OFFICERS' PULSE - AT A GLANCE & IN DEPTH - Officers Pulse
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OFFICERS' PULSE
Issue no. 3 | 14th June to 20th June, 2020
COVERAGE.
The Hindu
The Indian Express
PIB
Rajya Sabha TV
All India Radio
AT A GLANCE
& IN DEPTH.
Polity and Social Issues
Economy
International Relations
Environment
Science and Tech
Culture
CURRENT AFFAIRS WEEKLY
THE PULSE OF UPSC AT YOUR FINGER TIPS
News @ a glance
POLITY ............................................................... 3 6) International Atomic Energy Agency............. 21
1) Child Labour .................................................... 3 7) India and Nepal Border disputes ................... 23
2) Increase in Domestic Violence ........................ 5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY .............................. 24
3) Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana .................. 6 1) Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) ........... 24
4) A.P. Assembly opposes NRC, NPR ................... 7 2) Chikungunya .................................................. 25
5) Plea to transfer PM CARES funds to NDRF ..... 8 3) Probiotics....................................................... 25
6) Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan ........................ 10 4) COVID-19 Vaccine development ................... 25
7) Rule of Law Index .......................................... 10 5) Standard Q COVID-19 Ag ............................... 27
ENVIRONMENT ............................................... 12 6) NavRakshak PPE suit ..................................... 27
1) National Green tribunal ................................ 12 ART & CULTURE ................................................. 28
2) Malabar gliding frog...................................... 12 1) Talamaddale .................................................. 28
3) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology...... 13 2) Jagannath Temple, Puri ................................. 28
ECONOMY ........................................................ 14 3) Kodumanal, a megalithic site ........................ 29
1) Wholesale Price Index................................... 14 4) Keeladi excavation......................................... 30
2) BS norms ....................................................... 14 PIB ANAYSIS ..................................................... 32
3) Commercial coal mining ............................... 14 1) BARC .............................................................. 32
4) EAC-PM ......................................................... 15 2) WHO .............................................................. 32
5) Tightening of FDI rules .................................. 16 3) Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ............................. 17 (GPAI) ......................................................... 33
1) Initiatives towards Maritime Domain 4) Employees Provident Fund Organisation
Awareness ................................................. 17 (EPFO) ........................................................ 33
2) Aid diplomacy ............................................... 17 5) Khelo India State Centres of Excellence ........ 34
3) Rising nuclear warheads ............................... 18 6) PM SVANidhi - a Special Micro-Credit Facility
4) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank .......... 19 for Street Vendors ..................................... 35
5) Pashupatinath Temple complex ................... 20
1
News in Depth
AIR NEWS......................................................... 36 7) For better conditions of work for migrant
1) United Nations Security Council ................... 36 labourers .................................................... 45
2) Hydroxychloroquine ..................................... 36 8) Suspension of MPLADS not the right move .. 46
3) Financial Stability and Development Council 37 9) A Prescription for equitable and effective
4) India - China Relations in the current context37 care ............................................................ 48
THE HINDU EDITORIALS ................................ 40 INDIAN EXPRESS EXPLAINED ........................ 50
1) COVID-19 and public transport ..................... 40 1) How India tests for Covid-19 ......................... 50
2) GST compensation to states ......................... 41 2) Rapid antigen detection test ......................... 51
3) Remaining non-aligned is good advice ......... 42 3) Pangolins - Protection upgradation .............. 52
4) Lessons from Lee and Gandhi ...................... 43 4) What is dexamethasone? .............................. 55
5) In pandemic crisis, bridging the gulf with 5) Why does China trade ban a bad idea?......... 56
West Asia................................................... 43 RSTV Big Picture ................................................ 58
6) Rural India and COVID-19 ............................. 44 1) Mental Health- Tackling stress and
depression: ................................................ 58
2
News @ a glance
POLITY
1) Child Labour through traditional bondage or through
GS 2 -Social Empowerment , Issues related organized crime.
to Children ▪ The commercial sexual exploitation of
What is Child Labour? children is among the worst forms of child
▪ The term “child labour” is often defined as labour and in India there are around 1.2
work that deprives children of their million children involved in prostitution.
childhood, their potential and their Constitutional Provisions for Child
dignity, and that is harmful to physical Upliftment
and mental development. It refers to work ▪ Article 21 A: Right to Education:The
that: State shall provide free and compulsory
▪ is mentally, physically, socially or morally education to all children of the age of 6 to
dangerous and harmful to children; 14 years in such manner as the State, by
and/or law, may determine.
▪ interferes with their schooling by: ▪ Article 24: Prohibition of employment of
depriving them of the opportunity to children in factories, etc.
attend school; obliging them to leave ▪ No child below the age fourteen years
school prematurely; or requiring them to shall be employed in work in any factory
attempt to combine school attendance or mine or engaged in any other
with excessively long and heavy work. hazardous employment.
India and Child Labour ▪ Article 39: The State shall, in particular,
▪ According to a study by the ILO, the direct its policy towards securing
majority of the world's child labour ▪ (e) that the health and strength of
(around 71 percent) is done in the workers, men and women, and the tender
agriculture sector, including cotton age of children are not abused and that
plantations and rice fields. citizens are not forced by economic
▪ Around 17 percent are employed as necessity to enter avocations unsuited to
service staff, mainly as domestic workers their age or strength.
or in restaurants, and another 12 percent
of child labour is spread across jobs in the About ILO core conventions related to Child
industry sector, including dangerous Labour
activities in mines. ▪ International Labour Organisation is a
▪ Many child labourers in India are working U.N. agency that was established in
for starvation wages in textile factories, 1919.
helping with the processing of carpets, or ▪ ILO brings together governments,
doing back breaking work in brick making employers and workers representatives
factories and quarries. of 187 member States, to set labour
▪ Other child labourers work selling standards, develop policies and devise
cigarettes, called "Bidis", on the street for programmes promoting decent work for
the tobacco industry. all women and men.
