Daily Factly Articles – 21/03/2022

Defining who is ‘Assamese’: attempts, challenges

What is the News?

The Assam government informed the Assembly that nearly 1.44 lakh illegal foreigners had been identified in the state until January 31 this year based on the 1985 Assam Accord and around 30,000 of them had been deported to their country of origin. 

Who is a foreigner under the Assam Accord?

The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 by the Center and the Assam government with All Assam Student Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad, which had spearheaded the 1979-85 Assam Movement against migration from Bangladesh.

The Accord set March 24, 1971, as a cut-off. Anyone who had come to Assam before midnight on that date would be an Indian citizen, while those who had come after would be dealt with as foreigners. The same cut-off was used in updating the National Register of Citizens(NRC).

Why is there an issue with the cut-off date?

• The Assam Accord set March 24, 1971, as a cut-off. However, Assam Movement had demanded 1951 as the cut-off. 
• This is because the cut-off for the rest of India is 1948. Therefore, many noted that the Assam Accord would grant citizenship to a section of migrants who would be counted as foreigners elsewhere in the country.
• Hence, in this backdrop, Clause 6 was seen as a protective provision that would guarantee certain benefits to the Assamese people while excluding some sections among those granted citizenship on the basis of the 1971 cut-off.

What is Clause 6 of the Assam Accord and why expressions have not been defined?

• Clause 6 of the Assam Accord promises “constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people”.
• However, it doesn’t provide clear-cut definitions to identify who would be the “Assamese people”.
• For instance, definitions of phrases mentioned in the Accord such as ‘Axomiya janagan’ (Assamese people), ‘khilonjia’ (indigenous) and ‘adi basinda’ (original inhabitants) were yet to be determined.

Why are the definitions difficult?

Assam’s demography has been shaped by decades of migration. Many of the migrants had settled here during the colonial era. 

While they might not be native speakers of an indigenous language, such as Assamese or Bodo or Karbi, the question was whether the definition of “Assamese” could exclude someone, for example, whose family might have lived in Assam for 100 years.

Has any definition been proposed?

A committee in 2019 was set up to define Assamese. This committee recommended the following persons as Assamese:

• All citizens who are part of the Assamese community
• Any person of indigenous tribal community of Assam
• Any other indigenous community of Assam
• Any other citizens of India residing in the territory of Assam on or before January 1, 1951, and
• Descendants of these categories

This definition includes not only the indigenous people but also all other Indian citizens, irrespective of mother tongue, as long as their ancestors were staying in Assam before

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Source: This post is based on the article “Explained | Defining who is ‘Assamese’: attempts, challenges” published in Indian Express on 21st Mar 2022.

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Boma Capturing Technique: Boma technique adopted for translocating deer from Keoladeo

What is the News?

Boma technique has been used for the first time at Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan for capturing and translocating spotted deer to Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve.

What is Boma Capturing Technique?

The Boma capturing technique is popular in Africa. It involves the luring of animals into an enclosure by chasing them through funnel-like fencing. 

The funnel tapers into an animal selection-cum-loading chute supported with grass mats and a green net to make it opaque for animals, which are herded into a large vehicle for their transport to another location.

What is the significance of this transfer?

This transfer will lead to herbivores populating the Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve ahead of the proposed shifting of two tigers to Mukundara.

What is Keoladeo National Park?

• Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
• It is a man-made and man-managed wetland. It was declared as a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a World Heritage Site.
• One-third of the Park is a wetland with mounds, dykes and open water with or without submerged or emergent plants.

What is Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve(TR)?

• Mukundra Tiger Reserve(TR) is located near Kota, Rajasthan. The Mukundra Hills was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955 and a National Park (Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park) in 2004.
• The reserve is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
• The park is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
• The Tiger Reserve constitutes 3 Wildlife Sanctuaries viz; Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal.

Source: This post is based on the article “Boma technique adopted for translocating deer from Keoladeo” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 2022.

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India’s Arctic Policy: India hopes to put down roots in Arctic

What is the News?

The Ministry of Earth Science has unveiled India’s Arctic Policy, titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’.

India and the Arctic Region

• India’s engagement with the Arctic began when it signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920.
• India initiated its Arctic research program in 2007 with a focus on climate change in the region.
• India has the status of ‘Observer’ member in the Arctic Council and participates in several meetings that are mostly themed around research.
• Arctic weather influences the Indian monsoon and hence has been of interest to Indian researchers for decades. 
• Currently, India has a single station, Himadri, in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, where research personnel are usually present for 180 days.
• Climate change and the melting of ice caps imply changes to the Arctic weather. India has sent 13 expeditions to the Arctic since 2007 and runs 23 active science projects.

