Civil Snippets: SC To Study Anti-Conversion Laws of Uttarakhand and U.P. #GS2 #Governance

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SC to study anti-conversion laws of Uttarakhand and U.P. #GS2 #Governance
The Supreme Court agreed to examine the constitutional validity of laws enacted by States, such as
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, that criminalise religious conversion via marriage and mandate prior
official clearance before marrying into another faith.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde, however, did not stay the implementation of the
Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 and the Uttarakhand Freedom of
Religion Act, 2018, despite fervent pleas by petitioners that “rampaging mobs are lifting off people in
the middle of wedding ceremonies,” buoyed by the enactment of the laws.
“What we have here is multiple States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh enacting these laws
which are absolutely horrifying. They require prior permission to marry,” senior advocate C.U. Singh
submitted.
Mr. Singh argued that the burden of proof was on those who married to show they were not doing so to
get converted.
“Those who are found guilty under these laws stare at a 10-year prison sentence. The offences are non-
bailable. We are getting reports that people are being picked up in the middle of weddings on suspicion
of religious conversion,” he said.
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However, the Bench, which asked the petitioners to go to the respective State High Courts with their
challenge, did not stay the implementation of the laws.
Mr. Singh said the laws concerned violation of the fundamental rights of dignity and liberty enshrined
under Article 21. They had been enacted despite a series of judgments by the Supreme Court, including
in the Hadiya case, that right to marry a person of one’s choice was part of an adult’s privacy.
“Under the laws, a person marrying into another faith should give a month’s prior notice to the
authorities. There will be an inquiry. The provisions are oppressive,” he argued.
The petition filed by advocates Vishal Thakre and A.S. Yadav and researcher Pranvesh, who were
represented by advocates Sanjeev Malhotra and Pradeep Kumar Yadav, said the laws were against
public policy and society at large.
“These laws will create fear in society and become a potent tool in the hands of bad elements to falsely
implicate anyone. A grave injustice will be done by the ordinances... They will create a chaotic situation,”
it said.
A series of Supreme Court verdicts underline that the choice of a life partner, whether by marriage or
outside it, was part of an individual’s “personhood and identity”.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/sc-to-study-anti-conversion-laws-of-uttarakhand-and-
up/article33515629.ece
Cabinet upholds tax waiver to Michael Jackson’s 1996 concert #GS2

