Ban on Conversion Therapy for the LGBTQIA+

For Prelims: Issues Related to Transgenders, NMC, LGBTQIA+, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

Foo Mains: Conversion Therapy for the LGBTQIA and Associated Risks

Why in News?

The National Medical Commission (NMC), has written to all State Medical Councils, banning conversion therapy of LGBTQIA+ Community and calling it a “professional misconduct”.

• The NMC by following a Madras High Court directive, said that conversion therapy is wrong, under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquettes and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.

What is LGBTQIA+?

• The LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or of any other orientation) are the people who don’t identify with cisgender (sex assigned at birth) heterosexual “ideals”.
  • The ‘plus’ is used to signify all of the gender identities and sexual orientations that letters and words cannot yet fully describe.
• In India, the LGBTQIA+ community also includes a specific social group, a distinct community: the Hijras.
• They are culturally defined either as "neither men, nor women", or as men who behave like a woman.
• At present they are referred to as the Third Gender.
• Supreme Court, on 6^th September 2018, decriminalised section 377[1], which titled homosexual relations as “unnatural offences”.

What is Conversion Therapy and Associated Risk?

• Conversion or reparative therapy is an intervention aimed at changing the sexual orientation or gender identity of an individual with the use of either psychiatric treatment, drugs, exorcism (Evil Ceremonial Practices) and even violence, with the aim being to make the individual heterosexual (Attraction to Oppositre Sex).
• It includes efforts to change the core identity of youth whose gender identity is incongruent with their sex anatomy.
• Often, the therapy is offered by quacks with little expertise in dealing with the issue.
• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the interventions under conversion therapy are provided under the false premise that homosexuality and diverse gender identities are pathological.
• Conversion therapy poses the risk of causing or exacerbating mental health conditions, like anxiety, stress and drug use which sometimes even lead to suicide.

What are the Directives of Madras High Court?

• The Madras High court ruling prohibited any attempt to medically “cure” or change the sexual orientation of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or of any other orientation) people.
• It urged the authorities to take action against professionals involving themselves in any form or method of conversion therapy.
• The court gave an order to the National Medical Commission directing it to “issue necessary official notification by enlisting ‘Conversion Therapy’ as a professional misconduct.”
• The court said the community should be provided with legal assistance by the District Legal Services Authority in coordination with law enforcement agencies.
• Asking agencies to follow the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, in letter and spirit, the court said it was imperative to hold sensitization programmes for an all-out effort to understand the community and its needs.

What are the Rulings for Safeguarding LGBTQIA+?

• Naz Foundation vs. Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2009):
  • Delhi High Court struck off section 377, legalising consensual homosexual activities between adults.
• Suresh Kumar Koushal Case (2013):
  • SC overturned the previous judgment by Delhi High Court (2009) arguing that "plight of sexual minorities" could not be used as an argument for deciding constitutionality of law.
• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017):
  • SC ruled that Fundamental Right to Privacy is intrinsic to life and liberty and thus, comes under Article 21 of the Indian constitution. It held that “sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy”.
• Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union Of India (2018):
  • Dismissed the position taken by SC in Suresh Kumar Koushal case (2013) and decriminalised homosexuality.
• Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. and others (2018):
  • The Supreme Court observed that choice of a partner is a person’s fundamental right, and it can be a same-sex partner.
• Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019:
  • An Act to provide for protection of rights of transgender persons and their welfare and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
• Same-sex Marriage:
  • In February, 2021, the Central Government opposed same-sex marriage in Delhi High Court stating that a marriage in India can be recognised only if it is between a “biological man” and a “biological woman” capable of producing children.

Way Forward

• Schools and colleges must effect changes in curricula for a better understanding of the community.
  • As late as 2018, medical books listed homosexuality and lesbianism as a “perversion”. People of a different sexual orientation or gender identity often narrate harrowing tales of bullying, discrimination, stigma and ostracisation.
• Gender-neutral restrooms should be compulsory in educational institutes and other places.
• Parents too need to be sensitised, because the first point of misunderstanding and abuse often begins at home, with teenagers being forced to opt for “conversion” therapies.
• The adults opting for sex reassignment surgeries need to get proper guidance like therapy pre and post operation, for an ordinary citizen, the cost too can be prohibitive.

