Current Affairs – 28th Mar 2024
Article Covered:
- Expert Committee on developing GIFT IFSC as ‘Global Finance and Accounting Hub’ submits report to IFSCA
- Investment Facilitation for Development
- Kalamandalam opens doors for boys to learn Mohiniyattam
- Thailand moves closer to legalising same-sex unions as parliament passes landmark bill
- Government notifies revised wages under the MGNREGS
- South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA)
- Study unravels the recipe that gives mushk budiji rice its unique aroma
- On sustainable building materials | Explained
- Moyar Valley
Expert Committee on developing GIFT IFSC as ‘Global Finance and Accounting Hub’ submits report to IFSCA
The Expert Committee on developing the Gujarat International Finance Tech-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC) as ‘Global Finance and Accounting Hub’ has submitted its report to Chairperson, International Financial Services Centre Authority, (IFSCA) on 26th March, 2024.
The Expert Committee was constituted pursuant to the notification issued by Ministry of Finance on 18th January, 2024 wherein book-keeping, accounting, taxation and financial crime compliance were notified as ‘financial services’ under Sec 3(1)(e)(xiv) of IFSCA Act, 2019. The Expert Committee was chaired by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The committee comprised of experts from the industry, academia and the Government.
The Expert Committee has recommended a comprehensive regulatory regime for undertaking bookkeeping, accounting, taxation and financial crimes compliance services from IFSC in India. Additionally, the Committee has also made several recommendations for the promotion and development of GIFT IFSC as ‘Global Finance and Accounting Hub’, including measures for enhancing the skills and competencies of the workforce.
In its report, the Committee has highlighted the potential for GIFT IFSC to become a global hub for book-keeping, accounting, taxation and financial crime compliance services, which would create large employment opportunities for the talented workforce.
Investment Facilitation for Development
One of the significant developments at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi was the non-adoption of the agreement on investment facilitation for development (IFD).
Investment Facilitation for Development
- It is a joint Initiative launched at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11) in December 2017 on a plurilateral basis by 70 countries.
- This was done through a process known as the Joint Statement Initiative.
- Aim: This agreement aims to create legally binding provisions to facilitate investment flows.
- It also aims to develop predictable, transparent and open investment rules that will contribute to more efficient investment flows and increased business confidence and it is now in a formal negotiation phase.
- Objective: A core objective of the framework is to facilitate greater participation by developing and least-developed WTO Members in global investment flows.
- The IFD agreement was finalised in November 2023 and at present around 120 of 166 WTO member countries (more than 70% of the membership) back this agreement.
- Key areas included in the IFD Agreement to promote and facilitate investment
- Improving regulatory transparency and predictability: such as publishing investment-related measures and establishing enquiry points;
- Streamlining and speeding up administrative procedures: such as removing duplicative steps in approval processes and simplifying applications;
- Enhancing international cooperation and addressing the needs of developing members – such as providing technical assistance and capacity-building for developing countries and least developed countries; and
- Other issues: such as implementing provisions to encourage responsible business conduct.
India is not a part of this initiative.
Kalamandalam opens doors for boys to learn Mohiniyattam
Decision taken unanimously in the governing council meeting of the Kalamandalam
- In a historic move, the Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions to learn Mohiniyattam.
- The decision was taken unanimously in the governing council meeting of the Kalamandalam on Wednesday. The admission for the Mohiniyattam course will be open from the next academic year onwards.
MOHINIYATTAM:
- Mohiniattam, or Mohiniyattam, is an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the state of Kerala.
- It derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, a female avatar of Lord Vishnu.
History:
- Its roots date backto the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’.
- Mohiniyattam used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples during the rule of the Chera kingsfrom 9 to 12 C.E.
- Mohiniattam developed further as a performing artduring the 18th and 19th centuries due to the patronage of several princely states.
- The contributions of The Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma,in the early 19th century saw the eventual development and systematization of present-day Mohiniattam.
Features:
- It is conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists.
- It adheres to the Lasya type that showcases a more graceful, gentle and feminine form of dancing.
- It emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the song is customarily in Manipravala, which is a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam language.
- The recitation may be performed by the dancer or a vocalist, with the music style being Carnatic.
- The dance is characterized by its graceful swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
- The movements are emphasized by the glides, up and down movement on toes, and are largely based on the art of balancing.
- More than the footwork, emphasis is given to hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya or subtle facial expressions.