▪ Children are also used for cheap labour in ▪ The principal means of action in the ILO is
industries such as steel extraction, gem the setting up the International Labour
polishing and carpet manufacturing. Standards in the form of Conventions and
▪ A staggering number of girls are victims Recommendations.
of child trafficking in India, whether o Conventions are international treaties and
are instruments, which create legally
3
binding obligations on the countries that
o The use, procuring or offering of a child for
ratify them.
illicit activities, in particular of the
o Recommendations are non-binding and set
production and trafficking of drugs as
out guidelines orienting national policies
defined in the relevant international treaties.
and actions.
o Work which by its nature or the
▪ There are eight Core Conventions of the
circumstances in which it is carried out is
ILO (also called fundamental/human
likely to harm the health, safety or morals of
rights conventions) The two Core
children.
Conventions directly related to child
labour are that of ILO Convention 138
and 182.
▪ India has ratified both the Core
Child Labour Laws in India
Conventions of International Labour
▪ The Mines Act of 1952, employment of
Organization Conventions 138
children below the age of 18 years is
regarding admission of age to
illegal in mines.
employment and Convention 182
▪ National Policy on Child Labour
regarding worst forms of Child Labour.
(1987), with a focus more on
Convention No.138: (Minimum Age) rehabilitation of children working in
▪ ILO Convention No. 138 concerning hazardous occupations and processes,
Minimum Age for Entry to Employment & rather than on prevention.
Work .Each country ratifying this ▪ Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Convention undertakes to: Children) Act 2000 and amendment of
▪ Pursue a national policy designed to ensure the JJ Act in 2006: includes the working
the effective abolition of child labour; child in the category of children in need of
▪ Specify a minimum age for Entry to care and protection, without any
employment or work which will not be less limitation of age or type of occupation.
than the ages of completion of compulsory ▪ The Right to Education Act, 2009 has
schooling; made it mandatory for the state to ensure
▪ To raise this progressively to a level that all children aged 6 to 14 years are in
consistent with the fullest physical and school and receive free education. Along
mental development of young people; with Article 21A of the Constitution of
▪ Guarantee that the minimum age of entry to India recognizing education as a
any type of employment or work, which is fundamental right, this constitutes a
likely to compromise health, safety of morals timely opportunity to use education to
of young person’s shall not be less than 18 combat child labour in India.
years ▪ Child Labour (Prohibition and
▪ Convention No.182 on Worst Forms of Regulation) Act, 2016:
Child Labour: o Employment of children below the age of
▪ For the purpose of this Convention, the term 14 years in any commercial enterprise is
child shall apply to all persons under the age illegal.
of 18. o The Act also bars the employment of
▪ For the purpose of this Convention, the term adolescents in occupations that deal with
worst forms of child labour comprises: hazardous working conditions such as
o All forms of slavery or practices similar to chemical plants and mines.
slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of o The act says that children can only work
children (debt bondage and serfdom and after school hours or during holidays and
forced or compulsory labour), including that children are allowed to work in
forced or compulsory recruitment of family owned secure sectors.
children for use in armed conflict. ▪ Platform for Effective Enforcement for
o The use, procuring or offering of a child for No Child Labour (PENCIL) Portal is an
prostitution, for the production of electronic platform that aims at involving
pornography o r for pornographic Centre, State, District, Governments, civil
performances. society and the general public in
4
achieving the target of child labour free 1.5 times in domestic violence complaints
society. It has been launched for the since the nationwide lockdown.
effective implementation of Child Labour News in Detail:
Act and National Child Labour Project ▪ Between March 25 and May 31, the NCW
(NCLP) Scheme. received 1,477 complaints of domestic
Statistics of Child Labour across the World violence. The total complaints during the
▪ Worldwide 218 million children between 68-day period were 1.5 times the 607 of
5 and 17 years are in employment. complaints received between March and
Among them, 152 million are victims of May last year.
child labour; almost half of them, 73 ▪ Non-governmental organization Swayam,
million, work in hazardous child labour. working in the area of women’s rights, has
▪ In absolute terms, almost half of child seen a more than two-fold increase in
labour (72.1 million) is to be found in domestic violence complaints, which have
Africa; 62.1 million in the Asia and the gone up from an average of 22 complaints
Pacific; 10.7 million in the Americas; 1.2 each month before COVID-19 to an
million in the Arab States and 5.5 million average of 57 complaints per month on
in Europe and Central Asia. their helplines or through email.
▪ Almost half of all 152 million children About National Commission for Women:
victims of child labour are aged 5-11 ▪ The National Commission for Women was
years.42 million (28%) are 12-14 years set up as statutory body in 1992 under
old; and 37 million (24%) are 15-17 years the National Commission for Women Act,
old. 1990 to
▪ Hazardous child labour is most prevalent ▪ review the Constitutional and Legal
among the 15-17 years old. safeguards for women ;
▪ Among 152 million children in child ▪ recommend remedial legislative measures
labour, 88 million are boys and 64 million ;
are girls. ▪ facilitate redressal of grievances and
▪ 58% of all children in child labour and ▪ Advise the Government on all policy
62% of all children in hazardous work are matters affecting women.
boys. Composition of National Commission for
▪ Boys appear to face a greater risk of child Women
labour than girls, but this may also be a ▪ The Commission shall consist of
reflection of an under-reporting of girls’ o A Chairperson, to be nominated by the
work, particularly in domestic child Central Government.
labour. o five Members to be nominated by the
Why in News? Central Government from amongst
▪ The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to push persons of ability, integrity and standing
millions of children around the world into who have had experience in law or
child labour, while those already legislation, trade unionism, management
employed may be forced to work longer of an industry potential of women,
hours and under worsening conditions, women’s voluntary organizations
according to a new brief from the (including women activist),
International Labour Organisation (ILO) administration, economic development,
and the UNICEF. health, education or social welfare;
▪ This could result in the first-ever rise in Provided that at least one Member each
child labour in 20 years. Since 2000, child shall be from amongst persons belonging
labour decreased by 94 million but this to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
gain could soon be reversed warn the two Tribes respectively;
multilateral bodies. o A Member-Secretary to be nominated by
2) Increase in Domestic Violence the Central Government who shall be :-
Why in News?
