. No.	Topic Name	Prelims/Mains
1.	About the New START Treaty	Prelims & Mains
2.	Details of the Waqf Board	Prelims & Mains
3.	About the Fair and Remunerative Price	Prelims & Mains
4.	Details of the Central Vigilance Commissioner	Prelims Specific Topic

 

1 – About the New START Treaty:

 

GS II

 

Topic  International Relations

 

·      The Russian Federation and the United States of America signed the New START Treaty, which outlines measures for further reducing and limiting strategic offensive weaponry.

·      The agreement goes into force on February 5, 2011.

·      It is intended to replace the START framework, which in 1991 set a limit on the number of warheads and strategic delivery vehicles that might be deployed by either side (after the conclusion of the Cold War).

·      It continues the bipartisan process of verifiably reducing the strategic nuclear arsenals of the US and Russia by restricting each side to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 operational warheads.

·      Unless it is renewed for an additional five years, it ends in February 2021.

 

Source  The Indian Express

 

2 – Details of the Waqf Board:

 

GS II

 

Topic  Statutory and Non-Statutory Bodies

 

·      About:

 

·      the giving of money or other resources to religious or charitable causes in the name of God.

·      According to the law, the permanent dedication of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious, or benevolent by a person professing Islam

 

·      How are Waqf Boards formed?

 

·      A property may become a waqf if it has been continuously utilised for religious or charity purposes for a long time; otherwise, a waqf may be created by the drafting of a deed or other legal document.

·      The funds are commonly used to support mosques, cemeteries, schools, and shelter homes.

·      The waqf would remain an ongoing entity, making it impossible for the individual who founded it to regain the assets.

·      A non-Muslim may also create a waqf, but they must do it with Islamic goals in mind and in a way that declares Islam.

 

·      What is the Waqf Board’s procedure?

 

·      It is governed by the 1995 Waqf Act.

·      According to the Act, a survey commissioner is expected to conduct local research, speak with witnesses, and acquire public records in order to compile a list of all properties that have been designated as waqf.

·      A manager who doubles as a mutawali oversees the waqf’s activities. Despite the fact that trusts can be created for motives other than charitable and religious ones, it is equivalent to one created in compliance with the Indian Trusts Act of 1882. In contrast to a waqf, a trust can also be disbanded by the board.

 

·      It is allowed to buy, hold, and transfer any kind of property.

·      Due to its status as a legal organisation or juristic person, the board is able to bring legal claims and be sued in court.

 

·      Composition:

 

·      The Waqf Board, which consists of a chairperson, one or two state government nominations, Muslim lawmakers and parliamentarians, Muslim state bar council members, recognised Islamic scholars, and mutawalis of waqfs with an annual income of Rs. 1 lakh and more, is present in every state.

 

·      Other information:

 

·      According to the law, the Waqf Board is responsible for overseeing the waqf’s assets and must get permission before transferring any immovable property owned by a waqf via a sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease. However, unless at least two-thirds of the Waqf Board members vote in favour of the transaction, the sanction will not be granted.

 

Source  The Hindu

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 – About the Fair and Remunerative Price:

 

GS III

 

Topic  Indian Agriculture

 

·      Details of the FRP:

 

·      FRP is the regulated price that the government mandates mills pay farmers for the cane that they purchase from them.

·      Through the use of a contract with mills, farmers have the option to pay the FRP in instalments.

·      When payments are late, interest fees of up to 15% per year may apply. Additionally, the sugar commissioner may seize mill assets to recover unpaid FRP as revenue recovery dues.

·      According to the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966, which was issued under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955, FRP is required to be paid across the country within 14 days of the date the cane was delivered.

·      Following the proposal of the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs made the announcement (CCEA).

·      CACP is the name of a division within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. As an advisory body, the government is not compelled to take its recommendations into consideration.

·      The organisation is presided over by the Prime Minister of India.

