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OFFICERS' PULSE
Issue no. 31 | 27th Dec 2020 to 2nd Jan 2021
COVERAGE.
The Hindu
The Indian Express
PIB
AT A GLANCE
Rajya Sabha TV
& IN DEPTH.
All India Radio
Polity and Social Issues
Economy
International Relations
Environment
Science and Tech
Culture
CURRENT AFFAIRS WEEKLY
THE PULSE OF UPSC AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
1
News @ a glance
POLITY ............................................................................. 3 1) China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ..............10
1) Jal Jeevan Mission .................................................. 3 2) United Nations Security Council ....................10
2) GAVI Alliance ........................................................... 3 DEFENCE ......................................................................12
3) Inner Line Permit .................................................. 4 1) Helicopter Deal .....................................................12
ENVIRONMENT............................................................ 5 2) Akash Missile .........................................................12
1) New species of Sun rose found in the SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ...............................13
eastern ghats ............................................................ 5 1) Nanomicelles .........................................................13
2) Assessing Tiger-Human Interactions 2) Digital Ocean..........................................................13
through Radio-Telemetry ................................... 5 3) Bird Flu ....................................................................14
3) Two new species of ginger found from 4) Covishield ...............................................................15
northeast .................................................................... 5 ART & CULTURE ........................................................16
4) Indian Skimmer sighted at creek on 1) Khelo India Youth games ..................................16
Kakinada coast......................................................... 6 PIB ANALYSIS .............................................................17
ECONOMY ....................................................................... 7 1) Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni
1) Inflation Targeting ................................................ 7 Pehchaan Project ..................................................17
2) Ethanol interest subvention scheme ............. 7 2) RoDTEP scheme ...................................................17
3) Digital Payments Index ....................................... 8
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.............................10
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2
News in Depth
AIR NEWS .....................................................................19 INDIAN EXPRESS EXPLAINED .............................26
1) AFSPA .......................................................................19 1) Who was freedom fighter Udham Singh? ..26
2) Blue Flag Certification .......................................19 2) Where is the giant Antarctic iceberg A68a
THE HINDU EDITORIALS .......................................21 heading and why is it a cause for concern?26
1) Towards an effective vaccination 3) Why are more than half of India’s kids,
distribution policy................................................21 women anaemic? ..................................................28
2) Dealing with India’s two-front challenge - 4) India and the world in 2021: A year to
China+Pakistan......................................................21 engage and assert .................................................29
3) Resilient supply chains as a pandemic RSTV BIG PICTURE ...................................................31
lesson.........................................................................23 1) Dealing with Single Use Plastic ......................31
4) Separating the wheat from the Agri policy 2) Technology and Urban Transformation.....31
chaff............................................................................24
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3
News @ a glance
POLITY
1) Jal Jeevan Mission and Communication (IEC) as a key
About Jal Jeevan Mission component of the mission.
▪ Launched in 2019, the chief objective of the ▪ JJM looks to create a Jan Andolan (People's
Mission is to provide Functional Movement) for water, thereby making it
Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to everyone’s priority.
every rural household by 2024 and ▪ The fund sharing pattern is 90:10 for
thereby ensuring potable water supply in Himalayan and North-Eastern States; 50:50
adequate quantity i.e. @ 55 lpcd (Litres per for other States and 100% for UTs.
capita per day) of prescribed quality on a Why in News?
long-term and regular basis. ▪ Since its launch in August 2019, the
Centre’s ambitious flagship scheme Jal
Jeevan Mission, which in partnership with
the States seeks to ensure that every rural
household of the country gets assured
drinking water supply by 2024, has
achieved 32.3% coverage (6.15 crore
households) of tap connections in rural
India.
▪ Almost 1 lakh new connections are getting
added on a daily basis.
2) GAVI Alliance
About GAVI Alliance
▪ Created in 2010, the GAVI Alliance (Global
Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) is
a global health partnership of public and
private sector organizations dedicated
towards creating equal access to new and
underused vaccines for children living
in the world’s poorest countries.
▪ GAVI’s strategy supports its mission to save
children’s lives and protect people’s health
by increasing access to immunisation in
poor countries.
▪ This Mission is under the Department of ▪ Its partners provide funding for vaccines
Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry and intellectual resources for care
of Jal Shakti. advancement. They contribute to
▪ The programme also implements source strengthening the capacity of the health
sustainability measures as mandatory system to deliver immunisation and other
elements, such as recharge and reuse health services in a sustainable manner.
through greywater management, water Why in News?
conservation and rainwater harvesting. ▪ Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has
▪ The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a been nominated by the Global Alliance for
community approach to water and will Vaccines and Immunisation as a member of
include extensive Information, Education the GAVI Board.
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
4
▪ Dr. Vardhan will be representing the South ▪ Under the Bengal Eastern Frontier
East Area Regional Office (SEARO)/ Regulation Act, 1873, the British framed
Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) regulations restricting the entry and
constituency on the GAVI Board. The seat is regulating the stay of outsiders in
currently held by Myint Htwe of Myanmar. designated areas.
Dr. Vardhan will be representing India from ▪ This was to protect the Crown’s own
January 1, 2021 till December 31, 2023. commercial interests by preventing “British
3) Inner Line Permit subjects” (Indians) from trading within
What is it? these regions.
▪ The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official ▪ In 1950, the Indian government replaced
travel document that allows Indian citizens “British subjects” with “Citizen of India”.
to stay in an area under the ILP system. This was to address local concerns about
▪ The document is currently required by protecting the interests of the indigenous
visitors to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, people from outsiders belonging to other
Nagaland and Mizoram. Indian states.
▪ The ILP is issued by the concerned state Why in News?
government. The permits issued are ▪ Union home minister Amit Shah recently
mostly of different kinds, provided said the implementation of Inner Line
separately for tourists, tenants and for Permit (ILP) was the biggest gift given by
other purposes. the Centre to Manipur since its creation as a
▪ The main objective of the ILP system is to state.
prevent settlement of other Indian ▪ ILP was a long-standing demand of the
nationals in the notified states in order to indigenous people of Manipur.
protect the indigenous population. It ▪ In December last year, the Central
also offers protection for the locals with government included Manipur within the
regards to lands, jobs and other facilities. ambit of ILP system.
