Daily News Digest 22 Jan 2024

Table of content

• Democratic backsliding: On the state wielding the FCRA as a weapon
• The Post Office Bill, 2023
• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
• NISAR Mission
• Kairali AI Chip
• Kolam designs
• Madhika Language
• Mosquitofish, used to fight mosquitoes, has become invasive in India
• Mpemba effect
• The India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
• Karbi Anglong
• Donetsk Region

Democratic backsliding: On the state wielding the FCRA as a weapon

Time to Read :🕑 7 Mins

Why in news?

The Government has cancelled Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of think tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR).

What is Centre of Policy Research (CPR)?

• CPR is a leading public policy think tank located in New Delhi. 
• It is one of the national social science research institutes recognized by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
• The office of the think tank in New Delhi was surveyed by the Income Tax department in 2022.
• In 2023, the Income Tax department had cancelled the tax exemption status of CPR.
• The IT department alleged that the association made payments to persons who have not filed their personal Income Tax returns and raised questions about the books published by CPR being commercial in nature.

Why was the license of Centre for Policy Research (CPR) canceled?

• Violation of FCRA regulations: CPR has allegedly used foreign funds for purposes other than its registered educational activities. 
• Misusing funds to publish reports on "current affairs programs": CPR’s publications have been equated with current affairs programming which is prohibited for an entity using FCRA funds.
• Transferring funds to other entities without prior permission: This raised concerns about transparency and accountability in fund usage.

Why are some experts and activists criticising the action of the Government?

• Concerns about Government overreach and targeting: Potential misuse of  the FCRA as a tool to silence critical voices and suppress dissent. 
• Inconsistencies in applications: While some institutions with alleged violations have faced less stringent action, CPR has been subjected to a complete license cancellation.
• Non democratic: It has potential negative impact on India's reputation as a democracy and a hub for academic research. The cancellation of CPR's license could discourage international scholars and researchers from collaborating with Indian institutions.
• Censorship and stifling academic freedom: it sends a chilling message to other think tanks and academic institutions, potentially discouraging independent research and criticism of the government.

What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)?

• FCRA is a law enacted in 1976 during the Emergency to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals and associations.

Provisions of the FCRA are:

• Registration:  Any individual, association, or company that wants to receive foreign contributions needs to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Coverage:  The FCRA covers all forms of foreign contribution, including donations, grants, loans, and gifts above a threshold. 
• Restrictions:
  • They cannot be used for political or religious activities.
  • They cannot be used to finance activities that are detrimental to national security or public order.
  • They must be used for the purposes for which they were approved.
• Validity and renewal
  • FCRA registration is granted for five years.
  • NGOs are required to apply for renewal within six months of the registration's expiry.
  • Failure to apply for renewal results in the registration being deemed expired, and the NGO cannot receive or utilize foreign funds without permission.

What were the recent amendments done to FCRA ?

• Mandatory use of "FCRA Account": All foreign contributions must be received and held in a designated "FCRA Account" with a specific branch of the State Bank of India.
• Restrictions on administrative expenses: The maximum permissible administrative expenses that can be incurred from foreign contributions was reduced from 50% to 20%.
• Increased scrutiny of foreign donors: The government gained more power to scrutinize foreign donors and their motives.
• Restrictions on transfer of foreign funds: The transfer of foreign funds to other entities was further restricted.
• Streamlined online filing: The process of applying for registration and filing reports was made more efficient through online platforms.
• Increased reporting requirements: Organizations receiving foreign contributions must now submit more detailed reports to the government.

Changes done through FCRA Rules 2022 :

• Number of compoundable offences increased from 7 to 12, 
• Exemption from intimation to the government for contributions less than Rs 10 lakh (earlier limit was Rs 1 lakh) received from relatives abroad
• Increase in time limit for intimation of opening of bank accounts.

The Post Office Bill, 2023

Time to Read :🕑 7 Mins

Why in news?

President of India has given assent to Post Office Bill 2023. 

Key Features:

• Context: The Bill replaces the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, which regulates India Post, a departmental undertaking of the central government.
• Removal of government monopoly: The Bill removes the government's exclusive privilege over conveying letters, opening up the market for private companies.
• Increased power for Director General: The Director General of Postal Services will have more power to regulate services, set tariffs, and issue postage stamps.
• Interception powers: It provides that interception of an article being transmitted through post may be carried out on the following grounds: (i) the security of the state, (ii) friendly relations with foreign states, (iii) public order, (iv) emergency, (v) public safety, or (vi) contravention of the provisions of the Bill or any other laws. An officer empowered by the central government through a notification may carry out interception..
• Exemption from liability: India Post will not be liable for most lapses in service, except for fraud or willful misconduct by its officers.
• No offences or penalties: The Bill does not specify any offences or penalties for postal violations.