#Governance
More than 24 years after a concert in Mumbai by King of Pop Michael Jackson, Maharashtra cabinet on
Wednesday retrospectively upheld the entertainment tax waiver granted for it.
The program was conceptualised by the now defunct Shiv Udyog Sena — then headed by Raj Thackeray,
estranged cousin of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and now Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)
president — and organised by Wizcraft Entertainment.
The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, a consumer rights organisation, had moved the high court in 1996
challenging the entertainment tax waiver. A division bench of the Bombay High Court had set aside the
old order, citing “non-application of mind”, and sent the matter back to the government for
reconsideration.
The profit from the event, around Rs. 3.4 crore, had been deposited with the high court treasury as per
court orders. In 2011, the high court had ruled that the state government has a right to extend waiver
under section 6(3) of the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act. In court, Wizcraft had claimed the profit.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/cabinet-upholds-tax-waiver-to-michael-jacksons-1996-
concert/article33516375.ece
No trace of bird flu in State, says Minister #GS2 #Govrenance
Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav has asserted that there were no traces of avian
influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in the State and hence, there was no cause of concern.
The Central government has announced that instances of bird flu were identified in Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh.
In the light of reports on incidence of bird flu in some States, the Minister held a review meeting with
senior officials on Wednesday to assess the situation. As many as 1,300 rapid response teams had been
constituted to constantly monitor the situation.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/no-trace-of-bird-flu-in-state-minister/article33516279.ece
Turbulence affects fire fighting in Dzukou Valley #GS3 #Environment
Turbulence because of terrain, controllability of chopper with 3,500 litres of water in a specialised
bucket dangling from a 23-ft cable and pinpointing target for spraying it have affected the operation to
douse a wildfire on the Manipur-Nagaland border.
The fire at the Dzukou Valley, a popular trekking and adventure destination, started a week back. Within
24 hours from December 31, the IAF engaged four choppers for the fire-fighting mission following a
request from the Nagaland government.
Taming the fire has turned out to be an uphill task despite several sorties, 12 of them on Monday. Seven
NDRF teams on the ground have doused the flames in more than 60% of the area.
Of the seven teams, comprising 100 personnel, three approached the affected area from near Essi hills
in Kohima district and four from Mao in Manipur’s Senapati district.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/turbulence-affects-fire-fighting-in-dzukou-
valley/article33515874.ece
‘Ordinance is based on UPA govt. suggestion’ #GS2 #Governance
The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance, 2020, is based on
suggestion made by the United Progressive Alliance Government to remove the blanket ban on
slaughter of cattle and allow slaughter of buffaloes.
The ordinance does not target any community’s eating rights, said State Animal Welfare Board Member
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/ordinance-is-based-on-upa-govt-
suggestion/article33516360.ece
‘Act tough against illegal sand extraction’ #GS2 #Governance
Minister for Mines and Geology C.C. Patil asked officials to act tough to prevent illegal mining and illegal
sand extraction in Udupi district.
He was speaking at a meeting of officials of the department in Karkala. Before allowing mining and sand
extraction, officials have to carefully study documents concerned.
They should not, however, deny permission for minor technical errors. Udupi district was given a target
of Rs. 24 crore royalty collection and so far, Rs. 16.29 crore was collected. He asked officials to reach the
target by March.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/act-tough-against-illegal-sand-extraction/article33516362.ece
12 avian flu epicentres in India #GS3 #Enviornment
Avian flu has been reported at 12 epicentres in four States — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh and Kerala.
Directions have been given to enforce culling of sick birds as per the government’s 2015 National Avian
Influenza Plan, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry.
In these States, cases of bird flu have been confirmed in crows in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, in
“migratory birds” in Himachal Pradesh, and in poultry and duck in Kerala.
Influenza (AI) viruses have been circulating worldwide for centuries with four known major outbreaks
recorded in the last century. India notified the first outbreak of avian influenza in 2006. Infection in
humans is not yet reported in India though the disease has an animal origin.
“There is no direct evidence that AI viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of
contaminated poultry products.
Implementing management practices that incorporate bio security principles, personal hygiene, and
cleaning and disinfection protocols, as well as cooking and processing standards, are effective means of
controlling the spread of the AI viruses,” the Health Ministry advisory added.
In India, the disease spread mainly from migratory birds coming into the country during the winter
months from September-October to February-March. However, secondary spread by human handling
cannot be ruled out.
In 2005, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, had prepared an action plan which was
revised in 2006, 2012, 2015 and 2021, for the guidance of State governments in the prevention, control
and containment of avian influenza.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/12-avian-flu-epicentres-in-
india/article33515585.ece
‘Cases of crime against women reduced in U.P.’ #GS2 #Governance

