PM Launches Rs.

100 Lakh Crore Gati

Shakti National Master Plan For
Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a Rs 100 lakh crore national master
plan for multi-modal connectivity that aims to develop infrastructure to reduce logistic costs
and boost the economy.

PM Gati Shakti targets to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the
turnaround time.
The plan aims to lend more power and speed to projects by connecting all concerned
departments on one platform, he said, adding the infrastructure schemes of various ministries
and state governments will be designed and executed with a common vision.

PM GatiShakti plan involves the creation of a common umbrella platform through which
infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an efficacious manner by way of
coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis.

With more visibility and availability of information and data on a real-time basis, there will
be efficient implementation of infrastructure projects, less information asymmetry between
ministries, reduction in working in silos as well as fewer delays due to lack of coordination
between various government agencies.

The “PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Infrastructure
Connectivity to Economic Zones” with tag line ‘Gati se Shakti’ will include projects
under existing flagship schemes of different ministries such as Bharatmala,
Sagarmala, Udaan, expansion of railway network, inland waterways and Bharat
Net.

Gati Shakti will also help in fulfiling the ambitious targets set by the government
for the period of 2024-25, including expanding the the length of the national
highway network to 2 lakh route km, creation of over 200 airports, heliports and
water aerodromes and doubling the gas pipeline network to 35,000 km.

Recommended Sources-

https://theprint.in/india/pm-modi-unveils-rs-100-lakh-cr-gati-shakti-master-plan-
to-speed-up-infrastructure-projects/749937/

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gati-shakti-modi-launches-100-lakh-
crore-national-master-plan-for-multi-modal-connectivity-details-here-
101634103432861.html
 State of the climate in Asia 2020 Report

What is State of the Climate in Asia 2020 report?

The State of the Climate in Asia 2020 report is prepared by the UN World
Meteoritical Organization (WMO). It compiles an overview of ocean and
land temperatures, glacier retreat, precipitation, sea-level rise, shrinking
sea ice, and severe weather.

The report also examines the socio-economic impacts across the Asia
region in a year. The year 2020 also covered the impact that countries
suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic that worsened the disaster
management tasks.

The State of the Climate in Asia 2020 report by WMO stated that
extreme weather events such as floods, tropical cyclones, droughts due
triggered due to climate change impacted Asia in 2020 which led to the
loss of life, displacement of millions, cost hundreds of billions of dollars
and damaged infrastructure and ecosystems. These events threatened
sustainable development, food and water security, accelerated health
risks, and environmental degradation.

Key Findings of report

 As per report, in 2020, Asia suffered its hottest year on record.
 Report notes that, extreme weather is taking a heavy toll on development of the continent.
 In 2020, Extreme weather and climate change in Asia has resulted into loss of life of
thousands of people, cost billions of dollars, displaced millions of others, and wreaked a
heavy toll on infrastructure & ecosystems.
 As per report, sustainable development is threatened because health risks, food & water
insecurity, and environmental degradation is increasing.
 Increased heat and humidity are forecast will also lead to an effective loss of outdoor
working hours in Asia.
 Several weathers and climate-related displacements across Asia are prolonged. People are
unable to return home or integrate locally.
 In 2020 floods and storms affected around 50 million people in Asia, causing about 5,000
fatalities.
Total average losses across countries
 China suffered an estimated loss of $238 billion, India suffered $87 billion, Japan suffered
$83 billion while South Korea suffered $24 billion.
 Considering the size of economy, average annual losses are likely to be as high as 7.9
percent of gross domestic product (GDP) for Tajikistan, 5.8 percent for Laos and 5.9 percent
for Cambodia.
Warmest Year in Asia
The warmest year on record in Asia, witnessed the mean temperature 1.39 degrees
Celsius above as compared to 1981-2010 average. 38 degrees Celsius was
recorded at Verkhoyansk in Russia, which is the highest known temperature in north
of the Arctic Circle.