Source: TH

PM SHRI Schools

For Prelims: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Teacher’s Day, PM SHRI School

For Mains: Reforms in Education Sector

Why in News?

On the occasion of Teacher’s Day 2022, the Prime Minister of India announced a new initiative - PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India).

• It will be a laboratory for the new National Education Policy (NEP) and under the first phase, 14,500 schools will be upgraded.

Why is Teacher’s Day Celebrated in India?

• Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year, since 1962, on September 5, to recognise and celebrate the works of educators including teachers, researchers and professors in India.
• After Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan took charge as the President of India in 1962, some students sought permission from him to celebrate his birthday. Dr Radhakrishnan, however, did not approve any fancy celebration but rather requested that the day be observed as Teachers' Day.
• About Radhakrishnan:
  • Birth:
    • He was born into a Telugu family in Tiruttani town of Tamil Nadu, on September 5, 1888.
  • Academics:
    • He studied philosophy at the Christian College, Madras.
    • After completing his degree, he became a Professor of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College and then subsequently Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore.
  • Employment:
    • He served as the first Vice-President of India from 1952 to 1962 and the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.
    • He was also the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952.
    • He also served as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.
  • Recognition:
    • In 1984, he was posthumously (after death) awarded the Bharat Ratna.
  • Notable Works:
    • Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy, Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, The Hindu View of Life, Kalki or the Future of Civilisation, An Idealist View of Life, The Religion We Need, India and China, and Gautama the Buddha.

National Teachers Awards 2022

• On the Occasion of Teacher Day (5^th September), the President of India conferred the National Teachers Awards 2022 to 45 exceptional teachers from across India today.
• The coveted prize was awarded to teachers from various states including Telangana, Maharashtra, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
• Every year on Teachers Day, the Ministry of Education organizes a national level function to confer the National Awards to Teachers to the best teachers in the country.
• Every winner of the National Teachers Awards is honored with a certificate of merit, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 and a silver medal.
• The National Awards to Teachers 2022 seek to celebrate the unique and major contributions of the teachers in the nation-building of India.
• The awards are conferred to honor those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but have also enriched the lives of their students.

What do we know about The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana?

• About:
  • It is a centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14500 Schools across the country.
  • It aims at strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• Significance:
  • It will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
    • The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21^st century skills.
  • Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
  • Focus will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes of every child in every grade.
    • Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based.
  • These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room etc. which is inclusive and accessible.
    • These schools shall also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (2020)

Source: PIB

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

For Prelims: Freedom Movement, Swadeshi Movement, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai.

For Mains: V. O. Chidambaram Pillai.

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, the legendary freedom fighter on his 151^th birth anniversary on 5^th September 2022.

• He was popularly known as Kappalottiya Tamilan (The Tamil Helmsman) and Sekkizuththa Semmal (scholarly gentry who suffered at the oil press).

Who was Chidambaram Pillai?

