WHY IN THE NEWS?

The World Bank Group has recently decided to discontinue publication of its ‘Doing Business’ rankings.

About the Doing Business Report

Doing Business report measures regulations across the 190 economies in 12 business regulatory areas to assess the business environment in each economy.

What led to the decision?

In August 2020, the World Bank paused the publication of Doing Business reports following a number of irregularities were reported regarding changes to the data. The irregularities had affected four countries: China; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Azerbaijan.

The World Bank has later confirmed that the changes were inconsistent with the Doing Business methodology.

An independent probe of data irregularities cited “undue pressure” by top bank officials, including the World Bank’s former CEO, to boost China’s ranking in 2017. This raised ethical matters involving former bank staff and board officials in calculating the rankings.

Why the report is important?

The World Bank’s annual report matters to several nations, especially developing ones. The report greatly influences investor decisions by releasing a ranking of economies based on how easy it is to open up, and operate, a business.

On the other hand, many governments criticized the rankings for their methodology that inaccurately captured the realities on the ground.

What will be done in the future?

The World Bank has now said that a new approach will be worked out to assess countries‘ business and investment climates.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Recently, a Welfare Association of wooden toymakers named Ambasamudram Bharani Mara Varna Kadasal Artisans has applied for the Geographical Indications tag for  Choppu Samaan.

What is Choppu Samaan?

It is a traditional toy for kids. It is a kitchen set that is made up of fine wood with polished edges. Furthermore, it is painted with harmless natural colours, so it is safe for children. Originally, artists used teak and rosewood, but now there is more use of eucalyptus and rubberwood.

How it is made?

The wood is seasoned by the method of air drying. It is then cut into smaller cylinders to fit onto a lathe (machine for shaping wood). The toys are shaped on that lathe with standard carpentry tools. After manufacturing, the products are either lacquered on a wooden lathe or simply painted with colours. Lacquer is prepared by mixing lac with pigments. Screw-pine leaves are used to polish the finished toys. These are also known as Kadasal toys.

What is a GI tag?

A GI tag is a sign used on goods that have a specific Geographical Indications origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are specific to that origin.

The tag can be awarded for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine, handicrafts, and industrial products.

A GI tag is a part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Once a product is accorded a GI tag, it is protected by various legislations, such as legislations by the World Intellectual Property Organization(WIPO).

WHY IN THE NEWS?

Union minister of state for electronics & information technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, inaugurated three National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) centres of northeast states on September 16, 2021

About:
One of the NIELIT centres was inaugurated in Churachandpur district of Manipur, physically. While, two other centres were inaugurated in Kokrajhar and Tezpur districts of Assam.

• On the occasion, two existing centres at Imphal & at Aizawl districts of Mizoram were upgraded.
• Minister noted that, NIELIT centre in Churachandpur district, these NIELIT centres would be soon be acting as job creation centres with the collaboration of Centre and States.
• These centres will not just be training centres but these are centres to skill the youth and get them into the runway of opportunity and jobs.

NIELIT Centre, Churachandpur

It is the second centre of NIELIT in Manipur. Its campus spreads over 4.13 acres of land provided by the state government. It comprises of eight laboratories and two class rooms. Its annual training capacities is of 600 students.

National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT)

NIELIT was formerly known as the DOEACC Society. It offers Information Technology & Electronics training at different levels. It is associated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and works as an autonomous Statutory Organisation under the Central Government. NIELIT enjoys the power similar to Organisations like CBSE, UGC etc.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

On September 17, 2021, two Indian Projects have been selected to get the Environment Prize.

About:

• One of the selected projects is- Solar-Powered Ironing Cart project that has been designed by a 14-year-old Tamil Nadu schoolgirl.
• The second project is- Agricultural Waste Recycling Concept developed by an entrepreneur from Delhi.
• Total of 15 finalists have been selected out of hundreds of nominations from across the world for the Environmental Prize.

About Environment Prize

The first-ever Environment Prize, called Earthshot Prize, was launched by Britain’s Prince William (Duke of Cambridge) and David Attenborough in 2020. This prize is conferred annually from 2021 to 2030, to five winners each year. Winners are selected for their solutions or projects that substantially help the environment. It is given by the Royal Foundation, England. Award is given in five separate categories with the support of UN Sustainable Development Goals. Winners are selected by the Earthshot Prize Council which is a global team spanning six continents.