- The hand gestures, 24 in number, are mainly adopted from ‘Hastha Lakshana Deepika’, a text followed by Kathakali.
- Costumes in Mohiniyattam include plain white or ivory cream traditional sari embroidered with bright gold-laced brocade.
- Musical instruments include Mridangam, Madhalam, ldakka, flute, Veena,and Kuzhitalam(cymbals).
Thailand moves closer to legalising same-sex unions as parliament passes landmark bill
The legislation was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present, with only 10 voting against it and could see Thailand join Taiwan and Nepal in allowing same-sex unions.
- Thailand’s parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday, a landmark step that moves one of Asia’s most liberal countries closer to becoming its third territory to legalise same-sex unions.
- The bill had the support of all of Thailand’s major parties and was more than a decade in the making. It still requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the king before it becomes law and would take effect 120 days later.
- The legislation was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present, with only 10 voting against it.
Same Sex Marriage
- Same sex marriage refers to the legal and social recognition of marriage between individuals of the same gender or sexual orientation. In such marriages, two people of the same sex come together in a formal union, just like opposite-sex couples, with the same legal rights and responsibilities.
Same Sex marriage: Equality Perspective
- Advocates for marriage equality argue that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination and a violation of their human rights. They believe that all individuals should have the same legal rights and access to the benefits and responsibilities that come with marriage, such as inheritance rights, medical decision-making, and access to spousal benefits and protections. Over the years, many countries have legalized same sex marriage, and in some cases, it has been achieved through legislative changes, court rulings, or referendums.
Supreme Court of India Hearing: Views on Four Key Issues
ADOPTION RIGHTS FOR QUEER COUPLES |
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO MARRIAGE |
INTERPRETATION OF SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT |
ON THE OPTION OF CIVIL UNION FOR QUEER COUPLES |
The Supreme Court bench delivered a split 3:2 verdict regarding adoption rights. In this decision, the Court upheld the existing law, which does not extend adoption rights to same-sex couples. |
All the judges reached a unanimous consensus in asserting that there is no absolute right to marriage, and same-sex couples cannot assert it as a fundamental right. |
The Court also unanimously rejected the challenge to the provisions of the Special Marriage Act. |
The majority opinion stated that the state should support and enable this choice for those who wish to exercise it. In their separate minority opinions, CJI Chandrachud and Justice Kaul ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to have their relationships recognized as civil unions and can avail consequential benefits. |
Special Marriage Act
- The institution of marriage in India is a social tradition where couples come together in the presence of witnesses, and it does not necessarily require legal sanction. For those who wish to have a legally recognized marriage, they can opt for a “court marriage.” The Special Marriage Act of 1954 offers provisions for marriage for all Indian nationals, regardless of their religion or faith. The Supreme Court took was deliberating whether the Special Marriage Act can be made gender neutral
Challenges Associated with Same Sex Marriage
- Open Discrimination:The lack of recognition for same-sex relationships is a form of discrimination by the State. Every individual should have the freedom to choose whom they love and marry, as affirmed by the Supreme Court’s previous judgment in the Puttaswamy case, which recognized privacy as a fundamental right.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights:The Indian Constitution grants citizens certain fundamental rights that should not be infringed upon by the State based on personal choices.
- Natural and Unnatural Relationship: Governments worldwide have often argued against homosexual relationships as being ‘unnatural.’ However, societal notions of what is natural or unnatural have evolved over time, with increasing emphasis on individual rights and freedoms.
- Legal Issues Regarding Progeny: Same-sex couples face legal recognition challenges when surrogating or adopting a child. The absence of a legal framework also affects the child’s right to legal safety and security.
- Social Morality vs. Constitutional Morality:There is a conflict between social values and constitutional values. The Indian Constitution and the judiciary’s interpretation have generally been more progressive and individual-centric than prevailing societal ethics. For instance, the case of Sabarimala, which ended gender-based discrimination, faced significant opposition from society.
Government notifies revised wages under the MGNREGS
Several States have reported a hike in wages by 8% to 10%
- The Union government on Wednesday notified the revised wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), with several States reporting a hike in wages by 8 to 10%.
- The hike ranged from ₹7 in Uttar Pradesh (2023- ₹230 – to 2024 rate of ₹237) to ₹34 hike in Goa (2023 wages ₹322 to 2024 wages ₹356). Significant jump in wages have been reported by Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa, where the hikes varied from 8% to 10.5%. Bihar follows closely behind, where the wages have been revised by ₹17.