The Uttar Pradesh police informed the parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs that the
number of cases of crime against women had reduced in the State, even as many members flagged
various incidents, including the gang rape and subsequent death of a 19-year-old Dalit woman in
Hathras in September last.
This was the fifth meeting of the committee headed by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on
Atrocities and Crimes against Women Children.
Sources said a BJP member of the committee pointed out that the number of cases may have been
dipping simply due to the police’s reluctance to register complaints. “The BJP MP said and rightly so,
that when the government doesn’t register cases, naturally the number of cases will decline,” a member
said.
Even in the Hathras case, the family had to struggle to get the police file an FIR and in the initial
investigation, the police insisted that the girl had not been raped contrary to her own statement, before
her death, two weeks after the incident.
Mr. Sharma, however, said the case had been transferred to the CBI and was no longer under the
police’s jurisdiction.
The committee members said the U.P. police, unlike other States, had not registered a single zero FIR. A
zero FIR can be registered in any police station irrespective of where the incident took place.
The provision of a zero FIR came up as a recommendation in the Justice Verma Committee Report in the
new Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, devised after the December 2012 gang rape of a 23-year-old
girl in the territory.
In Wednesday’s meeting, representatives from the Rajasthan police and administration were also
present. It has met representatives of the Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, U.P. and Maharashtra governments.
The West Bengal government refused to send its representatives after it had a spat with the Union
Home Ministry over forcible transfer of three IPS officers. The Chief Secretary and the DGP of Haryana
also could not attend the Wednesday meeting, citing the ongoing farmers’ protest.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/cases-of-crime-against-women-reduced-in-
up/article33515580.ece
U.S. meddling in stand-off: Chinese envoy #GS2 #IR
A day after the U.S. Ambassador said India and the U.S. were cooperating against Chinese “aggressive
activity” at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), China’s Ambassador responded accusing the United States
of “meddling” in the India-China standoff.
“We have noticed recent remarks with reference to China by the U.S. side. We firmly oppose any third-
party meddling in China-India border issue and hope the U.S. relations with others not target any
specific country,” Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong wrote in a tweet on Wednesday.
In his farewell address on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster had referred to India-U.S. “close
coordination” on India’s challenge from “aggressive Chinese activity” on a “sustained basis” on its
border, calling America’s cooperation during the eight-month long stand-off as “very positive and very
supportive”.
While he refused to divulge specifics, which he said it was for the Indian government to disclose, the
U.S. was understood to have helped India with geospatial map information and the expedited supply of
extreme weather suits for soldiers.
“As far as the Chinese Ambassador’s statement is considered, he must realise that after China’s
unilateral actions on the LAC, and its stubborn position in talks to resolve the issue, China should not
expect that other countries will not react or that the matter can remain purely bilateral,” Lt. Gen. D.S.
Hooda, former chief of the Army’s Northern Command.
This is not the first time China has reacted sharply to comments by U.S. officials over the stand-off since
April 2020, after the PLA amassed troops at the LAC and claimed Indian territory.
In May, its Foreign Ministry had termed remarks by outgoing State Department official Alice Wells on
“provocations and disturbing behaviour by China” at the LAC and South China Sea as “just nonsense”
and said the border issue had “nothing to do with USA”.
In October, after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised to “stand with India” against what he
described as China’s threats to India’s “sovereignty and their liberty”, the Chinese MFA had accused the
U.S. of “preaching confrontation and geopolitical games”.
When asked about the diplomatic spat between the Ambassadors of the U.S. and China over the issue,
the MEA declined to make any immediate comment. The government has maintained that it is resolving
the situation at the LAC “bilaterally and diplomatically”.
In an interview to The Hindu last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had even called for China
to “take a bilateral path that is mutually respectful and mutual sensitive”.
India and China have held a number of bilateral talks at various levels.
While there has been no breakthrough on the ground in terms of disengagement or withdrawal of
troops, the two sides have held eight rounds of Corps Commander-level meetings, and are “in
consultations” to hold the ninth round shortly, an official said.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/us-meddling-in-stand-off-chinese-
envoy/article33515593.ece
‘Using God’s name to sell articles illegal’ #GS2 #Governance
The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has declared that advertisement of any article using
the name of any God and claiming that it has supernatural qualities, is “illegal” and falls under the
Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori
Practices and Black Magic Act.
A division bench of justices T.V. Nalawade and M.G. Sewlikar was hearing a petition filed by Rajendra
Ambhore, a teacher, seeking a direction and injunction to prevent advertisements on television channels
that promote the sale of articles like Hanuman Chalisa Yantra.
Mr. Ambhore said that in March 2015, he came across advertisements on TV claiming special,
miraculous and supernatural properties/qualities in Hanuman Chalisa Yantra prepared by one Baba
Mangalnath, who had achieved ‘Siddhi’ (supernatural powers) and was blessed by Lord Hanuman.
The Yantra costs Rs. 4,900 and was said to be made of 24-carat gold. Singers and such other celebrities
were shown in the ads talking about their experience, the plea said.
The court said telemarketers change the names of companies, Gods and Babas to show that each was a
different Yantra.
The court went on to say, “The objectives quoted in the Black Magic Act can be achieved mainly through
education. Reformists like Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who worked to remove evil
practices and spread awareness against superstition, were born on this soil.”
It could safely be said that at least basic education was available to everybody in the State. But even
