5th Feb 2021 Current Affairs Analysis
By IASToppers' Editorial Team | 2021-02-05 17:00:00
Polity & Governance
Sub-categorization of OBCs
Recently, the Union Government has extended the tenure of the commission headed by Justice G
The committee was established to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes
(OBCs).
Need for the sub-categorisation:
OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government but
only a few affluent communities among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs
have secured a major part of this 27% reservation.
The sub-categorisation would ensure equitable distribution of representation among all OBC communities.
Purpose behind constitution of the Commission:
To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List.
To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs.
To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or
synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories.
repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription.
About National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
NCBC was initially constituted by the Union Government by the National Commission for
Backward Classes Act, 1993.
Constitutional Status: It has been accorded constitutional status and constituted through “The Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018” by inserting article-338B.
Composition:
Chairperson Vice-chairperson Three other members
Appointment:
By the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Condition of service and tenure of office:
Determined by President (Notified by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE))
Rank & salary:
Similar to secretary to the Govt of India.
The Commission shall have the power to regulate its own procedure. [Ref- The Indian Express]
Social Issues
Uniform minimum age for marriage
Recently, The Supreme Court has decided to examine a plea to transfer to itself cases pending in the Delhi and Rajasthan High Courts to declare a “uniform minimum age for Men and Women” for
marriage.
Various laws state that the minimum age for getting married should be 18 for women and 21 for men.
Need for increasing marriage age:
Early marriage thwarts women’s access to social life, civic associations, peer relations,
education, work opportunities, skill development and rightful health.
Early marriages deny women of their rights
of-Attaining sexual reproductive and general health Emotional, physical, and mental maturity.
The early marriage in the long run of life is an exposure during the fertile years,
depriving women of possessing rightful standard adulthood.
Early pregnancy is highly probable in the case of under-age marriage, which increases the under-nourishment risk in young mothers.
marriages.
The shift in the age to 21 could provide legal protection to women who are forced to give
consent until they are 21, as the under-age marriages are regarded void.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, treats underage marriages as valid, but voidable.
The raised age limit would give women opportunities to grow physically and mentally by investing their time in education, work, skill development, and advancement of social skills.
Disadvantages of increasing Marriageable Age for Girls
It, has and will, become a tool for parental control on girls aged between 21 or less (Currently,
only 18 or less) and for punishment of boys or men whom girls choose as their husbands.
Increase the age of marriage to 21 years would mean that girls will have no say in their
personal matters until they are 21.
Despite the various strict laws prohibiting underage marriages, the number of such marriages in India is vast. So, merely, increasing marriageable age for girls will not stop underage marriages.
Key Facts:
Article 139A of the constitution allows the transfer of certain
cases-Where cases involving the same or substantially the same questions of law are pending before
the Supreme Court and one or more High Courts or before two or more High Courts.
The Supreme Court may transfer any case, appeal or other proceedings pending before any High Court to any other High Court, if it deems it expedient so to do for the ends of justice.
[Ref- The Hindu]
Government Schemes and Policies
Jal Jeevan Mission to revive urban water bodies
bodies as well as 20% of supply from reused water.
Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban):
Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through
individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in India.
The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements. The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
Aim:
To bridge the gap of 2.64 crore sewer connections in the 500 cities under the existing Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
The gap of 2.68 crore in urban household tap connections is proposed to be covered.
To provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all 4,378
statutory towns in accordance with SDG Goal- 6. Objectives:
Rejuvenation of water bodies to augment sustainable fresh water supply
Creating green spaces and sponge cities to reduce floods and enhance amenity value through an
Urban Aquifer Management plan.
Promote circular economy of water through development of city water balance plan for each city. It would focus on recycle/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies and
water conservation.
Major Highlights of the mission:
20% of water demand to be met by reused water with development of institutional mechanism.
A Technology Sub-Mission for water is proposed to leverage latest global technologies in the field of water.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign is proposed to spread awareness
among masses about conservation of water.
Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse
Funding:
Union Territories: 100% central funding.
North Eastern and Hill States: 90% central funding.
Cities will less than 1 lakh population: 50% central funding
Cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population: One third central funding Cities with million plus population: 25% central funding
Funding from Government for projects will be in three tranches of 20:40:40.
Third instalment will be released based on outcomes achieved and credible
exclusion will be exercised while funding.