·      The FRP was built on the findings of the study on sugarcane industry restructuring conducted by the Rangarajan Committee.

 

·      What elements are taken into account when the FRP is announced?

 

·      Sugarcane production costs:

 

·      Returning to the trend of agricultural commodity pricing and alternative crop growers, sugar is given to customers at a fair price.

·      The cost at which producers of sugar sell their sugar that is made from sugarcane.

·      Molasses, bagasse, and press mud are examples of byproducts that might bring in a profit or have their worth attributed to them.

·      Sugarcane farmers should have enough margins to cover earnings and risk.

 

·      Payment options for FRP:

 

·      The FRP is based on the sugar-recovery capacity of the cane.

·      FRP has been established at Rs 2,900 per tonne at a base recovery of 10% for the sugar season of 2021–2022.

·      Sugar recovery is the proportion of sugar produced to cane crushed that is expressed as a percentage.

·      Higher FRP and sugar production are the results of higher recovery.

 

·      Details of the sugarcane crop:

 

·      21 to 27 degrees Celsius, humid and sticky.

·      Between 75 and 100 cm of rain fall.

·      Deep, rich loam makes up the soil.

·      Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar produce the most sugarcane.

·      India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane after Brazil.

·      As long as the soil has sufficient drainage, it can be grown on any type of soil, from clay loam to sandy loam.

·      From planting to harvesting, manual labour is necessary.

·      It is the main producer of sugar, molasses, khandsari, and gur (jaggery).

·      The National Policy on Biofuels and the Scheme for Extending Financial Assistance to Sugar Undertakings (SEFASU) are two government initiatives to support the cultivation of sugarcane and the sugar sector.

 

Source  The Indian Express

 

4 – Details of the Central Vigilance Commissioner:

 

GS II

 

Topic  Constitutional Bodies

 

·      History of CVC:

 

·      The Central Vigilance Commission was established as a result of the Santhanam Committee’s recommendations, and the 2003 CVC Act granted it legal status. Its goal was to abolish governmental corruption and hold public servants accountable for their dishonest actions.

 

·      The CVC’s objectives are:

 

·      It is considered as the coordinating body for efforts to fight corruption in the All India Services, Central Services, PSUs, and other departments.

·      In corruption cases, it is in responsibility of the Delhi Special Police.

·      It looks at the prosecution warrants issued by the government.

·      Discipline against senior Group A, Group B, All India Services, etc. personnel is suggested.

·      It serves as the main hub for the fight against corruption on a national level.

 

·      Effectiveness of CVC:

 

·      The CVC has demonstrated success in preventing corruption in accordance with its objective. It has done the following things in the past to prove this.

·      Significant officers have previously been appointed to various positions with ease as a result of it.

·      It has previously taken impressive action against top employees, lawmakers, and high-ranking authorities.

·      It hosts Vigilance Week each year to spread awareness of the risks associated with corruption.

·      It can carry out “Suo Moto” and acts as a court for civil disputes.

·      The CVC’s independence is maintained because it is chosen by a fair committee composed of the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, etc.

 

·      Several problems faced by CVC:

 

·      The expectation that CVC would be an organisation that could act as a “One Stop Solution” to fight corruption in the country has, however, been proven false due to the following ineffectiveness.

·      The ministries and organisations are not compelled to follow the CVC’s rulings.

·      A very low conviction rate has reduced CVC’s influence and effectiveness.

·      Due to the lengthy nature of the cases handled by CVC, it is ineffectual as a deterrent.

·      CVC is generally viewed as a hopeless agency because it is only recognised as an advisory body and lacks the power to direct the CBI to launch investigations into any individual with the rank of Joint Secretary or higher.

·      Despite operating in a “somewhat autonomous” manner, the CVC lacks the funding and power necessary to pursue allegations of corruption.

·      Most of the time, it is difficult to determine the domains and jurisdictions of the organisations.