• Birth: Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (VOC) was born 5^th September 1872 to an eminent lawyer Olaganathan Pillai and Paramyee Ammai in Ottapidaram, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
• Early Life: VOC graduated from Caldwell College, Tuticorin. Before beginning his law studies, he worked for a brief period as a taluk office clerk.
  • His tussle with the judge forced him to seek fresh pastures at Tuticorin in 1900.
  • Until 1905, professional and journalistic activities consumed most of his energy.
• Entry in Politics: VOC entered politics in 1905 following the partition of Bengal.
  • Towards the end of 1905, VOC visited Madras and was drawn closer to the Swadeshi Movement initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • VOC was drawn towards Ramakrishna Mission and came into contact with Subramania Bharati and the Mandayam family.
  • It was not until the arrival of VOC at Tuticorin (Present day Thoothukudi) that the Swadeshi movement in Tirunelveli district began to gather force and momentum.
• Role Played in Freedom Movement: By 1906, VOC won the support of merchants and industrialists in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli for the idea of establishing a Swadeshi merchant shipping outfit by the name of the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNCo).
  • He established many institutions like Swadeshi Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, National Godown, Madras Agro-Industrial Society Ltd and Desabimana Sangam.
  • VOC and Siva were aided in their efforts by a number of Tirunelveli-based lawyers, who formed an organisation called the Swadeshi Sangam, or ‘National Volunteers’.
  • The nationalist movement acquired a secondary character with the beginning of the Tuticorin Coral Mills strike (1908).
  • Even prior to Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha (1917), VOC took up the cause of the working class in Tamil Nadu, and thus he is a forerunner to Gandhiji in this respect.
  • VOC, along with other leaders, resolved to take out a mammoth procession on the morning of 9th March 1908 to celebrate the release of Bipin Chandra Pal from jail and to hoist the flag of Swaraj.
• Writings: Meyyaram (1914), Meyyarivu (1915), Anthology (1915), Thirukural with literary notes of Manakudavar (1917), Tholkappiam with literary notes of Ilampooranar (1928), Autobiography (1946).
• Death: V.O.C died on 18^th November 1936 in the Indian National Congress Office at Tuticorin.

Source: TH

Corruption in Civil Service

For Mains: Prevalence of corruption in Civil Service, Transparency & Accountability, Government Policies & Interventions, Important International Institutions

Why in News?

The Prime Minister in his 76^th Independence Day’s address targeted the twin challenges of corruption and nepotism and raised the urgent need to curb them.

What is Corruption?

• Corruption is dishonest behavior by those in positions of power.
• Those who abuse their power may be individuals or they may belong to organizations, such as businesses or governments.
• Corruption can entail a variety of actions, including giving or accepting bribes or inappropriate gifts, double-dealing, and defrauding investors.
• India was ranked 85 among 180 countries in the corruption perception index 2021.

What are the Reasons for the Prevalence of Corruption in Civil Service?

• Politicization of the Civil Service: When civil service positions are used as rewards for political support or swapped for bribes, the opportunities for high levels of corruption increase significantly.
• Lower Wages Compared to Private Sector: Lowering wages for civil servants compared to those in the private sector.
  • Certain employees may resort to taking bribes in order to compensate for the difference in wages.
• Administrative Delays: Delays in the clearance of files are the root cause of corruption.
• Colonial Legacy of Unchallenged Authority: In a society which worships power, it is easy for public officials to deviate from ethical conduct.
• Weak Enforcement of Law: Various laws have been made to curb the evil of corruption but their weak enforcement has acted as a hindrance in curbing corruption.

What can be the impact of Corruption?

