WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, the Central Government has notified the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021.

• The rule aims to incorporate the provisions related to nominal one-time compensation and uniform procedure for the establishment of Overground Telegraph Line in the Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016.

About:

• Compensation: The amount of one-time compensation for the establishment of an overground telegraph line will be a maximum of one thousand rupees per kilometre.
• Right of Way (RoW): These amendments will ease RoW related permission procedures for the establishment and augmentation of digital communications infrastructure across the country.
  • Earlier, the RoW Rules had covered only underground Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) and mobile towers.
• Fees: There will be no fee other than Administrative fee and Restoration charges for establishing, maintaining, transferring or shifting the underground and overground telegraph infrastructure.

Significance:

• The digital divide between rural-urban and rich-poor will be bridged, in line with the Digital India mission and BharatNet project.
• E-governance and financial inclusion will be strengthened.
• Doing business will be easy.
• Information and communication needs of citizens and enterprises will be fulfilled (including 5G).
• The dream of India’s transition to a digitally empowered economy and society will be translated into reality.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir(social empowerment camp) for distribution of aids and assistive devices to Divyangjan under the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) Scheme was organised in Punjab.

• Divyangjan or Divyang: Earlier, in 2015 the Prime Minister decided that persons with disabilities should no longer be referred to as disabled persons or viklang (someone with non-functional body parts) instead they will be referred to as Divyangjan or Divyang (one with a divine body).

 About:

Ministry:

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the Nodal ministry
• It has been in operation since 1981.

Definition:

• The scheme follows the definitions of various types of disabilities as given in the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) (PWD) Act 1995.
  • The PWD Act was replaced by the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

Objective:

• To assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhancing their economic potential.

Grants:

• Grants-in-aid are released to various implementing agencies (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, State Handicapped Development Corporations, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) , etc.) for purchase and distribution of aids and assistive devices.

Assistance:

• Aids/appliances which do not cost more than Rs. 10,000 are covered under the Scheme for single disability.
• However, in some cases the limit would be raised to Rs.12,000. In the case of multiple disabilities, the limit will apply to individual items separately in case more than one aid/appliance is required.
• Full cost of aid/appliance is provided if the income is up to Rs. 15,000 per month and 50% of the cost of aid/appliance is provided if the income is between Rs. 15,001 to Rs. 20,000 per month.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, a report named G20 Climate Risk Atlas from the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) has said that G20 (Group of 20) countries including the wealthiest like the US, European countries, and Australia will bear extreme impacts of climate change over the coming years.

• The first study of its kind, it provides climate scenarios, information, data and future changes in climate across the G20 countries.
• The report came two days ahead of the G20 summit in Rome at the end of October 2021.

Impact on G20 Countries:

Heatwaves:

• Heat waves could last at least ten times longer in all G20 countries, with heatwaves in Argentina, Brazil and Indonesia lasting over 60 times longer by 2050.
  • In Australia, bushfires, coastal floods and hurricanes could raise insurance costs and reduce property values by 611 billion Australian Dollars by 2050.

GDP Loss:

• GDP (Gross Domestic product) losses due to climate damage in G20 countries increase each year, rising to at least 4% annually by 2050. This can reach over 8% by 2100, equivalent to twice the bloc’s economic losses from Covid-19.
  • Some countries will be even worse hit, such as Canada, which could see at least a 4% decrease in its GDP by 2050 and over 13% by 2100.

Sea Level Rise:

• The sea level rise could wreck coastal infrastructure within 30 years, with Japan set to lose 404 billion euro and South Africa 815 million euro by 2050, on a high emissions pathway.

Flooding

• Expected annual damages from riverine flooding by 2050 are estimated to be 376.4 billion Euro under a low emissions scenario and rise to 585.6 billion EUR under a high emissions scenario.

Impact on India:

Emission Scenarios:

• Low Emission (emissions lower than in present):
  • Projected temperature variations will remain contained under 1.5 degree celsius , both by 2050 and 2100.
• Medium Emission (same as present):
  • Between 2036 and 2065, the maximum temperature of the warmest month in India could rise by at least 1.2 degree celsius in a medium emission pathway.
• High Emission (higher than present):
  • By 2050 under a high emission scenario average temperature could rise to 2 degree celsius.

