Uttarakhand's UCC Draft Report

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft report was approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet and is likely to be tabled in the state assembly on 6^th February 2024, as a bill for enactment.

• The UCC drafting committee was led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai.
• The UCC is a proposed set of common laws for all residents of Uttarakhand, regardless of their religion, caste, or gender.

What are the Key Highlights of Uttarakhand's UCC Draft Report?

• The UCC aims to replace distinct personal laws of every religion, focusing on marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance, guided by Article 44 of the Constitution.
  • Article 44 of the Indian Constitution is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP). It states that the state should try to establish a uniform civil code for all citizens throughout India.
  • This code would be a single set of personal laws that would apply to all citizens, regardless of religion.
• Some of the key proposals put forth by the committee include the prohibition of polygamy, nikah halala, iddat (a mandatory period of waiting to be observed by women following the dissolution of a Muslim marriage), triple talaq, and child marriage, uniform age for girls' marriage across all religions, and mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
• The draft UCC aims to focus on gender equality by treating men and women equally in matters such as inheritance and marriage.
  • The Code is also likely to extend an equal property share to Muslim women against the existing 25% share accorded under Muslim personal laws.
  • The minimum age for marriage for men and women is set to remain the same,18 years for women and 21 years for men.
• Scheduled tribes (STs) have been exempted from the purview of the bill. The tribal population in the state, which is around 3%, had been voicing its dissent against UCC in the wake of the special status accorded to them.

What are the Concerns Regarding the UCC Draft Report for Uttarakhand?

• The UCC draft report may infringe upon the fundamental rights of religious freedom and personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
  • Some critics argue that the UCC draft report does not respect the diversity and pluralism of India, and imposes a uniform code that may not suit the customs and practices of different communities.
• The UCC draft report may affect the rights and interests of the STs of Uttarakhand.
  • Some activists claim that the UCC draft report does not adequately address the issues and aspirations of the STs, and may erode their cultural identity and autonomy.

Read More: Just (Uniform) Civil Code.

Interim Budget 2024-2025

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Interim Budget 2024-25 was tabled in the parliament. It envisions 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, with all-round, all-pervasive, and all-inclusive development.

What is an Interim Budget?

• An Interim Budget is presented by a government that is going through a transition period or is in its last year in office ahead of general elections.
• The purpose of the interim budget is to ensure the continuity of government expenditure and essential services until the new government can present a full-fledged budget after taking office.

What is the Difference Between Interim Budget and Vote on Account?

Feature	Interim Budget	Vote on Account
Constitutional Provision	Article 112	Article 116
Purpose	Financial Statement presented by the government ahead of general elections.	To meet essential government expenditures for a limited period until the budget is approved.
Duration of Expenditure	Covers a specific period, usually a few months until a new government is formed and a full budget is presented.	It is generally granted for two months for an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the total estimation.
Policy changes	Can propose changes in the tax regime	Cannot change the tax regime under any circumstances
Impact on Governance	Provides continuity in governance during the transition period between two governments.	Ensures the smooth functioning of the government and public services until the regular budget is approved.

What are the Major Highlights of the Interim Budget 2024-25?