• On People and Public Life:
  • Lack of Quality in Services: In a system with corruption, there is no quality of service.
    • To demand quality, one might need to pay for it. This is seen in many areas like municipality, electricity, distribution of relief funds, etc.
  • Lack of Proper Justice: Corruption in the judiciary system leads to improper justice. And the victims of offense might suffer.
    • A crime may be proved as a benefit of the doubt due to a lack of evidence or even the evidence erased.
    • Due to corruption in the police system, the investigation process has been going on for decades.
  • Poor Health and Hygiene: In countries with more corruption, one can notice more health problems among people. There will be no fresh drinking water, proper roads, quality food grains supply, milk adulteration, etc.
    • These low-quality services are all done to save money by the contractors and the officials who are involved.
• Failure of Genuine Research: Research by individuals needs government funding and some of the funding agencies have corrupt officers.
  • These people sanction the funds for research to those investigators who are ready to bribe them.
• On Society:
  • Disregard for Officials: People start disregarding the official involved in corruption by talking negatively about him.
    • Disregard officials will also build distrust and even lower-grade officers will be disrespectful to higher-grade officers. So even he may not obey his orders.
  • Lack of Respect for Rulers: Rulers of the nation like the president or prime ministers lose respect among the public. Respect is the main criteria in social life.
    • People go for voting during the election with the desire to improve their living standards by the election winner and respect for the leader.
    • If the politicians are involved in corruption, people knowing this will lose respect for them and will not like to cast their vote for such politicians.
  • Lack of Faith and Trust in Governments: People vote for a ruler based on their faith in him/ her, but if leaders are found to be involved in corruption, people lose faith in them and may not vote next time.
  • Aversion for Joining the Posts Linked to Corruption:
    • Sincere, honest, and hardworking people develop an aversion for the particular posts deemed corrupt.
    • Though they like those jobs, they tend not to opt for them as they believe that they also would have to be involved in corruption if they get into the post.
• On Economy:
  • A Decrease in Foreign Investment: Corruption in government bodies has led to many foreign investments going back from developing countries.
  • Delay in Growth: An official who needs to pass clearances for projects or industries delays the process in order to make money and other unlawful benefits. A work which can be done in a few days may be done in a month.
    • This leads to delays in investments, the starting of industries, and also growth.
  • Lack of Development: Many new industries willing to get started in a particular region change their plans if the region is unsuitable.
    • If there are no proper roads, water, and electricity, the companies do not wish to start up there, which hinders the economic progress of that region.

What are the Related Indian Initiatives?

• The Indian Penal Code, 1860
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
• The Companies Act, 2013
• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
• Central Vigilance Commission

What should be the Way Forward?

• Civil Service Board: By establishing the Civil Service Board, the government can curb excessive political control.
• Simplifying Disciplinary Process: By simplifying the disciplinary process and strengthening preventive vigilance within the departments, it can be ensured that corrupt civil servants do not occupy sensitive positions
• Emphasize Value-based Training: It is important to emphasize value-based training to all civil servants to ensure probity in public life.
  • Professional ethics should be an integral component in all the training courses and called for a comprehensive Code of Ethics for civil servants, based on the recommendations of the 2^nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).
• Enumerate Ethical and Public-Spirited Civil Servant:
  • Enumerating the qualities of an ethical and public-spirited civil servant, an ideal officer should ensure zero pendency of issues in his purview and must display the highest qualities of probity and integrity in office, be proactive in taking the measures of the government to the people, and above all be sympathetic to the cause of marginalised sections.
    • Reflecting on the importance of ‘good institutions’ for ‘good governance’, there is a need to re-engineer our institutions and streamline the processes to cut down delays and ensure timely delivery of the services.
• Change in line with the Modern Aspirations: Governance models should change in line with the modern aspirations of our people, and that it is necessary to keep the bureaucratic system ‘light, transparent and agile’.
  • Government has launched ‘Mission Karmayogi’ with an aim to build a citizen-centric and future-ready civil service for the nation.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (2020)

Dilution of Lokayukta Powers in Kerala

For Prelims: Lokayukta, Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013

For Mains: Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, Issues Associated with the functioning of Lokpal and the way forward, Anti-Corruption Measures

Why in News?

Recently, the Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the Kerala Lok Ayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2022 .

What are the Amendments?

• The amendment Bill has diluted the binding aspect of the Lokayukta order, allowing the competent authority to now either reject or accept the ombudsman’s report.
  • With the amendment the state government will get the power to either accept or reject the verdict of the anti-corruption body, after giving an opportunity to be heard.
  • The amendment will make Lokayukta a body for just making recommendations or sending reports to the government.
• It has also made the Legislative Assembly the competent authority to review an indicting report against the Chief Minister.
  • If a Lokayukta report indicts a cabinet minister, the Bill vests the reviewing authority in the Chief Minister.
  • And in the case of legislators, the competent authority will be the House Speaker.
• The Bill exempts political leaders from the purview of the Act.
• The Bill allows for retired High Court judges to be appointed Lokayukta.
• Section 14 of the Act which has now been amended said that if the Lokayukta is satisfied on the complaint against the public servant being substantiated that he should not continue to hold the post held by him, he shall make a declaration to that effect in his report to the competent authority who shall accept it and act upon it.
  • In other words, if the public servant is the Chief Minister or a Minister, he shall forthwith resign his office. Such a provision does not exist in any of the State laws or the Lokpal Act of the Centre.

