Topics

1. Electron’s Electric Dipole Moment (EDM)
2. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
3. No Confidence Motion
4. Multi State Cooperative Bill,2022
5. MERS
6. Caste Census
7. Biological Diversity Bill 2021
8. 6^th Mass Extinction

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

In News: The NCPCR has instructed the Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) to lodge an FIR against three individuals who recently shared pictures of a minor involved in a distressing incident.

Introduction

• NCPCR is a statutory body established in March 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
• It is the apex body for the protection and promotion of child rights in India.
• It has a mandate to ensure that all laws, policies, programs and administrative systems conform to the vision of the rights of the child as enunciated in the Constitution of India and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• It defines a child as a person in the age group of 0 to 18 years.

Functions

• • Inquire into complaints and take Suo motu notice of matters relating to violation of child rights or non-implementation of laws or policies for their welfare.

• • Present annual and special reports to the Parliament on the status of child rights in the country.

• • Review and monitor the safeguards provided by laws and policies for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.

• • Undertake and promote research and studies on various aspects of child rights and issues.

• • Spread awareness and sensitize the public, government and non-governmental organizations on child rights and issues.

• • Inspect or cause to be inspected any juvenile custodial home or any other place where children are housed or lodged for their care, protection or treatment.
  • Advise the central or state governments on any matter concerning the welfare of children.

Structure

• NCPCR consists of a chairperson and six members appointed by the central government.

• The chairperson and members should have experience and expertise in matters relating to education, child health, care, welfare or child development, juvenile justice, children with disabilities, elimination of child labour, child psychology or sociology or laws relating to children.

• The chairperson and members hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

• The commission also has a member secretary who is an officer not below the rank of joint secretary to the government of India.

• The commission may appoint such other officers and staff as it considers necessary for its efficient functioning.

White Label ATM

In News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed that, with a primary emphasis on Tier III to VI centres, non-bank entities are now allowed to establish, possess, and run White Label ATMs (WLAs) across the country, aiming to enhance ATM accessibility.

Introduction

• A White Label ATM (WLA) is an automated teller machine (ATM) that is set up, owned and operated by a non-bank entity.
• The term “white label” refers to the fact that the ATM does not display any bank logo or branding.
• A WLA can provide the same services as a bank ATM, such as cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, mini statement, PIN change, etc.
• However, cash deposit or cash acceptance facility is not permitted at the WLA.

Example

• An example of a WLA operator in India is Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL), which launched its WLA service under the brand name ‘Indicash’ in 2013.
• Indicash ATMs are available across the country, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, where bank ATMs are scarce.

Regulations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the regulatory authority for WLAs in India. It authorises non-bank entities to operate WLAs under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The RBI has issued guidelines for WLA operators, such as:

• The WLA operator should have a minimum net worth of Rs 100 crore.
• The WLA operator should enter into an agreement with a sponsor bank, which will provide cash management, dispute resolution and customer grievance redressal services to the WLA operator.
• The WLA operator should ensure that all transactions at its ATMs are routed through the National Financial Switch (NFS), which is the largest network of shared ATMs in India.
• The WLA operator should comply with the security standards and norms prescribed by the RBI for ATMs.
• The WLA operator should display its logo along with the logo of the sponsor bank on the ATM screen, card acceptance slot and receipt printer.

Operators

• Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited (TCPSL)
• Muthoot Finance Limited
• Vakrangee Limited
• BTI Payments Private Limited
• Hitachi Payment Services Private Limited
• RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited (RSBL)
• AGS Transact Technologies Limited
• SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited

Types of ATMs

No Confidence Motion

In News: Opposition parties belonging to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have decided to table a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, with a particular focus on the northeastern state of Manipur. The aim behind this move is to compel the Prime Minister to address the ongoing strife in Manipur, which has led to a standstill in the monsoon session of the government.

Introduction

A no confidence motion is a parliamentary process that allows the opposition to challenge the government’s majority and ability to govern. If the motion is passed, the government must resign.

How to move a no confidence motion?

• Any member of the Lok Sabha can move a no confidence motion.
• The motion must be supported by at least 50 members of the House.
• The motion must be in writing and signed by the member moving it.
• The motion must be submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on any day on which the House is sitting.
• The Speaker will decide whether to admit the motion for discussion and debate.
• The Speaker will also decide on the date and time for the discussion.

Recent examples of no confidence motions in India

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amnd.) Bill 2022

In News: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation replied to the discussion on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 in the Lok Sabha

Introduction

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 is a central legislation that regulates the formation and functioning of multi-state cooperative societies in India. The Act was amended in 2022 to introduce a number of changes, including:

• Establishment of a Co-operative Election Authority to conduct and supervise elections to the boards of multi-state cooperative societies.
• Requirement for prior permission from government authorities before the redemption of shares in multi-state cooperative societies.
• Establishment of a Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund to revive sick multi-state cooperative societies.