Recommended sources-

https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/climate-change-state-of-the-climate-in-asia-2020-
report-know-key-highlights-1635506918-1#:~:text=13%20(Climate%20Action)-,The%20WMO's
%20report%20State%20of%20the%20Climate%20in%20Asia%202020,to%20the
%201981%2D2010%20average.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/state-climate-asia-2020
 G-20 joint Finance, Health ministers meet in Rome

Highlights
 On the official visit, she will discuss measures to strengthen COVID-19 pandemic
preparedness, prevention, and response.
 This meeting will be held, before the G20 Rome Summit.
 G20 Heads of State and Government Summit is scheduled to held on October 30 th and
31st 2021 in Rome.
 Ministers of Economy and Finance will also take part in the event.
G20 Rome Summit
G20 Rome Summit is the climax of G20 process and the final stage of intense work,
at the Leaders’ level, which is carried out within the Ministerial Meetings,
Engagement Groups and Working Groups throughout the year. This summit will be
the 16th G20 gathering at Heads of State & Government level.
Location of the meeting
The working meetings of Heads of State and Government is scheduled to held at
Rome Convention Centre ‘La Nuvola’.
Background
The first G20 heads of the state & government was held in Washington in November
2008. While the last meeting was held virtually under the Presidency of Saudi Arabia
in November 2020.
About G20
G20 is an intergovernmental forum. It comprises of 19 countries and European
Union (EU). The group works for addressing major issues related to global economy
like climate change mitigation, international financial stability, and sustainable
development. It comprises of world’s largest economies, including developed as well
as developing nations. It accounts for 90 percent of gross world product (GWP).
Recommended sources-

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/nirmala-sitharaman-to-attend-g-20-joint-
finance-health-ministers-meeting-in-rome/article37210592.ece#:~:text=On
%20October%2029%2C%20G20%20Finance,Minister%20of%20Health%20Roberto
%20Speranza.

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/sitharaman-to-attend-g-20-
joint-finance-health-ministers-meet-in-rome-121102800295_1.html

Har Ghar Dastak (Knock every Door) Campaign

The Har Ghar Dastak campaign will be launched over the next one month
to administer COVID-19 vaccine to those who have not yet taken it,
especially in the poor performing districts.

The campaign aims to encourage people to take the COVID vaccine. The
health minister stated during the national review meeting that no district
should be without full vaccination.

The centre further identified around 48 districts where less than 50

percent of the eligible population has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The health minister said that special focus will be given to such districts
during the campaign.
 Aim
The Har Ghar Dastak campaign aims to cover all eligible people with the first dose of the
COVID-19 vaccine by end-November 2021.
The Health Minister has suggested to the states to launch the campaign from November 2,
2021 on Dhanwantri Jayanti.

Key Highlights
The health minister had chaired a national review meeting with health
ministers of all states and UTs to discuss the scaling up of COVID-19
vaccination across the country.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the need to ramp up the
speed and coverage of the COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

The Minister informed that at least 77 percent of the eligible people in

India have been vaccinated with the first dose, while 32 percent of people
have received both doses.

Recommended sources-

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/har-ghar-dastak-centre-launches-
door-to-door-covid-19-vaccination-campaign-11635935825781.html

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/har-ghar-dastak-modi-rolls-
out-door-to-door-covid-19-vaccination-campaign-101635934737853.html
US issues passport with ‘X’ gender marker

Background

This step was taken following the fight of Dana Zzyym, who is an intersex activist
from Fort Collins. Zzyym has battling legally with the US State Department since
2015 to get a passport that did not require Zzyym to lie about gender by selecting
either male or female.
What is the issue with Zzyym?
Zzyym was born with ambiguous physical sexual characteristics but was raised as a
boy. Zzyym underwent several surgeries that failed to make Zzyym appear fully
male. In the Navy, Zzyym served as a male but later came to identify as intersex
while studying and working at Colorado State University. US state department denial
of Zzyym’s passport, stopped Zzyym from attending two Organization Intersex
International meetings.
LGBT rights in US
In the United States, ‘Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights’ have
evolved significantly with time. All 50 states in USA had criminalized same-sex
sexual activity until 1962. However, by 2003, USA had invalidated all the remaining
laws against same-sex sexual activity. By 2015, they won the right to marry in all 50
states in USA. In many states and municipalities of US, LGBT are explicitly protected
from discrimination in housing, employment, and access to public accommodations.

