October 2020 (Legalight's Clatopedia) PDF

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. ASIIM PROJECT………………………………………………… 2 14. INDIA'S RACE TO TEST MISSILE……………………… 24

2. EXERCISE BONGOSAGAR………………………………….. 3 15. BRANDING OF KASTURI COTTON………………….. 26
3. INDIA-MYANMAR RELATIONSHIP………………………5 16. SVAMITA SCHEME………………………………………… 28
4. MARITIME VISION 2030…………………………………… 7 17. GREEN CRACKERS BY NEERI………………………….. 29
5. KRISHNA AND GODAVARI RIVER DISPUTE………… 8 18. BRICS MINISTER’S MEETING…………………………. 30
6. INAUGURATION OF 44 BRIDGES………………………. 9 19. 15TH YEARS OF RTI………………………………………... 31
7. HAR GHAR JAL’S FIRST STATE…………………………. 11 20. BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA…………………………. 34
8. SLINEX- 2020………………………………………………….. 13 21. AMRUT MISSION………………………………………….. 35
9. AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR SCHEME……………………… 14 22. DAY-NRLM PACKAGE FOR J&K……………………… 36
10. COVIRAP COVID-19 TESTING………………………….. 17 23. ZOJILA TUNNEL’S PROJECT……………………………. 39
11. ATAL TUNNEL………………………………………………… 18 24. OPERATION DURACHARI………………………………. 41
12. INS KAVARATTI INDUCTED…………………………….. 20 25. HATHRAS GANGRAPE CASE………………………….. 42
13. ASSAM-MIZORAM BORDERS DISPUTE……………. 20 26. CRIME REPORT BY NCRB………………………………. 43
2. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN……………………………….. 45 11. US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2020………………..64

2. NATO V. CSTO………………………………………………… 46 12. 75TH SESSION OF UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY........67
3. TURKEY OPERATIONS IN SYRIA………………………. 49 13. POLITICAL SITUATION IN PAKISTAN………………..69
4. PAKISTAN RE-ELECTED TO UNHCR……………………50 14. TENSIONS BETWEEN FRANCE & TURKEY………….71
5. INDIA –MEXICO BILATERAL TIES………………………52 15. THAILAND PROTESTS 2020………………………………73
6. THIRD ASSEMBLY OF ISA………………………………… 54 16. US EXIT PARIS AGREEMENT……………………………. 75
7. MALABAR EXERCISE………………………………………. 56 17. 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF NAM…………………………… 77
8. INDIA US 2+2 MEETING…………………………………. 57 18. OSIRIS-REX MISSION BY NASA…………………………79
9. POLITICAL CRISIS IN KYRGYZSTAN…………………. 59 19. INDIA ASSUMES CHAIR OF ILO……………………….. 81
10. G-20 (GROUP OF TWENTY)……………………………. 61
3. AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2020……………………….83 5. NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS 2020…………………..89

2. NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE 2020…………………….85 6. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 2020…………………………………90
3. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2020…………………..86 7. NATIONAL WATER AWARDS ……………………………92
4. NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE 2020………………….87 8. NATIONAL START-UP AWARDS………………………..94
4. ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
1. GOVT. MEASURES TO BOOST CAPEX………………96 4. WORLD BANK BIENNIAL REPORT……………………100

2. RBI ISSUED GOLD BOND SCHEME……………………97 5. STARS PROJECT……………………………………………..102
3. INDIA BELOW BANGLADESH IN PER CAPITA 6. WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BY IMF……………103
GDP………………………………………………………………..98
5. REORTS AND INDEXES
1. OXFAM RELEASED REPORT' CARBON 2. REPORT ON TEA LABOUR RIGHTS

INEQUALITY………………………………………………….106 VIOLATION……………………………………………………108
3. GLOBAL HUNGER 5. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REPORT,
INDEX………………………………………………………….110 2020……………………………………………………………114
4. INDIA INNOVATION INDEX BY NITI 6. WB REPORT ON POVERTY…………………………… 115
AAYOG…………………………………………………………112 7. ANNUAL STATE OF EDUCATION REPORT
2020……………………………………………………………. 117
6. LEGAL AFFAIRS
1. FARM BILL, 2020………………………………………..119 5. SC JUDGEMENT ON VIOLENCE AGAINST

2. LABOUR CODES BILL, 2020…………………………120 WOMEN……………………………………………………….124
3. J&K OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT, 2020………….122 6. BABRI MASJID DEMOLITION CASE………………..126
4. SUPREME COURT ON RIGHT TO PROTEST………123 7. EXECUTIVE V. JUDICIARY………………………………127
7. IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS…..130
8. IMPORTANT DATES & DAYS…...133
CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
#AMBEDKAR SOCIAL INNOVATION AND INCUBATION MISSION

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the ‘Ambedkar Social Innovation and
Incubation Mission (ASIIM)’ under Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (SCs) with a view
to promoting innovation and enterprise among SC students studying in higher educational institutions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION


To promote entrepreneurship among the SC Youth with special preference to Divyangs.

To support (1,000) innovative ideas till 2024 through a synergetic work with
the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) set up by the Department of Science and
Technology.
 Implemented By: Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SCs) which was set up in 2015-
16 with the Fund size of Rs. 500 Crore. Under this fund, 117 companies promoted by SC
entrepreneurs have been sanctioned financial assistance to set up business ventures.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MISSION
 1,000 SC youth would be identified in the next 4 years with start-up ideas through
the Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) in various higher educational institutions.
 They will be funded @ Rs. 30 lakhs in 3 years as equity (investment) funding so that they
can translate their start-up ideas into commercial ventures.
 Successful ventures would further qualify for venture capital funding of up to Rs. 5
Crore from the VCF-SCs.
 Venture capital is a form of private equity and a type of financing that investors provide to
startup companies and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth
potential.
ELIGIBILITY & SIGNIFICANCE
 ASIIM under VCF-SC will promote innovation in the SC youth and would help them to become
job-givers from job-seekers.
 It would further give fillip to the ‘Stand Up India’ initiative of the Prime Minister.
 Youth who have been identified by the TBIs.
 Students who have been awarded under the Smart India Hackathon or Smart India
Hardware Hackathon being conducted by the Ministry of Education.
 Innovative ideas focusing on the socio-economic development of the society identified in the
TBIs.
 Start-ups nominated and supported by corporates through Corporate Social responsibility
(CSR) funds.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION RELATED TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and
opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone,
particularly those in greatest need.” National Association of Social Workers. “Social justice
encompasses economic justice.
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DNS (Daily News Simplified ( 04-11-2020) PAGE 2
CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.

 Article 24: Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc.
 Article 37: Application of the principles contained in this Part (DPSP).
 Article 38: State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people.
 Article 39: Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State.

 Article 39A: Equal justice and free legal aid.
 Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes and other weaker sections.
 Social Safeguards: Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability.

 Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
 Political Safeguards: Article 330: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes in the House of the People.
 Article 332: Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative
Assemblies of the States.
 Article 334: Reservation of seats and special representation to cease after sixty years.
 Article 243D: Reservation of seats (in Panchayats).

 Article 243T: Reservation of seats (in Municipalities).
#EXERCISE BONGOSAGAR BETWEEN INDIA & BANGLADESH

 The second edition of Exercise Bongosagar, bilateral naval exercise between India and
Bangladesh, is scheduled to commence in Northern Bay of Bengal on 3rd October 2020. Its first
edition was held in 2019.
 India enabled Bangladesh’s liberation in December 1971 when it militarily assisted the
erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to acquire freedom from its oppressive western
wing which unleashed a massive genocide of its own citizens of Bangla ethnicity. More than 10
million persecuted citizens of East Pakistan fled to India.
 In the 1971 war, the US and China, which had begun their own rapprochement, supported
Pakistan, and were opposed to Indian assistance to the East Pakistan.
 With tacit support from Moscow, India achieved a spectacular military victory and liberated
Dhaka, handing over power to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who symbolised political leadership.
AREAS OF CONCERNS
 Failed river water sharing agreements between India and Bangladesh despite many efforts.
Chief among them is the Teesta agreement which was inked in 2011 but has not moved
forward because of tensions between the Central and WB governments.
 Growing concerns in Bangladesh over the NRC in Assam and about its conflicting
explanations by the Indian government. The problem in Assam is part of the tragic legacy of the
Indian subcontinent’s partition in 1947 and the movement of people across the new frontiers
in the east since then.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
CHINESE INVASION IN INDIA & BANGLADESH RELATIONS


The strategic ties between India and China have evolved and how Bangladesh-India-China
triangle is often obscured by the high visibility accorded to Pakistan in the uneasy relationship
between the two Asian giants.
 Post Bangladesh liberation, China’s strategic and security concerns over India’s growing
involvement in the geopolitics of the region led to its investment in
Pakistan, which emboldened Rawalpindi (Pakistan army headquarter) to embark upon
a proxy war against India (with terrorism as a tool) which began in 1990 and continues till
now.
 Hence, India’s abiding regional strategic objective should be to ensure that Bangladesh
does not morph into another Pakistan, either by way of being compelled into choosing
Beijing over Delhi or nurturing radical Islamic ideologies domestically.
 Currently, Bangladesh is an active partner of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that Delhi has
not signed up to. In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a major recipient of Chinese
military inventory, including submarines.
EXERCISE BONGOSAGAR 2020
Aim: To develop interoperability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide
spectrum of maritime exercises and operations.
 Participants: Naval ships from both the countries along with the maritime patrol aircraft and
helicopters will be participating in the exercise.
 It will be followed by the 3rd edition of India-Bangladesh Coordinated Patrol (IN-BN
CORPAT), wherein both countries will undertake joint patrolling along the International
Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). CORPATs have strengthened understanding between
both the navies and instituted measures to stop the conduct of unlawful activities.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EXERCISE
 The exercise reflects the priority that Indian Navy accords to the Bangladesh Navy as part of
the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) Vision.
 This year’s edition assumes greater significance since it is being conducted during Mujib
Barsho, the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
 It strengthens the close and long-standing India-Bangladesh relations covering a wide
spectrum of activities and interactions. Both countries share close cultural bonds and a shared
vision of democratic society and a rules-based order.
Exercise Name Participant Nations
Sampriti India & Bangladesh
Mitra Shakti India & Sri Lanka
Maitree Exercise India & Thailand
Vajra Prahar India & US
Yudh Abhyas India & US
Nomadic Elephant India & Mongolia
Garuda Shakti India & Indonesia

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Shakti Exercise India & France
Dharma Guardian India & Japan
Surya Kiran India & Nepal
Hand in Hand Exercise India & China
#INDIAN DELEGATES VISIT (INDIA-MYANMAR RELATIONSHIP)

 A two-day visit by the Foreign Secretary of India and the Army Chief to Myanmar completed with
greater engagement between India and Myanmar.
 Health and Pandemic: As a part of India’s Medical or Drug Diplomacy a package of 3,000
vials of the antiviral Remdesivir given to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic.
 India has shown willingness to prioritise Myanmar in sharing Covid -19 vaccines, when
available.
 Infrastructure and Connectivity: Operationalisation of the crucial Sittwe port in Myanmar’s
Rakhine state by March 2021 is committed.
 The two sides also discussed progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects
such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal
Transit Transport Project. The project will link Kolkata to Sittwe in Myanmar and then
from Myanmar’s Kaladan river to India’s north-east.
 Security: India has been concerned over some militant groups like the United National
Liberation Front (UNLF) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) from the North-
East region taking shelter in Myanmar. Myanmar handed over 22 cadres of Indian insurgent
groups in May 2020. The maintenance of security and stability in their border areas and mutual
commitment not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to each
other were re-stressed.
TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY
 Myanmar successfully conducted the 4th meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace
Conference in Nay Pyi Taw.
 The Union Peace Conference: 21st Century Panglong is a continuing peace conference
started in 2016.
 Aim: To have a stable political environment in Myanmar with peaceful transition into
democracy.
 Outcome of 4th meeting: The government of Myanmar and ten armed ethnic groups signed a
framework agreement for the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
 Indian Support: India assured continued support in sharing experiences in constitutionalism
and federalism to assist Myanmar in its democratic transition.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Rohingya Issues: India came forward for support for ensuring safe, sustainable and speedy return
of Rohingya refugees from refugee’s camps of Bangladesh. Building on the progress made under
the Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP), India proposed to finalize projects under
phase-III of the programme, including setting up of a skills training centre and upgrading of
agricultural mechanization.

Liaison Office: With the formal inauguration of liaison office in Nay Pyi Taw, India has taken
one more significant step towards establishing its embassy in Nay Pyi Taw.
India has its embassy in Yangon, the former capital.
OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
A bust of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Mandalay Jail is a symbolic gesture for a closer relationship and
understanding mutual existence.
Mandalay Jail Connection: Between 1908 and 1914, he spent 6 years in Mandalay Prison for defending
the actions of revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki.
Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki had tried to assassinate the District Judge, Mr. Kingsford by
throwing bombs at the carriage in which he was supposed to travel.
Investment: With investments of over USD 1.2 billion, Myanmar has the highest Indian investment in
any country in South Asia. India's development cooperation in Myanmar is estimated at USD 1.4 billion.
Energy: The two countries are also expanding partnership in the area of energy cooperation.
Recently, India approved an investment of over USD 120 million in the Shwe Oil and Gas project.
INDIA AND MYANMAR RELATIONS

India and Myanmar have shared cultural roots and historical relations, apart from the strategic,
economic, social and political ties.
 Myanmar is a member of both Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is an
organization of East Asian nations as well as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) which bridges South and South-East Asia.
 Connectivity projects through Myanmar help India overcome its Chicken-neck dilemma (Siliguri
Corridor). Myanmar is also necessary for the development of North-Eastern India.
 Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy and India-
Myanmar partnership is at the heart of India’s vision to create a connected and cooperative
neighbourhood.
 Recently, India and Myanmar had signed 10 agreements with a focus on socio-economic
development of Myanmar, during Myanmar President U Win Myint’s visit to India.
 Myanmar's growing closeness with China and the recent proposal of China Myanmar Economic
Corridor is a cause of concern for India amidst growing India-China tension.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#MARITIME VISION 2030

Recently, the Union Minister of State for Shipping has inaugurated the Direct Port Entry (DPE) facility
of V O Chidambaranar Port Trust (VOCPT).
 The state-of-the-art DPE facility is created inside the Truck Parking Terminal which was
developed under the ‘Sagarmala’ for issuing customs clearance of export cargo.
 The IT-enabled infrastructure at the ports will make Indian ports, world-class ports aligning with
the ‘Maritime Vision 2030’ of the Ministry of Shipping.
Significance
 It will reduce logistics cost and increase the velocity of the cargo.
 It would enable direct movement of containers from factories, without intermediate
handling at any container freight stations (CFSs), on a 24x7 basis.
 It will help in increasing Ease of Doing Business for the exporters, as the facility will bring
efficiency and reduce dwell time, lower tariff cost and improve the competitiveness of
shippers in international trade.
Maritime India Vision 2030
 It is a ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector which will be released by the Prime Minister
of India at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020.
 It will supersede the Sagarmala initiative and aims to boost waterways, give a fillip to the
shipbuilding industry and encourage cruise tourism in India
Policy Initiatives and Development Projects:

 Maritime Development Fund: A Rs. 25,000-crore fund, which will provide low cost, long-
tenure financing to the sector with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven
years.
 Port Regulatory Authority: A pan-India port authority will be set up under the new
Indian Ports Act (to replace the old Indian Ports Act 1908) for enabling oversight across
major and non-major ports, enhance institutional coverage for ports and provide for
structured growth of the ports sector to boost investor confidence.
 Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid project: It will aim to develop regional
connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.
 Riverine Development Fund: Calls for extending low cost, long-term financing for inland
vessels with the support of a Riverine Development Fund (RDF) and for extending the
coverage of the tonnage tax scheme (applicable to ocean-going ships and dredgers) to
inland vessels also to enhance the availability of such vessels.
 Rationalization of Port Charges: It will make them more competitive, besides doing away
with all hidden charges levied by ship liners to bring in more transparency.
 Promotion of Water Transport: For decongestion of urban areas, and developing
waterways as an alternative means of urban transport.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#KRISHNA AND GODAVARI RIVER DISPUTE

 The Centre will determine the jurisdictions of the Krishna and Godavari river management
boards (KRMB and GRMB), Union Jal Shakti Ministry (MoJS) announced at the Apex Council
Meeting.

It has been constituted by the Central Government under the provisions of Andhra Pradesh
Reorganisation Act (APRA), 2014.
 It supervises the functioning of the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River
Management Board.
 KRMB & GRMB are autonomous bodies established as per APRA-2014 under the
administrative control of MoJS to manage and regulate the Waters of Krishna and Godavari
Basin respectively in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
 It comprises the Union Jal Shakti Minister and the Chief Ministers of Telangana and
Andhra Pradesh.
APEX COUNCIL MEETING
 It was the second meeting since 2016.
 Aim: To resolve the conflict between the two States over executing irrigation projects and
sharing water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
ISSUES DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING
 Jurisdiction of the KRMB and GRMB. Even after six years of their formation, their
jurisdiction is still not notified because both the states have differing opinions on this issue.
 Submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of new projects in river basins by the two
governments for appraisal and sanction by the Apex Council.
 As per the APRA-2014, both KRMB and GRMB should technically appraise and clear
them.
 Establishing a mechanism to determine the share of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the
Krishna and Godavari waters.
 Shifting the headquarters of the Krishna River Management Board to Andhra Pradesh as
mandated by APRA-2014.
Decisions: The Centre will go ahead with notifying the jurisdiction of both KRMB & GRMB because as
per the APRA- 2014, no consensus is needed.
 Both States agreed to submit the DPRs of all the projects.
 With regards to sharing of river waters, the Telangana Chief Minister agreed to withdraw the
case filed in Supreme Court, to allow the Centre to refer water sharing issues to the Krishna
Godavari tribunal.
Godavari River
 Source: Godavari river rises from Trimbakeshwar near Nasik in Maharashtra and flows for a length
of about 1465 km before outfalling into the Bay of Bengal.
 Drainage Basin: The Godavari basin extends over states of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in addition to smaller parts in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and
Union territory of Puducherry.
 Tributaries: Pravara, Purna, Manjra, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga, Pranhita (combined flow of
Wainganga, Penganga, Wardha), Indravati, Maner and the Sabri.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Krishna River
 Source: It originates near Mahabaleshwar (Satara) in Maharashtra. It is the second biggest river in
peninsular India after the Godavari River.
 Drainage: It runs from four states Maharashtra (303 km), North Karnataka (480 km) and the rest
of its 1300 km journey in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh before it empties into the Bay of Bengal.
 Tributaries: Tungabhadra, Mallaprabha, Koyna, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi
and Dudhganga.
INTER-STATE RIVER WATER DISPUTE
Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
 Under this, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with
respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley.
 Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to exercise
jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint.
 The Parliament has enacted the two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter-State
Water Disputes Act (1956).
 The River Boards Act provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central
government for the regulation and development of Inter-state River and river valleys.
 A River Board is established on the request of state governments concerned to advise them.
 The Inter-State Water Disputes Act empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc
tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters
of an inter-state river or river valley.
 The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. Neither the
Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which
may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.
#INAUGURATION OF 44 BRIDGES MID IND-CHINA TENSIONS
 On October 12, 2020, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 bridges that were built
by the Border Road Organization.
 The minister also laid a foundation stone of Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. Out of the
44 projects eight are in Ladakh region at various locations. These new bridges are located in
Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu
and Kashmir.
 Out of the 44 bridges, eight are in Ladakh, 10 in Jammu and Kashmir, two in Himachal
Pradesh, four in Punjab, eight each in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, and four in
Sikkim.
 Eight bridges in Ladakh, that were built at a cost of 45 Crore are on four strategically important
roads close to Line of Control on West and Line of Actual Control on East in Ladakh region.
 The bridges built in a record time are not just strategically important but also key in socio
economic Development of Ladakh region.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 As the situation along India's borders with Pakistan and China, Rajnath Singh said, all are
well aware of the situation created along our northern and eastern borders and now also by
China, as if a border dispute is being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000
km with these countries, where the tension remains.
BORDER ROAD ORGANIZATION
 The Border Roads Organization (BRO) develops and maintains road networks in India's
border areas and friendly neighboring countries. BRO maintains operations in twenty-one
states, one UT (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), and neighboring countries such as
Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The BRO was formed on 7 May 1960. It is
headquartered in New Delhi. Currently the Director General of BRO is Lt. Gen Harpal Singh
ROLE OF BORDER ROAD ORGANIZATION
 To Develop & Maintain the Operational Road Infrastructure in the Border Areas.
 To Contribute to the Socio-Economic Development of the Border States.
 To Develop & Maintain Roads to Keep Line of Control through in Original sectors.
 To Execute Additional Tasks as laid down by the Govt Contributing to the War Effort.
INDIA'S STRATEGIC PLAN
 India has currently developed the border infrastructure along Line of Actual Control in order
to keep a check on Chinese activities in the region.
 The Chinese are illegally establishing bases and carrying out developmental activities. These are
against the 1993 and 1996 agreements signed by the countries.
 In June 2020, India allocated 10% funds of the Border Area Development Programme to
develop infrastructure along Line of Actual Control. Under the programme, Rs 784 crores was
allocated.
 The fund is being used to develop strategically important towns and villages in the border areas.
 The inauguration of 44 bridges will improve connectivity in the far-flung areas of western,
northern and north-eastern sectors, and fulfill the aspirations of local people. They would also
meet the transport and logistics requirements of the armed forces throughout the year.
BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
 It was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1986-87. It was initiated during the
Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90). BRO had completed the construction of 28 major
bridges last year, while 102 major bridges are under construction, of which 54 have already
been completed.
 The BRO has also completed construction of 60 bailey bridges to meet immediate
requirements of the armed forces and border population.
 The BRO’s budget was nearly stagnant at Rs 4,000 crore between 2009 and 2015, before jumping
to Rs 5,400 crore in 2017-18.
 It has now reached Rs 11,000 crore for the 2020-21 fiscal. The states that are covered under the
plan are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tripura, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Uttar
Pradesh and West Bengal.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
The Defence minister also laid the foundation stone for the Nechiphu tunnel on the road to Tawang in
Arunachal Pradesh. The 450-metre-long, two-lane tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity across
Nechiphu Pass besides providing a safe and secure passage through accident-prone areas. The tunnel, once
constructed, will connect Tezpur in Assam, which is the logistics base of the Army, to Tenga Valley where
one of the forward divisions of the Army is located. Meanwhile there are three passes — Bomdilla,
Nechiphu and Sela. “Nechiphu being the boundary between the high humidity Brahmaputra plains and the
mountains of Arunachal Pradesh is known to be perennially foggy and prone to landslides. The tunnel will
provide a direct link between the Tenga Valley and plains of Tezpur". Tawang lies further ahead to Tenga
Valley at a distance of around 200 km and are connected by inhospitable roads.
#HAR GHAR JAL’S FIRST STATE: GOA

 Recently, Goa has become the first 'Har Ghar Jal' State in the country as it successfully
provided 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in the rural
areas covering 2.30 lakh rural households.
 Early Achiever: State's commitment and brisk efforts have ensured advancement and
achievement of targets well before time, i.e. 2024 at national level.
 Annual Action Plan: Goa prepared the State's Annual Action Plan (AAP) to provide 100%
Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in rural areas by 2021.
 Goa utilized the benefits of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) which aims to improve the quality of
life and bring 'ease-of-living' to rural communities.
 Accordingly, fund allocation from the Union to Goa in 2020-21 has been increased to Rs. 12.40
Crore for the plan.
 Convergence of Schemes: The State explored through convergence of various programmes like
the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Swachh Bharat
Mission (Grameen), 15th Finance Commission for rural local bodies, etc. for strengthening of
drinking water sources, water supply, grey water (any domestic wastewater excluding sewage)
treatment & re-use and operation & maintenance.
 Water Testing Facilities: The State is in process of getting 14 National Accreditation Board for
Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited water quality testing laboratories.
 Jal Jeevan Mission mandates training 5 persons in every village especially women to be
trained in using Field Test Kits, so that water can be tested in the villages.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his Independence Day speech that the
government will launch Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water supply to every house. He also
urged the people to come forward and contribute in conserving water resources. PM Modi said
that the government will spend more than Rs. 3.5 Lakh crore in coming years under the Jal
Jeevan Mission (JJM). Jal Jeevan Mission will work under the Department of Drinking Water and
Sanitation. The Major objective of Jal Jeevan Mission is to provide piped water supply (Har
Ghar Jal) to all rural and urban households by 2024. It also aims to create local infrastructure for
rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household waste water for
reuse in agriculture. According to the data published in various reports, about half of the
country’s households don’t have access to piped water supply. It is an urgent requirement of
water conservation in the country because of the decreasing amount of groundwater level.
Therefore, Jal Jeevan Mission will focus on integrated demand and supply management of
water at the local level.
OTHER RELATED INITIATIVES

In view of its ambitious target to provide tap-water connections to all rural households by
2024, the government will now focus on source sustainability through river rejuvenation and
water harvesting works under the MGNREGA scheme. The huge workforce employed under
the MGNREGA has enabled the government to introduce water conservation as a project under
the Act.
Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti
on 5 June 2015 launched nationwide Jal Kranti Abhiyan (campaign) from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The aim is to consolidate water conservation and management in the country through a
holistic and integrated approach involving all stakeholders, making it a mass movement.The
objectives of the Abhiyan is to strengthen grass root involvement of all stake-holders including
Panchayati raj institutions and local bodies in the water security and development schemes
like Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM).
National Water Mission is one the eight missions of the Government of India which was
launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) for combating the threats
of global warming. The main features of the National Water Mission includes Review of
National Water Policy, Research and studies on all aspects related to impact of climate change
on water resources including quality aspects of water resources, Expeditious implementation
of water resources projects particularly the multipurpose projects with carry over storages
CONCLUSION
 Having achieved universal access, the State now plans for a sensor-based service
delivery monitoring system so as to monitor the functionality of water supply i.e. potable water in
adequate quantity and of prescribed quality.
 Goa’s achievement is an example for other States to emulate and ensure every rural home gets
tap connection.
 Especially in these times of Covid-19 pandemic, it is all the more imperative to have assured safe
water supply within households.
 This silent revolution happening in rural India in terms of household tap water connections is a
work in progress for a ‘New India’.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#NAVAL EXERCISE BETWEEN INDIA AND SRILANKA
 The 8th edition of annual India – Sri Lanka bilateral naval maritime exercise, SLINEX-20 will
be held at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka from 19 to 21 October 2020.
 The 7th edition of SLINEX was conducted off Visakhapatnam in September 2019. SLINEX
series of bilateral maritime exercises were initiated in 2005.
 Aim:
 SLINEX aims to enhance interoperability, improve mutual understanding and
exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations
between both navies.
 It exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka which has
strengthened mutual cooperation in the maritime domain.
The 2020 Exercise:
 In SLINEX-20, the Indian Navy will be represented by indigenously built ASW corvette
Kamorta and Kiltanunder.
 Indian Navy Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Chetak helicopters and Dornier
Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be participating.
 The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by SLN Ships Sayura (Offshore Patrol Vessel) and
Gajabahu (Training Ship).
 The maritime exercise will also showcase capabilities of India’s indigenously constructed
naval ships and aircraft.
 Surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions,
manoeuvres and cross deck flying operations are planned during the exercise, which will
further enhance the high degree of interoperability already established between the two
friendly navies.
 Covid Impact: The exercise is being conducted in a non-contact ‘at-sea-only’ format in the
backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic.
 Outcome: The exercise plays a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties and also reiterating
India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.
Important Bilateral and Multilateral Defence Exercises
Indra India-Russia Naval Exercise
Malabar US-India-Japan Naval Exercise

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Varuna France and India Naval Exercise
Simbex India and Republic of Singapore Naval Exercise
Ibsamar India, Brazil and South Africa Naval Exercise
Konkan India and Britain Naval Exercise
Ausindex India and Australia Naval Exercise
Naseem Al-Bahr India-Oman Naval Exercise
#AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR SCHEME

 The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched Ayushman Sahakar, a
scheme to assist cooperatives in creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country.
 Formulated By: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
 NCDC was set up under an Act of Parliament in 1963 for promotion and
development of cooperatives.
 It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
 Recent initiatives include Sahakar Cooptube NCDC Channel (Youth-
focussed), Sahakar Mitra (Internship Programme), etc.
Features:
 NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs.10,000
crore in the coming years.
 Any Cooperative Society with suitable provision in its byelaws to undertake healthcare
related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund.
 The scheme covers establishment, modernization, expansion, repairs, renovation
of hospital and healthcare and education infrastructure.
 NCDC assistance will flow either through the State Governments/ UT Administrations or
directly to the eligible cooperatives.
 The scheme also provides working capital and margin money to meet operational
requirements.
 Further, the scheme provides interest subvention of 1% to women majority cooperatives.

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Significance:
 It has a comprehensive approach-hospitals, healthcare, medical education, nursing
education, paramedical education, health insurance and holistic health systems such as AYUSH.
 The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into focus the requirement of creation of more
facilities.
 There are about 52 hospitals across the country run by cooperatives. They have cumulative bed
strength of more than 5,000. The scheme would give a boost to provision of healthcare
services by cooperatives.
 The scheme aligns itself with the focus of the National Health Policy, 2017, covering the
health systems in all their dimensions- investments in health, organization of healthcare
services, access to technologies, development of human resources, encouragement of medical
pluralism, affordable health care to farmers etc.
 It is in line with the National Digital Health Mission and would bring transformation in rural
areas.
 Cooperatives have a strong presence in rural areas, thus, cooperatives utilizing the scheme
would revolutionize the way healthcare delivery takes place in rural areas.
Cooperatives
Definition
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a cooperative is an autonomous
association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs
and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
Related Provisions of Indian Constitution:
The Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011 added a new Part IXB right after Part IXA
(Municipals) regarding the cooperatives working in India.
The word “cooperatives” was added after “unions and associations” in Article 19(1)(c) under Part
III of the Constitution. This enables all the citizens to form cooperatives by giving it the status of
fundamental right of citizens. A new Article 43B was added in the Directive Principles of State
Policy (Part IV) regarding the “promotion of cooperative societies”.
According to the September 2020 Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data, economic
recovery after the lockdown has thrown up some paradoxes for India. However, China has
recorded growth for the consecutive third quarter (July-September 2020).
CMIE is a leading business information company. It was established in 1976, primarily as an

independent think tank.
Employment:
 The CMIE data shows that there is a revival in employment amid a fall in labour force
participation. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) is defined as the percentage of
persons in the labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
 However, usually when more people find jobs a greater number should have come in looking
for jobs.

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 The unusual trend can be explained by a rural-urban disaggregation of the data. Rural India
is seeing an increase in jobs due to post harvest activity whereas employment in urban India is
decreasing.
 Also, better quality and higher paying jobs in urban areas are being lost and substituted by
lower-paid rural jobs.
 This phenomenon points to the fact that a reversal of migration back to the cities is not
happening to the extent that it should have.
Inflation:
 The supply side shock due to lockdown has led to an increase in headline inflation mainly
driven by increase in food prices.
Headline inflation is a measure of the total inflation within an economy, including commodities
such as food and energy prices.
 However, the unexpected trend is the rise in core inflation i.e. non-food, non fuel inflation,
that too during a period when growth is set to register a record contraction.
Core inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services but does not include those from the
food and energy sectors.
 Ideally, the collapse in demand due to lockdown should have triggered a drop in core
inflation.
Consumer Confidence:
 Another unexpected development is evident in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI)’s latest
consumer confidence survey.
The central bank’s ‘current situation index’ fell to an all-time low in September, 2020 even as its
‘forward-looking surveys’ show that consumer confidence for the year 2020-21 has improved.
 Current situation index is a sub index that measures overall consumer sentiment
regarding the present economic situation.
 So even as the current situation of households has been progressively worsening, the
survey points to households reporting better prospects for the future.
Growth:
 According to the recent IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, Indian economy is
going to be the worst affected among the comparative countries like China, U.S.A., Pakistan
and Brazil.
 India is not only going to be worst-affected in the short term but also in the medium term.
 The IMF has also doubled the rate of Gross Domestic Production (GDP) contraction for
India. However, globally the growth has become better.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
China’s Economic Performance:

 China’s economic growth continued to gain momentum in the third quarter, with the
GDP expanding 4.9% from a year earlier in the July-September, 2020 period.
 China is witnessing an increase in tourism; growth in industrial production and
exports that has generated revenue and jobs for millions Chinese people.
However, Consumption is yet to regain its normal vigour in China.
 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted that China’s economy will expand
by 1.9 % in 2020, making it the only major economy to register growth in a pandemic-hit
year.
 The economic rebound follows China’s broad return to normalcy in early months of
2020, following sweeping Covid-19 curbs including stringent lockdowns, extensive
contact tracing, and restrictions on international travel through the first half of the year.
#COVIRAP COVID-19 TESTING
 Recently, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved a new low-cost Covid-
19 diagnostic method named COVIRAP, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT), Kharagpur.
Working of COVIRAP:
 COVIRAP has an automated pre-programmable temperature control unit, a special
detection unit on genomic analysis, and a customised smartphone app for results.
 The machine has an isothermal nucleic acid amplification method, which did away with the
need for a thermocycler.
 Isothermal amplification of nucleic acids is a process that rapidly and efficiently
accumulates nucleic acid sequences at constant temperature. The Isothermal
Amplification Techniques have been developed as alternatives to Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR).
 Thermocyclers are instruments used to amplify DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA
(ribonucleic acid) samples by the polymerase chain reaction.
 Once the sample is processed in the machine after being mixed with solutions developed by the
IIT team, treated paper strips (similar to the pregnancy strips) are dipped into it, and the
emergence of coloured lines will depict the presence of the virus.
Benefit of COVIRAP Process:
 Economic: It is a cheaper process, its machine costs less than Rs. 5,000 and the test kits would
each cost about Rs. 500.
 Quicker: The test is completed within an hour while RT-PCR test (Reverse Transcription
Polymerase Chain Reaction) takes 3-4 hours for testing the sample.
 Simpler to Handle: The portable test unit that can be handled by unskilled operators outside the
lab environment. It is also better than the FELUDA test because the FELUDA employs a gene
editing technology called CRISPR-cas9, which requires a lab testing environment.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE

 Reusable: The same unit can be used for a large number of tests on replacement of the paper
cartridge after each test.
 Efficient: This assay (testing) holds the capability of detecting extremely low levels of viral
loads compared to any other method based on similar principles of testing. This means that very
early stages of infection can be detected, thereby isolating the patient and arresting the
uncontrolled spread of infection in the community via asymptomatic patients.
 High Accuracy: It correctly detected 108 out of the 115 positive samples identified by an RT-PCR
machine, and 83 out of 85 negative samples, meaning that it has a 94% sensitivity and 98%
specificity in comparison to RT-PCR (i.e lower than RT-PCR).
 Other Usage: The COVIRAP testing machine can also perform tests other than Covid-19. It can be
used in influenza, malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, TB etc, which are under the category
of isothermal nucleic acid-based tests.
RT-PCR Test: Kary Mullis, the American biochemist invented the PCR technique. He was awarded
the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993. Under this, copies of a segment of DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) are created using an enzyme called Polymerase. The ‘chain reaction’ signifies how the DNA
fragments are copied, exponentially — one is copied into two, the two are copied into four, and so on. A
fluorescent DNA binding dye called the “probe” is added to DNA, which shows the presence of the
virus on a fluorometer. Since coronavirus is made of RNA (ribonucleic acid), therefore to detect
coronavirus, RNA is converted into DNA using a technique called reverse transcription. A ‘reverse
transcriptase’ enzyme converts the RNA into DNA. Copies of the DNA are then made and amplified.
#ATAL TUNNEL (WORLD’S LONGEST HIGHWAY TUNNEL)
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Atal Tunnel on 3rd October 2020. It is a
highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas
on the Leh-Manali Highway in Himachal Pradesh, India.
 It is named after former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The 9.02 km-long-tunnel,
built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is the world’s longest highway tunnel and
connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
 It provides all-weather connectivity to the landlocked valley of Lahaul-Spiti, which remains cut-
off for nearly six months in a year as the Rohtang Pass is usually snow-bound between
November and April.
 Before the tunnel construction, the Lahaul Valley used to remain closed for vehicular movement
due to bad weather conditions.
In 2019, The Union Cabinet decided to name the tunnel as ‘Atal Tunnel’ to honour former
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contributions. The decision was taken in 2000
when he was the Prime Minister.
ECONOMIC LOSS IN THE PROJECT
 PM Modi accused the Congress-led previous governments of not paying heed to border
development projects, thereby compromising the nation’s security interests.
 In 2002, Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone for the approach road of this tunnel

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
and after his government was changed, it seemed that work on this tunnel was forgotten.
 The delay by the Congress not just causes inconvenience to people but the country also has to
bear the loss on economic front.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE "ATAL TUNNEL"
 All Year Connectivity: The Atal tunnel is the first step towards all-year connectivity to Ladakh.
The tunnel has the potential to link Ladakh to Manali and Chandigarh throughout the year, as it
would bypass Rohtang Pass, which is snowed in through the winter months.
 Strategic: The tunnel provides a strategic advantage to the country's armed forces by providing
year-long connectivity to border areas. It will save an entire day for troops and supplies as they
move towards forward posts.
 Avail Basic Facilities: The residents of Ladakh who had to face immense hardship to avail even
basic facilities like healthcare and food supplies will now be able to reach Manali and connect
with the rest of the country using this new tunnel. Essential commodities like petrol and
vegetable supplies would also likely be available throughout the year.
 Boon for Farmers: The drop in travel time will help many, especially farmers whose precious
crops like peas and potatoes will no longer rot in trucks before reaching the market.
 Boost to Tourism: Livelihoods in the tourism sector of the residents in Lahaul Valley and Ladakh
would get a boost.
SAFETY MEASURES IN TUNNEL
The tunnel includes an Emergency escape tunnel. It has telephones every 150 metres, emergency exit
every 500 metres and fire hydrant every 60 metres. The other safety features of the tunnel are as
follows:
 Auto-incident Detection system with CCTV cameras at every 250 meters
 Evacuation lighting at every 25 meters
 Air Quality monitoring at every 60 meters
 Fire rated dampers at every 50 meters
 Broadcasting systems throughout the tunnel
CHALLENGES IN THE PROJECT
 The most challenging task was to continue the excavation during heavy snowfall in winter.
Excavation for tunneling was done from both ends.
 However, as Rohtang pass closes during the winter, the north portal was not accessible
during winter and the excavation was being done only from the south portal in winters.
 Only about one-fourth of the entire tunnel was excavated from the north end and three-fourths
was excavated from the south end.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 There were more than 46 avalanche sites on approaches to the tunnel. Other challenges to the
progress of the tunnel included difficulties in disposing of excavated rock and soil, heavy
ingress of water that required constant dewatering, costlier treatment and slowed the progress
of excavation.
#INS KAVARATTI INDUCTED IN NAVY

 Recently, INS Kavaratti has been formally inducted into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard
in Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Visakhapatnam.
 It is named after the capital of the Lakshadweep group of islands.

