The Pinnacle February 2021

THE
PINNACLE
By Law Chronicles
February Edition
2021
Why Choose THE PINNACLE:-

• Extracted from the trusted resources .
• Compilled with over 30 topics, most relevent for CLAT.
• Included a checklist just to ensure you are in correct lane.
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INDEX
1) RIGHT TO INFORMATION
2) ECONOMIC SURVEY 2021
3) SUB CATEGORISATION OF OBC
4) PM KISAN SCHEME
5) INDRADHANUSH 3.0
6) NAVEDEX AND IDEX 21
7) CECPA
8) PM WANI SCHEME
9) SHAHTOOT DAM IN AFGHANISTAN
10) GAGANYAAN MISSION
11) WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2021
12) GUJRAT 2 CHILD POLICY
13) MISSION INNOVATION 2.0
14) IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections
15) INDIA POLAND RELATION
16) NEW IT RULES 2021
17) REGULATION ON OTT AND DIGITAL CONTENT
18) UNION BUDGET
19) 15TH FINANCE COMMISION

RIGHT TO INFORMATION
Why in News
A report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the Centre for Equity Studies has pointed out
that more than 2.2 lakh Right to information cases are pending at the Central and State
Information Commissions (ICs), which are the final courts of appeal under the RTI Act, 2005.
▪ The report was released on the occasion of completion of the 15 years of Right to
Information (RTI) Act.
Key Points
Unavailability during Covid-19 lockdown: Out of the total 29 ICs that were studied, 21
were not holding any hearings.
o Even the websites of 3 ICs -Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland -were not accessible
during the lockdown.
o Websites of 11 commissions out of 29, had no information/notification about the
functioning of the IC during the lockdown.
Reduced Capacity: Of the 29 ICs, two ICs -Jharkhand and Tripura -were found to have no
commissioners for varying lengths of time. They were completely defunct.
o 4 were functioning without a Chief Information Commissioner -Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh.
o Under the RTI 2005 act, every commission should have a chief and up to 10
commissioners.
Delays and Backlogs: The assessment found that on average, the CIC takes 388 days
(more than one year) to dispose of an appeal/complaint from the date that it was filed
before the commission.
o The highest number of pending appeals, with over 59,000 cases were in Maharashtra,
followed by Uttar Pradesh and the Central Information Commissions (CIC).
No Penalties: The report found that the Government officials face hardly any
punishment for violating the law.
o Penalties were imposed in only 2.2% of cases that were disposed of, despite previous
analysis showing a rate of about 59% violations which should have triggered the
process of penalty imposition.
ECONOMIC SURVEY 2021
Why in News
Recently, the Union Minister of Finance presented the Economic Survey that details the state
of the economy ahead of the government's budget for the fiscal year beginning 1st April, 2021.
▪ The foundational theme of the survey is "Saving Lives and Livelihoods".
Key Points
Indian Economy and Covid:

o Strategy to face the pandemic:
▪ Response stemmed from the humane principle that:
• Human lives lost cannot be brought back.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth will recover from the temporary
shock caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
▪ India’s policy response also derived from extensive research on epidemiology,
especially that looked at Spanish Flu of 1918.
• One of the key insights was that pandemic spreads faster in higher and
denser population and intensity of lockdown matters most at the beginning
of the pandemic.
o Four Pillar Strategy:
▪ India adopted a unique four-pillar strategy of containment, fiscal, financial, and
long-term structural reforms.
▪ Calibrated fiscal and monetary support was provided given the evolving
economic situation.
• A favorable monetary policy ensured abundant liquidity and immediate
relief to debtors via temporary moratoria, while facilitating monetary policy
transmission.
▪ Cushioning the vulnerable in the lockdown and boosting consumption and
investment while unlocking, mindful of fiscal repercussions and entailing debt
sustainability.

o Covid pandemic affected both demand and supply:
▪ India was the only country to announce structural reforms to expand supply in
the medium-long term and avoid long-term damage to productive capacities.
• The Rs. 1.46-lakh crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is
expected to make India an integral part of the global supply chain and create
huge employment opportunities
▪ Demand-side measures have been announced in a calibrated manner.
• A public investment programme centered around the National

Infrastructure Pipeline to accelerate the demand push and further the
recovery.
Economic Recovery:
o V-shaped Economic Recovery after Lockdown:
▪ Starting July 2020, a resilient V-shaped recovery is underway.
▪ V-shaped recovery is a type of economic recession and recovery that resembles
a "V" shape in charting.
▪ Specifically, a V-shaped recovery represents the shape of a chart of economic
measures economists create when examining recessions and recoveries.
▪ A V-shaped recovery is characterized by a quick and sustained recovery in
measures of economic performance after a sharp economic decline.
▪ Reasons:
• It is supported by the initiation of a mega vaccination drive with hopes of a
robust recovery in the services sector and prospects for robust growth in
consumption and investment.
• V-shaped recovery is due to resurgence in high frequency indicators such
as power demand, rail freight, E-Way bills, Goods and Services Tax (GST)
collection, steel consumption, etc.
• The fundamentals of the economy remain strong as gradual scaling back
of lockdowns along with the support of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission have
placed the economy firmly on the path of revival.
o GDP’s Estimation:
▪ India’s real GDP to record a growth of 11% in 2021-22 and nominal GDP by
15.4% - the highest since independence.
• These projections are in line with International Monetary Fund estimates.
▪ India’s GDP is estimated to contract by 7.7% in the Financial Year (FY) 2020-21,
composed of a sharp 15.7% decline in the first half and a modest 0.1% fall in the
second half.
▪ Sector-wise, agriculture has remained the silver lining while contact-based
services, manufacturing, construction were hit hardest, and have been
recovering steadily.
▪ The external sector provided an effective cushion to growth with India
recording a Current Account Surplus of 3.1% of GDP in the first half of FY 2020-
21.
o Foreign Investment:
▪ Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of USD 27.5 billion during April-
October, 2020 - 14.8% higher as compared to the first seven months of FY 2019-
20.
▪ Net Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Inflows recorded an all-time monthly high
of 9.8 Billion Dollars in November 2020.

SUB CATEGORISATION OF OBC
Why in News
Recently, the Centre has extended the tenure of the Rohini Commission until 31st July, 2021 to
submit its report on Sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
▪ The Rohini Commission was constituted in October 2017 under Article 340 of the
Constitution. At that time, it was given 12 weeks to submit its report, but has been
given several extensions since, the latest one being the 10th.
▪ Article 340 deals with the appointment of a commission to investigate the
conditions of backward classes.
Key Points
Need for Committee for Sub-categorisation of OBCs:

o Ensuring Equality:
▪ It had been constituted to complete the task of sub-categorising 5000-odd
castes in the central OBC.
• OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central
government.
• The need for sub-categorisation arises out of the perception that only a few
affluent communities among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of
OBCs have secured a major part of this 27% reservation.
▪ Sub-categorisation would ensure more equitable distribution of opportunities in
central government jobs and educational institutions.
o Recommended by NCBC:
▪ In 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) had
recommended that OBCs should be categorised into extremely backward
classes, more backward classes and backward classes.
▪ The benefits of the reservation in OBCs are being cornered mostly by the
dominant OBC groups over the years so there is a need to recognise sub-quotas
for the extremely backward classes within the OBCs.