• Capital Expenditure: An 11.1% increase in the capital expenditure outlay for 2024-2025 was announced.
  • The capital expenditure is set at Rs 11,11,111 crore, constituting 3.4% of the GDP.
• Economic Growth Projections: The GDP growth for FY 2023-24 real GDP growth is projected at 7.3%, aligning with the RBI's revised growth projection.
  • The International Monetary Fund upgraded India's growth projection to 6.3% for FY 2023-24. It also anticipates India becoming the third-largest economy in 2027.
• Revenue and Expenditure Estimates (2024-25):
  • Total Receipts: Estimated at Rs 30.80 lakh crore, excluding borrowings.
  • Total Expenditure: Projected at Rs 47.66 lakh crore.
  • Tax Receipts: Estimated at Rs 26.02 lakh crore.
• GST Collections: Reached ₹1.65 lakh crore in December 2023, crossing the ₹1.6 lakh crore benchmark for the seventh time.
• Fiscal Deficit and Market Borrowing: Fiscal deficit is estimated at 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25, aligning with the goal of reducing it below 4.5% by 2025-26 (announced in budget 2021-22).
  • Gross and net market borrowings through dated securities in 2024-25 are estimated at Rs 14.13 and 11.75 lakh crore, respectively.
• Taxation: The Interim Budget maintains the existing rates for direct and indirect taxes, including import duties.
  • For Corporate Taxes: 22% for existing domestic companies, 15% for certain new manufacturing companies.
  • No tax liability for taxpayers with income up to ₹7 lakh under the new tax regime.
  • Certain tax benefits for Start-Ups and investments extended by one year up to March 31, 2025.
• Priorities: Emphasizing the focus on the Poor, Women, Youth and Farmer.
  • Poor: Successful movement of 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty.
    • Credit assistance was provided to 78 lakh street vendors under PM-SVANidhi.
  • Women: Disbursement of 30 crore Mudra Yojana loans to women entrepreneurs.
    • 43% of female enrolment in STEM courses.
    • Assistance to 1 crore women through 83 lakh SHGs, fostering 'Lakhpati Didis.'
    • 28% increase in female enrolment in higher education over a decade.
  • Youth: Training of 1.4 crore youth under the Skill India Mission.
    • Fostering entrepreneurial aspirations with 43 crore loans sanctioned under PM Mudra Yojana.
  • Farmers: Direct financial assistance was provided to 11.8 crore farmers under PM-KISAN.
    • Crop insurance extended to 4 crore farmers through Fasal Bima Yojana.
    • Integration of 1,361 mandis under eNAM for streamlined agricultural trade.
• Major Development Plans:
  • Infrastructure:
    • Railways: Three major economic railway corridor programmes will be implemented- energy, mineral & cement corridors, port connectivity corridors, and high traffic density corridors.
      • Forty thousand normal rail bogies will be converted to Vande Bharat standards for enhanced safety, convenience, and passenger comfort.
    • Aviation: Expansion of existing airports and comprehensive development of new airports under the UDAN scheme.
    • Urban Transport: Promotion of urban transformation via Metro rail and NaMo Bharat.
  • Clean Energy Sector:
    • Viability gap funding for wind energy
      • It will help in harnessing offshore wind energy potential, aiming for an initial capacity of 1 gigawatt.
    • Establishment of coal gasification and liquefaction capacity of 100 million tonnes by 2030.
    • Phased mandatory blending of CNG, PNG and compressed biogas
    • Financial assistance for procurement of biomass aggregation machinery
    • Rooftop solarization: 1 crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity per month
    • Strengthening e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging
    • New scheme of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry to be launched to support environment friendly alternatives
  • Housing Sector: Government plans to subsidize the construction of 30 million affordable houses in rural areas.
    • Housing for Middle Class scheme to be launched to promote middle class to buy/built their own houses
  • Healthcare Sector: Encouraging Cervical Cancer Vaccination for girls (9-14 years).
    • U-WIN platform for immunization efforts of Mission Indradhanush to be rolled out.
    • Expanding the Ayushman Bharat scheme to include all ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers.
  • Agricultural Sector: Encouraging the use of 'Nano DAP' for various crops across all agro-climatic zones.
    • Formulating policies to support dairy farmers and combat Foot and Mouth Disease.
    • Strategizing for AtmaNirbharta (self-reliance) in oilseeds, covering research, procurement, value addition, and crop insurance.
      • Nano-DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) is a nanotechnology-based agri-input developed by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). It helps in correcting the Nitrogen & Phosphorus deficiencies in standing crops.
  • Fishery Sector: Establishing a new department, 'Matsya Sampada,' to address the needs of fishermen.
  • For States Capex: The continuation of the fifty-year interest-free loan scheme for capital expenditure to states was announced.
    • A total outlay of Rs 1.3 lakh crore, with a provision of Rs 75,000 crore for fifty-year interest-free loans to support state-led reforms.
    • Special attention will be paid to the eastern region to make it a powerful driver of India's growth.
  • Others:
    • Establishment of a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore with a fifty-year interest-free loan to encourage research and innovation in sunrise domains.
      • Also, aiming to boost private sector participation in research and innovation.
    • To address rapid population growth and demographic shifts, the government will form a high-powered committee.
      • The committee will provide comprehensive recommendations aligned with the goal of 'Viksit Bharat.'

Economics of the Food System Transformation

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the Food System Economics Commission has published a report titled-” The Economics of the Food System Transformation”, highlighting that a sustainable transformation of existing food systems is urgently required at an estimated total cost of USD 500 billion per year.