Objectives of the Amendment Bill

• Improve ease of doing business for multi-state cooperative societies.
• Increase financial discipline in multi-state cooperative societies.
• Enable multi-state cooperative societies to raise funds more easily.
• Revive sick multi-state cooperative societies.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill

• Establishment of a Co-operative Election Authority.
• Requirement for prior permission from government authorities before the redemption of shares in multi-state cooperative societies.
• Establishment of a Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund.
• Amendment of the provisions related to the winding up of multi-state cooperative societies.

Impact of the Amendment Bill

• The Amendment Bill is expected to have a positive impact on the multi-state cooperative sector in India.
• The establishment of a Co-operative Election Authority will help to ensure that elections to the boards of multi-state cooperative societies are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
• The requirement for prior permission from government authorities before the redemption of shares in multi-state cooperative societies will help to prevent the misuse of funds by these societies.
• The establishment of a Co-operative Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development Fund will help to revive sick multi-state cooperative societies.

Conclusion

The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is a significant piece of legislation that is expected to have a positive impact on the multi-state cooperative sector in India.

The bill is designed to improve ease of doing business, increase financial discipline, and enable multi-state cooperative societies to raise funds more easily. The bill is also expected to help to revive sick multi-state cooperative societies.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

In News: The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified a case of the highly pathogenic Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Symptoms and complications

• MERS symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sometimes pneumonia.
• Some people may also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea.
• About 35% of MERS cases reported to WHO have died.
• People with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems, are more likely to develop severe disease or complications.

Transmission and prevention

• MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted between animals and people.
• The main source of infection is dromedary camels, which can carry the virus without showing symptoms.
• Human-to-human transmission can occur through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person, or in health care settings.
• To prevent infection, people should avoid contact with sick camels or camel products, such as milk or meat, and practice good hygiene and infection control measures.
• There is no vaccine or specific treatment for MERS. Supportive care can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Global situation and response

• Since 2012, 27 countries have reported cases of MERS to WHO, mostly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
• The largest outbreak outside the Middle East occurred in South Korea in 2015, where 186 cases and 36 deaths were reported.
• WHO monitors the global situation and provides guidance and technical support to countries affected by or at risk of MERS.
• WHO also coordinates research and development efforts to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for MERS.

Caste Census

Background

• Caste is a powerful cultural underpinning of Indian society that has a significant impact on the social, economic and political life of the people.

• Caste was among the details collected by enumerators during the decennial Census of India until 1931. It was given up in 1941, a year in which the census operation was partially affected by World War II.

• Since then, the Census of India has only recorded the population of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), but not of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or other castes.

• The Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 was a major exercise to obtain data about the socio-economic status and caste identity of various communities. It had two components: a survey of the rural and urban households and ranking of these households based on pre-set parameters, and a caste census.

• However, only the details of the economic conditions of the people in rural and urban households were released. The caste data has not been made public yet due to various reasons such as data quality issues, legal challenges and political sensitivities.

Demand for caste census

• There is a growing demand from various political parties, social groups and activists for conducting a caste census in the upcoming exercise of 2021.

• They argue that a caste census will provide accurate and reliable data on the population, distribution and socio-economic conditions of different castes, especially the OBCs, who are roughly estimated to constitute about 52% of the population.

• They also contend that a caste census will help in better planning, implementation and evaluation of various policies and programmes for the welfare and empowerment of the marginalised groups, such as reservations in education, employment and political representation.

• They further claim that a caste census will reveal the true extent of social and economic inequalities and discrimination in India and the need for more affirmative action measures to ensure social justice and harmony.

Government’s stance

• The Union government has opposed the idea of conducting a caste census, citing various legal, administrative and practical difficulties.
• The government has said that it will not do a caste count “as a matter of policy”, as it would lead to the perpetuation of caste identities and divisions in society.

• The government has also said that it would be a complex and cumbersome exercise that would require a comprehensive list of castes and sub-castes, which does not exist at present. It has pointed out that the SECC 2011 data on caste was “unusable” due to errors, inconsistencies and duplications.

• The government has also expressed its apprehension that a caste census could spark more demands for quotas and cause fissures in the social fabric, especially among the Hindu community, which the ruling party has tried to consolidate under its plank of Hindu unity.

Analysis

• The issue of caste census is a contentious one that involves multiple dimensions such as constitutional, legal, political, social and ethical.
• On one hand, there is a valid argument that caste census will provide valuable information for evidence-based policymaking and addressing the needs and aspirations of different sections of society.
• On the other hand, there is also a legitimate concern that caste census will reinforce caste identities and prejudices and create more conflicts and tensions in society.
• Therefore, there is a need for a balanced and nuanced approach that takes into account both the pros and cons of caste census and seeks to find a middle ground that respects the diversity and dignity of all citizens.

Biological Diversity Bill 2021

In News: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which seeks to modify the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, was approved by the Lok Sabha.

Introduction

• The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 16, 2021 by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The Bill seeks to amend the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which provides for the conservation of biological diversity in India and their sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
• The Bill was subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee on December 20, 2021 for examination and report.

Key features of the Bill

• • Exempting users of codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners from sharing benefits with local communities or Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) for accessing biological resources or associated traditional knowledge.