▪ NCBC has the authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding
socially and educationally backward classes.
Commission’s Terms of Reference (ToR):
o Examining Inequality: To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of
reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs
with reference to such classes included in the Central List.
o Determining Parameters: To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and
parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs.
o Classification: To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or
communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying
them into their respective sub-categories.
o Eliminating Errors: To study the various entries in the Central List of OBCs and
recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of
spelling or transcription.
Challenges Before the Commision:
o Data Deficiency:
▪ Absence of data for the population of various communities to compare with their
representation in jobs and admissions.
o Delaying of Survey:
▪ It was decided in Census 2021, data of OBCs will also be collected, but no
consensus has been reached regarding enumeration of OBCs in the Census.
Findings of the Commision Until Now:
o In 2018, the Commission analysed the data of 1.3 lakh central jobs given under OBC
quota over the preceding five years.
o It also analysed OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, including
universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs and AIIMS, over the preceding three years.
The findings were:
▪ 97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes
classified as OBCs.
▪ 24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities.
▪ 983 OBC communities (37% of the total) have zero representation in jobs and
educational institutions.

▪ 994 OBC sub-castes have a total representation of only 2.68% in recruitment
and admissions.
o In mid- 2019, the Commission informed that it is ready with the draft report (on sub-
categorisation). It is widely understood that the report could have huge political
consequences and face a judicial review so it's still not released.
OBC Recruitment in the Central Government Jobs (as per the Report submitted by the
Department of Personnel and Training to NCBC in 2020):
o From the data of 42 ministries/departments, OBC representation in Central
government jobs was found out to be:
▪ 16.51 % in Group-A central government services.
▪ 13.38 % in Group-B central government services.
▪ 21.25 % in Group-C (excluding safai karamcharis).
▪ 17.72 % in Group-C (safai karamcharis).
o Regarding NFS:
▪ NCBC also found out that a number of posts reserved for OBCs were being filled
by people of general category as OBC candidates were declared “NFS” (None
Found Suitable).
Revision of Creamy Layer:
o Even the revision of the income limit for the creamy layer for the OBCs is under
consideration.

PM KISAN SCHEME
Why in News
PM-KISAN Scheme completes one year on February 24, 2020.

So far, over 8 crore 46 lakh farmers covered under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi. Central Government transfers Rs.6,000 in three tranches every year to
beneficiaries.
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:
The scheme was started with a view to augment the income of the farmers by
providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country, to
enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well
as domestic needs. Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in
three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the
farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status.
The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT
Governments.
Ambit:
The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ fami lies
across the country, holding cultivable land upto 2 hectares. Its ambit was later expanded
w.e.f. 01.06.2019 to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of
their land holdings.
Exceptions:
Affluent farmers have been excluded from the scheme such as Income Tax payers in last
assessment year, professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants
etc and pensioners pensioners drawing at least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding
MTS/Class IV/Group D employees).
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INDRADHANUSH 3.0
Why in News
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 launched to expand immunization coverage

across the country.
1. The focus of IMI 3.0 will be on children and pregnant women who missed their
vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Mission Indradhanush?

To strengthen and re-energize the programme and achieve full immunization coverage
for all children and pregnant women at a rapid pace, the Government of India launched
“Mission indradhanush” in December 2014.
Mission Indradhanush’s Goal:

The ultimate goal is to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for
children up to two years of age and pregnant women.
Diseases covered:
It provides vaccination against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD)
i.e. diphtheria, Whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, meningitis
and pneumonia, Hemophilus influenza type B infections, Japanese encephalitis (JE),
rotavirus vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and measles-rubella (MR).
However, Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus influenzae type
B is being provided in selected districts of the country.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI):

To further intensify the immunization programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
launched the Intensified Mission (IMI) on October 8, 2017.
With this, the Government of India aims to reach each and every child up to two years
of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine
immunization programme/UIP.
1. The special drive was to focus on improving immunization coverage in select

districts and cities to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018.

NAVEDEX AND IDEX 21
Why in News
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Pralaya arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in the NAVDEX 21
(Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition), scheduled from 20
to 25 February 2021.
▪ INS Mysore (an indigenously built guided missile destroyer deployed in the Persian
Gulf) is also participating in the exhibition.
Key Points
About NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21:

o IDEX and NAVDEX, and the International Defence Conference are organised by the
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), in cooperation with the Ministry
of Defense and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces.
o IDEX/NAVDEX takes place biennially. The exhibitions showcase the latest
technologies and innovation in the global defence sector, support the growth of
UAE’s defence industry, and forge new relationships between major international
companies.
o IDEX is the only international defence exhibition and conference in the MENA
region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of
defence.
▪ MENA Region: MENA is an acronym for the Middle East and North Africa
region and includes approximately 19 countries.
• The MENA region accounts for approximately 6% of the world's population,
60% of the world's oil reserves, and 45% of the world's natural gas reserves.
• Countries are Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait,
Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
INS Pralaya:
o INS Pralaya, a ship of the indigenously built Prabal Class Missile Vessels, was
commissioned in the Indian Navy in 2002.

o The ship, built indigenously at Goa Shipyard Limited, bears testimony to capabilities
of the Indian shipbuilding industry and is a versatile platform capable of performing a
wide variety of surface warfare missions.
India and UAE Defence Relations:
o Defence relations between India and UAE have been steadily growing since the
upgradation of bilateral relations to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ in 2017.
▪ Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (capital
of UAE), was a Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2017.
o Towards enhancing interactions between the two navies, the inaugural edition
of Indian & UAE Navy bilateral exercise GULF STAR-1 was conducted in March 2018.
The next edition of the exercise is likely to be conducted in 2021.

CECPA
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and
Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and Mauritius.
• The India-Mauritius CECPA is the first trade agreement signed by India with a country in
Africa.
Key Points
About CECPA :
o It is a kind of free trade pact that aims to provide an institutional mechanism to
encourage and improve trade between the two countries.
o Under this agreement, countries reduce or eliminate the duties on the products. The
countries also give relaxation in the norms to promote the services trade.
Types of Trade Agreements
Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
o A free trade agreement is an agreement in which two or more countries agree to
provide preferential trade terms, tariff concession etc. to the partner country.
o India has negotiated FTA with many countries e.g. Sri Lanka and various trading blocs
as well e.g. ASEAN.
Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA):
o In this type of agreement, two or more partners give preferential right of entry to
certain products. This is done by reducing duties on an agreed number of tariff lines.
o Tariffs may even be reduced to zero for some products even in a PTA. India signed a
PTA with Afghanistan.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
o Partnership agreement or cooperation agreement are more comprehensive than an
FTA.
o CEPA covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of
economic partnership.
o India has signed CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA):

o CECA generally covers negotiation on trade tariff and TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas)
rates only. It is not as comprehensive as CEPA. India has signed CECA with Malaysia.
India-Mauritius CECPA
About:
▪ It is a limited agreement that will cover only select sectors. It will cover Trade
in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement, etc.
▪ Benefit to India:
▪ More than 300 domestic goods from agriculture, textiles, electronics and other
sectors will get market access at concessional customs duties in Mauritius.
▪ Indian service providers will have access to around 115 sub-sectors from the 11
broad service sectors, such as professional services, computer related services,
research & development, other business services, etc.
Benefit to Mauritius:
▪ It will benefit from preferential market access into India for its 615
products, including frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral
water, beer, alcoholic drinks, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and
apparel.
▪ India has offered around 95 sub-sectors from the 11 broad services
sectors, including professional services, R&D, other business services,
telecommunication, environmental, health, etc.
▪ Negotiation on Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM):
▪ India and Mauritius have also agreed to negotiate an Automatic Trigger Safeguard
Mechanism (ATSM) for some highly sensitive products within two years of the
signing of the agreement.
▪ ATSM protects the country from any sudden or dramatic increase in imports.
▪ Under this mechanism, if the imports of a product are rising alarmingly, then after
reaching a certain threshold, India can impose safeguard duties on imports from
Mauritius automatically. The same provision applies to Mauritius as well against
Indian imports.