Key issues

• Lack of procedural safeguards for interception: The Bill raises concerns about privacy and freedom of speech due to the lack of safeguards for interception of postal articles.
• Grounds for interception: The inclusion of "emergency" as a ground for interception raises concerns about its potential misuse.
• Limited consumer protection: Exemption from liability and lack of a dedicated redressal mechanism may leave consumers vulnerable to poor service.
• Absence of consequences for violations: The lack of specific penalties for postal violations may discourage accountability and harm privacy.
• Financial sustainability of India Post: The Bill does not provide any financial support for India Post, which may hinder its ability to compete effectively in the market.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Time to Read :🕑 9 Mins

Why in news?

Recently, the External Affairs Minister led the Indian delegation at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda.

Background

• The NAM was established in 1961 at the height of the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is an alliance of developing nations that refuses to identify with any major superpower (NATO and Warsaw Pact countries).

NAM’s Principles

• According to NAM, it is dedicated to upholding the UN’s core values of non-use of force and respect for each member state’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and security.
• NAM nations have focused on a number of topics in recent years, including globalization, development, food security, and nuclear concerns.
• The NAM has its origins in an Asia-Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia. The movement’s founders are President Sukarno of Indonesia, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and President Josip Tito of Yugoslavia.
• After the United Nations, NAM is the second-largest grouping of nations. Currently, NAM membership consists of 120 countries, It also includes the non-UN member state of Palestine, 17 other observer countries, and 10 observer organizations.
• The summit usually takes place every three years. The nation that rotates as chairmanship bears the responsibility of organizing and running the Movement’s operations.

NAM in Cold War Era

India and the NAM

• India is a founding member of the NAM. And since its birth NAM has been playing a very active role in fostering cooperation among nations.
• NAM did benefit India because it allowed India to promote our national interest as per our preferences, NAM has allowed India to manage through the situation of bipolarity.
• However, after the disintegration of the USSR and the end of the Cold War, India started waning away from the NAM.
• Today, the world is multipolar, and India has global ambitions, therefore, India must take the leadership of the NAM. NAM can help in the rise of India’s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south.
• In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation. India being the leader of the NAM, can raise key issues of economic, political, and social development to achieve the desired results.
• With the help of the NAM, India can mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in WTO etc.
• India can use its historic ties to bring together the NAM countries. India’s strength lies in soft power rather than hard power.
• Preserver of Peace: During the Cold War Era, the Non-Aligned Movement aimed at international peace and peaceful settlement of disputes through diplomacy.
• Opposing Apartheid: NAM took political and economic actions against the South African government and economically assisted African countries supporting the anti-apartheid movement who faced sanctions over their support.
• Against Imperialism: The primary objectives of non-aligned countries focused on the support of self-determination, national independence and the sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Nuclear disarmament: Peace and disarmament constitute the basic principle of the Non-Aligned Movement. The successive gatherings of the Member States have repeatedly urged for general and complete disarmament.
• UNSC Reforms:  The Non-Aligned Movement since its inception, has asked for reform in the UN in accordance with the principles and procedures established by the Charter of the United Nations. 

Relevance of the NAM

• World Peace: The movement plays a key role in maintaining world peace and preserving the independence of every nation is equally relevant. It acts as a catalyst to foster cooperation between South nations.
• NAM for multilateralism: The end of the cold war has raised various hopes as well as possibilities of creating a new world order. NAM can act as a protector for its member states against the western hegemony who opposes multilateralism.
• UNSC Reforms: Total strength of NAM i.e.120 members are also in general assembly. That is why NAM members play an important role in U.N.O.
• Economic development: After the Cold War, there is still an economic divide between developed and developing countries. NAM has significant relevance in today’s world as the movement now shifts from a political concept to an economic one.
• Voice of Developing countries: Since most of its members are developing nations of third world, NAM serves as a great platform to have their voice in the U.N. It can provide its members a forum where they can discuss their common problems and find out solutions
• Culture diversity and human rights: NAM is the protector of human right and culture diversity. NAM has always been active to secure the human rights of every nation and if found to be violated it stands for its protection.

Way Forward

• Non- Alignment has not lost any of its relevance rather it has stood the test of time. NAM can play the most important role in protecting the economic interest of third world countries as well as promoting south- south cooperation.
• NAM can provide a platform for Afro-Asian cooperation and a strong position for poor African nations to have healthy negotiations with China and US for economic development without compromising the sovereignty of their land.