▪ The National Commission for Women ▪ an expert in the field of management,
(NCW) registered an increase of at least organizational structure or sociological
movement, or
5
▪ An officer who is a member of a civil
About Minor Forest Produce:
service of the Union or of an all-India
▪ 'Minor Forest Produce (MFP)' means all
service or holds a civil post under the
non-timber forest produce of plant origin
Union with appropriate experience.
and will include bamboo, canes, fodder,
Powers and Functions
leaves, gums, waxes, dyes, resins and
▪ The commission shall perform all or any many forms of food including nuts, wild
of the following functions, namely :-
fruits, Honey, Lac, Tusser etc. The Minor
▪ Investigate and examine all matters
Forest Produces provide both
relating to the safeguards provided for
subsistence and cash income for people
women under the Constitution and other
who live in or near forests.
laws;
▪ A number of people from Scheduled
▪ present to the Central Government,
Tribes and other forest-dwelling
annually and at such other times as the
communities depend on the collection and
Commission may deem fit, reports upon
sale of such items for their livelihood.
the working of those safeguard;
▪ The Minor Forest Produce has significant
▪ make in such reports recommendations
economic and social value for the forest
for the effective implementation of those
dwellers as an estimated 100 Million
safeguards for the improving the
people derive their source of livelihood
conditions of women by the Union or any
from the collection and marketing of
state;
Minor Forest Produce (Report of the
▪ take up cases of violation of the
National Committee on Forest Rights Act,
provisions of the Constitution and of
2011).
other laws relating to women with the
appropriate authorities; ▪ These tribal enterprises will be in the
▪ look into complaints and take suo moto form of Van Dhan Self Help Groups (SHGs)
notice of matters relating to deprivation which will be a group of 15-20 members
of women’s rights; and such 15 SHG groups will further be
▪ participate and advice on the planning federated into a larger group of Van Dhan
process of socio-economic development Vikas Kendras (VDVKS) of around 300
of women; members.
3) Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan ▪ TRIFED will support the VDVKs through
providing them with model business
Yojana plans, processing plans & tentative list of
About: equipment for carrying out the value
▪ Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana addition work of MFPs.
(PMVDY) is a retail marketing led value TRIFED
addition plan for Minor Forest Produce ▪ The Tribal Cooperative Marketing
(MFP), meant for forest-based tribes to Development Federation of India
optimize the tribal income locally. It seeks (TRIFED) came into existence in 1987. It
to improve tribal incomes through value is a national-level apex organization
addition of tribal products. functioning under the administrative
▪ Under the program, MFP-based tribal control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
groups / enterprises of around 300 ▪ TRIFED has its Head Office located in New
members are formed for the collection, Delhi and has a network of 13 Regional
value addition, packaging & marketing of Offices located at various places in the
Minor Forest Produces. country.
▪ It is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Objectives
Affairs and TRIFED. ▪ The ultimate objective of TRIFED is socio-
economic development of tribal people in
the country by way of marketing
development of the tribal products such
as metal craft, tribal textiles, pottery,
tribal paintings and pottery on which the
6
Tribals depend heavily for a major to reside in that area for the next 6
portion of their income. months or more.
▪ TRIFED acts as a facilitator and service ▪ NPR cannot be seen as a citizenship
provider for tribes to sell their product. registration drive since it would include,
▪ The approach by TRIFED aims to for instance, any foreigner residing in a
empower tribal people with knowledge, given locality for over six months.
tools and pool of information so that they ▪ The data for the NPR were first collected
can undertake their operations in a more in 2010 along with the house listing phase
systematic and scientific manner. of Census 2011. In 2015, this data was
▪ It also involves capacity building of the further updated by conducting a door-to-
tribal people through sensitization, door survey.
formation of SHGs and imparting training How NPR differs from population census?
to them for undertaking a particular ▪ The decennial census is the largest single
activity. source of a variety of statistical
Main activities to TRIFED include: information on different characteristics of
▪ Retail Marketing Development all persons in the country. The process
▪ Minor Forest Produce Marketing began for the first time in 1872 when
Development India was still under colonial rule.
▪ Skill up-gradation & Capacity Building of ▪ The Census is carried out under the
ST Artisans and MFP Gatherers Census Act, 1948.
▪ R&D Development/Intellectual ▪ As opposed to this, the exercise of
Proprietary Rights (IPR) Activity creating and maintaining a NPR began in
Why in News? the year 2010 to create a registry of usual
▪ Van Dhan Yojna launched with an residents of the country. NPR is
intention to improve the tribal income conducted under the Citizenship Act
through value addition of tribal products 1955 and the Citizenship Rules, 2003.
have benefitted 1,205 tribal enterprises ▪ The Census data does not aim to collect
employing 3.6 lakh people through 18,000 information about individuals but to give
self-help groups that have been set up an overall picture of the status or
under the Van Dhan scheme. condition of residents of India and the
4) A.P. Assembly opposes NRC, overall population trends.
▪ The purpose of collecting and analyzing
NPR Census data is that it informs planning
GS Paper- 2 , Population and Associated
and policy, and helps in assessing the
Issues
impact of existing government policies.
What is the National Population Register?
▪ While the Census Act makes it
▪ The National Population Register (NPR) is
compulsory for the government to keep
a Register of usual residents of the
the data collected during census
country.
confidential and anonymous, there is no
▪ It is a comprehensive identity database
such requirement of confidentiality for
maintained by the Registrar General and
NPR data under the citizenship rules. The
Census Commissioner of India under
NPR is a register that will be in the public
the Ministry of Home Affairs.
domain with data of individuals.
▪ It is being prepared at the local
National Register of Citizens
(Village/sub-Town), sub-District, District,
▪ The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is
State and National level under provisions
the register containing names of Indian
of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the
citizens.
Citizenship Rules, 2003.
▪ NRC was prepared first in 1951 after the
▪ It is mandatory for every usual
conduct of the Census of 1951.
resident of India to register in the NPR.
▪ It is being updated and that too only in
▪ A usual resident is defined for the
Assam.
purposes of NPR as a person who has
▪ Now, it is not linked to census but one has
resided in a local area for the past 6
to link oneself to a family member whose
months or more or a person who intends
name had appeared either in the NRC of
7
1951, or to any of the state’s electoral decide whether a person staying illegally
rolls prepared till midnight of 24th in India is a foreigner or not.
march 1971. ▪ Earlier, the powers to constitute tribunals
▪ If the applicant’s name is not on any of were vested only with the Centre.
these lists, he can produce any of the 12 Why in News?
other documents dated up to March 24, ▪ Several ministers of the Andhra Pradesh
1971. state government opposed the NPR
Why 1971? exercise claiming that data gathered for
The Assam Accord: NPR exercise in 2010 and 2015 were
▪ Popular movements between 1979 and different as compared to present details.