What is India’s Arctic Policy?

Pillars

The policy document lays down six pillars:

• 1) Strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation,
• 2) climate and environmental protection,
• 3) economic and human development,
• 4) transportation and connectivity,
• 5) governance and international cooperation and
• 6) national capacity building in the Arctic region.

Objectives of the Policy

• Strengthening national capabilities, climate and environmental protection, maritime and economic cooperation with the Arctic region.
• Inter-ministerial coordination in pursuit of India’s interests in the Arctic.
• Enhancing understanding of the impact of climate change in the Arctic region on India’s climate, economic, and energy security.
• Contributing better analysis, prediction, and coordinated policymaking on the implications of ice melting in the Arctic.
• Studying linkages between polar regions and the Himalayas.
• Deepen cooperation between India and countries of the Arctic region under various Arctic forums. 
• Increase India’s participation in the Arctic Council.

Source: This post is based on the article “India hopes to put down roots in Arctic” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 2022.

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India seeks more liberal UN, WHO policies to treat drug abuse patients

What is the News?

India has addressed the 65th meeting of the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs.

What is the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs?

• The Commission on Narcotic Drugs(CND) was established by the UN Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC) in 1946.
• Mandate: CND reviews and analyzes the global drug situation, considering supply and demand reduction.
• The CND meets annually when it considers and adopts a range of decisions and resolutions.
• Membership: CND membership consists of 53 states serving four-year terms, with the distribution of seats among regions.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.

What are the key highlights from India’s address to the 65th meeting of the CND?

India has urged the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC) and the World Health Organization(WHO) to bring in more liberal policies to treat drug abuse disorders, such as domestic protocol for telemedicine and controlled drugs to treat patients with drug abuse disorders.

According to a 2019 report on Substance Abuse in India by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 7.2 million of the approximately 31 million cannabis users were problem users. Of the 24 million users of opioids, 7.7 million were problem users, and of the 7.7 million individuals who used inhalers, 2.2 million were problem users.

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Source: This post is based on the article “India seeks more liberal UN, WHO policies to treat drug abuse patients” published in Livemint on 21st Mar 2022.

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How PLIs can help India leapfrog to green mobility

What is the News?

A transition to   green  vehicles  with  lower and, ultimately, zero carbon emissions has presented an opportunity for India’s auto sector to develop capabilities in these new technologies. For this, Production-linked Incentive (PLI) schemes can play a role.

What are Productive Linked Incentive(PLI) Schemes?

• PLI Schemes are a cornerstone of the Government’s push for achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The objective of these schemes is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to create global Champions in manufacturing. 
• The strategy behind schemes is to offer companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in India over the base year.

How can PLI Schemes help in green mobility?

• The auto sector represents nearly half of India’s manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP). 
• However, indigenous production of auto components or technologies has not helped the industry move up the technological value-add ladder.
• At present India and the world are transitioning to green technologies and global supply chain disruptions lead original equipment manufacturers(OEMs) to explore a ‘China + 1’ sourcing model. This facilitates India with a unique opportunity to build cutting-edge domestic capabilities in these areas, develop skills, overcome cost disabilities, create economies of scale, and build a robust supply chain.

Which PLI Schemes can help build a green ecosystem?

• Local production of advanced and future-ready automotive technologies requires an ecosystem. The government is keen on nurturing it. 
• To that effect, financial sops under three different PLI schemes:
  • 1) PLI scheme for automobiles and auto components
  • 2) advanced chemical cell (ACC) battery storage scheme and
  • 3) Scheme for the development of a semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, directly and indirectly, address the issues of encouraging local production of new technologies such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen fuel cells, and advanced auto components.

What is the significance of these PLI Schemes?

The PLI schemes enforce a positive bias towards technology led capacity enhancement. PLI schemes, which began with incentivizing cell phone production, have now been expanded to areas such as semiconductors and hydrogen fuel cells and have made an alternative capital pool available.

Source: This post is based on the article “How PLIs can help India leapfrog to green mobility” published in Livemint on 21st Mar 2022.