 It is the last of the four indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth
corvettes built under Project 28 (Kamorta class), by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
 The ship is regarded as one of the most potent ASW stealth corvettes to have been constructed
in India as it joins three other ships of the same class INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt and INS Kiltan,
at the ENC.
 Its induction is a game-changer in the eastern seaboard, especially with the Chinese
submarines trying to increase their presence in the Indian Ocean.
 It has enhanced stealth features resulting in reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) achieved by
the superstructure along with optimally sloped surfaces.
 INS Kavaratti and INS Kiltan are the first two major warships in the country to have the
unique feature of the superstructure made of carbon fibre composite material.
 It has high indigenous content with the state-of-the-art equipment and systems to fight
in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.
 Some of the major equipment/ systems developed indigenously include Combat Management
System, Torpedo Tube Launchers and Infra-Red Signature Suppression System, etc.
 The high level of indigenisation incorporated in the production accentuates the objectives
of Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.
 The ship is the reincarnation of the erstwhile Arnala Class missile corvette of the same
name, INS Kavaratti-P 80, a ship that played an important role in the liberation of Bangladesh in
1971.
#ASSAM-MIZORAM BORDER DISPUTE
 Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute recently came into the limelight following a violent clash
between the residents of these two states in the border area.
 The recent clash occurred on October 17, 2020 when the residents of Lailapur village in Cachar
district of Assam collided with the locals of Kolasib district of Mizoram. Earlier on October
9, a similar kind of clash took place at the border area between 'Karamp-imganj' district of
Assam and Mamit district of Mizoram.
 The Assam-Mizoram Border conflict is not a new one but the dispute has persisted for long. Both

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
the states share a 164.6 km inter-state border.

 Three Assam districts, namely, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karamp-imganj share their border
with three Mizoram districts including Kolasib, Mamit and Aizawl.
RECENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TWO STATES
 As per Mizoram's civil society groups, the locals of Lailapur village, Cachar district, Assam
have pelted stones on the on-duty personnel of Mizoram Reserve Battalion.
 On the other hand, these charges have been refuted by the Police Officers of Assam. They state
that a group of unidentified miscreants from Vairengte, Kolasib district of Mizoram burnt
shops and hutments along the National Highway-306 (earlier NH-54) in Lailapur.
 Many believe that the incident is the outcome of the demolition of the makeshift hut which was
used by the local volunteers near Saihapui V.
 The village is located near to Vairengte (Mizoram) and adjacent to Karamp-imganj (Assam).
 Amid the pandemic, these local volunteers were keeping a check on the movement of the people.
The incident as described by the Mizoram civil society groups is a fight between illegal
immigrants from Bangladesh.
 They have not described it as Assam vs Mizoram heat up. {Importance of NH-306: The highway
is considered to be the lifeline of Mizoram, connecting it with the rest of India through
Silchar, Assam}.
BACKGROUND OF ASSAM-MIZORAM BORDER DISPUTE
 The boundary issue between present-day Assam and Mizoram dates back to the colonial era
when inner lines were demarcated according to the administrative needs of British Raj. The
issue could not be settled once and for all when the state was created in independent India. The
result is both states continue to have a differing perception of the border.
 Mizoram was granted statehood in 1987 by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986. Assam became
a constituent state of India in 1950 and lost much of its territory to new states that emerged
from within its borders between the early 1960s and the early 1970s. The Assam-Mizoram
dispute stems from a notification of 1875 that differentiated Lushai Hills from the plains of
Cachar, and another of 1933 that demarcates a boundary between Lushai Hills and
Manipur.
 During colonial times, Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills, a district of Assam. Mizoram
believes the boundary should be demarcated on the basis of the 1875 notification, which is
derived from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873.
 Mizo leaders have argued in the past against the demarcation notified in 1933 because Mizo
society was not consulted.
 The Assam government follows the 1933 demarcation, and that is the point of conflict.
According to an agreement between the governments of Assam and Mizoram, the status quo
should be maintained in no man’s land in the border area.
 In the Northeast’s complex boundary equations, clashes between Assam and Mizoram residents
are less frequent than they are between other neighboring states of Assam, like with Nagaland.
 The border between Mizoram and Assam is an imaginary line that changes with the naturally
occurring obstacles of rivers, hills, valleys and forests.
 People of Assam and Mizoram have attributed the border conflicts to the differences over this
not-so-clear boundary. People living in the border areas often cross over to the other side as they
are not fully aware of the border demarcation.

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OTHER BOUNDARY ISSUES IN NORTH-EAST
 During British rule, Assam included present-day Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and
Meghalaya besides Mizoram, which became separate states one by one. Currently, Assam has
boundary problems with each of them.
ASSAM-NAGALAND
 Nagaland shares a 500-km boundary with Assam. It achieved statehood in December 1963
and was formed out of the Naga Hills district of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (then North-
East Frontier Agency). Violent clashes and armed conflicts, marked by killings, have occurred
on the Assam-Nagaland border since 1965. The boundary dispute is in the Supreme Court.
ASSAM-ARUNACHAL PRADESH
 Both states have a boundary of over 800 km. Arunachal Pradesh was granted statehood by
the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986 in 1987. Clashes were first reported in 1992 and
since then, there have been several accusations of illegal encroachment from both sides, and
intermittent clashes. This boundary issue is also being heard by the Supreme Court.
ASSAM-MEGHALAYA
 The 884-km boundary between the two states also witnesses flare-ups. Meghalaya came into
existence as an autonomous state within the state of Assam in April 1970 comprising the
United Khasi & Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills districts. In 1972, it got statehood. As per
Meghalaya government statements, today there are 12 areas of dispute between the two
states.
INDIA-CHINA DISPUTE AT LAC
 Relations between India and China have been worsening over the past few months, and the two
world powers are facing off against each other along their disputed border in the Himalayan
region.
CAUSE OF CONFLICT
 The root cause lies in an ill-defined, long border that both countries dispute. Rivers, lakes and
snowcaps along the frontier mean the line can shift, bringing soldiers face to face at many points,
sometimes leading to confrontation.
 The two nations are also competing to build infrastructure along the border, which is also
known as the Line of Actual Control. India's construction of a new road to a high-altitude air base
is seen as one of the main triggers for a clash with Chinese troops in June that left at least 20
Indian soldiers dead .
 LAC: The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-
controlled territory. India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it
to be only around 2,000 km. It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans
Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh,
and the western sector in Ladakh.

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CURRENT SCENARIO
 This year has been particularly violent. The June clash in the Galwan Valley - fought with sticks
and clubs, not guns - was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975, and
relations have continued to deteriorate.
 India acknowledged its deaths. China did not comment on reports it also suffered fatalities. In
August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within a
week. Both charges were denied by China.
 In early September, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. The allegations, if true,
would be the first time in 45 years that shots were fired at the border.
 A 1996 agreement prohibited the use of guns and explosives near the border - to avoid a
confrontation spiralling out of control.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONFLICT
 The two countries have fought only one war, in 1962. Both sides see their contested border
areas as strategically important in the event of another conflict.
 If they come to blows again, there is a risk of escalation between the world's most populous
countries, both established nuclear powers.
 The military tension at the border is mirrored by growing political tension, which has strained
ties between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
 There is also the potential for economic fallout, as China is one of India's biggest trading
partners. India's government recently banned more than 150 China-linked apps, including the
hugely popular TikTok, citing security concerns.
 Many observers have said talks are the only way forward otherwise both countries have so much
to lose.
6th round of Military Commander-Level Meeting

 On September 21, the Indian and Chinese Senior Commanders held the 6th round of
Military Commander-Level Meeting. The two sides had candid and in-depth exchanges
of views on stabilizing the situation along the LAC in the India - China border areas.
 They agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of
the two countries, strengthen communication on the ground, avoid misunderstandings
and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally
changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate
the situation.
 So the major achievement of the meeting is that no additional soldiers will be deployed
to the Line of Actual Control by either of the sides to maintain peace and tranquility.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#INDIA'S RACE TO TEST MISSILE (10 MISSILES TESTED)
 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will early next week fire the
800 km range Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile, the last for the solid rocket booster missile
before its formal induction into the army and the navy.
 It would be the tenth missile test-firing by India’s lead defence research organisation in
the last 35 days.
 The DRDO’s effort to fast- track development of ‘Made in India’ strategic nuclear and
conventional missiles - comes against the backdrop of China’s refusal to step back from the
Line of Actual Control.
 China’s People’s Liberation Army had first clashed with Indian soldiers on the northern bank of
Ladakh’s Pangong Tso Lake on May 5 this year, setting up a stand-off that rapidly expanded to
four locations in East Ladakh.
 The stand-off escalated into a bloody clash in June that killed soldiers on both sides. It was the
first time that the two countries had lost soldiers on this border in four decades.
HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION VEHICLE
 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
 HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft that can travel at hypersonic speed.
 The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at APJ Abdul Kalam island
off the coast of Odisha.
 The indigenous development of the technology will boost the development of the systems built
with hypersonic vehicles at its core.
 India became the fourth country to have demonstrated this technology after the USA, Russia and
China.
ABHYAS MISSILE
 DRDO conducted successful flight-tests of the indigenously-designed Abhyas High-speed

Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) in Balasore (Odisha).
 Designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is a key Aeronautical Systems Design
Laboratory under DRDO.
 It is a drone (UAV) that will be used as a target for various missile systems.
LASER GUIDED ANTI TANK MISSILE- I
 It is an indigenously developed laser-guided anti-tank guided missile was successfully test

fired in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar by DRDO. It is to destroy armoured vehicles including
tanks.
 And for doing this, these ATGMs use different types of guidance systems which include laser, TV
cameras and wire guiding. Also, some of these are flexible enough and can be used through an
aircraft, land vehicles and by the infantry.
NIGHT TRIAL OF PRITHVI-II
 The Strategic Forces Command of Indian Army successfully conducted a night trial of nuclear-

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
capable ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a defence test facility off Odisha coast. Prithvi-II,
capable of attacking targets at a range of 350 km, is India’s first developed and inducted
indigenous surface-to-surface strategic missile.
SUPERSONIC MISSILE- BRAHMOS
 BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile featuring Indian propulsion system, airframe, power
supply, and other major indigenous components has been successfully test-fired.
 BRAHMOS is a joint venture between DRDO and the NPOM of Russia. Brahmos is named on
the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva.
 It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in second) air to
surface missile with a flight range of around 300 km.
 It is a multiplatform i.e. it can be launched from land, air, and sea and multi capability missile &
one of the fastest cruise missiles currently operationally deployed with speed of Mach 2.8, which
is 3 times more than the speed of sound.
LASER GUIDED ANTI TANK MISSILE- II
 It is an indigenously developed laser-guided anti-tank guided missile was successfully test

fired in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar by DRDO.
 The ATGM employs a tandem heat warhead to defeat explosive reactive armour (ERA) protected
armoured vehicles in ranges from 1.5 to 5 km.
 It was the second such successful test firing of the missile, having a range of upto 5 km.
SUPERSONIC- SHAURYA MISSILE
 Recently, a successful trial of the nuclear-capable Shaurya missile was conducted by India.
Shaurya is a land variant of short-range Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) K-15
Sagarika, which has a range of at least 750 kilometers.
 It is a surface-to-surface tactical missile.
 These ballistic missiles belong to the K missile family - codenamed after late Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam - which is launched from Arihant class of nuclear submarines. A Ballistic Missile Defence
system (BMD) is a missile defence system that acts as a shield against ballistic missile attacks.
SMART MISSILE
 The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted a successful flight
test of the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) from Wheeler Island off
the coast of Odisha.
 Torpedo is a cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater weapon, launched from a submarine,
surface vessel, or airplane and designed for exploding upon contact with the hulls of surface
vessels and submarines.
 Varunastra is the first indigenous heavyweight ship launched anti-submarine electric torpedo.
It strengthens the country’s maritime strategic capabilities & has a major breakthrough for
stand-off capability in anti-submarine warfare.
ANTI RADIATION MISSILE- RUDRAM
 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested
indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile (Rudram-1). It is an air-to-surface missile,
designed and developed by the DRDO.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Once the missile locks on the target, it is capable of striking accurately even if the radiation
source switches off in between.
 Rudram has been developed for the Indian Air Force - IAF’s requirement to enhance its
Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability.
 The DRDO was quietly told to fast-track its missile programme in the early part of the standoff
because the Indian government had doubts about China’s commitment to peace on the border.
 And DRDO - it has fired a missile every four days over nearly a month. US Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo has held up Chinese president Xi Jinping’s aggression on the border with India as an
example of the Chinese communist party’s “bad behavior”.
 The US estimates China has mobilized about 60,000 troops in depth locations across Ladakh.
#BRANDING AND LOGO OF KASTURI COTTON

 Union Minister for Textiles unveiled a brand and a logo for Indian cotton recently on the
occasion of 2nd World Cotton Day on 7th October 2020. The branding, Kasturi Cotton, would
initially be applicable to long-staple cotton that is grown in India and meets prescribed
standards.
WORLD COTTON DAY
 Theme for World Cotton Day, 2020: Cotton: The Fibre that Moves Me
 Launched: By World Trade Organisation in 2019 on the initiative of Cotton-4 (Benin,
Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali).
 In Collaboration with: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International
Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).
POINTS ABOUT COTTON PLANTATION

 Kharif Crop which requires 6 to 8 months to mature.
 Drought – resistant crop ideal for arid climates.
 Occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land, meets 27% of the world’s textiles need.
 Temperature: Between 21-30°C.
 Rainfall: Around 50-100cm.
 Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil (Regur Soil) (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)
 Products: fibre, oil and animal feed.
 Top Cotton Producing Countries: China > India > USA
 Top Cotton Producing States in India: Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra Pradesh
> Rajasthan.
 Four cultivated species of cotton: Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and
G.barbadense.
 Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum are known as old-world cotton or Asiatic cotton.
 G.hirsutum is also known as American cotton or upland cotton and G.barbadense
as Egyptian cotton. These are both new world cotton species.
 Hybrid Cotton: Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic
characters. Hybrids are often spontaneously and randomly created in nature when open-

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.

 BT Cotton: It is a genetically modified organism or genetically modified pest-resistant variety
of cotton.
COTTON IN INDIA
 Cotton is an important fibre and cash crop which plays a dominant role in the industrial and
agricultural economy of India.
 India is the largest producer of cotton in the world and the third largest exporter. It is also
the largest consumer of cotton in the world.
 The pest-resistant Genetically Modified (GM) Bt cotton hybrids have captured the Indian
market (covering over 95% of the area under cotton) since their introduction in 2002.
 India produces about 6 million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton.
 India produces about 51% of the total organic cotton production of the world.
Government Initiatives for Cotton
National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC): In the 12th Five Year
Plan, under the NFSM, a cropping system approach is being adopted by including
commercial crops like cotton, jute and sugarcane. Cotton Development Programme
(CDP), launched in 2014-15 is being implemented under NFSM-CC for enhancing
production and productivity.
 Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed
a certification system for organic Cotton
 Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has developed a mobile application called “Cott-Ally” to
provide the latest news on weather conditions, the crop situation and best farm practices.
 CCI has also opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton-growing states and payments are being
made digitally to farmers’ accounts within 72 hours.
Cotton Corporation of India
 CCI was established in 1970 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles as
a Public Sector Undertaking under the Companies Act 1956.
 Headquarters: CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)
 Role: To undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of cotton fall below
the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.
Cotton Research
 The Central Institute for Cotton Research has campuses in Nagpur in Maharashtra state and Sirsa
in Haryana state. It is a central research institute established by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) .
 The ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology is situated in Mumbai.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#PROPERTY CARDS UNDER SVAMITA SCHEME

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the physical distribution of property cards
under the Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas-
SVAMITA scheme on October 11, 2020.
 As per the PMO office, the launch by the Prime Minister will enable around 1 lakh property
holders to download their property cards through the SMS link which will be delivered on their
registered mobile phones. Under the scheme, the property cards will be provided to every
household in the next 3 to 4 years.
 The move by the central government will pave the way for using the property as a financial asset
by the villagers in order to take loans or for other financial benefits. It will also help in reducing
disputes over land property.
 SVAMITVA Scheme to bring historic changes in villages: PM Modi while talking about the
SVAMITVA scheme noted that the scheme will bring historical changes in the villages
across India. He added that today one lakh people have got their ownership letters for the
houses and congratulated those who have downloaded their ownership cards. He also
mentioned the birth anniversary of Nanaji Deshmukh and Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan and
expressed his happiness that such a great work has been done on a day that has such
historic importance.
 Pucca Houses in villages: Prime Minister Modi while addressing the launch of the physical
distribution of property cards highlighted the significance of pucca houses and mentioned
that for decades crores of families living in villages of India did not have a home of their
own. But today, nearly two crore poor families in the villages have their own pucca houses.
The SVAMITVA scheme is a central sector scheme of the Panchayati Raj Ministry. It was
launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on National Panchayati Raj Day, April 24, 2020.
SVAMITVA Scheme by the government aims at providing the ‘records of the rights’ to the
household owners in villages in the rural areas and issue property cards. The scheme is being
implemented by the government across the country in a phased manner over a period of 4 years
(2020-2024). It will eventually cover around 6.62 lakh villages of the country.
Villages to be covered under the pilot phase (2020-2021):
 Around 1 lakh villages in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and
Uttarakhand and a few borders of Rajasthan and Punjab along with the establishment of
Continuous Operating System (CORS) stations network across Rajasthan and Punjab are
being covered in this phase (2020-2021).
 All the six states have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Survey of India for the drone survey of the rural areas and implementation of the scheme.
 The 6 states have also finalized the digital property card format and the villages that will be
covered for a drone-based survey.
 The governments of Rajasthan and Punjab have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with Survey of India for the establishment of a CORS network for assistance in future drone flying

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
activities.
 Different nomenclature for Property cards in 6 states:

States Property Cards
Haryana Title Deed
Karnataka Rural Property Ownership Records
Madhya Pradesh Adhikar Abhilekh
Maharashtra Sannad
Uttarakhand Svamitva Abhilekh
Uttar Pradesh Gharauni
#GREEN CRACKERS BY NEERI

 In a bid to resolve the crisis of air pollution, the Government has launched green firecrackers.
 These crackers are available as sparklers, flowerpots, maroons and atom bombs and have
been developed by the National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute
(NEERI), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab.
 CSIR has signed agreements with 230 companies to manufacture green crackers and make
them available for sale.
 As per the CSIR’s assessment, green crackers would reduce particulate matter pollution by
30%.
 Green logo as well as a Quick Response (QR) coding system has been developed for
differentiation of green crackers from conventional crackers. QR codes are a novel feature
incorporated on the fire crackers to avoid manufacture and sale of counterfeit products.
BACKGROUND OF THE MATTER
 Concerned about the pollution levels and the role firecrackers played in exacerbating it, the
Supreme Court in October 2018 banned the sale, use and manufacture of crackers that weren’t
‘green’.
 This meant that the crackers couldn’t be loud beyond a certain limit, had to be approved by
the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and had to be free of mercury,
arsenic and barium. However, compliant crackers weren’t available in the market.
 The Supreme Court, in May 2019, allowed the bulk manufacture of green crackers after the CSIR
said its labs had been able to make trial samples and had them approved by the PESO.
 CSIR’s project of development of green crackers adopted a two-pronged approach.
 One stream of activity was focussed on improving the traditional crackers through reduction
in the level of Barium Nitrate.
 The second pathway aimed at replacing Barium Nitrate with a more benign Potassium
Nitrate.
 The apex court is expected to take a decision on “improved crackers”, which have reduced levels
of barium nitrate on 22nd October 2019.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
The 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. It 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. Delhi
Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is a department to control pollution in Delhi. An Act to provide for
the establishment of a National Green Tribunal for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating
to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
 Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization
 PESO is an office under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry
of Commerce and Industries.
 It was established in 1898 as a nodal agency for regulating safety of substances such as
explosives, compressed gases and petroleum.
 Its head office is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
 National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute
 Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is an autonomous body under Ministry of
Science & Technology, having 38 national laboratories working in various areas of science and
technology.
 CSIR-NEERI is one among those laboratories.
#BRICS MINISTER’S MEETING (LABOUR MINISTRY)

 Recently, the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Virtual Meeting was held under
the Russian Presidency.
 It aimed to discuss various issues including approaches to creating a safe work culture in
BRICS countries.
BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging national economies Brazil, Russia, India, China,
and South Africa. The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs. Since 2009,
the BRICS nations have met annually at formal summits. Brazil hosted the most recent 11th BRICS summit on
13–14 November 2019. The term "BRIC" is believed to be coined in 2001 by then-chairman of Goldman
Sachs Asset Management, Jim O'Neill, in his publication Building Better Global Economic BRICS. But, it was
actually coined by Roopa Purushothaman who was a Research Assistant in the original report. The foreign
ministers of the initial four BRIC General states (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) met in New York City in
September 2006 at the margins of the General Debate of the UN Assembly, beginning a series of high-level
meetings. A full-scale diplomatic meeting was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on 16 June 2009.
Emphasis on Health of Workers

 It was highlighted that health, welfare and improved working conditions are essential for
the well-being of the workers. A healthy workforce in the country would be more productive
and contribute to economic growth.
 The aspects of occupational safety and health measures to mitigate the impact of Covid-
19 have also acquired significance.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
India’s Stand
 India called for suitable global action especially by BRICS towards effecting a balance
between labour and employer which will generate growth and create more jobs and greater
labour welfare.
 India also highlighted the importance of digitization and technological
advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in reshaping lives and work,
with a direct or indirect effect on the labor market.
 Digitisation also offers the opportunity for governments, individuals and businesses to
cope with the changing scenarios after the pandemic.
 India underscored that the digital economy is changing the world of work, hence regular
studies by the BRICS Network Research Institutes will facilitate a better
understanding of the aspects of future of work and supplement policymaking.
 India is committed to eradicate poverty and promote prosperity in a changing world and
hence adopted a multi-dimensional strategy to eliminate poverty by covering most of the basic
services and fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals of No Poverty (SDG-1).
LABOUR CODES BILL DISCUSSED IN MEETING
Occupatinal Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill, 2020:
 Provides a dynamic and effective framework of occupational safety and health at the
workplace and covers legal provisions of all sectors.
 Envisages safety standards for different sectors, focusing on the health and working
condition of workers, hours of work, leaves, etc.
Social Security Code Bill, 2020:
 Universalises social security coverage to those working in the unorganised sector,
such as migrant workers, gig workers and platform workers.
 Recognises emerging forms of work by defining terms like an aggregator, gig worker
and platform worker, and extends social protection to such workers through
a separate Social Security Fund wherein the contribution from aggregators would be
deposited.
 Provisions of social security will also be extended to agricultural workers.
Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020:
 Sets up Grievance Redressal Committees for resolution of disputes arising out of
employees’ grievances.
 Also sets up a reskilling fund to help skill retrenched workers.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:
 Provides direct income support to farmers for easing their liquidity needs to facilitate
timely access to inputs.
 Aiding modernisation and makes farmers competitive.
#15TH YEARS OF RTI

 A report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the Centre for Equity Studies has pointed out
that more than 2.2 lakh Right to information cases are pending at the Central and State
Information Commissions (ICs), which are the final courts of appeal under the RTI Act, 2005.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE

The report was released on the occasion of completion of the 15 years of Right to Information
(RTI) Act.
 Unavailability during Covid-19 lockdown: Out of the total 29 ICs that were studied, 21 were
not holding any hearings.
 Even the websites of 3 ICs -Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland -were not accessible during
the lockdown.
 Websites of 11 commissions out of 29, had no information/notification about the functioning
of the IC during the lockdown.
Reduced Capacity: Of the 29 ICs, two ICs -Jharkhand and Tripura -were found to have no
commissioners for varying lengths of time. They were completely defunct.
 4 were functioning without a Chief Information Commissioner -Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh.
 Under the RTI 2005 act, every commission should have a chief and up to 10 commissioners.
Delays and Backlogs: The assessment found that on average, the CIC takes 388 days (more than one
year) to dispose of an appeal/complaint from the date that it was filed before the commission.
 The highest number of pending appeals, with over 59,000 cases were in Maharashtra, followed
by Uttar Pradesh and the Central Information Commissions (CIC).
No Penalties: The report found that the Government officials face hardly any punishment for
violating the law.
 Penalties were imposed in only 2.2% of cases that were disposed of, despite previous analysis
showing a rate of about 59% violations which should have triggered the process of penalty
imposition.
Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019

It provided that the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of
Centre as well as States) shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central
Government. Before this amendment, their term was fixed for 5 years.
 It provided that the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief
Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States)
shall be such as prescribed by the Central Government.
 Before this amendment, the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief
Information Commissioner were similar to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and that
of an Information Commissioner were similar to those of an Election Commissioner (State
Election Commissioners in case of States).
 It removed the provisions regarding deductions in salary of the Chief Information
Commissioner, an Information Commissioner, the State Chief Information Commissioner
and a State Information Commissioner due to pension or any other retirement benefits
received by them for their previous government service.
 The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 was criticized on grounds of diluting the law and
giving more powers to the central government.
Central Information Commission
 Established: The Central Information Commission was established by the Central

Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is not a
constitutional body.
 Members: The Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more
than ten Information Commissioners.
 At present (2019), the Commission has six Information Commissioners apart from the
Chief Information Commissioner.

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
Appointment: They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a
committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the
Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
 Tenure: The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold
office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age
of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
 They are not eligible for reappointment.
Power and Functions of CIC
 It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any
person regarding information request under RTI, 2005.
 The Commission can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable
grounds (suo-moto power).
 While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of
summoning, requiring documents etc.
OTHER THINGS TO FOCUS

 The government must ensure the timely appointment of chiefs and members of ICs.
 The increasing backlog of cases is exacerbated by the fact that most Commissions are
functioning at reduced capacity.
 It is absolutely critical that all information commissions conduct timely and effective
hearings and disposal of cases to ensure people can exercise their fundamental right to
information.
Commissions should hold hearings telephonically. Where possible, video calls can be set up.
 There should be a prioritization of cases dealing with information related to life and
liberty. Information regarding matters like food distribution, social security, health and COVID
19-related issues should be proactively disclosed.
 Section 7(1) of the RTI Act states that information concerning the life or liberty of a person has
to be supplied within 48 hours of the request being received.
 Section 4 of the RTI Act requires suo motu disclosure of information by each public
authority.
 Urgent digitization of records and proper record management is important as lack of remote
access to records in the lockdown has been widely cited as the reason for not being able to conduct
hearings of appeals and complaints by commissions.
 Governments should put in place a mechanism for online filing of RTI applications.
 The role of information commissions is crucial during Covid-19 to ensure that people can obtain
information on healthcare facilities, social security programs and delivery of essential goods
and services meant for those in distress.
 If the poor and marginalised affected by the public health emergency are to have any hope of
obtaining the benefits of government schemes, they must have access to relevant information.
 Democracy is all about the governance of the people, by the people and for the people. In
order to achieve the third paradigm, the state needs to start acknowledging the importance of
informed public and the role that it plays in the country’s development as a nation. In this
context, underlying issues related to RTI Act should be resolved, so that it can serve
the information needs of society.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 km have been awarded and 2921 km has been
constructed under Bharatmala Pariyojana till August 2020.
 Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana: Implementation of 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years
(from 2017 to 2022) has been approved (Rs. 5, 35,000 crore).
 Phase-II: Around 48,000 km of road network across India by 2024.
#BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA
 It is an umbrella program for the highways sector.
 Initiated by: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
 Objectives:
 To optimise the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across India by bridging
critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions
 To generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the
construction and infrastructure sector
 To connect 550 districts in the country through national highway linkages.
 Effective measures: Development of economic corridors, inter corridors and feeder routes,
national corridor efficiency improvement, border and international connectivity roads, coastal
and port connectivity roads and Greenfield expressways.
 Features:
 Improvement in the efficiency of existing corridors through the development of
Multimodal Logistics Parks and elimination of chokepoint
 Improving connectivity in North East and increasing harmony with Inland Waterways
 Emphasis on the use of scientific and technological planning;

 Satellite mapping of corridor;
 Delegation of powers for successful completion of Phase I by 2022.
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE PROJECT

 Economic Corridors: These are integrated networks of infrastructure within a geographical area
designed to stimulate economic development.
 Greenfield Projects: They lack constraints imposed by prior work on the site. Typically, it entails
development on a completely vacant site and architects start completely from scratch.
 Brownfield Projects: They carry constraints related to the current state of the site and might be
contaminated or have existing structures that architects have to tear down or modify in some way
before the project can move forward.
 Multimodal Logistics Parks: These are a key policy initiative of the Government of India to
improve the country’s logistics sector by lowering overall freight costs, reducing vehicular
pollution and congestion, and cutting warehousing costs.
 Chokepoint: It is a single point through which all incoming and outgoing network traffic is
funneled and hence, leads to congestion and traffic.