1985 against undocumented immigrants ▪ They said that now information was also
in Assam led to the Assam Accord. being sought about parents, including
▪ The Assam Accord (1985) was a their dates of birth, domicile status and
Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed mother tongue. This according to the state
between representatives of the government was troublesome for the
Government of India and the leaders of minorities.
the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 5) Plea to transfer PM CARES
August 1985.
▪ The Accord agreed that all those
funds to NDRF
What is PM CARES Fund?
foreigners who had entered Assam
▪ ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and
between 1951 and 1961 were to be given
Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM
full citizenship, including the right to vote.
CARES Fund)’ is a dedicated national
▪ Those who had done so after 1971 were
fund with the primary objective of
to be deported; the entrants between
dealing with any kind of emergency or
1961 and 1971 were to be denied voting
distress situation, like posed by the
rights for ten years but would enjoy all
COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide relief
other rights of citizenship.
to the affected.
▪ However, the provisions in the Assam
▪ Prime Minister is the ex-officio
accord were not implemented for a long
Chairman of the PM CARES Fund and
time.
Minister of Defence, Minister of Home
▪ Finally the Supreme Court, which is
Affairs and Minister of Finance,
supervising the entire process, has set a
Government of India are ex-officio
hard deadline of July 31 for the final NRC.
Trustees of the Fund.
Deadline was extended to August 31 st
Key objectives :
later.
▪ To undertake and support relief or
Current status:
assistance of any kind relating to a public
▪ The final draft of NRC was released in
health emergency or any other kind of
August 2019 which excluded 19 lakh of
emergency, calamity or distress, either
the 3.29 crore applicants in Assam.
man-made or natural, including the
▪ Each excluded person can file an appeal in
creation or upgradation of healthcare or
Foreigners Tribunals.
pharmaceutical facilities, other necessary
▪ The appellant then has the option of
infrastructure, funding relevant research
approaching the High Court and
or any other type of support.
Supreme Court.
▪ To render financial assistance, provide
Foreigners Tribunal:
grants of payments of money or take such
▪ The foreigners tribunals are quasi-judicial
other steps as may be deemed necessary
bodies, unique to Assam, to determine if a
by the Board of Trustees to the affected
person staying illegally is a “foreigner” or
population.
not.
Tax and other Exemptions:
▪ The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
▪ Donations to PM CARES Fund would
amended the Foreigners (Tribunals)
qualify for 100% exemption under the
Order, 1964, and has empowered
Income Tax Act, 1961.
district magistrates in all States and
Union Territories to set up tribunals to
8
▪ Donations to the Fund will also qualify to hospitality by certain individuals or
be counted as Corporate Social associations or companies.
Responsibility (CSR) expenditure under ▪ The Acts ensures that the recipients of
the Companies Act, 2013 foreign contributions adhere to the stated
purpose for which such contribution has
▪ The term "Corporate Social
been obtained.
Responsibility" in general can be
Why in News?
referred to as a corporate initiative to
assess and take responsibility for the
▪ The Supreme Court sought a response
from the government to a plea that
company's effects on the environment
contributions made to the PM CARES
and impact on social welfare. Few
Fund to fight COVID-19 should be
activities, which can be undertaken by a
transferred entirely to the National
company under CSR include,
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
▪ Eradicating hunger, poverty &
About National Disaster Response Fund:
malnutrition, promoting preventive
▪ National Disaster Response Fund is
health care & sanitation & making
defined in Section 46 of the Disaster
available safe drinking water;
Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) as a
▪ Promoting education, including special
fund managed by the Central Government
education & employment enhancing
for meeting the expenses for emergency
vocational skills especially among
response, relief and rehabilitation due to
children, women, elderly & the differently
any threatening disaster situation or
unable & livelihood enhancement
disaster.
projects;
▪ It is constituted to supplement the
▪ Employment enhancing vocational skills
funds of the State Disaster Response
▪ Protection of national heritage, art &
Funds (SDRF) of the states to facilitate
culture including restoration of buildings
immediate relief in case of calamities of a
& sites of historical importance & works
severe nature.
of art; setting up public libraries;
▪ Definition of a disaster:
▪ promotion & development of traditional
o The DM Act defines "disaster" to mean ‘a
arts & handicrafts; etc..
catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave
▪ India is the first country in the world to
occurrence in any area, arising from
make CSR mandatory, following an
natural or man-made causes, or by
amendment to the Company Act, 2013.
accident or negligence which results in
▪ Any company that has a net worth of at
substantial loss of life or human suffering
least Rs 500 crore, a turnover of Rs 1,000
or damage to, and destruction of,
crore or a net profit of Rs 5 crore is
property, or damage to, or degradation of,
obliged to spend 2% of its average
environment, and is of such a nature or
profits over the last three years on CSR.
magnitude as to be beyond the coping
▪ PM CARES Fund has also got exemption capacity of the community of the affected
under the Foreign Contribution area.
Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 and a ▪ Financing of the fund
separate account for receiving foreign o The NDRF is funded through the National
donations has been opened. This enables Calamity Contingency Duty (NCCD)
PM CARES Fund to accept donations and imposed on specified goods and
contributions from individuals and additional budgetary support is provided
organizations based in foreign countries. as and when necessary.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act o The requirement for funds beyond what is
(FCRA), 2010 available under the NDRF is met through
▪ Foreign funding of voluntary general budgetary resources.
organizations in India is regulated under ▪ Utilisation of funds
FCRA act and is implemented by the o NDRF amount can be spent only towards
Ministry of Home Affairs. meeting the expenses for emergency
▪ It regulates the acceptance and utilization response, relief and rehabilitation.
of foreign contribution or foreign
9o For projects exclusively for the purpose of ▪ This scheme will be made available for
mitigation, i.e, measures aimed at 125 days and extension of the scheme will
reducing the risk, impact or effect of a be decided based on the need.
disaster or threatening disaster situation Why in News?
a separate fund called National Disaster ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
Mitigation Fund has to be constituted. launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, a
▪ NDRF is located in the "Public Accounts" massive rural public works scheme, in six
of Government of India under "Reserve states.