highly educated people were attracted tomantra-tantraand black magic. In such a situation, the Black
Magic Act was required to be enacted even in a progressive State like Maharashtra.
“The propagation for sale by advertisement of any article, naming it Yantra or otherwise, by attaching
the name of any God to such an article, including Lord Hanuman or any Baba, with the representation
that these articles have special, miraculous and supernatural properties and that they will help people to
become happy, make progress in business, see advancement in career, show improved performance in
education, recover from disease etc., is illegal,” it held.
Such propagation and advertisement, falls under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human
Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, the court held.
The court directed the State and Vigilance Officers to register such crimes, giving reports against persons
who make such advertisements and sell such articles.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/using-gods-name-to-sell-articles-
illegal/article33515798.ece
China surging ahead, says NITI Aayog #GS2 #IR
At a meeting of the Standing Committee to discuss the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
the global economy, trade flows and financial markets, NITI Aayog officials said China continued to
outstrip India and, in fact, had managed to narrow the gap with the U.S. in the post-pandemic scenario.
The officials did not give any specific details about the current economic state of India.
A presentation given by Ajit Pai, consultant to NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, said the global
economy was at the same stage as it was in 1918 after the First World War.
The committee members asked whether COVID-19 had proved to be an inflection point in the global
supply chain and if China would still continue to be the factory of the world.
Painting a grim picture, the officials said China had been closing the gap between it and the U.S. This
could very well be a flashpoint between the two big economies of the world. China, the officials said,
had readjusted faster than the other economies in the post COVID-19 world.
NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, according to sources, equated the 2020 reforms with the 1991 opening of
the Indian economy.
“He claimed that the impact of 1991 reforms initiated by then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh is
equivalent to the opening of mine and coal sectors done by the Narendra Modi government. He was
lambasted by Trinamool MP Saugata Roy, who asked for more details about the so-called reforms,” one
of the members said.
There were no specific answers to the current state of the Indian economy. “They claimed that India
should become an export-based economy without actually laying down the specifics. It was a rhetorical
statement,” another member said.
The NITI Aayog officials, sources said, have assured that a separate presentation would be made about
it.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/china-surging-ahead-says-niti-
aayog/article33515601.ece
Forest dept. taking measures to prevent and report disease #GS2 #Governance
In view of the reports about spread of avian flu in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Kerala, and Rajasthan, and the subsequent directions by the Union Minister for Environment, Forests &
Climate Change, the Telangana Forest department has taken several measures to prevent and report the
disease.
The MoEF has, during a video conference on January 5, requested all states to take preventive measures
to control the spread of bird flu and detect and report all cases of deaths of birds to the authorities
concerned for necessary action.
Accordingly, the curator of Nehru Zoological Park and all officials in charge of Kakatiya Zoo, Warangal,
Manjeera Bird Sanctuary, Sangareddy, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary including Pakhal lake, Sivwaram
Wildlife Sancturay, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary including Kinnerasani Lake have been instructed to
constitute rapid response teams for patrolling in the areas where migratory birds congregate.
Similar directions have been issued to all the circle and division heads, a statement from the department
said.
The winter season attracts a large number of migrant birds from Northern region of Himalayas to
Southern States, which nest and breed in water bodies. Since these birds travel over long distances
crossing several states, it is essential to keep track of them at the nesting and breeding sites. Suitable
instructions have been issued in this regard, the statement said.
The field officers have been instructed to collect the carcasses of birds detected during this period, pack
them safely and send them to veterinary science laboratories for analysing and identifying cause of
death.
The department has requested the general public to be on alert during this period, and report any dead
birds to Wildlife Crime Control Cell at Aranya Bhavan on the toll free number 1800-425-5364 which
functions round the clock.
District officers have been requested to coordinate with the Animal Husbandry department as well as
respective district administrations to take required preventive measures and enhance the vigil.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/forest-dept-taking-measures-to-prevent-and-
report-disease/article33516297.ece
Science policy to boost journal access #GS3 #SnT
The proposed Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) aims to establish a system whereby all
researchers in India can access research published in top international journals at no cost.
The government will negotiate, said Akhilesh Gupta, senior adviser in the Department of Science and
Technology, on behalf of all research bodies with publishers to enable access. Currently, it costs around
Rs. 1,500 crore annually to subscribe to these journals.
“The price of subscription is very high and individual colleges cannot negotiate with publishers. Only a
small fraction of our researchers are now able to benefit from these subscriptions and we would like to
change that,” Mr. Gupta said at a media briefing.
The Science Ministry has not yet drawn up a plan of execution as the STI policy is still in draft mode. Mr.
Gupta said it was possible that the eventual cost to the exchequer would be higher but it would come
with the benefit of increased access.
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Ashutosh Sharma said, “Times have changed with the
future coming at us at a much faster pace.
This policy will help us prepare for the fast pace of change. New problems are emerging that can only be
tackled through science, technology, and innovation, and this policy is a right step in that direction to
build a strong foundation for the future.”
The policy sets a target for doubling the number of full-time equivalent researchers, gross domestic
