traffic congestion.

Case Study – Bengaluru

• A recent study by WRI India titled "Jobs near Metro Rail Transit in Bengaluru: Enabling an Accessible and Productive City" underscores the significance of TOD in Bengaluru.
• The study analyzes the spatial distribution of jobs around Bengaluru's metro network, including both operational and under-construction phases.
• Key findings from the study include:
  • Bengaluru has about 0.2 million registered enterprises employing approximately 4.6 million workers, predominantly in the service sector.
  • While large enterprises represent only 2% of total enterprises, they contribute to 60% of the job market.
  • Inner-city areas, especially tech hubs like Whitefield and Electronic City, show the highest job densities, ranging from 58,000 to 109,000 jobs per square kilometer.
  • Once the ongoing metro phases are completed, it is projected that 28% of mapped jobs will be within 500 meters of a metro station, 59% within 1 km, and 85% within 2 km, greatly enhancing employment access.

Key Recommendations for Enhancing TOD

• Enhance Job Clusters Near Transit: Encourage businesses to establish themselves near metro stations to benefit from increased foot traffic and workforce accessibility.
• Improve Integrated Planning: Promote collaboration among urban planners, transport authorities, and businesses to create cohesive development strategies around transit corridors.
• Address Market and Regulatory Challenges: Simplify regulatory processes and resolve market barriers that prevent businesses from setting up close to transit hubs.

Global Examples and Lessons

• Cities like Hong Kong exemplify successful TOD implementation, with 57% of jobs located within 500 meters of a transit station.
• Hong Kong's focus on transit connectivity has significantly enhanced economic productivity while reducing car ownership and lowering carbon emissions.

Way Forward

• To fully harness the potential of TOD, Indian cities must establish ambitious targets for job densities near transit stations and prioritize areas for densification and renewal.
• Public policies should provide incentives such as additional development rights or tax subsidies to encourage businesses to locate near transit hubs.
• Partnerships between the public and private sectors, along with value capture financing mechanisms, can fund improvements in station areas and enhance last-mile connectivity.

GS2/Polity

Section 107 of the BNSS

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 has been introduced, focusing on properties classified as “proceeds of crime.” This term was previously linked to laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) concerning provisions for attachment and forfeiture.

• About Section 107 of the BNSS, 2023 pertains to the attachment and forfeiture of property categorized as “proceeds of crime.”
• It grants the court the authority to attach property at the request of a police officer during an ongoing investigation.
• The request must be approved by a Superintendent or Commissioner of Police.
• This section provides the court with extensive powers to attach any property believed to be acquired through criminal activities.
• Under certain conditions, property can be transferred to the government.
• Unlike previous laws, there is no requirement for the police officer to wait until the investigation is concluded.
• Property can be attached during the investigation.
• It is distinct from the PMLA, 2002, as there are no prerequisites like documenting reasons for believing the property is a result of criminal activity.
• After attachment, if the court determines the property is indeed criminally acquired, it can instruct the District Magistrate to distribute the proceeds.
• The distribution must occur within 60 days to affected persons.
• If no claimants are identified, the proceeds are forfeited to the government.
• A show-cause notice must be issued within 14 days for property attachment.
• The court can issue an ex parte order if no representation is made.

Its significance:

• Empowers Law Enforcement: It facilitates the attachment of property during investigations, preventing criminals from concealing or transferring their assets.
• Faster Relief for Victims: It allows for the quick distribution of proceeds of crime to affected individuals even before the trial concludes.
• Stronger Deterrence: It serves as a deterrent by permitting the forfeiture of assets acquired through criminal means, affecting offenders financially.
• State-Level Enforcement: It empowers state governments to manage the proceeds of crime, providing more localized control.

PYQ:

[2021] Discuss how emerging technologies and globalization contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.