Polity & Governance: May 2022 Current Affairs - UPSC PDF Download

1. Defamation Case

What is defamation?

• Defamation is the communication of a false statement that harms the reputation of an individual person, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation. In India, defamation can both be a civil wrong and a criminal offence. The difference between the two lies in the objects they seek to achieve. 
• A civil wrong tends to provide for a redressal of wrongs by awarding compensation and a criminal law seeks to punish a wrongdoer and send a message to others not to commit such acts. Legal provisions: Criminal defamation has been specifically defined as an offence under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Civil defamation is based on tort law (an area of law which does not rely on statutes to define wrongs but takes from an ever-increasing body of case laws to define what would constitute a wrong). 
• Section 499 states defamation could be through words, spoken or intended to be read, through signs, and also through visible representations. 
• Section 499 also cites exceptions. These include “imputation of truth” which is required for the “public good” and thus has to be published, on the public conduct of government officials, the conduct of any person touching any public question and merits of the public performance. Section 500 of IPC, which is on punishment for defamation, reads, “Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.” Misuse of the law and concerns associated: 
• The criminal provisions have often been used purely as a means of harassment. 
• Given the cumbersome nature of Indian legal procedures, the process itself turns into punishment, regardless of the merits of the case. 
• Critics argue that defamation law impinges upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and that civil defamation is an adequate remedy against such wrongs.
• Criminal defamation has a pernicious effect on society: for instance, the state uses it as a means to coerce the media and political opponents into adopting self-censorship and unwarranted self-restraint. 

To read more information on this topic:

• Laxmikanth Summary: Fundamental Rights
• Case Studies on Right to Freedom

2. Fertiliser Challenge

Why in News?

• India is facing the challenge of meeting its requirement of fertilizer supply which has been disrupted ahead of kharif sowing in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

How much fertilizer does India consume?

 About:

• India consumed about 500 LMT of fertilizer per year in the last 10 years.
• The Centre’s fertiliser subsidy bill is set to soar by 62% over the budgeted amount to Rs 1.3 lakh crore in FY21.
• Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, India’s fertiliser imports increased almost 8% to 20.33 million tonnes from 18.84 million tonnes.
• India, the top importer of urea, is a major buyer of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) needed to feed its huge agriculture sector which employs about 60% of the country’s workforce and accounts for 15% of USD2.7 trillion economy.

Need of Large Quantities of Fertilisers

• The agricultural output of India has increased every year, and the country’s need for fertilisers has also increased.
• Despite imports, gaps remain between requirements and availability after indigenous production targets haven’t been met.

What is Fertilizer Subsidy?

 About

• The government pays a subsidy to fertiliser producers to make this critical ingredient in agriculture affordable to farmers.
• This allows farmers to buy fertilisers at below market rates.
• Subsidy on Urea: The Centre pays subsidy on urea to fertiliser manufacturers on the basis of cost of production at each plant and the units are required to sell the fertiliser at the government-set Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
• Subsidy on Non-Urea Fertilisers: The MRPs of non-urea fertilisers are decontrolled or fixed by the companies. The Centre, however, pays a flat per-tonne subsidy on these nutrients to ensure they are priced at “reasonable levels”.
  • Examples of non-urea fertilisers: Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP).
  • All Non-Urea based fertilisers are regulated under Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme.

What has been the Impact of Pandemic on Fertiliser Supply?

• The pandemic has impacted fertiliser production, import and transportation across the world during the last two years.
• China, who is the major fertiliser exporter, has gradually reduced their exports in view of a dip in production.
  • This has impacted countries such as India, which sources 40–45% of its phosphatic imports from China.
•  Besides, there has been a surge in demand in regions like Europe, America, Brazil and Southeast Asia.
• Demand has increased, but supply has been constrained.

What are the Related Government Initiatives and Schemes?

1. Neem Coating of Urea:

• The Department of Fertilizers (DoF) has made it mandatory for all the domestic producers to produce 100% urea as Neem Coated Urea (NCU).
• The benefits of use of NCU are as under:
  • Improvement in soil health.
  • Reduction in usage of plant protection chemicals.
  • Reduction in pest and disease attack.
  • An increase in yield of paddy, sugarcane, maize, soybean, Tur/Red Gram.
  • Negligible diversion towards non-agricultural purposes.
  • Due to slow release of Nitrogen, Nitrogen UseEfficiency (NUE) of Neem Coated Urea increases resulting in reduced consumption of NCU as compared to normal urea.

2. New Urea Policy (NUP) 2015

Objectives of the policy are:

• To maximize indigenous urea production.
• To promote energy efficiency in the urea units.
• To rationalize the subsidy burden on the Government of India.

