Current Affairs 18 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. Reconstitution of NITI Aayog
2. India’s Manufacturing Opportunity with China Plus One Strategy
3. National Clean Air Programme
4. PM SHRI Schools
5. Bhojshala Complex
6. Chandipura Virus Infection
7. ASMITA Project

Reconstitution of NITI Aayog

Context:

The Centre has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, incorporating 15 union ministers, including members from NDA allies and four full-time members, into the government think-tank. This reconstitution follows recent changes in the council of ministers, reflecting a renewed focus on policy-making and strategic planning.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About NITI Aayog
2. NITI Aayog – Seven Pillars of Effective Governance
3. Related Concerns and Challenges:
4. Performance of NITI Aayog
5. NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism
6. Reconstitution of NITI Aayog

About NITI Aayog

• The NITI Aayog serves as the apex public policy think tank of the GoI.
• It was established in 2015, by the NDA government, to replace the Planning Commission which followed a top-down model.
• It advises both the centre and states on social and economic issues.
• It is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body but the outcome of an executive resolution. It was not created by the act of parliament.

It has two Hubs.

• Team India Hub acts as interface between States and Centre.
• Knowledge and Innovation Hub builds the think-tank acumen of NITI Aayog.

Composition:

• Chairperson: Prime minister
• Vice-Chairperson: To be appointed by Prime-Minister
• Governing Council: Chief Ministers of all states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
• Regional Council: To address specific regional issues, Comprising Chief Minister and Lt. Governors Chaired by the Prime Minister or his nominee.
• Ad-hoc Membership: Two members in ex-officio capacity from leading Research institutions on a rotational.
• Ex-Officio membership: Maximum four from the Union council of ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime-minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to Government of India.
• Special Invitees: Experts, Specialists with domain knowledge nominated by the Prime Minister.

Objectives:

• To generate a platform for national development, sectors and strategies with the collaboration of states and centre.
• To boost the factor of cooperative federalism between the centre and the states. For national development, it is necessary for both wings to work in synergy.
• To develop such mechanisms which work at the ground root level for progressive growth. A nation develops when its regions and states develop.
• To work on long term policies and strategies for long-term development.
• To set up a system for monitoring progress so that it can be used for analysing and improving methods.
• To provide a platform for resolving inter-departmental issues amicably.
• To make it a platform where the programmes, strategies, and schemes can be monitored on a day to day basis, and it could be understood which sector needs more resources to develop.
• To upgrade technological advancements in such a manner that focus can be made on initiatives and programmes.
• To ensure India’s level and ranking at the worldwide level and to make India an actively participating nation.
• To progress from food security towards nutrition and standardised meals and focus on agricultural production.
• To make use of more technology to avoid misadventures and corruption in governance.
• To make the working system more transparent and accountable.

NITI Aayog – Seven Pillars of Effective Governance

NITI Aayog works on principles like Antyodaya (upliftment of poor), inclusion (to include all sections under one head), people participation, and so on.

NITI Aayog is a body that follows seven pillars of governance. They are:

1. To look after pro-people agenda so that the aspirations and desires of no one are compromised.
2. To respond and work on the needs of citizens.
3. Make citizens of the nation involve and participate in various streams.
4. To empower women in all fields, be it social, technical, economic, or other.
5. To include all sects and classes under one head. To give special attention to marginalised and minority groups.
6. To provide equal opportunity for the young generation.
7. To make the working of government more accountable and transparent. It will ensure less chance of corruption and malpractices.

Related Concerns and Challenges:

• NITI Aayog has no powers in granting discretionary funds to states, which renders it toothless to undertake a transformational intervention.
• It acts as an advisory body only that advises the government on various issues without ensuring the enforceability of its ideas.
• NITI Aayog has no role in influencing private or public investment.
• Politicization of the organization has been in recent times.
• NITI Aayog has been transformed into a glorified recommendatory body which lacks the requisite power to bring positive change in the government’s actions.