History of ILP For doubts and queries email us at:
doubts@officerspulse.com
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
5
ENVIRONMENT
1) New species of Sun rose found ▪ The Sundarbans, the world’s largest
mangrove forest, a UNESCO World
in the eastern ghats Heritage Site and a Ramsar site, is home
Portulaca Laljii
to a uniquely adapted tiger population that
occupies mangrove forests, with
individuals swimming across creeks to
maintain territories and hunt their prey.
▪ In the last survey, the tiger population in
the Sundarbans was around 96
individuals.
▪ The Sundarbans is a unique but challenging
landscape for tiger conservation given that
large portions of it are subject to
inundation under seawater with tidal
fluctuations, and many portions of the
habitat are quite inaccessible.
▪ About 1.5 million people live in proximity
to these forests and are dependent on
natural resources. Local people engaged in
▪ It is a new flower species found in traditional fishing and wild honey
Prakasam of Andhra Pradesh. collection are often at risk of attacks from
▪ This new species flowers from June to tigers.
February because of its succulent (thick ▪ More humans have lost their lives to tigers
and water storing) tuberous roots which in the forests of Sundarbans than any other
makes plants survive on rocky crevices. area of the tiger’s range. While such tragic
▪ It is said to have rich horticultural value. events sometimes occur in and around
▪ It is named after Lal Singh Ji, an eminent settlements when tigers ‘stray’ into those
Botanist of Botanical Survey of India. areas, the majority occur within the
2) Assessing Tiger-Human mangrove forests, which local people
Interactions through Radio- access for resource extraction.
Telemetry 3) Two new species of ginger
Why in the news? found from northeast
▪ The West Bengal Forest Department and Why in the news?
WWF-India funded by ICICI foundation ▪ Two species of ginger have been found in
have started this project to radio-coller Arunachal Pradesh by Malabar Botanical
Sundarban Tigers to study Human-Tiger Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences
Interaction. researchers.
How will radio-collaring a tiger help? Hedychium mechukanum
▪ The radio-collared tiger will provide crucial
information on
1. Tiger behaviour,
2. Their habitat use within the Sundarban
Biosphere Reserve
3. The extent of negative human-tiger
interaction around human settlements.
4. The data obtained will influence the
development of effective management ▪ It is a close relative of white ginger lily
plans and strategies to reduce negative which is mentioned in Mahabharata.
human-tiger interactions in the landscape.
About Sundarbans
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6
▪ It was found in Mechuka valley of ▪ Indian Skimmers are water bird species
Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 1,400 which fly low over the water bodies with
m. beak open. They are found along large
▪ This plant grows in open areas of rivers like the Chambal river, near the
evergreen forests. Flowering is from mid- sand-bars.
June to September and fruiting from ▪ Indian skimmers are mainly found along
September to November. large rivers in India, Bangladesh,
▪ The species gives out large white flowers Pakistan, and Nepal.
having pleasant fragrance. ▪ Its population is declining due to
▪ According to IUCN, it has DATA DEFICIENT degradation of wetlands and rivers. Sand
status. Mining and construction of dams devoids
▪ Road widening in its habitat is the greatest them suitable places for nesting.
threat to this species. ▪ In mid-2020, IUCN degraded its status from
Amomum arunachalense vulnerable to ENDANGERED.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
▪ It has the largest surviving patch of
Mangrove forests in Andhra Pradesh with
more than 65 Mangrove tree species.
▪ Home for the rare, endangered Smooth
Indian Otter, Fishing Cat, Estuarine
Crocodile.
▪ The Sanctuary in the estuary of River
Godavari supports rich mangrove
vegetation with species like Rhizophora,
▪ It is distinguished from its relative species Avicennia, Sonneratia, Aegiceros.
mainly by a white rhizome with a pale Why in the news?
brown centre. ▪ There is a request by environmentalists to
▪ It was found in Rajiv Gandhi University, declare Kumbhabhishekam mudflat of
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Kakinada coast as a part of Coringa Wildlife
▪ Deforestation and extraction of shoots for Sanctuary as Indian Skimmer birds in large
medicinal purposes are major threats to numbers have been sighted in this region.
this species. ▪ This mudflat is present at just 3.2 kms
4) Indian Skimmer sighted at away from the Coringa Sanctuary and
supports migratory birds in large numbers.
creek on Kakinada coast ▪ Since it is present very near to the deep sea
About Indian Skimmers port there is greater threat to this region if
not recognised and protected.
For doubts and queries email us at
doubts@officerspulse.com
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
7
ECONOMY
1) Inflation Targeting ▪ The Union Cabinet has approved the
What is it? expansion of interest subvention scheme to
▪ The RBI’s explicit mandate is to conduct also include grain-based distilleries
monetary policy. The primary objective of besides molasses-based distilleries for the
monetary policy is to maintain price production of ethanol.
stability while keeping in mind the ▪ The government would bear interest
objective of growth. Price stability is a subvention for five years including one
necessary precondition to sustainable year moratorium against the loan availed
growth. by project proponents from banks @ 6%
▪ In 2016, the Reserve Bank of India Act, per annum or 50% of the rate of interest
1934, was amended to provide a statutory charged by banks whichever is lower.
basis for the implementation of a flexible ▪ The scheme would be available to only
inflation-targeting framework, where the those distilleries which will supply at least
Centre and the RBI would review and agree 75% of ethanol produced from the added
upon a specific inflation target every five distillation capacity to oil companies.
years. ▪ The blending percentage of ethanol with
▪ Under this, 4% was set as the Consumer petrol is expected to go up from 1.53% in
Price Index (CPI) inflation target for the 2013-14 to 8.5% in 2020-21. The National
period from August 5, 2016, to March 31, Biofuel Policy 2018 envisages an
2021, with the upper tolerance limit of indicative target of 20% blending of
6% and the lower tolerance limit of 2%. ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of
▪ In a bid to keep inflation under specified biodiesel in diesel by 2030.
level, the government in 2016 had decided Significance
to set up the Monetary Policy Committee ▪ The government has procured 173 crore
headed by the RBI Governor entrusted with litres of ethanol in 2019-20. India needs
the task of fixing the benchmark policy rate 1000 crore litres of ethanol to achieve the
(repo rate). 20% blending target by 2030. For that we
▪ The six-member panel, which had its first need to enhance production capacity and
meeting in October 2016, was given the availability of raw material. It cannot be
mandate to maintain annual inflation at 4 achieved through sugarcane only. So, the
per cent until March 31, 2021, with an government has approved use of cereals for
upper tolerance of 6 per cent and lower ethanol production.
tolerance of 2 per cent. ▪ The decision would encourage ethanol
Why in News? production from grains like barley, maize,
▪ A RBI working paper has recommended corn and rice. The scheme would boost
that maintaining 4 per cent inflation is production and distillation capacity to
appropriate for India as targeting a lower 1,000 crore litres and help in meeting the
rate could impart deflationary bias to the goal of 20% ethanol blending with petrol
monetary policy. by 2030.