What is the Concept of Lokpal and Lokayuktas?

• The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States.
• These institutions are statutory bodies without any constitutional status.
• They perform the function of an "ombudsman” and inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters.
• The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides for establishing a Lokpal headed by a Chairperson, who is or has been a Chief Justice of India, or is or has been a judge of the Supreme Court, or an eminent person who fulfills eligibility criteria as specified.
  • Of its other members, not exceeding eight, 50% are to be judicial members, provided that not less than 50% belong to the SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, or are women.
  • The Lokpal was appointed in March 2019 and it started functioning since March 2020 when its rules were framed.
  • The Lokpal is at present headed by former Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court Pradip Kumar Mohanty.
  • The Lokpal has jurisdiction to inquire into allegations of corruption against anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, or a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as officials of the Union government under Groups A, B, C and D.
  • Also covered are chairpersons, members, officers and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust or autonomous body either established by an Act of Parliament or wholly or partly funded by the Centre.
  • It also covers any society or trust or body that receives foreign contributions above Rs. 10 lakhs.

What are the Concerns related to Lokayukta Act?

• The Lokayukta law was enacted to inquire into cases of corruption of public functionaries such as Ministers, legislators, etc. who are covered by the Prevention of Corruption Act. This Act does not include office bearers of political parties in its definition clause.
  • Basically, the Prevention of Corruption Act deals with corruption in the government and allied agencies, statutory bodies, elected bodies, etc. The functionaries of political parties do not come within the mischief of this law.
  • So, it is difficult to understand how they can be brought within the sweep of the Lokayukta Act.
• Another problematic provision in this law is the one which deals with the reports of Lokayukta (Section 12).
  • It says that the Lokayukta shall, on the allegation of corruption being substantiated, send the findings along with recommendation of action to the competent authority who is required to take action as recommended by the Lokayukta.
  • It further says that if the Lokayukta is satisfied by the action taken by the competent authority, he shall close the case. The question is how the Lokayukta can close a corruption case which is a criminal case and which invites imprisonment for three to seven years.
    • Lokpal files the case in court after the investigation. There is no provision in the central law under which the Lokpal can close the case before it reaches the court.

Way Forward

• Battle against corruption, in order to be effective today, can be achieved only through a comprehensive reform of our political, legal, administrative and judicial systems and not through one-off or piece-meal measures.
• The Kerala Lokayukta Act should be reexamined by a committee of the Assembly and should be brought on a par with the Lokpal Act.

Source: TH

India & Startup

For Prelims: Startup, National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations, NIDHI, Startup India Action Plan, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, National Startup Awards

For Mains: Startup Ecosystem and its Significance

Why in News?

Recently, the government of India has stated that India ranks 3^rd globally in Start-Up ecosystem and also, in terms of the number of Unicorns.

What are Startups & Unicorns?

• Startup:
  • The term startup refers to a company in the first stages of operations. Startups are founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand.
  • These companies generally start with high costs and limited revenue, which is why they look for capital from a variety of sources such as venture capitalists.
• Unicorn:
  • A unicorn is any privately owned firm with a market capitalization of more than USD 1 billion.
  • It denotes new entities dedicated to offering creative solutions and new business models, among other things.
  • There are several categories like fintech, Edtechs, B2B (Business-to-Business) companies, etc.

What is the State of Startups India?