Monitored through a technology-based platform on which beneficiary response will be monitored along with progress and output-outcome.
[Ref: The Hindu]
The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) recently decided to double the corpus of Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) by Rs.5,000 crores.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in July 2015.
Aim: Improve farm productivity and ensure better utilization of the resources in the country.
It was approved with an outlay of Rs. 50,000 crores for 5 years (2015-2020).
Funding:
Centre: States = 75:25
North eastern and Hilly region - Centre: States = 90:10
It has been formulated by combining:
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
Objectives:
Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level Extending the coverage of Irrigation through ‘Har Khet ko pani’ Improving water use efficiency through ‘More crop Per drop ' Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water Introduce sustainable water conservation practices
Enhance recharge of aquifers
Significance:
It enhances water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation viz. Drip and Sprinkler irrigation systems.
An area of 52.93 lakh ha has been covered under it from 2015-16 to till date.
4.84 lakh micro level water harvesting / secondary storage structures have been created. It supports micro level water storage or water conservation/management activities to supplement source creation for Micro Irrigation.
Significance of the More Crop Per Drop component:
It is relevant in achieving national priorities such as:
Substantially improving on-farm water use efficiency Enhancing crop productivity
Ensuring better returns to farmers Generating employment opportunities
Effective in terms of ensuring benefits for farmer: Higher productivity
Reduction in labour cost Water consumption Power utilization Fertilizer use
Micro Irrigation Fund:
Micro Irrigation Fund with corpus of Rs. 5000 crores have been created with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Objective:
To facilitate the states in mobilizing the resources for expanding coverage of Micro
Irrigation by taking up special and innovative projects.
To incentivise micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under PMKSY-PDMC to encourage
farmers to install micro irrigation systems. States may also access MIF exclusively for:
Innovative integrated projects (like high water duty crops like sugarcane/solar linked
systems/Micro irrigation in command area etc.)
Projects in PPP mode depending on State specific requirements
Phase II and III of DRIP approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently approved the Phase II and Phase III of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP):
Launched by: Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation through
Central Water Commission in April 2012
Objectives:
To improve the safety and performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner.
To strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating states as well as at the central level.
To explore the alternative incidental means a few of selected dams to generate the incidental revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams.
Financial Assistance: From World Bank at a cost of INR 2100 Crore. Phase I:
Aim: Rehabilitation of dam projects in four states: Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Later Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Damodar Valley Corporation joined the DRIP.
Period: from 2011 to 2017.
Government of India in September 2018, approved the revised cost of DRIP (INR 3466 Crores) along with two years extension (till June 2020).
Phase II & Phase III:
Aim: Comprehensive rehabilitation of 736 existing dams across India in two phases (each of
six-years duration)
Period: From April 2021 to March 2031. Total cost: 10,211 crores
Rs. 7,000 crores from World Bank & Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Balance Rs 3,211 crores from concerned Implementing Agencies.
Common Components of Phase II and Phase III:
Rehabilitation and improvement of dams and associated appurtenances,
Dam safety institutional strengthening in participating States and Central agencies,
Exploration of alternative incidental means a few of selected dams to generate the incidental
revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams, and
Project management. Key Fact:
[Ref: PIB]
Issues related to Health & Education
World Cancer Day- 4
thFebruary
World Cancer Day (WCD) is celebrated every year on 4th of February.
Aim: To reduce misconceptions about cancer and to help people in getting the right information about it.
About Cancer:
Cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. The common cause of cancer
includes-Smoking and Tobacco Diet and Physical Activity
Sun and Other Types of Radiation Viruses and Other Infections Genetic Cancer
Other names: Neoplasm, Malignant tumour, etc.
It can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow
uncontrollably.
Metastasizing Process: It is a process when abnormal cells go beyond their usual
boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs, which is a major cause of death from cancer.
It is a non-contiguous and incurable disease.
Treatment of cancer:
Common approaches: Surgery, Radiation therapy and Immunotherapy. In Radiotherapy, tumor cells are irradiated lethally.
In Chemotherapy, several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancerous cells.
In Immunotherapy, the patients are given substances called biological response modifiers
such as ?-interferon which activates their immune system and helps in destroying the tumor.
Government Initiatives:
NCRP was initiated in 1982 by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which gives a picture of the magnitude and patterns of cancer.
