#GS2 TOPIC: Governance
1. Middlemen in Regional transport Offices
Karnataka Lokayukta has urged the public to report middlemen operating in Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) after finding that many offices had 10 to 20 such individuals during their raids last year.
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- The Karnataka Lokayukta Act allows questioning of government officials and public servants but does not permit their arrest.
- The Prevention of Corruption Act is the avenue for booking private individuals, requiring a filed complaint and evidence of wrongdoing. Raids on RTO offices revealed circumstantial evidence, but arrests couldn’t be made due to legal constraints.
- Convictions in Lokayukta cases are challenging, requiring clear evidence of demand or acceptance of money. To combat the middlemen menace, the public’s willingness to report such activities is crucial.
- However, reluctance stems from the reasonable bribes requested by middlemen, prompting compliance instead of filing complaints. Authorities stress the importance of public cooperation in curbing corrupt practices and putting an end to the influence of middlemen in RTO affairs.
Lokayukta
Lokayukta is the Indian Parliamentary Ombudsman empowered to investigate grievances and allegations against public servants in each state government of India. As an anti-corruption authority, it traces its origins to the Ombudsman concept in Scandinavian countries.
Origin
The Administrative Reforms Commission (1966-70) in India recommended the establishment of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in the states. Before the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in 2013, various states had already passed laws to create the Lokayukta institution. Maharashtra took the lead in establishing its Lokayukta body in 1971.
Appointment
The appointment of Lokayukta and Upalokayukta is carried out by the Governor of the state, typically involving consultation with the Chief Justice of the state high court and the Leader of Opposition in the state legislative assembly. In most states, the Lokayukta’s term is set at five years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Reappointment for a second term is not allowed.
However, certain issues related to Lokayukta exist. There is no clear legislation governing Lokayukta in the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013, leaving states with autonomy over their appointment, functioning, and conditions of service. Another challenge is the delay in investigating and resolving complaints, with the Lokayukta often reliant on the state government for funding and infrastructure, leading to potential interference and a lack of independence.
#GS2 AND GS3 TOPIC
2. Climate Smart Utilities Award 2023
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been honored with the prestigious ‘Climate Smart Utilities Award 2023’ by the International Water Association (IWA).
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- The award recognizes the proactive measures taken by BWSSB to address climate change challenges. The initiative aims to acknowledge and applaud ambitious and innovative utilities in low- and middle-income countries that are at the forefront of promoting a low-carbon water and sanitation sector.
- These utilities are recognized for their efforts in embracing the necessary shifts to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The global nominations for this award were carefully reviewed and shortlisted by a panel of water industry experts appointed by the High-Level International Committee of IWA.
International Water Association
- The International Water Association (IWA) is a global network of water professionals dedicated to promoting wise, sustainable, and equitable water management worldwide. With members from over 140 countries, the association brings together scientists, researchers, technology companies, water and wastewater utilities, and other stakeholders involved in water management.
- Established in its current form in 2000, the IWA is the largest membership association in the global water sector, building on a 75-year history of connecting water professionals globally. It serves as an international reference for the water and sanitation industry. The IWA’s membership communities actively contribute to and shape the association’s agendas.
- The IWA hosts key events like the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition and the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition, along with Specialist Groups Conferences worldwide. Driven by science, the IWA sets the agenda through the publication of 12 scientific journals and over 40 books annually by IWA Publishing.
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board Top of Form
- The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is an autonomous body established by the State legislature under the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act on September 10, 1964.
- Its primary focus is on water supply and sewage disposal in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Area, covering an extensive jurisdiction of 800 sq km. This area includes the Bengaluru core area spanning 245 sq km, 8 Urban Local Bodies (comprising 7 City Municipal Corporations and 1 Town Municipal Corporation) covering 330 sq km, and 110 villages accounting for 225 sq km.
The key mandates of BWSSB include ensuring adequate water supply to meet demand, establishing a comprehensive sewerage network for safe sewage disposal, formulating and implementing plans and schemes to enhance water supply and sewage disposal, and levying and collecting water charges on a ‘no loss no profit basis’ for sustaining the system.
