- Extension of AFSPA to Manipur
- 50 Years Govt. Bonds
- India, U.S. Framework for initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
- India-Bangladesh consensus to save Sundarbans
- From women’s reservation to gender equality
- UNFPA India’s 2023 Ageing Report
- Quantum Supremacy (QS)
- 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
- Antimatter
- TIGER CENSUS
Extension of AFSPA to Manipur
Context:
The Manipur government has recently declared a six-month extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for the entire state, with the exception of 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley. This decision is driven by several factors:
- Gradual Withdrawal: Since 2022, the Manipur government has been progressively withdrawing AFSPA from the valley districts, primarily inhabited by the Meitei community.
- Resurgence of Insurgent Groups: There has been a resurgence of insurgent groups, mainly operating from Myanmar, advocating for Manipur’s secession from India. This resurgence necessitates the continued presence of AFSPA to address security concerns.
- Ethnic Violence: The ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities has resulted in the loss of at least 175 lives since May 3, making it the deadliest conflict in Manipur since 1999. The extension of AFSPA is seen as a measure to maintain law and order in such volatile situations.
AFSPA History in Manipur
- AFSPA has been in effect in Manipur since 1981, impacting both the valley and hill districts.
- Over the years, its provisions have been gradually withdrawn from the valley districts to adapt to evolving security dynamics.
What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?
- The Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, grants the armed forces the authority to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
- Under AFSPA, the armed forces are empowered to use force, including opening fire if necessary after issuing a warning, when they believe a person is in violation of the law.
- The Act also allows for the arrest of individuals without a warrant, entry and search of premises without a warrant, and the prohibition of firearms possession if “reasonable suspicion exists.”
A Background
- The AFSPA, 1958, was enacted in response to insurgency in the North-eastern States many decades ago.
- It provides “special powers” to the Armed Forces, encompassing the Army, Air Force, and Central Paramilitary forces, among others.
- However, there has long been a debate about whether these “special powers” grant complete immunity to the armed forces for their actions.
What are the Special Powers?
The Special Powers granted under AFSPA include:
- Power to use force: This includes the authority to open fire, even resulting in death, when prohibitory orders banning assembly or carrying arms and weapons are in effect in a disturbed area.
- Power to destroy structures: The armed forces can demolish structures used as hide-outs, training camps, or as bases for launching or planning attacks.
- Power to arrest: Individuals can be arrested without a warrant, and force can be used for this purpose.
- Power to enter and search premises: The armed forces have the authority to enter and search premises without a warrant to make arrests or recover hostages, arms, ammunition, and stolen property, among other things.
Who Can Declare/Notify Such Areas?
The authority to declare or notify areas as “disturbed” under AFSPA lies with the Central Government, the Governor of the State, or the administrator of the Union Territory.
50 Years Govt. Bonds
Context:
India is preparing to issue its inaugural 50-year government bonds and 30-year green bonds, attracting interest from insurance companies and provident funds seeking long-term investment opportunities.
The Reason Behind This Move
- India has set an ambitious target to raise ₹55 trillion ($78.73 billion) through bond sales from October to March, with a significant ₹300 billion allocated to the 50-year security, marking the government’s first-ever auction of such bonds.
- Long-term investors, particularly insurers, are drawn to the 50-year bonds due to their alignment with asset-liability management requirements.
Government Bonds in India
- Government Bonds in India, categorized as Government Securities (G-Sec), serve as long-term investment instruments with issuance periods ranging from 5 to 40 years.
- These bonds can be issued by both Central and State governments of India, with State Government-issued bonds referred to as State Development Loans (SDLs).
- Government bond interest rates, also known as coupons, can either be fixed or floating, distributed semi-annually.
- Typically, the Government of India issues bonds at a fixed coupon rate in the market.
Types of Government Bonds in India include:
- Fixed-Rate Bonds: Offering a consistent interest rate throughout the investment period, providing clarity with the specified coupon rate.
- Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs): Subject to periodic interest rate adjustments, often linked to a base rate and fixed spread determined through auctions.
- Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Enabling gold investments without physical possession, with tax-exempt interest and prices linked to gold’s value.
- Inflation-Indexed Bonds: Adjusting both principal and interest based on inflation, using indices like CPI or WPI, tailored for retail investors.
- 7.75% GOI Savings Bond: Featuring a 7.75% interest rate and available to individuals, minors with legal guardians, and Hindu Undivided Families.
- Bonds with Call/Put Option: Allowing either the issuer or investor to buy back or sell bonds, respectively, on specified dates, typically after 5 years from issuance.
- Zero-Coupon Bonds: Generating earnings from the difference between issuance and redemption prices, as they do not provide interest income.