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National Public Health Bill: New health law draft: four-tier system, clearly defined powers

What is the News?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is in the process of releasing the draft of the proposed National Public Health Bill.

What will be the aim of the proposed National Public Health Bill?

The proposed National Public Health bill will replace the 125-year-old Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. 

It will deal with updated, scientific and comprehensive provisions on surveillance, disease notification and public health emergencies arising from epidemics, disasters and bioterrorism.

What are the key provisions of the proposed National Public Health Bill?

• Four Tier Structure: 
  • he Bill proposes a four-tier health administration architecture, with “multi-sectoral” national, state, district and block-level public health authorities who will have well-defined powers and functions to deal with public health emergencies.
• National Public Health Authority:
  • It is proposed to be headed by the Union Health Ministry.
  • District Collectors will lead the next tier, and block units will be headed by Block Medical Officers or Medical Superintendents.
  • These authorities will have powers to take measures for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and emerging infectious diseases.
• Public Health Cadres:
  • The proposed law also provides for the creation of public health cadres at national and state levels.
• Definition of Lockdown:
  • The Bill defines a lockdown as a “restriction with certain conditions or complete prohibition of running any form of transport” on roads or inland water.
  • The definition covers “restrictions” on the movement or gathering of persons in any place, whether public or private.
  • It also includes “prohibiting or restricting” the working of factories, plants, mining or construction or offices or Educational institutions or marketplaces.
• Public Health Emergency:
  • The bill lays down several situations in which a “public health emergency” can be declared.
  • They include bioterrorism; the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin; a natural disaster; a chemical attack or accidental release of chemicals; a nuclear attack or accident.

Source: This post is based on the article “New health law draft: four-tier system, clearly defined powers” published in Indian Express on 21st Mar 2022.

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Japanese PM’s visit reaffirms salience of bilateral ties with India at a time of geopolitical ferment

What is the News?

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited India. It is significant that despite the recent developments in Ukraine, Tokyo and New Delhi have managed to present a united front vis-a-vis China. 

What is the significance of the visit of Japanese PM to India?

• First, it was the first bilateral state visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida since he assumed office. No annual summit-level meeting has occurred between both countries in last two years since 2019 because of Covid-pandemic.  
• Second, the visit comes at a time when the two countries are marking 70 years of bilateral ties. Both Delhi and Tokyo formed a “Strategic and Global Partnership” because both acquired salience and depth in 2006.  
• Third, the visit marks both a re-affirmation of the close economic and strategic ties between the countries. It further lays out the prospect of deepening the relationship in the wake of the current geopolitical turmoil. Both are committed to cooperate on digital security and green technologies.  
• Fourth, Japan’s announcement to invest 5 trillion JPY signals that Japanese companies and the government continue to see India as a viable investment destination. The investment will cover a wide range of activities, and effectively boost Japanese investments, skill Indian labour and build supply chains. 
• Fifth, it holds out the possibility for the second- and third-largest economies in Asia to effectively collaborate in the face of Chinese dominance. Both sides discussed China’s aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific as well as its encroachment on India’s land borders. Both Japan and India are committed to the rules-international based order.  
• Sixth, On the strategic front, in the joint statement, both sides condemned Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks on Indian soil. Also, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate to ensure “peace and stability” in Afghanistan.  

This mutual goodwill generates hope that the bilateral relations can be shaped up for greater cooperation during the upcoming 2+2 ministerial conference. 

What are the diverging Interest of India and Japan? 

On the one side, Japan has condemned the Russian attack. One the other side, India has called for peace and dialogue. This is in line with the two countries’ positions, and individual strategic needs.

Source: The post is based on an article “Japanese PM’s visit reaffirms salience of bilateral ties with India at a time of geopolitical ferment” published in the Indian Express on 21st Mar 22 

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Two freedoms and the hijab in our midst

What is the News?

The Karnataka High Court recently ruled that wearing Hijab is not an essential practice in Islam. The judges held that neither the prescription of uniform in schools nor the Karnataka government’s order disallowing the wearing of hijab in schools was violative of Article 25 of the Constitution.

Two concepts of freedom

In the debate around hijab issue, two questions of freedom emerge:

• First, whether Muslim women ‘freely’ choose to wear hijab or do so because they are socially conditioned to believe that modesty is a womanly virtue?
• Second, the freedom of an individual/ community vis-a-vis the state. How much of the freedom one gives to the state when one enters the social contract, and how much does one keep for oneself? This creates the difference between public and private sphere. The freedom that individuals keep can be exercised in the private sphere. Whereas in the public sphere, there are restrictions.