• About Solar-Powered Ironing Cart project

This project has been developed by Vinisha Umashankar. She made the cut within the “Clean Our Air” category. Her concept is about solar-powered clean alternative for charcoal-powered street irons which press clothes for millions of Indians.

• About Agricultural Waste Recycling Concept

This project has been developed by Takachar and co-founded by Vidyut Mohan. It has been nominated in “Clean Our Air Category” for its cheap, small-scale, portable technology. This project converts crop residues into sellable bio-products

WHY IN THE NEWS?

45th GST council Meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 17, 2021 in Lucknow. Discussions over bringing petrol & diesel under the GST regime was discussed and several key decisions were taken.

About:
Issue of Petrol & Diesel was discussed as Kerala High Court had questioned it. However, Councildecided not to put petrol and diesel under GST.

• In the meeting, concessional GST rates on Covid-19 related medicines were also announced, which are applicable till September 30. Now, the date has been extended till December 31, 2021.

Key Decisions

1. Concessional GST rates on drugs used in COVID-19 treatment extended till Dec 31.
2. Tax rates on medicines used in cancer treatment was cut from 12 pc to 5 pc.
3. GST rate on biodiesel for blending it with diesel was reduced from 12 pc to 5 pc.
4. Inverted duty structure on footwear & textiles will be corrected from January 1, 2022.
5. It is not the correct time to bring petroleum products under GST regime.
6. A Group of state ministers (GoM) will be established to look after the rate rationalisation related issues. GoM will be making recommendations in 2 months.
7. E-commerce operators Swiggy & Zomato will come under GST regime. They are now required to pay GST on restaurant service supplied through them, since tax is charged at point of delivery. Earlier, restaurants used to pay the tax.
8. Another GoMs will be set up in order to look after issues of e-way bills, FASTAGs, compliances, technology, plugging of loopholes, composition schemes etc

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a Pan-India Special Campaign called “Ek Pahal Drive” for Justice Delivery at the doorstep.

About:

• The campaign was launched in a bid to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law.
• The campaign was launched by the Department of Justice and NALSA.
• This campaign seeks to actualize the aspiration of access to justice for citizens in India.

Justice in Preamble

The Preamble to the Constitution of India has recognised Justice as the first deliverable for Indian citizens. A successful and vibrant democracy is where every citizen not only get guaranteed justice, but where justice is equitable. This principle mandates for State to create an environment where justice-delivery is looked as a citizen-centric service rather than a sovereign function.

EK Pahal Campaign

Department of Justice launched this campaign across India, which will run from September 17th to October 2nd in order to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law. At the launch of the campaign, the registration login of 5480 beneficiaries was done. This login drive registered 138% increase as compared to the daily average registration of beneficiaries. More than 25000 banners were displayed at CSCs in regional languages. The campaign will include the deployment of 185 Mobile Vans and other vehicles in order to showcase films and documentaries regarding the Access to Justice programme.

Significance of Tele law

Tele Law provides pre-litigation advice or consultation to beneficiaries by Panel Lawyers. This medium uses a huge network by covering 51,434 Common Service Centres across 50,000 Gram Panchayats in 633 districts of 34 States & UTs. It will also be holding 4100 Legal Aid Clinics to give pre-litigation or legal advice to common citizens with the help of Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers. Awareness programmes will also be launched at village level on legal aid in 672 districts.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

India and El Salvador held their Third Foreign Office Consultations in San Salvador.

About:

• The Indian side was led by Secretary (East), Riva Ganguly Das while and El Salvadoran side was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Integration & Economic Promotion, Ambassador Adriana Maria Mira.
• During the consultations, both of them noted the warm and friendly relations between India and El Salvador.
• They also reviewed the bilateral relations in all the fields including health, trade & investment, tourism, energy, aquaculture, transport, aviation & infrastructure, consular & development partnership and culture.
• Both the countries decided to exchange their best practices in the area of public diplomacy.
• They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest such as cooperation in the United Nations and finally agreed to work closely across the multilateral arena.

El Salvador–India relations

Diplomatic relations between both countries were established on February 12, 1979. Embassy of El Salvador in London was accredited to India until June 2008 when El Salvador established its embassy in New Delhi. El Salvador currently maintains its embassy in New Delhi as well as an honorary consulate in Bangalore. Embassy of India in Guatemala is accredited to El Salvador. India has also an honorary consulate in San Salvador.