Recommended sources-
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/united-states-issues-first-passport-with-x-
gender-marker-11635342500337.html
 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/united-states-
issues-first-passport-with-x-gender-marker/videoshow/87338678.cms?from=mdr

Home Ministry enhances powers of BSF

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the jurisdiction of the Border Security
Force (BSF) up to 50 km inside the international borders in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
The BSF’s powers — which include arrest, search and seizure — were limited to up to 15 km
in these states. At the same time, the Ministry has reduced BSF’s area of operation in Gujarat
from 80 km from the border, to 50 km.

The government said it was exercising the powers under the Border Security Force Act of
1968.
What are the enhanced powers?
 Officers will also have the power of seizure up to the extent of 50 km in three new states
which are sharing international boundaries with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
 They have been given the right to take this action under the Code of Criminal Procedure
(CrPC), Passport Act and Passport (Entry to India) Act.
 BSF officers will be able to conduct searches and arrests across a wider area in the states of
Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
 In the mentioned states, the BSF will have the right to search and arrest just like state police.
 They also have the power to search and arrest in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, and
Ladakh.
Why this decision was taken?
 As per Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the decision to expand the jurisdiction of BSF was
taken in the backdrop of recent droppings of drone weapons from across the border.
 This decision will help in curbing illegal activities related to national security across 10 states
and two Union Territories.
 However, it is likely to raise administrative and political issues.
What are the concerns?
The primary goal of the BSF is to guard borders and stop infiltration. But the recent
dropping of drones shows that they have failed to guard the delineated line. As per
critiques, this decision might lead to regular confrontations with local police as well
as villagers, when searches and seizures will be done.
Why and when were these powers given to BSF?
In 1969, the BSF first got powers to arrest and search under the CrPC with respect to certain
laws such as the Foreigners Act, The Passport Act, forex laws and Customs Act. BSF sources
said even before 2014, they had a jurisdiction of 15 km inside the border in several states.
“At that time, border areas were sparsely populated and there were hardly any police stations
for miles. To prevent trans-border crimes, it was felt necessary that BSF is given powers to
arrest. While police stations have now come up near the border, they continue to be short-
staffed

Recommended Sources-
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/bsf-powers-
jurisdiction-explained-7572354/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-enhanced-
powers-of-border-security-force/article37006209.ece#:~:text=The
%20Ministry%20of%20Home%20Affairs,Assam%2C%20West
%20Bengal%20and%20Punjab.

Indian-origin Anita Anand is Canada's new

Defence Minister
Canada on Wednesday announced the appointment Anita Anand as the new defence
minister following a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Anand, an Indian-origin Canadian, will replace Harjit Sajjan and take oath as the 43rd Defence
Minister of Canada.

She is only the second woman to hold the position.

She is preceded only by former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, who held the Defence
Minister’s post for five months in 1993.

Furthermore, there were calls for major military reforms. Public and political leaders
are putting pressure on Canadian military to change its culture and create a
system for preventing and managing sexual misconduct allegations.

Why Anita Anand has been appointed?