In a secular state, religion is in the private sphere. This means two things. One, a person is free to practice their religion. Second, the State does not profess any religion. But where does the private sphere end and the public sphere begin? For example: If a Muslim student is made to remove hijab at school, does this trample her religious right to wear a hijab or uphold secular nature of the school?

According to the theory of social contract – When a citizen enters into a social contract, she/he gives up some freedom in the process. Similarly, when a person enters into a contract with an institution, such as a school, he/she gives up certain freedoms. For example: freedom to attend classes as per will. The uniform issue is similar.

Essential religious practice

The equation of a community with scripture or texts is a feature of Abrahamic religion. In Indian context, the practices of Islam and Christianity are also largely fluid that defies essence. Hence, the discourse of essential religious practice needs to be rethought in a largely pagan context such as Indian.

Source: The post is based on an article “Two freedoms and the hijab in our midst” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 22 

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The complexities of introducing african cheetahs to india

What is the News?

The Union Government has launched an action plan to reintroduce African cheetahs to restore open forest and savannah systems.

What was the distribution of cheetahs in India? What were the habitats?

Historically, Asiatic Cheetah had a very wide distribution in India. From Punjab to southern Tamilnadu. From Gujarat and Rajasthan to West Bengal in the East.

Cheetah’s habitat were also diverse: scrub forests, dry grasslands, savannahs and other arid and semi-arid open habitats. Iran hosts the last surviving population of Asiatic cheetahs.

What caused the extinction of cheetahs in India? When did they disappear?

The records of cheetahs being captured goes back to 1550s, recorded by Mughals and other Deccani kingdoms. The British added the woes by declaring a bounty for killing it in 1871.

Major reasons for extinction: The consistent and widespread capture of cheetahs, high infant mortality rate in the wild, its inability to breed in captivity, ‘sport’ hunting and bounty killings.

Last recording: It is recorded that the last cheetahs were shot in India in 1947, but there are credible reports of sightings till about 1967.

What are the conservation objectives of introducing African Cheetahs in India? What are the priorities of India? Is it cost effective?

It is difficult to conclude that the introduction of African Cheetahs is based on scientific evidence. The issue calls for an open and informed debate.

Arguments against: The focus should be on conserving already existing species such as lion and tiger, rather than trying to re-establish species that have little chance of surviving. The 2013 Supreme Court order which quashed plans to introduce cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

Conservation objectives include – establish a viable cheetah population to perform its role as top predator and to provide space for cheetah expansion within its historical range.

However, open dry habitats have other species performing this role such as leopards, wolves and caracals all of which need urgent attention. A few dozen cheetahs in a couple of sites will not have significant ground impact.

Another objective is to use cheetahs as charismatic flagship species to garner resources for restoring open forests and savannah systems.  However, Asiatic lions and other species can perform this role. The government can remove grasslands from wastelands to prevent further degradation, fragmentation, and destruction of these habitats.

Hence, there are other cost-effective speedier and inclusive ways to conserve grasslands in India.

What is the current status of this project? What are the chances of it succeeding?

According to the Government, Kuno is ready to receive cheetahs and a team visited Namibia to inspect cheetahs. Negotiations are underway to finalize MoU and it is expected to be signed by the end of March. The cheetahs are to be provided by the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an NGO. These are expected to arrive as early as May 2022.

Given all the challenges, especially the lack of extensive areas with sufficient density of prey will hinder African cheetahs from establishing themselves as a truly wild and self-perpetuating population.

Source: The post is based on an article “The complexities of introducing african cheetahs to india” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 22 

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Get these wrinkles out of the South Asian textile story

What is the News?

South Asia became a major player in the global textile and clothing market with the onset of the third wave of global production.

What is the standing of countries?

Bangladesh: It is the 3rd largest global exporter. This is due to lower production costs, FTA with western buyers, and adoption of technology. It specializes in the low value & mid-market price segment.

India: Holds 4% share in the global textile and apparel market, and is in 5th position. The Technical Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) has promoted technical linkages in the cotton and textile industry. However, India is yet to move to man-made fibers.

Pakistan: It is very focused on cotton products. However, it is falling behind due to skilling and policy implementation issues.