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The Sagarmala Programme is an initiative by the government of India to enhance the performance of
the country's logistics sector. The programme envisages unlocking the potential of waterways and the
coastline to minimize infrastructural investments required to meet these targets. It entails investing Rs.
8.5 trillion (2018) to set up new mega ports, modernizing India's existing ports, developing of
14 Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) and Coastal Economic Units, enhancing port connectivity via road,
rail, multi-modal logistics parks, pipelines & waterways and promoting coastal community development,
with the aim of boosting merchandise exports by US$110 billion and generating around 10,000,000
direct and indirect jobs. The Sagarmala Programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of
Shipping to promote port-led development in the country by exploiting India's 7,500 km long coastline,
14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and its strategic location on key international maritime
trade routes.
#AMRUT MISSION
 Launch: June 2015
 Concerned Ministry: Housing and Urban Affairs
 Purpose:
 To ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and
a sewerage connection. The Priority zone of the Mission is water supply followed by
sewerage.
 To increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open
spaces (e.g. parks).
 To reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-
motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).
 Components:
 Capacity building, reform implementation, water supply, sewerage and septage
management, storm water drainage, urban transport and development of green spaces and
parks.
 The reforms aim at improving delivery of citizen services, bringing down the cost of
delivery, improving financial health, augmenting resources and enhancing transparency.
It also includes replacement of street lights with LED lights.
Central Sponsored Scheme: Total outlay for AMRUT was Rs. 50,000 crores for five years from
FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20. Unable to meet set targets for urban renewal in 500 cities, the Centre
has extended the mission period of AMRUT upto 31st March, 2021.
State Annual Action Plan (SAAP):
 AMRUT has made states equal partners in planning and implementation of projects by
approval of SAAP once a year by MoHUA and states have to give project sanctions and
approval at their end, therefore actualisation of cooperative federalism.
 Supervision: An Apex Committee (AC), chaired by the Secretary, MoHUA and comprising
representatives of related Ministries and organisations supervises the Mission.
Status of AMRUT Mission in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh:

 Himachal Pradesh is ranked 15th and Uttarakhand 24th in AMRUT’s National rankings
(performance-based). Odisha topped the rankings.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Both the States have implemented the Online Building Permission System (OBPS) in their
Mission cities. OBPS is a part of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and should be implemented in
all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) apart from Mission cities.
 The Credit Rating work has been completed in all Mission cities in the two States. Credit
rating is an assessment of an ULB’s ability to pay its financial obligations.
 Both the States were informed that the Ministry has developed a common Dashboard for
all the Missions (e.g. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, Smart Cities Mission) of the
Ministry where information relating to all States/UT and cities would be available. The
States/UT may use this facility for monitoring the progress.
#DAY-NRLM Special Package for J&K and Ladakh

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a special package worth Rs. 520 crore in the Union
Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh for a period of five years under the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The decision is in line with Centre’s aim to universalise all centrally sponsored beneficiary-
oriented schemes in J&K and Ladakh in a time-bound manner.
The package has been approved for a period of five years till the financial year 2023-24 and it has
been decided to ensure funding on a demand-driven basis without linking allocation with
poverty ratio during the extended period. Around two-third rural women from the UTs will be
covered and 10.58 lakh women will get the benefit from the special package.
The step was based on the outcomes of an evaluation pointing to the potential of the Mission to
improve the quality of life of rural households and women empowerment under the changed
circumstances in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission
It is a centrally sponsored programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June

2011.
Aim:
 To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and
improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country.
 To reach out to all rural poor households and impact their livelihood Functioning:
 It involves working with community institutions through community professionals in
the spirit of self-help which is a unique proposition of DAY-NRLM.
 It impacts the livelihoods through universal social mobilization by inter alia organising
one- woman member from each rural poor household into Self Help Groups (SHGs),
their training and capacity building, facilitating their micro-livelihoods plans, and enabling
them to implement their livelihoods plans through accessing financial resources from their
own institutions and the banks.
Implementation
 It is implemented in a Mission mode by special purpose vehicles (autonomous state
societies) with dedicated implementation support units at the national, state, district
and block levels, using professional human resources in order to provide continuous

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
and long-term handholding support to each rural poor family.
Support Provided
 There were 63 lakh SHGs comprising seven crore women members in the country
which had been granted Rs. 3 lakh crore in loans and the non-performing assets (NPA)
amounted to only 2.3%.
 The outstanding loans were to the tune of Rs. 1 lakh crore.
 The government plans to take the scheme to 10 crore women.
#MISSION SAGAR - II
 As part of ‘Mission Sagar-II’, the Government of India is providing assistance to Friendly
Foreign Countries to overcome natural calamities and Covid-19 pandemic.
 Towards the same INS Airavat is delivering food aid for the people of Sudan. Mission Sagar-II
follows the first ‘Mission Sagar’ undertaken in 2020.
 As part of Mission Sagar-II, Indian Naval Ship Airavat will deliver food aid to Sudan, South
Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.
 India had launched Mission Sagar on May 10 to provide assistance to the five island nations
amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
 The five island nations are Mauritius, Maldives, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros. The
mission is part of the Indian government’s outreach initiative to help the island nations in the
Indian Ocean during the health crisis.
 As per the Ministry of Defence (MOD) statement, the naval ship has departed to provide the
COVID related medicines such as HCQ tablets, special Ayurvedic medicines, and food items
along with the medical assistance teams.
 Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles along with La Reunion are part of Indian
Ocean Commission. India has recently become an observer to the Commission. The
assistance is in line with India’s role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean region. The
deployment is also in consonance with the Prime Minister's vision of Security and Growth
for All in the Region (SAGAR). Earlier, India had sent Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, carrying
food items and medical assistance teams, to countries in the southern Indian Ocean to deal with
Covid-19 pandemic as part of a "Mission Sagar" initiative.
BACKGROUND OF THE MISSION
 In 2015, Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision was launched by the
Government of India to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime
neighbors.
 Also, the mission seeks in building maritime security capabilities with these neighbors.
 The Mission Sagar assistance is in line with India’s role as the first responder in the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR).
 It highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with its neighbouring countries and
further strengthens the existing bond.
 The Mission involves two major ministries of India-- Ministry of Defence and Ministry of
External Affairs-- along with several other Government agencies.
 Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its
maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. Further, India

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
seeks to safeguard its national interests and ensure Indian Ocean region to become inclusive,
collaborative and respect international law.
 The key relevance of SAGAR emerges when seen in conjunction with India’s other policies
impacting the maritime domain like Act East Policy, Project Sagarmala, Project Mausam,
India as ‘net security provider’, focus on Blue Economy etc.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF ISLAND COUNTRIES
 The strategic importance of these island nations is highlighted by their location along key Sea
Lines of Communication (SLOCs). These islands are vital and can facilitate a navy’s continuous
presence along key international shipping routes, allowing a navy to patrol and secure SLOCs
during peace times and an option to interdict and cut off an adversary’s communications
during times of conflict.
 The execution of Mission Sagar can be seen as India’s step in being the first provider in the
neighboring island nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will further help in building
excellent relations between the countries. The deployment of the naval ship is in line with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR- Security and Growth for all in the Region, which
came in effect in March 2015.
 It highlights India’s relations with its neighboring countries and strengthens the existing bond.
The operation mission Sagar has been progressed in the close relations with the External
Affairs, Ministry of Defence and other agencies of the Indian government.
RELATED MISSIONS & INITIATIVES
 India on the 65th anniversary of the landmark Bandung Conference emphasized that
members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) must work to reduce the socio-economic
impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable sections of society and promote South-
South cooperation. In the wake of the global pandemic, the International Solar Alliance
(ISA) responded by setting up ISA CARES (like PM-CARES in India), an initiative
dedicated to the deployment of solar energy in the healthcare sector.
 With Covid-19 and trade tensions between China and the United States are threatening
supply chains; Japan has mooted the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) as a
trilateral approach to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners. The Coalition
of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation (CEPI), a global initiative, has named
Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad as one of the
six laboratories for assessing Covid-19 vaccine candidates that are under development.
India has contributed 10 million USD to SAARC Covid-19 Emergency Fund and
manufactured essential drugs, Covid protection and testing kits, for countries in the
SAARC region (Eg. Operation Sanjeevani for Maldives).
IMPORTANT GROUPINGS WITH INDIAN OCEAN REGIONS
 Indian Ocean Rim Association: The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was
established in 1997. It is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable
development within the Indian Ocean region.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Indian Ocean Naval Symposium: The ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS) is a
voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the
littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region by providing an open and inclusive forum for
discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.
 Indian Ocean Commission: Recently, India has been approved as an observer of the
Indian Ocean Commission, the inter-governmental organization that coordinates
maritime governance in the south-western Indian Ocean.
 Asia Africa Growth Corridor: The idea of Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) emerged
in the joint declaration issued by India and Japan in 2016. The AAGC is raised on four
pillars of Development and Cooperation Projects, Quality Infrastructure and
Institutional Connectivity, Enhancing Capacities and Skills and People-to-People
partnership.
#ZOJILA TUNNEL’S PROJECT

 Zoji La Tunnel is a 14.2 km long road tunnel under Zoji La pass in the Himalayas between
Sonmarg and Drass town in Kargil district of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh
currently under construction.
 The tunnel along with 6.5 km long Z-Morh Tunnel, (which is 22 km before Zoji La tunnel
towards Srinagar) will ensure year-long road connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil
which currently remains closed for about seven months due to heavy snowfall on the Zoji La
pass which is situated at a high altitude on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway.
BACKGROUND OF ZOJI LA PROJECT
 The project was first introduced in the year 2005 but was dropped. In 2013, BRO prepared a
Detailed Project Report (DPR) on BOT mode.
 The Zoji La tunnel project was approved by the Government of India in January 2018 and the
commencement of its construction was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
May 2018.
 The tunnel will be built under EPC mode (engineering, procurement, construction) wherein
the Government of India will provide the money and the executing agency will do the
construction and will later hand over the project to the Government of India.
 Earlier it was supposed to be built under PPP mode where the private players were
supposed to make the investment, but the project was terminated on July 15, 2019. This was
because IL&FS (the tender was given to this company) firm witnessed financial problems.
 In February 2020, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reviewed the project again. Several meetings
were held with the tunnel experts and stakeholders to reduce the cost of the project and to
execute it on priority.
 On May 17, 2020, a report was submitted to the Government and on May 23, 2020, the project
was given a nod.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
KEY FEATURES OF THE TUNNEL
 The 14.15 km long tunnel will connect Srinagar Valley and Leh on NH-1 with approach
road to Z-morh tunnel and avalanche protection structures. It will be built at an altitude
of about 3000 metres under Zojila pass. At present, the pass can be accessed for only 6
months in a year.
 The approach road of 18 km starts from the end of Z-morh tunnel and ends at the start
of the Zojila tunnel.
 The avalanche protection structures include catch dams, snow galleries, cut and cover,
dam, etc. to make the tunnel an-all weather one. The pass connects Leh and Srinagar,
providing connectivity between UTs of Ladakh and Kashmir.
 It is Asia's longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel, providing all-weather
connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. Currently, it is regarded as one of the
dangerous stretches in the world to drive a vehicle. It remains closed during winters
due to heavy snowfall. The total cost of the project is Rs. 10, 643 crores.
SAFETY SYSTEMS OF THE TUNNEL
 Emergency lay-bys will be located at intervals of 750 m on both sides of the

carriageway.
 Manual fire alarm push buttons and portable fire extinguishers will be located at the
disposal of all drivers.
 Telephones will be installed at the emergency niches.
 Fire Hydrants and Hydrant Niches, Fire Extinguishers will be installed.
 Tunnel Lighting Systems: Entrance lighting, Interior lighting and lay-bys lighting. CCTV
cameras will be installed on the tunnel wall.
 Fire alarm system, automatic fire detection and suppression system in the tunnel.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ZOJI LA TUNNEL
 It will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh regions as
these regions remain cut from the rest of the country for six months due to heavy snowfall in
winters.
 It will be a landmark achievement in the history of India as since 30 years people of these regions
are demanding for the tunnel.
 The travel on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 will be avalanches free. It will reduce
the travel time from more than 3 hours to 15 minutes.
 The construction of the tunnel will bring in the employment for the local people. The tunnel
is of strategic importance from the Defence point of view.
 Presently, many massive military activities are going on along the borders of these regions.
 It takes more than 3 hours to cross the pass but the tunnel will reduce the time. This tunnel was
a strategic requirement of the army and the Ladakhi people as the pass is close to LOC and
vulnerable to hostile actions by terrorists.
 Zoji La was re-captured from Pakistani raiders under Operation Bison.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#“OPERATION DURACHARI” OF UP GOVERNMENT
 Ever since Hathras Gang-Rape incident has happened, the Uttar Pradesh Government, in
some way or the other, is trying to suggest that how the crime and number of rapes in Uttar
Pradesh are much lower than other states.
 But NCRB data is countering and tearing into Yogi's Government.
 The NCRB data suggests that the overall crime against women in Uttar Pradesh stages at
15.3% which is the highest among all other states.
 This record had been carried forward from the past three years. This includes the number of
rapes, dowry cases, a crime against a minor, a crime against Dalit women and much more.
OPERATION DURACHARI AND HATHRAS GANG RAPE CASE
 Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to launch a special drive -- Operation
Durachari -- to pin down the eve-teasers, the accused of crime against women and habitual
offenders in cases of sex-related crimes through name shaming.
 This operation was launched after the nationwide outrage as the 19-yr-old victim in this case
was allegedly tortured and gang-raped by four men on September 14 in UP's Hathras district.
 It is alleged that the perpetrators cut the tongue of the victim to ensure that she does not give
any statement to the police and repeatedly threatened her family for several days.
 She was recovered from the fields in a critical condition and was admitted to a hospital in Aligarh
for treatment.
 On September 28, she was shifted to AIIMS Delhi, where she succumbed to her injuries the next
day.
 Allegedly, the victim's family was not even allowed to cremate her body but was instead, locked
up in their home during cremation in the wee hours on September 29.
OBJECTIVE OF THE OPERATION
 Under this operation, UP CM Yogi Adityanath has issued directives to the police department to
put up posters of the offenders of crime against women on road crossings across the state.
 Yogi's government had earlier used the same tactic to name and shames the protestors of the
Citizenship Amendment Act after they had indulged in large scale violence and vandalism
destroying public property in December, last year.
 However, after the High Court’s intervention, the posters were brought down. According to the
government spokesman, Yogi entrusted the women police officials to launch ‘Operation
Durachari’ to check crime against women.
 “The Chief Minister has directed women police personnel to take firm action against such anti-
social elements, offenders and their photographs should be pasted at the road crossings in order
to name and shame them.
 The intent of 'Operation Durachari' is to name, shame, and expose those who are vitiating the
atmosphere in society and indulging in crime against women, the CM said, while directing the
authorities concerned to make the names of the protectors and patrons of such forces public.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
OTHER OPERATIONS OF UP GOVERNMENT
 Uttar Pradesh Government has been running 'Operation Shakti' in the capital city and
the adjoining districts including Kanpur, Unnao, Hardoi, Sitapur, Lakhimpur, and Rae
Bareli.
 Under the operation, the police have acted against 2200 such criminals who were found
embroiled in crimes against women. In all 822 FIRs were lodged. A total of 699 persons
were restricted and another 770 were issued notices.
IS IT A POLITICAL TOOL TO HARASS?
 The Police should be encouraged to take the legal route to pursue the cases against habitual
offenders. This is what it is expected to do, and not act as a moral guardian. The conviction rate
of gender crimes in India is very low.
 According to the 2018 NCRB report, India saw just 11 per cent disposal and 27 per cent
conviction in rape cases. This shows how police doesn't not pursue cases involving crime
against women in the courts.
 The UP government is giving them – police and vigilantes — authoritarian powers, which were
misused in the Anti-Romeo drive.
 With this new initiative, they will have to worry less. They will become empowered to behave
like a court and deliver ‘faisla on the spot’. They can play judge, jury and social executioner.
#HATHRAS GANGRAPE CASE (NARCO & POLYGRAPH)

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to conduct polygraph and narcoanalysis tests of the
accused and all involved police personnel as part of the investigation into the alleged gangrape and
murder of a 19-year old in Hathras last month.
 Polygraph or Lie Detector Test: It is a procedure that measures and records several
physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin
conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions.
 This test is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered
when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise.
 A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person is
telling the truth, is deceiving, or is uncertain.
 A test similar to Polygraph was first done in the 19th century by the Italian
criminologist Cesare Lombroso, who used a machine to measure changes in the
blood pressure of criminal suspects during interrogation.
NARCOANALYSIS TEST
 Narcoanalysis Test: It involves the injection of a drug, sodium pentothal, which induces a
hypnotic or sedated state in which the subject’s imagination is neutralized, and they are
expected to divulge information that is true.
 The drug, also referred to as truth serum, was used in larger doses as anesthesia during
surgery, and is said to have been used during World War II for intelligence operations.
 Recently, investigating agencies have sought to employ these tests in the investigation, and are
sometimes seen as being a softer alternative to torture or “third degree” to extract the
truth from suspects.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Brain Mapping Test or P-300 test: In this test, the activity of the brain of a suspect is
measured during interrogation to find out whether he is concealing any information.
LIMITATION OF THE NARCO TEST

 None of these methods has been proven scientifically to have a 100% success rate, and
remain contentious in the medical field as well.
 The consequences of such tests on individuals from weaker sections of society who are
unaware of their fundamental rights and unable to afford legal advice can be adverse.
 It may involve future abuse, harassment, and surveillance, even leakage of the video
material to the Press for a trial by the media.
LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS
 In the Selvi vs State of Karnataka & Anr case (2010), the Supreme Court ruled that no lie
detector tests should be administered without the consent of the accused.
 Also, those who volunteer must have access to a lawyer and have the physical, emotional, and
legal implications of the test explained to them by police and the lawyer.
 The results of the tests cannot be considered to be "confessions", but any information or
material subsequently discovered with the help of such a voluntarily-taken test can be
admitted as evidence
 The SC cited Article 20 (3) or Right against self-incrimination which states that no
accused can be compelled to be a witness against himself.
 In the D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal case, 1997, the SC ruled that involuntary
administration of the polygraph and narcos test will amount to cruel, inhuman, and degrading
treatment in the context of Article 21 or the Right to Life and Liberty.
 It may also be violative of the Right to Privacy which is a part of the Right to Life. The Indian
Evidence Act, 1871 does not admit the results of these tests as evidence.
 The National Human Rights Commission in 1999 adopted a set of guidelines relating to the
administration of the Polygraph Test which included consent, recording of the test, etc.
#CRIME REPORT RELEASED BY NCRB
 The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released the annual Crime in India 2019
report. It reports an increase in crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
Tribes (STs) in the year 2019 as compared to the year 2018.
NCRB, headquartered in New Delhi, was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs to
function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in
linking crime to the perpetrators. It was set up based on the recommendations of the National
Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA’s Task Force (1985). NCRB brings out the annual
comprehensive statistics of crime across the country (‘Crime in India’ report). Being published
since 1953, the report serves as a crucial tool in understanding the law and order situation across
the country
 Increase in crimes against members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled
Tribes (STs): There is an increase of over 7% and 26% in 2019 compared with the 2018
figures.
 Increase of 1.6% in the registration of cases over 2018. Uttar Pradesh recorded
thehighest number of crimes against the SCs in 2019, followed by Rajasthan and Bihar.
 Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases against STs, followed by

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Rajasthan, and Odisha. In the number of cases of rape of women belonging to the
SCs, Rajasthan topped the list followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
 Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases against the STs, followed by
Rajasthan and Odisha. The highest number of incidents of rape of tribal women was
registered in Madhya Pradesh.
DRAWBACKS OF THE REPORT

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), a police reforms advocacy group, said
few cases were being registered for specific discriminatory action against SCs and STs.
 The low percentage of cases registered indicates that very few cases alleging specific
discriminatory actions on the basis of caste and tribal identity that are defined as atroc ities
under Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities Act), 1989 are being registered on their own.
 Such actions are registered mainly when accompanied by any of the IPC offences.
 Also, there is no data on total complaints received on crimes against the Scheduled Castes.
DATA ON OTHER CRIMES
 Cognizable Crimes: An increase of 1.6% in registration of cognizable crimes in 2019 as
compared to 2018 was recorded. Cognizable crimes comprise Indian Penal Code (IPC) ones
and Special and Local Laws (SLL) crimes.
 Cognizable offence means an offence in which a police officer has the authority to make an
arrest without a warrant. SLL are Acts that are framed by the state government for specific
issues.
 Crimes Against Women: Crime against women showed an increase of 7.3% in 2019 from
2018. 88 cases of crimes against women were recorded per day.
 Majority of cases under crime against women under IPC were registered under cruelty by
husband or his relatives (30.9%), followed by assault on women with intent to outrage her
modesty, kidnapping & abduction of women and rape .
 In the number of cases of rape of women belonging to SCs, Rajasthan topped the list,
followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
 Cybercrimes: Increased by 63.5% in 2019. 60.4% of cybercrime cases registered were for the
motive of fraud followed by sexual exploitation.
 The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutional validity of the Scheduled Castes
and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018.
 The amendment act was challenged on the grounds of violation of the fundamental
right to equality (Article 14) and personal liberty (Article 21).
 The amendment act adds article 18A which states that the preliminary enquiry shall
not be required for registration of a First Information Report against any person.
 It also delineates specific crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as
atrocities and describes strategies and prescribes punishments to counter these
acts.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
#CONFLICT BETWEEN “ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN”

 Over the last one week, military action in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region disputed between
Armenia and Azerbaijan, has resulted in the death of at least 100 civilians and Armenian
combatants.
 While the two countries have fought over the region for decades, the current conflict is being
seen as one of the most serious in recent years. Azerbaijan has not released information on its
casualties.
HISTORY OF THE CONFLICT
 Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are a part of the Transcaucasia region. It is the geographical region
on the border of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It consists of Armenia, Georgia and
Azerbaijan.
 In 1920, the Nagorno-Karabakh region was established by the USSR within Azerbaijan.
 In 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh region passed a resolution to join Armenia.
 In 1991, the region conducted a referendum according to which it declared that it will
not join Armenia or Azerbaijan. (In 1991, the Soviet Union disintegrated).
 Four Day War: In 2016, Armenia and Azerbaijan were engaged in violent fighting for
four days which was later known as Four Day War.
 The Nagorno-Karabakh region has 95% of Armenian ethnic people. It is controlled by them.
However, the region is internationally recognized as a part of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a Muslim
majority country and Armenia is Christian majority country.
RECENT CONFLICT BETWEEN ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN
 It began on the morning of September 27, since when each country has claimed to have inflicted
serious loss on its opponent. What’s different about the current flare-up is that this is the first
time that both countries have proclaimed martial law.
 According to the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), the current escalation was
“most likely” initiated by Azerbaijan. Media reports have noted that the clashes were possibly
fallout of Azerbaijan’s bid to reclaim some territories occupied by separatist Armenians.
 The chairman of Azerbaijan’s National Council has said in a statement that the “military
operation of the Azerbaijani army continues to clear the territories occupied by the enemy for
almost 30 years”.
 He said September 27 was a “day of exhaustion” and alleged Armenia has occupied regions
around Nagorno-Karabakh with the “direct support” of Russia to create a “security zone”.
INVOLVEMENT OF RUSSIA AND TURKEY
 The conflict is getting worldwide attention because of the involvement of regional rivals Turkey
and Russia. Muslim-majority Turkey backs Azerbaijan, and recently condemned Christian-
majority Armenia for not resolving the issue through peaceful negotiations.
 Turkey recently declared unconditional support to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan. Russia and

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Turkey also back opposite sides in the civil wars playing out in Syria and Libya and Turkey’s
support for Azerbaijan may be seen as an attempt to counter Russia’s influence in the region of
South Caucasus.
 Russia’s role is somewhat opaque since it supplies arms to both countries and is in a military
alliance with Armenia called the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Other countries,
including the US, have limited their participation to appeals for maintaining peace so far.
 For all countries, the region is an important transit route for the supply of oil and natural gas to
the European Union.
INDIA'S STAND OVER THE CONFLICT
 As the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan rages leading to several casualties, India
voiced its concern and called for restraint between the two nations. Calling the
development "disturbing", Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag
Shrivastava said, "India is concerned over the situation which threatens regional peace
and security. We reiterate the need for the sides to cease the hostilities immediately,
keep restraint and take all possible steps to maintain peace at the border. India has
good ties with both countries.
 India-Armenia: The bilateral relation between India and Armenia has grown rapidly. In
March 2020, Armenia bought India SWATHI military radar system. Armenia has
recently witnessed increased flow of Indian labor migrants. Several Indian students are
studying in Armenian medical Universities. It is important for Armenia to have close
relations with India as India provides counter balance to rival strategic axis between
Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
 India-Azerbaijan: Both India and Azerbaijan are part of the International North-South
Transport Corridor. The Corridor is a multimodal network of sea, rail and road route.
The route moves freight between India, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Europe and Central
Asia. Azerbaijan is a member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Azerbaijan is rich
in oil and the ONGC of India is an investor in these oil fields.
CONCLUSION
 As of now, both sides are standing their ground. Azerbaijan President Ikhlam Aliyev as saying
that for the fighting to stop, Armenia must unconditionally leave Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian
government in response lodged a request with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
for an interim measure (applicable only when there is imminent risk of irreparable harm)
against Azerbaijan. It requested the court to indicate to the Azerbaijani government to “cease the
military attacks towards the civilian settlements along the entire line of contact of the armed
forces of Armenia and Artsakh”.
#NATO V. CSTO
 Recently, three decades-old unresolved ethno territorial conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up once again. The conflict is between two
relatively small countries and is territorial in nature.
 However, several regional and global players particularly Russia, Europe, Turkey and Iran
are also involved to secure their strategic, security and economic interests in the region.

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 As the strategic importance of the region is derived from energy exports, the stability of the
region is very important for regional growth and oil importing countries like India.
 Further, the conflict may cause geopolitical unrest in the region which is already suffering from
the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, regional powers must strive to find a diplomatic solution to
the problem and prevent the clash turning into a full blown regional conflict.
INTERVENTION OF REGIONAL POWERS INTO THE CONFLICT
 What makes the clashes now far more dangerous is the external intervention. Turkey has called
Armenia a threat to peace in the region, the Azeris and Turks share ethnic and linguistic
bonds.
 Also, the pre-Soviet Azerbaijan was a local ally of the Ottomans when they invaded
Transcaucasia in the last leg of World War I.
 For Turkey, which, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is trying to expand its geopolitical
reach to the former Ottoman regions, the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is an opportunity to
enter the South Caucasus.
 Turkey also has a particularly bad relationship with Armenia. But its problem is that Armenia is
a member of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
 Russia enjoys good economic and defence ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. But
Armenia, as a CSTO member and host to a Russian military base, has more weight. In a wider
conflict, Armenia could trigger Article 4 of the CSTO treaty and ask for Russian help.
 And if Moscow responds favorably, that would pit Russia against Turkey, a NATO member.
Russia, already involved in military conflicts in Syria, Ukraine and Libya, may not like opening
another front.
 That is why it has re-emphasized its neutrality and hosted talks in Moscow for a truce. But it will
be forced to take sides if the conflict spills into Armenia. Both sides should understand the
volatile situation and call off the hostilities.
 Nagorno-Karabakh has in the past witnessed large-scale ethnic violence. Instead of risking a
regional war, Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Karabakh rebels should go back to the ceasefire
and open up diplomatic channels.
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION (NATO)
 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also called the North Atlantic Alliance is
an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European
countries. The organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4
April 1949. NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent
member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party.
NATO's Headquarters are located in Evere, Brussels, Belgium, while the headquarters of
Allied Command Operations is near Mons, Belgium.
 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada,
and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet
Union. NATO was the first peacetime military alliance the United States entered into
outside of the Western Hemisphere. NATO's fundamental goal is to safeguard the Allies'
freedom and security by political and military means. NATO remains the principal
security instrument of the transatlantic community and expression of its common
democratic values.
 The United States and 11 other nations establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO), a mutual defense pact aimed at containing possible Soviet aggression against

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Western Europe. NATO stood as the main U.S.-led military alliance against the Soviet
Union throughout the duration of the Cold War. The September 11 attacks in the United
States caused NATO to invoke Article 5 of the NATO Charter for the first time in the
organization's history. The Article states that an attack on any member shall be
considered to be an attack on all.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ALLIANCE
 At present, NATO has 30 members. In 1949, there were 12 founding members of the
Alliance: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.
 Later the other member countries who also joined the alliance are Greece & Turkey (1952),
Germany (1955), Spain (1982), the Czech Republic, Hungary & Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia,
Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009),
Montenegro (2017) and North Macedonia (2020).
 So, the most recent member state to be added to NATO was North Macedonia on 27 March 2020.
NATO currently recognizes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine as aspiring
members.
CSTO
 The Collective Security Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance that
was signed on 15 May 1992. The CSTO grew out of the framework of the Commonwealth of
Independent States, and first began as the CIS Collective Security Treaty (CST) which was
signed by Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan, in the city of Tashkent. Azerbaijan signed the treaty in September 1993, Georgia in
December 1993 and Belarus in December 1993. The treaty came into effect in April 1994.
 The CST was set to last for a 5-year period unless extended. In April 1999, only six members of
the CST signed a protocol renewing the treaty for another five-year period – Azerbaijan,
Georgia and Uzbekistan refused to sign and withdrew from the treaty instead. At the same time
Uzbekistan joined the GUAM group, established in 1997 by Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and
Moldova, and largely seen as intending to counter Russian influence in the region. Uzbekistan
later withdrew from GUAM in 2005 and joined the CSTO in 2006 in order to seek closer ties with
Russia. In June 2012, Uzbekistan suspended its membership in the CSTO.
 So, the Current CSTO members are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian
Federation and Tajikistan. Afghanistan and Serbia hold observer status in the CSTO.
 It was decided to transform the CST into a full international organization, the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at the Moscow session of the Collective Security Treaty
in 2002.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
 The key objectives of the CSTO include the provision of national and collective security &
Foreign policy coordination. It also has the aim of development of cooperation in the
counteraction to modern challenges and security threats, such as international terrorism,
drug trafficking, illegal migration etc. It was decided to transform the CST into a full
international organization, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at the
Moscow session of the Collective Security Treaty in 2002.

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COMPARISON BETWEEN NATO & CSTO
 The comparison between the two military alliances on the basis of membership is that
NATO considers expanding its membership while CSTO doesn't.
 Comparing the two on the ground of weapon sales, NATO member states do not sell arms
to a country which is regarded as a potential military adversary to the member states while
CSTO (Russia and Belarus) provide nearly 85% weapon to Azerbaijan. It is important to note
that Azerbaijan is not a member state of CSTO and has disagreements with Armenia (one of
the member states of CSTO).
 If we compare the two military alliances on the basis of an armed attack, the Article 5 of
the NATO requires all the member states to come to the aid of any member state subject to an
armed attack. It was invoked for the first time after the 9/11 attacks on the United States. On
the other hand, CSTO in its Article 3 states the protection on a collective basis of independence,
territorial integrity and sovereignty of the member states. Also, the member states are not
legally bounded but can voluntarily participate in case of an armed attack over its Member
State.
#TURKEY MILITARY OPERATIONS IN SYRIA

 Turkey has launched a military operation called Operation Peace Spring against the Syrian
Kurdish militia (YPG) in Northeast Syria just days after U.S. troops pulled back from the area.
 The YPG was the USA’s ally in the war against the Islamic state. However, withdrawal of US
troops allowed Turkey to launch the attack.
 Turkey stated that operation was aimed to eliminate “terror corridor” on Turkey’s
southern border as well as to create a “safe zone”. Turkey intends to settle millions of
refugees in this safe zone who are now in Turkey.
 World powers fear the action could open a new chapter in Syria’s war and worsen the
regional turmoil.
 The present chaos could present the Islamic State with an opportunity to stage a revival and
worsen the situation in the Middle East.
SYRIA’S STAND
 Syria has considered the attack as “Turkish Aggression” over Syria.
 The Syrian government wants to keep the territorial integrity of Syria intact.
 The Kurdish people have been demanding a separate country for themselves. While, Syria has
been rejecting Kurdish demands for autonomy in the region. Syria does not support the rise of
federal governments in the country.
 Whereas, Turkey wants to create a buffer between the Syrian Kurdistan and the Turkish border to
resettle millions of refugees from Syria. Also, Kurdish people are involved in militant activities in
Turkey thus Turkey is reluctant to support Kurdish people present in the region.
TURKEY’S STAND
 Turkey considers the Syrian Kurdish militia as an offshoot of the Turkey Workers Party (PKK), the
Kurdish militant group in Turkey. Therefore as a threat to the Turkish side.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Turkey wants to create a buffer between the Syrian Kurdistan and the Turkish border.
 Turkey also plans to resettle some of the 3 million Syrian refugees it hosts in the buffer zone.
INDIA’S STAND
 India issued a strong statement expressing “deep regret” over Turkey’s military action in Syria and
called it unilateral and offensive.
 India has called upon Turkey to exercise restraint and to respect the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Syria.
 The diplomatic exchanges between Turkey and India have intensified in recent weeks following
India’s decision to end the special status of Kashmir.
 Turkey also supported Pakistan’s stance for reversal of the scrapping of Article 370.
 KURDS:
 The Kurds are one of the indigenous peoples of the Mesopotamian plains and the highlands
i.e. current south-eastern Turkey, north-eastern Syria, northern Iraq, north-western Iran and
south-western Armenia.
 They form a distinctive community, united through race, culture and language, even though they
have no standard dialect. They also adhere to a number of different religions and creeds,
although the majority is Sunni Muslims.
 In the early 20th Century, many Kurds began to consider the creation of a homeland - generally
referred to as "Kurdistan".
 But the boundaries of modern map of Middle East made no provision for a Kurdish state and left
Kurds with minority status in their respective countries.
 Thus Kurds from Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran demands recognition of their tradition,
language and homeland state (to be constituted with parts of south-eastern Turkey, north-
eastern Syria, northern Iraq, north-western Iran).
TURKEY’S INVOLVEMENT IN OTHER ISSUES
Turkey is actively involved in the Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict. Muslim-majority Turkey backs
Azerbaijan, and recently condemned Christian- majority Armenia for not resolving the issue through peaceful
negotiations. Turkey recently declared unconditional support to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan. Russia and
Turkey also back opposite sides in the civil wars playing out in Syria and Libya and Turkey’s support for
Azerbaijan may be seen as an attempt to counter Russia’s influence in the region of South Caucasus.
Tensions between Turkey and France are rising, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls for a
boycott on French good and slams French President Emmanuel Macron's call for a "French Islam." The
increased friction follows the beheading of a teacher in France after he showed his class caricatures of the
Prophet Mohammad published by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
#PAKISTAN RE-ELECTED TO UNHCR

• Pakistan is currently serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) since
1st January, 2018. With its re-election, Pakistan will continue as a member for another three-
year term commencing on 1st January, 2021. A total of Fifteen countries were elected to

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
the 47-nation council.

• Russia and Cuba were elected unopposed. Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal and China were elected
from the Asia-Pacific region.
Pakistan has been re-elected despite opposition from activist groups over its abysmal human
rights records. This is the fifth time that Pakistan has been elected to the UNHRC. According to the
British Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office Report titled 'Human Rights and
Democracy', there were serious human rights concerns and violations in Pakistan in 2019, including
restrictions on civic space and freedom of expression, intolerance and direct and open discrimination
towards minorities.
MAJOR CONCERNS
 Countries with Dubious Record: With a number of countries with questionable rights
records being elected, the current system of entry to UNHRC is in serious need of reform.
 The election of states such as China and Russia “damages the reputation of the HRC, its
standing within the international human rights committee and beyond”.
 Non-competitive Elections: Problem of election without opposition.
• For example, the Eastern European group had two available seats but only two
countries were nominated to fill those positions, meaning there was no competition
for the spots.
• Except for the Asia-Pacific contest, the election of 15 members to the 47-member
Human Rights Council was decided in advance because all the other regional groups
had unopposed states.
 The Other View: Electing nations with dubious human rights records has some positives.
 There is a silver lining to repressive countries being elected to the council – their position as the
supposed guardian of human rights makes it far more difficult for them to hide their own
human rights abuses.
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

It was established in 2006. Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland Aim: Promoting and protecting human
rights around the globe, as well as investigating alleged human rights violations.
Features: The UNHRC has 47 members elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis
from 5 groups.
Membership: To become a member, a country must receive the votes of at least 96 of the 191 states of
the UN General Assembly (an absolute majority).
According to Resolution 60/251, which created the council, members are elected directly by secret
ballot by the majority of the UN General Assembly. Membership has to be equally distributed
geographically.
Five regional groups for membership: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western
Europe and Eastern Europe.
The members are elected for a period of three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
Sessions: The UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year, in March, June, and September.
The council also carries out the Universal Periodic Review of all UN member states, which allows civil
society groups to bring accusations of human rights violations in member states to the attention of the
UN.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#INDIA –MEXICO BILATERAL TIES

 Recently, the 5th meeting of the India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group (BHLG) on Trade,
Investment and Cooperation has been held through video conference.
 The 4th meeting of BHLG on Trade, Investment and Cooperation at the level of Commerce
Secretary was held in Mexico City in July 2016.
 On 1st August 2020, India and Mexico celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between them.
BILATERAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES
 Both sides discussed a number of bilateral ongoing and outstanding issues, ranging from Audio-
visual Co-production, Bilateral Investment Treaty, market access for agricultural products,
a cooperation framework on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to
Trade (TBT) measures, cooperation in the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and exploring
ways to promote tourism and people-to-people contact.
 They also agreed to expand and diversify the bilateral trade relationship through enhanced
cooperation in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, healthcare, agro-products, fisheries, food
processing and aerospace industry, etc.
 Two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed, to foster the cooperation in the
domains of:
 Electronics, Computer Software and Telecommunications and Information Technologies.

 Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND MEXICO

Historical Ties
 Being colonies in the past, India and Mexico have European connections of the colonial era.
 Mexico was the first Latin American country to recognise India after Independence and
establish diplomatic relations with India in 1950.
 Mexican wheat varieties used in Indo-Mexican hybrids were the backbone of India’s Green
Revolution in the 1960s.
 In the Cold War years, Mexico and India had worked together closely as members of the United
Nations (UN), both actively championing the interests of developing countries such as in
the Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations (under the World Trade Organisation). Both
countries are the members of G-20.
Political and Bilateral Cooperation
 Both countries established a ‘Privileged Partnership’ in 2007.
 In 2015, both countries agreed to work for achieving a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
 The two countries have several bilateral agreements and MoUs, including for Investment
Promotion and Protection, Extradition, Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, Space
Cooperation, etc.
 India gives 20 scholarships to Mexico under the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) programme and Mexican diplomats are also given training at Forest

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Survey of India (FSI).
Economic and Commercial Relations
 Mexico is currently India’s largest trading partner in Latin America. In 2018-19, it
accounted for almost a quarter of India’s trade with the region. India is currently Mexico’s
ninth-most important global trading partner.
 The last decade has seen a spurt in trade between the two countries, which has grown from
around USD 5 billion in 2015-16 to USD 9.4 billion in 2018-19.
India’s Exports: Vehicles and auto parts, organic chemicals, electrical machinery and electronic
equipment, aluminium products, readymade garments, iron and steel products and gems and
jewellery.
India’s Imports: Crude oil, electrical goods and machinery, organic chemicals, vehicles and auto parts
and iron and steel.
 Security: Both countries share a common concern over growing traditional and non-
traditional security challenges, particularly the rise of global terrorism.
 Cultural Ties: The Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Centre has been functioning in Mexico
since October 2010, teaching Yoga, classical dances, music, etc. An agreement on cultural
cooperation has been in existence since 1975 and cooperation activities are carried out
through four-yearly ‘Programmes of Cultural Cooperation’.
Indian Community
 The Indian community in Mexico is estimated to be more than 7,000, comprising mostly
software engineers of Indian IT companies, academics/professors, and private businessmen.
 Tourism between the two countries is steadily increasing and Mexicans have been extended
the online e-Tourist Visa facility.
 Indian nationals holding ordinary passports but having a valid visa for the USA, the UK,
Canada, Schengen area or Japan, and holders of permanent residence in the same countries or
Member States of Pacific Alliance viz. Colombia, Chile and Peru do not need a visa for short
tourism or business visits to Mexico.
Areas of Differences
 Mexico and India have had different viewpoints on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation.
However, during Indian Prime Minister’s 2016 visit, Mexico pledged support for India's bid to
be part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
 Both countries have differences on the issue of United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
reforms.
 Mexico has been a member of the United for Consensus (UfC) group/Coffee Club that,
unlike India and the other Group of Four (G-4) members (Japan, Germany and Brazil),
opposes the expansion of permanent membership in the UNSC.
India and Mexico have striking similarities in geo-climatic conditions, biodiversity, physiognomy and
people, cultural and family values. Both are heirs to a great civilization heritage and contacts between
them indicatively go back centuries. Both India and Mexico are non-permanent members of the
Security Council for the period 2021-2022, which is a good opportunity to set aside their differences
on global governance issues and work closely on areas of mutual interest.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#THIRD ASSEMBLY OF ISA
 Recently, India and France have been re-elected as the President and Co-President of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term of two years at the virtual third Assembly of ISA.
The first two assemblies were held in India in 2018 and 2019.
 The Assembly approved institutionalising ISA’s engagement with the private and public
corporate sector through the Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (CSCA).
 Various solar awards were conferred on countries as well as institutions.
 The Visvesvaraya award recognises the countries with a maximum floating solar capacity
in each of the four regions of ISA,
 The Kalpana Chawla award for outstanding contribution of scientists and engineers
working in the field of solar energy.
 The Diwakar award recognises organisations and institutions that have been working for
the benefit of differently-abled people and have maximised the use of solar energy in the
host country.
 The Assembly was presented the report prepared by the World Resources Institute (WRI)
which identifies the sources of funds, opportunities and constraints, in scaling up solar
investments and the contribution of ISA in assisting Member countries. The ISA will work
with WRI to develop a roadmap for mobilization of USD 1 trillion by 2030.
 In the wake of the global pandemic, ISA responded by setting up ISA CARES (like PM-CARES
in India), an initiative dedicated to the deployment of solar energy in the healthcare sector. The
initiative aims to solarize one primary health sector in each district of the target member
countries.
 The ISA Secretariat has launched a Seventh Programme on Solarising Heating and Cooling
systems. Demand for cooling alone outpaced solar deployment in 2017.
o Heating and cooling systems have scope to directly convert solar radiation and at
higher efficiency levels.
 SAARC Development Fund’s technical assistance along with the ISA Technical Assistance is
proposed to be implemented jointly with the Asian Development Bank.
The ISA has recently signed a tripartite agreement with the World Bank and the Government of India
and is now actively involved in preparing a vision and implementation plan for “One Sun, One World,
One Grid” Initiative to harness the power of interconnected grids for enabling energy transition to a
low-carbon world.
India’s Perspective and Highlights
 The President of the ISA Assembly, India’s Power and New and Renewable
Energy Minister appreciated the Alliance Members coming together to work for
combating climate change. He also highlighted various activities and programmes
initiated by ISA since the 2nd Assembly like the development of a pipeline of more
than USD 5 billion, aggregated demand for more than 270,000 solar pumps across 22
countries, etc.

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France’s Role
 France has committed 1.5 billion Euros for financing solar projects in ISA member states
up until 2022.
 The first project under the Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative (SRMI) is being
launched in Mozambique with the support of France and the European Union (EU).
 SRMI will help mobilize billions in private investment to finance more than 10 GWs
of solar projects.
 In the frame of the ISA’s Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (Star-C)
programme, the French National Institute for Solar Energy (INES) will launch a specific
program for the small island states of the Pacific.
OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
 India has close strategic ties with France, especially on issues of mutual interest from counter-
terrorism to defence, and nuclear to space. France had also backed the India’s proposal for a
global conference on terrorism. Both the countries also support organising a new “No Money
for Terror” - an International Conference on Fighting Terrorist Financing
 Two countries agreed to enhance their operational cooperation and launch fresh efforts to fight
radicalisation, especially Online Radicalisation. Both countries have a defence dialogue at
the Ministerial level. The three services have regular defence exercises: Exercise Shakti
(Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air Force) & Recently, the Indian Air
Force (IAF) has received its first batch (5 out of 36) of French Rafale aviation combat aircraft
at Ambala Air base (Haryana).
 In the field of Space both have decided to deepen space cooperation to meet new challenges
together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight. France has agreed to
be part of India's Venus mission, scheduled for 2025. ISRO’s Venus instrument, VIRAL
(Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) has been co-developed by Russian and French
agencies.
INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE
 It is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President
of France on 30th November 2015 in Paris, France on the side-lines of the Conference of the
Parties (COP- 21), with 121 solar resource-rich countries lying fully or partially between
the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn as prospective members.
 Objective: To collectively address key common challenges to the scaling up of solar energy
in ISA member countries.
 Members: Till now, 87 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA and of
these 67 have deposited their instruments of ratification.

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 Nicaragua, a Central American country is the 87th and the latest country to sign the
agreement. The Government of India has allotted 5 acres of land to the ISA in National
Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus, Gurugram and has released a sum of Rs. 160 crore
for creating a corpus fund, building infrastructure and meeting day to day recurring
expenditure of the ISA up to the year 2021- 22.
#MALABAR EXERCISE
 It is a trilateral naval exercise that involves Japan, United States, and India as the permanent
partners. Malabar naval exercise originally began between India and the United States as a
bilateral exercise in 1992 and Japan became a permanent member in 2015.
 Other non-permanent participants in the exercise include Singapore and Australia. As the
annual naval exercise began in 1992, it includes diverse forms of activities.
 The countries participating in Malabar 2020 Naval Exercise have been engaging to enhance
the security and safety in the maritime domain as they all collectively support open, free and
inclusive Indo-pacific and are also committed to a rule-based international order.
MALABAR EXERCISE 2020: The 2020 Exercise is expected to be held in the Bay of Bengal
and the Arabian Sea. In 2019, the exercise was conducted off the coast of Japan. Due to
Covid-19 pandemic the exercise had been planned in a ‘non-contact - at sea’ format. Its
objective is to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain.
INCLUSION OF AUSTRALIA
 The issue of Australia’s inclusion in Malabar had again come up for discussion at the Quad
foreign ministers meet in Tokyo held in October 2020. Thereafter, India invited Australia to
join the Exercise.
 Quad is an informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a
shared objective to ensure and support a free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
 The move will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together
to uphold peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. It is also expected to further lay
the foundations for the eventual formalization of the Quad grouping.
 The Defence Minister of Australia, Linda Reynolds informed that Australia will be joining the
Malabar Naval Exercise involving India, the US, and Japan.
 The Australian Defence Minister while talking about the major development noted that the
exercise will be showcasing the deep trust between four major Indo-pacific democracies as
well as their shared will of working together on the common security interests & it also
demonstrates collective support to an open and prosperous Indo-pacific and builds
interoperability with close partners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INCLUSION
 Despite regular requests from Australia, India resisted issuing the invitation due to its concerns
that the move would give the appearance of a ‘quadrilateral military alliance’ aimed at China.
 In 2017, Australia had requested for observer status in the Malabar Exercise. China has
repeatedly expressed strong opposition to any expansion of the Malabar Exercise, which it
sees as a multilateral naval construct designed to “counter and contain” it.
 However, the recent India-China tensions over the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
may have brought more flexibility to India's decision making process. Japan and the U.S.A also

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
have been pressing India for Australia’s inclusion in Malabar Exercise.
OTHER COOPERATION BETWEEN QUAD MEMBERS
 India and Japan had signed a military logistics agreement in September, 2020. India has
signed maritime information sharing agreements for Maritime Domain Awareness
(MDA) with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is under discussion with the
U.S.A.
 MDA is defined by the International Maritime Organization as the effective
understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the
security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.
 India and U.S.A. is also stepping up efforts to conclude the Basic Exchange and
Cooperation Agreement (BECA) ahead of the Indo-US 2+2 ministerial meeting on 26-27
October, 2020.
 BECA, a key military pact, will allow India to use U.S.A.’s geospatial intelligence and
enhance accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.
ADVANTAGES OF MALABAR NAVAL DRILL
 As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain,
high-end military exercises like Malabar are key to enhancing maritime capabilities,
building interoperability with its close partners, and demonstrating its collective resolve to
support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
 The fast-tracking of work on BECA and the decision of the four Quad countries to participate
in the Malabar Exercise are perceived to be a strategic signal to an aggressive China.
 It is also aimed at interoperability with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance, surface war
maneuvers, anti-submarines warfare, counter-terror operations, gunnery training and aerial
surveillance.
 It is also conducted with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and
prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
#INDIA-US 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE 2020

 India and the United States have held the third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and signed
the significant defence pacts.
 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two
countries.
 It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their
counterparts from another country. India holds such talks with Australia, Japan and the USA.
 The U.S Secretary of Defence, Mark T. Esper, and U.S. Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo,
who came to India on October 26 for the meet, was attended by the Union Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh and the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Both countries have signed a total
of five agreements in 2+2 Ministerial dialogue.
 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighted the signing of BECA- Basic Exchange and
Cooperation Agreement as a significant achievement.
 Earlier, the first two 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and the US were held in New
Delhi in September 2018 and in 2019 in Washington D.C.

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INDIA-USA SIGNED BECA MILITARY AGREEMENT
 The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for geo-spatial cooperation is
primarily a communication agreement proposed between the National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency of the US Department of Defence and the Union Ministry of Defence.
 The agreement will allow India and the US to exchange important military information such as
advanced satellite and topographic data including maps, nautical and aeronautical charts and
geophysical, geodetic, geomagnetic and gravity data.
 Most of the information exchanged will be unclassified and it will be shared in either digital or
printed format.
 BECA agreement also includes the provision of sharing classified information as well, with
proper safeguards to ensure that it is not shared with any third party.
 BECA is the last of the four foundational agreements signed between India and the US for
strengthening defence ties. The other three agreements include:
 General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. A follow-up

extension agreement - Industrial Security Annex (ISA) - was signed in 2019.
 The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016.

 The Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMA) in
2018.
 These agreements covered areas including security and military information, compatibility and
security and logistics exchange and communications. BECA aims to enhance the geospatial
cooperation between India and the US.
IMPACT OF BECA AGREEMENT ON INDIA AND CHINA
 Under the BECA agreement, the US armed forces will provide advanced navigational aids
and avionics and share geospatial intelligence with India that will help boost the accuracy of
Indian military's automated hardware systems and weapons such as drones, cruise missiles
and ballistic missiles.
 The data procured under the agreement will be relevant for India's northern and western
borders, which will be crucial given the current geopolitical situation.
 The BECA agreement will help India and the US in countering China's growing influence in
the Indo-Pacific region.
 The two QUAD partners have also been focused on increasing engagement with their other two
QUAD partners- Australia and Japan. Australia has also been included in the Malabar war
games that will be held next month near Indian waters.
 With this, the Malabar military exercise will now see participation from all four QUAD nations.
The BECA agreement will also help narrow India's military gap with China in the wake of
India-China border tensions.
OTHER SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA-US 2+2 DIALOGUE
 The 2+2 ministerial meeting also covered the developments in the neighboring countries of
India and made it extremely clear that cross border terrorism is unacceptable.
 Indo-Pacific region was the particular focus of the talks and both the nations reiterated the
significance of peace and stability for all the countries in the region. Mike Pompeo, US
Secretary of State made it clear that the US stands with India as the nation confronts threats to

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
their liberty and sovereignty.
 He also added that both the countries have been taking steps to strengthen the cooperation
against all forms of threats and not just those posed by China.
 US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper also mentioned that both India and the US stand shoulder
to shoulder in support of a free and open indo-pacific for all, particularly amid the increasing
aggression and destabilizing activities by China.
 Both the countries also made the commitment to expand Indo-US relationship and
cooperation. While sharing the areas of cooperation between both the nations, the US
Secretary of State also laid out various other areas where both the US and India have been
collaborating. India and the US have shown cooperation on cyber issues as well as the navies
of both nations have held joint exercises in the Indian Ocean.
 Both the countries also came together for QUAD- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. They
worked together during India's upcoming term on the United Nations Security Council. The US
has also made it clear that it continues to support India's permanent membership of the
Security Council.
 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between nations on Technical Cooperation

in Earth Observations and Earth Sciences. Agreement to extend the duration of the MoU on
the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership. Agreement on the electronic exchange of
customs data.
 Letter of intent regarding cooperation in traditional Indian medicines. Discussions were held
on the status of Afghanistan and support for its peace process.
#POLITICAL CRISIS IN KYRGYZSTAN

 Over the past few days, Kyrgyzstan, the land-locked country that lies in Central Asia
bordering China, has seen violent protests. Thousands of participants clashed with police
forces in the country’s capital, Bishkek last week.
 Often referred to as the only democracy in the region, the country is witnessing one of its worst
political crises in decades.
 On 9th October Kyrgyzstan president, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, who came to power in 2017
after winning a vote share of over 54 per cent, declared a state of emergency in the capital till
October 21, giving permission to the military to step in after a fresh set of clashes broke out
between supporters of rival politicians.
 Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have captured key government buildings, including the
Parliament house and the presidential office and the situation is like a coup.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROTEST
 Kyrgyzstan had faced two revolutions during the early 21st century, including the Tulip
Revolution in 2005 and the Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010.
 In August 2020, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov indicated that the parliamentary
elections would not be postponed despite the coronavirus pandemic.
 During the elections, several parties were accused of buying votes. Several journalists also
reported that they had been harassed or attacked. Out of the parties that made it into parliament,
only United Kyrgyzstan consistently opposes the incumbent government led by Jeenbekov.
 Political analysts have tied the 2020 protests to a socio-economic divide between Kyrgyzstan's
agrarian south and more-developed north. Of the initial election results, 100 of the 120 seats
were filled by southerners who supported Jeenbekov.
 The current protests began after early results of the parliamentary election were announced.

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Political parties in Kyrgyzstan should win at least 7% of the popular vote to enter Parliament.
 The results showed that only four parties managed to cross the threshold and of which, three
were pro-government parties. The only one opposition party could cross the threshold.
CAUSES OF THE PROTEST
 Even before the election, political fault lines were sharpening in Kyrgyzstan. The country’s main
political party, the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), stayed out of the election
due to intra-party rift and split.
 Several political leaders were detained and elections were perceived as rigged. Consequently,
after elections, protestors formed a Coordination Council to lead the “revolution”.
 The country’s Election Commission annulled the results, but the protesters continued.
 Official View: Opposition’s intention is to instigate a political coup.

 The Opposition’s View: The elections were rigged which made people protest against the
establishment.
INDIA & KYRGYZSTAN BILATERAL TIES
 India has enjoyed strong bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan since 1991. India was oneof the first
countries to establish diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992.
 Since 1992, the two countries have many agreements, including on Culture, Trade and
Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance
of Double Taxation, Consular Convention etc.
 In 2011, the joint ‘Khanjar’ series of exercises was started.
 Indian Diaspora in Kyrgyzstan- about 9,000 Indian students are studying medicine in various
medical institutions in the country.
 Strategic: The Kyrgyz leaderships have been largely supportive of India’s standon Kashmir.
They also support India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC.
KYRGYZSTAN'S SIGNIFICANCE FOR OTHER COUNTRIES
 Kyrgyzstan has been key to the strategic plans of both Russia and China. Russia considers
the region as its backyard and plays hard politics to retain its influence. Kyrgyzstan is a
member of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).
 CSTO is a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states that was created in 2002. Its
aim is to ensure the collective defence of any member that faces external aggression.
 Members of CSTO: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation and
Tajikistan.
 While Russia has cultivated strong ties with all political factions in Kyrgyzstan, radical political
changes could throw up opportunities for its rivals. Belarus, another country in Russia’s
backyard with a pro-Russia President, is already witnessing political turmoil after August’s
Presidential election.
 In the South Caucasus, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, both former Soviet
Republics, over Nagorno-Karabakh, risks dragging Russia into a conflict that Russia doesn’t
want. All three combined, Russia’s attempts to build stronger political and economic integration
with the former Soviet region are suddenly facing critical challenges.

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 CHINA: This landlocked Central Asian country that shares a long border with China. It is
located at the centre of Eurasia, is a vital link in its Belt and Road Initiative. In 2019, Chinese
President visited Bishkek (capital) - shows close link with the current establishment. China has
built road and rail networks with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: During the early stages of the Afghan war, the USA had used
Kyrgyzstan for refuelling and other logistical purposes. The USA base was shut down in 2014
by Parliament. A regime change can be favourable for the USA.
RECENT SCENARIO IN KYRGYZSTAN
 State of Emergency: Jeenbekov had introduced a state of emergency in the capital, Bishkek,
which was endorsed by the parliament on October 13. The authorities had deployed troops to
Bishkek over the weekend and introduced the curfew.
 The move eased tensions in the city, where residents feared looting that had accompanied the
previous uprisings and began forming vigilante groups to protect property.
 Jeenbekov had also supported the appointment of Sadyr Zhaparov, a former lawmaker who
was freed from jail by demonstrators last week, as the country’s new prime minister. He
endorsed Zhaparov’s new Cabinet.
 Resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov: Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay

Jeenbekov stepped down from his position on October 15, 2020 to bring an end to the turmoil
that has gripped the nation after the disputed parliamentary elections.
 Kyrgyzstan was plunged into crisis after October 4 General Elections, which were swept by
pro-government parties. The opposition criticized the elections, accusing the government of
vote-buying and other irregularities.
 Following the election results, protestors took over government buildings and looted some
offices.
 The Central Election Commission then nullified the election, following which the opposition
planned to oust Jeenbekov and form a new government. Hundreds of protestors came together
in Kyrgyzstan's capital city, Bishkek to demand for Jeenbekov's resignation.
#G-20 (GROUP OF TWENTY)

 The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank
governors from 19 countries and the European Union (EU).
 Founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of
international financial stability the G20 has expanded its agenda since 2008 and heads of
government or heads of state, as well as finance ministers, foreign ministers and think tanks,
have periodically conferred at summits ever since.
 It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization.
 The G20 is the latest in a series of post–World War II initiatives aimed at international
coordination of economic policy.
 The G20 was foreshadowed at the Cologne summit of the G7 in June 1999. The finance
ministers of the G-7 countries in Sept, 1999 established the G-20 as an international forum to
promote informal dialogue and cooperation among systematically important countries
within the framework of Breton woods institutions system with a view to preserving
international financial stability.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
BACKGROUND OF G-20 NATIONS
 Amid the 2008 Financial Crisis, the world saw the need for a new consensus-building at the
highest political level and it was decided that the G20 leaders would begin meeting once
annually.
 Members with the G20 growing in stature after its inaugural leaders' summit in 2008, its
leaders announced on 25 September 2009 that the group would replace the G8 as the main
economic council of wealthy nations.
 Since its inception, the G20's membership policies have been criticized by some intellectuals,
and its summits have been a focus for major protests.
 The heads of the G20 nations held summits twice in 2009 and twice in 2010. Since the
November 2011 Cannes summit, G20 summits have been held annually.
 The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany,
India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU. One nation holds the chair every year, known as the 'G20
Presidency'.
G-20 MINESTRIAL MEETING ON CORRUPTION
 Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever Ministerial Meeting of the G-20 Anti-
Corruption Working Group (ACWG) virtually. Currently, Saudi Arabia holds the presidency
of G-20 and is the first Arab nation to do so.
 G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group was set up in June 2010 at the Toronto Summit of G-
20. The year 2020 marks its 10th anniversary.
 The objective of G-20 is to prepare "comprehensive recommendations for consideration by
leaders on how the G20 could continue to make practical and valuable contributions to
international efforts to combat corruption".
 ACWG has led the G-20 anti-corruption efforts coordinating the collective and national
actions taken by its members. It actively works with the World Bank Group, the Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Financial Action Task
Force (FATF), etc. The World Bank and the UNODC are also involved in the ACWG through the
active participation and contribution of Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (STAR) to its work,
which plays an advisory role on asset recovery, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism
financing, transparency and beneficial ownership, etc.
G-20 ON CORRUPTION
 In recent years the G-20 has played a critical role in global and national anti-corruption
efforts. It recognizes the negative impact of corruption which, ‘threatens the integrity of
markets, undermines fair competition, distorts resource allocation, destroys public trust, and
undermines the rule of law’.
 It is committed to ensuring that member countries lead by example and add value to existing
international instruments and commitments.
 The G-20 agreed on the Anti-Corruption Action Plan, 2019-2021 in Buenos Aires in 2018.
 In the framework of this action plan, G-20 members look forward to developing targeted actions
where the G-20 can best add value in promoting international efforts in the fight against
corruption.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
INITIATIVES IN INDIA ON CORRUPTION
 Central Vigilance Commission: Though created in 1964, it became an independent

statutory body in 2003. Its mandate is to oversee the vigilance administration and to
advise and assist the executive in matters relating to corruption.
 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: The Act aims at checking corruption in big places
and striking hard against corporate bribery. It seeks to establish a vicarious liability so
that the actual bribe giver is also exposed. It was amended in 2018 to introduce a
number of new provisions including criminalizing the act of giving bribes also in
addition to taking the bribe and at the same time putting in place an effective
deterrence for such actions by individuals as well as corporate entities.
 Lokpal and Lokayuktas: The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for the
establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States. These institutions are
operational in the country to bring in more transparency, more citizen-centricity and
accountability in governance.
 Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018: It empowers authorities for non-conviction
based attachments and confiscation of proceeds of crime and properties as well as
assets of a fugitive economic offender.
 Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: Money laundering is the process of making
large amounts of money generated by criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or
terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source. The law was enacted
to prevent and control money laundering, provide for confiscation and seizure of
property obtained from laundered money and to deal with any other issue connected
with money-laundering in India.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF G-20
 G-20 is a platform where the Leaders’ committed to work with developing countries,
particularly low-income countries to support them in implementing their nationally driven
policies and priorities which are needed to fulfil internationally agreed development goals.
 G-20 provides policy coherence, analysis and practical tools to support growth and
development. This helps G20 members to better target their cooperation with developing
countries and can help amplify development efforts on the international agenda.
 It promotes inclusive societies and opportunities for all. Co-ordinate work associated with G20
on human resources has helped many job-seekers with employment opportunities. The G20
members have and will continue to have important implications for growth and development
in Low Income Developing Countries (LIDCs).
 G-20 plays a critical role in creating an enabling environment for inclusive global growth and
development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also sets an ambitious,
transformative and universal agenda for sustainable development efforts.

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 Today, when the global pandemic COVID-19 is making its way into the annals of the world, G-20
needs a more humane touch. British installations during the Second World War were plastered
with posters which said Careless talks costs lives. It also has to be noted that 90 percent of the
COVID-19 cases and 88 percent of deaths were in G-20 countries. Therefore, proactive talks with
a collective approach will bring to halt this crisis of pandemic.
#US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2020 & PROCEDURE
 The 2020 United States presidential election was the 59th quadrennial presidential
election, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
 Voters selected presidential electors who in turn will vote on December 14, 2020, to either elect
a new president and vice president or reelect the incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence,
respectively.
 The series of presidential primary elections and caucuses were held from February to
August 2020.
 This nominating process is an indirect election, where voters cast ballots selecting a slate of
delegates to a political party's nominating convention, who then elect their parties' nominees for
president and vice president.
 The major two-party candidates were Republican incumbent president Donald Trump
and Democratic former vice president Joe Biden.
 The 2020 Senate elections and the 2020 House elections, along with various other local elections,
were being held concurrently with the presidential election.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA IN US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
 The election of the president and the vice president of the United States is an indirect
election in which citizens of the United States who are registered to vote in one of the fifty U.S.
states or in Washington, D.C., cast ballots not directly for those offices, but instead for
members of the Electoral College. An election for the Presidential post in the United States
happens every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
 As per Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States, to run for the post of
President of the United States, the candidate must be:
 A U.S. citizen from birth.

 At least 35 years old.
 A U.S. resident for at least 14 years.
PROCEDURE OF U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
 Primaries & Caucuses: The U.S. election process begins with primaries and caucuses. The
two major political parties (the Republicans and the Democrats) select their candidates
through the internal election process.
 In caucuses, the party members meet, discuss and vote for the right candidate.
 In primaries, the party members vote in a state election for the candidate who they want to
represent in the General Election.
 National Convention: Each party holds a national convention to select a final presidential

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
nominee.
 State delegates from the primaries and caucuses selected to represent the people will now
“endorse” their favorite candidates and the final presidential nominee from each party will be
officially announced at the end of the conventions.
 The presidential candidate also chooses a running mate (Vice Presidential candidate).
 The presidential candidates campaign throughout the country to win the support of the general
population.
 General Elections Campaign: It begins after a single nominee is chosen from each political
party, via primaries, caucuses, and national conventions.
 These candidates travel the country, explaining their views and plans to the general population
and trying to win the support of potential voters. Rallies, debates, and advertising are a big
part of general election campaigning.
 General Election (Popular Vote): People in every state across the country vote for one
President and Vice President.
 When Americans go to the polls in November they will select their favorite presidential
candidate and their running mate.
 When people cast their vote, they are actually voting for a group of people called electors.
Except in the states of Maine and Nebraska, if a candidate receives the majority of the votes
from the people of a state then the candidate will receive all electoral votes of that state.
 The presidential nominee with the most electoral votes becomes the President of the United
States.
 Electoral College: The Electoral College is a process in which electors or representatives from
each state in number proportional to the state’s population cast their vote and determine
who will be president.
 Each state gets a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. There are
a total of 538 electors selected according to each state’s policy.
 Each elector casts one vote following the general election, and the candidate who receives an
absolute majority of electoral votes (at least 270 out of 538, since the Twenty-Third
Amendment granted voting rights to citizens of D.C.) is then elected to that office.
 If no candidate receives an absolute majority of the votes for president, the House of
Representatives elects the president.
HOW DOES THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE PROCESS WORKS
 After a vote is cast for the President, the vote goes to the statewide tally. The winner in a state
gets all the electoral votes for that state.
 A candidate must get at least 270 electors to win the elections. It is possible to win the
popular vote but lose the election and vice-versa.
 In the 1800s, 2000 and 2016, the candidate won the Electoral College but lost the popular
vote. If no candidate wins the majority of electoral votes, the vote goes to the House of
Representatives. The House members choose the new President from the top three candidates.
 The Senate elects the Vice-President from the remaining top two candidates. This
happened in 1824 and the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as
President.
 Though uncommon, it is possible to win the Electoral College, but lose the popular vote.
That means that a candidate can win a combination of states and reach the 270 electors mark
without winning the majority of votes across the country.
 This has happened five times in American elections – most recently in 2000 and 2016. In 2016,

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Donald J. Trump won the Electoral College with 304 votes compared to 227 votes for Hillary
Clinton.
 However, seven electors voted for someone other than their party’s candidate. Even though it
doesn’t matter, it was Hillary Clinton who won the popular vote in 2016.
INAUGURATION DAY OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
 The role of the US Congress is to count the votes and officially declare the winner. The newly
elected President and Vice President are inaugurated in January.
 The newly elected President and Vice-President take the oath of office and are inaugurated
on January 20th. It is interesting to note that in other U.S. elections, the candidates are elected
directly by people.
 However, for the Presidential and Vice-Presidential post, the citizens indirectly vote for the
candidates through the Electoral College.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND US PRESIDENT
 US president is more or less directly elected whereas the Indian president is indirectly
elected. The US President is both the Head of the State and Head of the Government,
whereas the Indian president is only the head of the State. The President of the US is the real
executive.
 American President holds the office for 4 years and he can seek re-election only once, while the
Indian president holds the office for 5 years and is eligible for re-election any number of times.
 The US president is not part of any legislature and is not responsible to the legislatures. In
India, the Parliament includes the President and the two houses- Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha.
 Both the American and Indian Presidents can only be removed from the office through
impeachment. In India either house can initiate impeachment proceedings against the president
and with the concurrence of the other house can impeach the President. In US the power to
impeach solely lies with the Senate (upper house).
 In US the President shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of,
Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors whereas in India the president
may be removed through impeachment for violation of the Constitution of India.
INDIA-US TIES UNDER DONALD TRUMP
 Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi consistently stressed their fondness for each
other. Their bonhomie resulted in first-ever 2+2 dialogue between both the countries at
Defence and foreign ministry levels.
 Despite Trump lauding Modi on various occasions, the US president undertook actions against
India's preference, which includes actions on Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), H-1B
visa and attempts to mediate on Kashmir conflict.
 During his tenure, Trump described India as a "tariff king" and removed it from the list of
countries with the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), an arrangement to help
developing countries with trade.
 Other than this, despite Trump's mediation offers in the Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir, the administration has stayed away from criticizing India's internal matters. Be it
abolishing Article 370, Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, the US president has
repeatedly said that he trusts India's democratic system.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
HOW BIDEN'S PRESIDENCY WILL IMPACT INDIA?
 "Fifteen years ago, I was leading the efforts to approve the historic civil nuclear deal with India.
I said that if the US and India became closer friends and partners, then the world will be a
safer place," Biden said, in his address to Indian-American community on India's Independence
Day.
 Biden also said that he will continue to stand with India on the threats it faces on the border,
implying a check on Pakistan and China.
 Biden has also said "there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia, cross-border or
otherwise," another reference warning Pakistan to not try taking the US for a ride on terrorism.
 The Indians were the most impacted with Trump's sudden suspension of the H-1B visas and
Biden has clarified that the suspension will "not be in this administration". Recognizing
the contribution of foreign workers, Biden also said if voted to power, giving citizenship to
undocumented immigrants will be a priority.
 The major concerns were raised when Biden's campaign website in a policy paper criticized
India's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying
they compromise with India's credentials of a secular and a multi-religious democracy.
 The criticism was not just limited to CAA, but extended to Kashmir as well. But to imply that
Indo-US ties under Biden will get affected because of these issues is reading too much.
#75TH SESSION OF UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
 The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United
Nations (UN), serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the
UN.
 Its powers, composition, functions, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV of the United
Nations Charter.
 The UNGA is responsible for the UN budget, appointing the non-permanent members to
the Security Council, appointing the Secretary-General of the United Nations, receiving reports
from other parts of the UN system, and making recommendations through resolutions.
 Currently, Volkan Bozkir is the President of United Nations General Assembly. All 193 members
of the United Nations are members of the General Assembly, with the addition of Holy See
and Palestine as observer states.
 Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the UNGA session this year is being conducted virtually. PM Modi
will address the UNGA via a pre-recorded video statement. His speech will be broadcast at the
UNGA hall in New York, USA.
 In 2020, the theme of the 75th UNGA is COVID-19 related: “The future we want, the United
Nations we need, reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting
the COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
PM MODI ADDRESSED UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
 PM Modi said that large scale efforts are being made in India to promote women
entrepreneurship and leadership. Indian women, today, are the biggest beneficiaries of the
world's largest micro-financing scheme.
 India is one of those countries where women are provided paid maternity leave of 26 weeks.
 He further said that in the changed circumstances of the post-pandemic era, we are moving
forward with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
 A self-reliant India will also be a force multiplier for the global economy & is equivalent to 10%
of India’s GDP.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
INDIA WON’T HESITATE IN RAISING VOICE AGAINST TERRORISM
 PM Modi said that starting from January 2021, India will also fulfil its responsibility as a non-
permanent member of the Security Council.
 India will always speak in support of peace, security and prosperity. He said that India will not
hesitate in raising its voice against the enemies of humanity, human race and human values –
these include terrorism, smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money-laundering.
 India is that country, which in the course of maintaining peace, has lost the maximum number of
its brave soldiers.
PM Modi questions UN's COVID response