India-Mauritius Economic Relations:
India had extended a ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 353 million to Mauritius in
2016. The New Mauritius Supreme Court building project is one of the projects
implemented under this package. This was jointly inaugurated by both the countries in
2020.
India and Mauritius have jointly inaugurated the Phase-I of the Metro Express
Project and the 100-bed state of the art ENT hospital project in Mauritius, also built
under the special economic package.
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), in 2019, the main import partners of
Mauritius were India (13.85%), China (16.69%), South Africa (8.07%), and UAE (7.28%).
The bilateral trade between India and Mauritius has registered a growth of
233% from USD 206.76 million in the Financial Year (FY) 2005-06 to USD 690.02 million
in FY 2019-20.
Mauritius was the second top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India
in 2019-20.
Other Recent Developments:
India and Mauritius signed a USD 100 million Defence Line of Credit agreement
Mauritius would get a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on
lease which would build its maritime security capabilities.
The two sides also discussed the Chagos Archipelago dispute, which was an issue of
sovereignty and sustainable development before the United Nations (UN).
o In 2019, India voted at the UN General Assembly in support of the Mauritian
position on the issue. India was one of the 116 countries that voted demanding that
the UK end its “colonial administration” from the group of islands.
India delivered 1,00,000 Covishield vaccines to Mauritius.

PM WANI SCHEME
Why in News
Recently, in a bid to fuel broadband internet proliferation across the country, the Government
of India launched PM WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) Scheme. The
scheme aims to bring large scale deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots through the country to drive up
connectivity options and improve digital access.
The scheme envisages setting up of public Wi-Fi networks and access points by local Kirana and
neighbourhood shops through public data offices (PDO will be set up on the lines of Public Call
Offices (PCOs)) that will not involve any licence, fee or registration.
Apart from, Public Wi-Fi being a low-cost option to reach unserved citizens and grow the
economy, it can revolutionise the tech world and significantly improve Wi-Fi availability across
the length and breadth of India.
Intended Benefits of PM WANI
New Wave of Internet Users: PM WANI will be able to connect a new wave of users not
just to commercial and entertainment options, but also to education, telehealth and
agriculture extension, and bring greater accountability to the government by boosting
transparency and interactivity.
Enabler for Digital India: The scheme would enable small shopkeepers to provide Wi-Fi
service. This will boost incomes as well as ensure youth gets seamless internet
connectivity.
o It can also strengthen the Digital India mission.
Cutting The Red Tape: Through PM WANI, the government is hoping that by cutting
through layers of bureaucracy and eliminating licences and fees, it can make it easy even
for a tea shop owner to register online as a service provider, opening up new income
avenues.
Domino Effect on Economy: According to the TRAI report, public Wi-Fi system on the
WANI architecture can lead to a 10% rise in net penetration which in turn can lead to a
1.4% increase in GDP.
Bridging the Digital Divide: PM WANI can result into a rapid scale-up of the Internet in
rural India, which will be transformative, given the low level of penetration — 27.57
subscribers per 100 population in 2019.
o Wi-fi linked to broadband fibre service can be the fastest route to bridging the
existing gap.
Low-Cost Alternative: Upcoming mobile technologies such as 5G may provide good
quality data, but they involve high investment in the new spectrum, connectivity
equipment and regular subscriber fees.
o The WANI system offers a way forward to connect low revenue consumers.
Issues Regarding PM WANI
Security Risks: A public WiFI network has several security issues. That’s because several
people access the network at the same time on the same spot.
o Thus public Wi-Fi is at a high risk of sending out confidential data (like passwords,
pins etc.) over the network.
Low Speed: As public WiFI network is usually accessed by several people at the same
time, it results in a considerable loss of bandwidth resulting in a slow network speed
o It is due to this fact, Google and Facebook’s attempts to provide public Wi-fi got shut
down earlier this year.
Cheap Mobile Data: As per TRAI in 2019, India now has among the cheapest mobile data
per GB in the world, with mobile data prices having reduced by 95% in the last five years.
o As 4G has become cheap and widely accessible, is there still a need to drive Wi-Fi in
this manner, rather than the “leapfrogging” of technology that people have
frequently talked about in the context of India

SHAHTOOT DAM IN AFGHANISTAN
Why in News
Recently, at the Afghanistan 2020 Conference, India has announced about 150 projects worth
USD 80 million.
Afghanistan’s President, officials from the United Nations (UN) and the European
Union (EU) officials, besides representatives of other countries, attended the conference.
Also, the USA has decided to reduce its troop presence in Afghanistan to about 2,500 by
January 2021.
Key Points
India’s Current Assistance:

o India will launch phase-IV of high-impact community development projects, which
include around 150 projects worth USD 80 million.
o It has signed an agreement for building the Shahtoot dam, which would provide safe
drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city.
▪ It builds on the 202 km Pul-e-Khumri transmission line of 2009, through which
India provides power to the city.
Earlier Assistance:
o India’s development programmes in Afghanistan are focused around five pillars:
▪ Large infrastructure projects.
▪ Human resource development and capacity building.
▪ Humanitarian assistance.
▪ High-impact community development projects.
▪ Enhancing trade and investment through air and land connectivity.
o Since 2001, India has committed USD 3 billion towards rebuilding and reconstruction
of Afghanistan.
▪ During the Taliban years from 1996 to 2001, India did not invest in Afghanistan.
o Chabahar Port in Iran, which provides alternate connectivity to Afghanistan.

▪ Afghanistan’s growth has been constrained by its landlocked geography and
Pakistan blocking transit access made the situation even worse.
o Pandemic Support: India sent more than 20 tonnes of medicines, other equipment
and transported 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan to address the Covid-
19 challenge.
Shift in Indian Perspective:
o The Indian government’s decision to invest in Afghanistan’s future, where the Taliban
is set to play a dominant role, is being seen as a major departure from the past.
▪ India also participated in the commencement ceremony of the intra-Afghan
talks in Doha in September 2020, where a 21-member Taliban team was also
present. It reflects India's realisation of ground realities and shifting sands in
Kabul’s power structure.
Reduction of Troops by USA:
o In February 2020, the USA and the Tabilan signed an agreement in Doha, (Qatar’s
capital).
▪ According to it, the USA would withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan in 14
months and would also release Taliban prisoners, held captive by the Afghan
government.
▪ In return, the Taliban assured that they would not allow transnational jihadist
organisations such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to use Afganistan as their
base and also committed to start direct talks with the Afghan
government, which began in September 2020.
▪ With the USA leaving at such a crucial point, it not only deprives Afghan forces
of the support they need, particularly the airpower, but also affects their
morale.
▪ The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has committed to funding
Afghan troops for four more years.
o However, this decision will leave Afghanistan with an uncertain future as the Taliban
is expected to take over after the troops’ withdrawal.
▪ The Taliban, who were ousted from power in 2001 after the USA invasion, have
since been fighting both foreign troops and the Afghan government.
▪ It now controls more than half of the country and contests the whole of it.
▪ Since the agreement was signed, the Taliban have conducted more than 13,000
attacks nationwide.
GAGANYAN MISSION
Why in News
Recently, the Union Minister of Science and Technology informed that the human spaceflight
module of Gaganyaan will be launched after the second unmanned mission planned in 2022-
23.
It was initially envisaged that the Rs. 10,000 crore Gaganyaan mission aims to send a
three-member crew to space for five to seven days by 2022 when India completes 75
years of independence.
o First unmanned mission is planned in December 2021.
It has been delayed due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
Key Points
About
o Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
o Under the Gaganyaan schedule:
▪ Three flights will be sent into orbit.
▪ There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
o The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian
astronauts, including a woman.
o It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7
days.
Payloads
o The payload will consist of:
▪ Crew module - spacecraft carrying human beings.
▪ Service module - powered by two liquid propellant engines.
o It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.
Launch

o GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,) the three-stage heavy
lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload
capability.
Training in Russia
o In June 2019, the Human Space Flight Centre of the ISRO and the Russian
government-owned Glavkosmos signed a contract for the training, which includes
Russian support in the selection of candidates, their medical examination, and space
training.
▪ The candidates will study in detail the systems of the Soyuz manned spaceship,
as well as be trained in short-term weightlessness mode aboard the Il-76MDK
aircraft.
▪ The Soyuz is a Russian spacecraft. The Soyuz carries people and supplies to and
from the space station.
▪ The Il-76MDK is a military transport plane specially designed for parabolic flights
of trainee astronauts and space tourists.
Significance:
o It will help in enhancement of science and technology levels in the country and help
inspire youth.
▪ Gaganyaan will involve numerous agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries
and departments.
o It will help in improvement of industrial growth.
▪ Recently, the Government has announced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, part of
reforms to increase private participation in the space sector.
o It will help in development of technology for social benefits.
o It will help in improving international collaboration.
▪ One International Space Station (ISS) put up by multiple countries may not be
enough. Regional ecosystems will be needed and Gaganyaan will focus on
regional needs: food, water and energy security.
India’s Other Upcoming Projects:
o Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India has planned a new moon mission
named Chandrayaan-3. It is likely to be launched in early 2021.
o Shukrayaan Mission: The ISRO is also planning a mission to Venus, tentatively called
Shukrayaan.
WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
SUMMIT 2021
Why in News
Recently, the World Sustainable Development Summit, the annual flagship event of The
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) was held.
▪ The theme of the 2021 Summit was ‘Redefining our common future: Safe and
secure environment for all’.
▪ TERI is a non-profit research institute, established in 1974. It conducts research
work in the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development for India
and the Global South.
Key Points
India’s Stand at the Event:

o Emphasis on Climate Justice:
▪ “Climate justice” is a term, and more than that a movement that acknowledges
climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other
adverse impacts on underprivileged populations.
▪ As per India, ‘climate justice’ is inspired by a vision of trusteeship - where growth
comes with greater compassion to the poorest. It also means giving the
developing countries enough space to grow.
o Reassurance to Climate Mitigation Efforts:
▪ India reassured commitments to its targets under the Paris deal to reduce
emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels.
▪ India’s steady progress on its commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality and
setting up of 450 gigawatts of Renewable Energy generating capacity till 2030
was also highlighted.
▪ Initiatives of India under International Solar Alliance were also discussed.
o Commitment to Enhancing Disaster Resilience:
▪ To enhance India’s disaster management capabilities, commitments to Coalition
for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) were assured.
• CDRI: A multi-stakeholder global partnership of country governments, UN
agencies, multilateral banks, private sector and knowledge institutions that
aims to build resilience into infrastructure systems to ensure sustainable
development.
India's Efforts Towards Sustainable Development:
o In March 2019, India achieved nearly 100% electrification through sustainable
technologies and innovative models.
o Through the Ujala Programme, 367 million LED bulbs were distributed which reduced
over 38 million tonnes carbon dioxide per year.
o Through the PM Ujjwala Yojna, more than 80 million households below the poverty
line have access to clean cooking fuel. India is working to increase the share of
natural gas in India's energy basket from 6% to 15%.
o The Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over 34 million households with tap
connections in 18 months.
o Through conservation efforts, the population of lions, tigers, leopards and Gangetic
river dolphins has gone up.

GUJARAT 2 CHILD POLICY
Why in News
The latest data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) shows India doesn’t
need a two-child policy: experts.
Supporting findings:
The use of modern contraceptives in rural and urban areas.

An improvement in family planning demands being met.
A decline in the average number of children borne by a woman.
These prove that the country’s population is stabilising.
Key data:
The Total Fertility Rate (number of children born per woman) has decreased a cross
14 out of 17 States and is either at 2.1 children per woman or less.
This also implies that most States have attained replacement level fertility, i.e., the
average number of children born per woman at which a population exactly replaces
itself from one generation to the next.
Criticisms related to two- child policy:

Critics argue that the population growth of India will slow down naturally as the
country grows richer and becomes more educated.
There are already well-documented problems with China’s one-child policy, namely
the gender imbalance resulting from a strong preference for boys and millions of
undocumented children who were born to parents that already had their one child.
By interfering with the birth rate, India faces a future with severe negative
population growth, a serious problem that most developed countries are trying to
reverse. With negative population growth, the number of old people receiving social
services is larger than the young tax base that is paying for the social services.
The law related may also be anti-women. Human rights activists argue that the law
discriminate against women right from birth (through abortion or infanticide of
female fetuses and babies).
A legal restriction to two children could force couples to go for sex-selective
abortions as there are only two ‘attempts’.

MISSION INNOVATION 2.0
Why in News
Recently, the Union Minister of Science & Technology addressed the Mission Innovation (MI) to mark the
beginning of phase-2 of the mission or Mission Innovation 2.0.
▪ India played a leadership role in MI Steering Committee and is a member of the