·      Diversity in the workplace causes task duplication and reduces performance.

·      The Central Vigilance Commissioner position hasn’t been filled in a very long time.

·      The CVC and other existing organisations can no longer effectively combat the corruption issue, necessitating the creation of new institutions like the Lokpal. The CVC’s power in relation to its mandate, financial independence, and expansion of its ordinarily constrained advisory role need to be questioned.

 

Source  The Hindu

 

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS  14 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE INDIAN EXPRESS:

 

MSME INDUSTRIES:

 

·      Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses that produce, manufacture, and process goods and commodities are included in the MSME sector. The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act of 2006, a piece of legislation, was the vehicle by which the Indian government initially accepted this standard. From the standpoint of preparing for the UPSC exam, this essay examines the MSME sector of the Indian economy.

 

·      The MSME Sector: What Is It?

 

·      The MSME sector, which makes up the majority of the Indian economy, has historically shielded it from shocks to the global economy by giving it the toughness and resilience needed.

 

·      This sector accounts for 24.63 percent of the service sector’s GDP, 6.11 percent of the manufacturing sector’s GDP, and 33.4% of India’s manufacturing output.

 

·      Around 63.4 million of them are in use nationwide. 120 million people are employed by the MSME sector, which comprises around 45 percent of all Indian exports.

 

·      How the MSME sector affects the Indian economy:

 

·      This industry promotes rural development, as well as the use of local resources, resource mobilisation, increased exportability of commodities, etc.

 

·      It produces close to 6,000 distinct items, from commonplace items to cutting-edge technology, and offers a wide range of services.

 

·      In order for India to reach a $5 trillion economy, the Ministry of MSME has set a goal of increasing its GDP contribution to 50% by 2025.

 

·      Job: Outside of agriculture, this sector offers both waged employment and self-employment alternatives.

 

·      By providing affordable non-farm livelihoods and balanced regional development with gender and socioeconomic balance, it aids in the creation of an equitable society.

 

·      Particularly impacted are rural areas and other underdeveloped parts of the nation. For instance, although requiring little in the way of per capita spending, the rural khadi and village industries employ a huge number of women.

 

·      Given that they employ more than 11 crore people but that urban MSMEs account for 55% of employment, the employment potential can be roughly predicted.

 

·      Obstacles facing the MSME Sector:

 

·      They have a hard time getting credit, which traps them in a cycle of debt and leaves them more open to predatory lenders.

 

·      MSMEs have a greater level of debt as a result of difficulties obtaining bank loans and working capital as well as delays in collecting government payments.

 

·      Only 16 percent of the demand for loans can be met by commercial banks and NBFCs, two different types of financial institutions.

 

·      Due to a lack of formalisation, 86% of the manufacturing MSMEs operating in the nation are not registered.

 

·      The output of the industrial sector is impacted by the usage of antiquated technologies and traditional practises.

 

·      limited access to technical advancement, skilled labour, and management that fosters their growth

 

·      The Government Has Undertaken a Number of Initiatives for the MSME Sector:

 

·      SIDBI launched the Udyami Mitra Portal to help MSMEs get financing and offer support services.

 

·      The Central Public Sector Enterprises will use the MSME Sambandh to monitor the execution of the public procurement from MSMEs.

 

·      Micro and small business owners would have the ability to directly complain about delayed payments from Central Ministries, Departments, CPSEs, and State Governments through MSME Samadhaan.

 

·      Through the utilisation of cloud computing, the digital MSME project provides MSMEs with online access to both generic and customised IT infrastructure.

 

·      The Strategic Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) Scheme’s main goal is to increase the competitiveness of traditional businesses and craftspeople.

 

·      to provide new employment prospects, to promote an entrepreneurial culture, etc. The Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry, and Entrepreneurship Program (ASPIRE)

·      In order to boost the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs, the Micro & Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) would use a cluster development technique.