Consultations between both the countries

Both the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2004 to hold regular consultations between the respective foreign ministries. First Foreign Office Consultations were held in August 2012. In 2012 itself, they also signed an agreement on co-operation in the field of science, technology & innovation

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The 36th International Coastal Clean-up Day was celebrated on September 18, 2021, for the tenth consecutive year.

About:

• The day was celebrated by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Visakhapatnam.
• As part of the day, ENC carried the Coastal Clean-up Drive at Yarada Beach, Bheemili Beach and other sea fronts in the premises of Naval units of Visakhapatnam.
• About 500 Naval personnel, Defence Civilians and their families overtook the clean-up drive by complying to the COVID19 protocols.

Aim of the drive

The clean-up drive was launched with the aim of creating awareness among people to keep beaches clean, safeguarding our environment and inculcating the habit of respecting the coastlines which ultimately nurtures the marine biodiversity.

International Coastal Clean-up Day

The day is traditionally held on the third Saturday of September. In 2021, this day is being observed on September 18th.

The theme of the day

International Coastal Clean-Up Day 2021 is being celebrated under the theme: “Keep trash in the bin and not in the ocean”.

History of the day

The International Coastal Clean-up started by the Ocean Conservancy, in 1986. During that time, communities rallied together with a common goal of collecting and documenting the trash lying on their coastline. Since then, International Coastal Clean-up Community encourages people across the world to remove trash and debris from waterways, beaches & other water bodies, on the third Saturday of September, each year. People are also encouraged to identify the sources of litter, to bring in behavioural changes that cause pollution and to raise awareness regarding the marine debris problem.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

NITI Aayog, in association with the RMI and RMI India, launched Shoonya campaign.

About:

• Shoonya campaign is an initiative to work with consumers and industry in order to promote pollution-free delivery vehicles.
• This campaign was launched with the aim of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in urban delivery segment and raise consumer awareness regarding the benefits of pollution-free delivery.
• Industry stakeholders like e-commerce companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fleet aggregators and logistics companies are expanding their efforts on electrifying last mile deliveries.
• In the initial phase, about 30 companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, Ashok Leyland, Zomato, Sun Mobility, Lightning Logistics, Big Basket, Brudart, Swiggy and Hero Electric attended a kick-off meeting that was chaired by CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant.

Branding and certification programme

Under the campaign, a corporate branding and certification program has been launched in order to recognize and facilitate industry’s efforts of shifting towards EVs for final mileage delivery. Online tracking platform shares the impact of this campaign by providing data like kilometers of electrified vehicles, standard pollutant savings, carbon savings and other benefits from clean delivery vehicles.

Main Purpose of the campaign

The main purpose of the campaign is to eliminate pollution from urban freight sector. For this purpose, e-commerce companies, automakers, and logistics fleet operators have been asked to recognize the opportunity.

Urban freight vehicles in India

Urban freight vehicles account for 10% of India’s freight-related CO2 emissions. These emissions are expected to rise by 114% by 2030. Since EVs do not emit such emissions, they can contribute in improving air quality. They also emit 15-40 percent less CO2 as far as its manufacturing is concerned. Their operating costs is also low as compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts.

WHY IN THE NEWS?

SpaceX launched four amateurs on its first ever private flight.

About:

• SpaceX first ever “Earth-circling trip” was started onboarding two contest winners, a health care worker as well as their rich sponsor.
• This is the most ambitious leap in space tourism.
• This was the first time any rocket blasted off toward orbit with an all-amateur crew and no professional astronauts.
• Two men and two women are looking forward to spend three days on Dragon capsule circling the world.
• They will be circling the Earth on an unusually high orbit at 160 km higher than the International Space Station.
• Their flight will splash down off the Florida coast by September 19th
• Dragon capsule aimed for an altitude of 575 km, beyond the Hubble Space Telescope.

Who is leading the flight?

Jared Isaacman is leading the flight, who made his fortune with the payment-processing company. Isaacman is the third billionaire to launch so far, following the brief space-skimming flights of Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson and Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos in July 2021. Apart from this, Arceneaux is flying who is set to become the youngest American in space as well as the first person with a prosthesis, a titanium rod in her left leg, to travel space.

Space Tourism

This flight is the first entry in the competition for space tourism dollars by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)

SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer, space transportation services & communications company. It is headquartered in Hawthorne, California. The company was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk with the objective of reducing space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. SpaceX manufactures Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, rocket engines, crew spacecraft, Dragon cargo, and Starlink communications satellites.