• Status:
  • India has become the 3^rd largest start-up ecosystem in the world after the US and China.
    • India is home to as many as 75,000 Startups.
    • 49% of start-ups are from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
  • There are currently 105 unicorns, out of which 44 were born in 2021 and 19 in 2022.
  • Startups are also emerging in the fields like IT, agriculture, aviation, education, energy, health and space sectors.
• Global Innovation Index:
  • India has been ranked in its global ranking of Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81^st in the year 2015 to 46^th in 2021 among 130 economies of the world.
  • India ranks 2^nd among 34 lower middle-income economies  and 1^st among 10 Central and Southern Asian economies in terms of GII.
• Other Rankings:
  • Publications: Globally ranked 3^rd (2021) from 6^th in 2013 based on the National Science Foundation database.
  • Patents: Globally ranked 9^th (2021) in terms of resident patent filing.
  • Quality of Research Publications: Globally ranked 9^th (2021) from 13^th in 2013.

What are the Growth Drivers & Challenges for Startups?

• Growth Drivers:
  • Government Support: India has increased the Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) more than three times in the last few years.
    • India has over 5 lakh R&D personnel, the number that has shown a 40-50% increase in the last 8 years.
    • In the last 8 years, women's participation in extramural R&D has also doubled
  • Adoption of Digital Services: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital services by consumers helping start-ups and new-age ventures build tech-focused businesses for customers.
  • Online Services and Work from Home Culture: Many Indians moved to online services exploring a host of services ranging from food delivery and Edu-tech to e-grocery.
    • The Work-from-home culture helped increase the number of start-ups’ user base and expedited their business expansion plans and attracting investors.
  • Digital Payments: The growth of Digital Payments is another aspect that aided the unicorn the most.
  • Buyouts from Major Public Corporations: Many startups become unicorns as a result of buyouts from major public corporations that prefer to focus on acquisitions to grow their business rather than investing in internal growth.
• Challenges:
  • Increasing Investments Do Not Ensure Success of a Startup: The billions of dollars being invested in startups represent the large bets on distant outcomes, and do not value generation by way of revenues.
    • One cannot assume the high rate of survival of these startups with such investments, as it can be assured by profits.
  • India, still a Marginal Player in the Space Sector: Currently, the global space economy is worth USD 440 billion, with India having less than 2% share in the sector.
    • The reason for the lack of independent private participation in space includes the absence of a framework to provide transparency and clarity in laws.
  • Indian Investors Unwilling to Take Risks: The big investors in India’s startup sector are from overseas, Japan’s SoftBank, China’s Alibaba, and Sequoia from the US.
    • That’s because India does not have a serious venture capital industry with an appetite for risk.

What are Government’s Initiatives for Startups?

• National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)
• Startup India Action Plan (SIAP)
• Ranking of States on Support to Startup Ecosystems (RSSSE)
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): It aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization.
• National Startup Awards: It seeks to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are contributing to economic dynamism by spurring innovation and injecting competition.
• SCO Startup Forum: The first-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum was launched in October 2020 to develop and improve startup ecosystems collectively.
• Prarambh: The ‘Prarambh’ Summit aims to provide a platform to startups and young minds from around the world to come up with new ideas, innovation and invention.

Way Forward

• The accelerated development of the start-up ecosystem needs significant funding and therefore the role of venture capital and Angel Investors are critical.
• Apart from policy-level decisions that promote entrepreneurship, the onus is also on India’s corporate sector to foster entrepreneurialism, and create synergies to build impactful technology solutions, and sustainable and resource-efficient growth.
• With the recent events creating capital distrust in China, the world’s attention is sharpening on the lucrative tech opportunities in India and the value that could be created. For this, India requires decisive policy measures in addition to the Digital India Initiative.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. What does venture capital mean? (2014)

(a) A short-term capital provided to industries
(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs
(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses
(d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Venture capital is a form of fund for a new or growing business. It usually comes from venture capital firms that specialize in building high risk financial portfolios.
• With venture capital, the venture capital firm gives funding to the startup company in exchange for equity in the startup.
• The people who invest this money are called venture capitalists (VCs). Venture capital investment is also referred as risk capital or patient risk capital, as it includes the risk of losing the money if the venture does not succeed and takes a medium to long term period for the investments to fructify.
• Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Source: PIB

India’s Creative Economy

For Prelims: Creative Economy, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

For Mains: The current state of India’s Creative Economy and the ways to promote it.