 

·      The Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme can help MSMEs improve their technological skills (CLCSS).

 

·      Conclusion:

 

·      The MSME sector supports the heart of the Indian economy. It may have an effect on manufacturing and export competitiveness given that it provides a third of India’s GDP, 46% of manufacturing output, and 35% of exports. Due to its larger potential for creating jobs, it is essential that this industry has enough institutional backing; otherwise, it may have a profoundly negative impact on people’s ability to make a living.

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS  14 SEPTEMBER 2022 THE HINDU:

 

PRIVATIZATION OF SPACE INDUSTRY IN INDIA:

 

·      About Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):

 

·      The Indian Space Programme is under the direction of the Department of Space (DOS). The Department of Space includes the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a premier organisation for research and development.

 

·      ISRO is in charge of:

 

·      projects related to space science, technology, and applications development and execution.

·      advances in the study and creation of cutting-edge technology.

·      ISRO established numerous Centers and Units with cutting-edge infrastructure to cover the broad areas of the mandate. The functionality of these Centers and Units depends on specific technology domains.

·      The Government of India established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a fully-owned Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), under the administrative direction of the Department of Space, in order to promote greater involvement of Indian businesses in high-tech space-related operations.

 

·      Indian space industry privatisation:

 

·      In an effort to boost commercial participation in the space industry, the government introduced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, in June 2020. a look at its goals and what it means for upcoming space travel.

·      The Department of Space (DOS) promotes private firms’ participation in space activities in order to expand the use of space technologies and strengthen the nation’s space economy.

·      ISRO will help DOS accomplish its goal of opening up the space industry to private companies. In light of this, it is advised that the following modifications be made to how space activities are carried out in the nation:

·      It is recommended that the approach be modified from the “Supply Based Model” to the “Demand-Based Model” in order to boost usage and maximise advantages from the space assets. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) will operate as an amalgam of user requirements in order to gather commitments.

·      NSIL will get the operational launch vehicles from DOS and use them to offer launches, satellite launches, and other services.

·      In order to grant NGPEs (non-governmental private organisations) permission to engage in space activities, establish a centre for Indian national space promotion and authorization (IN-SPACe).

·      By creating new technologies and capacities, ISRO will increase the capacity of the space sector and enable NSIL and NGPEs to share facilities.

·      Opportunities are sent to NGPEs offering challenges in new technology industries.

 

·      Why does the space business require private investment?

 

·      In India, private industry has traditionally played a little role. The private sector handles a sizable portion of the design and production of rockets and satellites. Research institutions are also becoming busier and busier.

·      However, the fast expanding global space economy, which is already estimated to be worth at least $360 billion, only has a meagre 3% stake in the Indian space industry.

·      Only 2% of this sector is devoted to rocket and satellite launch services, which necessitate a substantial infrastructure and a sizable financial outlay.

·      The remaining 95% consisted of satellite-based and ground-based equipment and services.

·      Indian industry is unable to compete because it has previously only served as a provider of components and subsystems.

·      In order to execute autonomous space endeavours or offer space-based services, Indian businesses need the resources and technology that US corporations like SpaceX have been using.

·      Even within India, ISRO is unable to meet the rising demand for space-based services and applications.

·      Today, satellite data, images, and space technology are essential to many industries, including meteorology, agriculture, transportation, and urban development.

·      More space technology must be employed, there must be a greater demand for space-based services, and space resources must be utilised more effectively.

·      A small number of Indian enterprises are attempting to build their own launch vehicles, the rockets like ISRO’s PSLV that transport satellites and other payloads into space, while the majority wait to take advantage of these opportunities.

·      The notion has thus been encouraged by the necessity for a rising space industry and the willingness of private sector partners. Business firms whose proposals have been accepted by IN-SPACe may also rely on ISRO to make all of its resources accessible to them. On the grounds of the Sriharikota launch complex, private businesses may even construct their own launchpad, with ISRO providing the necessary land.