Rainfall:

• Annual rainfall is likely to record a steep increase by 2050 with an 8% to 19.3% increase in all emission scenarios.

Economic Impact:

• In India, declines in rice and wheat yields due to climate change could lead to economic losses between 43 and 81 billion EUR (or 1.8-3.4% of (GDP) by 2050.
• Water demand for agriculture is likely to rise around about 29% by 2050 – meaning yield losses are likely to be underestimated.

Heatwaves:

• Heatwaves in India will last 25 times longer by 2036-2065 if emissions are high (4°C), over five times longer if global temperature rise is constrained to about 2°C, and one and a half times longer if emissions are very low and temperature rise only reaches 1.5°C.

Agricultural Drought:

• On a pathway to 4°C global heating, agricultural drought will become 48% more frequent by 2036-2065.
• On a 2°C pathway (the maximum temperature agreed by the Paris Agreement) this drops to 20% more frequent, and constraining temperature rise to 1.5°C (the aspirational goal of the Paris Agreement), agricultural drought will still be 13% more frequent.

Flooding:

• Under 18 million Indians could be at risk of river flooding by 2050 if emissions are high, compared to 1.3 million today.

Labour:

• Total labour is expected to decline by 13.4% under a low emissions scenario by 2050 due to the increase in heat, and by 24% under a medium emissions scenario by 2080.

Food Security:

• In India, declines in rice and wheat production could spark economic losses of up to Euros 81 billion by 2050 and a loss of 15% of farmers’ incomes by 2100.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The US lawmakers continue to voice their support for a sanctions waiver from Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for India.

• In October 2018, India signed a 5.43 billion USD deal with Russia for the S-400 Triumf missile system despite objections from the US and the threat of sanctions under CAATSA. India is likely to begin taking delivery of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia in November 2021.

About the US’ CAATSA:

• US Law: It is a US federal law enacted in 2017. The Act empowers the US President to impose at least five of the 12 listed sanctions on persons engaged in a “significant transaction” with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.
  • Its “ultimate goal”, “is to prevent revenue from flowing to the Russian Government.
  • Besides Russia, CAATSA is aimed at enforcing sanctions against Iran and North Korea.
• Types of Sanctions: The CAATSA contains 12 types of sanctions. There are only two sanctions that may impact either India-Russia relations or India-US relations.
  • Prohibition of Banking transactions: The first of these, which is likely to have an impact on India-Russia relations, is the “Prohibition of Banking transactions”.
    • This would mean difficulties for India in making payments in US Dollars to Russia for the purchase of the S-400 systems.
  • Export Sanction: The second sanction will have greater consequences for India-US relations.
    • This is the “export sanction” which has the potential to completely derail the India-US Strategic and Defence partnership, as it will deny the license for, and export of, any items controlled by the US.
  • Waiver Criteria: The US President was given the authority in 2018 to waive CAATSA sanctions on a case-by-case basis.

Russia’s S-400 Triumf Missile System:

About:

• It is a mobile, Surface-to-Air Missile system (SAM) designed by Russia.
• It is the most dangerous operationally deployed Modern Long-Range SAM (MLR SAM) in the world, considered much ahead of the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).
• It integrates multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre.
  • It is capable of firing three types of missiles to create a layered defence.
• The system can engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and ballistic and cruise missiles within the range of 400km, at an altitude of up to 30km.
• The system can track 100 airborne targets and engage six of them simultaneously.

Significance for India:

• From India’s point of view, China is also buying the system. In 2015, China signed an agreement with Russia to purchase six battalions of the system. Its delivery began in January 2018.
  • China’s acquisition of the S-400 system has been viewed as a “game changer” in the region. However, its effectiveness against India is limited.
• India’s acquisition is crucial to counter attacks in a two-front war, including even high-end F-35 US fighter aircraft.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

UN’s World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released its annual report titled “State of the climate in Asia” on October 25, 2021.