3. New Investment Policy-2012

• The Government announced New Investment Policy (NIP)-2012 in January, 2013 and made amendments in 2014 to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector.

4. Policy on Promotion of City Compost

• Approved a policy on promotion of City Compost, notified by the DoF in 2016 granting Market Development Assistance of Rs. 1500/- for scaling up production and consumption of city compost.
• To increase sales volumes, compost manufacturers willing to market city compost were allowed to sell city compost in bulk directly to farmers.
• Fertilizer companies marketing city compost are covered under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Fertilizers.

5. Use of Space Technology in Fertilizer Sector

• DoF commissioned a three year Pilot Study on “Resource Mapping of Rock Phosphate using Reflectance Spectroscopy and Earth Observations Data” by National Remote Sensing Centre under ISRO, in collaboration with Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Atomic Mineral Directorate (AMD).

6. The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:

• It has been implemented from April 2010 by the DoF.
• Under NBS, a fixed amount of subsidy decided on an annual basis, is provided on each grade of subsidized Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers depending on its nutrient content.
• It aims at ensuring the balanced use of fertilizers, improving agricultural productivity, promoting the growth of the indigenous fertilizers industry and also reducing the burden of Subsidy.

To read more information on this topic:

• Laxmikanth Summary: Panchayati Raj
• Agricultural Finance
• New Strategy: Agriculture

3. MPLAD Scheme

Why in News?

• Recently, the Ministry of Finance has revised the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) rules, where the interest that the fund accrues will be deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India. ¾ So far, the interest accrued on the fund used to be added to the MPLADS account and could be used for the development projects.

What is MPLAD Scheme? 

About

• It is a Central Sector Scheme which was announced in December 1993. 

Objective

• To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies. 
• Since June 2016, the MPLAD funds can also be used for implementation of the schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), conservation of water through rain water harvesting and Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana, etc.

Implementation

•  The process under MPLADS starts with the Members of Parliament recommending works to the Nodal District Authority.
•  The Nodal District concerned is responsible for implementing the eligible works recommended by the Members of Parliament and maintaining the details of individual works executed and amount spent under the Scheme. 

Functioning

• Each year, MPs receive Rs. 5 crore in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each. Funds under MPLADS are non-lapsable. 
• Lok Sabha MPs have to recommend the district authorities projects in their Lok Sabha constituencies, while Rajya Sabha MPs have to spend it in the state that has elected them to the House.
• Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country.

What are the Issues with MPLADS? 

• Implementation Lapses: The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) has flagged instances of financial mismanagement and artificial inflation of amounts spent. 
• No Statutory Backing: The scheme is not governed by any statutory law and is subject to the whims and fancies of the government of the day. 
• Monitoring and Regulation: The scheme was launched for promoting participatory development but there is no indicator available to measure level of participation. 
• Breach of Federalism: MPLADS encroaches upon the domain of local self governing institutions and thereby violates Part IX and IX-A of the Constitution. 
• Conflict with Doctrine of Separation of Powers: MPs are getting involved in executive functions.

To read more information on this topic:

• Laxmikanth Summary: Parliament

4. PMFME Scheme

Why in News?

• Recently, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited) launched Three One District One Product (ODOP) brands under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has signed an agreement with NAFED for developing 10 brands of selected 20 ODOPs under the branding and marketing component of the PMFME scheme.

What is PMFME Scheme?

 About

• Launched under Atmanirbhar Abhiyan (in 2020), it aims to enhance the competitiveness of existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganised segment of the food processing industry and to promote formalisation of the sector and provide support to Farmer Producer Organisations, Self Help Groups, and Producers Cooperatives along their entire value chain.
• The scheme adopts the One District One Product (ODOP) approach to reap the benefit of scale in terms of procurement of inputs, availing common services and marketing of products.
• It will be implemented over a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Features

• One District One Product (ODOP) Approach: The States would identify food products for districts keeping in view the existing clusters and availability of raw material. The ODOP could be a perishable produce based or cereal based or a food item widely produced in an area. E.g. mango, potato, pickle, millet based products, fisheries, poultry, etc.

Other Focus Areas

• Waste to wealth products, minor forest products and Aspirational Districts.
• Capacity building and research: Academic and research institutions under MoFPI along with State Level Technical Institutions would be provided support for training of units, product development, appropriate packaging and machinery for micro units.

Financial Support

• Existing individual micro food processing units desirous of upgrading their units can avail credit linked capital subsidy at 35% of the eligible project cost with a maximum ceiling of Rs. 10 lakh per unit.
• Support would be provided through credit linked grants at 35% for development of common infrastructure including common processing facility, lab, warehouse, etc. through FPOs/ SHGs/cooperatives or state owned agencies or private enterprise.
• A seed capital (initial funding) of Rs. 40,000- per Self Help Group (SHG) member would be provided for working capital and purchase of small tools.