• THe Food System Economics Commission (FSEC) is a private consortium of scientists across nationalities and academic fields, aimed at identifying the challenges to food system security and the policy changes required to overcome them.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Current Costs and Impacts:
  • Globally, current food systems cost significantly more than they contribute to development. A sustainable transformation of existing food systems is urgently required at an estimated total cost of $500 billion per year.
    • This cost is equivalent to only 0.2–0.4% of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and is small relative to the multi-trillion dollar benefits it could bring.
• Current Food System Challenges:
  • The current global food system is characterised by hidden environmental, health, and social costs exceeding 10 trillion USD in 2020.
  • If current trends persist, over 640 million individuals (including 121 million children) could suffer from Hunger and Malnutrition by 2050.
• Food System to Drive Global Greenhouse Gas:
  • Under the existing scenario, food systems will continue to drive a third of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, which will contribute to 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial periods.
  • Food production will become increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with the likelihood of extreme events dramatically increasing.
• Pathways to 2050:
  • The report contrasts two pathways up to 2050: Current Trends (CT) and Food System Transformation (FST).
    • The CT pathway shows continued food insecurity, obesity increase, and negative environmental impacts by 2050.
    • Transforming food systems can contribute significantly to economies and address health and climate challenges.
    • Global convergence towards healthy diets could contribute as much as 70% of the total economic benefits of pursuing the FST pathway.
    • Food systems under FST could become net carbon sinks by 2040, helping limit global warming to below 1.5°C.
    • Positive developments include extensive reforestation, reducing extreme weather events, protecting land, halving nitrogen surplus, and reversing biodiversity loss.
• Recommendations:
  • Lifting financing constraints for lower-income countries is crucial to unlocking the global benefits of transforming food systems.
  • Policymakers are urged to face the food system challenge, make necessary changes, and reap short- and long-term benefits globally.
  • The report emphasises the need for comprehensive and sustainable pathways for the transformation of food systems.

How can we make the Global Food System More Sustainable?

• Reduce Food Waste:
  • Encourage and support the adoption of circular food systems, where surplus food is efficiently redistributed to those in need.
  • Develop and implement policies that incentivize businesses and consumers to minimize food waste.
• Optimize Food Production Processes:
  • Promote and invest in smart farming practices that utilise technology to monitor and optimize growing conditions.
  • Encourage the adoption of sustainable agriculture techniques such as hydroponic and vertical farming.
  • Support research and development of crop varieties that are resilient to environmental challenges, reducing the need for excessive resource input.
• Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
  • Advocate for the use of regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health and ecosystem restoration.
  • Implement precision farming techniques to reduce overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, and water.
  • Support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable and organic farming methods.
• Encourage Sustainable Consumption:
  • Promote a shift towards plant-based diets, which generally have a lower environmental impact than diets rich in animal products.
  • Educate consumers about the environmental and social impacts of their food choices.
  • Support local and sustainable food markets to encourage the consumption of locally produced goods.
• Invest in Research and Innovation:
  • Allocate resources to research and development efforts aimed at creating more sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.
  • Support initiatives that focus on climate-resilient crops and innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in the food system.
• Empower Local Communities:
  • Support community-led initiatives for sustainable agriculture and food production.
  • Provide training and resources to farmers, especially smallholders, to adopt sustainable practices.
  • Ensure that local communities have a voice in decision-making processes related to food production and distribution.

China's Shifting Economic Landscape

Source: TOI

Why in News?

China's economy faced significant challenges in 2023, registering one of its slowest growth rates in over three decades as it was battered by a crippling property crisis, sluggish consumption, shifting demographic trends and global turmoil.

What are the Major Factors Contributing to Economic Challenges in China?

• Economic Status: China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported a 5.2% growth in GDP, reaching 126 trillion yuan in 2023.
  • Despite exceeding the target and outperforming the 3% recorded in 2022, this growth represents the slowest performance since 1990, excluding pandemic years.
  • Deflation for three consecutive months added to the economic headwinds.
• Factors Contributing to Economic Challenges:
  • Lack of Jobs for Youth: More than 1 in 5 people between 16 and 24 were unemployed in May 2023 highlighting challenges in job creation for the youth.
    • The working-age population between 15 to 59 years, which is seen as being productive in an economy, has now fallen to 61% of the total population.
  • Demographic Trends: China's population has been declining since 2016, reflecting a falling Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and challenges in overcoming the legacy of the one-child policy.
    • Despite policy changes allowing up to 3 children, demographic trends have not reversed.
  • Unsteady Real Estate Market: The real estate market, traditionally a significant contributor to China's economy, faces financial challenges with major firms like Evergrande and Country Garden experiencing difficulties.

What are the Other Challenges Related to China in Global Context?