Sri Lanka: Progress in training, quality control, product development, and merchandising are attracting international brands to Sri Lanka.

What does the future hold?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is characterized by automation including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing etc. Digitisation can be important in designing, prototyping, quality control and timely delivery. The Asian Development Bank anticipates the challenges of job losses and disruption, inequality and political instability, concentration of market power by global giants and more vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

India is facing high unemployment rate, India faces the challenge of job creation in wake of increased automation. The integration of skilling and technological investments is required to adapt to new jobs.

What is the concern regarding ‘Sustainability’?

Textile and apparel affluents account for 17%-20% of all water pollution.

Bangladesh has started “Green Manufacturing” – to help conserve energy, water, and resources.

India is focusing on sustainable inputs such as – regenerative organic farming and sustainable energy.

Further the government can provide tax exemptions, reductions in imported technology, accessibility to financial incentives to boost the industry.

The labour lead

Access to affordable labour is a huge advantage for the region. The US-China trade war opens the door for India and Pakistan as they have strong production bases. Bangladesh investments in technology in the past is an added advantage.

India extended tax rebates in apparel exports till 2024. Labour law reforms, income tax relaxations, duty reduction for man-made fiber, etc. are other notable moves.

Way forward

• Need for diversification with respect to technology, product basket and client base.
• Adaptability in meeting demands for man-made textiles & other complex products and services.
• Reskilling and upskilling of labour force.
• New approaches in compliance, transparency, occupational safety etc.
• Government’s proactive support in infrastructure, liquidity, capital, and incentivisation.

Source: The post is based on an a “Get these wrinkles out of the South Asian textile story” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 22 

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Tapping the usefulness of non-bovine milk

What is the News?

The demand for the milk and milk products of non-bovine has begun to swell in the recent past.

What are non-bovine milk and milk-products?

It refers to the milk and milk products such as milk powder, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, chocolates, cosmetic products, and various other kinds of specialty items from the animals, such as goats, sheep, camels, donkeys, and yaks (other than cows and buffaloes).

What are the reasons for growth of non-bovine milk?

• Role of several start-ups and established dairy brands:
  • They have begun manufacturing milk products with non-bovine milk and also such products are readily available in major dairy product outlets and online marketing channels.
• The commercial importance:
  • It could be an excellent functional food and also a key ingredient in pharmaceuticals.
  • It could be used for preparing super foods, bio-functional immunity-boosting food supplements, and pharmaceuticals to impart immunity to human beings against several diseases, including Covid.
• Employment:
  • Non-bovine animals are reared by the poor and landless people for their livelihood.
  • They are valued also for their meat and other products like hair (wool) and skin (hide).
  • Some of the non-bovine animals are used as draught animals for transportation and farm work.
• There is growing awareness of their nutritional and therapeutic virtues:
  • Such items are being used as carriers of probiotics in fitness foods and as healing agents in various drug formulations.
  • Nowadays, many doctors also routinely prescribe such products to treat various diseases.

Specific healing qualities and other valuable traits of the milk of various non-bovine animals

• Camel milk:
  • it is useful in managing diabetes, tuberculosis, and viral and bacterial infections, apart from autism.
• Goat milk:
  • It is believed to be useful for cardio-vascular diseases, allergies, inflammation, diarrhoea, chikungunya, asthma, and eczema, apart from dengue.
• Sheep milk:
  • it is an excellent source of bioactive peptides (amino acids) found useful in heart diseases, epilepsy in children, cysts, gall stones, and bacterial and viral infections.
• Donkey milk:
  • It can be helpful in managing dermatitis and other skin diseases, hepatitis, gastric ulcers, and cardio-vascular ailments. It is used as an alternative to mother’s milk.
  • It is used in stamina-boosting drinks for sports persons because it is low in cholesterol and fat but high in energy.
• Yaks milk:
  • It is thought to be good for hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular troubles, and cancer.

What are the issues in promotion of the non-bovine milk?

• High prices: the goat milk was priced more than Rs 300 a litre. This milk is believed to boost the platelet count in blood and quicken recovery of dengue patients.
• Shrinking grazing resources: It is becoming a major constraint in feeding these animals.
• The population decline: Some species population is either stagnant or dwindling, especially in areas where common grazing grounds have vanished or are in poor shape.
• Policy issues: Measures taken have backfired. For example, The Rajasthan’s camel protection law —the Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act, 2015 by barring the transportation of camels out of Rajasthan has virtually destroyed the market for these animals, disincentivising camel herders to breed and bring them up for sale. As a result, the camel population is estimated to have shrunk by a huge 35 per cent.

