Articles Covered

1. 50 years for the Chipko Movement
2. CRITICAL MINERALS SUMMIT
3. Assam rifles recover huge quantity of arms and ammunition along indo-myanmar border in Nagaland
4. Bambi Bucket, being used by an IAF helicopter to fight Nainital forest fires
5. Opioids
6. When is a candidate elected unopposed?
7. Chambal River
8. Towards a green growth: On the RBI and a green taxonomy
9. Booth Capturing
10. IPR: India features yet again on US ‘priority watch list’
11. Launch of 6th ammunition cum torpedo cum missile barge, lsam 20 (yard 130)
12. INS Vikrant
13. Mines Ministry Inks MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for Providing Knowledge Support in the Field of Critical Minerals

50 years for the Chipko Movement

Recently marked the completion of 50 years for the Chipko Movement, a landmark environmental movement initiated in Uttarakhand in 1973.

Essence of the Chipko Movement

1. Emerged in the 1970s in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, amidst rampant deforestation fueled by external contractors.
2. Originating in the Himalayan villages of Reni and Mandal, local women embraced trees in nearby forests to shield them from commercial loggers.

• Dubbed “chipko,” signifying “embrace,” villagers encircled and hugged trees, symbolizing the unity of humanity with nature.
• Through their actions, they conveyed a powerful message: “We, our nature, and us, are One.”
• It was a peaceful protest aimed at safeguarding nature.
• Its foremost achievement was raising awareness about forest rights and showcasing how grassroots activism can influence ecological policy making.
• This movement ultimately led to a ban on commercial tree felling above 30 degrees slope and above 1,000 msl (mean sea level) in 1981.

Philosophy Behind the Movement:

1. Gandhian Principles: Advocacy for non-violence and coexistence with nature.
2. Community Empowerment: Granting local communities, a say in managing their natural resources.
3. Challenging Exploitative Practices:Opposition to external contractors’ exploitative methods, advocating for a more inclusive approach to forest management.

Impact:

1. Inspiration for Similar Movements: Sparked movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka), and Silent Valley Movement in different regions of India.
2. Global Symbol of Resistance:Internationally recognized as a symbol against environmental degradation.
3. Policy Influence:Contributed to policy reforms in India, resulting in stricter regulations against illegal deforestation and protection of indigenous communities’ rights.
4. Empowerment of Women:Highlighted the collective activism of women, reshaping societal perceptions of their role and status.

Relevance of Chipko Movement in 2024:

1. Continued Inspiration:Serves as a timeless inspiration for collective action in addressing environmental issues.
2. Principles of Sustainability:Offers guidance on sustainability, community engagement, and nonviolent protest in combating climate change and preserving ecosystems.
3. Grassroots Inspiration:Encourages grassroots-level activism, women’s participation, and community inclusion in environmental planning.

Key Figures and Leaders:

1. Chandi Prasad Bhatt:A Gandhian Social Activist and Environmentalist, pivotal in the movement’s early phase, who established the Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal (DGSM), instrumental in shaping the movement and rallying villagers against unsustainable deforestation.
2. Sundarlal Bahuguna: Inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence and socialism, he played a vital role in organizing local communities and raising awareness about the importance of forests, significantly contributing to mobilizing people.
3. Gaura Devi:A village woman who emerged as a symbol of resistance, leading a group of women in Reni to confront loggers and physically embrace trees, effectively thwarting their cutting. With this, Chipko evolved into a predominantly women-led movement, inspiring women across the country.

CRITICAL MINERALS SUMMIT

The Ministry of Mines will hold a two day “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities”, at the India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.

Critical Minerals Summit:

1. It is organised by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD).
2. It is designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge,and drive innovation in the field of critical mineral beneficiation and processing.
3. The summit will bring together a diverse array of Indian and international stakeholders,including industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts.
4. It will address the increasing demand for Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) required for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles as part of India’s strategic development goals.
5. The Ministry of Mines has identified eight key minerals for focus at the summit, including Glauconite (Potash), Lithium – Rare Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, rare earth and Vanadium associated with Graphite.

Rare Earth Elements (REE) REE are a set of seventeen elements in the periodic table. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium. REE are all metals, and the group is often referred to as the “rare earth metals. Although called “rare”, they are actually found relatively abundantly in the Earth’s crust. These metals are very difficult to mine because it is unusual to find them in concentrations high enough for economical extraction. These metals have many similar properties, and that often causes them to be found together in geologic deposits. They are also referred to as “rare earth oxides” because many of them are typically sold as oxide compounds.