▪ The paper, authored by RBI Deputy ▪ The proposed intervention would enhance
Governor Michael Debabrata Patra and production of ethanol from various
another official Harendra Kumar Behera, feedstocks. It would promote ethanol as a
has found a steady decline in trend fuel which is indigenous, non-polluting
inflation to 4.1-4.3 per cent since 2014. and virtually inexhaustible.
▪ The inflation target has to be reviewed by ▪ It would improve the environment and
end-March 2021. the eco-system and result in savings on
the Oil Import Bill. It will also ensure
2) Ethanol interest subvention timely payment of dues to farmers.
scheme Related Information
What’s in the news?
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
8 ▪ Biofuel are liquid or gaseous fuels 2. Payment infrastructure—demand-side produced from biomass that are generally factors (10%). high in sugar (such as sugarcane, sugar 3. Payment infrastructure—supply-side beet, sweet sorghum), starch (such as corn factors (15%). and cassava) or oils (such as soybeans, 4. Payment performance (45%). rapeseed, coconut, sunflowers, and palms). 5. Consumer centricity (5%). The two most commonly used biofuels are ▪ These factors include multiple sub- ethanol and biodiesel. parameters that would help the regulator ▪ Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: It conduct its study into the digital payment provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to ecosystem. Second Generation bio-ethanol Parameters manufacturing projects to increase ▪ Payment enablers comprise multiple availability of ethanol for ethanol blending channels through which digital payments programme. can be accessed. This includes the internet, ▪ Categories of Biofuels: mobile, Aadhaar, bank accounts, ▪ First generation Biofuels are mainly merchants, and participants. The sub- produced from food crop feedstock, such parameters for payment infrastructure as oil, sugar and starch crops, thus include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid competing for agricultural areas used for payment instruments, point of sale food production. terminals, automated teller machines, quick ▪ Second generation Biofuels differ in response codes, among others. feedstock which, in this case, comes from ▪ Under payment performance, which nonfood plants such as agricultural crops, carries the highest weight in the index, the residues and wood (so-called regulator would measure factors such as lignocellulosic biomass). the volume and value of digital payments, ▪ Third generation Biofuels are produced unique users, paper clearing, currency in from micro-organisms like algae. Its circulation and cash withdrawals. For production is supposed to be low cost and customer centricity, the RBI would high-yielding – giving up to nearly 30 times consider customer education and the energy per unit area as can be realized awareness, frauds, complaints, declines and from current, conventional ‘first- system downtime. generation’ biofuel feedstocks. Highlights of the Index ▪ Fourth generation Biofuels use ▪ At a base of 100 for March 2018, the RBI genetically modified (GM) algae to has measured that the index rose to enhance biofuel production. Key to the 153.47 and 207.84 in March 2019 and process is the capture and sequestration of 2020, respectively. Going forward, the CO2, a process that renders fourth- index shall be published on RBI’s website generation biofuels a carbon negative on a semi-annual basis from March 2021 source of fuel. with a lag of four months. 3) Digital Payments Index ▪ Digital payments in India have seen a rapid What’s in the news? rise in adoption and development in the ▪ The Reserve Bank of India released a last four years. The decision to outlaw old Digital Payments Index to measure the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in November growth in cashless transactions in India. 2016 forced customers to switch to digital It aims to reflect accurately the penetration payments. and deepening of various digital payment ▪ The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) was modes. also launched in the same year and it soon ▪ The index comprises five broad became one of the most popular payment parameters with varying weights to platforms. measure the penetration of digital ▪ In December, UPI reported 223 crores payments. transactions worth Rs 4.16 lakh crores ▪ The five key parameters include: compared with 221 crores transactions 1. Payment enablers (25%). worth Rs 3.9 lakh crores in November. For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
9 For doubts and queries email us at: doubts@officerspulse.com For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
10
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1) China-Pakistan Economic natural gas to China by circumventing the
Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea.
Corridor ▪ The CPEC project is also strategically
What is the CPEC project?
important for China. Currently, eighty
▪ China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
percent of China’s oil has to pass through
refers to a clutch of major infrastructure
the Strait of Malacca, a narrow stretch of
works currently under way in Pakistan,
water between the Indonesian island of
intended to link Kashgar in China’s
Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. In the
Xinjiang province to Gwadar deep sea
event of a conflict, the Malacca Strait could
port close to Pakistan’s border with Iran.
easily be blocked by a rival nation, cutting
▪ Several other road, rail and power projects
off China from crucial energy resources.
are associated with the corridor, and the
CPEC allows China to circumvent the Strait
project seeks to expand and upgrade
of Malacca and reduce its dependency on
infrastructure across the length and
the strait.
breadth of Pakistan, and to widen and
India’s position on CPEC
deepen economic ties with China.
▪ India has been opposing the project as it
▪ CPEC is part of the larger Belt and Road
passes through Gilgit-Baltistan in
Initiative (BRI).
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which
▪ CPEC was launched in 2015 when Chinese
New Delhi considers its own territory.
President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan and it
▪ India claims that the CPEC project
now envisages investment of over USD 60
encroaches on sovereignty and territorial
billion in different projects of development
integrity of the country.
in Pakistan.
Why in News?
▪ Following reports in the Pakistani press
last week that China is seeking additional
guarantees from Pakistan before
sanctioning a loan for a key project under
CPEC, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied
the reports as baseless.
2) United Nations Security
Council
About UNSC
▪ The United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) was established in 1946 as one of
the six principal organs of the UN. It is
generally viewed as the apex of the UN
system.
▪ It is responsible for the maintenance of
international peace and security.