Analysis and Joint Research and Business & Investor Engagement sub-groups.
Key Points
Mission Innovation:
o Formation:
▪ Mission Innovation was announced on 30th November 2015, on the sidelines of
the Paris Climate Agreement to undertake ambitious measures to
combat climate change.
o Membership:
▪ It is a global initiative of 24 countries and the European Union to accelerate
global clean energy innovation.
o Principle:
▪ Commitment by all members to seek to double their clean energy innovation
investments over five years in selected priority areas.
▪ Each member according to its own priorities, policies, processes, and laws
independently determines the best use of its funding and defines its own
Research & Development priorities and path to reach the doubling goal.
▪ In many cases, MI members prioritise parts of their whole energy innovation
budget within their baseline.
o Objectives:
▪ Enhance the public sector investment to a substantial level.
▪ Increased private sector engagement and investment.
▪ Increase international collaboration.
▪ Raising awareness of the transformational potential of innovation.
o Innovation Challenges (IC):
▪ Innovation challenges are a major part of the mission innovation that is aimed
at leveraging research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) in technology
areas that could ultimately result in effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, increasing energy security, and creating new opportunities for clean
economic growth.
▪ There are 8 innovation challenges under the mission innovation:
• IC1 – smart grids, IC2 – Off-grid access to electricity, IC3 – Carbon capture,
IC4 – Sustainable biofuels, IC5 – Converting sunlight, IC6 – Clean energy
materials, IC7 – Affordable cooling and heating of buildings, IC8
– Renewable and clean hydrogen.
▪ The first phase has shown that work done under ICs have mobilized in a relatively
short period, relying on members' leadership and voluntary efforts to advance IC
objectives.
▪ These resources have dramatically accelerated the availability of the advanced
technologies that will define a future global energy mix which is clean,
affordable, and reliable.
Mission Innovation 2.0:
o To achieve the shared goal of accelerating innovation, all the members have agreed
to develop a second phase (2.0) that includes:
▪ An enhanced Innovation Platform building on current activities to strengthen
the global clean energy innovation ecosystem and to accelerate learning.
▪ New public-private innovation alliances – Missions – built around ambitious and
inspirational goals backed by voluntary commitments that can lead to tipping
points in the cost, scale, availability, and attractiveness of clean energy solutions.
Indian Initiatives Aligned with the Mission:
o Clean Energy International Incubation Centre:
▪ To support the start-up innovation ecosystem, the Clean Energy International
Incubation Centre established by the Department of Biotechnology, India under
a Public Private Partnership model has played a crucial role.
o Increased Solar Capacity:
▪ India has increased solar installed capacity by 13 times and expanded its non-
fossil fuel-based power generation to 134 Gigawatts, about 35% of total power
generation.
• The National Solar Mission (a part of the National Action Plan on Climate
Change) helped India to increase its solar capacity.
▪ India has embarked on an ambitious target of having 450 Gigawatts of
renewable energy by 2030.
o Biofuels:
▪ India is also working to considerably increase the proportion of the biofuel blend
in petrol and diesel:
• Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP): It aims at blending ethanol with
petrol, thereby bringing it under the category of biofuels and saving millions
of dollars by cutting fuel imports.
• The 2018 Biofuel Policy has the objective of reaching 20% ethanol-blending
and 5% biodiesel-blending by the year 2030.
▪ Five Centres of excellence in Bioenergy supported by Department of
Biotechnology in India are working on both fundamental and translational
research for advanced bio-fuels like biobutanol, biohydrogen and biojet fuels.
o Ujjwala Yojana:
▪ Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) which is the world’s most extensive
clean cooking fuel programme was launched in 2016 and is implemented by the
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through its Oil Marketing Companies.
▪ Through PMUY, initially, 5 crores below poverty line (BPL) households were
targeted for providing deposit free LPG connections to BPL households by
31st March, 2019. This target has been achieved.
▪ India has released around 150 million connections so far.
o Avoided Emission Framework for a sustainable future:
▪ India and Sweden under a partnership have developed an Avoided Emission
Framework for a sustainable future.
▪ Under this partnership, eight companies have been selected to demonstrate an
initial 100 million tons of potential CO2 emission reduction by 2030.

IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections
Why in News
Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to temporary measures
to offset Iran's decision to restrict access to inspectors.
▪ In December 2020, Iran’s Parliament passed the law demanding a suspension of

some inspections if the USA failed to lift sanctions.
Key Points
About:
o Iran will stop the implementation of the voluntary measures as envisaged in
the 2015 nuclear deal, as of 23rd February 2021.
o However, Iran will continue to implement fully and without limitation
its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA as before.
▪ Under a comprehensive safeguards agreement, the IAEA has the right and
obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all nuclear material in the
territory, jurisdiction or control of the State for the exclusive purpose of verifying
that such material is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive.
o No access will be given to the IAEA beyond safeguards of the Non-Proliferation
Treaty.
o Iran would deny the IAEA real-time access to footage from surveillance
cameras installed at some sites and, if sanctions are not lifted within three months,
delete it.
Significance of the Deal:
o It certainly seems likely to defuse a mounting sense of crisis surrounding Iran's
nuclear activities and efforts to breathe new life into the 2015 nuclear deal.
o It significantly reduces the impact of a new Iranian law, passed in 2020, which would
have seriously hampered the IAEA's ability to do its work.
2015 Nuclear Deal:

o In 2015, Iran with the P5+1 group of world powers - the USA, UK, France, China,
Russia, and Germany agreed on a long-term deal on its nuclear programme.
o The deal was named as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and in common
parlance as Iran Nuclear Deal.
o Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activity in return for the lifting of
sanctions and access to global trade.
o The agreement allowed Iran to accumulate small amounts of uranium for research
but it banned the enrichment of uranium, which is used to make reactor fuel and
nuclear weapons.
o Iran was also required to redesign a heavy-water reactor being built, whose spent
fuel could contain plutonium suitable for a bomb and to allow international
inspections.
USA Abandoning the Deal in 2018:
o In May 2018, the USA abandoned the deal criticising it as flawed and reinstated and
tightened its sanctions.
o Since sanctions were tightened, Iran has been steadily breaking some of its
commitments to pressure the remaining signatories to find a way to provide
sanctions relief.
o The USA held that it would attempt to force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil
and put pressure on Iran to negotiate a new nuclear accord.
IAEA’s Stand:
o In 2018, an International Atomic Energy Agency’s report concluded that Iran’s
stockpile of uranium and heavy water, as well as its implementation of additional
protocols, were “in compliance” with the agreement.

INDIA POLAND RELATION
Why in News
Recently, Poland has invited India’s Prime Minister while he will be visiting Portugal for
the European Union-India summit (May 2021), and Cornwall, United Kingdom to attend
the G7 grouping where India is a special invitee (June 2021).
Poland is also negotiating with India for a travel bubble arrangement to resume direct
flights suspended due to Covid-19 pandemic.
o Creating a travel bubble involves reconnecting countries or states which have
shown a good level of success in containing the Covid-19 pandemic domestically.
o Such a bubble would allow the members of the group to restart trade ties with
each other and open travel and tourism.
Key Points
Background:
o India and Poland diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the
opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957.
o The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition
to colonialism, imperialism and racism.
o During the Communist era of Poland (1944 to 1989), bilateral relations were close
and cordial, with regular high level visits, coupled with planned trade and economic
interactions by state trading organizations, underpinned by the rupee clearing
arrangements.
o The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path
in 1989.
o A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after
Poland joined the European Union in 2004, and became one of India’s key economic
partners in Central Europe.
Economic & Commercial Relations:
o Export

▪ Poland is India’s largest trade partner and export destination in the Central
European region, with bilateral trade growing almost seven-fold over the last ten
years.
▪ As per Indian statistics, the overall value of bilateral trade in 2019 was USD 2.36
billion.
• India’s export to Poland contributed to 0.48% of overall India’s export. Only
0.15% of India’s import was covered by Poland in 2019.
• As per the statistics, the increase of bilateral trade by 2.5% was visible in
2019 in comparison with previous years.
o Investment:
▪ Indian investments in Poland are valued at over USD 3 billion.
▪ Total Polish investment in India is estimated at USD 672 million.
o Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
▪ From April 2000 to March 2019, India recorded over USD 672 million of FDI from
Poland, 0.16%of its total FDI inflows in that period.
o Sectoral Collaboration:
▪ Agro and Food processing sectors:
• Poland possesses world class food processing including preservation/storage
technologies while India is one of the largest producers for many fruits, dairy
and agro products.
• An MoU on agriculture for technical and institutional cooperation was
signed between both countries in April 2017.
▪ Information Technology (IT) Sector:
• Around thirteen Indian IT companies, employing more than 10,000
professionals, are currently active in Poland and are also operating their
Europe operation from here.
▪ Textile Sector:
• India has presently a share of only 3.73% overall in the Polish Textile and
Apparel Imports (valued at USD 400 million).
• There is of course, much potential for increase in its exports, provided
conducive circumstances are created for Indian Exporters.