Performance of NITI Aayog

• Action Tank Role:
  • NITI Aayog functions as an “action tank,” collecting and disseminating new ideas to ensure proactive governance and minimize bureaucratic inertia.
• Innovation and Atal Innovation Mission:
  • The Atal Innovation Mission, under NITI Aayog, has significantly enhanced India’s innovation ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurial spirit and supporting startups.
• Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO):
  • DMEO collects real-time performance data from various ministries, enhancing accountability and enabling evidence-based policy decisions at the highest levels.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Ayushman Bharat: Conceptualized by NITI Aayog, Ayushman Bharat aims to provide healthcare access to all. It exemplifies NITI’s role in policy formulation.
  • Water Conservation: Initiatives under NITI Aayog focus on sustainable water management, crucial for India’s agricultural and environmental sustainability.
  • Artificial Intelligence: NITI Aayog has spearheaded India’s approach towards leveraging AI for socio-economic development.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan:
  • NITI Aayog’s POSHAN Abhiyaan addresses child malnutrition by coordinating efforts across ministries, illustrating its role in breaking bureaucratic silos.

NITI Aayog: Promoting Federalism

• Cooperative Federalism:
  • NITI Aayog fosters cooperative federalism by facilitating direct interaction between states and central ministries, expediting issue resolution.
  • Regional councils like the North East Forum and Himalayan States Regional Council promote regional development.
• Competitive Federalism:
  • NITI Aayog promotes competitive federalism through sectoral indices and initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Program, fostering governance competition among states.
  • Best practices emerging from these programs are scaled up and replicated, enhancing governance at grassroots levels.

Reconstitution of NITI Aayog

• Expansion and Inclusivity:
  • The recent reconstitution of NITI Aayog expanded the special invitees and included ministers from allied parties, promoting broader consultation and inclusivity in policy formulation.
• Key Post Holders:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues as the Chairperson, with economist Suman K. Bery as Vice Chairperson.
  • Scientist V K Saraswat, agricultural economist Ramesh Chand, paediatrician V K Paul and macro-economist Arvind Virmani will also continue to be full-time members of the government think-tank.
  • BVR Subrahmanyam will also remain the CEO.
  • The four ex-officio members will be:
    • Union Ministers Rajnath Singh (Defence), Amit Shah (Home), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture) and Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance).

-Source: The Hindu

India’s Manufacturing Opportunity with China Plus One Strategy

Context:

India is well-positioned to leverage the China Plus One strategy to attract global manufacturing investments. While China maintains strong export capabilities, India’s large domestic market, affordable talent pool, and significant growth potential present it as a compelling alternative for global investors.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of China+1 Strategy
2. Opportunities for India to Attract Foreign Investment
3. Factors Hindering India’s Competitiveness
4. Way Forward

Overview of China+1 Strategy

The “China+1” strategy refers to a global trend where companies diversify their manufacturing and supply chains by establishing operations in countries other than China. Here’s a detailed overview of this strategy and India’s opportunities to attract foreign investment:

Background:

• Historical Dependence: China has been termed the “World’s Factory” due to its advantageous factors of production and robust business ecosystem, attracting global manufacturing entities since the 1990s.
• Recent Challenges: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains centered around China, exacerbated by China’s zero-Covid policy and resulting industrial lockdowns.

Evolution:

• Adoption of China-Plus-One: Many companies are adopting a “China-Plus-One” strategy to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on China. This involves establishing manufacturing bases in other Asian countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.