expenditure on R&D (GERD) and private sector contribution to the GERD every five years.
The policy has been drafted through a “four track” process of consultation and endeavours to
implement major changes through short, medium and long-term mission mode projects.
Dr. Gupta said the process involved nearly 300 rounds of consultations with more than 40,000
stakeholders.
The policy is to identify and address the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian STI (Science,
Technology, Innovation) ecosystem to catalyse the socio-economic development of the country.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/science-policy-to-boost-journal-
access/article33515587.ece
No progress in talks with farmers, says SC #GS2 #Governance
Several rounds of talks between the government and farmer leaders have been inconclusive so far.
The CJI posted all the petitions concerning the farmers’ issue on Monday but said that it could be
adjourned if the Attorney General found it necessary for the sake of the ongoing talks.
The court also issued notice to the government on a separate petition filed by advocate Manohar Lal
Sharma, challenging the Third Constitutional Amendment of 1954 that included Entry 33, concerning
food and essential commodities, in the Concurrent List.
In the last hearing in the farmers’ case on December 17, the court said farmers had a constitutional right
to continue with their “absolutely perfect” protest as long as their dissent against the three
controversial agricultural laws did not slip into violence.
The court had also cautioned the Centre against trying to “instigate” violence. The CJI had stressed that
as fellow Indians, the judges too understood farmers’ problems.
But Mr. Venugopal had strongly objected to the farmers’ conduct. He had said they could not corner the
government into a ‘yes or no’ to their demand to repeal the laws.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/no-progress-in-talks-with-farmers-says-
sc/article33515570.ece
Committee to look into Ladakh issues #GS2 #IR
A committee would be constituted under Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy to find an
appropriate solution to the issues related to language, culture and conservation of land in the Union
Territory of Ladakh, the Home Ministry said in a statement.
A 10-member delegation of Ladakh met Home Minister Amit Shah.
“In view of the difficult geographical conditions and the strategic importance of Ladakh, all the
representatives expressed their concern with respect to conservation of language, culture and land of
Ladakh, participation of the people of Ladakh in its development, protection of employment and
changes in the demography of Ladakh region.
A protest was also held in this regard before the LAHDC [Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council]
elections,” the Ministry said.
Mr. Shah said the Centre was committed to developing Ladakh and conserving its land and culture.
The committee would comprise members of the delegation that met the Home Minister, elected
members from Ladakh, members of the LAHDC and ex-officio members representing the Government of
India and the Ladakh administration.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/committee-to-look-into-ladakh-
issues/article33515583.ece
Rajasthan to set up lab for testing birds #GS2 #Governance
After the spread of avian influenza among birds in Rajasthan, the government decided on Wednesday to
set up an accredited laboratory for testing samples of avian species for various diseases.
The testing facility will help avoid delay in identifying the cause of abnormal behaviour among birds and
taking preventive measures.
Animal Husbandry Minister Lalchand Kataria said here that a proposal for the establishment of a
regional laboratory in Jaipur would be sent to the Centre shortly.
The State was at present depending on the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, situated
in Bhopal, to which it had sent about 100 samples with the request for suggesting a treatment regimen.
The bird fatality count in the State has crossed 650.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/rajasthan-to-set-up-lab-for-testing-
birds/article33515599.ece
‘U.S. must drop charges against Julian Assange’ #GS2 #IR
The Editors Guild of India has urged the U.S. government to withdraw all charges against WikiLeaks
promoter Julian Assange. The U.S. government has been making a mockery of freedom of speech by
harassing and intimidating him, the Guild said.
The Guild’s statement came after the U.K. court’s judgment turning down the U.S. government’s request
to extradite Mr. Assange. The Guild said Mr. Assange was being persecuted for doing his journalistic
duty of speaking truth to power.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/us-must-drop-charges-against-julian-
assange/article33515600.ece
Lending apps: CB launches probe #GS2 #Governance
The Crime Branch has opened a prefatory investigation into the workings of increasingly popular mobile
phone applications that extend loans and cash advances to subscribers without much collateral or red-
tape.
S. Sreejith, Additional Director General of Police, Crime Branch, told The Hindu that the inquiry would
determine whether such impromptu financing land citizens in extortionate debt traps, rendering
borrowers vulnerable to intimidation and suicide.
The Crime Branch would also probe whether the attractively packaged mobile phone-based loan
schemes had Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanction.
Mr. Sreejith said so far the police have not stumbled upon any criminality. However, the agency would
investigate whether the digital financial operations violated the law. The CB has sought information
from police stations across Kerala on money lending-related crimes and unnatural deaths.
State Police Chief (SPC) Loknath Behera had ordered the probe based on reports that the law
enforcement in Telengana had busted a racket that threatened borrowers who defaulted payment.
The police learnt from their counterparts that the “mobile phone loan application” racketeers stole the
personal information stored on the mobile phones of debtors and used the data to blackmail, vilify or
harass them into repaying loans.
The suspects also created WhatsApp groups of borrowers. They used the groups to threaten and shame
them into meeting the conditions of their mortgage.
The police said women were victims of the racket in several States. Many borrowers seemed unable to
escape the vicious debt cycle and had attempted suicide. However, Kerala has not reported any such
incident so far.
Mr. Behera has asked the CB to get more information about the racket from other State law
enforcement and the Interpol.
He has asked the agency to use the High-Tech Cyber Inquiry Cell services to gauge the penetration of
mobile phone application-based advance-pay and loan services in Kerala.
