Current Affairs 03 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Gender Budget Statement
2. NGT Fines Punjab Government for Waste Mismanagement
3. India’s Unique Challenges with China Highlighted by External Affairs Minister
4. Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining in Chile
5. Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)
6. Payment Passkey Service
7. Bonda Tribe

Gender Budget Statement

Context:

The 2024-25 Budget marks a significant milestone in promoting women-led development by allocating 1% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) for the first time. This allocation translates into more than ₹3 lakh crore directed towards initiatives and programs aimed at empowering women, showcasing a robust commitment to gender equality and women’s economic and social advancement.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Enhanced Focus on Gender-Specific Initiatives in the GBS 2024-25:
2. Exploring Gender Budgeting: A Strategic Framework
3. Challenges Impacting Gender Budgeting in India

Enhanced Focus on Gender-Specific Initiatives in the GBS 2024-25:

• Increased Financial Commitment:
  • The allocation for women-centered programs has increased to about 6.8% of the total budget for 2024-25, up from the usual 5%.
• Structural Changes in Reporting:
  • Introduction of Part C in the budget, focusing on schemes that allocate up to 30% for women, including prominent initiatives like the PM Kisan scheme.
• Allocation Distribution:
  • Part A: Targets schemes exclusively for women like SAMARTHYA and now includes the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), making up nearly 40% of the allocations.
  • Part B: Covers schemes with 30% to 99% of spending directed towards women-related components, such as PM AJAY – Adarsh Gram Yojana.

Exploring Gender Budgeting: A Strategic Framework

• Definition and Application:
  • Gender budgeting is a strategic methodology adopted by governments to allocate public resources efficiently, catering to the varied needs of different gender groups within the population.
  • It emphasizes integrating women’s specific needs into the existing financial frameworks without necessitating a separate budget.
• Legal and Policy Framework:
  • In 1993, India endorsed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), demonstrating its dedication to fostering gender equality.
  • The first Gender Budget Statement was incorporated into the Indian national budget for 2005-2006, marking a consistent practice in subsequent budgets.
• Institutional Mechanisms:
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) serves as the pivotal body for gender budgeting initiatives, supported by Gender Budget Cells established across various central ministries.
• Operational Strategy under Mission Shakti:
  • Gender budgeting is operationalized under the Samarthya initiative, part of the broader Mission Shakti campaign aimed at empowering women.

Methodology of Gender Budgeting:

• The process involves a series of steps to ensure gender considerations are reflected throughout the budget cycle:
  1. Situation Analysis: Evaluating the status quo of gender groups in different sectors.
  2. Policy Assessment: Scrutinizing policies to ascertain their impact on gender issues.
  3. Budget Evaluation: Checking the adequacy of budget allocations for gender-focused actions.
  4. Expenditure Monitoring: Ensuring allocated funds are utilized as intended.
  5. Impact Assessment: Measuring the effectiveness of policies on initial gender-related conditions.

Significance and Impact:

• Gender budgeting aims to direct funding to areas with notable gender disparities, thus addressing key societal needs.
• It aligns with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goal 5, promoting gender equality.
• This approach enhances transparency in budget management, ensuring that gender equality commitments are fulfilled effectively.
• By integrating gender perspectives into fiscal planning, gender budgeting fosters more inclusive and effective governance.

Challenges Impacting Gender Budgeting in India

• Inaccurate Allocation Reporting:
  • Programs such as the PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) have reported inflated allocations in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS), with instances like a reported ₹920 crore representing 40% of the total allocation without adequate justification.
• Underreporting of Women’s Needs:
  • Essential programs intended for women, such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), have historically been underreported, although recent updates show improvements in accuracy.
• Discrepancy in Allocation vs. Utilization:
  • The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) illustrates this issue, where only 33.6% of its budget is allocated to women, despite them accounting for 59.3% of all person days worked, suggesting a misalignment between allocation and actual beneficiary engagement.
• Incomplete Coverage of Women-Centric Schemes:
  • Entrepreneurial schemes targeting women, including PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, and Stand-Up India, are not comprehensively reported within the gender budgeting framework.
• Neglected Sectors:
  • Critical sectors that significantly affect women, such as transportation, water collection, and water security, are often overlooked in gender budgeting efforts.