Opportunities for India to Attract Foreign Investment

• Demographic Advantage:
  • India’s youthful population (28.4% under 30 in 2023) presents a dynamic workforce and growing consumer market, stimulating consumption, savings, and investments. This demographic dividend enhances India’s attractiveness as a potential multi-trillion dollar economy.
• Cost Competitiveness:
  • Labour and Capital Costs: India offers lower labour and capital costs compared to competitors like Vietnam, with manufacturing wages 47% lower than China’s average.
  • Infrastructure Investment: The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) aims to reduce manufacturing costs by improving logistics, making India’s production sector highly competitive.
• Policy Support:
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Introduced to boost domestic manufacturing across various sectors by providing financial incentives.
  • Tax Reforms and FDI Norms: Relaxed regulations and tax reforms create a conducive business environment for foreign investors.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Initiatives under the Make in India campaign promote ease of doing business, further attracting foreign investments.
• Digital Advantage:
  • India’s large internet user base (870 million as of January 2024, 61% of the population) and access to global tech giants provide a digital advantage, especially compared to China’s restricted digital environment.
• Geopolitical Strategy:
  • Sub-regional Partnerships: Initiatives like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE aim to diversify trade and reduce dependence on China, enhancing bilateral trade prospects.
• Global Engagements:
  • Strategic Groupings: Participation in QUAD and bilateral agreements strengthen economic ties, facilitate technology transfer, finance, and market access.
  • Leadership Roles: India’s involvement in G20 and SCO allows it to influence global trade policies and trends.
• Large Domestic Market:
  • India’s massive domestic market of 1.3 billion people with rising incomes provides a strong foundation for sustained economic growth and increased global trade, offering a viable alternative to China.

Factors Hindering India’s Competitiveness

India faces several challenges that hinder its competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape:

• Complex Regulatory Environment:
  • Bureaucratic hurdles and inconsistent policy implementation deter both domestic and foreign investors.
  • Regulatory uncertainty adds to the complexity of doing business in India.
• Manufacturing Challenges:
  • High Input Costs: Including raw materials, labour, and capital, which affect cost competitiveness.
  • Infrastructure Deficit: Inadequate transportation, logistics, and energy infrastructure increase operational costs and reduce efficiency.
  • Skilled Labour Shortage: The manufacturing sector faces challenges in finding skilled workers, impacting productivity and quality.
• Labour Laws:
  • Restrictive labour laws in the organised sector hinder flexibility and discourage job creation.
• Tax Regime:
  • Complex and multiplicative indirect tax structure increases the cost of compliance and doing business.
• Land Acquisition Issues:
  • Cumbersome land acquisition processes delay industrial projects and escalate costs.
• Education System:
  • The education system often fails to produce graduates with the skills required by the modern economy, particularly in technical and vocational fields.
• Corruption:
  • Corruption erodes investor confidence, increases transaction costs, and creates an uneven playing field.

Way Forward

To enhance India’s competitiveness and attract more manufacturing investments, the following steps are crucial:

• Incentives and Subsidies:
  • Offer attractive incentives and subsidies, such as tax benefits, land subsidies, and infrastructure support, particularly in key sectors like electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.
• Regulatory Reforms:
  • Streamline regulatory processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and simplify labour laws, land acquisition procedures, and environmental clearances to improve ease of doing business.
• Industrial Clusters:
  • Develop dedicated industrial clusters or manufacturing hubs with world-class infrastructure, including plug-and-play facilities, common testing centres, and shared logistics infrastructure.
• Skills Development:
  • Strengthen vocational training programs and collaborate with industry to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of the manufacturing sector.
  • Promote STEM education and upskill the existing workforce to meet the demands of high-tech manufacturing.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Invest in modern and efficient transportation networks (roads, railways, ports, airports) to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs.
  • Ensure reliable and adequate supply of power, water, and other essential utilities.
• Trade Agreements:
  • Negotiate and sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners to enhance market access for Indian exports, simplify import-export procedures, and reduce tariffs.
• Research and Development (R&D):
  • Encourage public-private partnerships in R&D to foster innovation in manufacturing technologies and processes.
  • Provide incentives for companies to establish R&D centres and collaborate with academic institutions.

-Source: The Hindu

National Clean Air Programme

Context:

The review of air quality improvement action plans of 131 cities is likely to be held by the Government this month as part of the Centre’s 100-day agenda.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. News Summary
2. About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
3. Challenges Faced by NCAP
4. Recommendations

News Summary

• The Indian Government plans to conduct a review of air quality improvement action plans in 131 cities as part of its 100-day agenda. This follows a recent meeting of the NCAP monitoring committee to assess progress in 82 cities.
• An upcoming meeting of the NCAP steering committee, chaired by the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), will focus on actions taken by city administrations. Key areas of review include dust control, electric vehicle charging stations, public transport enhancement, waste management, and urban greening.
• The Ministry’s review aims to ensure efficient utilization of funds, especially amidst scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal over the NCAP’s fund allocation. Recent submissions to the tribunal revealed expenditures on non-essential projects like football grounds, water fountains, and desludging machines.