6. Participants will engage in active dialogue and interactive workshops focused on critical issues such as mineral auction progress, policy incentives for CRMs ecosystem development, and the advancement of commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

Key Facts about Critical Minerals:

It is a metallic or non-metallic element that has two characteristics.

• It is essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and
• There is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted.

The ‘criticality’ of minerals changes with time as supply and society’s needs shift.

Applications:

1. They are used to manufacture advanced technologies, including mobile phones, computers, fibre-optic cables, semiconductors, banknotes, and defence, aerospace and medical applications.
2. Many are used in low-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.
3. Some are also crucial for common products, such as stainless steel and electronics.

• Examples: antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, lithium, vanadium, etc.
• Top Producers: Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia, and South Africa.
• Critical Minerals in India:

Government has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India.

These minerals are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium.

Assam rifles recover huge quantity of arms and ammunition along indo-myanmar border in Nagaland

• Acting upon specific intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles intercepted huge quantity of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores close to the Indo-Myanmar Border in Mon district of Nagaland on April 29, 2024.

• The search operation launched during early morning hours, resulted in apprehension of one individual and recovery of huge quantity of arms and ammunition comprising of 11 Mortar tubes (81mm), 04 Tubes (106mm) 10 Pistols, 198 Hand Held Radio Sets, one satellite phone, one Kenbo bike, one Bolero vehicle and other war-like stores. 
• Recovery of these heavy calibre, military grade weapons close to the border area is a major success for the border sealing operation underway by Assam Rifles.
• The recovery is also a major blow to the nefarious designs of inimical elements trying to disturb the peace in the region.
• The recovery of military grade weapons and nearly 200, Hand Held Radio Sets indicate the ill intentions and extent of damage that could have been caused by these weapons.
• The apprehended individual and the recovered items have been handed over to the Nagaland Police. Alert troops of Assam Rifles have successfully thwarted the plans of unlawful elements from creating a serious security situation from the perspective of national security.

Bambi Bucket, being used by an IAF helicopter to fight Nainital forest fires

Bambi Bucket is a specialised aerial firefighting tool which has been in use since the 1980s.

Recently, Indian Air Force’s MI 17 V5 helicopter was deployed to extinguish the raging forest fires in Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

Bambi Bucket

1. It was invented by Don Arney, a Canadian business, in 1982
2. It is a specialized aerial firefighting tool which has been in use since the 1980s.
3. The Bambi Bucket, also called a helicopter bucket or a heli-bucket, is a specialized lightweight collapsible container that releases water from underneath a helicopter to targeted areas.
4. The water is released by using a pilot-controlled valve.

Key feature:

1. It is available in a variety of sizes and models, with capacities ranging from 270 litres to more than 9,840 litres.
2. It can be quickly and easily filled.
3. It can be filled from various sources, including lakes and swimming pools, which allows firefighters to swiftly refill it and return to the target area.
4. It can be stored within the helicopter until development.
5. It discharges a solid column of water, “resulting in a more accurate and effective water dump, less evaporation on the descent, and greater impact force.

Opioids

Recently, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s three-day visit to China spoke about the production and export of “synthetic opioid precursors”, specifically the drug fentanyl.

Opioids:

1. These are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant.
2. All opioids work similarly: They activate an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals between the brain and the body.
3. They produce a variety of effects, including pain relief and euphoria, and are highly addictive. Some common opioids include oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, and fentanyl.
4. Opioid overdose: Opioid use can lead to death due to the effects of opioids on the part of the brain which regulates breathing.
5. An opioid overdose can be identified by a combination of three signs and symptoms: pinpoint pupils, unconsciousness and difficulties with breathing.

Fentanyl

1. It is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic [for pain relief] and anesthetic.
2. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

When is a candidate elected unopposed?

What are the rules under the Representation of the People Act? What happened in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency? What has the Supreme Court asked the Election Commission about a petitioner’s plea seeking fresh elections in constituencies where NOTA votes are in a majority?

The ruling Party secured its first victory in the Lok Sabha elections as its candidate, Mukesh Dalal, was elected uncontested for the Surat constituency in Gujarat.

This followed the rejection of the nomination papers of the Congress candidates and the withdrawal of other nominees. Thus, Surat will not participate in the polls scheduled for May 7.