Way Ahead

A well-advised breeding policy is needed for the genetic upgradation of non-bovine mammals to boost their productivity. For example, open up the health care and artificial insemination network meant for the bovines for the non-bovines as well.

The need is to incentivise the pharmaceuticals and health foods industries. They can gainfully exploit the therapeutic traits of non-bovine milk by developing innovative products for domestic and export markets.

Source: The post is based on an article “Tapping the usefulness of non-bovine milk” published in the Business Standard on 20^th March 2022.

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Shoring up the Northeast frontier: How rebranding the discourse on connectivity is imperative to meet the China challenge

What is the News?

Recently, China renamed districts in Arunachal Pradesh and there was a viral video of the PLA unfurling the Chinese flag in Galwan on New Year. It indicates that 2022 will be more of the same in India-China relations.

What are the issues in the development projects in border areas?

Border infrastructure development is predominantly viewed as China-driven where local aspirations are incidental. It is believed by locals that “if construction is on, it is for the military”. For example, there is absence of supporting infrastructure to boost socio-economic development for locals in Arunachal Pradesh.

What measures should be taken by India to secure its border areas?

• Reimagining border connectivity:
  • Infrastructure in border areas like Arunachal should not be constructed with the image of ‘the eye on China’.
  • The ongoing efforts of the central and Arunachal government in infrastructure building should be guided to support adventure sports, high-end tourism and horticulture development.
• Promotion of Horticulture: 
  • There should be endeavour to promote organic kiwis (India’s only certified organic kiwis from Ziro valley), kiwi wines, and other niche sectors like tea tourism.
  • It will address the local anxiety over lack of economic opportunities and mainland apathy.
• Celebrating the local culture:
  • Recently, a 17-day civilian-Army joint religious trek to Athu-Popu which is a sacred place for the Idu Mishmi tribe and a celebration of the Si Donyi festival of the indigenous Tagin tribe was organized. More such efforts are needed.
• Promoting Adventure tourism:
  • It could result in more jobs and revenue locally.
  • For example, the Bailey’s Trail (a historical route taken by a British political officer) was revived for mountaineers last year.
  • It benefited 80 local youths who were trained in the adventure tourism.
• Checking mass media narratives which often conflate Buddhism with Arunachali identity:
  • It is wrong narrative because Arunachal is home to 26 major tribes having faith in nature and animistic worshipping (for example, Donyi Polo is still practised in large numbers as per the 2011 national census).
  • There is a need of boosting digital connectivity, roads and standardisation of modest homestays. It will allow tourists to enjoy the local culture.
• Need to address local issues which are impending development efforts:
  • (a) ‘a culture of compensation’ i.e., temporary structures come up overnight along with exorbitant compensation claims which thwarts the development works,
  • (b) the Tibetan Refugee Rehabilitation policy,
  • (c) issues of rampant drug abuse and addiction in the eastern part of Arunachal

To cultivate resilience on the ground, integration of local communities in border conversations is vital.

Source: The post is based on an article “Shoring up the North-East Frontier: How rebranding the discourse on connectivity is imperative to meet the China challenge?” published in the Times of India on 20^th March 2022.

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An ‘atmanirbhar’ India can look the world in the eye

What is the News?

Recently, Russia’s military assault on Ukraine  has been at the centre of attention lately. Its impact is being acutely felt in India. 

Why did Russia attack Ukraine? 

Putin’s stated aim of “de-Nazifying” a democratic nation (headed by a Jewish president).  Ukraine has a past of collaboration with German occupying forces in WWII.  

Violation of NATO’s guarantees that it would not expand even “an inch eastward” on the dissolution of the USSR. In the past, NATO enlisted 10 former Warsaw Pact members over a decade. By 2021, four more East European nations had joined NATO and Ukraine appeared to be on the verge of doing so. It was perceived as a threat to the restoration of Russia’s glorious past by Putin.

What was the response of Europe and India? 

The West has imposed economic sanctions on Russia, which resulted into the crashing of rouble and unplugging of Russia’s economy. In response, Putin described the sanctions as “akin to a declaration of war.” 