Another official said offshore investors beyond the pale of the country’s law appeared to control the
operations. However, the police could book their local agents if found guilty of charging excessive
interest or using high-handed methods to recover loans.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/crime-branch-launches-probe-into-lending-
apps/article33515559.ece
China denies entry to WHO experts #GS2 #IR
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it was “very disappointed” that China had not allowed a
team of international experts to go ahead with a visit to study the origins of COVID-19 that was planned
for this week.
China’s decision to not permit the trip appeared to come at the last minute and catch the WHO by
surprise, with some of the experts already having left home and in transit when told the visit would not
take place.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was “very disappointed” the visit could
not go forward. “Today, we learned that Chinese officials have not yet finalised the necessary
permissions for the team’s arrival in China,” he said in Geneva.
The comments marked a rare instance of the WHO head expressing some displeasure with China’s
government, which he has consistently praised from the start of the pandemic.
He travelled to Beijing in January 28 last year, a week after authorities first revealed publicly that a
pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan could spread between people following three weeks of delays by local
authorities.
In a meeting then with President Xi Jinping, the WHO chief “praised the seriousness with which China is
taking this outbreak, especially the commitment from top leadership, and the transparency they have
demonstrated”.
Beijing defended its decision to delay the visit. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the
issue of origin-tracing was “very complicated”.
“To ensure the work of the international expert team in China goes smoothly, we have to carry out
necessary procedures and make relevant arrangements,” Ms. Hua said, adding that China had in
February and July last year invited WHO experts to come to China on the issue of tracing origins.
The WHO, however, said in December it had been granted permission for a visit of a team of 12-15
experts this month to study the origins of the outbreak. But how much the investigation will be able to
achieve and how much access the team will have, more than one year after the coronavirus outbreak
began in Wuhan, has been debated by experts.
Chinese authorities have suggested they will exert control over how much access international scientists
will have and have also controlled research within China on the origins. In recent weeks, the State media
in China has increasingly backed a narrative suggesting the virus came to China from elsewhere.
Chinese scientists have been told that any studies into the origins of the coronavirus will have to be
vetted by the authorities, while some scientists in China have put forward studies suggesting the virus
was circulating in other countries, such as Italy, before it came to China. One pre-print, later withdrawn,
suggested the first human transmission took place on the Indian subcontinent.
In November, Michael Ryan, the Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said
it would be “highly speculative” for the WHO “to say that the disease did not emerge in China”.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/china-denies-entry-to-who-
experts/article33515542.ece
Control over ‘data’ behind Alibaba’s tussle with authorities #GS3 #SnT
At the heart of the on-going tussle between Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group and regulators in China is the
control over “troves of consumer-credit data” that authorities believe have given the e-commerce giant
an unfair advantage over its competitors, according to a report.
“How to regulate data monopolies is at the heart of the issue here,” an adviser to the antitrust
committee of China’s State Council, or Cabinet, was quoted as saying by The Wall Street Journal .
On December 24, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said it had launched a probe
into Alibaba’s “suspected monopolistic acts”, including “forcing merchants to choose one platform
between two competitors”.
This followed the last minute suspension, the previous month, of what was expected to be a record-
breaking $35 billion initial public offering (IPO) of the Ant Group, which is the group’s financial arm and
behind Alipay, China’s biggest digital payments company.
China’s State media said last month Mr. Ma was “summoned” for talks ahead of the Ant Group’s IPO,
and talks with regulators are on-going.
The People’s Bank of China — China’s central bank — said last month it was, along with the banking and
insurance regulator and the securities regulator, holding talks with the Ant Group aimed at
“implementing financial regulatory requirements, holding onto fair competition and protecting
consumers’ legitimate rights”.
The Wall Street Journal report said “central to the crackdown” on the Ant Group was “what regulators
view as the unfair competitive advantage the company has over small lenders or even big banks through
swaths of personal data harnessed from its payment and lifestyle app Alipay”, adding that “equipped
with that information, Ant has originated loans to half a billion people and has gotten about 100
commercial banks to supply the majority of the funding”.
Authorities now, the report said, were “seeking to overturn that business model” and “planning to break
what they see as the company’s monopoly over data”, including by reportedly considering a plan
requiring the group “to feed its data into a nationwide credit-reporting system.”
The on-going probe has led to speculation about the future of Mr. Ma, who has cut back on public
appearances since the IPO suspension. The CNBC business news channel in the U.S. reported that the
billionaire “was not missing” but “lying low for the time being”.
While neither regulators nor State media in China have accused him of personal wrong-doing, he has
been asked, Bloomberg reported earlier, to stay in the country while investigations into the group
continue.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/control-over-data-behind-alibabas-tussle-
with-authorities/article33515549.ece
Services PMI signals expansion slowing, businesses halt hiring #GS3 #Economy
India’s services sector activity expanded at a slower pace in December as growth in sales eased to a
three-month low and staff hiring came to a halt amid weak business optimism, a monthly survey
showed.
IHS Markit’s seasonally adjusted India Services Business Activity Index fell to 52.3 in December, from
53.7 in November.
“Although the news that the service sector remained in expansion mode during December is welcome,
the fact that growth lost momentum yet again shouldn’t be disregarded,” said Pollyanna De Lima,