Significance ▪ Its powers include the establishment of
▪ The goal of CPEC is both to transform peacekeeping operations, the
Pakistan’s economy—by modernizing its establishment of international sanctions,
road, rail, air, and energy transportation and the authorization of military action
systems—and to connect the deep-sea through Security Council resolutions.
Pakistani ports of Gwadar and Karachi to ▪ It is the only UN body with the authority to
China’s Xinjiang province and beyond by issue binding resolutions to member
overland routes. states.
▪ This would reduce the time and cost of Membership
transporting goods and energy such as ▪ UNSC consists of 15 Members.
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com11 ▪ The council has five permanent members the concurring votes of the permanent (P-5) United States, Russia, China, United members. Kingdom and France. ▪ However, any member, whether permanent ▪ These permanent members can veto any or non-permanent, must abstain from substantive Security Council resolutions, voting in any decision concerning the including those on the admission of new peaceful settlement of a dispute to which it member states. is a party. ▪ The Security Council also has 10 non- Why in News? permanent members, elected on a ▪ India officially began its two-year term as a regional basis as follows: non-permanent member of the United 1. five for African and Asian States; Nations Security Council along with 2. one for Eastern European States; Norway, Mexico, Ireland and Kenya. 3. two for the Latin American and Caribbean ▪ On 17 June, 2020, India was elected to the States; and UN Security Council with 184 of the total 4. Two for Western European and other 192 votes. States. ▪ A member country needs a two-third ▪ Each year the 193-member UN General majority of votes in the General Assembly Assembly (UNGA) elects five non- to become a non-permanent member. This permanent members for a two-year term. is the eighth time India has been elected as ▪ The body's presidency rotates monthly a non-permanent member. among its members. ▪ India will be the UNSC President in August Vote and Majority Required 2021 and will preside over the Council ▪ Each member of the Security Council shall again for a month in 2022. The presidency have one vote. of the Council is held by each of the ▪ Decisions of the Security Council on members in turn for one month, following procedural matters shall be made by an the English alphabetical order of the affirmative vote of nine members. member states' names. ▪ Decisions of the Security Council on all For doubts and queries email us at: other matters shall be made by an doubts@officerspulse.com affirmative vote of nine members including For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
12
DEFENCE
1) Helicopter Deal ▪ The indigenously developed (over 96
About Ka-226T percent indigenisation) and manufactured
▪ The Kamov 226T is a light weight, twin- Akash has a range of 25 km and can
engine multi-role chopper that offers simultaneously engage multiple targets
services for both military and civilian in all weather conditions.
purposes. ▪ It has a large operational envelope from a
▪ The military version is capable of working low altitude of 30 metres to a maximum of
in extreme and difficult weather up to 20 km.
conditions such as hot climate, marine ▪ The Akash missile having a multi target,
areas and high mountains. multi directional, all weather air-
Why in News? defence system consisting of
▪ As the deal for Ka-226T utility helicopters surveillance and tracking radars, could
with Russia was not concluded even after take off at a speed of around 2.5 Mach and
five years it was announced, Indian Army is reach a high altitude of 18 kms and as low
set to approach the Defence Ministry for a as 30 meters.
waiver to take the deal forward. ▪ Mach is used as a unit of measurement in
About the deal stating the speed of a moving object in
▪ In 2015, India and Russia had concluded an relation to the speed of sound. For example,
Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for at if an aircraft is travelling at Mach 1, it is
least 200 Ka-226T twin engine utility travelling at exactly the speed of sound.
helicopters estimated to cost over $1 billion Why in News?
with 60 helicopters to be directly imported ▪ As part of efforts to boost defence exports,
and the remaining 140 manufactured the Union Cabinet has approved the export
locally. They are to replace the ageing and of the Akash short-range Surface to Air
obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleet of the Missile (SAM) system.
Army and the Air Force. About the defence exports
▪ About 75% of the Army’s fleet of Cheetah ▪ To achieve the target of $5 bn defence
and Chetak helicopters is over 30 years exports and improve strategic relations
old. Some of them are about 50 years old. with friendly foreign countries, the
▪ The operational capability has already been government intended to focus on exporting
impacted due to deficiencies and non- high value defence platforms.
availability of replacement. ▪ So far, Indian defence exports included
parts and components but the export of big
2) Akash Missile platforms was minimal.
Akash Missile System
For doubts and queries email us at:
▪ AKASH is a Surface to Air Missile with a
doubts@officerspulse.com
range of 25 Kms. The missile was inducted
in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com13
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1) Nanomicelles Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being
Why in News? implemented under the National Health
▪ A multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional Mission (NHM). It aims at awareness
team has created a nanomicelle that can be generation for cancer prevention,
used to deliver a drug named docetaxel, screening, early detection and referral to an
which is commonly used to treat various appropriate institution for treatment.
cancers including breast, colon and lung ▪ 'Tertiary Care for Cancer’ scheme was
cancer. launched with the primary purpose to set
What are nanomicelles? up individual units in every state. As per
▪ Similar to nanoshells and nanovesicles, the plan state cancer institutes (SCI) and
nanomicelles are extremely small tertiary care cancer centres (TCCC) in
structures and have been noted as an different parts of the country are to be set
emerging platform in targeted therapy. up.
Nanomicelles are globe-like structures with ▪ National Tobacco Control Programme is
a hydrophilic outer shell and a hydrophobic launched to create awareness about the
interior. This dual property makes them a dangerous effects of tobacco consumption,
perfect carrier for delivering drug reduce the demand and supply of tobacco
molecules. products.
▪ Once injected intravenously these 2) Digital Ocean
nanomicelles can easily escape the Why in News?
circulation and enter the solid tumours ▪ Union Minister for Science and Technology
where the blood vessels are found to be has launched the ‘Digital Ocean’ platform of
leaky. These leaky blood vessels are absent Indian National Centre for Oceanic
in the healthy organs. Information Services (INCOIS) as a one
▪ The ideal goal for cancer therapy is stop-solution for all data related needs of a
destroying the cancer cells without wide range of users, including research
harming healthy cells of the body, and institutions, operational agencies, strategic
chemotherapeutics approved for treatment users, academic community, maritime
of cancer are highly toxic. The currently industry, and the public.
used docetaxel is a highly hydrophobic About the initiative
drug, and is dissolved in a chemical ▪ Digital Ocean (www.do.incois.gov.in) is
mixture. This aggravates its toxic effects on expected to bring a sea-change in how the
liver, blood cells, and lungs. oceanographic data is served for a better
Cancer understanding of oceans surrounding us.