Advantages Offered by Government Bonds
- Government bonds are backed by the government’s guarantee, ensuring stability and assured returns.
- Inflation-indexed bonds protect investors from rising prices, maintaining the real value of their investments.
- Government bonds also provide semi-annual interest payments, offering investors a source of regular income.
Limitations of Government Bonds
- With the exception of 7.75% GOI Savings Bonds, government bonds usually offer lower interest rates.
Additionally, their maturity tenures, which range from 5 to 40 years, may become less relevant over time, especially in the context of inflation.
INDIA, U.S. FRAMEWORK FOR INITIATIVE ON CRITICAL AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY (ICET)
Introduction
India and the United States have initiated a collaborative effort to tackle regulatory obstacles and align export controls in the field of advanced technology for mutual advantages.
The iCET Framework: A Strategic Collaboration
This collaboration, known as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), was introduced during the Quad meeting in Tokyo in May 2022. Its primary goal is to bolster their strategic partnership and enhance cooperation in technology and defense.
Embracing Critical and Emerging Technologies
- iCET encompasses critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunications.
- Both nations are dedicated to shaping the development, governance, and use of technology based on their shared democratic values and a commitment to universal human rights.
Key Aspects of the Framework
- Key aspects of the framework include the establishment of supply chains, support for co-production and co-development, the creation of a research agency partnership focused on AI, and the development of a defense industrial cooperation roadmap.
- Additionally, the framework aims to establish common standards in AI, foster innovation in defense technology through an “innovation bridge” for defense startups, support semiconductor ecosystem development, strengthen cooperation in human spaceflight, advance collaboration in 5G and 6G, and implement OpenRAN network technology in India.
Progress and Milestones
- Progress made under this framework includes the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and the U.S. for a semiconductor supply chain, the launch of a public-private dialogue (PDD) on telecommunication to promote collaboration in OpenRAN, 5G, and 6G, and significant discussions on AI and space.
- Furthermore, the two countries are on the verge of finalizing a substantial jet engine deal.
INDUS-X: Shaping the Defense Industrial Landscape
- Under the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), a roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation has been established to guide policy direction in the coming years.
- Additionally, a Strategic Trade Dialogue has been formed to address regulatory obstacles and review existing export control norms, facilitating strategic technology and trade collaborations envisioned by iCET.
India’s Contribution to Emerging Technologies
- India has also undertaken various initiatives in emerging technologies, including the formation of Artificial Intelligence Committees, Centers of Excellence in areas like the Internet of Things, Virtual & Augmented Reality, Gaming, VFX, Computer Vision, and Blockchain Technology.
Furthermore, India has developed the National AI Portal (INDIAai), initiated a Proof of Concept for AI Research Analytics and Knowledge Dissemination Platform (AIRAWAT), and engaged in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.
India-Bangladesh consensus to save Sundarbans
- In a recent update, officials and experts from Bangladesh and India convened in Kolkata to establish a collaborative effort addressing climate-induced loss and damage in the Sundarbans at international forums.
- These international platforms would encompass the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12.
Key Collaboration Highlights:
- Both nations have acknowledged the Sundarbans as a global climate change hotspot, characterized by escalating high-intensity cyclones, sea level rise exceeding double the global average, and substantial erosion resulting in widespread forced displacement.
- According to data from the West Bengal government, the impact of just three cyclones—Bulbul, Amphan, and Yaas—resulted in losses amounting to approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
- Furthermore, out of the total population at risk, nearly five million reside in India, with the remainder in Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest:
- The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the world’s largest, spans across India and Bangladesh within the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers along the Bay of Bengal.
It borders India’s Sundarbans World Heritage site, designated in 1987.
- This area is traversed by a intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands hosting salt-tolerant mangrove forests, offering a vivid illustration of ongoing ecological processes.
- Renowned for its diverse wildlife, the region is home to 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger, and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python.
The Sundarbans faces substantial threats:
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is divided between West Bengal, India (40 percent), and Bangladesh (60 percent).
- Climate change has exacerbated issues in this region, impacting a significant population multiple times and posing a threat to its unique ecosystem, including the Bengal tigers.
- The Sundarbans project aligns with the global initiative, Project CAT (Conserving Acres for Tigers), which aims to create healthy habitats for tigers by preserving six million acres of protected land across four countries.
From women’s reservation to gender equality
Context:
Gender equality reform relies on recognizing unpaid work and equitably distributing household responsibilities to ensure fair progress.
Gender Representation in Indian Politics
- The recent approval of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, which allocates one-third of seats to women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, marks a significant stride towards achieving gender parity in Indian politics.