• • Simplifying compliance requirements for domestic companies engaged in research, bio-survey, bio-utilisation or commercial utilisation of biological resources or associated traditional knowledge by removing the need for prior approval from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) or State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and replacing it with a simple intimation process.

• • Allowing fast-tracking of processes for research, patent application, and transfer of research results by domestic companies by exempting them from seeking approval from NBA or SBBs for these purposes.

• • Decriminalising all offences under the Act and replacing them with monetary penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50 lakh. The Bill also empowers government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties for violations of the Act.
  • Encouraging foreign investment in the sector by allowing foreign companies to access biological resources or associated traditional knowledge for research or commercial purposes with prior approval from NBA or SBBs and payment of fees as prescribed by the central government.

Significance of the Bill

• • To encourage the Indian system of medicine and cultivation of wild medicinal plants by exempting users of codified traditional knowledge and AYUSH practitioners from benefit sharing obligations.

• • To facilitate scientific research and innovation in the field of biological diversity by simplifying compliance requirements and fast-tracking processes for domestic companies.

• • To decriminalise offences under the Act and provide for proportionate penalties for violations of the Act.

• • To encourage foreign investment in the sector by allowing foreign companies to access biological resources or associated traditional knowledge for research or commercial purposes with prior approval and payment of fees.

 Issues and challenges

• • The term codified traditional knowledge has not been defined in the Bill. A broad interpretation might exempt all local traditional knowledge from benefit sharing requirements, which may defeat the purpose of the Act to ensure equitable sharing of benefits with local communities.

• • The Bill removes the direct role of local communities in determining benefit sharing provisions. Benefit sharing will be based on terms agreed between the user and the BMC represented by NBA. This may undermine the rights and interests of local communities who are the custodians of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

• • The Bill decriminalises offences under the Act and instead provides for a wide range of penalties. Further, the Bill empowers government officials to hold inquiries and determine penalties. It may be questioned whether it is appropriate to confer such discretion to government officials without any judicial oversight or appeal mechanism.
  • The Bill allows foreign companies to access biological resources or associated traditional knowledge for research or commercial purposes with prior approval and payment of fees. This may raise concerns about bio-piracy and misappropriation of India’s biological wealth and traditional knowledge by foreign entities without adequate safeguards or benefit sharing arrangements.

Sixth Mass Extinction

Definition

• The Sixth Mass Extinction, also known as the Holocene Extinction and Anthropocene Extinction, is an ongoing extinction event of species during the present era (known as the Holocene Epoch) due to human activity.
• Scientists have observed that this extinction event is the serious environmental threat to human civilization.
• The Sixth Mass Extinction event includes the disappearance of land animals beginning from the last glacial period.
• The land animals that did not evolve at the same pace as humans proved to be sensitive to their new environment and many of them died when the human population rose and learnt to hunt.

Causes

1. The main causes of the Sixth Mass Extinction are human activities, primarily (though not limited to) the unsustainable use of land, water and energy, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and disease.

1. These human activities have altered the natural balance of ecosystems and reduced the resilience of biodiversity to cope with environmental changes.

1. These human activities have also accelerated the rate of species extinction, which is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than natural extinction rate.

Impacts

• The impacts of the Sixth Mass Extinction are manifold and profound, affecting both nature and humanity in various ways, such as:

• • Loss of ecosystem services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from nature, such as food, water, climate regulation, pollination, soil formation, recreation and cultural values. The loss of biodiversity reduces the capacity of ecosystems to provide these services, which are essential for human well-being and development.

• • Loss of genetic diversity: Genetic diversity is the variation of genes within and among species, which enables adaptation and evolution in response to environmental changes. The loss of genetic diversity reduces the potential for innovation and discovery of new medicines, crops, materials and other useful products.

• • Loss of cultural diversity: Cultural diversity is the diversity of human cultures that have co-evolved with nature and have developed unique knowledge, practices, beliefs and values related to biodiversity. The loss of cultural diversity erodes the identity, heritage and wisdom of indigenous and local communities who depend on biodiversity for their livelihoods and well-being.

Solutions

• The solutions to the Sixth Mass Extinction require urgent and coordinated actions from all stakeholders at local, national and global levels, such as

• • Conservation: Conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity and ecosystems to prevent further loss and degradation. Conservation measures include establishing protected areas, restoring habitats, reducing threats, promoting sustainable use and ensuring equitable benefit sharing.

• • Mitigation: Mitigation is the reduction or prevention of greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, which is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss. Mitigation measures include switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, reducing deforestation and enhancing carbon sinks.

• • Adaptation: Adaptation is the adjustment or transformation of human and natural systems to cope with the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Adaptation measures include enhancing resilience, diversifying livelihoods, promoting ecosystem-based approaches and strengthening governance.
  • Education: Education is the process of raising awareness and building capacity among individuals and groups to understand and value biodiversity and its importance for human well-being. Education measures include integrating biodiversity into formal and informal curricula, promoting environmental literacy and fostering citizen science.