▪ Cancer is a term used for diseases in which ▪ It will play a central role in sustainable
abnormal cells divide without control management of our oceans and expanding
and are able to invade other tissues. our ‘Blue Economy’ initiatives.
Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the ▪ It will facilitate an online interactive web-
body through the blood and lymph systems. based environment for data integration,
All cancers begin in cells, the body's basic 3D and 4D data visualization, data
unit of life. analysis to assess the evolution of
▪ The body is made up of many types of cells. oceanographic features obtained from
These cells grow and divide in a controlled multiple sources like on site monitoring
way to produce more cells as they are devices, remote sensing and model data.
needed to keep the body healthy. When ▪ INCOIS provides ocean information and
cells become old or damaged, they die and advisory services to various stakeholders in
are replaced with new cells. the country, including Potential Fishing
Cancer Initiatives by the Government Zone (PFZ) advisories, Ocean State
▪ National Programme for Prevention and Forecast (OSF), high wave alerts,
Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular tsunami early warnings, storm surge
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com14 and oil-spill advisories, among others., ▪ Two key projects planned in the Mission using state-of-the-art technologies and are: tools to get real time information on 1. A desalination plant powered by tidal oceanographic and marine meteorological energy. data. 2. A submersible vehicle that can explore Significance of this Initiative depths of at least 6,000 metres. ▪ India will transform into a digitally Blue Economy empowered society and knowledge ▪ India has a long coastline of 7,517 km– with economy. an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.02 ▪ Will provide data to research institutions, mn. sq.km. academic communities, policy makers and ▪ Marine services sector could serve as the the public etc. backbone of its blue economy and help ▪ Sustainable management of the oceans and India a 5 Trillion Dollar Economy Blue Economy initiatives. ▪ Indian Ocean is a major conduit of trade ▪ Capacity building on Ocean Data with as much as 80% of global oil trade Management for Indian Ocean Rim happening through it. countries. ▪ The objective of the Blue Economy is to ▪ Atmanirbhar Bharat. promote smart, sustainable and Additional Information inclusive growth and employment Indian National Centre for Ocean opportunities within the Indian Ocean Information Services region’s maritime economic activities. ▪ It was established as an autonomous body ▪ The Blue Economy is determined to in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth initiate appropriate programs for: the Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth sustainable harnessing of ocean resources; System Science Organization (ESSO). research and development; developing ▪ It is mandated to provide the best possible relevant sectors of oceanography; stock ocean information and advisory services assessment of marine resources; to society, industry, government introducing marine aquaculture, deep agencies and the scientific community sea/long line fishing and biotechnology; through sustained ocean observations and and human resource development; among constant improvement through systematic others. and focused research. ▪ The idea encompasses Renewable Energy, ▪ It has adopted and developed various state- Fisheries, Maritime Transport, Tourism, of-the-art technologies and tools that Mitigating Climate Change (oceans as a includes Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) carbon sink), Waste Management advisories, Ocean State Forecast (OSF)- (reducing burden on oceans). Spill advisories, etc. 3) Bird Flu ▪ Provides round-the-clock monitoring About Bird Flu and warning services for the coastal ▪ Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is a population on tsunamis, storm surges, high viral infection that spreads from bird to waves, etc. through the in-house Indian bird. These viruses occur naturally among Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC). wild aquatic birds worldwide and can ▪ It has been serving as the National Argo infect domestic poultry and other bird and Data Centre and Regional Argo Data Centre animal species. of the International Argo Programme. ▪ Currently, a particularly deadly strain of Other initiatives related to Ocean bird flu -- H5N1 -- continues to spread exploration among poultry in Egypt and in certain parts Deep Ocean Mission- started in 2018 of Asia. The H5N1 virus can cause severe ▪ Aim- To explore the deep ocean for deep- flu with a high mortality rate. sea mining, ocean climate change ▪ Avian influenza viruses do not normally advisory services, underwater vehicles infect humans. However, there have been and underwater robotics related instances of certain highly pathogenic technologies. For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
15 strains causing severe respiratory approval of licences of specified disease in humans. categories of drugs such as blood and ▪ In most cases, the people infected had been blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and in close contact with infected poultry or sera in India. with objects contaminated by their faeces. ▪ Drugs Controller General of India comes When people do become infected, the under the Ministry of Health & Family mortality rate is about 60%. Welfare. Why in News? ▪ DCGI also sets standards for ▪ Prohibitory orders were imposed and a manufacturing, sales, import, and one-km radius area was declared a “zero distribution of drugs in India. mobility zone” in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar as ▪ DCGI lays down the standard and quality 50 crows were found dead because of avian of manufacturing, selling, import and influenza. distribution of drugs in India. ▪ H5N1 infection in humans can cause severe ▪ Other Functions disease and has a high mortality rate. ▪ Acting as appellate authority in case of ▪ If the H5N1 virus were to change and any dispute regarding the quality of drugs. become easily transmissible from person to ▪ Preparation and maintenance of national person while retaining its capacity to cause reference standards. severe disease, the consequences for public ▪ To bring about the uniformity in the health could be very serious. enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics ▪ In most cases, avian influenza in humans Act. develops into a serious disease that should ▪ Training of Drug Analysts deputed by State be treated promptly in the hospital and Drug Control Laboratories and other may require intensive care, where Institutions available. ▪ Analysis of Cosmetics received as survey ▪ The antiviral medicine oseltamivir can samples from CDSCO. reduce the severity of illness and prevent Why in News: death, and should be used in all cases. ▪ Covishield, the vaccine candidate from 4) Covishield Pune-based Serum Institute of India, was About DCGI approved by a Subject Expert Committee ▪ Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is (SEC) of the Drug Controller General of the head of department of the Central India. Drugs Standard Control Organization of the For doubts and queries email us at: Government of India responsible for doubts@officerspulse.com For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
16
ART & CULTURE
1) Khelo India Youth games ▪ Indian martial art and fighting style that
About Khelo India programme originated in Kerala.
