. No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1. About the Tuberculosis Prelims & Mains 2. Details of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Prelims & Mains 3. About the Free Trade Agreement Prelims & Mains 4. Detail of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office Prelims Specific Topic 1 – About the Tuberculosis: GS II Topic Health related issues About: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a member of the Mycobacteriaceae family with roughly 200 species, is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Some mycobacteria infect a variety of animals, while others cause diseases like leprosy and TB in humans. TB most frequently impacts the lungs in people (pulmonary TB), however it can also impact other organs (extra-pulmonary TB). It has been proven that TB, a very old disease, was present in Egypt as early as 3000 BC. The disease TB is curable and treatable. Transmission: Through the air, TB can transmit from one person to another. People who have lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit into the air, spreading the TB bacteria. Symptoms: Chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats are all common signs of active lung TB, as do coughs that occasionally produce sputum and blood. Global TB Impact: In the 30 countries with a high TB burden in 2019, 87% of new TB cases were reported. Eight nations—India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa—accounted for two thirds of the new TB cases. Between January and December 2020, India reported 1.8 million TB cases, down from 2.4 million the year prior. MDR-TB continued to be a public health emergency and a threat to health security in 2019. MDR-TB is a type of tuberculosis that is resistant to the two anti-TB medications that are typically used as first-line therapy. Extensively A type of tuberculosis known as drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is brought on by germs that are resistant to several of the most potent anti-TB medications. The BCG vaccine: By altering a Mycobacterium bovis strain, two Frenchmen named Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin created the BCG vaccine (that causes TB in cattle). In humans, it was first applied in 1921. BCG was first made available in India on a small basis in 1948, and it was included in the National TB Control Program in 1962. In addition to its principal application as a TB vaccine, it also offers defence against other mycobacterial diseases like Leprosy and Buruli’s ulcer as well as infant respiratory and bacterial infections. Malignant melanoma and urinary bladder cancer are both treated with it as an immunotherapy agent. It’s an intriguing truth regarding BCG that it performs well in certain places and poorly in others. In general, a country’s efficiency increases with distance from the equator. In nations near or on the equator, such India, Kenya, and Malawi, where the prevalence of TB is higher, it has little to no efficacy. It has a high efficacy in the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Related Projects: Global Initiatives: The Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership have joined forces with the WHO (World Health Organization) to launch the “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” effort. The Global Tuberculosis Report is additionally published by WHO. India’s Initiatives: The TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign, The Nikshay Ecosystem (a national TB information system), The Nikshay Poshan Yojana (financial support), and The National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017–2025). Two TB vaccines, MIP (Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii) and VPM (Vaccine Projekt Management) 1002, have been created, identified, and are currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials. Source The Indian Express 2 – Details of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: GS II Topic International Organizations About: A permanent multinational intergovernmental organisation is the SCO. Keeping the peace, security, and stability in the area is the goal of this Eurasian political, economic, and military institution. In 2001, it was founded. In 2003, the SCO Charter came into effect after being signed in 2002. Genesis: The Shanghai Five, which included Tajikistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, existed prior to the establishment of the SCO in 2001. The Shanghai Five (1996) was the result of several boundary delineation and demilitarisation negotiations between China and the four former Soviet republics to maintain peace along the boundaries. The Shanghai Five became known as the SCO after Uzbekistan joined the group in 2001. Pakistan and India joined in 2017. It was reported that Iran would join the SCO as a full member on September 17, 2021. Objectives: enhancing the member states’ sense of cooperation and neighbourliness. encouraging efficient collaboration in the fields of politics, trade, the economy, science, and culture. strengthening connections in areas such as environmental protection, energy, transportation, and tourism. Maintain and uphold the region’s peace, security, and stability. creation of a new international political and economic order that is democratic, fair, and logical. Membership: Iran, China, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Structure: The top SCO body, the Heads of State Council, decides how the organisation will operate internally, interact with other States and international organisations, and take into account global challenges. The Heads of Government Council approves the budget and deliberates on matters relating to the interaction of economic sectors within the SCO. Considers daily operation-related topics in the Council of Foreign Ministers. To combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) was created. Secretariat of the SCO: Located in Beijing to offer organisational, analytical, and informational support Language Used: Chinese and Russian are the SCO Secretariat’s official working languages. Source The Indian Express 3 – About the Free Trade Agreement: GS III Topic Indian Economy FTA: Free Trade Agreement: It is an agreement between two or more countries to lower import and export restrictions. Under a free trade policy, there are little to no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions that prevent the exchange of products and services across international borders. The idea of free trade is the antithesis
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE:
What precisely is MSP? The minimum support price is the price the government pays farmers for their wheat (MSP). MSPs have been created for 23 crops farmed in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons. What methodology was used in its calculation: The rate at which the government purchases crops from farmers is known as the MSP, which is calculated at least one and a half times the producers’ cost of production. According to the Union Budget for 2018–19, MSP would be kept at 1.5 times the cost of production. Two times a year, the MSP is determined using recommendations made by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), a statutory organisation that submits separate reports for the kharif and rabi seasons. Which production costs are included while determining MSPs: When recommending MSP, the CACP considers both “A2+FL” and “C2” expenditures. All of the money farmers spend on things like seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, hired labour, gasoline, and irrigation is included in category A2 expenditures. A2+FL considers actual out-of-pocket expenses as well as the worth of unpaid family labour. In addition to A2+FL, the C2 expenses also comprise the rent and interest forfeited on owned land and fixed capital assets. MSP’s drawbacks include: The main issue with the MSP is a lack of government procurement equipment for all crops, with the exception of wheat and rice, which the Food Corporation of India actively purchases under the PDS. Farmers who live in places where the government buys all of their grain profit the most, while those who live in areas where government grain purchases are less common are frequently impacted. Additionally, the MSP-based procurement system relies on commission agents, intermediaries, and APMC representatives, all of whom are difficult for smaller farmers to get a hold of.
12 Sept 2022 Current Affairs
. No. Topic Name Prelims/Mains 1. About the Naxalism in India Prelims & Mains 2. Details of the Gaganyaan Mission Prelims & Mains 3. About the Leader of Opposition Prelims & Mains 4. Details of the Cheetah Reintroduction in India Prelims Specific Topic 1 – About the Naxalism in India: GS III Topic Internal Security of India · Naxal Movement in India: · In its early stages, the movement was strongly ideologically motivated and led by leaders like Charu Majumdar, Kondapalli Seetharamaiah, Nagabhushan Patnaik, and others. · With time, the movement’s direction and character shifted, becoming more ruthless and sanguinary. · Nevertheless, it maintained the impression that it genuinely supported the oppressed and poor, notably the tribal people. · Despite losing some of the support of the urban intellectuals, Maoism still resonates with certain of the more ideologically committed sectors at universities and colleges. · The main Maoist activity hotspots in Chhattisgarh right present are Dantewada, Bastar, Bijapur, and Sukma. · Between the early stage (1967–1972) and the current Maoist movement, the taxonomy of naxalism has experienced major changes. · Today, it has evolved into a highly organised, militaristic movement that puts terrorising populations ahead of furthering its own objectives. · The Special Operations Group of Odisha and the Greyhounds of Andhra Pradesh conducted a coordinated operation that cost the Communist Party of India (Maoist) roughly 30 of its cadres. · According to many, it marked the start of the Naxalite movement’s downfall in the country. · Causes: · Political elements: · The characteristics of tribal peoples and the democratic system’s disregard for them were among the key reasons of such uprisings. · lack of political influence in India to provide possibilities for structural uplift to the underprivileged sectors of society in the affected states. · Lack of tribal community participation in politics · Economic factors: · In Naxal-affected areas, there is economic inequality, underdevelopment, and poverty. · The way of life of the tribes is threatened by mining companies’ intrusion into their woods and territories. · Indigenous tribal population deprived of their lands and separated from their customary sources of subsistence · The benefits of resource exploitation are not