-Source: The Hindu

NGT Fines Punjab Government for Waste Mismanagement

Context:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently levied a hefty fine of Rs 1,000 crore on the Punjab government due to its consistent failure to effectively manage the state’s solid and liquid waste. This punitive measure comes after multiple warnings were disregarded by the state authorities. The imposed fine must be paid to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) within the upcoming month, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental management failures.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Reasons for NGT’s Penalty on Punjab Government
2. National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Reasons for NGT’s Penalty on Punjab Government

• Inadequate Waste Management: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a penalty on the Punjab Government for its failure to effectively manage solid and liquid waste across the state.
• Calculation of Penalty: The fine was based on environmental assessments conducted over six months, addressing 5.387 million tonnes of unprocessed legacy waste and deficiencies in sewage treatment capacity.
• Regulatory Framework: The NGT cited non-compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which govern waste management practices.
• Non-compliance with Previous Orders: The tribunal highlighted the state’s failure to adhere to its 2022 directives, which included establishing a ring-fenced account containing Rs 2,080 crore as per Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010.
• Legal Follow-up: The NGT has issued show cause notices to senior administrative officials in Punjab, including the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development), demanding explanations for the non-compliance.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• The NGT was established on October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, passed by the Central Government.
• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 is an Act of the Parliament of India which enables creation of a special tribunal to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues.
• NGT Act draws inspiration from the India’s constitutional provision of (Constitution of India/Part III) Article 21 Protection of life and personal liberty, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.
• The stated objective of the Central Government was to provide a specialized forum for effective and speedy disposal of cases pertaining to environment protection, conservation of forests and for seeking compensation for damages caused to people or property due to violation of environmental laws or conditions specified while granting permissions.

Structure of National Green Tribunal

• Following the enactment of the said law, the Principal Bench of the NGT has been established in the National Capital – New Delhi, with regional benches in Pune (Western Zone Bench), Bhopal (Central Zone Bench), Chennai (Southern Bench) and Kolkata (Eastern Bench). Each Bench has a specified geographical jurisdiction covering several States in a region.
• The Chairperson of the NGT is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court, Head Quartered in Delhi.
• Other Judicial members are retired Judges of High Courts. Each bench of the NGT will comprise of at least one Judicial Member and one Expert Member.
• Expert members should have a professional qualification and a minimum of 15 years’ experience in the field of environment/forest conservation and related subjects.

Powers of NGT

The NGT has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental issues and questions that are linked to the implementation of laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act. These include the following:

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
• The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• This means that any violations pertaining ONLY to these laws, or any order / decision taken by the Government under these laws can be challenged before the NGT.
• Importantly, the NGT has NOT been vested with powers to hear any matter relating to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and various laws enacted by States relating to forests, tree preservation etc.

-Source: Indian Express

India’s Unique Challenges with China Highlighted by External Affairs Minister

Context:

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently highlighted that India faces a unique set of challenges with China, termed as the “special China problem,” which extends beyond the global issues commonly associated with China. During his speech at a forum, Jaishankar emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of Chinese investments, especially considering the ongoing border tensions and the broader state of bilateral relations between India and China.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Highlights of the External Affairs Minister’s Speech on India-China Relations
2. India-China Border Dispute: Key Points
3. Current Infrastructure Developments by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along the India-China Border

Highlights of the External Affairs Minister’s Speech on India-China Relations

• Unique Challenges with China: India faces distinctive challenges with China, separate from the broader global issues posed by China’s rise. The “special China problem” in India goes beyond the general concerns of countries like the USA or European nations.
• Investment Scrutiny: India’s scrutiny of Chinese investments is deemed justified due to strained border relations. Similar scrutiny is observed in countries without direct borders with China due to security concerns.
• Diplomatic Progress: Recent India-China talks, initiated in May 2020, have shown progress in resolving border disputes, marked by the new approach to “narrow down the differences,” signaling a constructive development in negotiations.
• Trade Deficit Concerns: The External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, discussed the trade deficit with China, noting it results from China’s unique production advantages, which were previously overlooked by India and other countries.
• Economic and Security Nexus: The intersection of economics and national security is becoming more pronounced, especially concerning reliance on Chinese technology in sectors like telecommunications, which could pose security risks.
• Ongoing Border Standoff: The longstanding border standoff between India and China has seen extensive troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, with ongoing issues in areas like Depsang Plains and Demchok, despite some resolutions.