Funds not bearing interest" 7) Rule of Law Index
▪ Comptroller and Auditor General of India About the Index
(CAG) audit the accounts of NDRF. ▪ The Rule of Law Index is designed and
compiled by the World Justice Project.
▪ Note: The Finance Ministry recently gave ▪ The index is a quantitative assessment
approval to allow individuals and tool which offers a detailed and
institutions to contribute directly to the comprehensive picture of the extent to
National Disaster Relief Fund. This is a which countries adhere to the rule of law
significant development at a time when in practice.
many have expressed concerns about Rule of Law Index 2020
donations sent to the PM CARES Fund or ▪ The Rule of Law Index 2020 presents a
the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, portrait of the rule of law in 128 countries
as both claim they are not public and jurisdictions by providing scores and
authorities subject to questions under the rankings based on eight factors:
Right to Information Act. o Constraints on Government Powers,
6) Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan Absence of Corruption, Open Government,
About the scheme Fundamental Rights, Order and Security,
▪ It aims to offer immediate employment Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and
to migrant workers who have returned Criminal Justice.
to their villages because of COVID-19 ▪ Scores range from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating
lockdown. the strongest adherence to the rule of law.
▪ Out of 1 crore estimated migrant workers ▪ With a score of 0.90, Denmark is placed at
who have returned to their villages, 67 the top of the list.
lakh people are expected to get benefited. ▪ With a score of 0.51, India secured 69th
▪ A total of 116 Districts with more than 25 position.
thousand returnee migrant workers ▪ The Index measures adherence to the rule
across six States, namely Bihar, Uttar of law by looking at policy outcomes, such
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, as whether people have access to courts
Jharkhand and Odisha have been chosen or whether crime is effectively controlled.
for the campaign. ▪ The Index examines practical, everyday
▪ These districts are estimated to cover situations, such as whether people can
about two third of such migrant workers. access public services and whether a
▪ Public Works worth Rs 50,000 crore dispute among neighbours can be
would be carried out in these districts to resolved peacefully and cost-effectively by
provide immediate relief to these an independent adjudicator.
workers. World Justice Project
▪ Workers will be employed in rural ▪ The World Justice Project (WJP) is an
housing, rural connectivity including the independent, multidisciplinary not for
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, profit organization working to advance
national highways, railway works, the rule of law worldwide.
community sanitation complex, gram ▪ Formed in 2009, it is an initiative of
panchayats, anganwadis, water American Bar Association with the
conservation, digging of wells, plantation support of other partners.
and horticulture. ▪ The World Justice Project defines the rule
of law as a durable system of laws,
10institutions, norms, and community and enforced are accessible, fair, and
commitment that delivers: efficient.
o Accountability - The government as well o Accessible and Impartial Dispute
as private actors are accountable under Resolution - Justice is delivered timely by
the law. competent, ethical, and independent
o Just Laws - The laws are clear, publicized, representatives and neutrals who are
and stable; are applied evenly; and accessible, have adequate resources, and
protect fundamental rights, including the reflect the makeup of the communities
security of persons and contract, they serve.
property, and human rights
o Open Government - The processes by
which the laws are enacted, administered,
11ENVIRONMENT
1) National Green tribunal ▪ NGT has given direction to Kerala state
About forest department to send a report on
steps taken for prevention of forest fires.
▪ In february 2020, a forest fire in kerala
took the lives of 6 forest guards. In this
enquiry, NGT has asked the government
of Kerala to file report .
2) Malabar gliding frog
About:
▪ The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a
statutory body that was established in
2010 by the National Green Tribunal Act.
▪ The principal bench of the NGT is located
in Delhi, with other benches sitting in
Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.
▪ The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in
environmental matters shall provide
speedy environmental justice and help
reduce the burden of litigation in the
higher courts.
▪ The Tribunal is mandated to make and
endeavour for disposal of applications or
appeals finally within 6 months of filing
of the same. ▪ It is a rare amphibian that can glide in the
▪ The Tribunal shall not be bound by the air up to 10-12 ft in one leap.
procedure laid down under the Code of ▪ It is endemic (found only in that region)
Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided to Western Ghats.
by principles of natural justice. ▪ The fingers and toes are like sticks to
▪ The NGT deals with civil cases under the attach to and walk through tree branches.
seven laws related to the environment, Males are smaller than females.
these include ▪ They built foam nests above small pools
▪ The Water (Prevention and Control of of water, into which the tadpoles drop
Pollution) Act, 1974 after hatching. As their body is so soft,
▪ The Water (Prevention and Control of they can live only in moist forests with
Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 streams.
▪ The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 ▪ Nature enthusiasts have also observed
▪ The Air (Prevention and Control of interesting behaviour like cannibalism
Pollution) Act, 1981 (eating their own species) among
▪ The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 tadpoles.
▪ The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 ▪ The Malabar gliding frog population was
and declining due to deforestation, climate
▪ The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 change, developmental activities, toxic
▪ Two related acts - Wildlife (Protection) chemicals and so on, he said.
Act, 1972 and Scheduled Tribes and Other Why in the news?
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition ▪ Malabar gliding frog was spotted in the
of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 have been orchard of a house at Pullad, near
kept out of NGT’s jurisdiction. Kozhencherry in Kerala.
Why in the news?
123) Indian Institute of Tropical ▪ The IPCC does not conduct its own
research.
Meteorology ▪ The IPCC is divided into three Working
About
Groups and a Task Force.
▪ The Institute was founded as the Institute
▪ Working Group I deals with The Physical
of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in 1962 at
Science Basis of Climate Change, Working
Pune, as a distinct unit of the India
Group II with Climate Change Impacts,
Meteorological Department (IMD).
Adaptation and Vulnerability and
▪ It is under the Ministry of Earth
Working Group III with Mitigation of
Sciences.
Climate Change.