MGNREGA
MGNREGA is the abbreviation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005.
- It is a law passed by the Indian government in 2005 that guarantees the“right to work” to rural citizens of India.
- Under this, the government assures aminimum of 100 days of unskilled manual work to an adult member of an eligible rural household.
- The main objectiveof the MGNREGA is to provide employment to rural citizens and improve their economic conditions.
- Several organizations and people played key roles in championing the cause of the right to work, especially the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), renowned development economist Jean Drèze, and many others.
- MKSS’s initial efforts at organizing workers working on government drought relief programmes spearheaded the way for sustained activism that led to the creation of MGNREGA.
key provisions of MGNREGA
Some of the key features of the MGNREGA Act, 2005 include
Eligibility Criteria: For receiving the benefits of the MGNREGA Scheme, the following eligibility criteria are to be met by the applicant:
- Citizen of India
- 18 years of age at the time of application
- Rural Household
- Willing to do unskilled work
- Guaranteed Employment:The MGNREGA program guarantees 100 days of unskilled employment to all willing rural citizens, at the government-set minimum wage.
- Unemployment Allowance: If work is not assigned within 15 days, the applicant is entitled to receive an unemployment allowance. This allowance is 1/4 of the minimum wage for the first 30 days and a half for the following period.
- Social Audit: A social audit is a powerful tool for social transformation, community participation, and government accountability. Section 17 of the MGNREGA has mandated a social audit of all the works executed under the MGNREGA.
- Preference of employment near residence:The work provided is usually within a 5 km radius of the applicant’s village, with a travel allowance provided for work beyond this radius.
- Decentralized planning: Panchayati Raj Institutions take the lead role in planning, implementing, and monitoring the allocated and executed works. Gram Sabhas are given the authority to suggest work and are required to carry out at least half of the work.
- Implementing agencies are responsible for providing proper working conditions, medical facilities, and compensation.
- Payments are made on a weekly basisand cannot be delayed more than 15 days, with compensation for delays. Complaints can be made and must be addressed within 7 days.
MGNREGA evolved over time
Since 2005, MGNREGA has evolved into a powerful instrument for social protection and rural development in India.
- Data on the scheme’s website shows that on any given day, some 15 million people work under the programmeat 1.4 million sites.
- There has been a steady decline in the budget allocationfor the scheme. The government cut the spending to Rs 60,000 crore for 2023-24 from Rs 89,400 crore in 2022-23. The budget for the scheme is the lowest in the past two years, which was Rs 98,468 crore and Rs 89,400 crore for the year 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.
- In more than 15 years of its implementation, the Act has generated more than 31-billion-person days of employment,and the government has spent over Rs 6.4 lakh crore on this demand-driven programme.
- Since 2006, over 30 million water conservation-related assets have been created in the country’s rural areas. This comes to at least 50 water-related structures per village, with the total number of villages in India being 0.6 million, according to Census 2011.
- The scheme has introduced several technological tools, such as online registration, electronic fund transfer, and geotagging through mobile apps to make the implementation more transparent and efficient.
- The National Mobile Monitoring Software (NMMS) Appwas made mandatory in January 2023. It demands online attendance from employees twice a day
- The scheme has been integrated with other programs such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to achieve better convergenceof resources and efforts.
Significance of MGNREGA
The MGNREGA program aims to provide paid employment opportunities in rural areas.
- Infrastructure:MGNREGA has helped to improve the infrastructure and natural resource base of the rural poor, which has had a positive impact on the environment. The program has also helped to improve the accessibility of basic services in rural areas, such as water, sanitation, and housing.
- Compensating income loss:As per a study conducted by Azim Premji University across four states (Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh), MGNREGA helped in compensating 20-80% of the income loss incurred because of the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
- Preventing migration to urban areas: The goal is also to decrease migration from rural areas to urban areas by utilizing the untapped labor in rural areas.
- Livelihood:It seeks to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor and create durable assets such as wells, ponds, roads, and canals.
- Right-based approach: Unlike previous employment guarantee schemes, the act aims to combat chronic poverty through a rights-based approach, giving citizens a legal right to work.
- The program incorporates accountabilitymeasures to ensure compliance and transparency at all levels.
MGNREGA best practices:
- Jalpaiguri:Towards blue revolution through MGNREGA by offering a diverse and stable ploy culture system that allows fish farmers to grow vegetables and raise fish at the same time generating livelihood.