Provision for Declaring Candidate Elected Before Polling: Section 53 (3) of the Representation of the People Act(RPA), 1951: It deals with the procedure in uncontested elections. As per this, if the number of such candidates is less than the number of seats to be filled, the returning officer (RO) shall declare all such candidates to be elected. In this regard, the RO’s actions are governed by Section 33 of the Act which pertains to the presentation of nomination papers and requirements for a valid nomination. Handbook for Returning Officers (Edition 2) issued by the Election Commission (EC): It states that “if in any constituency, there is only one contesting candidate, that candidate should be declared to have been duly elected immediately after the last hour for withdrawal of candidature. In that event, a poll is not necessary. Moreover, all those candidates, who are returned as uncontested and who have criminal antecedents, must publicise the details in the prescribed format as per timeline.

Scope for Negative Voting in the Election System:

1. NOTA (none of the above) option: The option of NOTA, introduced through the Supreme Court’s intervention, has been available on electronic voting machines (EVMs)since November 2013. 
2. The SC held that “Giving the right to a voter not to vote for any candidate while protecting his right of secrecy is extremely important in a democracy. Such an option gives the voter the right to express his disapproval of the kind of candidates being put up by the parties.”
3. Exclusion of NOTA Votes from Calculation of Total Valid Votes:According to the Handbook for ROs, the NOTA votes are not to be taken into account for calculating the total valid votes polled for the return of the security deposit.
4. Stand of EC:The EC’s stand has been that the person getting the largest number of votes in any constituency will still be declared the winner, regardless of the number of NOTA votes.
5. Approach in Local Bodies Elections: Concerning local bodies elections, particularly in Maharashtra, the approach differs.
6. In a directive issued in November 2018, the Maharashtra State EC stated that NOTA would be treated as a fictional electoral candidate in urban local bodies’ polls.
7. In instances where NOTA receives the highest number of votes, the Commission would arrange for a re-poll.
8. Rule 49-O under Conduct of Election Rules, 1961: It allows electors to decide not to vote through Rule 49-O.
9. A remark to the effect that the elector has decided not to record his or her vote would have to be made in the “remarks column” against the entry relating to the elector in the Register of Voters by the presiding officer.
10. Then, the signature or thumb impression of the elector would have to be obtained against such a remark.

Difference between an Elector Exercising Rule 49-O and the NOTA Option:

• Compromise of Secrecy: In case of Rule 49-O, the likelihood of an elector compromising his or her secrecy is high, as there is a procedure to be followed manually at a polling booth. 
• However, in the case of the NOTA, there is no such issue.

Developments post NOTA

1. NOTA Outperforming Political Parties in Voting Numbers: There have been times when political parties have received fewer votes than NOTA.
2. It accumulated over 1.29 crore votes in the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections combined over the past five years.
3. Criticism for Ineffectiveness: Some activists and constitutional experts have been critical of NOTA, labelling it a “toothless tiger” with no bearing on the election outcome.
4. Supreme Court’s Response: The Supreme Court recently asked the EC to respond to a plea seeking fresh elections to constituencies where NOTA votes were in majority.
5. SC earlier refused to direct the EC to hold fresh polls if the majority of the electorate exercised NOTA.

Chambal River

In a suspected case of suicide, the bodies of a man and a woman were reportedly recovered from the Chambal River near a jetty in Kota, Rajasthan, recently.

Chambal River:

1. It is an important river in the Malwa plateau and a principal tributary of the Yamuna River, thus forms part of the greater Gangetic drainage system.
2. It flows through three Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,and Uttar Pradesh.
3. It is one of the most pollution-free riversin India.

Course:

• It rises in the Vindhya Range just south of Mhow, in western Madhya Pradesh.
• From its source, it flows northinto southeastern Rajasthan.
• Turning northeast, it flows past Kota and along the Rajasthan–Madhya Pradesh border; shifting east-southeast, it forms a portion of the Uttar Pradesh–Madhya Pradesh border and flows through Uttar Pradesh to empty into the Yamuna.

Total Length: 960 km.

1. It is a rainfed river,and the overall drainage basin covers an area of 143,219 sq. km.
2. To its south, east, and west, the basin is defined bythe Vindhyan mountain ranges, while the north-western boundary is marked by the Aravalli
3. Tributaries: The main tributaries of Chambal include the Banasand Mej rivers on the left and the Parbati, KaliSindh, and Shipra rivers on the right.
4. Major Dams: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam.