▪ IITM is a premiere research Institute to
▪ The main objective of the Task Force on
generate scientific knowledge in the field
National Greenhouse Gas Inventories is to
of meteorology and atmospheric sciences
develop and refine a methodology for the
that has potential application in various
calculation and reporting of national
fields such as agriculture, economics,
greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
health, water resources, transportation,
Why in the news?
communications, etc.
▪ Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
▪ It functions as a national centre for basic
has developed a climate forecasting
and applied research in monsoon
model to arrive at projections of the
meteorology.
impact of global warming on the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
subcontinent in the coming century.
Change (IPCC)
▪ These projections will be part of the next
report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, expected to be ready in
2022.
What are the projections?
▪ The projections expect annual rainfall to
increase, along with more severe cyclones
▪ Created in 1988 by the World and — paradoxically — more droughts.
Meteorological Organization (WMO) ▪ From 1986-2015, the hottest day and
and the United Nations Environment coldest night have warmed 0.63°C and
Programme (UNEP), the objective of the 0.4°C, respectively. By the end of the 21st
IPCC is to provide governments at all century these temperatures are projected
levels with scientific information that they to rise by approximately 4.7°C and 5.5°C,
can use to develop climate policies. respectively, relative to the
▪ IPCC reports are also a key input into corresponding temperatures in 1976-
international climate change negotiations. 2005.
▪ The IPCC is an organization of ▪ The frequencies of future warm days and
governments that are members of the warm nights are projected to increase by
United Nations or WMO. 55% and 70%, respectively, relative to
▪ For the assessment reports, IPCC the reference period of 1976-2005.
scientists volunteer their time to assess ▪ Summer heat waves over India are
the thousands of scientific papers projected to be three to four times higher
published each year to provide a by the end of the 21st century.
comprehensive summary of what is ▪ The projected rapid changes in India’s
known about the drivers of climate climate will place increasing stress on the
change, its impacts and future risks, and country’s natural ecosystems, agricultural
how adaptation and mitigation can reduce output, and freshwater resources
those risks.
13ECONOMY
1) Wholesale Price Index ▪ NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) level will be
About WPI brought down by a staggering 70% for
▪ Wholesale Price Index measures and Diesel engine and 25% for Petrol Engines.
tracks the changes in the price of goods in ▪ The BS6 brings along a plethora of
the stages before the retail level. It changes, most significant being the
provides estimates of inflation at the mandatory OBD (Onboard Diagnostics)
wholesale transaction level for the for all vehicles. OBD device informs the
economy as a whole. vehicle owner or the repair technician
▪ It is released by the Office of Economic how efficient the systems in the vehicle
Adviser, Department for Promotion of are.
Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry ▪ RDE (Real Driving Emission) will be
of Commerce and Industry. introduced for the first time that will
▪ The base year is 2011-2012. measure the vehicle’s emission in real-
▪ The index basket consists of commodities world conditions against simulated
under 3 main categories in decreasing conditions.
order of weightage: Manufactured ▪ Introduction of DPF (Diesel Particulate
products, Primary Articles and Fuel Filter) and SCR (Selective Catalytic
and Power. Reduction) for Diesel engines.
Why in News? ▪ So a transition from BS4 to BS6 requires
▪ According to the latest WPI data, India's modification both in the fuel and in the
wholesale prices fell 3.21% in May, the vehicle engine.
most since November 2015, as the Background
country remained under the lockdown ▪ In March 2020, the Supreme Court
imposed to contain the spread of Covid- extended the March 31, 2020 deadline for
19. the sale and registration of BS-IV vehicles
▪ It is the first instance of deflation since because of the extraordinary situation
June 2016. arising out of the COVID-19 lockdown and
▪ Deflation is a persistent fall in the general to provide relief to automobile dealers.
price level of goods and services. ▪ The apex court allowed sale of 10% of the
unsold stock of BS IV vehicles within 10
2) BS norms days of the end of the lockdown, except in
What are Bharat Stage norms?
Delhi and the National Capital Region.
▪ The Bharat Stage norms are standards
Dealers in Delhi-NCR were denied the
instituted by the government to regulate
relief owing to the high levels of the
the emission of air pollutants from motor
pollution in the national capital.
vehicles.
Why in News?
▪ As the stage goes up, the control on
▪ The Supreme Court barred the sale and
emissions becomes stricter.
registration of BS IV vehicles citing
▪ In India, the BS-IV norm has been in force
misuse of its earlier order allowing sale of
since April, 2017. In 2016, the Centre had
10% of the unsold stock.
announced that India would skip the BS-V
▪ The court also ordered the Centre to
norms and adopt BS-VI by 2020.
collect details on how many of them were
▪ These norms are based on similar
sold and registered after the national
norms in Europe called Euro 4 and Euro
lockdown was lifted.
6.
How is BS6 different from BS4? 3) Commercial coal mining
▪ A vital difference between BS6 and the Background
BS4 fuel is that the BS6 fuel contains 5 ▪ As a part of the announcements under the
times fewer sulphur traces (10 parts per Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the
million) compared to BS4 (50 ppm). Central government recently announced
that it would allow commercial mining in
the coal sector.
14▪ Refer Pulse #2 edition for details on lukewarm response from the private
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. sector.
What is commercial mining? Why in News?
▪ Commercial mining allows the private ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled
sector to mine coal commercially on a the auction process of 41 coal blocks -
revenue-sharing model without spread across five states of Maharashtra,
placing any end-use restrictions. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and
▪ A revenue sharing mechanism instead of Madhya Pradesh - for commercial mining
the earlier fixed price per tonne will through video-conference.
introduce competition, transparency and Significance
private sector participation in the market. ▪ The auction for commercial mining was a
▪ The private firms have the option of major step towards making India self-
either gasification of the coal or exporting reliant in the energy sector.
it. They can also use it in their own end- ▪ The government has also decided to
use plants or sell them in the markets. spend Rs 50,000 crore on creating
▪ Further, with 100 per cent foreign infrastructure for coal extraction and
direct investment allowed in the coal transport. This would also create job
sector, global companies can also opportunities for locals closer to their
participate in the auctions. homes.
▪ The complete freedom to decide on sale, ▪ Despite India having the world’s fourth
pricing, and captive utilisation is expected largest coal reserve and being the
to attract many private sector firms to second largest producer, the country
participate in the auction process. was the second largest coal importer.