- Global Gender Gap: India’s current representation of women in Parliament, standing at approximately 15%, ranks it 141st among 193 nations.
- Moral Obligation and Consensus: Increasing female representation in politics is widely acknowledged as a moral duty, and the smooth passage of this legislation reflects a growing consensus on the significance of women’s involvement in governance.
Challenges and Contingencies in Implementation
- Census and Delimitation: The effective execution of the Women’s Reservation Bill hinges on the forthcoming Census and subsequent delimitation procedures.
- Legality of Contingency Clause: The legality of connecting a law to an uncertain future event, such as delimitation, raises legal questions that may require constitutional court consideration, introducing added complexities into the reform process.
- Social Change: Achieving gender justice necessitates an equitable distribution of household responsibilities, addressing the substantial burden of unpaid work carried by women.
Building Capacity and Ensuring Effective Reform
- Recognition of Unpaid Labor: Recent research underscores the significant imbalance in unpaid domestic labor, with women dedicating considerably more time to these responsibilities than men.
- Capacity Development: As more women enter politics due to the reservation law, lessons from initiatives like EMILYs List in the U.S. emphasize the importance of mentorship, campaign guidance, and capacity-building endeavors for women in politics.
Role of Government and Institutions: The National Commission for Women and the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women must undergo restructuring to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
UNFPA India's 2023 Ageing Report
Context:
In a recent report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), it was disclosed that India’s elderly population is on a significant growth trajectory, with expectations that it will exceed 20% of the total population by the year 2050.
Key findings from the report:
- Elderly Population Growth: India’s elderly population is expanding rapidly, with an estimated decadal growth rate of 41%.
- Elderly vs. Children Population: The UNFPA’s 2023 India Ageing Report predicts that by 2046, the elderly population in India might surpass the population of children (those aged up to 15 years).
- Poverty Among the Elderly: Alarmingly, over 40% of India’s elderly population falls within the poorest wealth quintile, and approximately 18.7% of them live without any source of income, which can significantly impact their quality of life and access to healthcare.
- Population Aged 80 and Above: The report forecasts a staggering 279% increase in the population aged 80 and above between 2022 and 2050, with this age group expected to be predominantly composed of widowed and highly dependent elderly women.
- Gender Disparities: Gender disparities in life expectancy are evident in India, with women generally outliving men. This difference varies across states and union territories.
For instance, states like Himachal Pradesh and Kerala show significant variations, with women at the age of 60 having a life expectancy four years longer than men in these regions, raising concerns about the social and economic well-being of elderly women with high life expectancies.
- Changing Sex Ratio Among the Elderly: The sex ratio among the elderly has been steadily increasing since 1991, in contrast to the stagnation in the general population’s sex ratio.
Central India has witnessed a notable increase in the sex ratio, indicating that women have a higher survival rate after the age of 60 over the past decade.
- Gendered Nature of Poverty in Old Age: Poverty among the elderly is gendered, with older women more likely to be widowed, living alone, without income, and dependent on family support. Policymaking should address the specific needs of the aging population, including the feminization and increasing prevalence in rural areas.
- Inter-State Variation in Elderly Population: There is significant variation in the absolute levels and growth of the elderly population across states, reflecting different demographic transition stages. Southern and select northern states report a higher share of the elderly population compared to the national average, with this gap expected to widen.
States with higher fertility rates, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, are projected to see an increase in the elderly population share but remain below the national average. Meanwhile, central and northeastern regions have states with younger populations, as indicated by the aging index.
Quantum Supremacy (QS)
Context:
In recent times, a significant breakthrough in the realm of quantum computing has been highlighted in a publication featured in Nature Physics.
Quantum Computing:
Quantum computing is gaining increasing attention due to its potential to provide superior speed and efficiency in problem-solving when compared to classical computing systems.
Quantum Supremacy:
The concept of quantum supremacy denotes the capacity of a quantum computer to solve specific problems at a much faster rate than classical computers, establishing quantum machines as superior in performance.
Quantum Bits (Qubits):
- In contrast to classical bits, which are confined to values of 0 and 1, quantum computers employ qubits.
- Qubits can assume values of 0, 1, or exist in a superposition of both states.
- This property enables them to store more information and execute a significantly larger number of operations.
Entanglement and Complex Problem Solving:
Qubits possess the remarkable quality of entanglement, granting quantum computers the ability to tackle intricate problems that lie beyond the reach of classical computing systems.
Scalability of Quantum Computers:
- The true breakthrough of quantum computers lies in their scalability.
The computational capability of quantum computers for specific tasks increases exponentially with the number of qubits, a sharp contrast to classical computers, which exhibit linear growth.