National Chambal Sanctuary:

1. It encapsulates a significant segment of the Chambal River, spanning from the Jawahar Sagar Dam in Rajasthan to the Chambal-Yamuna confluence in Uttar Pradesh.
2. It was established with the imperative to restore ecological equilibrium to a crucial north Indian river system and to provide comprehensive protection to the highly endangered gharial.

Towards a green growth: On the RBI and a green taxonomy

The RBI must assess the impact of climate change on economic stability

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest Monetary Policy Report (included in its April Bulletin) has given primacy to “extreme weather events” and “climate shocks”.

1. Beginning with its July 2022 discussion paper on ‘climate risk and sustainable finance’, the RBI has made incremental progress to address the transition to a green economy.
2. It also even admits that India requires over $17 trillion to achieve its net zero ambitions by 2070. 

Monetary Policy:

• It is the macroeconomic policy laid down by the Central Bank (RBI), involving management of money supply and interest rate.
• The European Central Bank has aided the formulation of a green taxonomy for the entire Eurozone’s economic value chain.
• The EU taxonomy is a complex system to classify which parts of the economy may be marketed as sustainable investments. It includes economic activities, as well as detailed environmental criteria that each economic activity must meet to earn a green label.

Crucial Insights of the RBI’s latest Monetary Policy Report:

1. Climate & Economic Stability: The “extreme weather events” and “climate shocks” are affecting not only food inflation but also likely having a broader impact on the natural rate of interest, thereby influencing the economy’s financial stability.
2. The report said global average temperatures are rising,with an accompanying increase in extreme weather events, and the economic and social impact is becoming increasingly evident.
3. The report warns that ‘if inflation hysteria gets entrenched, it may lead to a de-anchoring of inflation expectations, and the undermining of the RBI’s credibility would warrant higher interest rates to curb inflation, leading to greater output losses.
4. Maximum Economic Output:Natural, or neutral, rate of interest refers to the central bank’s monetary policy lever allowing it to maintain maximum economic output, while keeping a check on inflation.

The natural rate refers to the short-term real interest rate that would prevail in the absence of business cycle shocks, with output at potential, saving equating investment and stable inflation. 

1. The report warns that the “long-term (economic) output” could be lower by around 9% by 2050 in the absence of any climate mitigation policies.
2. New-Keynesian Model:The report mentions a “New-Keynesian model that incorporates a physical climate risk damage function” being used to estimate the “counterfactual macroeconomic impact of climate change vis-à-vis a no climate change scenario”.

Green Taxonomy:

1. Refers: Green Taxonomy is defined as a framework to assess the sustainability credentials and possible ranking of an economic activity.
2. Need: In recent decades, the challenges of a rapidly warming planet and other aspects of environmental degradation have motivated a call for all actors in society, including the financial sector, to take responsibility for environmental sustainability.
3. Aim: To help financial actors and others determine which investments can be labeled “green” for their jurisdiction.
4. Significance: The support for making informed decisions on environmentally friendly investments can encourage the undertaking of projects and activities that help scale up environmentally sustainable economic development and contribute to specific environmental objectives.

Principles of a Green Taxonomy: The World Bank Group recommends the principles and methodology for developing a taxonomy of environmentally sustainable activities. 

• Multipronged Impact:A green taxonomy should be developed in a way that has a multipronged impact on green finance.
• Environmental Objectives: The taxonomy should focus on India’s most pressing environmental challenges – climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollution prevention and control, resource efficiency, conservation of natural resources, and ecosystem/biodiversity conservation.
• These are serious challenges in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transport, agriculture, waste, and buildings. The taxonomy may thus focus on these sectors to maximise the positive environmental outcomes expected to be generated from it.
• In India, as opposed to quantitative technical screening criteria, there is a need to include a pre-specified set of sustainable agricultural and livestock farming practices.
• Standard Criteria:The taxonomy must be anchored in Nationally Determined Contributions, key national plans and policies for environmental action, and national norms and standards.
• The Indian taxonomy must rely on pollution standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MOEF&CC), water consumption norms set by the MOEF&CC and Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocol defined by the MOEF&CC.
• The monetary valuation of ecosystem services may also be used for assessing ecosystem and biodiversity losses.
• Innovative: Such taxonomy provides the freedom to choose between alternative pathways to green transition and prevents it from being redundant amidst technological innovations.
• India must use the latest climate science for its technical screening criteria relating to GHG emission thresholds. The criteria should be consistent with 1.5°C rather than 2°C.
• India must establish its own screening criteria for determining eligibility for green finance.
• In Harmony with International Standards:Existing Indian standards may be revised to be at par with international benchmarks within the scope provided by domestic circumstances.
• Alignment of Tracking of Green Finance & Disclosure Norms: There is a need for tracking climate/green finance through transparent and well-defined disclosures and reporting.
• Regulators such as the RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) should mandate financial market participants to delineate the environmental goals met.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs must mandate companies to enlist the environmental objectives achieved by economic activities.
• Regular Reviews & Updates:There is a need for timely updates to incorporate changes in development levels, technology, policy, standards and environmental conditions. 