 Over the last 8 to 9 months, the whole world has been battling the pandemic of the Corona virus.
Where is the United Nations in this joint fight against the pandemic? Where is its effective
response? Reform in the responses, in the processes, and in the very character of the UN is the
need of the hour.
INDIA PUSHES FOR UNSC REFORMS
 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United
Nations (UN), charged with ensuring international peace and security. The UNSC is the only UN
body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.
 It consists of 15 members which includes 5 Permanent Members: China, UK, USA, Russia, and
France. The other 10 members are elected on a regional basis for a term of 2-years. Beginning
January 2020, India has become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for two
years.
 And has adopted a 5S Approach: Samman (Respect); Samriddhi (Prosperity); Samvad
(Dialogue); Sahyog (Cooperation) and Shanti (Peace). Earlier this week, the G4 (India,
Japan, Brazil and Germany) member nations have called for a reform of the UN Security
Council (UNSC) to make it more representative of the current global order.
 India’s candidature to the Security Council is a commitment to promote responsible and
inclusive solutions to International peace & security. UN Peacekeeping mission: India is one of
the largest Troop Contributing Countries in the peacekeeping missions.
 Therefore, this time she will seek to engage deeply in finalizing of mandates for UN peacekeeping
mission & today every Indian, while seeing the contribution of India in UN, aspires for India’s
expanded role in the United Nations.
PAKISTAN PM “IMRAN KHAN” SPEECH AT UNGA
 Imran Khan in his approximately 30-minute speech at this year’s UN General Assembly,
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan spent a significant amount of time hurling veiled barbs
against “neighbors”, essentially referencing his country’s long-standing disputes with India.
 Other subjects that Khan mentioned in his speech included fiscal recovery from the impact of
COVID-19, international money laundering and its impact on developing countries, climate
change and “Islamophobia”.
 After he had addressed these issues, Khan spent the remainder of his time talking about Kashmir
and India’s abrogation of last year.
 Here is a round-up of everything Khan mentioned with regard to Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic
disputes with India.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#POLITICAL SITUATION IN PAKISTAN
 The politics of Pakistan takes place within the framework established by the constitution.
The country is a federal parliamentary republic in which provincial governments enjoy a high
degree of autonomy and residuary powers.
 Executive power is vested with the national cabinet which is headed by the Prime Minister
{currently Imran Khan} who works coherently along with the bicameral parliament and the
judicature.
 Stipulations set by the constitution provide a delicate check and balance of sharing powers
between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government.
 Whereas, the head of the state is the President who is elected by the electoral college for a
five-year term. Arif Alvi is currently the President of Pakistan.
PAKISTAN DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT 2020
 Formed in September 2020, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is a coalition of 11

political parties against the Imran Khan administration. It is interesting to note that the
movement has brought two major but rival political parties of Pakistan together-- PPP and PML.
 The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is led by Bilawal Bhutto and the Pakistan Muslim League
(PML) is led by the exiled Nawaz Sharif but is currently headed by his daughter Maryam.
 The Pakistan Democratic Movement or PDM is led by Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman. The

coalition was formed from 11 political parties which are as follows: Awami National Party,
Awami National Party- Wali, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Jamiat Ahe Hadith,
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, National Party-Bizenjo, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan
Peoples Party,Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, Qaumi
Watan Party. These political parties represent Pakistan's entire political spectrum virtually.
'Vote ko izzat do' in Urdu which means 'respect the sanctity of the vote' is the slogan of the
PDM.
 The PDM claims that the 2018 General Election of Pakistan was rigged by the Pakistani
military. The 2018 Pakistani General Election was won by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
 Former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, in his broadcast speech from London, alleged that the
Army Chief Javed Bajwa and the ISI Chief Faiz Hameed installed Imran Khan on the Prime
Ministerial post by rigging the 2018 General Elections.
 The movement has provided a national platform to the regional parties of Pakistan. The
provincial leaders from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who were previously targeted
by the Pakistani Army as they demanded regional autonomy and an end to repression, now
have a national platform.
 As per the Government of Pakistan, the leaders of the political parties who had previously
governed Pakistan (the PML-N and PPP) have corruption cases against them. Thus, they have
unified together to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.
REASON OF THE FORMATION OF COALITION OF 11 PARTIES
 It is known that Prime Minister Imran Khan is politically isolated and to oust his government,
the Pakistani Military must be targeted.
 PDM has so far managed three rallies in October 2020 (Pakistani Punjab’s Gujranwala on
October 18, two days later in Karachi, and in Quetta on October 25), opposing the present

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Government of Pakistan. Many times in the past, the Pakistani military has manipulated the
political parties and their leaders in playing off one against the other.
 However, with the unification of all the political parties, this manipulation may not work. In
October 2020, the PDM organised the protests drawing over 50,000 people.
 A 'long march' is planned in January next year to oust the present government. The
movement has generated political momentum and may trigger significant changes in the
administration of Pakistan.
GILGIT-BALTISTAN TO BE THE FIFTH PROVINCE
 Recently, Pakistan has decided to elevate Gilgit-Baltistan’s status to that of a full- fledged
province. Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the disputed territories of
 India.It is an autonomous region now and with this elevation, it will become the 5th province
of the country. Currently, Pakistan has four provinces namely Balochistan, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.
 In 1999, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are Pakistani
citizens and directed the federal government to start appropriate administrative and legislative
measures.
 In 2009, The Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order were introduced,
whereby the Northern Areas were renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan and the region was given
province-like status but without representation in Parliament.
 In 2015, a committee constituted by the federal government proposed giving Gilgit-Baltistan
the status of a province. And recently a new order was introduced which transferred all powers
of the Gilgit-Baltistan council to its assembly.
 This elevation will lead to adequate representation from the province on all constitutional
bodies, including the National Assembly and the Senate.
 The Government will also start working on the Moqpondass Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). SEZs work as an engine for economic
growth supported by quality infrastructure. complemented by an attractive fiscal package, both
at the Centre and the State level, with the minimum possible regulations.
 But in response India has held that the Government of Pakistan or its judiciary has no locus
standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. India completely rejects such actions
and continued attempts to bring material changes in Pakistan occupied areas of the Indian
territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
 While protesting Islamabad’s efforts to bring material change in Pakistan occupied territories,
India held that Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.
PAKISTAN IN FATF'S GREY LIST
 The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided to keep Pakistan on the “Grey- list” till
the next review of its compliance to the recommendations in February 2021.
 The decision was taken after a three-day virtual plenary session. The FATF had issued the 27-
point action plan after placing Pakistan on the ‘Grey List’ in June 2018.
 The action plan pertains to curbing money laundering and terror financing. Recently, the task
force’s International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) noted that Pakistan had complied
with 21 points.
 Since 2007, the ICRG has analysed high-risk jurisdictions and recommended specific action to
address the money laundering/terror financing risks emanating from them. At the recent
plenary session, the FATF observed that Pakistan has made progress across all action plan
items and has largely addressed 21 of 27 action items.
 Keeping Pakistan on the ‘Grey List’, the FATF strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
full action plan by February 2021.
 The points on which Pakistan failed to deliver included its lack of action against the non-profit
organisations linked to the terror groups banned by the UN Security Council (UNSC); and
delays in the prosecution of banned individuals and entities like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief
Hafiz Saeed and LeT operations chief, Zaki Ur Rahman Lakhvi, as well as Jaish-e-
Mohammad chief Masood Azhar.
 While Saeed was sentenced in February 2020 to 11 years in prison for terror financing, the
Pakistan government claims that others are “untraceable”. Further, Pakistan was found non-
compliant in cracking down on terror financing through narcotics and smuggling of mining
products including precious stones.
 The FATF process also showed concern about the 4,000 names that were on Pakistan’s Schedule-
IV list under the Anti-Terrorism Act up to January, but went missing in September 2020.
 The FATF listing makes it extremely difficult for Pakistan to get financial aid from the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the European Union.
#TENSIONS ESCALATING BETWEEN FRANCE & TURKEY
 Tensions between Turkey and France are rising, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan calls for a boycott on French good and slams French President Emmanuel
Macron's call for a "French Islam."
 The increased friction follows the beheading of a teacher in France after he showed his class
caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad published by the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
 Schoolteacher Samuel Paty was killed after a lesson on freedom of speech to his civics class
involving the cartoons.
 In Macron's eulogy at Paty's funeral, he said France would never give up its liberties, or its
cartoons. "We will continue, professor.
 We will defend the freedom that you taught so well and we will promote secularism, we will
not renounce caricatures, drawings, even if others retreat," Macron said earlier this month.
 "We will continue the fight for freedom and the freedom of which you are now the face." In
response, Turkey and Pakistan accused French President of running an anti-Islamic agenda
and provoking Muslims.
SCENARIO BETWEEN TURKEY AND FRANCE
 Other Muslim-majority countries have weighed in. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi
called for respect for the views of others, and opposed the use of violence to defend religious
beliefs.
 Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Iran all condemned Macron. Turkey has long seen
himself as Islam's most prominent defender, especially against perceived slights from Europe.
 Also in 2017, Turkey expelled the Dutch ambassador amid a row over Holland's refusal to
allow pro-Erdogan political rallies on its soil. But Erdogan's favorite target seems to be France,
a country with which Turkey has some sharp foreign policy differences.
 France had accused Turkey of escalating the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over
the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
 Paris and Ankara support opposing sides in the conflict in Libya, with France backing
Benghazi-based General Khalifa Hifter and Turkey supporting the U.N.–recognized
government in Tripoli, which beat back Hifter's attempted attack on the Libyan capital this
spring after months of fighting.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Tensions spiked in the Mediterranean earlier this year, when Turkish military vessels
prevented a French frigate from searching a cargo ship suspected of violating a U.N. arms
embargo by carrying weapons to Libya.
 France is also leading the international criticism of Turkish moves to explore for natural gas in
the Eastern Mediterranean in areas claimed by Cyprus.
 Elsewhere, the two countries have foreign policy differences in Syria, with France being more
supportive of Kurdish fighters that Turkey views as terrorists. As the feud over the Charlie
Hebdo cartoons continued, Paris recalled its ambassador from Turkey in protest. Other
European countries, meanwhile, have come to France's defense.
FRANCE TO FIGHT "ISLAMIC SEPARATISM"
 French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans for tougher laws to tackle what he
called "Islamic separatism" and defend secular values. In a keenly awaited speech, Mr. Macron
said a minority of France's estimated six million Muslims were in danger of forming a "counter-
society".
 His proposals include stricter oversight of schooling and control over foreign funding of
mosques. But some accused Mr Macron of trying to repress Islam in France.
 Under France's strict principles of secularism, the government is separated by law from
religious institutions. The idea is that people of different religions and beliefs are equal before
the law.
 Groups that practice radical forms of Islam were trying to create a parallel society governed by
different rules and values than those espoused by the Republic.
 “What we need to take on is Islamic separatism,” France’s working-class suburbs that
surround its major cities—have become fertile recruiting grounds for Islamist groups.
 France was one of the West’s biggest sources of Islamic State militants. Many have mounted
terrorist attacks in France that have killed more than 250 people over the past five years.
INDIA'S SUPPORT TO FRANCE
 India condemned the criticism of Turkey and Pakistan on French President, by calling the
criticism in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse.
 India also condemned the murder of schoolteacher as brutal terrorist attack. While France
has seen repeated violent incidents around caricatures and cartoons that are deemed offensive,
it is unusual for India to wade into a controversy over religion in another country.
 In 2015, after the attack on Charlie Hebdo journalists and cartoonists, India condemned the
incident by calling that India was on the side of those who condemn this barbaric incident.
 India’s support for French President could have been influenced by the fact that the charge
against the French President has been led by Turkey and Pakistan, two countries that have
repeatedly attacked India over Jammu and Kashmir and alleged human rights violations.
INDIA-FRANCE PARTNERSHIP
 India has close strategic ties with France, especially on issues of mutual interest from counter-
terrorism to defence, and nuclear to space.
 France had also backed the India’s proposal for a global conference on terrorism. Both the
countries also support organising a new “No Money for Terror” - an International Conference
on Fighting Terrorist Financing.
 Two countries agreed to enhance their operational cooperation and launch fresh efforts to fight
radicalisation, especially Online Radicalisation.
 Both countries have a defence dialogue at the Ministerial level. The three services have regular

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
defence exercises: Exercise Shakti (Army), Exercise Varuna (Navy), Exercise Garuda (Air
Force).
 Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received its first batch (5 out of 36) of French Rafale
aviation combat aircraft at Ambala Air base (Haryana).
 In the field of Space both have decided to deepen space cooperation to meet new challenges
together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight.
 France has agreed to be part of India's Venus mission, scheduled for 2025. ISRO’s Venus
instrument, VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker) has been co-developed by
Russian and French agencies.
 France has been extremely supportive of India at the UN Security Council on Kashmir and
Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, among other issues. The Prime Minister of India was a special
invitee at the 45th G-7 Summit in Biarritz, France where India was one of the "Goodwill"
partners.
 The two countries also have a close cooperation on climate change, and have formed &
considered as the founding members of International Solar Alliance.
 India’s relations with France are built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are
informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate
change. France also opens the pathway for deeper engagement with Europe on global issues,
especially after uncertainty in the region due to Brexit.
 The new partnerships with France, Germany and other like-minded countries like Japan would
hopefully turn out to be far more consequential for India’s influence on the global stage.
#THAILAND PROTESTS 2020
 In Thailand, protests have been ongoing against the government of Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha, which have included demands for reform of the Thai monarchy, unprecedented
in the contemporary era.
 The protests were initially triggered by the dissolution of the Future Forward Party (FFP) in
late February 2020.
 The party was critical of Prayut and the country's political landscape designed by the current
2017 constitution. The protesters are mostly students and young people without an overall
leader.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROTEST
 Initially, the government allowed peaceful and lawful protests but now stringent control, due to
anarchy in protests. The roots of the current discontentment go back to the 2014 coup which
brought the junta (military dictatorship) in power which tightened its grip on power and
introduced more and more restrictions on the public.
 In 2017, the military introduced a new Constitution, which allowed the military to appoint
a 250-member Senate that would play a role in selecting the Prime Minister.
 The country held the delayed Parliamentary election in 2019, which was seen as a mere
exercise to transfer power from the junta to an elected government. Thailand’s royal family
has considerable influence over the country’s political system and is revered by citizens.
 Many, particularly young Thais, have increasingly started questioning the monarchy’s role, its
privileges, and the power it has exerted in the country for years.

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WAVES OF PROTEST AND THE PROTESTERS
 The first wave protests were triggered by the Constitution Court decision to disband the FFP on
23 February 2020. Demonstrations since erupted in various high schools, colleges, and
universities nationwide.
 These student-organized protests also came with various hash tags unique to their institutions.
The protests, however, were limited to individual institutions.
 A Thai historian scholar noted that street protests have never created political changes if the
military sided with the government. The protests, which were organized exclusively on the
academia grounds, were halted in late February due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 On 18 July, Thailand saw the largest street demonstration since the 2014 Thai coup d'état at the
Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters.
 The protesters, organised under the name Free Youth announced the three core demands,
which include: dissolution of the House, ending intimidation of the people and drafting a new
constitution.
 A Free Youth leader stated that they do not aim to overthrow the monarchy. The gathering was
planned to last overnight, but it was cancelled by midnight for security reasons.
 After 18 July, the protests soon spread across the country. The first were in Chiang Mai province
and Ubon Ratchathani Province on 19 July. By 23 July, demonstrations had been organized in
more than 20 provinces. Most of the protestors are students and young people in their 20s.
DEMANDS OF THE PROTESTERS
 Protesters also seek the scrapping of “Lese Majeste laws”. The monarchy is protected by
Section 112 of the Penal Code, which says whoever defames, insults or threatens the king,
queen, heir-apparent or regent shall be jailed for three to 15 years.
 This law has remained virtually unchanged since the creation of the country's first criminal code
in 1908, although the penalty was toughened in 1976.
 Students submitted 10 demands to the government, asking for a separation of the King’s
assets and the Crown Property Bureau (quasi-government institution to manage the monarch's
property in Thailand).
 They also wanted to cut the Palace’s share in the national budget, a ban on the King from
expressing his political views, and safeguards to prevent him from endorsing future coups.
 Some protesters want to reverse a 2017 increase in the king’s constitutional powers, made the
year after he succeeded his widely revered late father King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
 Pro-democracy activists say that Thailand is backtracking on the constitutional monarchy
established when absolute royal rule ended in 1932.
 Also, the monarchy is too close to the army and argues that this has undermined democracy.
 Other Demands: The students have also called for the Prime Minister’s resignation; a new
Constitution; fresh, free and fair elections; and an end to attacks on dissidents and
opposition parties such as the Future Forward Party.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROTESTS
 The state has attempted to severely restrict online freedom of speech. On 24 August, in
response to a Thai government order, Facebook blocked access in Thailand to the million-
member main Facebook page critical of the monarchy, Royalist Marketplace. Facebook is
challenging the order in the courts.
 A Thai media provider was reported to be censoring a foreign news network reporting the
protests.
 A severe state of emergency was declared in Bangkok during 15–22 October, during which
the police moved to ban or block anti-government or independent media, together with the
Free Youth Facebook page, and seized books criticizing the monarchy.
 Ministry of Digital Economy and Society stated it intended to prosecute internet service
providers and online platforms which allows prohibited content, and reported about 320,000
illegal messages.
 In response, several Thai press associations issued a joint statement opposing suppression of
the media. The authorities also required foreign diplomats to obtain advance permission to
observe protests.
 The King and the palace initially did not express any public opinion about the protests.
 In August, a government official stated that the King was not bothered by the 'children's'
protests, but an article reported that the Thai monarchy has asked Thai media to censor
mention of the ten demands.
#US EXITS PARIS AGREEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
 On June 1, 2017, United States President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would cease
all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation, and begin
negotiations to re-enter the agreement "on terms that are fair to the United States, its businesses,
its workers, its people, its taxpayers," or form a new agreement.
 In withdrawing from the agreement, Trump stated that "The Paris accord will undermine (the
U.S.) economy," and "puts (the U.S.) at a permanent disadvantage."
 In accordance with Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, a country cannot give notice of
withdrawal from the agreement before three years of its start date in the relevant country, which
was on November 4, 2016 in the case of the United States.
 The White House later clarified that the U.S. will abide by the four-year exit process. On
November 4, 2019, the administration gave a formal notice of intention to withdraw, which takes
12 months to take effect.
 Until the withdrawal took effect, the United States was obligated to maintain its commitments
under the Agreement, such as the requirement to continue reporting its emissions to the United
Nations.
 The withdrawal took effect on November 4, 2020, one day after the 2020 U.S. presidential
election. After it leaves, the US will be the only country left out of the global protocol. Syria and
Nicaragua, the last remaining countries who were earlier holding out, also became signatories
in 2017.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Paris Agreement of 2016 is an international accord that brings almost 200 countries together in setting a
common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions in an effort to fight climate change. Parties to
UNFCCC agreed to strive to limit the rise in global warming to well less than 2 degrees Celsius and to try
and limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius, over pre-industrial levels by 2100,
under the Paris Agreement. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) were conceived at Paris
summit which require each Party to prepare, communicate and maintain successive nationally
determined contributions (NDCs) that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation
measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions. Paris Agreement replaced
earlier agreement to deal with climate change, Kyoto Protocol.
PROCEDURE & REASON OF EXITING THE AGREEMENT
 Article 28 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to leave the Paris Agreement and lays
down the process for leaving. A country can only give a notice for leaving at least three years
after the Paris Agreement came into force.
 This happened on November 4, 2016. Therefore, the US was eligible to move a notice for leaving
on November 4 this year, which it did. The withdrawal is not immediate, however. It takes effect
one year after the submission of the notice. It means the United States will be out of the Paris
Agreement only on November 4 next year.
 During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump had said the Paris Agreement was
“unfair” to US interests.
 He had promised to pull out of the Agreement if he was elected. The United States is the world’s
second largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
 If it does not reduce its emissions befitting its status as the second largest emitter, it could
seriously jeopardise the world’s objective of keeping the global temperature rise to within
2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times.
 As part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement, the United States had promised to reduce its
emissions by 26 per cent to 28 per cent by the year 2025 from 2005 levels.
 The United States plays a prominent role in mobilising financial resources globally, and its
absence from the scene could seriously hamper that effort.
 Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries are under obligation to mobilise at least
$100 billion every year from the year 2020 in climate finance meant for the developing world.
 This amount has to be revised upwards after five years. As it is, countries are struggling to reach
this amount by next year. The US was opposed to this move.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE US EXIT FROM THE AGREEMENT
 The biggest impact of the exit of the United States from the Agreement might be on the
financial flows to enable climate actions. The United States is the world’s second largest
emitter of greenhouse gases.
 If it does not reduce its emissions befitting its status as the second largest emitter, it could
seriously jeopardize the world’s objective of keeping the global temperature rise to within 2
degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times.
 Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries are under obligation to mobilise at least $100
billion every year from the year 2020 in climate finance meant for the developing world.
 The exit of USA might hamper these efforts too. While exiting the Paris Agreement does not
automatically mean the abandonment of this target or of any future action by the United States
on climate change, it would no longer be committed to the targets recommended by the Paris
Agreement.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 However US can re-join the agreement whenever it wishes to do so. There is no bar on a
country re-joining the Paris Agreement.
 It is also possible that the United States does a rethink and actually never leaves the Paris
Agreement. It has one full year to reconsider its decision.
OTHER RELATED INITIATIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE
 UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty adopted on 9 May 1992 and opened for
signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992, entered into force on
21 March 1994. The UNFCCC objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the
climate system. Currently, there are 197 Parties (196 States and European Union) to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
 Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the UNFCCC,
which commits its parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. The
Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 and entered into force in 2005. It
recognized that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of
GHG emissions in the atmosphere as a result of more than 150 years of industrial activity. The
detailed rules for the implementation of the Protocol were adopted at COP-7 in Marrakesh, in
2001 and are referred to as the Marrakesh Accords. Kyoto Protocol Phase-1 (2005-12) gave
the target of cutting down emissions by 5%. Phase- 2 (2013-20) gave the target of reducing
emissions by at least 18% by the industrialized countries.
 COP24: The 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference was the 24th Conference of the
Parties to the UNFCCC (COP24), also known as the Katowice Climate Change Conference. It was
held in December 2018 in Katowice, Poland. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the
supreme body of the UNFCCC, consisting of the representatives of the Parties to the
Convention. COP holds its sessions every year and takes decisions which are necessary to ensure
the effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention and regularly reviews the
implementation of these provisions. The aim of the conference was to finalize a rulebook for
Paris agreement 2015
 The International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) was founded in 2007 by more than 15
government representatives as an international cooperative forum, bringing together states and
sub-national jurisdictions that have implemented or are planning to implement emissions
trading systems (ETS). ICAP was launched in order to join carbon markets all over the world
and by that be more successful in combating climate change. ICAP includes members from the
European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS), Western Climate Initiative (WCI),
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government. Japan and Ukraine are observers.
#65TH ANNIVERSARY OF NAM

 The year 2020 marks the 65th anniversary of the landmark Bandung Conference that
resulted in the adoption of the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
 The basic concept for NAM originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Asia-
Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia.
 The milestone of the 65th anniversary is a good time to reflect upon the philosophy behind

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
the movement.
 India reiterated that NAM never was and can never be a platform for pursuits that
undermine the territorial integrity of a State by another State. India will deploy her rich
developmental experience for the peace and welfare of humanity, treating the world as one
family.
 India also emphasized that in order to make NAM a relevant entity in the global decision making
process, its members must avoid raising issues that divide the forum.
 Covid-19 is a reminder of the interconnectedness and dependence of NAM members on each other.
Members must work to reduce the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable
sections of society. NAM's unique tradition of promoting South-South cooperation can provide a
way out as societies look to rebuild and regenerate in the wake of this crisis.
 Apart from the global pandemic, terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity threats and the
uneven impact of frontier technologies (Artificial Intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things,
etc.) and development concerns are few other challenges which can only be tackled if all the
members work together.
 The strength of the NAM lies in its diversity, its shared developmental experience, and
its youthful populations.
Non-Aligned Movement
 Background: It was formed during the Cold War as an organisation of States that did not seek to
formally align themselves with either the USA (Capitalism) or the Soviet Union (Socialism) but
sought to remain independent or neutral.
 Foundation: Six years after the Bandung Conference, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries
was founded on a wider geographical basis at the First Summit Conference of Belgrade, which
was held in September 1961. It was held under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia,
Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of
Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia.
 Purpose: The purpose of the organisation was enumerated in the Havana Declaration of
1979 to ensure "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of
non-aligned countries" in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism,
racism, and all forms of foreign subjugation.
 Members and Observers: It has 120 members as of April 2018 comprising 53 countries from
Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 2 from Europe. There are 17
countries and 10 international organisations that are Observers at NAM.
 Headquarters: NAM does not have a formal constitution or permanent secretariat, and
its administration is non-hierarchical and rotational. Decisions are made by consensus, which
requires substantial agreement, but not unanimity.
 Even if members call for effective and reformed multilateralism, they need to introspect, reform
and revitalise the current arrangements of their own movement, which will enable them to
pursue a focused, positive and transformative agenda going forward. The NAM has a glorious
past but the future will depend on how the member nations perform in addressing the defining
challenges of the current era, which could be solved easily with the help of the principles of
solidarity and cooperation.

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#OSIRIS-REX MISSION BY NASA

 Recently, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft briefly touched down on the surface of asteroid
Bennu to collect rock and dust samples.
 It is the United States’ first asteroid sample return mission, aiming to collect and carry a
pristine, unaltered sample from an asteroid back to earth for scientific study.
 The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith
Explorer) spacecraft was launched in 2016 for the journey to Bennu.
 The mission is essentially a seven-year-long voyage and will conclude when at least 60 grams
of samples are delivered back to the Earth (in 2023).
 As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the mission promises to
bring the largest amount of extraterrestrial material back to the Earth since the Apollo
era.
 Apollo was the NASA program that resulted in American astronauts’ making a total of 11
space flights and walking on the moon (1968-72).
 The spacecraft contains five instruments meant to explore Bennu including cameras, a
spectrometer and a laser altimeter.
 Recently, the spacecraft’s robotic arm called the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition
Mechanism (TAGSAM), made an attempt to “TAG” the asteroid at a sample site and collected
a sample.
 The departure window for the mission will open up in 2021, after which it will take over two
years to reach back to Earth.
Asteroid Bennu:
 Bennu is an ancient asteroid, currently more than 200 million miles from Earth.
 Bennu offers scientists a window into the early solar system as it was first taking shape
billions of years ago and tossing ingredients that could have helped seed life on Earth.
 Significantly, Bennu hasn’t undergone drastic changes since its formation over billions of
years ago and therefore it contains chemicals and rocks dating back to the birth of the solar
system. It is also relatively close to the Earth.
 So far, it is known that this asteroid is a B-type asteroid, implying that it contains significant
amounts of carbon and various other minerals.
 Because of its high carbon content, it reflects about 4% of the light that hits it, which is very
low when compared with a planet like Venus, which reflects about 65% of the light that hits
it. Earth reflects about 30%.
 Around 20-40% of Bennu’s interior is empty space and scientists believe that it was formed
in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation, implying that it is roughly 4.5
billion years old.
 As per high-resolution photographs taken by the spacecraft, the surface of the asteroid
is covered in massive boulders, making it more difficult to collect samples from its surface.
 There is a slight possibility that Bennu, which is classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO), might

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strike the Earth in the next century, between the years 2175 and 2199.
 NEOs are comets and asteroids nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets
into orbits which allows them to enter the Earth’s neighbourhood.
 The asteroid was discovered by a team from the NASA-funded Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid
Research team in 1999.
Asteroids
 These are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, much smaller than planets. They are also called
minor planets.
 According to NASA, 9,94,383 is the count of known asteroids, the remnants from the formation
of the solar system over 4.6 billion years ago.
 Asteroids are divided into three classes.
First, those found in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which is estimated
to contain somewhere between 1.1-1.9 million asteroids.
The second group is that of Trojans, which are asteroids that share an orbit with a larger
planet.
NASA reports the presence of Jupiter, Neptune and Mars trojans. In 2011, they reported
an Earth trojan as well.
The third classification is Near-Earth Asteroids (NEA), which have orbits that pass close
by the Earth. Those that cross the Earth’s orbit are called Earth-crossers.
 More than 10,000 such asteroids are known, out of which over 1,400 are classified
as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs).
 PHAs are currently defined based on parameters that measure the asteroid’s potential to
make threatening close approaches to the Earth.
 Specifically, all asteroids with an Earth Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance (MOID) of
0.05 au or less and an absolute magnitude (H) of 22.0 or less are considered PHAs.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#INDIA ASSUMES CHAIR OF ILO
 After 35 years, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International
Labour Organization (ILO).
The only tripartite United Nations (UN) agency, since 1919, the ILO brings
together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States, to set
labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent
work for all women and men. The ILO became the first specialized agency of
the UN in 1946. The principal means of action in the ILO is the setting up the
International Labour Standards in the form of Conventions and
Recommendations. Conventions are international treaties and are instruments,
which create legally binding obligations on the countries that ratify them.
Recommendations are non-binding and set out guidelines orienting national
policies and actions.
 Labour & Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra has been elected as the Chairperson of the
Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020-June 2021.
 The Chairperson of the Governing Body of ILO is a position of international repute. The
Governing Body (GB) is the apex executive body of the ILO.
GB meets thrice a year, in March, June and November. It takes decisions on ILO
policy, decides the agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopts the draft
programme and budget of the organisation for submission to the conference, and elects the
Director-General.
The broad policies of the ILO are set by the International Labour Conference, which meets
once a year in June, in Geneva, Switzerland.
 Chandra will be presiding over the upcoming Governing Body’s meeting, to be held in
November 2020.
 It will provide a platform to apprise participants of the transformational initiative

taken by the government in removing the rigidities of the labour market, besides
making intention clear about the universalisation of social security to all workers in
the organised or unorganised sector.
 The four codes on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational
safety, health and working conditions are expected to improve ease of doing
business and safeguard the interest of workers.
 It received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.

 It releases the annual World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) Trends report.
India and ILO:

 India, a Founding Member of the ILO, has been a permanent member of the ILO Governing

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Body since 1922. The first ILO Office in India started in 1928.
 India has ratified 41 Conventions of the ILO, which is much better than the position existing
in many other countries.
 India has ratified six out of the eight-core/fundamental ILO conventions. These
conventions are:
Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
 India has not ratified the two core/fundamental conventions, namely Freedom of
Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and Right to
Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).
 The ILO expressed deep concern at the changes that many Indian states made to labour
laws to boost economic activities, which slowed down due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

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AWARDS AND HONOURS
#NOBEL PRIZE 2020
The Nobel Prize is a set of annual international awards bestowed in several

categories by Swedish and Norwegian institutions in recognition of academic,
cultural, or scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist, engineer and
industrialist Alfred Nobel established the five Nobel prizes in 1895. The
prizes in Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine
were first awarded in 1901. Initially there were five categories only but in 1969,
Economics was also added in the categories of Nobel Prize. The prizes are
widely regarded as the most prestigious awards available in their respective
fields. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Nobel Prize in
Chemistry, the Nobel Prize in Physics, and the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in
Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel; the Swedish Academy grants
the Nobel Prize in Literature; and the Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the
Nobel Peace Prize
#NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2020

 The 2020 Nobel Prize for Physics has been awarded by Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
to Roger Penrose for black hole discovery and Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez.
 They awarded for discovering “a super massive compact object at the centre of our galaxy.”The
three laureates share this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries about one of the
most exotic phenomena in the universe, the black holes.
 Wilhelm Rontgen was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics, he discovered X-radiation. This
X-ray tube became a frequently used instrument in medicine after this discovery.
The First Nobel Prize in Physics for India in 1930 was awarded to Sir
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman "for his work on the scattering of light and for
the discovery of the effect named after him."
WHO ARE THE WINNERS?

 Roger Penrose, born 1931 in Colchester, UK. Ph.D. 1957 from University of Cambridge, UK.
Professor at University of Oxford, UK.
 Reinhard Genzel, born 1952 in Germany. Ph.D. 1978 from University of Bonn, Germany.
Director at Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany and Professor at
University of California, USA.
 Andrea Ghez, born 1965 in the city of New York, USA. Ph.D. 1992 from California Institute of
Technology,
 Pasadena, USA. Professor at University of California, Los Angeles, USA.

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WHAT ARE THE BLACK HOLES?

 A black hole is formed when stars collapse and can be defined as a space in the universe with
an escape velocity so strong that even light cannot escape it.
 Escape velocity is the speed at which an object must travel to override a planet or an object’s
gravitational force. For instance, for a spacecraft to leave the surface of the Earth, it needs to
be travelling at a speed of about 40,000 km per hour.
 Since light cannot get out, black holes are invisible and can only be tracked with the help of a
space telescope or other special tools. And the reason light cannot escape is mainly that the
gravity inside a black hole is very strong.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE NOBEL LAUREATES
 Roger Penrose has been awarded the prize for the discovery “that black hole formation is a
robust prediction of the general theory of relativity,” Roger Penrose used ingenious
mathematical methods in his proof that black holes are a direct consequence of Albert
Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
 Einstein did not himself believe that black holes really exist, these super-heavyweight monsters
that capture everything that enters them. Nothing can escape, not even light.
 In January 1965, ten years after Einstein’s death, Roger Penrose proved that black holes really
can form and described them in detail; at their heart, black holes hide a singularity in which all
the known laws of nature cease. His groundbreaking article is still regarded as the most
important contribution to the general theory of relativity since Einstein.
 Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez has been awarded the prize for the discovery of a
“supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy.”
 They have discovered that an invisible and an extremely heavy object govern the stars’ orbit
at the centre of the Milky Way. Essentially, their work tells us that at the centre of our galaxy
the Milky Way lies an invisible supermassive object, of which a black hole provides a
reasonable explanation.
 Physicists have been suspecting the existence of a black hole at the centre of our galaxy for over
50 years now. In order to see through to the middle of the Milky Way, Genzel and Ghez worked
on developing methods and used some of the world’s largest telescopes.
 Physicists think that the black hole could most likely be hiding in Sagittarius a *, a source of
radio waves around which all stars in the Milky Way orbit. The existence of a black hole at the
centre of our galaxy is what the physicists believe is what pulls a “jumble of stars,” causing them
to “rush around at dizzying speeds”.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORK
 While work done by Penrose has established that black holes are a “robust” consequence of
the theory of relativity and that they are formed naturally in very overdense regions, thereby
proving that their formation is a stable process, the theory ceases to apply at the centre of the
black hole called the singularity– “a boundary at which all the known laws of nature break
down”.
 This essentially means that the extent to which the theory of general relativity applies to the

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structure of black holes requires further probing and questions about the internal structure of
black holes still remain.
#NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE 2020
 The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Dr. Harvey J. Alter,
Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice on Monday for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus,
a breakthrough the Nobel committee said had “made possible blood tests and new medicines
that have saved millions of lives".
 For the first time in history, the disease can now be cured, raising hopes of eradicating hepatitis
C virus from the world population. They announced the prize at the Karolinska Institute in
Stockholm.
 About 71 million people worldwide live with a chronic infection of the hepatitis C virus, a blood-
borne pathogen that can cause severe liver inflammation, or hepatitis, and are typically
transmitted through shared or reused needles and syringes, infected blood transfusions and
sexual practices that lead to blood exposure.
The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute awards the Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine; Emil von Behring was awarded the first Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine for his work on serum therapy, especially its application against
diphtheria, “by which he has opened a new road in the domain of medical science.
 Harvey J. Alter was born in 1935 in New York. He received his medical degree at the
University of Rochester Medical School, and trained in internal medicine at Strong Memorial
Hospital and at the University Hospitals of Seattle. In 1961, he joined the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) as a clinical associate. A proliferative researcher, Alter has over 350
publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
 Charles Rice was born in 1952 in Sacramento, California. He worked on hepatitis at the
Washington University in St. Louis. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and was also the
president of the American Society for Virology from 2002 to 2003. The 68-year-old currently
works at Rockefeller University in New York.
 Michael Houghton was born in 1950; British scientist Michael Houghton did his studies at
the Chiron Corporation in California before moving to the University of Alberta in Canada. He
is also the recipient of the Karl Landsteiner Memorial Award (1992), the Robert Koch Prize
(1993) & International Hepatitis Foundation Award (1998).
CONTRIBUTION OF THE WINNERS
 The discovery of the hepatitis C virus solved a thorny scientific mystery that had plagued

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physicians and researchers for years. A number of hepatitis viruses can infiltrate the liver and
cause a range of health problems, some of which are fatal.
 One of the main ways that hepatitis is transmitted is through blood transfusions. The hepatitis A
virus usually has few long-term impacts on the people it infects.
 Another virus, hepatitis B virus, tends to linger in the body and is responsible for hundreds of
millions of chronic infections around the world, many of which remain undiagnosed.
 The discovery of the hepatitis B virus earned Baruch Blumberg the Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine in 1976.
 In the 1970s, Dr. Alter led a team of scientists in discovering that most cases of post-transfusion
hepatitis couldn’t be linked to Type A or B viruses — a hint to the existence of a pathogen that
had not yet been described.
 In the 1980s, Dr. Houghton became the first to identify and formally name the hepatitis C virus
as the infectious culprit. The work led to the development of a diagnostic test to identify the virus
in blood, enabling doctors and researchers for the first time to screen patients and donors.
 Dr. Alter and Dr. Houghton later shared the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research in
2000 for their work.
 Dr. Rice’s genetic experiments added important details to scientists’ understanding of the
virus, showing that it could be isolated in the lab and cause disease in an animal host, the
chimpanzee. These studies nailed the hepatitis C virus as the sole infectious agent responsible
for the mysterious “non-A, non-B” cases of hepatitis and set up a crucial animal model for
future studies.
#NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2020

 French scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier and American Jennifer A. Doudna have won the
Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing a method of genome editing known as CRISPR.
 Using these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with
extremely high precision". The recipients were announced Wednesday in Stockholm by Goran
Hansson, Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
 This award is administered by the Nobel Foundation, and awarded by the Royal Swedish
Academy of Sciences on proposal of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry which consists of five
members elected by the Academy.
 For the first time a Nobel science prize has gone to a women-only team. The first Nobel Prize
in Chemistry was awarded in 1901 to Jacobus Henricus Van't Hoff of the Netherlands, "for
his discovery of the laws of chemical dynamics and osmotic pressure in solutions".
 Jennifer Anne Doudna born on February 19, 1964 is an American biochemist known for
her many pioneering works in the Field of Bio-chemistry. She is a Li Ka Shing Chancellor
Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Molecular and
Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.
 Emmanuelle Marie Charpentier born on 11 December 1968 is a French professor and
researcher in microbiology, genetics and biochemistry. Since 2015, she has been a Director
at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin. In 2018, she founded an
independent research institute, the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens.