▪ The Khelo India programme has been ▪ Considered to be among the oldest martial
introduced to revive the sports culture in arts still in existence, with its origin dating
India at the grass-root level by building a back to at least the 3rd century BC.
strong framework for all sports played in ▪ Kalaripayattu includes strikes, kicks,
our country and establish India as a great grappling, preset forms, weaponry and
sporting nation. healing methods. Practitioners of
▪ Under this programme, talented players Kalaripayattu also possess intricate
identified in priority sports disciplines at knowledge of pressure points on the
various levels by the High-Powered human body and healing techniques that
Committee will be provided annual incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda
financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per and Yoga.
annum for 8 years. ▪ Unlike other parts of India, warriors in
▪ It is under the Minister of Youth Affairs & Kerala belonged to all castes.
Sports. ▪ Women also underwent training in
About Khelo India Youth Games Kalaripayattu, and still do so to this day.
▪ Introduced by the Ministry of Sports and Thang-Ta
Youth affairs, Khelo India Youth Games is a ▪ Indian martial art from Manipur.
part of the Khelo India programme. ▪ It is dedicated to fighting skill and worship.
Why in News? Mallakhamba
▪ The Sports Ministry has approved the ▪ Mallakhamb is a traditional sport in which
inclusion of four indigenous sports, a gymnast performs aerial yoga or
including Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta gymnastic postures and wrestling grips in
and Mallakhamba, in the Khelo India concert with a vertical stationary or
Youth Games 2021. hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope.
Gatka ▪ Madhya Pradesh (state sport) and
▪ Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art Maharashtra have been the hotspots of
associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab this sport.
who practice an early variant of the martial ▪ The name Mallakhamb derives from the
art. terms malla, meaning wrestler, and khamb,
▪ It is a style of stick-fighting, with wooden which means a pole.
sticks. Need for martial arts in India
▪ It is believed to have originated when sixth ▪ Increases confidence and improves
Sikh guru Hargobind adopted ‘Kirpan’ for physical and mental health
self defense during Mughal era and tenth ▪ Safety of women
Guru Gobind Singh made it compulsory for ▪ Can use Indian martial arts to enhance
everyone to use the weapons for self India’s Soft Power, the same way China
defence. promotes Kung-Fu.
Kalaripayattu For doubts and queries email us at:
doubts@officerspulse.com
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com17
PIB ANALYSIS
1) Adopt a Heritage: Apni ▪ Develop and promote sustainable tourism
infrastructure and ensure proper
Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan Operations and Maintenance therein.
Project ▪ Develop employment opportunities and
About: support livelihoods of local communities at
▪ Launched in 2017, it is an initiative of the the heritage, natural and tourist sites.
Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration Why in News?
with the Ministry of Culture, ▪ The Minister of State for Tourism and
Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Culture took a review meeting of the
State/ UT Governments and the Private/ “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni
Public sector companies/ Trusts/ NGOs/ Pehchaan” project.
Individuals. 2) RoDTEP scheme
▪ This is to make the facilities tourist-friendly
Merchandise export from India scheme
and increase the site’s tourism potential by
▪ Merchandise Exports from India Scheme
enhancing the tourist experience in a
(MEIS) was introduced under Foreign
planned and phased manner.
Trade Policy of India (FTP 2015-20), as a
▪ It aims at ensuring quality & inclusive
part of Exports from India Scheme.
provision of amenities and facilities across
▪ The scheme provides incentive in the
heritage, natural, & tourist sites through
form of duty credit scrip to the exporter
active participation of private and public
to compensate for his loss on payment of
sector organizations and individuals. These
duties. The scrips can be transferred or
organizations would be known as
used for payment of a number of duties
“Monument Mitras” for their collaboration
including the basic customs duty.
initiative.
What is the issue?
Monument Mitra ▪ In 2019, a World Trade Organization
▪ Successful bidders selected for adopting (WTO) dispute resolution panel ruled
heritage, natural, tourist sites / that MEIS was not in compliance with the
monuments by the Oversight and Vision global trade norms.
Committee shall be called as Monument ▪ Additionally, many exporters had
Mitras. persistently complained that the MEIS
▪ A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) scheme doesn’t offset all the taxes.
will be signed between Monument Mitra, RoDTEP scheme
Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, ▪ To address these issues, the government
Archaeological Survey of India and any introduced the Remission of Duties and
other concerned stakeholder as applicable Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)
for the site. scheme with a view to give a boost to the
country’s outbound shipments.
The objectives of the project are :
▪ The government announced that whatever
▪ Developing basic tourism infrastructure in
taxes, or duties or local levies imposed by
and around heritage sites, monuments,
the Centre, State or local governments that
natural sites and tourist sites.
are not getting refunded through any other
▪ Develop facilities and amenities to improve
scheme, will be done through RoDTEP in a
the tourist experience at heritage sites,
way that is compliant with the WTO
monuments, natural sites and tourist sites.
norms.
▪ Promote cultural and heritage value of the
▪ It is proposed to digitally refund to
country and develop avenues to create
exporters, duties and taxes levied at the
awareness about the
Centre, State and local levels.
heritage/natural/tourist sites in the
▪ The RoDTEP scheme will replace the
country
current Merchandise Export from India
Scheme (MEIS) in a phased manner.
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com18
Comparison between MEIS and RoDTEP ▪ By adopting the RoDTEP scheme, Indian
exporters will be able to meet the
Aspect MEIS RoDTEP
international standards for exports as
affordable testing and certification will be
Schema of Additional Refund of made available to exporters within the
Incentiv Incentive Indirect country instead of relying on international
e on Exports taxes on organizations.
of goods Inputs used ▪ Also under it, tax assessment is set to
apart from in the become fully automatic for exporters.
other manufactur Businesses will get access to their refunds
refunds e of for GST via an automatic refund-route.
and exported ▪ This would increase the economy for the
drawbacks product country and working capital for the
available which is enterprise.
on not being Why in News?
undertaki currently ▪ Government has decided to extend the
ng the said reimbursed benefit of the scheme for RoDTEP to all
exports. by any export goods to boost exports.
other ▪ The scheme will refund to exporters the
existing embedded Central, State and local taxes
schemes. that were so far not being given rebate or
refunded. The refund will be credited in the
WTO Non- Compliant exporter's ledger account with Customs
complia Compliant with WTO and used to pay Basic Customs duty on
nce with WTO trade imported goods. The credits can also be
trade norms transferred to other importers.
norms For doubts and queries email us at
Significance doubts@officerspulse.com
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com19
News in Depth
AIR NEWS
1) AFSPA Forces (Special Powers) Act has been in
About AFSPA force in Nagaland for several decades.
