Daily Current Affairs 17-07-2024

Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill Mandating Local Job Reservations

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy and Intervention

Context

• Recently, the Karnataka Cabinet cleared a Bill mandating 50% reservation for locals in management jobs and 75% in non-management positions.

About

• The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024, has taken centre stage in the state’s legislative landscape, aiming to address the employment concerns of local candidates within the private sector.
• The bill emphasises job opportunities for Kannadigas by mandating specific reservation percentages for management and non-management positions.
• The bill comes after long-standing demands for job reservation for Kannadigas. Earlier this year, Kannada organisations organised rallies across the state, urging the immediate implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi Report, submitted in 1984, recommended quotas for locals in both government and private sector jobs.

Reservation Quotas

• Management Positions: Industries, factories, and other private sector establishments are now required to appoint local candidates for at least 50% of management positions. These roles include executive, administrative, and leadership positions within organisations.
• Non-Management Positions: For non-management positions—such as technical, operational, and support roles — 75% of the workforce must consist of local candidates.

Eligibility Criteria for Local Candidates

• According to the Bill, a local candidate is someone who:
  • is born in the State of Karnataka;
  • has been domiciled in the state for at least 15 years;
  • can speak, read, and write Kannada proficiently (there’s even a required test for this).
  • holds a secondary school certificate with Kannada as a language. If not, they must pass a Kannada proficiency test.

Minimum Thresholds

• Even if industries face challenges in finding local talent, the percentage of local candidates should not fall below 25% for management positions and 50% for non-management positions.
• Failure to comply with these thresholds may result in penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.

Fallback Measures (Training and Relaxation)

• If qualified or suitable local candidates are not available, industries and establishments must collaborate with the government to train local candidates within three years.
• In exceptional cases where sufficient local candidates are unavailable, establishments can apply for relaxation from the provisions of the Act. The government will review such requests and make final decisions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Industries failing to comply with the reservation norms may face penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.
• The government aims to enforce these provisions rigorously to ensure effective implementation.

Conclusion

• The Karnataka Cabinet’s move to reserve management and non-management positions for local candidates is a significant step toward ensuring equitable employment opportunities.
• While some industry leaders have criticised the move as discriminatory, proponents argue that it will empower local talent, boost regional employment, and strengthen the state’s economy. 

Source: TH

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme

Syllabus: GS2/ Education

Context

• The Union government has stopped funds of Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), as the three states have refused participation in the PM-SHRI scheme.

PM SHRI scheme

• Aim: The scheme aims to turn existing government schools into model schools.
  • The scheme is for existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the central government and state and local governments around the country.
• Funding: It is a Centrally sponsored scheme with a total project cost of 27,360 crore for the period of five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for transforming nearly 14,500 schools across the country.
• It  will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020, act as exemplary schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
• A ‘School Quality Assessment Framework’ is being developed to measure the progress and performance of these schools.

Key features of PM SHRI Scheme

• Development of ‘Green schools’: These will be equipped with solar panels, LED lights, nutrition gardens, and waste management, water conservation and harvesting systems. 
• Modern facilities: Schools will include ICT (information and communication technologies) facilities, smart classrooms, library, digital library, science labs and vocational labs etc. Schools will also get science and math kits and annual school grants for libraries or sports.
• Mother tongue and local languages to be encouraged.

Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA)

• It is an overarching scheme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class XII and aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels of school education. 
• The Scheme subsumes the three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE). 
• The scheme treats school education as a continuum and is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal for Education (SDG-4).
• The major objectives of the Scheme are:
  • Support States and UTs in implementing the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020); 
  • Support States in implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009; 
  • Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy; 
  • Strengthening and up-gradation of State Councils for Educational Research and Training (SCERTs)/State Institutes of Education and District Institutes for Education and Training (DIET) as nodal agency for teacher training;
  • Promoting vocational  education. 
• Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided to all the States and UTs for undertaking above activities including training for universalization and delivery of quality school education.

Source: IE

RBI Revises Rules to Manage Financial Fraud

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised Master Directions on Fraud Risk Management for the Regulated Entities (REs).

About

• The Regulated Entities includes:
  • Commercial Banks (including Regional Rural Banks) and All India Financial Institutions; 
  • Cooperative Banks (Urban Cooperative Banks / State Cooperative Banks / Central Cooperative Banks); and 
  • Non-Banking Finance Companies (including Housing Finance Companies).

What are the directions?

• The directions mandate REs to comply with principles of natural justice in a time-bound manner before classifying persons/entities as fraud, taking into account the 2023 Supreme Court Judgment on State Bank of India versus Rajesh Agarwal.
• The RBI mandates the banks to constitute a Committee of the Board known as the ‘Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring and Follow-up of Cases of Frauds’ (SCBMF) with a minimum of three members of the Board, consisting of a whole-time director and a minimum of two independent directors or non-executive directors.
• The framework on Early Warning Signals and Red Flagging of Accounts has been strengthened for early detection and prevention of frauds in the REs and timely reporting to law enforcement agencies and supervisors. 
• Requirements for data analytics and market intelligence units for strengthening risk management systems have been mandated..