Economics Associate Director at IHS Markit.
Companies indicated that growth was supported by new work orders, though curbed by competitive
pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic, IHS Markit noted.
Global COVID-19 restrictions, particularly travel bans, reportedly restricted international demand for
Indian services at the end of 2020. New export business decreased sharply, but at the slowest pace since
March.
“A spike in COVID-19 cases was reported as a key factor restricting growth of new work intakes among
service providers, which in turn curbed the rise in output and led to increased business uncertainty
about the outlook,” Ms. Lima noted.
“Given the damaging impact of the pandemic on the service economy, some companies are facing
financial difficulties, which is preventing staff hiring. December saw the ninth round of job shedding in
ten months,” Ms. Lima added.
Input cost inflation was the strongest since February.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/services-pmi-signals-expansion-slowing-
businesses-halt-hiring/article33515521.ece
Maintain status quo on accounts of Anil Ambani firms, HC tells SBI #GS3
#Economy
The Delhi High Court asked the State Bank of India (SBI) to maintain status quo with regard to the
accounts of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Communication, Reliance Telecom and Reliance Infratel, which have
been declared fraudulent.
Justice Prateek Jalan, however, allowed the SBI to take further steps in the nature of investigation or
proceedings against the erstwhile directors and the three companies, independent of the order
declaring the accounts as fraudulent.
The high court was hearing a plea by the erstwhile directors of the three companies challenging a 2016
circular of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on declaration of their accounts as fraudulent by banks.
The plea stated that the RBI circular allowed the banks to declare an account as fraudulent without
giving any prior notice or communication to the account holder. The petition also stated that there were
similar cases filed by other companies challenging the circular pending before the high court.
The counsel for Reliance argued that the high court had granted protection to the other companies in
those cases.
Taking note of the submission, the high court directed the SBI to maintain status quo with regard to the
accounts of the three companies till next date of hearing on January 13, when it will be heard along with
other similar cases.
The court also asked the RBI to submit its response to the petition.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/maintain-status-quo-on-accounts-of-anil-ambani-
firms-hc-tells-sbi/article33515518.ece
SEBI moots entry norms to set up stock exchanges #GS3 #Economy
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has floated a discussion paper on review of ownership
and governance norms to facilitate new entrants to set up stock exchanges and depositories, otherwise
called as market infrastructure institutions (MIIs).
As per the key proposals, a resident promoter setting up an MII may hold up to 100% shareholding,
which will be brought down to not more than (either 51% or 26%) in 10 years.
A foreign promoter from Financial Action Task Force FATF member jurisdictions setting up an MII may
hold up to 49% shareholding, which shall be brought down to not more than (either 26% or 15%) in 10
years.
Foreign individuals or entities from other than FATF member jurisdictions may acquire or hold up to 10%
in an MII.
Any person other than the promoter may acquire or hold less than 25% shareholding.
At least 50% of ownership of the MII may be represented by individuals or entities with experience of
five years or more in the areas of capital markets or technology related to financial services.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/sebi-moots-entry-norms-to-set-up-stock-
exchanges/article33515511.ece
FM reviews NIP as part of infra spending push #GS3 #Economy
Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the progress of the
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) as the government seeks to accelerate infrastructure spending in
the economy.
The NIP has been expanded from 6,385 projects at the time of its introduction a year ago, to more than
7,300 projects, and is making progress despite the pandemic, the government said in a statement.
“The NIP is a part of the Government of India’s initiative to provide world-class infrastructure to its
citizens and enhance the ease of living,” Ms. Sitharaman said, urging Ministries to promote investible
projects by holding discussions with prospective investors.
The Minister reviewed progress of the NIP, with a specific focus on 34 water and health-related
infrastructure projects worth Rs. 3.6 lakh crore.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/fm-reviews-nip-as-part-of-infra-spending-
push/article33515516.ece
‘NBFCs may see growth revive in FY22’ #GS3 #Economy
Growth in assets under management (AUM) of non-banking financial companies, or NBFCs (excluding
infrastructure NBFCs), and housing finance firms will revive in FY22 to about 7-9% vis-a-vis a flat
performance during FY21, said ICRA.
The findings were based on a survey conducted across 60 NBFCs, which together account for more than
50% of the sectoral AUM and about 23 investors.
“Growth in FY22 is envisaged to be driven by the improvement in demand from all the key target
segments vis a vis current fiscal, which was impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown,” said A. M. Karthik, V-
P, sector head financial sector ratings, ICRA.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/nbfcs-may-see-growth-revive-in-
fy22/article33515509.ece
Spectrum bidding from March 1: DOT #GS3 #Economy
Bidding for the sixth round of spectrum auction for radio waves worth Rs. 3.92 lakh crore will start from
March 1, according to a notice issued by the Department of Telecom.
The auction is being held after a gap of four years and more than two years after the Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) calculated and recommended a base price for the radiowaves.
The DoT has fixed January 12 for the pre-bid conference and January 28 as the last date for seeking
clarification to the notice.
Telecom operators will need to submit their application by February 5 for participation.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/spectrum-bidding-from-march-1-
dot/article33515519.ece
Why to make notes of daily Hindu & IE editorial, when you can get directly. Do Smart work more than
hard work, so read these and secure good marks in Mains. For other months follow the below links-
January 2020 Hindu & IE Editorial Compilation & Imp. Article for quoting as an example
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Civil Snippets: SC To Study Anti-Conversion Laws of Uttarakhand and U.P. #GS2 #Governance