Why in News?

India's creative economy comprising the arts and crafts, audio and video arts and design, among others, accounted for exports of goods and services worth $121 billion in 2019, according to a paper by the Exim Bank of India.

What are the Key Findings of the Paper?

• India's total exports of creative goods and services stood close to $121 billion in 2019, of which exports of creative services accounted for almost $100 billion.
• In India, the contribution of the design segment was 87.5% of the total creative goods exports in 2019, and another 9% is contributed by art and crafts segment.
• Besides, in the Indian context, the creative goods industry has a trade surplus of $16 billion.
• Creative economy was significantly diversified in the country and industries such as the entertainment sector give an important push to the creative economy.
• India ranks 6^th globally, outside the U.S., with respect to the top international box office markets by revenue.
• As per the study, technology is playing a critical role along with human creativity, knowledge, intellectual property in this evolving arena.

What is the Significance of this Study?

• The research paper maps the untapped export potential of India's creative economy.
• This study 'Reflection & Development of India's Creative Economy' is first of its kind.
• It analysed seven different creative segments such as art & crafts, audio visuals, design and visual arts, as per the UN classification, to map their export potential.
• The study also captured the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning, extended reality, and blockchain, which are impacting the functioning of the creative economy.
• It also analyses the Creative Economy policies of countries such as the U.K., Australia, France, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand where creative economy has found significant importance, with dedicated ministries or institutions.

What should be the Way Forward to Promote Creative Economy in India?

• Creative economy in India must be promoted by:
  • Defining and mapping the creative industries in India.
  • Funding to finance creative industries.
  • Focusing on joint programmes.
  • Addressing the issue of copyrights.
  • Promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local artisans.
  • Establishing creative districts and hubs.
  • Forming a specialised institution for creative industries.
• While India has made progress in industries associated with the creative economy, the country has significant scope to upscale the value of its creative economy.
• There is a need for drawing up a single definition for creative economy in the country, while having a dedicated institution, which could explore its untapped potential.

Source: TH

Cyber Surakshit Bharat

Why in News?

Recently, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD),organised the 30^th Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) Deep-Dive training programme at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

What is Cyber Surakshit Bharat?

• About:
  • Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative was conceptualized with the mission to spread awareness about cyber-crime and build capacities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT officials, across all government departments.
  • It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • The CISO training is the first-of-its-kind partnership between the Government and industry consortium under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Target Participants:
  • Officers from Central and State/UT Governments and subordinate agencies/PSUs, including public sector Banks and Insurance companies, technical wings of police and security forces:
    • Designated Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs),
    • CTOs and Member of Technical/PMU teams, Officers responsible to observe security of the IT systems in their respective organization.
  • Training:
    • NeGD , an arm of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, will provide logistic support in arranging the training programmes, whereas the industry consortium will provide technical support for the training.
    • The training partners from the industry are Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Palo Alto Networks, E&Y, and Dell-EMC. NIC, CERT-In, and CDAC are knowledge partners from the Government side.
• Objectives:
  • It aimed at educating and enabling CISOs to understand cyber-attacks comprehensively and thoroughly, get necessary exposure in latest technologies of safeguard, and translate the benefits of a resilient e-infrastructure to individual organizations and citizens at large.
  • Create awareness on the emerging landscape of cyber threats.
  • Provide in-depth understanding of related solutions.
  • Applicable frameworks, guidelines & policies related to cyber security.
  • Share best practices to learn from success & failures.
  • Provide key inputs to take informed decisions on Cyber Security related issues in their respective functional area.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (2018)

(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber-attacks
(d) Mini satellites

Ans: (c)

• Ransomware is a form of malicious software (or malware). Once it takes over the computer, it threatens to harm the user, usually by denying access to data. The attacker demands a ransom from the victim, promising to restore access to the data upon payment. WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue are few of the ransom ware, which created havoc by demanding the victim ransom payment in bit coin (crypto currency).
• Cryptocurrency is a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Source: PIB