Conclusion

• The Directions are principle-based and strengthen the role of the Board in overall governance and oversight of fraud risk management in the Regulated Entities (REs).
• These Directions also emphasize the need for instituting robust internal audit and controls framework in the REs.

Source: TH

Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure

Syllabus: GS2/Governance; GS3/Infrastructure

Context

• Recently, the final ‘Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure’ was released highlighting that India should identify a body to promote Digital Public Infrastructure in the Global South.

G20’s Recognition

• Earlier, the Prime Minister of India announced a $25-million investment to develop DPI, emphasising its importance in inclusive growth.
• On the other hand, the G20 established the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, aiming to facilitate knowledge sharing and adoption of DPIs globally, especially in the Global South.
• At the G20 Summit, India showcased its digital capabilities, including Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and other DPI-related initiatives.
• These systems empower citizens, enhance financial inclusion, and drive economic transformation.

About the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• It refers to the foundational digital systems and services that enable seamless connectivity, data exchange, and digital transactions across various sectors.
• It encompasses both hardware (such as networks, servers, and devices) and software (such as platforms, protocols, and applications).
• It acts as the digital backbone that supports everything from online payments and identity verification to e-governance and healthcare services.

India’s Role in DPI

• India has emerged as a leader in DPI, thanks to initiatives like Aadhaar (the world’s largest biometric identity system), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and DigiLocker (a cloud-based document storage platform), etc.
• Programmes like the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), Digital India, National Broadband Mission, and National Data Centre Policy have laid the groundwork for a robust digital infrastructure.
• The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity has resulted in millions of new bank accounts and streamlined direct benefit transfers, eliminating leakages and ensuring targeted delivery of welfare programmes.
• Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Mission and Unified Logistics Interface Platform are transforming healthcare and logistics sectors respectively.
• Portals like the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) offer a one-stop platform for everything from birth certificates to land records.
• It has streamlined processes, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced transparency, and over 1.38 billion digital identities have been registered in India, demonstrating the scale and impact of these systems.
• However, the challenges associated with DPI are Lack of Access to Infrastructure, Digital Divide, Affordability, Language and Content Barriers, Physical and Cognitive Disabilities, Privacy and Security Concerns, and Geographical Disparities etc.

Recommendations from India’s G20 Task Force

• The final report by India’s G20 Task Force on DPI highlights the need for India to take on added responsibility in promoting DPI globally.
• India should identify an existing body (preferably with global reach) to harness the DPI ecosystem. This body would work on policy formulation, strategy implementation, and technical expertise.
• Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with DPIs can amplify their capabilities, but ethical use and data privacy must be maintained.

Conclusion

• Digital Public Infrastructure isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowering people, improving governance, and fostering economic growth.
• As India continues to lead in this space, it’s essential to collaborate globally and ensure that DPI benefits everyone, especially those in the Global South.

Source: IE

e-mobility in India

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• The “e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India” report was launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser.

About

• The R&D roadmap has been prepared after detailed horizon scanning of the global automotive sector and identifying future cutting-edge technological requirements. 
• It categorizes research projects into four important areas: Energy Storage Cells, EV Aggregates, Materials and Recycling, Charging and Refueling, and provides clear pathways to attain global leadership by being Atmanirbhar in the next five years.

India’s Target

• India aims to achieve a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and energy independence by 2047 to reach net-zero commitment by 2070.
• A significant part of this vision will require the wider adoption of electric vehicles, manufacturing of indigenous energy storage systems, and generation of renewable energy to feed charging infrastructures.

Areas where R&D and Investment is Required

Three areas where there have been no major breakthroughs internationally yet: 

• The fundamental science behind the manufacturing of certain highly promising materials such as Graphene. 
  • These require significant investments while holding higher risks of failure as well. But the benefits of success are immeasurable. 
• Materials development, research and productization of new storage chemistries as well as EV PowerTrain componentry. 
  • These too hold higher risks of failure but offer very high benefits in case of success. 
• Production Engineering of Level 3 and Level 4 items in the Bill Of Materials in eMobility- for items such as Wide Band Gap devices, Fuel Cell membranes, Cell Separators, etc. 
  • Here, while the failure risks are minimal, the investments and technical management required are very high. 
  • Unlike the above two, this activity has seen remarkable success internationally in Taiwan, China, USA and, to some extent, Europe.

Critical Streams in eMobility

• The four streams are:
  • Energy Storage Cells- addressing new areas in the Chemistry and Physics behind Cells and their Manufacture. 
  • EV Aggregates- capturing actions in the entire value chain of all items that are specific to eMobility other than Cells. 
  • Materials & Recycling- focusing on Material Science and different tools that can further augment Materials Research.
  • Charging & Refuelling- enumerating the opportunities that will help with improved speeds and safety in charging/ refuelling.