GS3 TOPIC: Health
3. BHISHM Cube
The BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri) Cube, a component of Project Arogya Maitri, played a vital role as a lifesaving resource during a medical emergency at the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This state-of-the-art indigenous mobile hospital, strategically deployed in Ayodhya, demonstrated its significance in providing critical medical assistance during the event.
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- Under the Aarogya Maitri project, India extends essential medical resources to developing nations grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters or humanitarian crises. The BHISHM cube, designed to handle up to 200 casualties, prioritizes swift response and comprehensive care. Equipped with innovative tools, the Aid Cube enhances disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
- Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, the BHISHM Cube facilitates efficient coordination, real-time monitoring, and effective management of medical services in the field. The success of this mobile hospital unit highlights the crucial role such facilities play in delivering immediate and effective medical assistance during emergencies.
GS2 TOPIC: Schemes.
4. Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
The government has announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana (PSY), which aims to install solar rooftop systems on one crore houses to provide electricity to low and middle-income individuals. This initiative is expected to reduce their electricity bills and generate additional income through surplus electricity generation.
- The PSY will also support the Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme (2014).
- Additionally, a national campaign will be initiated to encourage residential consumers to adopt rooftop solar on a large scale.
Ministry: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Solar rooftop systems:
- A solar rooftop system includes solar modules, solar inverters, and other electrical components like meters and cables. These systems are installed on residential and commercial rooftops, connected to the power grid, and are known as Grid-connected Rooftop Photovoltaic systems (GRPV).
Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme:
- Objective: Achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 Megawatt (MW) by 2026.
- The current installed grid-connected solar rooftop capacity is approximately 11GW.
- Its second phase was launched in 2019.
- Funding is provided under two components:
- Component A: Central Financial Assistance (CFA)/ Subsidy for residential electricity
Component B: Coverage of DISCOMs.
PRELIMS BITES
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is a prestigious initiative by the President of India that aims to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of children in various fields such as Bravery, Science & Technology, Innovation, Social Service, Sports, and Art and Culture. The awards highlight the energy, determination, ability, zeal, and enthusiasm demonstrated by these exceptional young individuals.
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- The PMRBP acknowledges excellence in seven categories: Art & Culture, Bravery, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, and Sports. Each awardee is honored with a medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh, a Certificate, and a Citation.
- The selection process is carried out by a committee chaired by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, and the awards are presented by the President of India in the week leading up to Republic Day annually.
- This initiative builds upon the government’s history of conferring awards to children for their outstanding achievements in the areas of child welfare. Previously awarded categories included the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements, National Child Welfare Award (Individual and Institution), and the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award.
- As of the year 2022, the Bal Shakti Puraskar has been subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, incorporating both individual and institutional recognition.
- Eligibility criteria include Indian citizenship, residency in India, and age between 5 and 18 years as of July 31st of the respective year.
The act, incident, or achievement being recognized should have occurred within two years of the last date of application/nomination for consideration. While the maximum number of awardees is set at 25, the National Selection Committee has the discretion to allow any relaxation to this limit.
Wadge Bank Ecosystem
The proposed exploration and development of oil and gas blocks may have consequences for the Wadge Bank Ecosystem, as per the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
Details about the Wadge Bank Ecosystem:
Situated south of Cape Comorin in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, it forms part of the Indian continental shelf. Recognized as one of the most productive coastal areas globally, it benefits from the convergence of seas, namely the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The region experiences a unique pattern of water currents during different seasons, influenced by both the southwest and northeast monsoons.
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy
- India, ranking as the 3rd largest consumer of crude oil and petroleum products, faces vulnerability to global price fluctuations due to its dependence on imports for approximately 80% of its crude demand.
- The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) was government-approved in March 2016, replacing the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
This updated policy offers simplified regulations, tax incentives, pricing and marketing flexibility, aligning with the government’s goal to double oil and gas output by 2022-23.