NISAR Mission

Why in news?

It was recently in the news that the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission is on track for early 2024 launch.

Background

• It is a joint collaboration between NASA and ISRO to detect movements of the planet’s surface as small as 0.4 inches through a SUV-sized satellite called NISAR.
• NISAR will be the first radar of its kind in space to systematically map Earth, using two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes in our planet's surface.
• Under the mission, the NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has provided the S-band radar, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch system and spacecraft.
• The satellite will operate for a minimum of three years.

Expected Benefits of NISAR

What is L & S Band?

• L band is a wavelength band adjacent to the Conventional band (C- Band). L-band signals are known for their ability to penetrate various obstacles, such as vegetation and light precipitation. They have a relatively low susceptibility to interference from rain and atmospheric conditions.
• S-band frequencies generally fall between 2 to 4 GHz. Because of the wavelength and frequency, they are not easily reduced in strength. This makes them useful for near and far range weather observation.
• Earth Mapping: NISAR will provide a wealth of data and information about the Earth's surface changes, natural hazards, and ecosystem disturbances, helping to advance our understanding of Earth system processes.
• Disaster Management: The mission will provide data for infrastructure monitoring and management, such as monitoring of oil spills, urbanization, and deforestation.
• Agricultural Enhancements: NISAR data will be used to improve agriculture management and food security by providing information about crop growth, soil moisture, and land-use changes.
• Climate change: NISAR will help to monitor and understand the impacts of climate change on the Earth's land surface, including melting glaciers, sea-level rise, and changes in carbon storage.
• Management of Natural Resources: NISAR's data can help people worldwide better manage natural resources and hazards, as well as providing information for geologists to better understand the location and quantum of natural resources.

Kairali AI Chip

Time to Read :🕑 3 Mins

Why in news?

Digital University Kerala has designed the State’s first silicon-proven artificial intelligence (AI) chip – Kairali AI Chip.

About Kairali AI Chip

• The chip leverages unique features to deliver capabilities such as speed, power efficiency and scalability. It is touted to contribute its edge intelligence (or edge AI) in a wide array of areas including agriculture, aerospace, mobile phone and automobile industries, drones and security.
• Kairali AI Chip facilitates edge intelligence, which allows the complete storage and processing of information from the sensory circuits with minimum power and latency, which helps in offloading cloud computations.

Applications

• Agriculture: The chip can enable precision farming techniques by providing real-time monitoring of crop health, soil conditions and environmental factors. This can help in optimizing the use of resources and enhancing the crop yields.
• Mobile phone: The chip can improve the efficiency and performance of smartphones by enabling advanced features such as real-time language translation, enhanced image processing and AI-powered personal assistants.
• Aerospace: The chip can augment the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellites by providing advanced processing power for navigation, data collection and real-time decision-making, all with minimal power consumption. 
• Automobile: The chip can be a game-changer for autonomous vehicles by providing the necessary computing power for real-time processing of sensory information, which is essential for safe and efficient autonomous driving.
• Security and surveillance: The chip can enable faster and efficient facial recognition algorithms, threat detection and real-time analytics by using its edge computing capability.

Kolam designs

Time to Read :🕑 3 Mins

Why in news?

As a part of the rituals, people make beautiful Pongal Kolams or Rangolis at the entrance of their house.

About Kolam

• It is a traditional form of drawing found across southern India. It is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically colored powders.
• A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grrid pattern of dots.
• In South India and Sri Lanka, it is widely practised by female Hindu family members in front of their houses.
• Kolams are regionally known by different names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila, Hase and Rangoli in Kannada in Karnataka.

Madhika Language

Time to Read :🕑 3 Mins

Why in news?

The Chakaliya community, in Kerala's Kannur district is grappling with the imminent loss of its unique language Madhika.

About Madhika Language

• It is a blend of Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam, 
• It is largely influenced by Havyaka Kannada, an old form of Kannada.
• Like many native languages that perished, Madhika too is pushed into oblivion by a dominating language, Malayalam.
• K.P. Narayanan, 87, and his niece Rajputhri, the last fluent speakers of Madhika, fear that after them, the language, which has no script, will be lost to the world. 
• Chakaliya community, initially recognised as a Scheduled Tribe, it was later included in the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.

Mosquitofish, used to fight mosquitoes, has become invasive in India

Time to Read :🕑 7 Mins

Why in news?

A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish have invaded various ecosystems across India.

Background

What is mosquito fish?