• Presently, about 30-40% of goods exported by India to Poland are re-
exported to other EU Countries.
▪ Mining/Energy Sector:
• Poland possesses reputed clean coal technologies and Polish public sector
companies have played a substantial role in development of mining and
power sectors in India.
• India and Poland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019
to enhance bilateral cooperation in the coal and mining sector.
▪ Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Sector:
• Given Poland’s strategic location, shortages in healthcare personnel and 25%
growth in the pharma market in the last 5 years, there are good
opportunities for Indian exporters and investors.
Cultural and Educational Relations:
o There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in Poland, with Polish scholars having
translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19th Century.
o Polish Mission organised the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019.
▪ Polish Post (Poczta Polska) issued a Commemorative Stamp on the 150th Birth
Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which was released on the occasion.
o On the occasion of 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Mission and Gurudwara
Sahib of Poland jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.
o The first International Day of Yoga was organized in 21 cities in Poland on June 21,
2015. An estimated 11000 people participated in public events.
Indian Community:
o Estimated at approximately 10,000, the Indian community in Poland consists of
traders (textiles, garments and electronics) who came after the collapse of
communism, and professionals with multinational or Indian companies and
software/IT experts, including a rising number of Indian students.

NEW IT RULES 2021
Why in News
Recently, the government has notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and
Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.
▪ These new rules broadly deal with social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
▪ These rules have been framed in exercise of powers under section 87 (2) of
the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and in supersession of the
earlier Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011.
Key Points
Background:
o 2018:
▪ The Supreme Court (SC) had observed that the Government of India may frame
necessary guidelines to eliminate child pornography, rape and gangrape
imageries, videos and sites in content hosting platforms and other applications.
o 2020:
▪ An Ad-hoc committee of the Rajya Sabha laid its report after studying the
alarming issue of pornography on social media and its effect on children and
society as a whole and recommended for enabling identification of the first
originator of such contents.
▪ The government brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under
the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
New Guidelines for Social Media/Intermediaries:
o Categories of Social Media Intermediaries:
▪ Based on the number of users, on the social media platform intermediaries have
been divided in two groups:
• Social media intermediaries.
• Significant social media intermediaries.

o Due Diligence to be Followed by Intermediaries:
▪ In case, due diligence is not followed by the intermediary, safe harbour
provisions will not apply to them.
▪ The safe harbour provisions have been defined under Section 79 of the IT Act,
and protect social media intermediaries by giving them immunity from legal
prosecution for any content posted on their platforms.
o Grievance Redressal Mechanism is Mandatory:
▪ Intermediaries shall appoint a Grievance Officer to deal with complaints and
share the name and contact details of such officers.
▪ Grievance Officer shall acknowledge the complaint within twenty four hours and
resolve it within fifteen days from its receipt.
o Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users:
▪ Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of
complaints of contents that exposes the private areas of individuals, show such
individuals in full or partial nudity or in sexual act or is in the nature of
impersonation including morphed images etc.
▪ Such a complaint can be filed either by the individual or by any other person on
his/her behalf.
▪ Additional Due Diligence for the Significant Social Media Intermediaries:
Appointments: Need to appoint Chief Compliance Officer, a Nodal Contact
Person and a Resident Grievance Officer, all of whom should be resident in
India.
▪ Enabling Identity of the Originator:
• Significant social media intermediaries providing services primarily in the
nature of messaging shall enable identification of the first originator of the
information.
• Required only for the purposes of prevention, detection, investigation,
prosecution or punishment of an offence related to sovereignty and integrity
of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, or
public order,
o Or of incitement to an offence relating to the above or in relation with
rape, sexually explicit material or child sexual abuse material punishable
with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years.

o Removal of Unlawful Information:
▪ An intermediary upon receiving actual knowledge in the form of an order by a
court or being notified by the Appropriate Govt. or its agencies through
authorized officer should not host or publish any information which is
prohibited under any law in relation to the interest of the sovereignty and
integrity of India, public order, friendly relations with foreign countries etc.
Rules for News Publishers and OTT Platforms and Digital Media:
o For OTT:
▪ Self-Classification of Content:
• The OTT platforms, called as the publishers of online curated content in the
rules, would self-classify the content into five age based categories- U
(Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).
▪ Parental Lock:
• Platforms would be required to implement parental locks for content
classified as U/A 13+ or higher, and reliable age verification mechanisms for
content classified as “A”.
▪ Display Rating:
• Shall prominently display the classification rating specific to each content or
programme together with a content descriptor informing the user about the
nature of the content, and advising on viewer description (if applicable) at
the beginning of every programme enabling the user to make an informed
decision, prior to watching the programme.
o For Publishers of News on Digital Media :
▪ They would be required to observe Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press
Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks
Regulation Act 1995 thereby providing a level playing field between the offline
(Print, TV) and digital media.
o Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
▪ A three-level grievance redressal mechanism has been established under the
rules with different levels of self-regulation.
• Level-I: Self-regulation by the publishers;
• Level-II: Self-regulation by the self-regulating bodies of the publishers;
• Level-III: Oversight mechanism.
o Self-regulation by the Publisher:
▪ Publisher shall appoint a Grievance Redressal Officer based in India who shall be
responsible for the redressal of grievances received by it.
▪ The officer shall take decision on every grievance received by it within 15 days.
o Self-Regulatory Body:
▪ There may be one or more self-regulatory bodies of publishers.
▪ Such a body shall be headed by a retired judge of the SC, a High Court or
independent eminent person and have not more than six members.
▪ Such a body will have to register with the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting.
▪ This body will oversee the adherence by the publisher to the Code of Ethics and
address grievances that have not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days.
o Oversight Mechanism:
▪ Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall formulate an oversight
mechanism.
▪ It shall publish a charter for self-regulating bodies, including Codes of Practices. It
shall establish an Inter-Departmental Committee for hearing grievances.

REGULATION ON OTT AND DIGITAL
CONTENT
Why in News
For the first time, the government, under the ambit of the Information Technology
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, has brought in
detailed guidelines for digital content on both digital media and Over The Top (OTT)
platforms.
1. While all the rules have been framed and notified under the existing Information
Technology (IT) Act, the administrative powers for regulation of OTT and digital news
sharing platforms shall be under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B).
Overview of the rules:
Three-tier grievance redressal mechanism:

First level- OTT provider: Here, the grievance redressal system will be at the level of
each OTT provider. Each complaint will have to be addressed within 15 days.
Second level- a self-regulatory body: If the complaint is not satisfactorily addressed,
then the complainant can scale it up to a self-regulatory body collectively established
by the OTTs.
Composition: This body will be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, a High
Court, or an independent eminent person from the field of media, broadcasting,
entertainment, child rights, human rights or other relevant fields.
Powers: This self-regulatory body also has “censuring” powers in case of any
incriminating content.
At the third tier, the government has equipped itself with overriding powers in the form
of “oversight mechanism”. An inter-ministerial committee will perform this function
and it will largely have the same powers as the collective self-regulatory body of the
OTTs.