shared with the indigenous population. · Damage to the environment: · Environmental degradation in the form of the depletion of land and water resources is a result of mining and industrial activity. · Absence of crucial infrastructure: · inadequate access to basic services like food, freedom, education, and sanitization. · The socially deprived tribals make up the majority of the Naxalites’ support base as a result of inequity, illiteracy, and a lack of opportunities. · The CRPF suffered the following setbacks in its conflict with the Naxals: · States do not share a common strategy. · Between the Central forces and the state police, there is inadequate contact. · Forces in Maoist-affected states lack the necessary battle preparedness and training. · There isn’t a formal system in place for exchanging intelligence across governments and regions. · Due to their knowledge with the region, Naxalites enjoy a significant advantage in armed warfare. · Governmental plan: · As part of Operation Green Hunt, which started in 2010, there was a major deployment of security officers in the naxal-affected districts. There were 223 districts affected by naxalism in 2010, but there are currently just 90. · Aspirational Districts Program: · The government’s approach to combating left-wing extremism is comprehensive, with a focus on security, development, safeguarding the rights and entitlements of local populations, improved governance, and public perception management. · Law and order maintenance falls predominantly under the purview of state governments because “Police” and “Public Order” are matters of state jurisdiction. · implementing the Scheme for Special Infrastructure to fill critical infrastructure shortages in states affected by left-wing extremism. · Assistance is offered for State Police training via the Ministry of Defense. · support for programmes promoting civic participation and community policing. · There is a “National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism” to put a stop to the menace as soon as feasible. · The objective of anti-left-wing extremism (LWE) policy is to improve the deployment of central forces in the Naxal-infested regions of the state. · Naxalism alternatives in India: · A good leadership: · The Naxals’ presence in the country also reveals the weaknesses in the legal system, which has failed to thwart the threat. · The central government must implement a thorough national plan to defeat naxalism. · Dialogue: · A solution might be discovered through discussions between Naxal leaders and government representatives. · The government needs to engage the Naxalites in substantive dialogue. · Increase employment while raising wages: · Due to the unpredictable employment and living situations in the area, the locals had little alternative but to join the Naxals. · We must first provide the local community with honest, well-paying employment opportunities if we are to successfully battle Naxalism. · Services for rehabilitation and relocation: · Poor people’s situation has only gotten worse due to the lack of any preparations for the resettlement of the displaced people brought on by the presence of mining grounds, irrigation areas, industries, etc. in the area. · More consideration must be given to the rehabilitation of the affected population. · Halt the destruction of the environment: · Depletion of land and water resources as a result of industrial and mining activity, which results in environmental degradation · The disruption of village life has a detrimental effect on tourism. · Refrain from political marginalisation of weaker groups: · The ruling elite still treats Schedule castes, Schedule tribes, and Lower Classes unfairly. · Because they don’t engage equally in political elections and campaigns, these marginalised groups are easy targets for naxals. · Reduce disparity: · Two of the main reasons that have driven the emergence of naxalism are economic inequality and the expanding gap between the rich and the poor. · This gap needs to be partially filled quickly in order to resist Naxalism. · Make sure that the needs of the ordinary people are met: · One of the key reasons for instability is the usage of tribal lands and forests for industrial purposes. · land loss, lack of access to needs including food, clean water, freedom, and education · Act to improve the welfare of the tribal people: · The majority of the Naxalites’ supporters are socially backward tribal people
INDIA AND JAPAN:
Introduction: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has been assassinated yesterday during a political rally in Japan. Additionally, in 2022, Japan and India will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. On April 28, 1952, India and Japan established diplomatic ties. Japan-India Relations: Historical: Beginning with the visit of the Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD, the relationship between India and Japan has a lengthy history founded in spiritual affinities as well as strong cultural and civilizational linkages. Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, JRD Tata, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Judge Radha Binod Pal are notable Indians who have ties to Japan in modern times. Diplomatic: In 1952, India and Japan established diplomatic ties. There were a number of high-level exchanges in the first ten years after diplomatic relations were established, including the visit to India in 1957 by the Japanese Prime Minister. Japan was one of the few nations to help India with its balance of payments problem in 1991. The 2017-founded Act East Forum will act as a platform for India-Japan cooperation under the auspices of Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision” and India’s “Act East Policy.” Investments and projects: Four agreements between India and Japan demand Tokyo’s support for health care initiatives in India that are sponsored through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) programme. The “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP)” programme provides funding for development projects created to satisfy the various essential requirements of people residing in developing nations. In addition to actively collaborating with India on infrastructure projects in third countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Japan has invested 1,600 crores in development projects in the northeastern states of India. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which enables India and Japan to exchange goods and services for their respective armed forces, was also inked in September. Both countries have outlined a plan for growing their Special Strategic and Global Partnership in the post-COVID era. The Japanese prime minister recently visited India and pledged to invest $42 billion (about Rs 3,20,000 crore) there over the next five years as the two countries finalised a number of collaborations and agreements to strengthen their ties. Relationships in the economy and in business: Given the complimentary structure of the two Asian economies, there is a tonne of room for expansion in the economic ties between Japan and India. India’s large and expanding market, as well as its resources, particularly its human resources, have increased Japan’s interest in the nation. In August 2011, India and Japan’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) went into effect. The agreement, which covers not just trade in products but also services, the movement of people, investments, intellectual property rights, customs procedures, and other trade-related problems, is the most comprehensive of its kind that India has ever signed. Since 1958, Japan has been the main source of bilateral loans and aid for India, making it the latter country. For the fiscal year 2019–20, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a total of $11.87 billion (April–December). Japan imported goods at US$ 7.93 billion while exporting goods to India worth US$ 3.94 billion. Petroleum products, chemicals, elements, compounds, non-metallic mineral ware, fish and fish preparations, metalliferous ores and scrap, clothes and accessories, iron and steel products, textile yarn, fabrics, and machinery are a few of India’s most important exports to Japan. Machines, electrical machinery, iron and steel products, plastics, non-ferrous metals, auto components, organic chemicals, metal producers, etc. are among the major Japanese imports into India. Defence: Over time, the India-Japan Defense and Security Partnership has developed into a crucial tenet of the two countries’ relations. Growing strategic convergence has increased the effectiveness of our engagements, and our shared beliefs on issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region’s peace, security, and stability have increased the importance of those engagements. The “Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between Japan and India” was released by the two leaders in October 2008, during Prime Minister Singh’s visit to Japan. The “2+2” summit, the annual Defense Ministerial Interaction, and the Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard communication are a few of the forums for security and defence discussions between Japan and India. The Japanese and Indian armed services collaborate to organise the bilateral exercises JIMEX, SHINYUU Maitri, and Dharma Guardian. Additionally, both nations take part in the Malabar exercise with the USA. Technology & Science: The two nations’ S&T collaboration was formalised by the 1985 Inter-Governmental Agreement. The India-Japan Digital Partnership (IJDP) was established during PM Modi’s visit to Japan in October 2018 in order to broaden both current areas of cooperation and new initiatives within the context of cooperation in S&T/ICT, with a stronger emphasis on “Digital ICT Technologies.” Three joint laboratories between Japan and India in the fields of ICT (AI, IoT, and Big Data) as well as the launch of the DST-JSPS Fellowship Program for young academics are recent projects. Healthcare: In order to adapt AHWIN’s story for AYUSHMAN Bharat, the Japanese organisation ASHWIN and the Indian AYUSHMAN Bharat Program collaborated. Japanese-Asian Community: The composition of the Indian community has changed as a result of the recent influx of numerous professionals, including IT specialists, engineers working for Indian and Japanese firms, as well as authority in management, finance, education, and S&T research. QUAD Grouping: India and Japan’s bilateral collaboration has grown in the Indo-Pacific area, both directly and through the Quad grouping. A “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific area is the shared goal of India, the US, Japan, and Australia in their informal Quad strategic conversation.