Actions Suggested to Define the Contents of a Green Taxonomy:

Need for a Well-defined Taxonomy:

1. Information: Reduce the incidence of information asymmetry.
2. Interpretations: Rule out plural interpretations of green finance.
3. Risk Minimisation: Minimise the risk of green washing.
4. Transparent Understanding:Provide a transparent understanding of the environmental footprint of economic activities underlying investments.
5. Investors-Friendly:Provide the guidance and confidence sought by investors in making environmentally conscious investment decisions.
6. Visibility:Provide visibility to capital-starved green sectors, allowing them to attract requisite investments away from renewable energy (which currently accounts for 80% of green finance in India).
7. Management & Monitoring:It can be the standard for Financial Institutions (FIs) and companies in managing and monitoring the environmental quotient of their financial profile while allowing regulators like SEBI and RBI to oversee these entities by mandating disclosures that align with the taxonomy.

Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) in India:

1. Refers:These are a kind of government debt that specifically funds projects attempting to accelerate India’s transition to a low carbon economy.
2. High Adoption: Central banks and governments the world over are encouraging financial institutions to embrace greeniums to hasten thetransition to a greener future.
3. However, SGrBs yield lower interest than conventional G-Secs, and the amount foregone by a bank by investing in them is called a  
4. Issued Earlier in India: The RBI had issued SGrBs worth ₹16,000 crore in two tranches in January and February last year with maturities in 2028 and 2033.
5. Classification under Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR):Moreover, these green Government -Securities (G-Secs) were classified under the SLR.

SLR is a liquidity rate fixed by the RBI that financial institutions must maintain with themselves before they lend to their customers.

• Standardisation:It can facilitate standardisation of data collection, reporting, and impact measurement methodologyinvolved in the construction of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) indices.
• Tracking Measurement: It can also be the government’s barometer for tracking the compatibility of environmental outcomes with the vision of global net-zero, while showing the way to appropriate corrections in the case of deviations.

RBI’s Efforts Towards Green Economy:

• RBI’s Approach: The RBI has made incremental progress to address the transition to a green economy since its July 2022 discussion paper on climate risk and sustainable finance.
• Green Methods: The RBI has issued ₹16,000 crore worth of Sovereign Green Bonds and expanded the resource pool by allowing Foreign Institutional Investors to participate in future green government securities.

Actions that need to be Taken:

1. Layer Green Taxonomy: The RBI and the Finance Ministry could take inspiration from the developing world, especially the ASEAN region, where a layered green taxonomy as a living document keeps getting updated with sectoral views of possible sustainable trajectories.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: The RBI must undertake a thorough-going assessment on the quantitative and qualitative impact on economic and financial stability due to climate change.
3. Inclusiveness:It must encourage administrative consultation to begin populating a layered green taxonomy that is reflective of India’s fragmented developmental trajectories.
4. Mitigation of Risks: The effort should be to mitigate the transitional risks to the financial system as the economy moves towards a sustainable future.