About:

• As per the report, in 2020, Asia suffered its hottest year on record.
• The report notes that extreme weather is taking a heavy toll on the development of the continent.
• In 2020, Extreme weather and climate change in Asia has resulted in the loss of life of thousands of people, cost billions of dollars, displaced millions of others, and wreaked a heavy toll on infrastructure & ecosystems.
• As per the report, sustainable development is threatened because health risks, food & water insecurity, and environmental degradation is increasing.
• Increased heat and humidity are forecasts will also lead to an effective loss of outdoor working hours in Asia.
• Several kinds of weather and climate-related displacements across Asia are prolonged. People are unable to return home or integrate locally.
• In 2020 floods and storms affected around 50 million people in Asia, causing about 5,000 fatalities.

Total average losses across countries

• China suffered an estimated loss of $238 billion, India suffered $87 billion, Japan suffered $83 billion while South Korea suffered $24 billion.
• Considering the size of economy, average annual losses are likely to be as high as 7.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) for Tajikistan, 5.8 percent for Laos and 5.9 percent for Cambodia.

Warmest Year in Asia

The warmest year on record in Asia, witnessed the mean temperature 1.39 degrees Celsius above as compared to 1981-2010 average. 38 degrees Celsius was recorded at Verkhoyansk in Russia, which is the highest known temperature in north of the Arctic Circle.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), K Natarajan, commissioned the indigenously built Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Sarthak” on October 28, 2021.

About:

• Commissioning of the ship is a significant boost for the maritime safety and security of India.
• ICGS Sarthak will be based at Porbandar in Gujarat.
• It will operate on the Western Seaboard of India, under the Operational and Administrative Control of the Commander of Coast Guard Region (Northwest).
• It is commanded by Deputy Inspector, General MM Syed while11 Officers & 110 men will also compliment him.

Who built ICGS Sarthak?

• ICGS Sarthak is the 4^thship among the series of five OPVs, which are being built for ICG by Goa Shipyard Limited.
• These OPVs are multi-mission platforms and are capable of undertaking concurrent operations.

About ICGS Sarthak

ICGS is a 105-meter-long ship displacing 2,450 tons. It is propelled by two 9,100-kilowatt diesel engines. The ship has been designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.  Ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, machinery, weapons and sensors that enables it to function as a command platform. The ship also undertakes the mandated Coast Guard charter of duties like search & rescue, preserving & protecting marine environment and combating maritime crimes. It is a significant example of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

ICG is a maritime law enforcement and search & rescue agency, operating under the Ministry of defence of India. Its jurisdiction is over the territorial waters of India, including the contiguous zone & exclusive economic zone. The agency was established on February 1, 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

6^th Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) 2021 was inaugurated on October 28, 2021, by the Pune International Centre (PIC).

About:

• It is a two-day virtual conference, in which National Security Advisor Ajit Doval delivered the inaugural address.
• The conference will also witness a keynote address by Dr Soumya Swaminathan who happens to be the Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation.

The theme of the conference

Pune Dialogue on National Security 2021 was organised under the theme- ‘National Security Preparedness in the Age of Disasters and Pandemics’.

Agenda of the meeting

• During the meeting, participants will discuss the impact of disasters and pandemics on the national security of India. They will also suggest strategies to deal with disasters.
• Conference will be addressed by Gen N C Vij (retd), NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority and former Chief of the Army Staff.
• They will hold discussions on disaster risk reduction as part of national security as well as on role of science & technology and imperatives.

About PDNS

PDNS is held by PIC in collaboration with the Policy Perspectives Foundation (PPF) of New Delhi, Centre for Advanced Strategic Studies (CASS) and The Tribune Trust of Chandigarh.

Highlights of NSA’s address

National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, highlighted that “deliberate weaponization of dangerous pathogens” is a matter of serious concern. He also called for the need of building comprehensive national capabilities as well as bio-defence, bio-security & bio-safety. He also expressed the concerns over climate change issue.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has appointed an expert committee [to be overseen by a retired apex court judge (Justice Raveendran Committee)] in the Pegasus case.

• Under the case, the Union Government is alleged to have used spyware for surveillance on private citizens.

 Supreme Court Judgment:

Judicial Principle Against Bias:

• The court rejected the government’s plea to set up its own probe.
• The court asserted that the government appointment of probe would violate the settled judicial principle against bias, i.e., that ‘justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done’,”

Formation of Expert Committee:

• On account of the government’s inaction to file a detailed response to the allegations made by the petitioners, the Court has constituted a panel of experts under former SC judge Justice R V Raveendran.