Funding

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore.
• The expenditure under the scheme would be shared in 60:40 ratio between Central and State Governments, in 90:10 ratio with North Eastern and Himalayan States, 60:40 ratio with UTs with legislature and 100% by Centre for other UTs.

What is the Need of the Scheme?

• The unorganised food processing sector comprisingnearly 25 lakh units contributes to 74% of employment in the food processing sector. Nearly 66% of these units are located in rural areas and about 80% of them are family-based enterprises supporting livelihood of rural households and minimising their migration to urban areas.
• These units largely fall within the category of micro enterprises.
• The unorganised food processing sector faces several challenges which limit their performance and their growth. The challenges include lack of access to modern technology & equipment, training, access institutional credit, lack of basic awareness on quality control of products, and lack of branding & marketing skills etc.

To read more information on this topic:

• Ramesh Singh Summary: Industry & Infrastructure- 1
• Ramesh Singh Summary: Industry & Infrastructure- 2

5. BHARAT TAP Initiative

Why in News?

• Recently, the Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the BHARAT TAP initiative at the ‘Plumbex India’ exhibition. This exhibition is aimed at products and services related to the plumbing, water, and sanitation Industry.
• At the exhibition, NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council) MAHI’s ‘Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative was also launched.

What is BHARAT TAP Initiative?

It is a concept to use low flow tap and fixtures. 

• It will provide low-flow, sanitary-ware at scale, and thereby reduce water consumption at the source considerably
• It is estimated to save approximately 40% of water. This will in turn result in water saving and energy saving due to less water and energy will be required for pumping, transporting, and purification. This initiative will also be accepted quickly in the country and will lead to a renewed focus on water conservation efforts.

What is NAREDCO MAHI?

It seeks to help solve the global water crisis, removing the financial barriers that stand between people in need and access to safe water and sanitation at home.

• Nirmal Jal Prayas’ initiative will look into mapping ground water as it is very important to save underground water and will work to save 500 crore litres of water per year. The women wing of NAREDCO, was set up in 2021 with an aim to empower women entrepreneurs and encourage the participation of women in the real estate sector and allied fields.
• It strives to create an environment where women in the real estate sector can come together to share experiences, harnesses their skills, draw on their resources, influence, grow and bring about lasting change.
• Such an initiative in water conservation will be of immense importance to save water.

What is the Need to Conserve Water?
Increased Demand: There is an increased demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources.

Limited Storage: Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.

Over-extraction of Groundwater: Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.

• Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.

Contamination: Water contamination, as in the case of pollution by landfills, septic tanks, leaky underground gas tanks, and from overuse of fertilizers and pesticides leads to damage and depletion of groundwater resources.

Inadequate Use: Inadequate regulation of groundwater encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.

Deforestation & Unscientific Methods: Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.

What are the other Initiatives for Water Conservation?

Swachh Bharat Mission

• In contrast to the construction or supply led programs of the past (Central Rural Sanitation Programme), SBM is a demand-centric model. It focuses on behaviour change to generate demand for sanitation services by the rural population which is then followed by supply.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Transformation (AMRUT)

• The purpose of this mission is to ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.  To ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.

AMRUT 2.0

• AMRUT 2.0 aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs (Urban Local Bodies).
• It also seeks to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat through encouraging Startups and Entrepreneurs (Public Private Partnership).

The National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM)

• It envisages mapping of aquifers (water-bearing formations), their characterization, and the development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act:

• Aims to improve groundwater harvesting, build water conservation and storage mechanisms, and has enabled the government to introduce water conservation as a project under the Act.

Jal Kranti Abhiyan

• Active efforts to revolutionise villages and cities through block-level water conservation schemes. 
• For example, the Jal Gram Scheme under it aimed at developing two model villages in water-starved areas for water conservation and preservation.

National Water Mission:

• Aims to conserve water, minimise wastage and ensure more equitable distribution both across and within states through integrated water resources development and management.

 NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index

• Aims to achieve effective utilization of water.

 Jal Shakti Ministry and Jal Jeevan Mission

• Jal Shakti Ministry was formed to tackle water issues holistically.
• Jal Jeevan mission aims to provide piped water to all rural households by 2024.

Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Central sector scheme for sustainable management of groundwater with community participation through the formation of Water User Associations, water budgeting, preparation and implementation of Gram-panchayat-wise water security plans, etc.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan

• Launched in July 2019 as a campaign for water conservation and water security in the country.

National Water Awards

• Organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and organisations across the country, and the government’s vision for the path to Jal Samridh Bharat.

To read more information on this topic:

• Ramesh Singh : Summary of Services Sector