- Paschim Bardhaman: Poultry shed through MGNREGA empowering women to earn on their own, mobilizing a huge social capital as well as nutrition for children giving a steady source of income to the family.
- South West Khasi Hills: A group of people from 14 villages through MGNREGA in South West Khasi Hills District came together to create the suspension bridge on the Rilang river to carry their products in the markets of Ranikor.
challenges and issues pertaining to the implementation of MGNREGA
Some of the challenges associated with the implementation of MGNREGA include
- Corruption:There have been instances of corruption, particularly in the form of embezzlement of funds and manipulation of records. For example, a recent example of an IAS officer in Jharkhand was accused of corruption in MGNREGA.
- Limited job opportunities:MGNREGA provides only 100 days of employment per person per year, which may not be enough to meet the needs of all rural citizens.
- Lack of awareness: Many rural citizens are not aware of their rights under MGNREGA, and as a result, they do not take advantage of the benefits it offers.
- Bureaucratic delays: The program is often bogged down by bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, making it difficult for citizens to access benefits in a timely manner. For example, delay in payments in Andhra Pradesh.
- Quality of work:Many critics argue that the quality of work carried out under MGNREGA is not up to the mark and the work undertaken is not aligned to the local needs and priorities.
- Limited financial inclusion: Limited financial inclusion in the states such as Bihar is also a challenge for the proper implementation of MGNREGA regarding the transfer of wages.
various reforms that can make the MGNREGA programme successful
Some of the suggestions and way forward include
- Urban MGNREGA: One suggestion related to employment under MGNREGA is to extend the program to urban areas. This can help address the issue of unemployment in urban areas and provide employment opportunities for low-skilled workers.
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) can be a substitute for the MGNREGA as it is more efficient and less leaky than current welfare schemes like MGNREGA.
- Convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes:This can help ensure that MGNREGA projects are aligned with the larger goals of these schemes and can also help improve the sustainability of the projects.
- Innovative measures: Another suggestion is to introduce innovative measures such as using digital platforms for transparency, monitoring, and grievance redressal, linking MGNREGA with the private sector to increase job opportunities, and involving Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the implementation of the program.
- Social audit:To improve the implementation of MGNREGA, there is a need to mandatorily hold social audits every six months.
- Job cards: Job cards should be issued to individuals who are eligible for employment under MGNREGA, not to elected PRI representatives and MGNREGA officials.
South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA)
A recent study in southern Africa has unearthed a wealth of previously undocumented biodiversity in a newly recognised ecoregion called the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).
- It is a newly recognised mountainous ecoregion.
- It stretches across northern Mozambique to Mount Mulanje in Malawi, southern Africa’s second-highest mountain.
- The ecoregion encompasses 30 granitic inselbergs reaching > 1000 m above sea level, hosting the largest (Mt Mabu) and smallest (Mt Lico) mid-elevation rainforests in southern Africa, as well as biologically unique montane grasslands.
- SEAMA has distinctly higher annual rainfall and humidity, especially in the dry season, compared to surrounding regions.
- Endemic taxa include 127 plants, 45 vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals), and 45 invertebrate species (butterflies, freshwater crabs), and two endemic genera of plants and reptiles.
This endemism arose from divergence events coinciding with the repeated isolation of these mountains from the pan-African forests, together with the mountains’ great age and relative climatic stability.
- Since 2000, the SEAMA has lost 18% of its primary humid forest cover (up to 43% in some sites)—one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa.
- The major cause of montane forest loss in SEAMA is slash and burn shifting agricultural practices, typically used for subsistence food production by local communities, along with charcoal production, for household cooking, and as a source of revenue.
Inselbergs
- Inselberg, or Monadnock, is an isolated, steep-sloped ridge, hill, or small mountain that stands above well-developed plains.
- It appears like an island rising from the sea.
- Inselbergs are generally erosional remnants. Often, inselbergs are composed of harder igneous rock (such as granite) that is more resistant to erosion. However, inselbergs may also form in sedimentary rocks.
- These structures are one of several varieties of landforms called paleoforms that can survive with little modification for tens of millions of years.
- In inselberg landscapes, the active erosional processes are confined to valley sides and valley floors.
Study unravels the recipe that gives mushk budiji rice its unique aroma
Researchers say the rice variety’s export potential can be maximised by cultivating it in places where its flavour compounds are expressed the most
- Recently, scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, reported that altitude and temperature play an important role in the development of mushk budiji aroma.