• It is also known as Gambusia Fish, and is widely used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae.
• It is native to the waters of the south-eastern United States.
• It has been a part of mosquito-control strategies for over a century in various parts of the world, including India.
• A single full grown fish eats about 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
• Also it has been part of various malaria control strategies in India since 1928, including the Urban Malaria Scheme.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared Gambusia one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. 
• Among mosquito predators were two species of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.

Is mosquitofish ‘used’ in India?

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India’s nodal medical research organisation, plays a significant role in mosquito management in the country – particularly in the context of controlling mosquito-borne diseases and conducting research to develop effective strategies.
• In 1928, Gambusia was first introduced in India during British rule. 
  • Later, various governmental organisations, such as the ICMR, the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), local municipal corporations, the Fisheries Department, and the Health Department, alongside other private organisations in India, took over as part of their efforts to combat malaria.
• The government also entrusted several municipal corporations, district administrations (and their health departments), fisheries departments, tribal development agencies, local aquaculturists, and the general public with introducing these fish across India.
• Today, as in the American story, Gambusia, has become widespread in India as well, establishing self-sustaining populations in various habitats around the country.

What effects has mosquitofish had?

• Wildlife biologists and conservations consider mosquitofish to be among the hundred most detrimental invasive alien species. 
  • Aside from their resilience, these fish also have voracious feeding habits and have demonstrated aggressive behaviour in habitats to which they are introduced. 
• For Example, India’s Gambusia story thus underscores the importance of careful consideration, research, and monitoring when using biological control methods to manage pest species.
• Studies conducted in other countries have consistently revealed the harmful consequences of the presence of Gambusia in water bodies. 
  • For example, in Australia, introduced mosquitofish have led to the local extinction of the red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis), an endemic fish species. They have also been observed preying on the eggs and larvae of native fish and frogs. 
  • A study from New Zealand highlighted the threat posed by Gambusia to their native aquatic biodiversity. 
  • In India, some reports have indicated a decline in Microhyla tadpoles following the introduction of Gambusia.

Way forward

• The first has to do with the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) – of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare – displaying a recommendation on its website for the use of Gambusia and Poecilia (guppy) fishes to manage mosquitoes. This recommendation must be removed.
• Second, for effective mosquito control, alternatives to Gambusia should come from local solutions. 
  • Experts have suggested a collaboration between mosquito biologists/entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists, with a focus on river basins. 
  • Together, they can compile lists of native fish species in each basin that are capable of controlling mosquito larvae. 
  • Then, based on these lists, authorities can release the relevant species into the natural environment, sidestepping the risk of ecological repercussions posed by invasive alien species.

Mpemba effect

Time to Read :🕑 3 Mins

Why in news?

The Mpemba effect has recently captured the attention of scientists. After many experiments, we still don’t have a clear agreement on what causes this puzzling phenomenon.

About Mpemba effect

• Mpemba is a phenomenon in which hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions. It is named after Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba, who observed it in the 1960s.

Researchers have conducted numerous experiments to determine the causes of this confusing phenomenon, but a consensus conclusion remains wanting.

• Microbubbles: They have posited microbubbles left suspended in water that has been heated by boiling. These cavities promote convection and transfer heat faster as the water cools. 
• Evaporation: As warmer water evaporates more, it also takes away some heat (evaporation is inherently endothermic, which is how sweat cools your skin). 
• Frost: Both convection and accelerated heat transfer are enhanced in warmer water because such water is less dense. Yet another factor could be the presence of frost in cold water. Frost is an insulator and could slow the loss of heat. 
• Present of calcium carbonate: Scientists have also considered whether compounds in water like calcium carbonate could be precipitated by boiling, and then dissolve, thus increasing the water’s freezing point.

The India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor

Time to Read :🕑 11 Mins

Why in news?

The article highlighted the concerns of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a proposed trade route.

Background

IMEC Challenges

• Geopolitical issue: The corridor spans diverse nations with complex geopolitics, and navigating these tensions will be crucial for the project's success.
• Economic issue: Some economists and regional experts have expressed reservations about the feasibility of achieving IMEC's objectives, such as cutting transportation costs and boosting trade. For example, critics of IMEC say Arab Street would simply not allow any major trade between Saudi Arabia and Israel. 
• Regulatory issue: The project's implementation will require coordination and cooperation among multiple countries, which may face regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic delays. For Example, Etihad rail and Gulf railway, one of whose routes is proposed to terminate at Al Haditha.  
• Security issue: The IMEC is likely to face significant security challenges, including threats from extremist groups and illicit activities due to geopolitical rivalries.
• Interstate tensions: Conflicting interests of trade powers may result in power struggles and potential resistance during the project's implementation.
• Uncertainty: The Israel-Hamas war has added further complexity to the initiative, and its outcome remains uncertain at the time of writing.