There are two types of
registries-Population Based Cancer Registry Hospital Based Cancer Registries
In 2001, data from all cancer registries and all medical colleges were collated for the Development of an Atlas of Cancer in India.
Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT):
The government has set up an AMRIT outlet at AIIMS, New Delhi to make generic medicines available for cancer and other treatment at affordable prices.
National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS):
In 2010, NPCDCS was launched to prevent and control major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Diabetes, etc.
Being implemented under National Health Mission (NHM), it focuses on strengthening
infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management, and referral.
Tertiary Care for Cancer scheme
Tertiary Care for Cancer scheme was operationalized in 2013-2014.
Under the scheme, State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country are to be set up.
Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
HMCPF was set up in 2009 under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi to provide the financial assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients for cancer treatment.
The National Cancer Grid is a network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient
groups, and charitable institutions across India. Objectives:
Establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Providing specialized training and education in oncology.
Facilitating collaborative basic, translational, and clinical research in cancer.
Key Facts:
‘I Am and I Will’ campaign:
‘I Am and I Will’ campaign is an initiative started by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) on WCD, 2019.
It is a 3 -year campaign from 2019-2021.
It is an empowering call to action, asking individuals to make a personal commitment to help reduce the impact of cancer.
[Ref- The Hindu]
Environment, Ecology and Disaster management
Approach to lower the impact of Stubble burning
A recent study claimed that if kharif crop is sowed just about a month earlier will advance stubble burning, and the severity of its impact on the air quality of Delhi during winter will get significantly
reduced due to a less hostile meteorological regime.
Highlights of the study:
Incidents of stubble burning reduced under the proposed scenario may help in minimising
What is Stubble Burning?
Why farmers prefer this method?
Cheap
Quick and easy
Can assist weed, insect and disease control Reduced nitrogen tie-up.
Disadvantages:
Loss of nutrients and carbon from soil Impact on soil microbes and fauna
Reduction in soil structure (soil aggregate stability) Increase in erosion (wind and water)
Can increase acidity over time [Ref: Times of India]
Lethal Guinea pig test scrapped by Bureau of Indian Standards
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, the Bureau of Indian
Standards’ animal husbandry, feeds and equipment subcommittee recently replaced a cruel test on
Key Highlights:
The aim of the test was to identify the presence of pathogens that make feed unfit for animal consumption.
The Food and Agriculture Division Council of Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has approved the standard “Methods of Tests for Animal Feeds and
Feeding Stuffs, Part 3: Microbiological Methods”.
It is based on Polymerase Chain Reaction, which are very precise and sensitive and preclude the use of guinea pigs for laboratory testing.
In old test, guinea pigs were injected with a feed sample due to which animals endured a slow, agonising death, if the bacterium Bacillus anthracis or its spores that cause anthrax were present.
Guinea Pig:
It is also known as the cavy or domestic cavy.
It is a species of rodent belonging to the cavy family (Caviidae). They originated in the Andes of South America.
They have large head and eyes, and short ears.
They do not require water if supplied with sufficiently moist food.
It is a sustainable food source for the native peoples of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
BIS is the national Standards Body working under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs,
Food & Public Distribution.
It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
Objective:
To provide safe, reliable & quality goods. To minimize health hazards to consumers. To promote exports & imports substitutes.
To control proliferation of varieties through standardization, certification & testing.
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (February 4, 1922 - January 24, 2011) was a Hindustani classical
vocalist.
He is renowned for the khayal form of singing and belongs to the Kirana Gharana. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna in 2008.
He was well known for his famous ragas including Shuddha Kalyan, Miyan Ki Todi, Puriya
Dhanashri, Multani, Bhimpalasi, Darbari, Malkauns, Yaman, Asavari Todi, Miyan Ki Malhar and others.
Nirbhaya Fund
About the fund:
The Nirbhaya Fund was created in 2013 in the aftermath of December 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case.
Aim: To support initiatives protecting the dignity and ensuring safety of women in India. Being administered by: Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
Nodal authority for appraising/recommending the proposals/schemes: Ministry of Women and Child Development
Funding pattern:
The cost of projects/schemes of the State Government will be shared in the ratio of 60:40. The funds for the projects/schemes shall be released following the procedures prescribed in GER 2005.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Laid down by the Sponsoring Central Government Ministry/ Department. It is to be followed at the State Government level.