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CONTRIBUTION OF THE NOBEL LAUREATES
 Emmanuelle Charpentier and American Jennifer A. Doudna have won the Nobel Prize for
developing a method of genome editing known as CRISPR. Using components of the CRISPR
system, researchers can add, remove, or even alter specific DNA sequences.
 This technology has introduced new opportunities in cancer therapies, curing inherited diseases
and also in plant inbreeding. Emmanuelle Charpentier who was studying bacteria called
Streptococcus pyogenes, noticed a previously unknown molecule called tracrRNA.
 Further studies revealed that this tracrRNA was part of the bacteria’s immune system and it
helps the bacteria destroy viral DNA. She published this discovery in 2011.
 The same year, along with Jennifer Doudnathey, she succeeded in recreating the bacteria’s
scissors and reprogramming it.
 Charpentier and Doudna then proved that they can now use these scissors to cut any DNA
molecule at a required site. CRISPR is an abbreviation for clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats.
 These sequences are a part of the bacteria’s immune system. Bacteria that have survived a virus
infection add a piece of the genetic code of the virus into its genome as a memory of the infection.
In addition to these CRISPR sequences, researchers discovered special genes called CRISPR-
associated, abbreviated as cas.
CONCERNS ON THE CRISPR TECHNOLOGY
 In November 2018, a Chinese researcher He Jiankui in Shenzen created international

sensation with his claim that he had altered the genes of a human embryo that eventually
resulted in the birth of twin baby girls.
 This was the first documented case of a ‘designer babies’ being produced using the new gene-
editing tools like CRISPR, and raised exactly the kind of ethical concerns that scientists like
Doudna have been speaking about.
 He said that he used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to edit the genes of twin girls.
The editing process, which he calls gene surgery, “worked safely as intended” and the girls are
“as healthy as any other babies".
 What made matters worse was that the gene-editing was probably done without any regulatory
permission or oversight.
 Others also pointed out that while CRISPR technology was incredibly precise, it wasn’t 100 per
cent accurate, and it is possible that some other genes could also get altered by mistake.
 Doudna herself has been campaigning for the development of internationally rules and
guidelines for the use of CRISPR technology, and has advocated a general pause these kinds of
applications till such time.
#NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE

 The Nobel Prize in Literature is a Swedish literature prize that is awarded annually, since
1901, to an author from any country who has, in the words of the will of Swedish industrialist
Alfred Nobel, produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal
direction". The Swedish Academy decides who, if anyone will receive the prize. The academy
announces the name of the laureate in early October. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established
by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895. On some occasions the award has been postponed to the
following year, most recently in 2018.

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In 1901, French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme was the first person to
be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, "in special recognition of his poetic
composition, which gives evidence of lofty idealism, artistic perfection and a rare
combination of the qualities of both heart and intellect." The Nobel Prize in
Literature 1913 was awarded to Rabindranath Tagore "because of his
profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill,
he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the
literature of the West." Rabindranath Tagore was the first person of Indian
origin, first Asian and first non European to be awarded with the Nobel Prize.
NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE 2020
 The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 has been awarded to the American poet Louise Glück
"for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence
universal."
 Louise Gluck was born on April 22, 1943, in New York City, US. She is an American poet and
essayist. She is a professor of English at Yale University, Connecticut.
 She is the fourth woman to win the prize for literature since 2010, and only the 16th since the
Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901 & the first female poet to win the prize since Wislawa
Szymborska in 1996.
 Though Olga Tokarczuk and several other women have received the prize in literature category
they were all writers and not a poet.
WORKS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
 Louise Gluck poetry focuses on the painful reality of being human, dealing with themes such as
death, childhood, and family life. Gluck is often regarded as an autobiographical poet.
 She in her poetries self listens for what is left of its dreams and delusions, and nobody can be
harder than she in confronting the illusions of the self.
 In the year 1968, Glück made her debut with Firstborn and soon rose as one of the most
prominent poets in American contemporary literature & known for her notable works such as
The House on Marshland (1975), The Garden (1976), Triumph of Achilles (1985) and The
Wild Iris (1992). She has received many awards including Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1993),
Bollingen Prize (2001), US Poet Laureate (2003–2004), National Book Award (2014) and
National Humanities Medal (2015).
CRITICISM OF LAST YEAR'S WINNERS
 In earlier year, the Swedish Academy gave the nod to Austrian novelist Peter Handke
which unleashed a flood of criticism, as many wondered how it could award a writer
known for supporting Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic in the Balkan wars and
playing down his army's atrocities as Handke was a known supporter of the Serbs
during the 1990s Yugoslav war and spoke at the funeral of former Serb leader Slobodan
Milosevic, who was accused of genocide and other war crimes.
 Last year also saw Polish author Olga Tokarczuk belatedly announced as the winner of
the 2018 literature prize which had been suspended for a year after a sexual assault
scandal and financial misconduct allegations rocked the Swedish Academy, which
awards the annual Nobel Prize for Literature.

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#NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS
 The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, officially the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in
Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel is an economics prize administered by the Nobel
Foundation and generally regarded as the Nobel award for Economics.
 The prize was established in 1968 by a donation from Sweden's central bank Sveriges
Riksbank to the Nobel Foundation to commemorate the bank's 300th anniversary.
 As it is not one of the prizes that Alfred Nobel established in his will in 1895, it is not a Nobel
Prize. However, it is administered and referred to along with the Nobel Prizes by the Nobel
Foundation.
 Laureates are announced with the Nobel Prize laureates, and receive the award at the same
ceremony
FIRST NOBEL LAUREATES IN ECONOMICS
 Laureates in the Memorial Prize in Economics are selected by the Royal Swedish Academy
of Sciences. It was first awarded in 1969 to Dutch economist Jan Tinbergen and Norwegian
economist Ragnar Frisch "for having developed and applied dynamic models for the analysis
of economic processes".
 Amartya Sen was the first Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work
on welfare economics. He has written many books – the Argumentative Indian being one of
them. Amartya Sen was the fourth Indian to bring a Nobel Prize to India. Amartya Sen has
always been in the news for his vociferous criticism of Indian politics and economics.
 Recently, Abhijit Banerjee who was born in India but currently he has citizenship of USA
has won the Nobel Prize in Economics jointly with his wife Esther Duflo and American
Michael Kremer for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.
NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS 2020

 The 2020 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to Paul R. Milgrom and
Robert B. Wilson “for improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction
formats."
 This year’s Laureates in Economic Sciences started out with fundamental theory and later used
their results in practical applications, which have spread globally. Their discoveries are of great
benefit to society.
 Robert Wilson who is an American economist and the Adams Distinguished Professor of
Management, Emeritus at Stanford University awarded this year’s Prize in Economic Sciences,
showed why rational bidders tend to place bids below their own best estimate of the common
value: they are worried about the winner’s curse – that is, about paying too much and losing out.
 2020 Economic Sciences Laureate Paul Milgrom is an American economist. He is the Shirley
and Leonard Ely Professor of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, a position he
has held since 1987.
 Milgrom is an expert in game theory, specifically auction theory and pricing strategies & he
was conferred with Nobel Prize as he formulated a more general theory of auctions that not only
allows common values, but also private values that vary from bidder to bidder.
 This year’s Economic Science Laureates -- Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson -- have not just
clarified how auctions work and why bidders behave in a certain way, but used their theoretical

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
discoveries to invent entirely new auction formats for the sale of goods and services.
WHAT IS AUCTION THEORY?
 The outcome of an auction (or procurement) depends on three factors -- the first is the auction’s
rules, or format. Are the bids open or closed? How many times can participants bid in the
auction? What price does the winner pay – their own bid or the second-highest bid?
 The second factor relates to the auctioned object. Does it have a different value for each
bidder, or do they value the object in the same way?
 The third factor concerns uncertainty. What information do different bidders have about the
object’s value?
 Using auction theory, it is possible to explain how these three factors govern the bidders’
strategic behaviour and thus the auction’s outcome. The theory can also show how to design an
auction to create as much value as possible.
 Both tasks are particularly difficult when multiple related objects are auctioned off at the same
time. This year’s Laureates in Economic Sciences have made auction theory more
applicable in practice through the creation of new, bespoke auction formats.
NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS AWARDED TO NON- ECONOMIST
 In 1995, the Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to John Forbes Nash. He was a
mathematician who made contributions towards differential geometry, game theory and
study of partial differential equations.
 He is the only person to receive the Abel Prize and the Nobel Prize for Economics. He was
awarded with the Nobel Prize for his work on non-linear differential equations.
 It was in 1995, for the first time, the Nobel Prize for Economics was redefined as a prize in
social science. The first time, a non-economist Herbert A Simon received the prize in 1978.
 He was a PhD holder in political Science. Also, Daniel Kahneman, a professor of psychology won
the Nobel Prize for economics.
#NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

 The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish Alfred
Nobel, along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature.
 Since March 1901, it has been awarded annually (with some exceptions) to those who have
"done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or
reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congress.
 In accordance with Alfred Nobel's will, the recipient is selected by the Norwegian Nobel
Committee, a five-member committee appointed by the Parliament of Norway.
 The 2020 prize will be awarded in the Atrium of the University of Oslo. Only two recipients
have won multiple Prizes: the International Committee of the Red Cross has won three times
and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has won twice.
FIRST NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS
 In 1901, Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, shared
the first Nobel Peace Prize with Frederic Passy, a leading international pacifist of the time.
Henry Dunant’s whole life was guided by a passionate devotion to the humanitarian cause; he
took initiatives and carried out activities of the utmost generosity.

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 Mother Teresa was the first woman with close Indian ties to get the 1979 Nobel Peace
Prize. While she was born in Macedonia to parents of Albanian descent, she was sent to
Calcutta to be a teacher after she entered a nunnery. Mother Teresa was known to serve the
poor as she lived amongst them. After founding Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, she,
along with her helpers, built homes for orphans, nursing homes for lepers and hospices for
the terminally ill. Her organization provided aid in other parts of the world.
 Recently, Kailash Satyarthi (India) along with Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) received the
Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young
people, and for the right of all children to education."
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 2020
 The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP), a
United Nations (UN) agency, for its efforts to combat hunger, bettering conditions for peace in
conflict-affected areas and preventing the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.
 It was established in 1961 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and became a full-fledged UN programme in 1965.
 It has its Headquarter in Rome, Italy. Currently, it is the world’s largest humanitarian agency
combating hunger.
 In 2015, eradication of world hunger became one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and WFP is the UN’s primary instrument in achieving that goal.
 Other UN agencies that work towards providing food security includes the World Bank, the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD).
ROLE OF WFP IN COMBATING HUNGER
 In 2015, eradication of world hunger became one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and WFP is the UN’s primary instrument in achieving that goal.
 Other UN agencies that work towards providing food security includes the World Bank, the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD).
 WFP provides food assistance in two ways, either by way of providing food or by meeting
people’s food-needs by providing cash-based transfers. The cash-based transfers were
launched for the first time in 2005 in response to the tsunami in Sri Lanka.
 In 2019, WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people spread across 88 countries
by supplying them with over 4.2 million metric tonnes of food and $1.2 billion in cash and
vouchers.
 In 1989, WFP staged the largest humanitarian airdrop in history involving 20 cargo aircraft
when it launched “Operation Lifeline Sudan” to provide assistance to millions of people
affected by the civil war that played out in the southern part of the country
 More recently, the organization has provided food aid to over 4.5 million victims of the
earthquake in Haiti in 2010, in 2011 to millions of people affected by the Syrian conflict, in
2014 to people affected by the Ebola outbreak and in 2015 to the Nepal earthquake survivors.
WFP’S ROLE IN INDIA
 It has been working in India since 1963. It focuses on reforms in the Targeted Public
Distribution System (TPDS) and provides policy inputs, advocacy and technical assistance for

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
improving access to food.
 The WFP has proposed unique initiatives like Automatic Grain Dispensing Machine
(Annapurti) and Mobile Storage Units for the effective implementation of TPDS.
 WFP India has completed a pilot on rice fortification used in the government’s Mid-day Meals
scheme.
 During the pandemic, WFP India worked with the central and state governments and has also
prepared a guidance note for the reopening of schools.
 For example, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh State
Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) to provide technical assistance for setting up supplementary
nutrition production units.
#2ND NATIONAL WATER AWARDS 2020
 The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation of the Ministry
of Jal Shakti, is organizing the 2nd National Water Awards (NWAs) for the year 2019.
 On November 11, 2020, the Vice President Venkaiah Naidu announced the second National Water
Awards.
 Tamil Nadu won the first place followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan at second and third places
respectively.
 Tamil Nadu also topped in all India level micro irrigation awards under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi
Sinchayee Yojana and the state was followed by Karnataka and Gujarat in second and third places
respectively.
BACKGROUND AND THE OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARDS
 The awards are organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
 The NWAs were launched in 2007 for the first time along with the Ground Water Augmentation
Awards and the winners in different categories are given a citation, trophy and cash prize.
 These focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and organisations across the country,
and the government’s vision for the path to ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’.
 The main objectives of the awards include motivating individuals/organisations who are doing
commendable work in the field of water resources conservation and management.
 To create awareness among the people about the importance of water and encourage them to adopt
the best water usage practices.
 Start-ups, leading organisations and people can engage, deliberate and strengthen existing
partnerships on issues concerning water conservation and management activities.
 Need for Water Conservation and Management: Depletion of water resources due to overuse and
decline in water supplies due to climate change is pushing India closer to the tipping point of water
scarcity.
 Apart from these, several government policies especially pertaining to agriculture resulted in over-
exploitation of water. These factors make India a water-stressed economy. In this context there is a
need for water resource conservation and management.
INITIATIVES AND MISSIONS STARTED BY THE GOVERNMENT

MGNREGA FOR WATER CONSERVATION
 In view of its ambitious target to provide tap-water connections to all rural households by 2024, the

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
government will now focus on source sustainability through river rejuvenation and water harvesting
works under the MGNREGA scheme.
 The huge workforce employed under the MGNREGA has enabled the government to introduce water
conservation as a project under the Act.
 The Ministry of Rural Development has asked states to focus on works related to water conservation
while preparing the MGNREGA labour budget for the 2020-21 financial years.
 Issuing guidelines for planning works and preparation of labour budget under the MGNREGA, the
ministry has said there should be a “special focus on water harvesting and water conservation,
including river rejuvenation”.
JAL KRANTI ABHIYAN
 Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti on 5
June 2015 launched nationwide Jal Kranti Abhiyan (campaign) from Jaipur, Rajasthan.
 The aim is to consolidate water conservation and management in the country through a holistic and
integrated approach involving all stakeholders, making it a mass movement.
 OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the Abhiyan is to strengthen grass root involvement of all stake-
holders including Panchayati raj institutions and local bodies in the water security and development
schemes like Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM).
 To encourage the adoption of traditional knowledge in water resource conservation and its
management to utilize sector-level expertise from different levels in government, NGOs, citizen, etc.
Enhancing livelihood security through water security in rural areas.
NATIONAL WATER MISSION
 National Water Mission is one the eight missions of the Government of India which was launched
under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) for combating the threats of global
warming.
 The main features of the National Water Mission includes Review of National Water Policy,
Research and studies on all aspects related to impact of climate change on water resources including
quality aspects of water resources, Expeditious implementation of water resources projects
particularly the multipurpose projects with carry over storages, Promotion of traditional system of
water conservation.
 Intensive programme for ground water recharge in over-exploited areas, Intensive capacity building
and awareness programme including those for Panchayati Raj Institutions, urban local bodies and
youths, Sensitization of elected representatives of over exploited area on dimensions of the problem
and to orient investment under NREGA towards water conservation
The India's National Water Mission enshrined five goals which are:
Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of the impact of climate change on
water resource,
Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation and preservation
Focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas
Increasing water use efficiency by 20%
Promotion of basin level integrated water resources management.

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JAL JEEVAN MISSION
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his Benefits of Jal Jeevan Mission:
Independence Day speech that the government will launch Jal Household pipeline water supply
Jeevan Mission to bring piped water supply to every house.
 He also urged the people to come forward and contribute in Clean and drinkable water
conserving water resources. PM Modi said that the government Recharge of ground water level
will spend more than Rs. 3.5 Lakh crore in coming years under
the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Jal Jeevan Mission will work under Better local infrastructure
the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Less water-borne diseases
 The Major objective of Jal Jeevan Mission is to provide piped
water supply (Har Ghar Jal) to all rural and urban households Less water wastage
by 2024. It also aims to create local infrastructure for rainwater
harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household waste water for reuse in
agriculture.
 According to the data published in various reports, about half of the country’s households don’t have
access to piped water supply. It is an urgent requirement of water conservation in the country
because of the decreasing amount of groundwater level.
 Therefore, Jal Jeevan Mission will focus on integrated demand and supply management of water at
the local level.
#NATIONAL STARTUPS AWARDS 2020
 The results of the first edition of National Startup Awards (2020) were recently released by
the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Startup India Showcase and Blockchain-based
Certificate Verification System were also launched during the event.
ABOUT THE START UP AWARDS
 Designed by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry
of Commerce & Industry.
 Aim: To recognize and reward outstanding Startups and ecosystem enablers that
are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises, with high
potential of employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating
measurable social impact.
 12 Sectors: The Awards invited applications across 12 sectors, which are Agriculture,
Education, Enterprise Technology, Energy, Finance, Food, Health, Industry 4.0, Space,
Security, Tourism and Urban Services.
 Apart from these, startups were selected from those which create impact in rural areas,
are women-led and founded in academic campuses (3 special categories).
 Prize: The winning startup founders will get a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and an opportunity
to present their solutions to relevant public authorities and corporates. Incubators and
accelerators will get Rs. 15 lakh as the winning amount.

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 A total of 38 startups were awarded, one in each of the 35 categories and 3 special
categories in the 12 sectors.
STARTUP INDIA SHOWCASE
 It is part of the Startup India portal intended to be an online discovery platform for
the most promising startups of the country.
The Government of India has initiated the Startup India Scheme in 2016.
 The startups showcased here shall be handpicked by experts and will span across
different sectors like FinTech, EdTech, Social Impact among others.
 The showcase will help industry, investors and public authorities find and connect
with startups for potential partnerships, investments and public procurement
respectively.
It will help in generation of employment and achieving the goal

of Atmanirbhat Bharat. Atmanirbhar Bharat, which translates to 'self-
reliant India' or 'self-sufficient India', is the vision of the Prime Minister of
India Narendra Modi of making India "a bigger and more important part of
the global economy", pursuing policies that are efficient, competitive and
resilient, and being self-sustaining and self-generating. Atmanirbhar
Bharat doesn't mean "self-containment", "isolating away from the world"
or being "protectionist".The first mention of this came in the form of the
'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' or 'Self-Reliant India Mission' during the
announcement of India's COVID–19 pandemic related economic
package on 12 May 2020. The five pillars of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ are
stated as economy, infrastructure, technology-driven systems, vibrant
demography and demand.
BLOCK CHAIN BASED CERTIFICATE VERIFICATION SYSTEM
 It will enable instant verification and access to certificates of recognitions issued by

DPIIT.This feature introduces an added layer of security to the startup certificates.It
can be accessed by Government Departments, procurement entities, investors, and
other third parties to verify status of recognized startups for accessing different
opportunities.
RELATED NEWS
 Recently, DPIIT also released the results of the 2nd edition of Ranking of States on
Support to Startup Ecosystem in which Gujarat performed best among all States.
 DPIIT has also released the Ease of Doing Business Rankings of the States-2019 in
which Andhra Pradesh topped.
 Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance tabled a report

related to startups in Parliament.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
#GOVT. MEASURES TO BOOST CAPEX
 Recently, the government has announced a twin set of measures to boost consumption
demand and capital expenditure (Capex), which are estimated to result in quick spending of
more than Rs. 1 lakh crore by March 2021. These measures are the Leave Travel Concession
(LTC) voucher scheme and a festival advance scheme. Also, measures have been
announced to step up Capex by the Centre and the states.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE GOVT.

 Supply constraints in the economy have eased over recent months, but consumer
demand remained affected and these measures aim at advancing consumer
spending and Capex.
 Capex steps are “directly linked to an increase in economic output given their high
multiplier effect”.
 The earlier announced Atmanirbhar Bharat package addressed the requirement of
essential goods for needy sections of the society and now these measures aim at
promoting consumption of high-value items by those employees whose salaries and
jobs have not been affected by Covid-19 pandemic.
 With the participation of the private sector, these will stimulate growth in the
economy by advancing the consumption of non-essential, relatively high-value goods
and services in the economy.
 The money is to be spent on goods attracting Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12% or
more and only digital payments will be allowed. Also, employees will have to provide the
GST invoice. If the amount is not spent then the employee will have to pay tax as per the
marginal tax rate on the LTC component.
 The same benefits will be available to private-sector employees if the employers decide
to offer the scheme to their employees and they decide to avail it.
BENEFITS TO ECONOMY
 The government expects a demand generation of Rs. 28,000 crore (Rs. 19,000
crore from central government employees and the rest from states) in the economy.
 While GST collections have been severely impacted in the first half of the fiscal due
to Covid-19 pandemic, a consumption boost will lift GST collections in the second
half of the year as the scheme calls for expenditure to be done till 31st March 2021.
 If private-sector employees also participate, it may lead to a significant jump in
overall consumption and rise in GST collections.
 Since most employees have not been able to travel after the pandemic, the shifting of
the LTC benefit is expected to generate demand elsewhere.
FESTIVAL ADVANCES
 Festival advance, which was abolished in line with recommendations of the 7th Pay
Commission, has been restored for one time till 31st March 2021.

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 All central government employees will get an interest-free advance of Rs. 10,000 that
will be recovered in 10 instalments. It will be given in the form of a pre-loaded RuPay
card of the advance value.
 The government expects to disburse Rs. 4,000 crore under the scheme by 31st March
2021 and if all states provide similar advances, another Rs. 8,000 crore is likely to be
disbursed.
 This is expected to generate consumer demand ahead of festivals like Diwali.
Other Measures to Boost Capital Expenditure:
 An additional budget of Rs 25,000 crore for Capex on roads, defence infrastructure, water
supply, urban development, and domestically produced capital equipment. This is
expected to come through re-allocation of resources.
 Special assistance will be provided to states in the form of interest-free 50-year loans
of Rs. 12,000 crore, which can be used only for Capex purposes, with certain conditions.
MAJOR CONCERNS
Too Many Restrictions: Provisions like buying goods and services worth three times the
fare, only in goods attracting GST of 12% or more through digital mode before 31 st
March etc. end the freedom of the consumer in decision making.
Smaller Size: Capex amounts are too small to have any meaningful impact on economic
growth. With the previous rounds of budgetary fiscal support of around 1% of GDP,
current measures take total fiscal support to about 1.2% of GDP, which is small
compared with the size of the growth hit and reflects India’s weak fiscal starting
position.
Limited Impact: As the measures are aimed at encouraging spending for government
employees rather than private/vulnerable section (where job losses/income losses
have been significant), the overall impact will be limited.
On Tourism: LTC Voucher Scheme may impact the travel and tourism industry negatively
if consumers choose to spend through the scheme. Demand in travel and tourism has
already fallen significantly after the Covid-19 induced lockdowns and closed borders.
#RBI ISSUED GOLD BOND SCHEME
 A seventh tranche of the gold bond scheme - in which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
issues bonds linked to the market price of gold on behalf of the government - will be
available for investment on five days starting 12th October, 2020.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank, responsible for the
issue and supply of the Indian rupee and the regulation of the Indian banking system. It also
manages the country's main payment systems and works to promote its economic
development. Until the Monetary Policy Committee was established in 2016, it also had full
control monetary policy in India. It commenced its operations on 1 April 1935 in accordance
with the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The original share capital was divided into shares of
100 each fully paid. Following India's independence on 15 August 1947, the RBI was
nationalized
 on 1 January 1949.

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 Launch: The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme was launched in November 2015 with
an objective to reduce the demand for physical gold and shift a part of the domestic
savings - used for the purchase of gold - into financial savings.
 Issuance: The Gold Bonds are issued as Government of India Stock under the
Government Securities (GS) Act, 2006. These are issued by the RBI on behalf of the
Government of India.
Bonds are sold through Commercial banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL),
designated post offices (as may be notified) and recognized stock exchanges viz., National Stock
Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange, either directly or through agents.
 Eligibility: The bonds are restricted for sale to resident individuals, Hindu Undivided
Families (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions.
FEATURES OF THE SCHEMES
 Issue Price: The price of the gold bonds is calculated based on the spot price of gold as
provided by the Mumbai-based India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).
 For the seventh tranche, a price of Rs. 5,051 per unit is applicable. Those purchasing the
bonds through an online mode - using a digital mode of payment - get a discount of Rs. 50
on each unit.
 Investment Limit: Gold bonds can be purchased in the multiples of one unit, up to
certain thresholds for different investors.
 The upper limit for retail (individual) investors and HUFs is 4 kilograms (4,000 units)
each per financial year. For trusts and similar entities, an upper limit of 20 kilograms per
financial year is applicable.
Minimum permissible investment is 1 gram of gold.
 Term: The gold bonds come with a maturity period of eight years, with an option to exit
the investment after the first five years.
 Interest Rate: A fixed rate of 2.5% per annum is applicable on the scheme, payable semi-
annually.
 The interest on Gold Bonds shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961.
BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME
Bonds can be used as collateral for loans.

The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual has been exempted.
Redemption is the act of an issuer repurchasing a bond at or before maturity.
Capital gain is the profit earned on the sale of an asset like stocks, bonds or real estate. It results
in when the selling price of an asset exceeds its purchase price.
#INDIA BELOW BANGLADESH IN PER CAPITA GDP

 India set to slip below Bangladesh in terms of per capita GDP in 2020, as per International
Monetary Fund (IMF)-World Economic Outlook (WEO) that was released on October 13, 2020.
 As per the latest World Economic Outlook, Bangladesh is going to overtake India as its per
capita GDP in dollar terms is likely to expand 4 percent in 2020 to $1,888.

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 Indian Economy, on the other hand, is facing a steep contraction as a result of the coronavirus
lockdown.
 India's per capita GDP is expected to slump 10.5 percent to $1,877 in 2020, which is the lowest
in the last four years.
 Going by this projection, India would be the third poorest nation in South Asia, with only
Pakistan and Nepal reporting lower per capita GDP.
 All other South Asian nations including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka would
outpace India.
COVID-19 IMPACT IN SOUTH ASIA
 India's economy is one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia after Sri
Lanka.
 As per the WEO growth projections, Sri Lanka's per capita GDP is likely to contract 4 percent
in 2020.
 Other nations such as Nepal and Bhutan are comparatively projected to grow their economies
this year.
 The IMF did not disclose Pakistan's data for 2020.
IS ECONOMIC RECOVERY POSSIBLE IN 2022
 The IMF's World Economic Outlook (WEO) for 2021 forecasts sharp economic recovery for the
Indian economy. India's GDP is expected to grow by 8.8 percent in 2021, which is expected to
push India ahead of Bangladesh by a small margin. The WEO growth projection for Bangladesh's
per capita GDP is 5.4 percent in 2021.
OVERTAKE OF BANGLADESH OVER INDIA

 India's per capita GDP was almost 40 percent higher than Bangladesh's up until five years ago.
However, in the last five years, Bangladesh's per capita GDP increased at a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1 percent, compared to 3.2 percent growth recorded by India during
the said period.
 Bangladesh's economic growth was supported by a rapidly growing export sector and stable
growth in the savings and investment rate of the country. India's exports, on the other hand, saw
a downturn in recent years and savings and investments also showed a decline.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization,

headquartered in Washington, D.C., consisting of 190 countries working to foster
global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade,
promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and
reduce poverty around the world while periodically depending on the World
Bank for its resources. Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods
Conference primarily by the ideas of Harry Dexter White and John Maynard
Keynes, it came into formal existence in 1945 with 29 member countries and the
goal of reconstructing the international payment system. It now plays a central role
in the management of balance of payments difficulties and international
financial crises. Countries contribute funds to a pool through a quota system from
which countries experiencing balance of payments problems can borrow money. As
of 2016, the fund had XDR 477 billion (about US$667 billion)
WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

 As per the latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF continues to project a deep recession in
2020, while global growth is projected to be -4.4 percent, an upward revision of 0.8 percent
compared to the previous June update.
 The upward revision of global growth projections is due to less dire outcomes in the second
quarter of the fiscal year and stronger signs of recovery in the third quarter, as some countries
have benefited from the re-opening and partial rebound.
 Gita Gopinath, Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund, posted a small message
on the WEO projections on her twitter account, in which she said that to return back to pre-
pandemic levels of activity in most countries is going to be a long, highly uneven and highly
uncertain journey.
 In 2021, WEO projects global growth to rebound to 5.2 percent, -0.2 percent below June
projections. Further, the latest economic outlook revealed that except for China, where output
is expected to exceed 2019 levels this year, output in both advanced economies, emerging
market and developing economies is projected to remain below 2019 levels even next year.
#WORLD BANK BIENNIAL REPORT (ECONOMY)

 The World Bank has recently released its biennial South Asia Economic Focus report. The fall
2020 edition is titled “Beaten or Broken? Informality and Covid-19”.

The report includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri
Lanka.
 The report predicts that the extended closure of schools amid the Covid-19
pandemic could dent India’s future earnings by anywhere between 420 billion USD and 600
billion USD, as depleted learning levels of students will translate into poorer
productivity going forward.
Impact on Education:
 Around 5.5 million students could drop out of schools across South Asia.
 391 million students have been kept out of school in primary and secondary education due
to lockdown.
 Dropouts, combined with substantial learning losses for those who remain enrolled in schools,
would cost South Asia as much as 622 billion USD in future earnings and gross domestic
product.

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 The regional loss is largely driven by India, all countries will lose substantial shares of their
GDP.
 The projected learning loss for the region is 0.5 years of Learning-adjusted years of
schooling (LAYS) at present. LAYS combines quantity and quality of schooling into a single
easy-to-understand metric of progress.
 Due to the closure of schools, not only the learning process has been obstructed but the children
may have forgotten their previous learnings. The average child in South Asia may lose 4,400
USD in lifetime earnings once having entered the labour market, equivalent to 5% of total
earnings.
 Engaging children through remote learning programmes had been difficult, despite most
governments’ best efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures.
Impacts on Economy:
 Impact on Informal Sector: The report has flagged damage to businesses, consumption
patterns and imposed social hardship on poor and vulnerable households, especially urban
migrants and informal workers in the South Asia region. It has also warned against far-
reaching consequences apart from these immediate impacts.
 GDP: The regional GDP of the South Asia region is estimated to contract by 7.7% in 2020.
India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can contract by 9.6% in 2020-21.
 Labour productivity: It will also take a greater hit from Covid-19 than most previous natural
disasters. Reasons for the decrease in labour productivity are as follows:
 Globalization: The increased integration of the global economy will amplify the adverse
impact of Covid-19. Effect on supply chains, export-import and international migration of
labour will affect labor productivity.
 Capacity underutilization: Contagion prevention and physical distancing may render
some activities, for example, the hospitality sector, unviable unless they are radically
transformed, which will take time. Even in less directly affected sectors such as
manufacturing, banking and business, severe capacity underutilization lowers total factor
productivity.
 Disruptions to training, schooling and other education: These may occur due to severe
income losses as well as lack of access to training and education facilities. Even once
restrictions are lifted, the impediment of training will also lower human capital and labour
productivity over the long term.
 Other Related Reports:

 Recently, the UN Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Children estimated that almost 24
million children could drop out or not have access to school next year due to
the economic impact of Covid-19.
 Earlier this year, the Global Education Monitoring Report, 2020 was released by UNESCO
which highlighted that the Covid-19 had worsened the inequalities in education
systems worldwide.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#STARS PROJECT
 The Union Cabinet has approved implementation of the World Bank aided- Strengthening
Teaching- Learning and Results for States (STARS) project with a total project cost of Rs.
5,718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to about Rs. 3,700 crore.
 The STARS project would be implemented as a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the
Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education (MoE).
 Aim and Focus: These are aligned with the objective of National Education Policy (NEP)
2020 of Quality Based Learning Outcomes. Strengthening the government-managed
school education system that primarily caters to the educational needs of girls and students
from marginalised groups. Focus on initiatives of PM e-Vidya, Foundational Literacy and
Numeracy Mission and National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early
Childhood Care and Education as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Features -Key Areas:
 Support for Participation in PISA: India’s participation in the 2022 cycle of the
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey will also be funded by
this project.
 PISA was introduced in 2000 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD).
 It tests the learning levels of 15-year-old children in reading, mathematics, and
science. The test is conducted every three years.
 India stayed away from PISA in 2012 and 2015 on account of its dismal
performance in 2009, when it was placed 72nd among the 74 participating countries.
The government decided to end the boycott in 2019.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
 At the national level:
To strengthen the national data systems of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to capture
robust and authentic data on retention, transition and completion rates of students. To
support the strengthening of learning assessment systems.
 PARAKH: Establishment of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis
of Knowledge for Holistic Development) as a National Assessment Centre
 Included in NEP, this independent and autonomous institution under the MOE will set
standards for the around 60 examination boards in the country.
 Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC): It will help the government
respond to situations leading to loss of learning such as school closures/infrastructure
damage, inadequate facilities and use technology for facilitating remote learning etc.
 The CERC component would facilitate: The rapid re-categorization of financing (to provide
flexibility in the crisis situation). The utilization of streamlined is financing request
procedures (so that delays in financing is eliminated).
At the State level:
• The project seeks to improve education outcomes and school-to-work transition
strategies for better labour market outcomes in 6 states: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.