There will be a changed West Asia

• Geopolitics is probably the biggest hurdle before IMEC. 
  • According to the Studies at the Observer Research Foundation, after the Gaza war, West Asia will look much different. 
  • Turkey, which has been explicitly left out of IMEC, has already been expressive about its irritation and proposed an alternative to Saudi Arabia and Israel through Iraq and itself to access the Mediterranean.
  • Turkey will eventually be brought into the project. He is also optimistic that the long-term trend towards greater trade and strategic links between Israel and Arab nations that was championed by the Abraham Accords will hold.
• The political resurrection of Donald Trump has two implications
  • IMEC will be the sort of project that would sync with a business-focused Trump if he were to become President of the U.S. again. 
  • His patience and interest in a major global project, bolstering China’s doubts regarding U.S. commitment towards the IMEC. Chinese experts doubt the infrastructural proposals that IMEC is promising, critiquing the US's pattern of making empty promises.

Transport by IMEC

• Besides trade, electricity and digital cables, IMEC is proposed to carry hydrogen pipelines. 
• Hydrogen
  • As the world moves towards decarbonisation, hydrogen produced from fossil fuel­based processes such as methane reforming will continue to be the transition fuel until electrolysis or other “green” processes become practical. 
  • Hydrogen sourced from fossil fuels would keep Gulf nations in business in the hydrogen economy too with the corridor serving that purpose.
• Containerisation 
  • For India, however, the containerisation through rail and road in IMEC is a big draw. Containerisation radically quickens trade, and reduces port costs. 
  • India’s National Logistics Policy, unveiled in 2022, seeks to lower logistics costs to global levels by 2030. Beefing up containerisation would be a key pathway towards achieving that goal.
  • In India, some 70% of containers move by road but optimum splits should be 30% road, 30% rail and the rest, coastal and inland shipping, says Ennarasu Karunesan, a shipping industry professional whose long career includes heading Chennai Container Terminal Terminal and Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone, Gujarat. “Road is faster but rail movement of containers is cheaper,” he says.
  • The dedicated rail freight corridors that link to two IMEC ports of Mundra and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) will play into IMEC logic. But these rail projects skirt southern India, by and large. Containers in the south typically find their way to the Colombo transshipment container terminal via Chennai, Tuticorin/Thoothukudi and so on. 
  • The south can potentially leverage IMEC that promises to cut delivery schedules by 40% if it also sees dedicated freight corridors as part of an all­India network.

Possible template

• Meanwhile, IMEC will have to undergo a key debottlenecking. Haifa cannot be India’s main gateway to the West since its current container traffic is barely one third of Mundra or JNPT and a tenth of India’s current container exports. The Adani stake in Haifa port could help sync it with Adani­owned Mundra in terms of planning for capacity expansion.
• According to some researchers, IMEC will likely draw U.S., European, and Saudi financing, coupled with Indian financing and implementation capacity, particularly in ports.
  • He says the United States International Development Finance Corporation funding for Adani Ports­owned Colombo deepwater container terminal could be a template for Haifa.

Conclusion

The participating nations' continued dedication and collaboration will be crucial to overcoming the current obstacles. The US can be a major asset to the IMEC, given its strong security infrastructure and vast counterterrorism experience.

Karbi Anglong

Time to Read :🕑 1 Mins

Why in news?

Recently, Assam’s Karbi Anglong was in news on the account of the record for the longest line of people walking on stilts.

About

• The Karbi Anglong plateau is an extension of the Indian peninsular plateau in Assam. This plateau is separated from the main block by the Garo-Rajmahal Gap.
• The geography of Karbi Anglong District mostly consists of plains and covered hills.
• There are numerous rivers and tributaries that originate from here, Some of the prominent rivers are Kopili River, Nambor River, Amreng River, Deopani River, Borpani River.
• Some areas of the Karbi Anglong district are currently under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India. 

Donetsk Region

Time to Read :🕑 1 Mins

Why in news?

Recently, Russia accuses Ukraine of using indiscriminate weapons and attacking civilian infrastructure in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian city of Donetsk.

About Donetsk

• This entire region, which includes Donetsk, Luhansk and their respective separatist territories, is generally referred to as the ‘Donbas’ region.
• The Donbas region is named after the Donets River, which flows through the area.
• Donbas region is located on the Russian border adjoining Russia, has a majority Russian-speaking population.
• It is an industrial area and is famous for its coal reserves. Ninety percent of Ukraine's coal is believed to be in the Donbas Region.