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

• Initiative: Launched in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to combat air pollution in India.
• Objective: NCAP aims to achieve a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations by 2026 compared to 2017 levels.
• Focus Areas:
  • Targets 131 non-attainment cities where air quality standards are consistently exceeded.
  • Customized action plans address local sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and waste burning.
• Key Features:
  • Strengthening air quality monitoring with more stations and real-time data.
  • Enhanced enforcement of air quality regulations.
  • Public awareness campaigns on health impacts and community involvement.
  • Promotion of cleaner technologies and practices across sectors.
  • Coordination among government departments for integrated pollution control.
  • Financial incentives for clean technologies and subsidies.
  • Funding allocation to support state and municipal action plans.
  • Emphasis on scientific research and collaboration for innovative pollution control solutions.
• PRANA Portal: Monitors the implementation of NCAP and facilitates data-driven decision-making.

Challenges Faced by NCAP

• Uneven Fund Utilization: Despite substantial funding, only 60% of allocated funds have been used on average. Cities like Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru have spent minimal amounts (0% and 1%, respectively), highlighting inefficiencies in fund utilization.
• Delays in Approvals: Significant delays in obtaining necessary approvals hinder the timely execution of planned initiatives, such as procurement of mechanical sweepers and electric buses, crucial for pollution control measures.
• Lack of Standardized Procedures: The absence of standardized procedures for implementing NCAP measures leads to inconsistencies and delays in executing clean air initiatives across different cities.
• Bureaucratic Red Tape: Bureaucratic processes complicate the implementation process, slowing down effective action against pollution despite allocated resources.
• Skepticism and Efficacy of Measures: Skepticism persists about the effectiveness of certain measures, such as outdoor smog towers, especially following findings questioning their efficacy. This uncertainty impacts decision-making and hampers swift action.
• Incomplete Emissions Inventory and Source Apportionment Studies: Only 37% of cities have completed Emissions Inventory (EI) and Source Apportionment (SA) studies. These studies are crucial for identifying specific pollution sources and designing effective Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs).

Recommendations

• Effective Use of EI and SA Data: Cities must utilize Emissions Inventory and Source Apportionment data effectively to pinpoint pollutants accurately and plan targeted mitigation strategies. Increasing the completion rate of these studies is essential.
• Comprehensive Pollution Control Strategies: Develop comprehensive strategies that address both primary and secondary pollutants, considering the specific pollution sources identified through EI and SA studies.
• Adoption of Decision-Support Systems: Encourage more cities to adopt decision-support systems for air quality forecasting, as seen in cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. These systems improve real-time monitoring and enable proactive pollution control measures.
• Streamlined Implementation: Simplify technical and financial planning processes as integral parts of initial strategy formulation to expedite implementation of NCAP measures.

-Source: Indian Express

PM SHRI Schools

Context:

As per a report published by Indian Express, The Education Ministry has stopped funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), to Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal because of their reluctance to participate in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About PM SHRI Schools
2. Key features
3. Aim

About PM SHRI Schools:

• This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14,500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.

Implementation strategy

• PM SHRI Schools would be implemented through the existing administrative structure available for Samagra Shiksha, KVS & NVS. The other autonomous bodies would be involved on specific project basis as required.
• These schools shall be monitored vigorously to assess progress and understand the challenges faced in implementation of National Education Policy 2020.

Beneficiaries

• More than 18 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Futher impact will be generated through the mentoring and handholding of the schools in vicinity of PM SHRI schools.