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 The STARS programme builds on the long partnership between India and the World Bank for
strengthening public school education and to support the country’s goal of providing ‘education
for all’. STARS will support India’s renewed focus on addressing the ‘learning outcome’
challenge and help students better prepare for the jobs of the future – through a series of
reform initiatives
#WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK RELEASED BY IMF

 According to the October update of the World Economic Outlook 2020, India's gross
domestic product (GDP) will witness a contraction of over 10%.
 This is more than the double of 4.5% contraction projected in the April edition.
 World Economic Outlook is a survey by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is
usually published twice a year in the months of April and October.
 Global growth would contract by 4.4% in 2020 and bounce back to 5.2% in 2021.
 Indian economy, severely hit by the pandemic, is projected to contract by 10.3% in 2020. The
spread of the Covid-19 and containment measures have severely disrupted supply and
demand conditions in India.
 However, India is likely to bounce back with an 8.8% growth rate in 2021, thus regaining the
position of the fastest-growing emerging economy, surpassing China’s projected growth rate of
8.2%.
 Among the major economies, China is the only country to show a positive growth rate of 1.9%
in 2020.
India-Bangladesh Difference
 GDP Comparison: According to the IMF’s forecasts, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is expected
to overtake India in 2020. India is likely to grow faster in 2021 and in all likelihood again
surge ahead.
 Per Capita Income Comparison: However, over the five-year period ending in
2025, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is expected to grow at a slightly higher pace, implying
that in 2025, its per capita income would be USD 2,756, marginally higher than that of
India’s at USD 2,729.
 Given Bangladesh’s lower population growth and faster economic growth, India and
Bangladesh are likely to be neck and neck for the foreseeable future in terms of per capita
income.

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Comparison Method
 Typically, countries are compared on the basis of GDP growth rate, or on absolute GDP.
 However, per capita income also involves another variable like the overall population and is
arrived at by dividing the total GDP by the total population.
 Major Trends:
 For the most part since Bangladesh’s independence, on both these counts, India’s economy
has been better than Bangladesh’s.
 India’s economy has mostly been over 10 times the size of Bangladesh and grown faster
every year.
 In 1991, when India was undergoing a severe financial crisis and grew by just above
1%, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP surged ahead of India’s. Since then, India again took the
lead.
 There are three reasons why India’s per capita income has fallen below Bangladesh in
2020. These are as below:
 Growth Rates: Since 2017 onwards, India’s growth rate has decelerated sharply while
Bangladesh’s has become even faster.
 Bangladesh’s economy has been clocking rapid GDP growth rates since 2004.
However, this pace did not alter the relative positions of the two economies between 2004
and 2016 because India grew even faster than Bangladesh.
 Populations: Over the same period, India’s population grew faster (around 21%) than
Bangladesh’s population (just under 18%).
 The combined effect of these two factors can be seen in how the per capita GDP gap had
closed considerably even before Covid-19.
 Bangladesh’s per capita GDP was merely half of India’s in 2007 but this was just before
the global financial crisis. It was roughly 70% of India’s in 2014 and this gap closed
rapidly in the last few years.
 Impact of Covid-19: The most immediate factor was the relative impact of Covid-19 on the
two economies in 2020.

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 While India’s GDP is set to reduce by 10%, Bangladesh’s is expected to grow by almost 4%.
Reasons Behind Bangladesh’s Fast Growth

 Independence from Pakistan: It gave Bangladesh a chance to start afresh on its economic and
political identity.
 Less Stringent Labour Laws: Labour laws were not as stringent and its economy increasingly
involved women in its labour force, seen by the higher female participation.
 Role of Garment Industry in Exports: A key driver of growth was the garment industry where
women workers gave Bangladesh the edge to corner the global export markets from which China
retreated.
 Industry and Services Led GDP: Structure of Bangladesh’s economy is such that its GDP is led by
the industrial sector, followed by the services sector and both these sectors create a lot of jobs
and are more remunerative than agriculture.
Improved Social and Political Metrics: Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has improved on
several social and political metrics such as health, sanitation, financial inclusion, and women’s
political representation.
 For example, despite a lower proportion of the population having access to basic sanitation,
the mortality rate attributed to unsafe water and sanitation in Bangladesh is much
lower than in India.
 On financial inclusion, according to the World Bank Global Findex database,
the proportion of dormant bank accounts is quite small when compared to India.
 Bangladesh is also far ahead of India in the latest gender parity rankings. Out of 154
countries mapped, Bangladesh is in the top 50 while India is at 112.
 Bangladesh with the 75th rank, is ahead of India, with 94th rank, in the Global Hunger
Index 2020.
India’s Better Performance
 India’s level of poverty is much lower than that of Bangladesh’s. According to the World
Bank, poverty in Bangladesh is expected to increase substantially in the short term, with
the highest impact on daily and self-employed workers in the non-agricultural sector and
salaried workers in the manufacturing sector.
 India is far ahead of Bangladesh in basic education parameters and that is what explains its
higher rank in the Human Development Index.
 India stands at the 63rd rank while Bangladesh is at the 168th rank, out of total 190
countries in the Ease of Doing Business 2020.
 India is at the 48th position while Bangladesh ranked 116th among 131 economies in
the Global Innovation Index 2020.
CONCLUSION
 Bangladesh’s recent economic performance and its differences from India can be traced to the
former’s better export performance, especially in garments and apparel.
 India’s exports have remained sluggish, which could provide the much-needed fillip to India’s

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economy. However, this would require India to reverse its recent stance on trade, lower rather
than raise tariffs, embrace free trade agreements, and seek greater integration with global supply
chains.
 Wages in China are rising and countries like Bangladesh is all set to take advantage of this
opportunity post-Covid-19. As companies try to hedge their supply chain risks, and shifts away
from China intensify, this provides India yet another opportunity but it will require the government
to pivot away from protectionism
REPORTS AND INDEX

#OXFAM RELEASED REPORT' CONFRONT CARBON INEQUALITY
 Recently, the Oxfam International and the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) has
released a report titled “Confronting Carbon Inequality”, which highlights that a rich person
contributes more to the climate crisis than a poor person.
Oxfam is a global organization working together to end the injustice of poverty.

Oxfam is a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations focusing on the
alleviation of global poverty, founded in 1942 and led by Oxfam International. It is a
major nonprofit group with an extensive collection of operations. SEI is
an international non-profit research and policy organization which
promotes sustainability in policy making.
DATA ANALYSIS FROM 1990-2015

 Cumulative Emissions: The richest 1% of humanity accounted for 15% of cumulative
emissions, while the poorest 50% accounted for only 7%.
 Depletion of Global Carbon Budget: The richest 10% depleted the global carbon budget by
31% and the poorest 50% used only 4% of the carbon budget.
 A carbon budget is a cumulative amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions permitted

over a period of time to keep within a certain temperature threshold.
 Emissions Growth: While the richest 10% accounted for 46% of emissions growth, the
poorest 50% accounted for only 6%.
 About half of the emissions of the richest 10% are associated with North America and
the European Union (EU).
INDIA COMPARISON WITH OTHERS

 An Indian emitted only 1.97 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2) annually, while Americans and
Canadians both emitted well over 16 tCO2.
 The per capita CO2 emissions of the richest 10% of Indians were about 4.4 tonnes in 2018, in
comparison to the per capita emissions of the richest 10% Americans were 52.4 tonnes, almost
12 times that of the richest Indians.
 India’s per capita emissions were a fraction of not just the EU but also China making it
the lowest per capita emitter amongst the world’s large economies.

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AREAS OF CONCERN
 The global carbon budget is being rapidly depleted due to the increasing consumption of
the rich in the name of dignity and a decent standard of living.
 Of this increased consumption, the largest share of emissions by the rich was from flights and
cars, including private jets, luxury SUVs and sports cars.
 Also, the report briefly acknowledged the intersectionality of income inequality and the
climate crisis with factors such as race, class, gender, caste and age.
 For example, gender pay inequity meant that men earned higher wages than women which
led to higher spendings and more travels.
 Global consumption and production models are driven by tenets of capitalistic growth
and neoliberalism and it is impossible to decouple those systems from resource extraction
and environmental degradation.
 Moderate measures such as carbon tax and non-binding climate commitments from
corporations and countries are inadequate while considering the scale of transformation.
SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM OF EMISSIONS

 Systemic change rather than a sole focus on individual action. Clip emissions of the richest
10% and reduce the per capita footprint to the 1.5°C-consistent level by 2030 which would
cut annual carbon emissions by over a third.
 Call for “new economic models that do not depend on the endless growth in
consumption of the already affluent”.
 This is a departure from the mainstream discourse on climate solutions which tends to focus
on changes in behaviour and personal habits such as driving electric vehicles and
consuming less meat.
 Comprehensive approaches like the Green New Deal (popular in the USA in 2018 and
different from the European Green Deal), which might help avert the worst of the climate
crisis amid widespread income inequality and imbalanced power structures.
 The Green New Deal combines a series of goals including 100% renewable energy, along
with full access to health care and guaranteed wages.
 The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) echoed the same
in 2019 and called for a global iteration of a Green New Deal through a large-scale
investment push led by the public sector instead of the private sector.
 Wealth redistribution via taxes on the wealthiest, rapid decarbonisation via large-scale
public investments in clean energy and low carbon transportation, mass mobilization and
the creation of a social safety net through measures like jobs guarantee programme and
universal healthcare.

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 The Paris Agreement of 2016 is an international accord that brings almost 200
countries together in setting a common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions
in an effort to fight climate change. Parties to UNFCCC agreed to strive to limit the rise in
global warming to well less than 2 degrees Celsius and to try and limit the temperature
increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius, over pre-industrial levels by 2100, under the
Paris Agreement. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) were conceived at Paris
summit which require each Party to prepare, communicate and maintain successive
nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that it intends to achieve. Parties shall
pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such
contributions. Paris Agreement replaced earlier agreement to deal with climate change,
Kyoto Protocol.
#REPORT ON TEA LABOUR RIGHTS VIOLATION

 A report titled ‘Addressing the Human Cost of Assam Tea’ by Oxfam has flagged violation of
labour rights in the tea estates of Assam. Along with Oxfam, Tata Institute of Social Sciences was
also involved in this research.
EXTREMELY LOW WAGES

 Workers are paid in a ‘blend’ of cash and in-kind benefits and services. Cash payments are
supplemented by the provision of food rations and free housing, healthcare and primary
education, as required by the Plantations Labour Act (PLA), 1951.
 Plantation owners describe wages in terms of the total value of both cash and in-kind benefits,
claiming that this meets minimum wage levels.
 India’s Minimum Wage Act of 1948 stipulates that in-kind benefits may not form part of the
minimum wage calculation.
 However, the Act is not compulsory and Assam (like West Bengal) has agreed an
exception for tea companies.
 The cash component of Assam tea workers’ wages is well below the minimum wage level of
unskilled agricultural workers in the state i.e. Rs. 254.91.
INJUSTICE FOR WOMEN
 Women do the labour-intensive, low-paid task of plucking tea, while men get the better paid,
more respected factory jobs.
 They are excluded from decision making and from pay and working conditions
negotiations, partly due to being under-represented in trade unions.
 These add up to a working life deprived of dignity.
 Lack of Basic Facilities: Indian tea estates are legally obliged under the PLA, 1951 to
provide decent housing, healthcare, and education and working conditions – but are
clearly failing to do so.
 Housing and toilets are dilapidated or non-existent. Most workers do not have access to safe
drinking water, so they have to drink the contaminated water, meaning diseases such as
cholera, typhoid etc.

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Inequality of Power: Supermarkets and tea brands in India retain more than half (58.2%) of the
final consumer price of black processed tea sold in the country, with just 7.2% remaining for
workers. The relentless squeeze by supermarkets and brands on the share of the end consumer price
for tea makes poverty and hardship for workers in Assam more likely.
SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM
 Enabling Living Wages: Closing the gap between current wages and living wages for tea
workers could be supported in one of two ways:
 Either by supermarkets increasing the end consumer price of tea, alongside making a
commitment to pass this increase to workers rather than increasing their own margins.
 Or alternatively, by maintaining current prices but redistributing some of the retailer and
tea brand share of the end consumer price to workers.
 It is to be noted that the amount of additional money required to enable a living wage
for workers is relatively small.
 Workers on tea estates in Assam currently receive just around Rs 3 per 100g of bagged black
tea sold to consumers and would require only around Rs 7 to enable living wages to be paid.
FOR ENDING HARDSHIPS
 Tea brands and supermarkets should work with trade unions, civil society, producers and the
relevant government bodies to address the systemic challenges facing the industry and end the
human suffering of the millions of workers who depend on tea for their livelihood.
 There is a need to ensure that women workers have a voice in decision making and can work
in decent conditions without discrimination.
 It should be ensured that tea estates comply with their legal obligation under the
Plantations Labour Act (PLA), 1951.
 In the proposed labour law changes, it needs to be ensured that the PLA provisions in
the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code further the realization of
workers’ rights and human rights
 The government of Assam should implement a minimum wage level of INR 351 per day,
as committed by it. Also, there is a need to exclude in-kind benefits from minimum wage
calculations on tea plantations.
 Plantations Labor Act (PLA), 1951.
 The PLA of 1951 provides for the welfare of plantation labour and regulates the working
conditions on plantations.
 The Government of India is planning to subsume the PLA in the Labour Code on
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Bill, 2019.
 This new Bill inter alia aims to provide fair wages to plantation workers by limiting the in-kind
component of their pay and instead providing welfare facilities through the welfare schemes of
the government.
 Related Constitutional Provisions

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 Under the Constitution of India, Labour is a subject in the Concurrent List where both the
Central & State Governments are competent to enact legislation subject to certain matters being
reserved for the Centre.
 Article 39 of the Constitution states that the State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards
securing equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
 Article 43 of the Constitution states that the State shall endeavour to secure, by suitable
legislation or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work, a
living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life.
#GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX
 India has been ranked at 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020.
Annual Report: Jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It was first
produced in 2006. It is published every October. The 2020 edition marks the 15th edition
of the GHI.
 Aim: To comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels.
 Calculation: The GHI scores are calculated each year to assess progress and setbacks in combating
hunger. It is calculated on the basis of four indicators:
 Undernourishment: Share of the population with insufficient caloric intake.

 Child Wasting: Share of children under age five who have low weight for their
height, reflecting acute under nutrition.
 Child Stunting: Share of children under age five who have low height for their
age, reflecting chronic under nutrition.
 Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under the age of five.
SCORING IN THE INDEX

 Based on the values of the four indicators, the GHI determines hunger on a 100-point
scale where 0 is the best possible score (no hunger) and 100 is the worst.
 Each country’s GHI score is classified by severity, from low to extremely alarming.
 Global Scenario:
 Worldwide Hunger: Represented by a GHI score of 18.2 (moderate level), down from a 2000
GHI score of 28.2 (serious).
 Factors:
 The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, as well as a massive
outbreak of desert locusts in the Horn of Africa and other crises, are exacerbating food
and nutrition insecurity for millions of people. It needs to be noted that 2020 GHI scores
do not reflect the impact of Covid-19 on hunger and undernutrition.
 The above mentioned crises come on top of existing hunger caused by conflict, climate
extremes, and economic shocks (random, unpredictable events).
 Region-wise Performance: Africa South of the Sahara and South Asia have the highest
hunger and undernutrition levels among world regions, with 2020 GHI scores of 27.8 and

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26.0, respectively—both considered serious.
 SDG 2 Progress: The world is not on track to achieve the second Sustainable Development
Goal - known as Zero Hunger for short - by 2030.
Indian Scenario
 Overall Performance:
 With a score of 27.2, India has a level of hunger that is “serious”.
 It ranks 94 out of 107 countries in the Index. In 2019, India’s rank was 102 out of 117
countries.
Comparison with Other Countries
 India features behind Nepal (73), Pakistan (88), Bangladesh (75), and Indonesia (70)
among others.
 Out of the total 107 countries, only 13 countries fare worse than India including countries
like Rwanda (97), Nigeria (98), Afghanistan (99), Liberia (102), Mozambique (103), and
Chad (107) among others.
Performance on the Indicators
 Undernourishment: 14% of India’s population is undernourished (2017-19). It was 16.3%
during 2011-13.
 Child Wasting: 17.3% (2015-19), it was 15.1% in 2010-14.
 Child stunting: 34.7%, it has improved significantly, from 54% in 2000 to less than 35% now.
 Child Mortality: 3.7%, it was 5.2% in 2012.
Some Related Initiatives by India
 Eat Right India Movement: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
 POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2018, it
targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and
adolescent girls).
 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: A centrally sponsored scheme executed by
the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being
implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
 Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and
minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to
improve their nutritional content.
 National Food Security Act, 2013: The National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013 legally entitled up
to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food
grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.
 Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for
immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme offers a package of six services
(Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school non-formal education, Nutrition & health education,
Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services) to children in the age group of 0-6 years,

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pregnant women and lactating mothers.
SOLUTION TO THE HEALTH CRISES

 Governments, private actors, and NGOs should carefully coordinate their responses to
overlapping food and health crises and work with community organizations to make sure
interventions are culturally acceptable, reach the most vulnerable, and preserve local ecosystems.
 Food should be priced not only by its weight or volume but also by its nutrient density, its
freedom from contamination, and its contribution to ecosystem services and social justice.
 Governments should expand access to maternal and child health care, as well as education on
healthy diets and child feeding practices.
 Supporting smallholder farmers in becoming sustainable and diversified producers;
governments and NGOs must seek to improve those farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and
extension services, coupling local and indigenous agricultural knowledge with new technologies.
 Existing human rights-based multilateral mechanisms and international standards—such as
the Committee on World Food Security—must be strengthened to support inclusive policy making
and sustainable food systems.
#INDIA INNOVATION INDEX BY NITI AAYOG
 NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Ayog with the Institute for
Competitiveness has released the India Innovation Index.
 The index, developed on the lines of the Global Innovation Index, would help the innovation
ecosystem of Indian states and Union Territories (UTs) to design policies to drive innovation
across regions.

For a country as large as India, the state of innovation needs to be understood at the regional
level for effective policy formulation.
 Based on the index each state needs to formulate its own policy, based on its unique resources
and strengths and which caters to its specific needs.
 The index goes beyond traditional approaches for measuring innovation such as patents per
million of population, publication in scientific journals, percentage of GDP spending on research
and adds parameters that are specific to the Indian economy (eg. Demographic dividend), to
give it a more holistic coverage.
 The India Innovation Index 2019 is calculated as the average of the scores of its two dimensions
- Enablers and Performance.
 The Enablers examine innovative capacities: Human Capital, Investment, Knowledge Workers,
Business Environment, and Safety and Legal Environment.
 The Performance captures benefits that a nation derives from the inputs: Knowledge Output
and Knowledge Diffusion.

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FINDINGS OF THE INDEX

 The states have been bifurcated into three categories:
 Major states,
 North-east and hill states,
 Union territories/Small states
 Karnataka emerged topper in the overall rankings in the category of major states with Tamil
Nadu and Maharashtra in the second and third positions.
 Karnataka’s top position is partly attributed to its top rank in the Performance dimension.
 It is also among the top performers in Infrastructure, Knowledge Workers, Knowledge Output
and Business Environment.
 Maharashtra performs the best in the dimension of Enablers.
 This implies that it has the best enabling environment for innovation, even though the state
comes in at the third position in the overall innovation index.
 The top ten major states are majorly concentrated in southern and western India.
 Among the North-Eastern states and Union territories, Sikkim and Delhi occupy the top spots
respectively.
 Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are the most
efficient states in translating inputs into output.
 In terms of attracting investment, Karnataka topped the index among major states, followed by
Maharashtra, Haryana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
 Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab were the least attractive states for investment.
 Among North East and the Hill States, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura were the
top three states; while among the UTs, Lakshadweep, Delhi and Goa were the top three
regions.
CONCLUSION
 There is a need to broaden and improve the capability of top rung educational institutions in the
country to produce greater innovation outputs.
 Increased spending on research and development with greater collaboration between the industry
and educational institutions may help to enhance innovation capability.
 A collaborative platform consisting of all the stakeholders of innovation - innovators, researchers,
and investors from the industry should be developed.
 It will help to strengthen the industry-academia linkages and will ease the process of technology
transfer by providing a platform for innovators to showcase their inventions.

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#EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REPORT, 2020

 The World Bank recently released its Ease of Doing Business Report, 2020. The indicator
measures the performance of countries across 10 different dimensions in the 12-month period
ending May 1, 2019.
 According to the report, New Zealand retained its 1st position whereas Somalia was ranked
at 190th spot.
 India was placed at 63rd position this time (2019) out of 190 countries marking
an improvement of 14 places from its 77th position in 2018. India’s score
improved from 67.23 in the previous year to 71.0 this year. India for the third consecutive
year was present in the list of 10 economies where the business climate has improved the most.
The essential features of India's performance this year are:

 India’s ranking improved basically on four parameters:
 Starting a Business- India made starting a business easier by fully integrating multiple
application forms into a general incorporation form,
 Dealing with Construction Permits- For example, building a warehouse cost around
4% of the warehouse value as compared to 5.7% in the previous year,
 Trading across Borders- with a single electronic platform- improved electronic
submission methods for documents and upgrades to port infrastructure, import and
export process became easier, and
 Resolving Insolvency- Recovery rate under resolving insolvency has improved
significantly from 26.5% to 71.6%. Also, the time taken for resolving insolvency has
also come down significantly from 4.3 years to 1.6 years.
 India continues to maintain its first position among South Asian countries. It was 6th (in
2014).
 The World Bank will now include Kolkata and Bengaluru, besides Delhi and Mumbai, for
preparing ease of doing business report, in order to provide a holistic picture of the business
environment of the country.
Ease of Doing Business Report
The report was introduced in 2003 to provide an assessment of objective measures of business
regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies on ten parameters affecting a business
through its life cycle.
 This time two more parameters were considered namely, employing workers and
contracting with the government but these are not included in the score and rankings.
 It ranks countries on the basis of Distance to Frontier (DTF) score that highlights the gap of
an economy with respect to the global best practice. For example, a score of 75 means an
economy was 25 percentage points away from the frontier constructed from the best
performances across all economies and across time.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#WB RELEASED REPORT ON POVERTY

 The World Bank in its biennial Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report mentions that Covid-
19 can add around 27-40 million new poor in Sub-Saharan Africa and around 49-57 million
in South Asia region.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to
the governments of low and middle income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital
projects. It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA). The
World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group. The World Bank's most recently
stated goal is the reduction of poverty. The World Bank was created at the 1944 Bretton
Woods Conference, along with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The president of
the World Bank is, traditionally, an American. The World Bank and the IMF are both
based in Washington, D.C., and work closely with each other. Although many countries
were represented at the Bretton Woods Conference, the United States and United
Kingdom were the most powerful in attendance and dominated the negotiations. The
intention behind the founding of the World Bank was to provide temporary loans to low-
income countries which were unable to obtain loan commercially. The Bank may also
make loans and demand policy reforms from recipients
 The “new poor” will:

 Be more urban poor.
 Be more engaged in informal services and manufacturing and less in agriculture.
 Live in congested urban settings and work in the sectors most affected by lockdowns and
mobility restrictions.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
 Extreme Poverty Projection: The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to push an additional 88
million to 115 million people into extreme poverty this year, with the total rising to as
many as 150 million by 2021, depending on the severity of the economic contraction.
 Percentage of Population: The pandemic and global recession may cause over 1.4% of the
world’s population to fall into extreme poverty.
 Extreme poverty: It is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day. The World Bank measures
poverty lines of $3.20 and $5.50, and also a multidimensional spectrum that includes access
to education and basic infrastructure.
 Increase in Rate of Poverty: Global extreme poverty rate is projected to rise by
around 1.3% to 9.2% in 2020. If the pandemic would not have been there, the poverty rate was
expected to drop to 7.9% in 2020.
 Regions of Incidence: Many of the newly poor individuals will be from countries that
already have high poverty rates (Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia).
 Around 82% of the total poor will be in middle income countries (MICs).
 Flood Prone Areas: About 132 million of the global poor live in high flood risk regions. The
focus on flooding in this report primarily reflects the fact that floods are one of the most

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common and severe hazards, especially in lower-income countries.
 Reverse of Progress Made: Current increasing poverty is reversal of the achievements made
in two-and-a-half decades (1990-2015).
 Extreme poverty rate declined by 26%. It dropped to 10% from nearly 36%.
 During 2012-2017, the growth was inclusive and the incomes of the poorest 40% of the
population grew.
 The average global shared prosperity was 2.3% during the period.
 Diminished Shared Prosperity: Average global shared prosperity is estimated to stagnate or
even contract over 2019-2021 due to the reduced growth in average incomes.
 Shared prosperity is defined as the growth in the income of the poorest 40% of a country’s
population.
 Reason: Global extreme poverty is expected to rise for the first time in 20 years because of
the disruption caused by Covid-19.
 It is exacerbating the impact of conflict and climate change, which were already slowing down
poverty reduction.
 The World Bank recommends for a complementary two-track approach which involves short as
well as long term strategy:
 Without policy actions, the Covid-19 crisis may lead to an increase in income
inequality, resulting in a world that is less inclusive.
 Countries need to prepare for a different economy post-Covid, by allowing capital,
labour, skills, and innovation to move into new businesses and sectors.
 Continuing to focus on foundational development problems, including conflict and
climate change as the key areas.
POVERTY IN INDIA
 Poverty estimation in India is carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of
poverty line based on the data captured by the National Sample Survey Office under the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).
o Poverty line estimation in India is based on the consumption expenditure and not on the
income levels.
 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2020: India lifted as many as 270 million people out
of multidimensional poverty between 2005-06 and 2015-16. Impact of Covid-19: Covid-19 is
having a profound impact on the development landscape. The study finds that on average,
poverty levels will be set back 3 to 10 years due to Covid-19. Sustainable Development
Goals: The index emphasizes on measuring and monitoring progress under the goals to
reach ‘zero poverty by 2030-Goal 1’ of the SDGs.

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RECENT MEASURES UNDERTAKEN

 The government enhanced its social safety programs including direct benefit transfers
such as cash transfers under PM Kisan scheme, more liberal financing under
the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 like advance
disbursement, direct cash grants to construction workers and release of free and
subsidized food grains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to about 800 million
people to ensure food for all.
 The Government announced a special economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore (equivalent

to 10% of India’s GDP) under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme with the aim of making the
country independent against the tough competition in the global supply chain and to
help in empowering the poor, labourers, migrants who have been adversely affected by
Covid.
#ANNUAL STATE OF EDUCATION REPORT 2020
 Recently, the Annual State of Education Report (ASER) survey has been released which
provides a glimpse into the levels of learning loss that students in rural India are
suffering, with varying levels of access to technology, school and family resources resulting in
a digital divide in education.
 This year, in the wake of the pandemic, the survey was conducted via phone calls, reaching
52,227 rural households with school-age children in 30 States and Union Territories (UTs).
Annual Status of Education Report

It is a nationwide survey of rural education and learning outcomes in terms of reading and
arithmetic skills that has been conducted by the NGO Pratham for the last 15 years. It
uses Census 2011 as the sampling frame and continues to be an important national source of
information about children’s foundational skills across the country. ASER 2018 surveyed
children in the age group of 3 to 16 years and included almost all rural districts in India and
generated estimates of foundational reading and arithmetic abilities of children in the age group 5
to 16 years. ASER 2019 reported on the pre-schooling or schooling status of children in the age
group 4 to 8 years in 26 rural districts, focused on the “early years” and laid emphasis on
“developing problem-solving faculties and building a memory of children, and not content
knowledge”. ASER 2020 is the first ever phone-based ASER survey and it was conducted
in September 2020, the sixth month of national school closures.
KEY FINDINGS OF REPORT
 Enrollments:
 5.5% of rural children are not currently enrolled for the 2020 school year, up from 4% in
2018.
 This difference is the sharpest among the youngest children (6 to 10) where 5.3% of
rural children had not yet enrolled in school in 2020, in comparison to just 1.8% in 2018.

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 Due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, families are waiting for the physical
opening of schools to enrol their youngest children, with about 10% of six-year-olds not
in school.
 Among 15-16 year-olds, however, enrollment levels are slightly higher than in 2018.
 The proportion of boys enrolled in government schools has risen from 62.8% in 2018 to
66.4% in 2020, while for girls, that number has gone up from 70% to 73% in the
corresponding period.
 Patterns show a slight shift toward government schools, with private schools seeing a drop
in enrolment in all age groups.
 The Centre has now permitted States to start reopening schools if they can follow Covid-
19 safety protocols but the majority of the country’s 25 crore students are still at home.
Availability of Smartphones
 Among enrolled children, 61.8% live in families that own at least one smartphone which
was merely 36.5% in 2018.
 About 11% of families bought a new phone after the lockdown, of which 80% were
smartphones.
 WhatsApp is by far the most popular mode of transmitting learning materials to
students, with 75% of students receiving input via this app.
Availability of Learning Material
 Overall more than 80% of children said they had textbooks for their current grade.
 This proportion was higher among students enrolled in government schools (84.1%)
than in private ones (72.2%).
 In Bihar, less than 8% got such materials from their schools, along with 20% in West Bengal,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
 More than 80% of rural children in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat received
such input.
Learning Activities:
 Most children (70.2%) did some form of a learning activity through material shared by
tutors or family members themselves, with or without regular input.
 11% had access to live online classes, and 21% had videos or recorded classes, with much
higher levels in private schools.
 About 60% studied from their textbooks and 20% watched classes broadcast on TV.
SOLUTIONS & SUGGESTIONS
 Fluid Situation: When schools reopen, it will be important to continue to monitor who goes back
to school as well as to understand whether there is learning loss as compared to previous years.
 Building on and Strengthening Family Support: Parents’ increasing levels of education can be
integrated into planning for learning improvement, as advocated by National Education Policy,
2020. Reaching parents at the right level is essential to understand how they can help their
children and older siblings also play an important role.
 Hybrid Learning: As children do a variety of different activities at home, effective ways of hybrid
learning need to be developed which combine traditional teaching-learning with newer ways

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
of “reaching-learning”.
 Assessment of Digital Modes and Content: In order to improve digital content and delivery for
the future, an in-depth assessment of what works, how well it works, who it reaches, and who it
excludes is needed.
 Mediating the Digital Divide: Children from families who had low education and also did not
have resources like smart phones had less access to learning opportunities. However, even
among such households, there is evidence of effort with family members trying to help and schools
trying to reach them. These children will need even more help than others when schools
reopen.
LEGAL AFFAIRS
#FARM BILL, 2020
 Out of the three bills, Lok Sabha, through voice vote, passed the Farmers’ Produce Trade and
Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and the Farmers (Empowerment and
Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.
 The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill was passed earlier. Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar said the bills are not going to override the Minimum Support Price
mechanism, and adequate protection of land ownership was in place to protect farmer interests.
They will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha and will become laws after the Upper House passes them.
PROVISIONS OF THE BILL
 Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 will enable
barrier-free trade in agricultural produce.
 It will also empower farmers to engage with investors of their choice.
 The bill seeks to create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders enjoy the freedom of
choice relating to sale and purchase of farmers’ produce.
 It also facilitates remunerative prices by providing a competitive a trading channels to promote
efficient, transparent and barrier-free inter-State and intra-State trade.
 It also enables the commerce of farmers’ produces outside physical premises of markets or
deemed markets notified under State agricultural produce market legislations & provides a
facilitation framework for electronic trading.
 Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services
Bill, 2020 will help farmers enter into contract with agricultural business firms, wholesalers,
foot processors and large scale retailers.
 The small and marginal farmers in India account to 86 percentage of total farmers in the
country. They are farmers with land less than 5 hectare.
 It will help these farmers gain by aggregation and contracts. The bill will also help in bringing up
an effective dispute resolution mechanism with redressal timelines.
 Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill seeks to remove commodities like edible oils, cereals
pulses, oil seeds, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities.
 It will remove fears of private investors regarding the regulatory interference in their
operations. The bill will provide farmers the freedom to produce, hold, move, distribute and
supply.

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 Though, India has surplus agri-commodities in most of the cases, farmers still are unable to
get better prices. It is because of poor investment in storage and processing facilities.
 The bill has been introduced to pull investment in cold storage and modernization of food supply
chain.
WHO IS PROTESTING AGAINST THE BILL
 Farmers in Punjab have organized a three-day protest against the bills.