Way Forward:

• Clear Definition: A taxonomy definition should be developed in accordance with a country’s existing environmental targets, laws, standards, and labeling schemes.
• Technological Advancement: All times, the focus should be on providing a technically sound justification for the activities and investments considered green.
• This logic is aligned with international practices, such as the EU taxonomy.
• Addressal to Cross-environmental & Social Risk: The taxonomy may include a section describing the national or, if relevant, the sectoral frameworks for addressing the potential for transferring risk from one environmental objective to another or to different population groups.
• Risk Mitigation Schemes: These are anchored in existing national standards, policies, or regulations and will inform users about how these potential risks are addressed.
• It is advisable to provide relevant references and links to such national and sectoral regulations.
• Adequate Investments: The taxonomy should have the stature of an official guideline or policy for filtering such investments in both the public and private sectors.
• It has been experienced that for a taxonomy to be effective, it is important to connect it with existing and potential new incentives (such as fiscal incentives, soft credit lines, guarantees, and so on) that promote and support environmentally sound activities, including low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
• Examples: Lowering capital requirements for sustainable financial products, setting regulatory quotas (minimum annual targets for the disbursement of green finance), and lowering refinancing rates, among others, based on solid market research.
• Learning from International Experience:
• China: Mandatory green credit guidelines issued by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) have led to increases in green loans to projects offering energy savings or emission reductions.
• Bangladesh: Green loan portfolios of Bangladeshi banks also increased significantly after the central bank set a minimum annual target for green financing for banks and other financial institutions.

Booth Capturing

Booth Capturing during elections in India is a ‘Corrupt Practice’ Under the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA).

Booth Capturing:

Booth-capturing, defined in Section135A of the RPA, includes all or any of the following activities by any person or persons:

1. Seizure of a polling station, affecting the conduct of elections;
2. Taking possession of a polling station, allowing only his or their supporters to vote;
3. Intimidating or threatening any elector and preventing him from going to the polling station;
4. Seizure of a counting place affecting the counting of votes;
5. Involvement of any person in government service in any of the above activities.

It is punishable for a term of not less than one year, which may extend to three years for lay people, and not less than three years, extending to five years for government servants.

In such cases the Election Commission of India, based on the material facts, may

1. Declare the poll at that polling station to be void and direct a fresh poll on a new date; or
2. Countermand the election in the constituency in case booth capturing has taken place in a large number of polling stations, or if it has affected the counting of votes.

IPR: India features yet again on US ‘priority watch list’

Problems include high online piracy, huge trademark opposition backlog, and insufficient protection for trade secrets, says USTR

Recently, the US Trade Representative’s 2024 Special 301 Report has been released that has again included India in the ‘Priority Watch List’ of countries, along with China, Russia, Venezuela, Indonesia, Chile and Argentina.

1. Over the years(including 2020 and 2021), India has been listed in this Report.
2. There has been progress under the US-India Trade Policy Forum in addressing issues with trademark infringement investigations and pre-grant opposition proceedings, but numerous long-standing concerns remainas per the US Trade Representative’s 2024 Special 301 Report.

India’s Stance: Strict Adherence to Laws: India has always maintained that its intellectual property laws were in strict adherence to the WTO’s Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and that it was not bound by any global rules to make changes in its laws. Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS): TRIPS is an agreement under the WTO that establishes minimum standards for intellectual property protection across member countries. It covers various forms of intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. No Threat: No action is threatened by the US against countries on the ‘priority watch list’, but if a country slips further and is categorized as a ‘priority country’, the US may impose ‘retaliatory’ measures.

Reasons for placing India on Priority Watch List: For alleged problems related to Intellectual Property (IP) protection and enforcement. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): IPRs are the legal privileges granted to the inventor or creator to safeguard their intellectual work (in the arts, sciences, literature, etc.) for a specific period of time. Maintenance of High Customs Duties: India maintains high customs duties directed to IP-intensive products such as information and communications technology (ICT) products, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods. Patent Issues: Threat of patent revocations and the procedural and discretionary invocation of patentability criteria under the Indian Patents Act impact companies across different sectors. Also, patent applicants continue to confront long waiting periods to receive patent grants and excessive reporting requirements. Stakeholders continue to express concerns over vagueness in the interpretation of the Indian Patents Act. Various Challenges: These include inadequate IP enforcement, including high rates of online piracy, an extensive trademark opposition backlog, and insufficient legal means to protect trade secrets.

“Special 301” Report:

1. An Annual Report:The USTR releases the Special 301 Report annually, highlighting the state of IP protection and enforcement regimes in various countries it trades with.
2. It is mandated by Section 182 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
3. Deals with:This annual review reflects the US Administration’s resolve to encourage and maintain enabling environments for innovation, including effective IP protection and enforcement, in markets worldwide, which benefit not only U.S. exporters but the domestic IP-intensive industries in those markets as well.
4. Classification: Based on this review, the U.S. Trade Representative determines which, if any, of these countries to identify as Priority Foreign Countries or place on the Priority Watch List or Watch List.
5. Priority Watch List:This list includes countries that face the most serious allegations of inadequate IP protection and enforcement.
6. The USTR may initiate formal trade investigations or impose sanctions if they fail to demonstrate significant improvements.
7. Watch List: This list includes countries that the US believes merit bilateral attention to address underlying IP problems but are better than the “priority watch list” countries.