Key features

•  PM SHRI will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020.
• It will provide leadership to other schools in their respective regions by providing mentorship.
• The PM SHRI  Schools will be developed as Green schools, incorporating environment friendly aspects like solar panels and LED lights, nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management, plastic free, water conservation and harvesting, study of traditions/practices related to protection of environment, climate change related hackathon and awareness generation to adopt sustainable lifestyle.
• Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
• Focus will be on learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based.
• Assessment of the resources available and their effectiveness in terms of availability, adequacy, appropriateness, and utilisation for each of the domains and their key performance indicators will be done and gaps will be filled in a systematic and planned manner.
• Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
• A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. Quality evaluation of these schools at regular interval will be undertaken to ensure the desired standards.

Aim:

• The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
• They will provide leadership in their respective regions in providing high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020.

-Source: Indian Express

Bhojshala Complex

Context:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has reported that the current structure at the Bhojshala complex was built using the remains of an earlier temple at the site. This conclusion was drawn from a scientific survey conducted by the ASI.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Overview of the Bhojshala Complex:

• Location: Situated in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Founder: Constructed in 1034 AD by Raja Bhoja, a prominent ruler of the Paramara dynasty (1000-1055 AD).
• Educational Institution: Functioned as a university where subjects such as music, Sanskrit, astronomy, yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy were taught.

Historical Significance:

• Early Attacks: In 1305 AD, Alauddin Khilji launched the first attack on the complex.
• Conversion Attempt: In 1514 AD, Mehmudshah Khilji II attempted to convert the complex into a dargah, encroaching on land outside the Saraswati Temple and building the ‘Kamal Moulana’ Makbara.

Inscriptions and Artifacts:

• Prakrit Hymns: Engraved hymns in the Prakrit language depict the Karmavatar, the crocodile incarnation of Vishnu.
• Sarpabandha Pillar Inscriptions: Includes inscriptions detailing the Sanskrit alphabet, and the declensions of ten tenses and moods of Sanskrit grammar.

Recognition and Protection:

• Declared Monument of National Importance: In 1951, under the Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951.
• Current Protection: Managed and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

-Source: The Hindu

Chandipura Virus Infection

Context:

6 children die of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Chandipura Virus Infection (CHPV)

Chandipura Virus Infection (CHPV):

• Virus Classification: CHPV belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes rabies virus (lyssavirus).
• Vectors: Transmitted primarily by sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and certain mosquito species including Aedes aegypti (also vector for dengue).
• Transmission: The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and can be transmitted to humans and other vertebrates through bites.
• Pathogenesis: Enters the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain’s active tissues).
• Symptoms:
  • Initially presents with flu-like symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, body ache, and headache.
  • Progresses to altered mental status, seizures, and encephalitis.
  • Other symptoms include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, and anemia.
  • Rapid disease progression, with mortality possible within 24-48 hours of hospitalization post-encephalitis.
• Demographics: Primarily affects children under 15 years of age.
• Treatment: Currently managed symptomatically; no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available.
• Affected Regions in India:
  • First isolated during investigations of a dengue/chikungunya outbreak in Maharashtra in 1965.
  • Significant outbreaks observed in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Endemic to central India, where the population of sandflies and mosquitoes capable of spreading CHPV is higher.

-Source: Indian Express

ASMITA Project

Context:

The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently unveiled the ASMITA Project, aimed at bolstering the availability of educational resources in Indian languages.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About ASMITA Project

About ASMITA Project:

• Initiative Overview: ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing) aims to develop 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years.
• Collaboration: Joint effort by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a committee under the Ministry of Education.
• Objective: Promote deeper integration of Indian languages into the education system, enhancing inclusivity and enriching the learning experience.
• Strategic Focus: Part of a broader strategy to improve accessibility and quality of educational materials across diverse Indian languages.
• Implementation Framework:
  • Thirteen nodal universities have been designated to spearhead the project, with participation from member universities across different regions.
  • UGC has established a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each assigned language.
    • Includes steps such as appointing nodal officers and authors, title and subject allocation, manuscript writing and editing, submission, review, plagiarism check, finalization, designing, proofreading, and e-publication.

-Source: Indian Today