• Environmental degradation: China is the world's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Air pollution is responsible for about 2 million deaths in China per year (WHO).
• Tense Relations with the United States: The ongoing trade war, competition for technological dominance, and differences in values create significant tension between China and the US, impacting the global balance of power.
  • The US and its allies are increasingly decoupling from China in key technological areas, like semiconductors.
• South China Sea Disputes: China's territorial claims in the South China Sea are contested by several countries, raising concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation.
• Human Rights Concerns: China has faced international scrutiny and criticism regarding human rights issues, particularly concerning the treatment of ethnic minorities such as the Uighurs in Xinjiang.

How India is Transitioning Amid the Economic Turmoil in China?

• Demographic Advantage: India's working-age population is projected to constitute 68.9% of the total population by 2030, in stark contrast to China's ageing population.
• Evolving Manufacturing and Transportation Landscape: Initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission and dedicated industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor are bolstering infrastructure and drawing investments to India.
  • Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, is relocating a substantial portion of iPhone production from China to India.
• Business-Friendly Environment: Programs like Make in India and the production-linked incentive scheme offer crucial support for businesses.
  • The PLI scheme for electronics has successfully lured major players such as Samsung, Pegatron, Rising Star, and Wistron.
• Thriving Domestic Market: As the world's fifth-largest economy (by nominal GDP), India presents significant opportunities for locally manufactured goods, attracting multinational corporations to integrate India into their production processes.
  • H&M, for instance, sources from Indian garment manufacturers.
• Emphasis on Sustainability and ESG: With a goal to achieve 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030, India is attracting companies committed to green manufacturing.
  • Tesla, for example, plans to enter the Indian electric vehicle market in 2024.
• Global Recognition and Dependability: India's membership in the IMEC corridor and its leadership in the International Solar Alliance are enhancing its trade appeal and global reputation as a reliable investment destination.

What are the Challenges Hindering India’s Progress?

• Infrastructure Constraints: Despite ongoing improvement, India's infrastructure, including power grids, logistics networks, and transportation systems, lags behind China's, potentially hindering manufacturing competitiveness and attracting investment.
• Skilled Workforce Shortage: While demographics offer a large working-age population, a significant portion lacks the specific skills (Skill India Report: Only 5% Indians formally skilled) required for high-value manufacturing, necessitating heavy investment in upskilling and vocational training.
• Lack of Desired Ease of Doing Business: While initiatives like Make in India aim to improve, India still ranks lower than China in global ease of doing business rankings, requiring further measures to simplify processes and reduce red tape.
• Lack of R&D Push: Despite advancements, India continues to trail in research and development capabilities, allocating only 0.6-0.7% of its GDP to R&D, in stark contrast to China's 2.56% investment.

Way Forward

• Upskill the Workforce: India needs to focus on vocational training and skilling programs aligned with industry needs, creating a readily available pool of qualified workers for high-value manufacturing.
• Streamline Regulations and Bureaucracy: Implementing reforms to simplify procedures, reducing red tape, and expediting business approvals can enhance India's ease of doing business.
• Boost Innovation and Technology: Increasing R&D investments, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and promoting entrepreneurship can cultivate a robust innovation ecosystem in India.
• Diplomatic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution: India can take advantage of this time to engage in constructive diplomatic dialogue with China to address outstanding border issues and foster better relations on various fronts, including trade, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges, benefiting both nations and the broader global community.

National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis Centre

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has developed the National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis Centre (NTDFAC), which makes the government collect and compile information on terrorists and their associates from various sources.

• The NIA has for the first time collected details of all terrorists including those from Indian Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba as well as Khalistani militant groups.

What is the National Terrorism Data Fusion & Analysis Centre?

• About:
  • The NTDFAC has been modelled along the lines of the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) of the US.
    • The GTD is managed by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), based at the University of Maryland in the United States.
    • The GTD is a publicly accessible database that collects and analyzes data on terrorist incidents globally. It provides detailed information on various aspects of each incident, including the date, location, weapons used, tactics employed, targets, and the number of casualties.
  • It will serve as a centralized database and analysis centre for information related to terrorism and terrorists operating in the country.
    • In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs had asked all state police forces and anti-terror agencies to adopt an approach to prevent the formation of new terrorist groups.
• Key Features:
  • Comprehensive Database: This includes case histories, fingerprints, videos, pictures, and social media profiles, providing a comprehensive overview of individuals involved in terrorist activities.
  • Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS): The NTDFAC incorporates the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), which holds over 92 lakh fingerprint records.
    • This allows for the quick and accurate identification of individuals based on fingerprint data.
  • Face Recognition System: It is equipped with a face recognition system, enabling the scanning of pictures of suspects from CCTV footage. This technology aids in the identification and tracking of individuals involved in terrorist activities.
  • Support for State Police Forces: The NTDFAC not only assists NIA officers but also supports state police forces in identifying details of suspects.
    • State police forces can access the centralised server to gather information on terrorists operating in their jurisdictions.