Applicability:
The new guidelines place more onus on nearly all such companies which provide a
platform to host, share, view or modify content, while also including for the first time,
entities which are in the business of either creating or distributing news online under
the ambit of an online intermediary.
Safe harbour provisions:
The government has made social media intermediaries more liable for the content being
shared on their platform by following due diligence, failing which the “safe harbour
provisions” will not be applicable to them.
1. These safe harbour provisions have been defined under Section 79 of the IT
Act, and protect social media intermediaries by giving them immunity from legal
prosecution for any content posted on their platforms.
A grievances redressal and compliance mechanism:

Social media intermediaries will also be required to have a grievances redressal and
compliance mechanism, appointing a grievance officer whose name and contact details
will have to be shared, a resident grievance officer who shall have an office in Ind ia and
will be an Indian passport-holding citizen, and a chief compliance officer.
The chief compliance officer, who will have to be present in India, shall be responsible
for ensuring the platform’s compliance with the IT Act and the rules notified Thursd ay.
A nodal contact person who can be available round-the-clock for “coordination with law
enforcement agencies” will also have to be appointed by social media intermediaries.
Identification of the first originator of the information:
1. Social media intermediaries, upon being asked either by the court or by a

government authority, will be required to disclose the first originator of the mischievous
tweet or message, as the case may be.
2. The platform will, however, be liable to disclose the originator of the message
“only for the purposes of prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution or
punishment of an offence related to sovereignty and integrity of India, the
security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order”.
Fair opportunity:
Social media companies have been asked to give users a chance for explanation and a
fair opportunity to be heard before removing access to their accounts.

Compliance of ethics and rules:
A self-regulatory body, headed either by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or
an independent eminent person, shall also be formed, which will ensure the compliance
of ethics and rules by online digital news platforms.
“Emergency” powers:
“In case of emergency nature” the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
may “if he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient and justifiable” give orders to
block access. Such orders can be released “without giving an opportunity of hearing” to
the publishing platform.

UNION BUDGET
Why in News
The Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs presented the Union Budget 2021 -22
in Parliament, which is the first budget of this new decade and also a digital one in
the backdrop of unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
Laying a vision for AatmaNirbhar Bharat, this is an expression of 130 crore Indians who
have full confidence in their capabilities and skills.
Budget 2021 comes in the backdrop of the optimism of the economy turning the tide
from an estimated 7.7% contraction in 2020-21.
The Budget proposals for 2021-22 rest on 6 pillars:
Health and Wellbeing

Physical & Financial Capital, and Infrastructure
Inclusive Development for Aspirational India
Reinvigorating Human Capital
Innovation and R&D
Minimum Government and Maximum Governance
However, the construction of the six pillars, which was expected to be on the current
year’s enhanced expenditures, seems to be a bit misplaced, with very little increase in
the overall expenditure of the government.
The fiscal arithmetic provides evidence of this as the total expenditure for 2020-21 is
stated as Rs.34,50,305 crore in the revised estimates, with a capital expenditure at
Rs.4,39,163 crore.
The Budget estimates for 2021-22 states the total expenditure at Rs.34,83,236 crore.
This means an additional spending of just Rs.32,931 crore, which is less than even 1% in
a year of income contraction for a vast majority of the population.
The Economic Survey projects India’s real GDP growth to be 11% in 2021-22, which
is arrived by an implicit assumption of 4.4% inflation and a nominal GDP growth of
15.4%.
This double-digit growth projection is on a very low base and it is important to highlight
the fact that even if these numbers are realised, this growth path would entail a real
GDP growth of 2.4% over the absolute level of 2019-20.
This means that the Indian economy would take two years to reach and surpass pre -
COVID-19 levels.
This echoes the intensity of the abnormal times for the economy — which requires non-
standard policy responses, and which was the expectation from Budget 2021.
Real Concern: No multiplier effects soon:
However, the big bet for growth and employment generation, capital expenditure,
increases by 26% but still accounts for only 15% of the total expenditure.
This increase in capital expenditure, which is expected to be channelised via the
infrastructure push, in turn bears two risks at the moment.
1. First, there is the risk of delay in completion, which leads to cost overruns.
2. Second, as the life cycle of these projects is long, an inventory of funding needs to
the ready in the pipeline.
Thus, the immediate multiplier effects to lift the aggregate demand in the economy
might not emanate as quickly as expected.
Sector-specific targeted proposals, barring production-linked incentives for industry are
few as agriculture and the micro and small industries segment which shores up demand
with their consumption multipliers seem to have been accorded lower priority.
Risk and Regulatory issues are still left wide open:
There are no radical reform proposals for the agriculture sector, with no
announcements with regard to bringing urea under the nutrient-based subsidy
regime or rationalising the Public Distribution System issue prices of food grains.
In fact, the recent growth performance of the sector has led the Finance Minister not
to have any increase in cash transfers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
Scheme (PM-KISAN) from the existing Rs.6,000 per year.
Manufacturing growth, which is expected to be a catalyst in pushing the economy
toward the $5-trillion economy goal (by 2025), would depend entirely on how
private investments pick up.
While the textile sector is the focal point to push employment and industrialisation ,
a lack of concrete policies towards export promotion at a time when the exchange
rate is appreciating and a pedalling with tariffs to increase protection is
frequent, might undermine the competitiveness of manufacturing exports.
The creation of a development finance institution addresses one the three issues that
infrastructure provisioning faces in the economy.
While the financing part can be addressed to some extent by this new entity, the
other two execution risk and regulatory issues are still left wide open.
This new institution can be seen as the first step toward cleaning up the financial
sector as the amount set aside for the recapitalisation of public sector banks looks
short of the requirement.
Given the emphasis on start-ups and one-person companies, the stress on the
financial system in the coming years is likely to increase as these firms are more
prone to the cycles in the economy.
Urban unemployment left out:
The growth push of the Budget subsumes the welfare implications, which is the
hallmark of the ‘new welfarism’ model of the present government.
Both employment and demand generation are left largely to the vagaries of growth
cycles.
While extending the social security benefits to gig economy workers is a welcome
move, the lack of a concerted plan to tackle urban unemployment might prove cos tly,
given the demographic profile and pace of urbanisation of the country.
The Budget sets out some grand plans and does not provide the precise mechanisms
to achieve those.
However, it does attempt to spell out some institutional changes in major areas such
as tax administration and provides a push to public sector research and
development.
The digital push to Census operations might be a long-term investment towards
publishing vital data about the economy, quickly and in time.
The Budget reveals two interesting aspects of the political economy of

policy formulation:
Importantly, the Budget is candid on the fiscal deficit numbers and sets out a slow fiscal
glide path.
However, the resource mobilisation for spending seems to be banking on

disinvestment, privatisation and asset monetisation.

The route for reducing fiscal deficit, from 9.5% to 6.8% of GDP, rests on three
components: the benefit of a stronger denominator because of better nominal
growth, total revenue might get some boost from better tax revenue and compared
to last year, there is a renewed hope for better divestment revenues.
First, it shows how important it is not to have ‘one nation one elections’, as all the
States that are going for elections this year get enhanced outlays.
o Hence, States would be starved of this one-time bonanza if there is a
simultaneous election.
Second, the reaction of stock markets shows how important it is not to have
disruptive unexpected ‘strikes’ on the economy.
o The stock market which was expecting some shocks reacted positively and
looks relieved from the fear of ad hoc policy thrusts.
Conclusion:
The Minister for Finance said that Budget proposals will further strengthen the Sankalp
of Nation First, Doubling Farmer’s Income, Strong Infrastructure, Healthy India, Good
Governance, Opportunities for youth, Education for All, Women Empowerment, and
Inclusive Development among others.
Additionally, also on the path to fast-implementation are the 13 promises of Budget
2015-16-which were to materialize during the AmrutMahotsav of 2022, on the 75th year
of our Independence. They too resonate with this vision of AatmaNirbharta.
There has to be a strong economic recovery which will require to be nurtured especially
in supporting the critical pillars of consumption to sustain the recovery momentum.