▪ The government expects these steps will The sector had been kept out of
generate employment and reduce India’s competition and devoid of transparency,
import bill. hampering investment and efficiency.
Was the private sector never allowed in ▪ Fully opening up the sector would
mining? increase competition, capital,
▪ Private sector participation was participation and technology. It would
permitted until the early 1970s. The ensure new private players did not face
Indira Gandhi government announced the the problem of finance.
nationalisation of the coal blocks in 4) EAC-PM
two phases between 1971 and 1973. What is it?
▪ The recently announced reforms will ▪ Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
effectively end state-owned Coal India Minister (EAC-PM) is a non-
Ltd (CIL)’s monopoly over mining and constitutional, non-permanent and
selling of coal. independent body constituted to give
Is this the first attempt by govt to open up advice on economic and related issues to
the sector? the Government of India, specifically to
▪ After the Supreme Court cancelled the the Prime Minister.
coal block allocations made to the private ▪ The Terms of Reference of EAC-PM
sector in 2014, the central government include analyzing any issue, economic or
had brought in the Coal Mines (Special otherwise, referred to it by the Prime
provisions) Act of 2015 to return these Minister and advising him thereon,
coal blocks to the private sector through addressing issues of macroeconomic
auctions. importance and presenting views thereon
▪ But there had been end-use restrictions to the Prime Minister.
and the private sector was not allowed to ▪ These could be either suo-motu or on
trade into the market making it reference from the Prime Minister or
unattractive for the private sector. anyone else.
▪ Further in 2018, private sector firms were ▪ The chairman is appointed from time to
allowed to sell upto 25 per cent of the time when the body is constituted.
output in the market, but this also saw a Why in News?
15▪ EAC-PM member Ashima Goyal recently putting restrictions on pension fund
said that the government’s Rs 20.97 lakh investments from any of India’s bordering
crore rescue package as a part of the countries.
Atma nirbhar bharat abhiyan will ▪ According to a recent draft notification, “A
provide the necessary stimulus to kick- government approval would be required
start demand in the economy. for the investing entity or individual from
any of the bordering countries
5) Tightening of FDI rules including China. The relevant provisions
FDI Routes in India of FDI policy issued from time to time
▪ The entry of Foreign Direct Investment would apply in all such cases.”
(FDI) by non residents into India is ▪ India shares land borders with Pakistan,
regulated through two routes –automatic Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan,
route and government route. Bangladesh and Myanmar.
o Under the Automatic Route, the foreign ▪ Any foreign investment from these
investor does not require any approval countries will be subject to approval
from the Reserve Bank or Government of from the government. The restriction
India for the investment. would be applicable from the date of
o Under the approval route or government notification by the Government of India.
route, the foreign investor should obtain ▪ At present, Foreign investment in pension
prior approval of the Government of India funds regulated by the Pension Fund
agencies or bodies specified. Regulatory and Development
▪ India has opened up most of the sectors Authority (PFRDA) is capped at 49%
for FDI investments through automatic under the automatic route.
route, but has kept certain sectors like About PFRDA
defence, space and atomic energy ▪ It is a statutory Authority under the
restricted or prohibited. Ministry of Finance.
Why in News? ▪ Its mandate is to act as a regulator for the
▪ Amid growing tensions between India and pension sector.
China, the finance ministry has proposed
16INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1) Initiatives towards Maritime ▪ After joining the Indian Ocean
Commission as Observer, India is looking
Domain Awareness to post Navy Liaison Officers at the
About IOC
Regional Maritime Information Fusion
▪ The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is an
Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar and also at
intergovernmental body created in 1984
the European maritime surveillance
that coordinates maritime governance in
initiative in the Strait of Hormuz
the south-western Indian Ocean.
(EMASOH) for improved Maritime
▪ It consists of five Member States: The
Domain Awareness (MDA).
Union of the Comoros, France Reunion
▪ This will be in the overall realm of
Island, Madagascar, Mauritius and the
improving linkages of the Navy’s
Seychelles.
Information Fusion Centre for Indian
▪ The IOC is the only regional organisation
Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) with other IFCs
in Africa to represent a group of islands.
and become the repository for all
▪ The IOC’s mission is to unite Member
maritime data in the IOR.
States’ forces and pool their resources,
RMFIC & EMASOH
raise awareness of the special challenges
▪ The RMFIC functions under the aegis of
that developing islands face and promote
the Indian Ocean Commission.
Indianoceania as a region of unique
▪ EMASOH is supported by eight countries
human, cultural and natural diversity.
which include Germany, Belgium,
▪ Recently, India has been accepted as an
Denmark, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands,
observer of the Indian Ocean
Portugal, and France.
Commission.
▪ The aim of EMASOH is to monitor
maritime activity and guarantee
freedom of navigation in the Persian
Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
▪ On February 5, the initiative was declared
operational by the French Ministry of
Armed Forces.
Related agreements
▪ Of late, India has signed a series of white
shipping agreements, Logistics
Support Agreements (LSA) and
maritime cooperation agreements with
several countries.
▪ For instance, at the virtual summit, India
and Australia announced a joint
About IFC-IOR
declaration on a shared vision for
▪ The Information Fusion Centre – Indian
maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was inaugurated
in which they agreed to deepen navy-to-
in 2018 within the premises of the Navy’s
navy cooperation and strengthen MDA in
Information Management and Analysis
the Indo-Pacific region through enhanced
Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram.
exchange of information.
▪ The IMAC is the single point centre
▪ White shipping agreements refer to
linking all the coastal radar chains to
exchange of relevant advance information
generate a seamless real-time picture
on the identity and movement of
of nearly 7,500-km coastline and of some
commercial non-military merchant vessels.
neighbouring countries. It helps in
tracking maritime movements in the
region. 2) Aid diplomacy
Why in News? Background
17▪ As cases of coronavirus increase in Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Korea,
countries across South Asia and some of and the United States.
the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries, ▪ The Secretariat of the Association is
both India and China are pressing ahead located in Kathmandu, Nepal.
with medical supplies, including Mission Sagar
medicines and protective gear, as well as ▪ `Mission Sagar’ is Government of India’s
offers of medical teams to be stationed initiative to assist island nations in Indian
there. Ocean amidst the ongoing COVID-19
▪ With nearly 6,00,000 cases now, the eight pandemic.