What is the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS)?

• About:
  • Conceptualized and managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), it is a country-wide searchable database of crime- and criminal-related fingerprints.
  • The web-based application functions as a central information repository by consolidating fingerprint data from all states and Union Territories.
• Key Features:
  • Web-Based Application: The system operates as a web-based application, allowing law enforcement agencies to access and manage fingerprint data in real-time on a 24x7 basis.
  • Unique Identifier: NAFIS assigns a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN) to each person arrested for a crime.
    • This unique ID can be used for the person’s lifetime, and different crimes registered under different FIRs will be linked to the same NFN.
  • Integration with CCTNS: NAFIS is connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) database at the backend, providing a unique identifier for every arrested person in the CCTNS.
  • Real-Time Data Upload and Retrieval: The system enables law enforcement agencies to upload, trace, and retrieve fingerprint data in real time, enhancing the efficiency of criminal identification processes.
  • Replacement for Previous Systems: NAFIS is the latest iteration in a series of automated fingerprint identification systems in India. It replaces the previous system, FACTS 5.0, which was considered to have "outlived its shelf life."

Exercise Vayu Shakti- 2024

The Indian Air Force will be conducting Exercise Vayu Shakti-24 on 17^th February 2024 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range, near Jaisalmer.

• Exercise Vayu Shakti is set to deliver a compelling display of the Indian Air Force's offensive and defensive prowess, seamlessly operating both day and night.
• Additionally, the exercise will highlight collaborative manoeuvres with the Indian Army, showcasing their joint operational capabilities.
• The exercise will showcase IAF's prowess in precision, long-range weapon delivery, and effective operations from various air bases, including special missions with transport, helicopter fleets, Garuds, and Indian Army elements.
  • This year, 121 aircraft, including Tejas, Prachand, Dhruv, Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, Jaguar, Hawk, C-130J, Chinook, Apache, and Mi-17, will participate in the exercise, showcasing the capabilities of indigenous Surface to Air Weapon systems Akash and Samar in tracking and shooting down intruding aircraft.

Read more: EXERCISE VAYUSHAKTI

Dusted Apollo Butterfly

Recently, the Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus), a rare high-altitude butterfly, was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba.

• The Dusted Apollo butterfly was discovered in 1890 and its distribution range extends from Ladakh to West Nepal, flying between 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
  • It is a member of the snow Apollo genus (Parnassius) of the swallowtail family.
• The Dusted Apollo species closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but the discal band (band on a butterfly's wing) on the upper fore wing in dusted Apollo is complete and extends from costa to vein one while this discal band is incomplete and extends only up to vein four in Ladakh Banded Apollo.
• The sighting also included another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), which is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Read more: Butterflies Adaptation and Evolution Processes

Kalaripayattu

Haryana youth made significant strides in embracing Kalaripayattu, securing the second position, just after Kerala at the Khelo India Youth Games 2023.

• Kalari Payat (Kalaripayattu) meaning 'Battleground' or 'Gymnasium'- (Kalari), 'Method' or 'Art' - (Payatt), also known as Kalari, is an Indian martial art that originated in Kerala during the 3^rd century BC to the 2^nd century AD. It is now practised in Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • It is considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, with a history spanning over 3,000 years.
• Kalaripayattu, a personal combat training system includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and skilful fighting using sticks, daggers, knives, spears, swords, shields, etc.

Read more: 6th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games, Martial Art Forms in India

NITISH Device

The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority has launched the Novel Initiative Technological Intervention for Safety of Humanlives (NITISH) device, an innovative pendant-shaped technology designed to provide timely alerts to farmers and the public, specifically targeting lightning, floods, heatwaves, and coldwaves.

• The initiative was triggered by recurring deaths among farmers due to lightning and flash floods, emphasizing the device's role in saving lives.
• The NITISH Device is introduced in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Patna.
• The device is connected to the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre, ensuring real-time and accurate weather-related alerts.
• The NITISH device will sound an alert to its users half an hour before lightning or flooding.
• The pendant will get charged from body heat. The device will sound an alert in three ways: it will send voice messages; its colour will change from green to red; and the device will keep warming till its user switches it off.
• Considering the challenges faced by farmers, the device is waterproof, ensuring durability and functionality in various weather conditions.

Read more: Emergency Alert System