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SC to study anti-conversion laws of Uttarakhand and U.P. #GS2 #Governance

Cabinet upholds tax waiver to Michael Jackson’s 1996 concert #GS2

No trace of bird flu in State, says Minister #GS2 #Govrenance

Turbulence affects fire fighting in Dzukou Valley #GS3 #Environment

‘Ordinance is based on UPA govt. suggestion’ #GS2 #Governance

‘Act tough against illegal sand extraction’ #GS2 #Governance

12 avian flu epicentres in India #GS3 #Enviornment

‘Cases of crime against women reduced in U.P.’ #GS2 #Governance

U.S. meddling in stand-off: Chinese envoy #GS2 #IR

‘Using God’s name to sell articles illegal’ #GS2 #Governance

China surging ahead, says NITI Aayog #GS2 #IR

Science policy to boost journal access #GS3 #SnT

No progress in talks with farmers, says SC #GS2 #Governance

Committee to look into Ladakh issues #GS2 #IR

A 10-member delegation of Ladakh met Home Minister Amit Shah.

Rajasthan to set up lab for testing birds #GS2 #Governance

The bird fatality count in the State has crossed 650.

‘U.S. must drop charges against Julian Assange’ #GS2 #IR

Lending apps: CB launches probe #GS2 #Governance

China denies entry to WHO experts #GS2 #IR

Input cost inflation was the strongest since February.

SEBI moots entry norms to set up stock exchanges #GS3 #Economy

FM reviews NIP as part of infra spending push #GS3 #Economy

‘NBFCs may see growth revive in FY22’ #GS3 #Economy

Spectrum bidding from March 1: DOT #GS3 #Economy

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