India has adopted successive abstentions on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine during votes in the UN Security Council and elsewhere. However New Delhi stance has attracted criticism as it has placed it alongside China and Pakistan who also abstained. Therefore, India is seen as pro-Russian.  

Why did India adopt a policy of abstention in the Russian Invasion of Ukraine? 

It is rooted in “realpolitik”. India’s vital national interests can well be served by its “balancing act” at the cusp of the East-West Duopoly. The intricacies of the long-simmering Russia-Ukraine tensions are another factor that has discouraged India from taking a hard stand. 

Security Angle: India source 60-70% of its military hardware from Russia. Any interruption in the supply could have a devastating impact on our defence posture vis-à-vis the China-Pak axis. It has jeopardized the credibility of India’s “strategic Autonomy”. 

Why has India failed to attain a degree of self-reliance in military hardware?

Politicians are indifferent towards national security: They focus remain on the five-year electoral cycle/ This has prevented the evolution of a long-term vision for India’s Defence Technology Industrial Base (DTIB).  

The bureaucracy’s incomprehension of military technology: It has allowed the defence science establishment to have its way without an iota of accountability for missing time, cost or performance targets.  

What is the way forward?

De-Russification of the armed forces:  Since 1962 Sino-Indian war, India was heavily relying upon Moscow’s military-industrial complex. And, since the Soviet Collapse in 1990, the relationship has become brittle and transactional. It is time to initiate a process of progressive “de-Russification” of Indian armed forces; not to switch sources, but of becoming self-reliant. 

Genuine Indigenisation of India’s defence technological and industrial base (DTIB): Under the banner of “atmanirbharta” label, the focus is on production of the battle-tanks, warships and jet-fighters for the self-reliance. But the vital sub-systems like engines, guns, missiles, radars, fire-control computers, gear-boxes and transmission that are either imported or assembled under foreign licences, are being ignored under the self-reliant mission. Therefore, genuine atmanirbharta requires selective identification of vital military technologies 

The military needs to look beyond its immediate operational needs and lend support to indigenisation.  

Source: The post is based on an article “An Atmanirbhar India can look the world in the eye” published in the Indian Express on 21st Mar 22. 

Daily Factly Articles For UPSC IAS Current Affairs Preparation

Let’s enforce age gate rules to secure children on the internet

What is the News?

Recently, a report was published by BBC News investigation pointing towards the digital inscrutability (incapable of being scrutinized) of kids. 

Why are children at risk in the internet world? 

The veil of anonymity afforded by the internet ensures that underage web users are constantly exposed to age-inappropriate content. Moreover, lack of robust age-verification mechanisms by social media platforms means the risk for children is further amplified.

What are the policies and proposals at present aimed to make internet safer for children? 

Most popular social media firms like TikTok and Meta Platforms Inc’s Instagram have a minimum age of 13.

An array of new children’s codes have also been proposed by legislators across Europe, Australia and also in the US. If they work, online apps will be forced to offer alternative versions for children. 

Germany might be the first country to impose age verification standards on internet businesses. For example, it has already approved approximately 80 different approaches for age-checking online and the country’s regulators are further ahead than any others.  

What are the ways to verify someone’s age online? 

Facial analysis: Algorithms taught using thousands of facial images can estimate someone’s age through the front-facing camera of a phone or computer, typically accurate to within a year or two.  

Voice recognition through Artificial intelligence could also help divine age from someone’s voice.  

Digital tokens offering proof of age that are verified by local shopkeepers can be used to access certain websites. 

Web platforms can also use profiling data based on someone’s online behaviour.  

Credit checks or verifying a person’s age via their mobile network operator. 

What are the issues with age-recognition technologies and proposed policies? 

Proposed policies

• In the UK, the proposed the Online Safety Bill doesn’t require companies to follow certain standards for age checking. 
• In the US, the proposed the Kids Online Safety Act, modelled on the latest UK bill lacks detail on how standards for age-checking would be enforced. 

Age-recognition tech

• Improving tech can make it easier for companies and malicious actors to harvest the facial data of thousands of people on the net, including children. It can be misused by them 

What is the way forward?

There should be strict standards on age checks.

Penalties: For example, there should be penalties for non-compliance. The standards should be enforceable by the regulators. For example, Germany’s child protection regulators also have threatened to block one of the world’s largest pornographic websites over inadequate age-checking. 

Source: The post is based on an article “Let’s enforce age gate rules to secure children on the internet” published in the Live Mint on 21 Mar 22.