▪ Passed in 1958 for the North-East and in 2) Blue Flag Certification
1990 for Jammu & Kashmir, the Armed What is it?
Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives ▪ The Blue Flag certification is given to
armed forces special powers to control environmental- friendly, clean beaches,
“disturbed areas”, which are designated marinas which are equipped with
by the government when it is of the opinion amenities of international standards for
that a region is in such a disturbed or tourists.
dangerous condition that the use of armed ▪ There are 33 environment and tourism-
forces in aid of civil power is necessary. related conditions for Blue Flag
▪ An area can be disturbed due to differences Certification. Few of them include, having
or disputes between members of different proper waste disposal systems, availability
religious, racial, language or regional of clean water for tourists, disabled friendly
groups or castes or communities. etc.
▪ The Central Government, or the ▪ The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and
Governor of the State or administrator marinas is run by FEE (the Foundation for
of the Union Territory can declare the Environmental Education) – a
whole or part of the State or Union Copenhagen based international, non
Territory as a disturbed area. governmental, non-profit organisation.
▪ Under its provisions, the armed forces have ▪ Indian beaches are being developed by the
been empowered to open fire, enter and Society for Integrated Coastal
search without warrant, and arrest any Management (SICOM) according to the
person who has committed a cognisable Blue Flag certification standards.
offence, all while having immunity from Why in News?
being prosecuted. ▪ Union Environment Minister Prakash
▪ The law has been repealed where Javadekar virtually hoisted the
insurgencies have subsided, and when international blue flags in eight beaches
governments have gained confidence in across the country.
managing the region using the police force. ▪ These beaches are Kappad (Kerala),
▪ Critics both in India and abroad have Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu),
criticised government agencies for acting Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka),
with impunity under AFSPA. Manipuri Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden
activist Irom Sharmila had been on a 16- (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman &
year hunger strike in protest against Nicobar Islands).
AFSPA. The Jeevan Reddy Committee ▪ India secured the International Blue Flag
formed in 2004 has recommended a Certification for these beaches on 6 October
complete repeal of the law. 2020.
Why in News? ▪ The Environment Minister further
▪ The entire state of Nagaland has been informed that hundred more such beaches
declared a “disturbed area” under the will be made Blue Flag in the coming 3-4
AFSPA for six more months. The Armed years and highlighted that cleaning beaches
needs to be made a “Jan Andolan"
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com20 (People's Movement) not only for its conferred with a couple of Blue Flag aesthetic value and tourism prospects but beaches. more importantly towards reducing the For doubts and queries email us at menace of marine litter and making coastal doubts@officerspulse.com environment sustainable. ▪ Japan, South Korea and the UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
21
THE HINDU EDITORIALS
levels of exposure and they also act as
1) Towards an effective active disease vectors since they interact
with large numbers of people.
vaccination distribution policy DRAWBACKS IN THE PRIORITY RATIONALE
GS 2 - Government policies and
▪ The priority given to older people may not
interventions for development in
actually minimise the total social and
various sectors
economic cost inflicted by the virus in the
NEWS
long run. As elderly are less mobile, have a
▪ India plans to vaccinate 300 million people lower level of social interaction, and are
against COVID-19 over the next 6-7
hence less likely to spread the virus.
months. The government plans to give
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?
priority to healthcare workers and other
▪ Instead, younger people who interact with
frontline workers, followed by everyone
a larger number of people are both more
who is above 50 years of age. This means
likely to be infected and subsequently
roughly 20% of the population will be
infect others should receive more attention,
vaccinated by July or August 2021.
for instance, the Dharavi slum — should
CHALLENGES IN VACCINATION PROCESS
receive far more attention than they are
▪ Since all the vaccines that are currently in
likely to get under the current strategy.
the spotlight require two doses, the
GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
government will have to acquire 600
STRATEGIES
million doses. Fortunately, Pune’s Serum
▪ It seems to depend entirely on domestic
Institute of India is the world’s largest
sources.
producer of vaccines. There are reports
▪ It also plans to rely entirely on public
that the government has already struck a
resources for distribution without
deal with it to acquire 500 million doses of
involving private hospitals.
the AstraZeneca vaccine.
▪ Also, the government plans to bear the
▪ Principle underlying the triage scheme
entire cost of vaccination.
adopted by the government for setting up
WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE?
the priorities for vaccine distribution needs
▪ In order to help the poor who cannot afford
improvement.
the vaccine, the government should
▪ Inclusion of private players in the
continue to procure all available
vaccination process is another contentious
domestically produced vaccines and supply
issue.
them through its own distribution channel.
WHAT SHOULD BE THE AIM OF ANY
▪ Government has to ensure that there is no
VACCINATION DRIVE?
reduction in the availability of the vaccine
▪ Provide protection to those vaccinated.
for the poor.
▪ Minimise or at least slow down the speed
▪ Allowing private players in the process
and spread of the viral transmission.
may lead to an increase in supply and
BASIS FOR GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY LIST
hence less waiting time for the less affluent
▪ The government’s strategy of giving
since some of the richer individuals in the
priority to front-line workers and elderly
target group will opt out of the government
people is in line with the practice being
distribution system and prefer to get
followed in the U.K. and the U.S. drive.
vaccinated at some private outlet.
▪ The rationale for this is to protect those
▪ India with a huge market for vaccines,
who are most likely to be infected in the
needs to exploit the bargaining power and
future as well as those who are most
grab the cost effective deal. This will ensure
vulnerable to the health consequences of
crucial health facilities accessible to all its
the infection.
citizens.