 Opposition parties, including TMC, Congress, DMK and BSP, opposed the agriculture sector
reform bills, saying they were against the interests of small and marginal farmers.
 Congress upped its ante against the Modi government, terming the move a conspiracy to defeat
the Green Revolution.
 “Minister of Food Processing Industries and the only SAD representative in the Modi
government, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, resigned from the Union Cabinet, protesting against the
bills, alleging the Bills to be detrimental to Punjab's agriculture sector.
MAJOR CONCERNS ABOUT THE BILL
 Centre v. State (Federal Angle): The provisions in the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce
(Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, provide for unfettered commerce in designated trade
areas outside APMC jurisdictions.
 Apart from this, the bill empowers the Centre government to issue orders to States in
furtherance of the law’s objectives.
 However, matters of trade and agriculture being the part of subjects on the State list have
caused resentment in States.
 Lack of Consultation: First the ordinance route and now the hastily attempt to pass the Bills
without proper consultation adds to the mistrust among various stakeholders including farmers.
 Also, by allowing ‘trade zones’ to come up outside the APMC area, farmers have
become apprehensive that the new system would lead to eventual exit from the minimum
support price.
 Absence of any regulation in non-APMC mandis: Another issue that is raised by the farmers
is that the proposed bills give the preference for corporate interests at the cost of farmers’
interests.
 In absence of any regulation in non-APMC mandis, the farmers may find it difficult to deal
with Corporate, as they solely operate on the motive of profit seeking.
 Non-Favorable Market Conditions: While retail prices have remained high, data from the
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) suggest a deceleration in farm gate prices for most agricultural
produce.
 With rising input costs, farmers do not see the free market based framework providing
them remunerative prices.
 These fears gain strength with the experience of States such as Bihar which abolished APMCs in
2006. After the abolition of mandis, farmers in Bihar on average received lower prices
compared to the MSP for most crops.
#LABOUR CODES BILL, 2020

 The Lok Sabha passed three new labour codes – the Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020, Code
on Social Security Bill, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Code Bill, 2020 – as the government seeks to amalgamate 44 central labour Acts into four codes,
towards simplifying India's labour laws, and improve ease of doing business.
 As per the Industrial Relation code Bill, a worker cannot go on strike without providing, at
least, a 60-day notice. The Social Security code Bill proposes the formation of a Social Security
Fund to provide social security to unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers.
 The Occupational Safety code bill seeks to subsume the Inter-State Migrant Workmen
(Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 along with 13 other Acts.
PROVISIONS OF THE BILL
 The bill recognises trade unions.It seeks to provide pension and medical benefits to gig
workers. The codes will define areas and conditions in which fixed-term employment
can be allowed.
 The bill seeks to replace three labour laws namely, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947;
the Trade Unions Act, 1926; and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act,
1946.
 It subsumes 44 labour laws into four codes namely, on wages; industrial relations;
social security and safety; health and working conditions.
 It proposes that, employee can strike only after providing notice 14 days prior to strike.
Factories, mines or plantations needs to take permission from central or state
government before firing their workers.
 Industrial Tribunals would also be constituted for the settlement of industrial disputes.
Industrial Tribunal comprises a judicial member and an Administrative member.
LABOUR CODES BILL 2019 & 2020
 Firstly, the 2020 Labour Code Bills raise several thresholds. The Factories Act of 1948 defines
any manufacturing unit as a factory if it employs 10 workers (and uses electricity) or 20
workers (without using electric power). These thresholds are being raised to 20 and 40
workers, respectively.
 Secondly, there are some changes related to contract labour. The 2019 Bill was applicable to
establishments which employed at least 20 contract workers and to contractors supplying at
least 20 workers; these thresholds have been raised to 50 workers.
 Thirdly, the 2019 Bill on Occupational Safety allowed the government to prohibit employment
of women in undertaking operations that could be dangerous to their health and safety. The
2020 Bill removes this power to prohibit employment and instead allows the government to
require employers to provide adequate safeguards.
CRITICISM OF THE BILL
 The opposition and labour unions contend that the bills make it easier to lay off workers and put
restrictions on their right to protest.
 The Industrial Relations Code Bill allows companies with up to 300 workers to lay off people
without the state government's approval. Under the same law, no industrial worker is allowed
to go on strike without a 60-day notice.
 Labour organization Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is affiliated to the BJP's ideological
mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has opposed the labour code bills. The organization,
which has issued a series of demands, contended that the laws were passed in a hurry.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#J&K OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT, 2020
 President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill,
2020, which was recently passed by the parliament.
 The Act makes Dogri, Hindi, and Kashmiri as the official languages of the Union Territory of
Jammu & Kashmir.
 Earlier only Urdu and English were the official language for the Union territory. Union Minister
of State for Home affairs G Kishan Reddy had said in Parliament that it was a long-standing
demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the language they speak should be included in
the list of official languages.
 He had pointed out that according to the 2011 census, only 0.16 per cent of the population of
Jammu and Kashmir spoke Urdu, while 2.3 per cent spoke Hindi.
 The central government in August last year abrogated Article 370 which gave special status
to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir,
and Ladakh. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is currently under the President's
rule.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN INDIA
 There are various official languages in India at the state/territory level. However, there is no
National Language in India. Article 343(1) of the Indian constitution specifically in 1950;
declared Hindi to be the official language of the union.
 The business in Indian parliament can only be transacted in Hindi or in English. English is
allowed to be used in official purposes such as parliamentary proceedings, judiciary,
communications between the Central Government and a State Government.
 States within India have the liberty and powers to specify their own official language(s) through
legislation.
 In addition to the official languages, the constitution recognizes 22 regional languages, which
include Hindi but not English, as scheduled languages, that is not to be confused with the
official status of the Union. Hindi and English are the only two languages mentioned on the
Indian passport.
EIGHT SCHEDULE OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
 The Eighth Schedule to the Indian Constitution contains a list of scheduled languages.
However, states are not mandated to choose their official languages from the scheduled
languages.
 Sindhi is not official in any states or union territories even though it is official in the Eighth
Schedule.
 Of these languages, 14 were initially included in the Constitution. Subsequently, Sindhi was
added in 1967 by 21st Constitutional Amendment Act, Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were
added in 1992 by 71st Constitutional Amendment Act, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali
were added in 2004 by 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
DEMAND FOR INCLUSION OF MORE LANGUAGES
 At present, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are demands for inclusion of 38 more
languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. Some of these are: Angika, Banjara,
Bazika, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, and English.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
#SUPREME COURT ON RIGHT TO PROTEST
 Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the right to peaceful protest against the law but
also cleared that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied and that too indefinitely.
BACKGROUND OF THE JUDGEMENT

 The ruling came after a petition was filed in the SC highlighting problems caused by the
protests which led to the roadblock and traffic problems.
 Sit-in protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 were organised in
the Shaheen Bagh area of the capital from December 2019 to March 2020.
 The petition highlighted that the Delhi High Court (HC) should have intervened positively and
not left the situation fluid and the administration too should have talked to the protesters.
 Earlier, the petition was filed in Delhi HC, which heard and disposed of the plea the same
day without any specific direction.
 Despite a lapse of a considerable period of time, there were neither any negotiations nor
any action by the administration.
ISSUES WITH THE PROTESTS
 Protesters did not fully realise the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic and continued
large gatherings in a small place and there was also a general unwillingness to relocate to
another site.
 The protest seemed typical of the many digitally-fuelled “leaderless” dissent seen in modern
times.
 The presence of various groups of protesters had resulted in many influencers, acting
possibly at cross-purposes with each other.
RULING OF THE SUPREME COURT
 The court cannot accept the plea of the applicants (who sought to intervene in the matter in
defence of the protesters) that an indeterminable number of people can assemble whenever
they choose to protest.
 Such kind of occupation of public ways, whether at the site in question or anywhere else for
protests, is not acceptable and the administration should take action to keep the areas clear of
encroachments or obstructions.
 It highlighted that the State or UT administrations have the entire responsibility to prevent
encroachments in public spaces and should not wait for courts to pass suitable orders.
 The verdict also dwelt on the merits and demerits of technology impacting social movements.
 The ability to scale up quickly, using digital infrastructure, has empowered movements to
embrace their often-leaderless aspirations and evade usual restrictions of censorship.
 However, social media channels pose the danger of creating highly polarised
environments, which often see parallel conversations running with no constructive
outcome evident.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
PRECENDTS REFERRED IN THE MATTER
 SC referred to its 2018 judgment in the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan vs Union of
India and Another case, which dealt with demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
 The judgment tried to balance the interests of local residents with those of
protesters to hold demonstrations and directed the police to devise a proper mechanism
for limited use of the area for peaceful protests and demonstrations and to lay down
parameters for this.
SUPREME COURT ON CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

 SC appreciated the existence of the right to peaceful protest against the legislation and
held that “democracy and dissent go hand in hand, but then the demonstrations expressing
dissent have to be in designated places alone”.
 The seeds of protest and dissent were sown deep during the Freedom struggle but dissent
against the colonial rule cannot be equated with dissent in a self-ruled democracy.
 The Constitution guarantees the right to protest and express dissent, but with an obligation
towards certain duties.
Article 19 confers upon citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression
under Article 19(1)(a) and right to assemble peacefully without arms under Article
19(1)(b). These rights, in cohesion, enable every citizen to assemble peacefully and protest
against action or inaction of the State.
 In a democracy, the rights of free speech and peaceful protest are “treasured” and must
be encouraged and respected.
However, these rights are also subject to reasonable restrictions mentioned
under Article 19(2), imposed in the interest of sovereignty, integrity and public order with
the help of police regulations.
 Fundamental rights do not live in isolation. The right of the protester has to be balanced
with the right of the commuter and has to co-exist in mutual respect.
#SC JUDGEMENT ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

 Recently, the Supreme Court has said that crimes against women continued in a “never-
ending cycle” in India.
JUDGEMENT OF THE SC
 The judgement dealt with the statutory scheme of the Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act, 2005. It has allowed women fighting domestic violence cases the right to reside
in the ‘shared household’ even if her husband had no legal right to the house and the same was
owned by the father-in-law or mother-in-law.
 Making the Act Comprehensive: The court observed that the relief granting right to
residence to a married woman under the domestic violence law by a criminal court is relevant
and could be considered even in civil proceedings seeking her eviction from the
matrimonial home (the residence in which a husband and wife have lived together).
 The wife would have the right to claim the “shared household” of the joint family under the
Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Section 2(s) of the domestic violence act defines “shared
property”, as the property owned by a woman’s husband, or by the joint family of which the

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
husband is a member.
 Reversed Earlier Judgement: The court reversed the law held by a previous decision of the
Supreme Court in December 2006 in SR Batra v Taruna Batra where on similar facts; it refused
permission to the wife to continue staying in her husband’s house as it was owned by her
mother-in-law. This part of the ruling was held wrong in law as it did not give full meaning to
the 2005 act.
 Least Reported Form of Cruel Behaviour: The court noted that the domestic violence in India
is rampant yet underreported. Women in India faced violence and discrimination in one form
or the other in their various roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, partner or single woman.
 The National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16) (NFHS-4) suggests that 30% women in
India in the age group of 15-49 have experienced physical violence.
 As per the UN Women, globally in 2019-20, 243 million women and girls (aged 15-49)
across the world have been subjected to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner.
 Less than 40% of women who experience violence seeking help of any sort or reporting
the crime.
 Less than 10% of those women seeking help go to the police.
 Reasons: Women continue to be vulnerable to these crimes because of:
 Non-Retaliation,
 Absence of laws addressing their rights comprehensively.
 Ignorance of the existing statutes.
 Societal attitude, stigma and conditioning also made women vulnerable to domestic
violence and these are the main factors for under-reporting of cases.
 This set of circumstances ensured that a majority of women preferred to suffer in
silence, not out of choice but of compulsion.
Acts of Domestic Violence
 Physical violence, such as slapping, hitting, kicking and beating.

 Sexual violence, including forced sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion.
 Emotional (psychological) abuse, such as insults, belittling, constant humiliation, intimidation,
threats of harm, threats to take away children.
 Controlling behaviors, including isolating a person from family and friends, monitoring their
movements and restricting access to financial resources, employment, education or medical care.
CONCLUSION
 The increase in violence against women should be dealt with urgently with measures
embedded in economic support and stimulus packages that meet the gravity and scale of the
challenge and reflect the needs of women who face multiple forms of discrimination.
 Grassroots and women’s organizations and communities need to be supported strongly in their
current frontline role.
 Helplines, psychosocial support and online counselling should be boosted, using technology-
based solutions such as SMS, online tools and networks to expand social support, and to reach
women with no access to phones or internet.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Police and justice services should ensure that incidents of violence against women and girls are
given high priority with no impunity for perpetrators.
#BABRI MASJID DEMOLITION CASE

 A Special CBI Court at Lucknow acquitted all the 32 persons accused of hatching the criminal
conspiracy behind the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque on December 6, 1992.
 The acquitted persons include prominent BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma
Bharati, Kalyan Singh etc. Special CBI Judge SK Yadav, in his 2000-page verdict, held that the
demolition of the mosque was not premeditated and that there was no criminal conspiracy
behind it.
 The Court said that the demolition was not pre-planned and that the accused had actually tried
to stop the mob and not incite them.
 26 out of the 32 accused persons were physically present in the court today. Six accused
persons including Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharati, Kalyan Singh appeared via
video conferencing.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 The Ayodhya land dispute is a political, historical and socio-religious debate in India that has
been on for decades.
 Ayodhya situated in the north of India is a township in District Faizabad of Uttar Pradesh, which
is regarded among the Hindus to be the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram.
 According to some beliefs, it was originally the site of a Hindu temple that was demolished to
construct a mosque known as Babri Masjid.
 For their part, Muslims claim that the land was titled to them and Mir Baqi built the mosque on
it in 1528 on orders of the first Mughal emperor, Babur.
 The modification/demolition of the temple has stood as a topic of controversy. By some
accounts, some Muslims in 1949 saw an idol of Ram being placed inside what was then a mosque.
Both Hindu and Muslim sides claimed ownership of the site and that led to an eventual
lockdown of the area by the government.
DEMOLITION OF BABRI MASJID
 Later On 6th December 1992 the RSS and its affiliates organized a rally involving 150,000 VHP
and BJP kar sevaks at the site of the disputed structure.
 The ceremonies included speeches by BJP leaders such as Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and
Uma Bharti.
 These actions of the leaders triggered communal riots all over India, killing at least 2,000 people.
 A 2009 report, authored by Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, found 68 people to be
responsible for the demolition of the Masjid, mostly leaders from the BJP.
 Among those named were Vajpayee, Advani, Joshi and Vijay Raje Scindia. Kalyan Singh, who
was then the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, also faced severe criticism in the report. Over the
years, the matter has been brought up by both groups in various courts of the country.
SERIES OF JUDGEMENTS AND SUITS IN AYODHYA DISPUTE

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 On December 17, 1959, Nirmohi Akhara filed a suit seeking possession of the site and
claimed to be the custodians of the disputed land. Following this, the Sunni Central
Board of Waqf also filed a suit claiming ownership of the site on December 18, 1961.
 On September 30, 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the disputed 2.77-acre land
in Ayodhya should be divided into three parts among the Hindus, Muslims and the
Nirmohi Akhara. The petitioners moved the Supreme Court and the apex court stayed
the HC verdict.
 In 2016, the court started a fresh hearing of the case. In 2017, the SC said that the matter
was sensitive and suggested for the case to be settled out of court. It asked stakeholders
to hold talks and find an amicable solution. However, no solution was achieved. In 2018,
the Supreme Court set up a five-judge Constitution Bench to hear the land dispute case.
 The five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi,
started day-to-day hearing on the matter from August 6, 2019, and midway through the
proceedings, directed the advocates to finish the argument by October 16.
 The Supreme Court, on October 16, 2019, concluded hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-
Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya and reserved its judgment, which was passed on
November 9.
 The apex court, in a unanimous verdict, gave the ownership of the disputed 2.77-acre
land in Ayodhya to the Ram Janmabhoomi trust. It ordered that an alternative piece of
land in a "suitable" and "prominent" place in Ayodhya should be given to the Muslims
to build a mosque. This is done by Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Indian
Constitution. The Court also asked the government to frame a plan within three months
and set up a trust, which would construct a temple in Ayodhya.
 In February 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in the Lok Sabha that the
government had given its approval to the proposal for "Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Tirtha
Kshetra" trust to take care of the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and
other related issues. Six months later, he visited Ayodhya to lay the foundation stone (a
40 kg silver brick) for the construction of the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janmbhoomi site.
#EXECUTIVE V. JUDICIARY (ANDHRA CM V. JUDGES)
 Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has stirred a hornet’s nest
by writing to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) complaining about Supreme Court (SC) Judge,
Justice N.V. Ramana.
ALLEGATIONS LEVELLED IN THE LETTER
 Mr. Jagan said that Justice Ramana was a legal adviser and additional advocate-general in the
previous government of the TDP.
 AP CM has alleged that SC judge Justice N.V. Ramana (next in line to become CJI as per seniority)

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
had been influencing the sittings and posting of cases in the State High Court.
 AP CM has also cited instances of how matters important to the opposition Telugu Desam Party
had been ‘allocated to a few judges’ and that some High Court judges are hostile to his
government & deliberately striking down his government orders.
 In effect, he has accused many judges of misconduct, corruption and political bias. In view of the
above, the Chief Minister urged the Chief Justice of India to consider initiating steps to ensure
that the State’s judicial neutrality was maintained.
ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST JUDGES
 The Constitution protects the independence of judges of the High Courts and the Supreme
Court by making them removable only through a long process of impeachment.
 However, not all forms of misconduct will warrant impeachment. There could be other kinds of
impropriety too.
 There are times when serious complaints of this sort are received, and the CJI is called upon to
examine them.
 Since 1997, judges have adopted an ‘in-house procedure’ for inquiring into such charges.
PROCEDURE ADOPTED IN THE CASE
 After Justice J.S. Verma took over as CJI in 1997, he circulated among judges a document called
‘Restatement of Values of Judicial life’. This was a set of principles containing the essential
elements of ideal behavior for judges. The Full Court passed a resolution that an ‘in-house
procedure’ would be adopted for action against judges for acts of commission or omission that
go against these values. A five-judge committee was constituted to come up with a procedure.
Its report was adopted on December 15, 1999. It was made public in 2014.
 When a complaint is received against a High Court judge, the CJI should decide if it is considered
frivolous or if it is serious and “directly related to the merits of a substantive decision in a
judicial matter”. If it is serious, the CJI should get the judge’s response. He may close the matter
if he is satisfied with the response. If a deeper probe is considered necessary, CJI may form a
three-member committee to better investigate the case.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONTROVERSY
 If the committee finds substance in the charges, it can give recommendations such as if the
misconduct is serious enough to require removal from office, or that it is not serious enough
to warrant removal. In the former case, the judge concerned will be urged to resign or seek
voluntary retirement. If the judge is unwilling to quit, the Chief Justice of the High Court
concerned would be asked to withdraw judicial work from him.
 Impacts Democratic Functioning: Such type of confrontation and mistrust between two
organs of State is not conducive for smooth working of Democracy. The ultimate victim will
be the common man who will be bereft of better governance & Integrity of SC Judges is may
also be doubted as such type of allegations and counter allegations will create doubts in minds
of Public about the ability to get justice from Formal system.
 Politicization of Judiciary: The serious accusation by a sitting Chief Minister brings out to
the foreground the weakness of Judiciary. Similar kinds of charges might be leveled by
opposition parties when it comes to power. All these lead to politicization of the Institution
of Judiciary.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 Judiciary’s Grievance Redressal Mechanism tested: How the CJI & SC is going to handle this
case will set a precedent to deal with misconduct of Judges in future. If the process is not robust,
fair & transparent then the calls for greater executive control on Judiciary will increase (Judicial
Standards and Accountability Bill).
CONTEMPT OF COURT
 Now after a week of the complaint filed, an application has been filed before the Attorney
General of India seeking his consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against the Chief
Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
 The application for seeking consent to initiate criminal contempt is for making public allegations
against Justice NV Ramana, judge of the Supreme Court.
 Contempt of court, often referred to simply as "contempt", is the offense of being disobedient
to or disrespectful toward a court of law and its officers in the form of behavior that opposes or
defies the authority, justice and dignity of the court.
 It is essentially seen as a form of disturbance that may impede the functioning of the court. A
similar attitude towards a legislative body is termed contempt of Parliament or contempt of
Congress.
CONSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND
 The expression ‘contempt of court’ has not been clearly mentioned in the Constitution.
 Article 129: Grants Supreme Court the power to punish for contempt of itself. Whereas
Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution gives the right to freedom of speech and expression to all
citizens, while “contempt provisions” curb people’s freedom to speak against the court’s
functioning.
 Article 142(2): Enables the Supreme Court to investigate and punish any person for its
contempt.
 Article 215: Grants every High Court the power to punish for contempt of itself.
 As per the Contempt of Courts Act 1971, contempt refers to the offence of showing disrespect
to the dignity or authority of a court. The act defines the power of courts to punish for their
contempt and regulates their procedure.
 Civil contempt: It is willful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or
other processes of a court or willful breach of an undertaking given to the court.
 Criminal contempt: It is any publication which may result in scandalizing the court by
lowering its authority. Interference in the due course of a judicial proceeding. An obstruction in
the administration of justice.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS
SHEKHAR KAPUR NAMED AS PRESIDENT OF FTII
 Noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been named as the President of Film and Television
Institute of India, FTII Society and Chairman of Governing Council of FTII.
 Once appointed, Shekhar Kapur’s tenure will be for the remaining period of three years. Kapur
succeeded B.P. Singh who was the last president of FTII Society and chairman of Governing
Council
 Mr. Kapur has directed several films, many of which are critically acclaimed. The Movies include
Masoom, Mr. India, Bandit Queen and Elizabeth.
 Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, Mr Kapur, who has a vast
experience, will add more value to the Institute.
 The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is an autonomous institute under the
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India and aided by the Central
Government of India.
 It is situated on the premises of the erstwhile Prabhat Film Company in Pune.
 Since its beginning in 1960, FTII has become India's premier film and television institute,
with its alumni becoming technicians, actors and directors in the film and television industry.
APURVA CHANDRA APPOINTED AS LABOUR SECRETARY
 Apurva Chandra is the new labour secretary of the union government, and his first big role
will be to implement the three labour codes passed by the parliament, and play a key role in
universalizing social security.
 A 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Maharashtra cadre, Chandra
replaces Heeralal Samariya as the new labour secretary, following later’s retirement.
 An alumnus of IIT Delhi, Chandra is a structural engineer by education before entering the civil
services. Besides his role in Maharashtra as a senior bureaucrat, he has worked in central
ministries like Defence, human resource development, and Petroleum and Natural Gas.
 Before joining as the new labour secretary, Chandra was serving as Special Director General,
Defence Acquisition, in the Ministry of Defence.
 Currently the Union Minister for labour & employment who also introduced the labour codes bill
2020 is "Santosh Kumar Gangwar".
THREE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO RBI'S COMMITTEE
 The central government has appointed three external members to the Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India.
 Ashima Goyal, Jayanth R.Varma, Shashanka Bhide, will be the three government nominees
joining the RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, deputy governor Michael Patra in the MPC that
decides policy rate required to achieve the inflation target.
 The three new members are appointed after the tenure of the three external members--
Ravindra Dholakia, Pami Dua and Chetan Ghate--ended in September. Members of the MPC
are not eligible for reappointment.
 External members of the MPC will be appointed by the central government “from amongst
persons of ability, integrity and standing, having knowledge and experience in the field of
economics or banking or finance or monetary policy.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 RBI has its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra & currently, the Governor of RBI is
Shaktikanta Das.
APPOINTMENT OF SBI CHAIRMAN
 State Bank of India announced the appointment of Dinesh Kumar Khara, Managing Director,
State Bank of India as Chairman, State Bank of India, for a period of three years.
 Dinesh Kumar Khara is one of the bank’s four managing directors, replaces Rajnish Kumar,
who is due to step down.
 State Bank of India (SBI) is an Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services
statutory body headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
 The bank descends from the Bank of Calcutta, founded in 1806 which is one of the
presidencies Bank other than the banks at Bombay & Madras.
 Later these three presidency Bank amalgamated and came to be known as Imperial Bank of
India.
 Later, State Bank of India, Act 1955 was enacted which renamed the Imperial Bank of India as
State Bank of India making it the oldest commercial bank of the country.
M RAJESHWAR RAO APPOINTED AS RBI DEPUTY GOVERNOR
 The Centre has appointed M Rajeshwar Rao as the new deputy governor of the Reserve Bank
of India on October 2020.
 Prior to this, M Rajeshwar Rao was an executive director at RBI. He succeeds NS

Vishwanathan as the central bank’s fourth deputy governor.
 Earlier the day, State Bank of India announced the appointment of Dinesh Kumar Khara,
Managing Director, State Bank of India as Chairman, State Bank of India, for a period of three
years.
 RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das
 Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
APPOINTMENT OF INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO NETHERLANDS
 Pradeep Kumar Rawat has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom
of Netherlands, informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
 "Pradeep Kumar Rawat, presently serving as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of
Indonesia, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Netherlands."
 Pradeep Kumar Rawat will replace the incumbent ambassador of India the kingdom of
Netherlands "Venu Rajamony". He was appointed in 2017.
 India–Netherlands relations refer to foreign relations between India and the Netherlands. India
maintains an embassy in The Hague, Netherlands and the Netherlands maintains an embassy in
New Delhi and a consulate general in Mumbai. Both countries established diplomatic
relations in 1947.
 The Netherlands informally Holland is a country primarily located in Western Europe and partly
in the Caribbean, forming the largest constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
 The official language of the country is Dutch.
 Capital of Netherlands: Amsterdam
 Prime Minister of Netherlands: Mark Rutte

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
PIYUSH GOYAL GIVEN ADDITIONAL CHARGE
 Union Minister Piyush Goyal was assigned the additional charge of Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
 He was given the additional charge following the death of Lok Jana shakti Party (LJP) founder
and union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.
 Ram Vilas Paswan was hospitalized for the past few weeks and passed away on Thursday
evening at the age of 74 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
 He was elected to Lok Sabha eight times and also held the record of winning with high margins
from his constituency Hajipur.
 Piyush Goyal is currently serving as the Union Minister of Railways and Minister of
Commerce and Industry.
MICHAEL IRANI APPOINTED AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF IWF
 Dr Michael Irani of Great Britain (GBR) has been appointed as the Interim President of the
International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), at the meeting of the IWF Executive Board, in
accordance with the constitution of IWF.
 Michael Irani was appointed following the resignation of IWF President Tamás Aján. Prior to
this, Michael Irani was serving as the chairman of the IWF Medical Committee.
 Michael Irani was born in Bombay, India. He is a leading physician in Rheumatology who works
as a Consultant Rheumatologist at Ashford Hospital NHS Trust.
 He was the former Chairman of the anti-doping Commission of IWF. He was a member of the
IWF Medical Committee since 1992. He served as the President of the European Weightlifting
Federation (EWF) Medical Committee from 1995 to 1999.
 The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), headquartered in Budapest, is the
international governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting. \
 The IWF was founded in 1905, and has 187 member nations. The IWF acting president is Ursula
Papandrea of the United States. Originally called the Fédération Haltéphile International
(FHI), it changed its name to IWF between the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics.
VISHAL V. SHARMA PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO UNESCO
 The Ministry of External Affairs announced that India’s next envoy to the UN’s cultural body
will be Vishal V. Sharma, who had been the officer on special duty to Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi when he was heading Gujarat.
 Vishal V. Sharma has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the
Permanent Delegation of India to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), with the rank of Ambassador
 He will replace Jawed Ashraf. Sharma is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is
a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security
through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.
 It has 193 member states and 11 associate members, as well as partners in
the nongovernmental, intergovernmental, and private sector. Headquartered in Paris, France,
UNESCO has 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions that facilitate its global
mandate.

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
 UNESCO was founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations' International
Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. Its constitution establishes the agency's goals,
governing structure, and operating framework.
 UNESCO's founding mission, which was shaped by the Second World War, is to advance
peace, sustainable development and human rights by facilitating collaboration and dialogue
among nations. It pursues this objective through five major program
areas: education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture and
communication/information.
 UNESCO sponsors projects that improve literacy, provide technical training and education,
advance science, protect independent media and press freedom, preserve regional and cultural
history, and promote cultural diversity.
RAJKIRAN RAI G ELECTED AS IBA'S CHAIRMAN
 The Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India, Rajkiran Rai G has been elected as
the Chairman of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) for the term 2020-21.
 He succeeds Rajnish Kumar as the IBA Chairman after Kumar recently retired as SBI Chief.
Apart from this, Dinesh Kumar Khara, the Chairman of State Bank of India has been elected
as the deputy chairman of the association.
 IBA is an association of banks and other entities in the banking ecosystem in India catering to
its members
 Indian Banks' Association (IBA), formed on 26 September 1946 as a representative body of
management of banking in India operating in India - an association of Indian banks and financial
institutions which has its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
IMPORTANT DATES & DAYS IN OCTOBER
 World Habitat Day: It is observed on the first Monday of October month throughout the
world. In 2020, it falls on 5 October It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in
December 1985 and in 1986, the first time it was celebrated across the globe. Theme for 2020:
Housing for all- A better urban future.
 International Day of the Older Persons: It is observed on 1 October every year to raise
problems faced by elder persons and to promote the development of a society for all ages. The
United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 14 December, 1990, and designates 1
October as the International Day of Older Persons. The theme for 2020: Pandemics: Do They
Change How We Address Age and Ageing?
 Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to mark the birth anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 2 October, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He is an inspiration
in the lives of the famous world leaders and our lives also.
 International Day of Non-Violence: It is observed on 2 October to mark the birthday of

Mahatma Gandhi who had played an important role in India's Independence. On 15 June, 2007,
General Assembly adopted a resolution of establishing the International Day of Non-Violence
to spread the message of non-violence including education and public awareness.
 German Unity Day: It is celebrated on 3 October every year to mark the anniversary of the
nation's unification. On 3 October, 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Democratic

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
Republic of Germany were united as one single federal Germany.
 World Animal Welfare Day: It is celebrated on 4 October to raise awareness among people
about taking actions worldwide for the rights of animals as well as welfare. It is necessary to
improve welfare standards worldwide.
 World Teachers' Day: It is celebrated on 5 October every year in the whole world to
commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning
the Status of Teachers in 1966. No doubt this Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the
rights and responsibilities of teachers, education, recruitment, employment, etc. The theme for
2020 is "Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future."
 Indian Air Force Day: It is celebrated on 8 October all over India. On 8 October, 1932 Indian
Air Force Day was established.
 World Postal Day: It is celebrated on 9 October every year to raise awareness among people
about the role of the postal sector for people and businesses every day. In 1874, the Universal
Postal Union was established in Bern, Switzerland and its anniversary is declared as the World
Postal Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.
 World Mental Health Day: It is observed on 10 October every year to raise awareness about
the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help in preventing
it. This day is organized by the World Federation for Mental Health. It is also supported by
WHO, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and United for Global Mental Health.
Theme for 2020 is “Mental Health for All”
 International Day of the Girl Child: It is observed on 11 October to raise voices for girls and
stand up for their rights. The theme for 2020 International Day of the Girl Child is “My voice,
our equal future”.
 International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction: It is observed annually on 13 October to

raise awareness about the risk of disaster reduction. In 1989, the International Day of Disaster
Risk Reduction was started by the United Nations General assembly. The theme of 2020 is
"Disaster risk governance".
 World Arthritis Day: It is observed globally on 12th October every year. The day is celebrated
to raise awareness about arthritis, an inflammatory condition which causes pain and stiffness in
joints which can worsen with age. Theme for 2020 is- It is in your hand - Take action which
is more relevant during Covid times.
 Global Hand washing Day: It is observed on 15 October every year and it was founded by the
Global Hand washing Partnership. This day provides an opportunity to design, test and replicate
creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. In 2008, the
first Global Hand washing Day was celebrated. Theme for 2020: Hand Hygiene for All.
 World Students’ Day: It is observed on 15 October annually to mark the birth anniversary of
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This day honors and pays respect to him and his efforts in the field of
science and technology and also the role of the teacher that he played throughout his scientific
and political careers.
 World Food Day: It is celebrated every year on 16 October to inspire people about healthy
diets. On this day Food and Agriculture Organization was established and launched by the

CLATOPEDIA | OCTOBE
United Nations in 1945. Theme 2020: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together”.
 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: It is observed on 17 October every year.
This day marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on 20
November 1989. Theme for 2020: “Acting together to achieve social and environmental
justice for all”.
 World Statistics Day: It is celebrated every five years on October 20. The first such day was
observed on October 20, 2010. This year the world witnessed the third World Statistics Day.
The day was created by the United Nations Statistical Commission to acknowledge the
importance of data authenticity and credibility across the globe. The World Statistics Day 2020
theme “Connecting the world with data we can trust.”
 The World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24, to raise awareness for polio
vaccination and eradication of polio. Theme for 2020 World Polio Day is “A win against polio
is a win for global health.” The Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate
the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Theme
for 2020 World Polio Day is “A win against polio is a win for global health.”
 United Nations Day: It is observed on 24 October every year to mark the anniversary of the
UN Charter's entry into force. Since 1948, this day is celebrated and in 1971 it was
recommended by the United Nations General Assembly to observe by the Member States as a
public holiday.
 World Development Information Day: It is celebrated on 24 October every year to draw the
attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international
cooperation to solve them. Theme for 2020 "Information and Communications
Technologies — New Solutions to Development Challenges".
 The Vigilance Awareness Week 2020 is being celebrated from 27 October to 2 November
2020. It is observed every year by the Central Vigilance Commission during the week in which
the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October) falls. The theme for 2020 Vigilance
Awareness Week is ‘Vigilant India, Prosperous India (Satark Bharat, Samriddh Bharat).’
 Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed on 31 October every year to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He had played an important role
in unifying the country.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. ASIIM PROJECT………………………………………………… 2 14. INDIA'S RACE TO TEST MISSILE……………………… 24

1. ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN……………………………….. 45 11. US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2020………………..64

3. AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2020……………………….83 5. NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS 2020…………………..89

1. GOVT. MEASURES TO BOOST CAPEX………………96 4. WORLD BANK BIENNIAL REPORT……………………100

5. REORTS AND INDEXES

1. OXFAM RELEASED REPORT' CARBON 2. REPORT ON TEA LABOUR RIGHTS

1. FARM BILL, 2020………………………………………..119 5. SC JUDGEMENT ON VIOLENCE AGAINST

#AMBEDKAR SOCIAL INNOVATION AND INCUBATION MISSION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION

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 Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.

 Article 39: Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State.

 Social Safeguards: Article 17: Abolition of Untouchability.

 Article 243D: Reservation of seats (in Panchayats).

#EXERCISE BONGOSAGAR BETWEEN INDIA & BANGLADESH

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CHINESE INVASION IN INDIA & BANGLADESH RELATIONS

Exercise Name Participant Nations

Sampriti India & Bangladesh

Mitra Shakti India & Sri Lanka

Maitree Exercise India & Thailand

Vajra Prahar India & US

Yudh Abhyas India & US

Nomadic Elephant India & Mongolia

Garuda Shakti India & Indonesia

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Dharma Guardian India & Japan

Surya Kiran India & Nepal

Hand in Hand Exercise India & China

#INDIAN DELEGATES VISIT (INDIA-MYANMAR RELATIONSHIP)

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INDIA AND MYANMAR RELATIONS

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#MARITIME VISION 2030

Policy Initiatives and Development Projects:

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#KRISHNA AND GODAVARI RIVER DISPUTE

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#INAUGURATION OF 44 BRIDGES MID IND-CHINA TENSIONS

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BORDER ROAD ORGANIZATION

ROLE OF BORDER ROAD ORGANIZATION

INDIA'S STRATEGIC PLAN

BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

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#HAR GHAR JAL’S FIRST STATE: GOA

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OTHER RELATED INITIATIVES

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#NAVAL EXERCISE BETWEEN INDIA AND SRILANKA

Important Bilateral and Multilateral Defence Exercises

Indra India-Russia Naval Exercise

Malabar US-India-Japan Naval Exercise

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Simbex India and Republic of Singapore Naval Exercise

Ibsamar India, Brazil and South Africa Naval Exercise

Konkan India and Britain Naval Exercise