SAARC countries account for about 7.5% ▪ The Mission is being coordinated by the
of the world total of 7.9 million COVID-19 Ministry of External Affairs and
cases, and about 3% of global coronavirus Ministry of Defence.
deaths. ▪ The deployment is in consonance with the
▪ According to its Health Silk Road Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of
initiative, China has sent 29 medical Security and Growth for All in the
expert teams to 27 countries. Region (SAGAR) promulgated in March
India’s outreach 2015.
▪ India has intensified its offers in the ▪ SAGAR highlights the importance
SAARC region (minus Pakistan) and the accorded by India to relations with her
IOR, deploying aid by Air India flights as neighbouring countries and further
well as by the Indian Naval Ship ‘Kesari’ strengthens the existing bond.
and sending teams as well. 3) Rising nuclear warheads
▪ India has thus far sent medical teams to What’s in the news?
the Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros, and ▪ Swedish think tank Stockholm
Kuwait. International Peace Research Institute
▪ The deployment to the Comoros and (SIPRI) has released its report on nuclear
Mauritius, part of “Mission Sagar”, was warheads recently.
particularly considered historic as it ▪ SIPRI is an independent international
unveiled new Indian capabilities in parts institute based in Sweden, dedicated to
of the IOR that other countries had not research into conflict, armaments, arms
developed. control and disarmament.
▪ For the past months, two 14-member Highlights of the report
Indian Navy medical teams have been ▪ All nations that have nuclear weapons
stationed in Mauritius and Comoros, continue to modernise their nuclear
where they toured local hospitals, trained arsenals, while India and China increased
personnel and assisted in COVID-19 their nuclear warheads in the last one
management techniques. year.
Why in News? ▪ China is in the middle of a significant
▪ Amidst its own tensions with India and modernisation of its nuclear arsenal. It is
the month-long standoff between India developing a nuclear triad for the first
and China at the Line of Actual Control, time, made up of new land and sea-based
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Oli has decided missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft.
not to accept medical teams from either ▪ A nuclear triad is a three-pronged military
India or China. force structure that consists of land-
About SAARC launched nuclear missiles, nuclear-missile-
▪ The South Asian Association for Regional armed submarines and strategic aircraft
Cooperation (SAARC) was established in with nuclear bombs and missiles.
1985 with 7 founding members. ▪ India and Pakistan are slowly increasing
▪ SAARC now comprises eight Member the size and diversity of their nuclear
States: Afghanistan (joined in 2007), forces.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, ▪ China’s nuclear arsenal had gone up from
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 290 warheads in 2019 to 320 in 2020,
▪ There are nine observer countries namely while India’s went up from 130-140 in
Australia, China, European Union, Iran,
182019 to 150 in 2020. Pakistan’s arsenal ▪ New START replaced the 1991 START I
was estimated to be between 150-160 in treaty, which expired in 2009, and
2019 and has reached 160 in 2020. Both superseded the 2002 Strategic Offensive
China and Pakistan continue to have Reductions Treaty (SORT).
larger nuclear arsenals than India. ▪ New START caps the deployed strategic
▪ The nuclear arsenals of the nuclear- nuclear warheads and bombs of the
armed states other than the United States United States at Russia at 1,550 each. The
and Russia were considerably smaller but Treaty includes limits on missiles,
all these states were either developing or bombers, and land-based launchers for
deploying new weapon systems or had nuclear weapons.
announced their intention to do so. ▪ The Treaty also allows for verification
▪ Together the nine nuclear-armed states inspections and information-sharing.
— the U.S., Russia, the United Kingdom, ▪ The New Start Treaty is due to expire
France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and next February.
North Korea — possessed an estimated Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty
13,400 nuclear weapons at the start of ▪ Signed in 1987, the Intermediate-Range
2020, which marked a decrease from an Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty required the
estimated 13,865 nuclear weapons at the United States and the Soviet Union to
beginning of 2019. eliminate all of their nuclear and
▪ The decrease in the overall numbers was conventional ground-launched ballistic
largely due to the dismantlement of old and cruise missiles with ranges of 500
nuclear weapons by Russia and the U.S., to 5,500 kilometres.
which together possess over 90% of the ▪ As a result of the treaty, both countries
global nuclear weapons. destroyed a total of 2,692 short-, medium-
Rising tensions , and intermediate-range missiles.
▪ The U.S. and Russia have reduced their ▪ Last year, the U.S. announced its formal
nuclear arsenals under the 2010 New withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Nuclear Forces treaty accusing Russia of
START) but it will lapse in February 2021 breaching the terms of the deal.
unless both parties agree to prolong it. 4) Asian Infrastructure
▪ However, discussions to extend the New
START or negotiate a new treaty made no
Investment Bank
About AIIB
progress with the U.S.’s insistence that
▪ The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
China must join any future nuclear arms
(AIIB) is an international development
reduction talks, which China has
bank that provides financing for
categorically ruled out.
infrastructure projects in Asia.
▪ The deadlock over the New START and
▪ Headquartered in Beijing, it began
the collapse of the 1987 Soviet–U.S.
operations in 2016.
Treaty on the Elimination of
▪ It includes 102 members worldwide
Intermediate-Range and Shorter-
(India is a founder member of AIIB).
Range Missiles (INF Treaty) in 2019
▪ AIIB consists of two classes of
suggest that the era of bilateral nuclear
membership: regional and non-regional
arms control agreements between Russia
members. Regional members hold 75%
and the U.S. might be coming to an end.
of the total voting power in the Bank.
▪ Russia and the U.S. have already
▪ China is the largest shareholder with
announced extensive plans to replace and
26.64 per cent voting shares in the bank.
modernise their nuclear warheads and
India is the second largest shareholder
delivery systems.
with 7.6 per cent voting shares followed
Related information
by Russia 6.0 per cent.
New START
▪ India is the biggest borrower of AIIB.
▪ The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty
was signed in 2010 by Russia and the
United States and entered into force in
2011.
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