India-China Border Dispute: Key Points

The India-China border dispute centers around several crucial aspects:

• Complex Territorial Disputes: The dispute involves the lengthy and intricate territorial disagreements along the 3,488-kilometer shared border between India and China.
• Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh: The main contested regions are Aksai Chin in the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
  • Aksai Chin: China administers Aksai Chin within its Xinjiang region, while India regards it as part of Ladakh. This area’s significance lies in its proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its potential military importance.
  • Arunachal Pradesh: China claims the entirety of Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “South Tibet,” but India administers it as a northeastern state.
• Undefined Demarcation: The border lacks a clear demarcation, and certain stretches lack a mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC). The LAC was established post the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• Three Sectors: The India-China border is divided into Western (Ladakh), Middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) sectors.
• Historical Military Standoffs: The dispute has resulted in multiple military confrontations and conflicts, notably the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Both nations have pursued agreements and protocols to manage tensions and maintain peace along the border.
• Recent Confrontations: Notable recent conflicts occurred in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley in 2020 and Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang in 2022.
• Escalation Trend: Observers on both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) recognize an increase in significant military confrontations since 2013.

Current Infrastructure Developments by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along the India-China Border

• Alternate Route to Leh: The BRO is nearing the completion of crucial road patches, ensuring all-weather connectivity on an alternate route to Leh.
• Key Projects:
  • Nimu-Padam-Darcha Road: This project involves enhancing the connectivity on this critical route.
  • Shinku La Tunnel: Initiating construction of what will be the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 feet, aiming to enhance strategic connectivity.
• Leh Access Routes: Currently, Leh can be accessed via:
  • Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil route
  • Manali-Rohtang route
  • Nimu-Padam-Darcha road
• Shinku La Tunnel Impact: This tunnel will cut the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, providing a third reliable all-weather route.
• Strategic Road Development:
  • LAC Connectivity: Focus on establishing roads parallel to the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, including critical routes from Leh to Demchok and from Durbuk to Nyoma via Chushul.
  • ICBR Programme: Under the India-China Border Roads initiative, there is a concerted effort to complete 73 strategic roads in the first two phases in regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• Major Frontier Highway: Construction of a nearly 1,800-km highway in Arunachal Pradesh to improve access to key locations near the Myanmar border.
• Additional Projects:
  • Sungal Tunnel: This tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway is prioritized along with the Lipulekh Pass Road on the Mansarovar Yatra route.
• Increased Budget and Development: Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in the budget allocations for infrastructure development in Ladakh and the Northeast, underlining the strategic importance of these projects for national security.

-Source: The Hindu

Environmental Impact of Lithium Mining in Chile

Context:

A recent study has revealed that the Atacama salt flat in Chile is experiencing land subsidence as a direct result of lithium mining activities. This highlights the environmental challenges associated with the extraction of lithium, a vital component in modern technologies.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key findings of the study related to lithium mining’s environmental impact
2. About Lithium

Key findings of the study related to lithium mining’s environmental impact:

• Subsidence in Atacama: The Atacama salt flats in Chile are sinking between 1 to 2 centimeters annually due to lithium brine extraction. This method involves pumping salt-rich water from underground, which exceeds the natural recharge rate of the aquifers, causing the ground to sink.
• Water Usage: The lithium extraction process is highly water-intensive, requiring about 2,000 tons of water to produce just one ton of lithium. This significant water usage exacerbates existing water scarcity issues in the Atacama Desert, adversely impacting both the local communities and the broader ecosystem.
• Environmental Contamination: Chemicals such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, used in the lithium extraction process, contribute to soil and water contamination. This contamination poses risks to various species and harms the ecological balance.
• Impact on Wildlife: A notable decline in flamingo populations in the Atacama region has been observed, attributed to lowered water levels from the extraction process, which impacts the birds’ reproduction rates.

Implications for Reasi, J&K:

• Water Crisis: The region already faces water access challenges, particularly after the construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge which led to the drying up of perennial streams. Lithium mining, which requires substantial water resources, could exacerbate these issues.
• Biodiversity Risks: The Himalayan region of J&K, known for its biodiversity and status as an eco-sensitive area, could see significant ecological damage. The mining operations threaten the habitats of migratory birds such as the Common Teal and Northern Pintail, which rely on the region’s lakes, marshes, and wetlands.
• Food Security: The extensive use of resources for mining, including high carbon emissions and significant alterations in land and water use, could jeopardize food security in the region.
• Riparian Pollution: Given that the Himalayas are the source of numerous rivers, the mining activities risk polluting these critical water bodies, affecting the entire riparian ecosystem downstream.