▪ The priority given to healthcare
professionals satisfies both the conditions 2) Dealing with India’s two-front
i.e. these are individuals who have high challenge - China+Pakistan
For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com22 GS 2 - International Relations ▪ A two front conflict presents the Indian CONTEXT military with two dilemmas — of resources ▪ A politically-guided doctrine and and strategy. comprehensive military capability are ▪ It is estimated that about 60 combat needed to deal with the China-Pakistan squadrons are needed to deal with a threat. serious two front threat. This is double the OPINIONS TILL RECENT number of squadrons currently with the ▪ INDIAN MILITARY- India’s military was Indian Air Force (IAF). firmly of the view that a collusive China- ▪ Regarding the strategy to be deployed Pakistan military threat was a real against Pakistan- if defensive, it may possibility, and we must develop encourage Pakistan to continue with its capabilities to counter this challenge. actions in J&K; being offensive could draw ▪ POLITICAL AND STRATEGIC limited resources into a wider conflict. COMMUNITY- Political class in general and WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? the mainstay of the country’s strategic ▪ It is certain that the threat cannot be community felt that a two front threat was ignored. Therefore there is a need to being overhyped by the military to press develop both the doctrine and the for additional resources and funds. Also capability to deal with this contingency. historically, China has never intervened ▪ Developing a doctrine will require close militarily in any India-Pakistan conflict. interaction with the political leadership, ▪ As a result, Indian strategic thinking was while capability building requires a serious overwhelmingly focused on Pakistan and debate. the security considerations emanating from ▪ Currently, too much focus is being given on there. major platforms such as aircraft, ships, and RECENT INTRUSIONS CHANGE THINGS tanks, and not enough on future ▪ The Chinese intrusions in Ladakh in May, technologies such as robotics, artificial the violence that resulted from clashes intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, etc. between the Indian Army and the People’s Hence, India needs to work towards Liberation Army, and the deadlock in upgrading its existing technologies. negotiations have now made the Chinese ▪ The right balance will have to be struck military threat more apparent and real. based on a detailed assessment of China ▪ This comes at a time when the situation and Pakistan’s warfighting strategies. along the Line of Control (LoC) with ROLE THAT DIPLOMACY CAN PLAY Pakistan has been steadily deteriorating. As ▪ Diplomacy has a crucial role to play in a result the worrisome two front situation meeting the two front challenges. has arisen for India. ▪ New Delhi needs to improve the relations CHINA-PAKISTAN MILITARY LINKS with its neighbours, thus avoiding being ▪ The Sino-Pakistan relationship is nothing caught in an unfriendly neighbourhood. new, but it has far serious implications ▪ The government’s current engagement of today than perhaps ever before. the key powers in West Asia, including Iran, ▪ Over the years, the ties between the two should be further strengthened in order to countries have strengthened and there is a ensure energy security, increase maritime great deal of alignment in their strategic cooperation and enhance goodwill in the thinking. extended neighbourhood. ▪ Military cooperation is growing with China ▪ India’s needs to strengthen its maritime accounting for 73% of the total arms strategy, as it can help to ease the Sino- imports of Pakistan between 2015-2019. Pakistan pressure in the continental ▪ Hence, there is a need for India to be ready sphere. for a two front threat. In preparing for this, OUTREACH TO KASHMIR the Indian military needs to realistically ▪ The stark military reality of a two front analyse how this threat could manifest challenge must serve as a wakeup call for itself and the type of capabilities that the political leadership in New Delhi, and should be built up to counter it. encourage it to look for ways to ease the DILEMMAS FOR INDIA pressure from either front. For free learning, visit www.officerspulse.com
23
▪ Easing pressure on the western front September 2019 resulted in a drop of 5.7
requires political will more than anything million barrels of oil per day. This resulted
else. in a steep plunge in Saudi Arabia’s stock
▪ From a Longview perspective, political market and a sharp spike in global oil
outreach to Kashmir aimed at pacifying the prices.
aggrieved citizens is the possible step ▪ China: China has long practiced “supply
towards this end. chain politics”. In 2010, when Japan
▪ This could also lead to a potential detained a Chinese fishing trawler captain
rapprochement with Pakistan, which can near the disputed Senkaku Islands, in
be persuaded to put an end to terrorist response to this action, the Chinese
infiltration into Kashmir. government cut off exports of rare earths
▪ China, a rising and aggressive, superpower to Japan.
next door, is the bigger strategic threat for ▪ USA: Tensions with China led the United
India, with Pakistan being a second order States government to impose restrictions
accessory to Beijing’s ‘contain India on export of microchips to China’s biggest
Strategy’. New Delhi would, therefore, do semiconductor manufacturer.
well to do what it can politically to reduce WHAT IS SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE?
the effect of a collusive Sino-Pakistan ▪ In the context of international trade, supply
containment strategy aimed at India. chain resilience is an approach that helps a
3) Resilient supply chains as a country to ensure that it has diversified its
supply risk across a clutch of supplying
pandemic lesson nations instead of being dependent on just
GS- 3 Effects of liberalization on the
one or a few.
economy, changes in industrial policy
▪ Significance- In the times of unanticipated
and their effects on industrial growth
events, whether natural, such as volcanic
CONTEXT
eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes or even a
▪ The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has pandemic; or manmade, such as an armed
highlighted the importance of creating
conflict in a region — that disrupt supplies
resilient supply chains that can withstand
from a particular country or even
disruptions and ensure reliability for the
intentional halts to trade, could adversely
global economy.
impact economic activity in the destination
▪ Disruptions in supply chains can be natural country.
or man-made.
INITIATIVE AGAINST OVER DEPENDENCE
NATURAL DISRUPTIONS ON CHINA
▪ Japan: The Great Tōhoku Earthquake of Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)
2011, followed by the Tsunami, led to a
▪ Geopolitics and geoeconomics can never be
nuclear disaster (Fukushima Daiichi). It led
truly separated. Also with the increasing
to a sharp drop in Japanese automobile
trend of weaponization of trade and
exports to the United States.
technology, supply chains disruption is a
▪ Global: When the novel coronavirus
persistent threat. It is in this context that
pandemic broke out, it had an immediate
India, Japan and Australia initiated SCRI
effect on supply chains emanating from
in September this year.
China.
▪ SCRI may be strengthened by the future
▪ In India, several companies felt the
involvement of France, United Kingdom.
disruption in the automotive, electronics
▪ The objectives of SCRI are-
and white goods sectors.
1. To attract foreign direct investment to turn
▪ Though India excels in the pharmaceuticals
the Indo-Pacific into an “economic
sector, the overreliance on Active
powerhouse”.
Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from
2. To build a mutually complementary
China still creates vulnerabilities in the
relationship among partner countries.
value chain.
3. To work out a plan to build on the
MAN-MADE DISRUPTIONS
existential supply chain network.
▪ Saudi Arabia: Terrorist drone attacks on
“China plus one” strategy
Aramco’s oil refineries in Saudi Arabia in
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