Terms of Recommendation:

• The court has also asked the Raveendran committee to make recommendations on a legal and policy framework to protect citizens against surveillance and enhance cyber security of the country.
• The court has set seven terms of reference for the committee, which are essentially facts that need to be ascertained to decide the issue.

Issues Addressed by the SC:

Right to Privacy:

• The court reiterated that right to privacy is as sacrosanct as human existence and is inalienable to human dignity and autonomy.
  • The Right to Privacy was held as a part of fundamental rights by the Supreme Court in K S Puttaswamy case, 2017.
• Any surveillance or snooping done on an individual by the state or any outside agency is an infringement of that person’s right to privacy.

Surveillance on Free Speech:

• The Court has drawn a link between surveillance and self-censorship.
  • The knowledge that one is under the threat of being spied on leads to self-censorship and potential chilling effect.
• The chilling effect surveillance can produce is an assault on the vital public-watchdog role of the press, which may undermine the ability of the press to provide accurate and reliable information (Free Speech).
• It further held that, an important and necessary corollary of such a right is to ensure the protection of sources of information.

National Security as a Ground to Block Citizen’s Rights:

• The Court has ruled that the state does not get a “free pass every time the spectre of ‘national security is raised”.
• This also means “no omnibus prohibition can be called for against judicial review” if the matter impinges on national security.
• Hence, any violation of that right by the state, even in the national interest, has to follow procedures established by the law.
• Further, the order is a strong rebuttal of the government’s specious and self-serving use of national security as a ground to criminalise the forms of dissent.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation has released Krishi Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) 2.0 to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce by air.

• It lays out the vision of improving value realization through better integration and optimization of agri-harvesting and air transportation and contributing to agri-value chain sustainability and resilience under different and dynamic conditions.
• Earlier, ahead of UDAN Day (21st October), the Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme.

About:

• Krishi UDAN was launched in August 2020, on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realisation.
• Krishi UDAN 2.0 will focus on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, northeastern states and tribal areas.
• It will be implemented at 53 airports across the country mainly focusing on northeast and tribal regions and is likely to benefit farmers, freight forwarders and airlines.
  • Opted airports not only provide access to regional domestic markets but also connect them to international gateways of the country.

Main Features:

Waiver:

• Facilitate and incentivize movement of agri-produce by air transportation by giving a full waiver of landing, parking, Terminal Navigation and Landing Charges and Route Navigation Facilities Charges for domestic airlines.

Hub and Spoke Model:

• Strengthen Cargo related infrastructure at airports and off airports by facilitating the development of a hub and spoke model and a freight grid.
  • The hub and spoke model refers to a distribution method in which a centralized “hub” exists.

Resource Pooling:

• Resources-Pooling through establishing a convergence mechanism i.e. collaboration with other government departments and regulatory bodies.
  • It will provide freight forwarders, airlines and other stakeholders with Incentives and concessions to enhance air transportation of Agri-produce.

E-KUSHAL:

• An online platform named E-KUSHAL (Krishi Udaan for Sustainable Holistic Agri-Logistics) would also be developed to facilitate information dissemination to all stakeholders regarding the transportation of agricultural produce.
• The ministry has also proposed convergence of E-KUSHAL with the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM).

Expected Benefits:

New Avenues of Growth for Agriculture:

• This scheme will open up new avenues of growth for the agriculture sector and help attain the goal of doubling farmers’ income by removing barriers in supply chain, logistics and transportation of farm produce.

Decrease Food Wastes:

It will help solve the problem of wastage of agricultural food wastes in the country.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

• The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SPM) in Kolkata has become the first Major Indian Port to get a Radio over Internet Protocol (ROIP) System. The ROIP was inaugurated by Vinit Kumar, Chairman of SPM, on October 25, 2021.
• SMP, Kolkata has been constantly maintaining its pivotal position in Indian Major Ports for the past 152 years. ROIP system is a long-range marine communication solution, to aid especially during storms and inclement weather.
• Using the ROIP mode of communication, the vessels at Sandheads can be directly communicated via Radio, from Kolkata. The solution shall cover the entire Hugli River Estuary from Kolkata to Sandheads, and will have base stations at 4 Locations: Kolkata, Hugli point, Haldia and Sagar Pilot Station