15TH FINANCE COMMISION
Why in News
Recently, the government accepted the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation to

maintain the States’ share in the divisible pool of taxes to 41% for the five-year period starting
2021-22.
• The Commission’s Report was tabled in the Parliament.
15 Finance Commission
th
The Finance Commission (FC) is a constitutional body, that determines the method and
formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the
states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements.
Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President of India is required to constitute a
Finance Commission at an interval of five years or earlier.
The 15th Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November
2017, under the chairmanship of NK Singh. Its recommendations will cover a period of five
years from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Key Points
Vertical Devolution (Devolution of Taxes of the Union to States):

o It has recommended maintaining the vertical devolution at 41% - the same as in
its interim report for 2020-21.
▪ It is at the same level of 42% of the divisible pool as recommended by
the 14th Finance Commission.
o It has made the required adjustment of about 1% due to the changed status of the
erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into the new Union Territories of Ladakh and
Jammu and Kashmir.
Horizontal Devolution (Allocation Between the States):
o For horizontal devolution, it has suggested 12.5% weightage to demographic
performance, 45% to income, 15% each to population and area, 10% to forest and
ecology and 2.5% to tax and fiscal efforts.

Revenue Deficit Grants to States:
o Revenue deficit grants emanate from the requirement to meet the fiscal needs of
the States on their revenue accounts that remain to be met, even after considering
their own tax and non-tax resources and tax devolution to them.
o Revenue Deficit is defined as the difference between revenue or current expenditure
and revenue receipts, that includes tax and non-tax.
o It has recommended post-devolution revenue deficit grants amounting to about Rs.
3 trillion over the five-year period ending FY26.
▪ The number of states qualifying for the revenue deficit grants decreases from 17
in FY22, the first year of the award period to 6 in FY26, the last year.
Performance Based Incentives and Grants to States:
o These grants revolve around four main themes.
o The first is the social sector, where it has focused on health and education.
o Second is the rural economy, where it has focused on agriculture and the
maintenance of rural roads.
▪ The rural economy plays a significant role in the country as it encompasses two-
thirds of the country's population, 70% of the total workforce and 46% of
national income.
o Third, governance and administrative reforms under which it has recommended
grants for judiciary, statistics and aspirational districts and blocks.
o Fourth, it has developed a performance-based incentive system for the power
sector, which is not linked to grants but provides an important, additional borrowing
window for States.
Fiscal Space for Centre:
o Total 15th Finance Commission transfers (devolution + grants) constitutes about 34%
of estimated Gross Revenue Receipts to the Union, leaving adequate fiscal space to
meet its resource requirements and spending obligations on national development
priorities.
Grants to Local Governments:
o Along with grants for municipal services and local government bodies, it
includes performance-based grants for incubation of new cities and health grants to
local governments.

o In grants for Urban local bodies, basic grants are proposed only for cities/towns
having a population of less than a million. For Million-Plus cities, 100% of the grants
are performance-linked through the Million-Plus Cities Challenge Fund (MCF).
▪ MCF amount is linked to the performance of these cities in improving their air
quality and meeting the service level benchmarks for urban drinking water
supply, sanitation and solid waste management.
Criticism
Performance based incentives disincentivizes independent decision-making. Any

conditions on the state's ability to borrow will have an adverse effect on the spending by
the state, particularly on development thus, undermines cooperative fiscal federalism.
It does not hold the Union government accountable for its own fiscal prudence and
dilutes the joint responsibility that the Union and States have.
Horizontal Devolution Criteria
Population:
o The population of a State represents the needs of the State to undertake
expenditure for providing services to its residents.
o It is also a simple and transparent indicator that has a significant equalising impact.
Area:
o The larger the area, greater is the expenditure requirement for providing comparable
services.
Forest and Ecology:
o By taking into account the share of dense forest of each state in the aggregate dense
forest of all the states, the share on this criteria is determined.
Income Distance:
o Income distance is the distance of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of a
particular state from the state with the highest GSDP.
o To maintain inter state equity, the states with lower per capita income would be
given a higher share.
Demographic Performance:
o It rewards efforts made by states in controlling their population.
o This criterion has been computed by using the reciprocal of the total fertility ratio of
each state, scaled by 1971 population data.
▪ This has been done to assuage the fears of southern States about losing some
share in tax transfers due to the reliance on the 2011 Census data instead of the
1971 census, which could penalise States that did better on managing
demographics.
o States with a lower fertility ratio will be scored higher on this criterion.
▪ The Total Fertility Ratio in a specific year is defined as the total number of children
that would be born to each woman if she/they were to pass through the
childbearing years bearing children according to a current schedule of age-specific
fertility rates.
Tax Effort:
o This criterion has been used to reward states with higher tax collection efficiency.
o It has been computed as the ratio of the average per capita own tax revenue and the
average per capita state GDP during the three-year period between 2016-17 and 2018-
19.

CHECKLIST
1) RIGHT TO INFORMATION
2) ECONOMIC SURVEY 2021
3) SUB CATEGORISATION OF OBC
4) PM KISAN SCHEME
5) INDRADHANUSH 3.0
6) NAVEDEX AND IDEX 21
7) CECPA
8) PM WANI SCHEME
9) SHAHTOOT DAM IN AFGHANISTAN
10) GAGANYAAN MISSION
11) WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
SUMMIT 2021
12) GUJRAT 2 CHILD POLICY
13) MISSION INNOVATION 2.0
14) IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections
15) INDIA POLAND RELATION
16) NEW IT RULES 2021
17) REGULATION ON OTT AND DIGITAL CONTENT
18) UNION BUDGET
19) 15TH FINANCE COMMISION

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THE

Why Choose THE PINNACLE:-

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▪ The foundational theme of the survey is "Saving Lives and Livelihoods".

Indian Economy and Covid:

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• A public investment programme centered around the National

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Need for Committee for Sub-categorisation of OBCs:

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PM-KISAN Scheme completes one year on February 24, 2020.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi:

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Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 launched to expand immunization coverage

What is Mission Indradhanush?

Mission Indradhanush’s Goal:

Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI):

1. The special drive was to focus on improving immunization coverage in select

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About NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21:

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Other Recent Developments:

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Intended Benefits of PM WANI

Issues Regarding PM WANI

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India’s Current Assistance:

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India’s Stand at the Event:

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The use of modern contraceptives in rural and urban areas.

Criticisms related to two- child policy:

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▪ India played a leadership role in MI Steering Committee and is a member of the

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▪ In December 2020, Iran’s Parliament passed the law demanding a suspension of

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Overview of the rules:

Three-tier grievance redressal mechanism:

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A grievances redressal and compliance mechanism:

1. Social media intermediaries, upon being asked either by the court or by a

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The Budget proposals for 2021-22 rest on 6 pillars:

Health and Wellbeing

Real Concern: No multiplier effects soon:

Risk and Regulatory issues are still left wide open:

Urban unemployment left out:

The Budget reveals two interesting aspects of the political economy of