India’s Electric Vehicle Policy

• Aim: To facilitate smooth growth in the sector and achieve the ambitious target of having EV sales penetration of 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial cars, 40% of buses and 80% of two and three-wheelers by 2030.
• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP): The NEMMP was launched in 2013 with the goal of achieving national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles. 
• FAME India Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme was launched in 2015 to promote the manufacturing and adoption of EVs. 
• GST Reduction: The Indian government has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, making EVs more affordable for consumers.
• Charging Infrastructure: The government is working on expanding the charging infrastructure across the country to address range anxiety and encourage EV adoption. 
• Incentives for Manufacturers: In addition to incentives for consumers, the government provides subsidies and incentives to manufacturers to promote domestic production of EVs and their components. 
• Battery Swapping Policy: To address concerns about battery charging infrastructure and range limitations, the government is exploring the possibility of implementing battery swapping stations where EV owners can quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones.
• PLI Scheme for National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage was launched in 2021 to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities for the manufacture of ACC in  India.

Challenges in Adoption

• High Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle in India is relatively high compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
  • This cost includes not only the vehicle itself but also the cost of batteries, which constitute a significant portion of an EV’s price.
• Limited Charging Infrastructure: The availability of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to EV adoption in India. 
• Range Anxiety: Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery charge before reaching a charging station, is a prevalent concern among Indian consumers considering EVs.
• Battery Technology and Supply Chain: India relies heavily on imported lithium-ion batteries, which increases costs and makes EVs vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
• Consumer Awareness and Education: Many consumers in India lack awareness and understanding of electric vehicles, including their benefits, technology, and available models.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors such as income levels, consumer preferences, and infrastructure disparities across different regions of India influence the adoption of electric vehicles. 

Way Ahead

• Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and other relevant parties to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India.
• By addressing these issues India can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, creating a cleaner and greener transportation system for a sustainable future.

Source: PIB

News In Short

Article 341 

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Context

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the states cannot make changes to the Scheduled Caste List published under Article 341 of the Constitution.

About the Article 341 of the Indian Constitution

• It is a crucial provision that deals with the identification and recognition of Scheduled Castes (SCs), which are historically marginalised communities that have faced social discrimination and exclusion.
• Article 341 empowers the President of India to specify which castes, races, or tribes should be considered as SCs.
• Once the President issues such a notification (Presidential Order), these communities are entitled to certain protective measures and affirmative action.
• It’s important to note that once this list is published, any subsequent changes—whether additions, deletions, or modifications—can only be made through legislation enacted by the Parliament.

State Authority

• While states play a significant role in implementing policies related to SCs, they do not have the authority to alter the SC list directly. This power rests exclusively with the President and Parliament.

Source: IE

Halwa Ceremony

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity

Context

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in a traditional ‘halwa’ ceremony, marking the final stage for preparation of Union Budget 2024-25.

What is the Halwa ceremony?

• It is a customary ceremony  in which traditional dessert ‘halwa’ is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry who were involved in the preparation of the Budget. 
• It is performed every year before the “lock-in” process of Budget preparation begins.
• The custom has been part of the Budget tradition for decades.

Lock in Period

• All the officials involved in the Budget preparations stay at the North Block to make sure that the secrecy of the Union Budget is maintained. 
• The moment the Finance Minister tables the Union Budget in Parliament, the lock-in period will conclude.

Source: IE

Sutlej River

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

• Justice Sanjay Karol of the Supreme Court of India has expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the Sutlej river.

About

• The Sutlej river rises near Lake Rakshastal, which is fed by the lake Mansrover in the Tibetan Plateau at an elevation level (EL) of about 4,572 m. 
• It is an antecedent river (existed before the Himalayas) and the easternmost tributary of the Indus River. 
• Sutlej River is known as Langqen Zagbo inside Tibet (China). 
• It travels about 322 Kms inside the Tibetan Province and then enters India near Shipkila and further travels about 300 Kms up to Bhakra Dam.
• The main tributaries of Sutlej in India are Ravi and Beas.

Source: DTE

Chandipura Virus

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• The Chandipura virus outbreak has been reported in Gujarat.

Chandipura Virus

• Chandipura virus, aka Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), is an RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes the rabies virus.
• It was first identified in 1965 in Chandipura, a village in Maharashtra.
• Spread: It occurs by the sting of a vector-infected species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue).
  • The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites. 
• Symptoms: It mainly affects children aged 9 months-14 years. Fever, vomiting, loose motion and headache are the main symptoms.
  • The infection can reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.
• Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chandipura virus infection.
  • Management primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Source: IE

Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP)

Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure

Context

• The Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs reviewed the progress at the 2400 MW Tehri Power Complex in Tehri Garhwal.

About Tehri Hydro Power Complex

• The Tehri Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) is a hydroelectric power plant located in Uttarakhand, India. 
• It is one of the largest pumped storage power plants in the country, with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW. The plant is situated on the Bhagirathi River (tributary of river Ganges) and is capable of storing 5.7 TWh of electricity. 
• The PSP is a vital component of the national grid, providing supplementary power to the country during peak hours. 
• It is designed for storing surplus water of river Bhagirathi during monsoon and releasing the stored water to fulfil the irrigation and drinking water needs of the population in the Gangetic plains of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh during non-monsoon period while generating 2400 MW of peaking power.

Source: IE