 

·      About IN-SPACe:

 

·      Between ISRO and outside stakeholders, IN-SPACe acts as a bridge.

·      Being both a facilitator and a regulator are the objectives of IN-SPACe. It will serve as a link between the business sector and ISRO and make decisions about the most effective ways to use India’s space resources and boost space-based activities.

·      The government established two space organisations in the last two years, the second of which is IN-SPACe.

·      The government plans to establish New Space India Limited (NSIL) as a public business to act as the ISRO’s marketing division.

·      Its main goal is to boost consumer demand for space-based services while also marketing ISRO-developed technologies.

·      Antrix Corporation, another PSU under the Department of Space, would handle the commercial contracts between ISRO and overseas customers for satellites and launch vehicles.

·      The growth of India’s space industry has advanced greatly as a result of IN-SPACE.

·      Private companies can now use India’s space infrastructure fairly thanks to IN-SPACe.

·      These adjustments will allow the ISRO to concentrate more on programmes for human spaceflight, exploratory missions, and cutting-edge technologies.

·      A substantially better use of Indian space resources would arise from expanding access to enterprises and other groups, such researchers, students, or academic entities.

·      The activities, including access to space asset data and activities, will be strengthened through IN-SPACe.

·      It would enhance India’s status as a significant player in the world space economy.

·      India may also become a technological powerhouse and create a significant amount of jobs.

 

·      About Digantara:

 

·      It is India’s first space debris tracking in-orbit system.

·      A business involved in the space technology sector, Digantara Research and Technology, has been chosen for the SID (Society for Innovation and Development) incubation programme at IISc, Bengaluru.

·      The first company in India to provide air and space surveillance goes by the name of Digantara.

·      It created India’s first LIDAR-based in-orbit space debris monitoring and tracking system (light detection and ranging).

·      With a constellation of low-cost nanosatellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and a space-based air surveillance payload for precise tracking of both aircraft and spacecraft, it will offer worldwide real-time earth coverage.

·      By assisting international space organisations in locating and documenting space debris, Digantara will reduce the risk to upcoming space exploration.

 

·      Benefits from privatising India’s space industry include:

 

·      The Indian space industry will get the momentum and speed necessary to compete with other well-established space agencies like NASA with the assistance of the private sector.

·      Two of the main explanations are advantages from a commercial and strategic standpoint.

·      By focusing on research and development, planetary exploration, and tactical launches, the private sector will provide ISRO more time.

·      The ISRO might devote more time to space research if private parties take over mundane and commercial tasks like launching weather and communication satellites.

·      ISRO has nothing to lose by opening up its data and resources to the corporate world; future financial gains would be enormous and could be split between ISRO and the corporate world.

·      A trip to explore the Sun, a journey to the Moon, a human spaceflight, and possibly a lunar landing are among the major space endeavours planned for the next years. And ISRO needs the assistance and backing of the corporate community to finish everything.

·      Indian space industry privatisation challenges:

 

·      Given that India only makes up a minor percentage of the global space platform, the massive brain drain from that country is crucial for the space and aerospace industry.

·      It is nearly impossible to run a private space firm or an entrepreneur in India due to the legislative restrictions that make it tough for them to find investors.

·      One of the reasons why there isn’t independent private activity in space is because there isn’t a structure in place to provide transparency and clarity in the regulations.

·      Lack of clarity on space law, insurance, and indemnity, as well as which organisation will be held responsible in the event of a mistake, is another significant issue.

·      Currently, a large number of private companies produce machinery and frames using either leased licences or outsourced specifications.

 

·      Conclusion:

 

·      The development of the space industry is advantageous for India’s industrial base as well as for technology. India, one of the few nations with significant space capabilities, will be able to move forward with its space activities thanks to the reforms, which will give the sector new life and vigour. To ensure the inclusivity and prosperity of the Indian space sector, additional work needs to be done.