- The Kashmir Himalaya is known for the cultivation of mushk budiji, an indigenous rice variety distinguished for its rich aroma and unique taste. Recently, scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, reported that altitude and temperature play an important role in the development of this aroma.
- In a study recently published in Nature Scientific Reports, they have reported identifying around 35 aromatic compounds in the variety at eight altitudes between 5,000 and 7,000 feet across the valley.
Mushk budiji Rice
- It is an indigenous aromatic rice variety that is usually grown at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 7000 ft above mean sea level in Highland Himalayas.
- It is short, bold aromatic rice grown in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley.
- The cooked rice is unique and possesses a harmonious blend of taste, aroma and rich organoleptic properties.
- It is mainly grown in areas of Sagam, Panzgam and Soaf Shali of district Anantnag and Beerwah belt of district Budgam.
- The consumption of aromatic rice in Kashmir has now been limited to special occasions, marriages, and festivals.
- It has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Highlights of the study
- Scientists conduct a study of selected locations on the flavour profile of mushk budiji using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and an ‘electronic nose’.”
- Based on these studies, the scientists identified 35 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in mushk budiji rice samples. Of these, the concentration of aldehydes (molecules containing the functional group -CH=O) ranged from 6.33% to 29.09% and alcohols (-OH) from 0.47% to 30.34%.
- Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) is a known aromatic compound found in some varieties – but it was present only in mushk budiji samples collected from higher altitudes, particularly in the districts of Budgam and Kupwara.
On sustainable building materials | Explained
Why is addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings important? What is Residential Envelope Transmittance Value? Why are Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks the optimal building material with respect to embodied energy and construction time?
- India is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom, with over 3,00,000 housing units erected annually. This growth brings economic opportunities and improved living standards but also poses significant environmental challenges.
- The building sector, a major energy consumer, accounts for over 33% of India’s electricity usage, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
- The India Cooling Action Plan forecasts an eight-fold increase in cooling demand between 2017 and 2037, emphasising the need for thermal comfort while reducing active cooling demand.
- Addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings is crucial, given India’s rising energy and cooling demand due to economic growth, urbanisation, heat islands, and climate change. Initiatives like the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS)and the Residential Energy Conservation Building Code are steps in the right direction. The ENS introduces the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope.
- Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage. For optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and lower utility expenses, it’s recommended to maintain an RETV of 15W/m2 or less. However, current construction trends favour fast-paced, energy-intensive techniques with active cooling strategies, leading to compromises in thermal comfort.
- There needs to be more widespread knowledge about climate-appropriate design and architecture, with perceptions of high first costs as a barrier to the design and construction of climate-responsive buildings needing to change.
Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC):
- It is a lightweight, bubbly form of concrete that was used in roofs, floors, and walls between the 1950s and 1990s.
- It looks like standard concrete, but compared with the “traditional” reinforced material, which is typically denser, Raac is weak and less durable.
- The material was favoured in construction projects because of its lightweight thermal properties.
How is it made?
- It is made from a combination of cement, lime, water, and an aeration agent.
- The mixture is poured into moulds and then subjected to high pressure and heat, known as autoclaving, to create a lightweight, strong, and porous material.
Advantages over Standard concrete:
- It is cheaper.
- It is also quicker to produce and easier to install.
- Insulation Properties:RAAC has excellent thermal insulation properties due to the air bubbles within the material.
- It helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing heating and cooling energy consumption.
Why is it a risk?
- The concrete is aerated and “bubbly”, contains no “coarse aggregate”, and is less dense than traditional concrete, being around a third of the weight.
- It could easily absorb moisture, weakening the material and also corroding steel reinforcement within.
- This means it is more prone to collapse over time.
Moyar Valley
- It is also known as Maayar valley.
- Location: It extends from Gudalur through the core area of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
- This entire stretch is a wildlife haven and important biome in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- It is sheltering several vital species like tiger and elephant and the critically endangered Gyps vulture.
- It is the only region in peninsular India where you have the biggest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in the wild.
How it supports Gyps population?
- This valley offers plenty of wild kills and natural deaths of wildlife from Moyar village to Bhavanisagar.
- This provides a stable food-chain to nature’s scavengers, simply because these carcasses are mostly free from NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
- and other poisonous chemicals.
Key facts Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
- It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, spread over 321 sq. km. at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- It lies on the Northeastern and Northwestern slopes of Nilgiri hills which is a part of the Western Ghats.
- It is part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
- It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North, the Nilgiris North Division on the South and East, and Gudalur Forest Division on the South West.