About Lithium:

• Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal with the symbol Li and atomic number 3.
• It is the lightest of all the metals and the least dense solid element.
• It is highly reactive and flammable, and easily oxidizes in air or water.

Occurrence:

• Lithium is a rare element and is mostly found in minerals such as spodumene, lepidolite, and petalite.
• It is also found in brines and clays in certain regions of the world, such as the “Lithium Triangle” in South America, which includes Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Uses:

Lithium has a range of industrial applications, including:

• Lithium-ion batteries: It is a critical component of rechargeable batteries used in mobile devices, laptops, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems.
• Aerospace industry: Lithium is used in the manufacturing of aircraft parts due to its lightweight and strong structural properties.
• Glass and ceramics: Lithium is used in the production of heat-resistant glass and ceramics, such as ovenware and laboratory equipment.
• Pharmaceuticals: Lithium is used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
• Lubricants: Lithium is used in greases and lubricants due to its ability to reduce friction and wear.
• In conclusion, lithium is a rare and highly reactive metal that has a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, aerospace industry, glass and ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and lubricants.

-Source: Indian Express

Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)

Context:

A 55-year-old man posing as an officer of intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was recently arrested after the suspect was caught intimidating locals.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW):

• R&AW was established in 1968 with the primary role of handling India’s international intelligence affairs. The agency operates under the Prime Minister’s Office.
• R&AW’s operations encompass gathering military, economic, scientific, and political intelligence through both covert and overt methods.
• The agency is also tasked with monitoring and combating terrorist activities and smuggling networks involved in the illegal transport of weapons and ammunition into India.
• Initially, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) was tasked with both internal and external intelligence. However, post the 1962 Sino-Indian war and the Indo-Pakistani war in 1965, the need for a dedicated external intelligence agency led to the formation of R&AW.
• Since its inception, R&AW has played a crucial role in supporting significant international operations and enhancing India’s foreign intelligence capabilities.

-Source: Hindustan Times

Payment Passkey Service

Context:

Mastercard, a global technology in the payments industry announced the worldwide launch of its new Payment Passkey Service.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Payment Passkey Service:

• The service leverages device-based biometric methods such as fingerprints or facial scans for user identification.
• It provides an alternative to one-time passwords (OTPs), enhancing the ease and security of transaction management.
• Operational Mechanism:
  • Encryption and Key Management: Utilizes encryption algorithms to ensure secure and swift identity verification. Upon initial sign-in, the system generates a pair of keys: a public key shared with the service provider for passkey validation and a private key stored on the user’s device to unlock the account.
  • Cross-Device Functionality: The passkey setup is versatile, working across multiple devices sharing the same operating system, allowing seamless access whether logging in from a phone, laptop, or tablet.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced Security and Speed: Replaces traditional passwords and OTPs, significantly reducing the transaction time and increasing protection against fraud and scams.
  • Broad Usability: Passkeys are suitable for a wide range of payment and e-commerce transactions, offering a simplified and secure authentication process for users.

-Source: The Hindu

Bonda Tribe

Context:

Recently, a 19-year-old student cracked the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), who is set to become the first member of the Bonda tribal community.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

The Bonda Tribe:

• Found exclusively in Malkangiri district, Odisha, primarily concentrated in the Khairaput block.
• Recognized as a particularly vulnerable tribal group and one of India’s oldest tribes.
• Also known as Bondo, Bondas, Bonda Paraja, and Bhonda.
• Ethnicity and Language: Part of the Austro-Asiatic racial stock, speaking the Remo dialect, an Austro-Asiatic language.
• Cultural Division:
  • Lower Bondas: Reside in the southern part of Malkangiri district, close to the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • Upper Bondas: Inhabit the remote hilly terrains of the district.
• Women typically wear minimal clothing adorned with various rings and jewelry, while men’s attire includes notable accessories.
• Primarily engaged in farming, hunting, gathering forest products, and other labor activities, reflecting their deep connection to their land and natural resources.

-Source: The Hindu