P-hard Problems:
- Quantum circuits, composed of qubits and quantum gates, are indispensable in quantum computing.
- These circuits can manipulate qubits to perform specific functions and resolve complex mathematical challenges.
- Classical computers encounter difficulties when dealing with #P-hard problems, a subset of counting problems that encompasses the estimation of the probability of random quantum circuits producing particular outcomes.
Cayley Path and Quantum Advantage:
- Ramis Movassagh’s research introduced the Cayley path as a demonstration of quantum supremacy.
- His work illustrated that estimating the probability of outcomes from random quantum circuits is a #P-hard problem, one that overwhelms classical computers and serves as a computational hurdle that quantum computers can surmount.
Impact and Quantum Complexity Theory:
- Quantum supremacy carries implications for various fields, including cryptography, offering potential advantages once hardware and materials advancements are realized.
Quantum complexity theory delves into the boundaries of complexity as defined by quantum computers and challenges the extended Church-Turing thesis, which suggests that classical computers cannot efficiently simulate all physical processes.
78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Context:
India’s External Affairs Minister recently addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The theme for this session was “peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability.”
Some key points from the minister’s address include:
- India has transitioned from the era of non-alignment to what they call the “era of Vishwa Mitra,” signifying their aspiration to be a friend to the world.
- India aims to enhance cooperation with various partners, including those from the QUAD, BRICS, and I2U2.
- The importance of respecting territorial integrity and refraining from interference in internal affairs was emphasized, with a note that selective application of these principles is unacceptable.
- The minister urged the United Nations to modernize the Security Council, highlighting that broad representation is essential for its effectiveness and credibility. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 was presented as an inspiring example.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the most inclusive body within the United Nations, where all 193 Member States have an equal vote.
UNGA comprises six primary committees, each dealing with different aspects, including disarmament, economics, humanitarian affairs, political issues, administrative matters, and legal concerns.
Functions:
- The functions of UNGA include the appointment of the Secretary-General upon the Security Council’s recommendation, the election of non-permanent Security Council members, and the approval of the UN budget.
- Furthermore, UNGA engages in discussions, debates, and recommendations on a wide range of global issues, such as international peace and security, development, disarmament, human rights, international law, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Additionally, it assesses the financial situations of member states and considers reports from the other organs of the United Nations.
Antimatter
Introduction:
- Antimatter is the opposite counterpart of ordinary matter and was generated in equal quantities during the inception of the universe, although it has become exceedingly rare in the present day.
- The simplest atom, hydrogen, is abundant in the Sun and comprises a positively charged proton and a negatively charged electron.
- Antimatter possesses reversed electrical charges in comparison to regular matter.
- In scientific experiments conducted at CERN, antihydrogen, the antimatter equivalent of hydrogen, is employed.
- Antihydrogen features a negatively charged proton (antiproton) within its nucleus, with a positively charged electron (positron) orbiting it.
- Recent research has revealed that both matter and antimatter respond to gravity in an analogous manner, challenging earlier assumptions.
The significance of comprehending antimatter’s behavior, including its reaction to gravity, is paramount in unraveling the enigma of why the Universe is predominantly composed of matter rather than antimatter.
TIGER CENSUS
Context:
In July, the Odisha government announced its own tiger census and expressed doubts about the accuracy of the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022. Recently, the state disclosed its strategy for conducting the census.
- Odisha reported the deployment of 733 camera traps within the state, in contrast to Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, which deployed 6,894 and 4,872 traps, respectively.
Key Details about All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2022:
- Oversight Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Highest Tiger Population: Madhya Pradesh (785), followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
- Top Tiger Reserves: Corbett (260), Bandipur (150), and Nagarhole (141).
- Population Trends: An increase observed in Central India, the Shivalik Hills, and the Gangetic plains, while a decrease occurred in the Western Ghats.
Tiger Census in India:
– Conducted every four years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with state forest departments, conservation NGOs, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Tiger:
- Conservation Status: IUCN – Endangered, CITES – Appendix I, WPA, 1972 – Schedule I.
- Characteristics: Tigers are solitary creatures, but mother tigers care for their cubs for approximately two years. Each tiger has unique stripes, akin to human fingerprints.
- Significance: Tigers are considered a flagship, umbrella, and keystone species in India.
- Indian Population: As of April 2023, the tiger population in India stands at 3,167, according to the Tiger Census 2022.
- Indian Conservation Program: Project Tiger was initiated in 1973, overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- Global Conservation Initiatives: These include Global Conservation Assured/Tiger Standards (CA/TS), St. Petersburg Declaration (TX2), Global Tiger Forum (GTF), and Global Tiger Initiative (GTI).