This year, twenty trading partners are on the ‘watch list’.

These are Algeria, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.

Required Actions:

1. Full Implementation of Norms:India still needs to fully implement the WIPO Internet Treaties and ensure that copyright statutory licences do not extend to interactive transmissions.
2. Collaboration:To combat such issues, there is a need for establishment of a Joint IP Commission with representatives from government, industry and academia.
3. Focus on Capacity Building:India needs to enhance its capacitive building capacity while taking help from the examples of other countries, such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which includes provisions for technical assistance on IP enforcement.
4. Transparency: Both India and the US need to promote increased transparency in IP decision-making processes.
5. Establishment of Efficient Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Time has come to establish a streamlined arbitration mechanism for resolving IP disputes between companies, similar to the IP arbitration provisions within the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CEPA).

Launch of 6th ammunition cum torpedo cum missile barge, lsam 20 (yard 130)

1. The launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130)’, 6th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 29 Apr 24 at M/s Suryadipta Project Pvt. Ltd. (launch site of M/s SPPL).
2. The launching Ceremony was presided over by Shri Madhusudan Bhui, INAS, GM NAD (Karanja). 
3. The contract for building 11 x ACTCM Barge was signed between MoD and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21.
4. The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of INby facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
5. These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping. The model testing of the Barge during the design stage was undertaken at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. These Barges are proud flag bearers of Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI).

INS Vikrant

Recently, both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, showcased “twin carrier operations” with MiG-29K fighter jets taking off simultaneously from both and landing cross deck.

INS Vikrant:

1. It is the first ever indigenously designed and constructed aircraft carrier which will strengthen the country’s stand as a ‘Blue Water Navy’.
2. The ship has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
3. India also joined the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers.
4. Also, with a displacement of 43,000 tonnes when fully loaded, INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the carriers or carrier classes in the world.

capabilities

• It can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighterjets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy).
• It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) methodto launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery.

Mines Ministry Inks MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for Providing Knowledge Support in the Field of Critical Minerals

Two-Day Critical Minerals Summit Begins in New Delhi

1. The ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ commenced at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi today.
2. The summit, designed to foster collaboration and innovation in critical minerals beneficiation and processing, was inaugurated under the patronage of the Ministry of Mines, with Shri V L Kantha Rao, Secretary of Mines, presiding over the opening ceremony.
3. The summit featured exhibition pavilions showcasing a diverse array of minerals sourced from both terrestrial and marine environments, providing attendees with a comprehensive view of the critical minerals landscape.
4. Shri V L Kantha Rao, in his keynote address, underscored India’s urgent need for robust exploration and utilization of critical minerals to support the nation’s rapid economic growth and clean energy aspirations.
5. He highlighted recent government initiatives, including mineral block auctions, aimed at accelerating domestic mineral exploration and production.
6. On the sidelines of the summit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation.
7. This MoU initiates a partnership between Ministry of Mines, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and TERI.
8. This partnership will focus on providing knowledge support in the field of Critical Minerals which are crucial for India’s economic development, national security, and low-carbon energy transition.
9. The summit also hosted dynamic panel discussions on crucial topics such as building India’s processing and beneficiation capabilities and scaling strategies for domestic and global markets.
10. Notable discussions revolved around the Ministry’s commitment to infrastructure development for research and development in mineral processing, with initiatives like the Indo-Australian Critical Minerals Research Hub at IIT Hyderabad.
11. Thereafter, a technology session was held where private companies, R&D institutions, academia as well as GSI and NFTDC showcased India’s Mineral potential and technology available for processing and beneficiation of critical minerals in India through a presentation.
12. Veena Kumari D., Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, concluded the day by emphasizing the need for efficient processing technologies amidst global policy uncertainties. She underscored India’s potential as a leading player in electric vehicles, energy storage technologies, and other critical sectors, stressing the importance of nurturing a robust domestic supply chain.
13. The summit, poised to continue its deliberations over the next day, aims to position India as a global hub for critical mineral processing, thereby supporting the nation’s ambitions of becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive player in the critical minerals arena.