As per Defence industry experts, Anita Anand is a strong contender for this position.
This move will send a strong signal to the survivors and victims of military sexual
misconduct. On this issue, government is serious about imposing critical reforms.
She also holds a strong background as a corporate lawyer. She has
served extensively on corporate governance in line with the rules and laws of
managing operations of businesses.
Vote share

Anita Anand was declared winner in Oakville, with 46 per cent vote share. She was
first elected as a rookie Member of Parliament in 2019, to represent Oakville in
Ontario province. She also worked as procurement minister during the Covid-19
pandemic. Later, she was given charge of securing Covid-19 vaccines for Canada.
and was often on the campaign trail with Trudeau. She played a very public
 PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure
Mission, which will seek to address three critical gaps in India’s public health sector:
augmenting health facilities for treatment; setting up of Integrated Public Health labs for
diagnosis of disease, and expansion of existing research institutions that study pandemics.
What is the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission?
It is the largest pan-India scheme since 2005 for the creation and improvement of long-term
public healthcare infrastructure. It is meant to be implemented in each district of the country.
The government will spend Rs 64,180 crore on the scheme from the financial year 2021-22 to
2025-26.
What is the first component of the mission?
The first component is to establish comprehensive surveillance of infectious diseases.
At the district level, Integrated Public Health laboratories in all 730 districts will be set up. At the
state level, five regional branches and 20 metropolitan units of the National Centre for Disease
Control. And at the national level, an Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) will be
established.

Second aspect of mission

Second aspect of the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission is related to
“testing network for diagnosis of diseases”. Necessary infrastructure will be
developed under the mission for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Under it,
730 districts in India will get Integrated to Public Health labs. Apart from that, 3
thousand blocks will be provided Block Public Health Units.
What is the third component of the mission ?
The third component of the mission will be on comprehensive pandemic research. At the
district level, strengthening of existing 80 viral diagnostics and research labs will be
undertaken. At the state level, 15 new bio-safety level III laboratories will be operationalised.
At the national level, four new regional national institutes for virology will be operationalized
and a regional research platform (digital) for WHO southeast Asia Region will also be set up.

Significance of the scheme

Scheme will investigate the expansion of existing research institutions that are
studying pandemics. It will also help in strengthening 80 Viral Diagnostic and
research labs. It will also set up “WHO regional research platform for South Asia” in
a bid to strengthen this network.

Recommended sources-
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1766604
https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/pm-
launches-ayushman-bharat-health-infrastructure-mission-in-
varanasi-121102500923_1.html
China adopts New Border Law
 Key facts
Timing of the new border law is significant as China continues to be at loggerheads
with India across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), separating both the countries.
Aim of the law
As per Chinese media, the new law has been enacted with the aim of maintaining
national security and managing border-related matters at the legal level amid the
regional tensions”.
About the New Border Law
 The new border law will come into effect from January 1, 2022. It mandates People’s
Liberation Army (PLA) of China to counter any “invasion, encroachment, infiltration, [or]
provocation” across the land borders of China.
 The law also provides a legal framework for hard border closures, if needed.
 The law requires the Chinese government to take measures for “strengthening border
defence, supporting economic & social development and opening-up in border areas”.
 It also calls for improvements in public services and infrastructure in border areas in a bid to
“encourage and support people’s life and work there”.
How will the law impact India?
The Chinese state-owned tabloid Global times pointed to “frictions with India" as being among the
regional tensions that form the backdrop against which the new law has been adopted by the
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, authoritarian China’s top law-making body.
Reports suggest that the law has a wide ambit vis-a-vis border affairs and “clarifies the leadership
system, government responsibilities and military tasks in territorial border work, the delineation and
surveying of land borders, the defence and management of land borders and frontiers, and the
international cooperation on land border affairs". China shares land borders stretching to a cumulative
22,000km with 14 countries with disputes arising out of a mismatch between its historical perception
of its territory and ground realities.

The Union home ministry says India shares a 3,488km border with China that extends from Arunachal
Pradesh in the northeast to Jammu & Kashmir in the north. However, it notes that “the border is not
fully demarcated and the process of clarifying and confirming the LAC is in progress". Differences
over the perception regarding the LAC have fuelled routine standoffs between Chinese and Indian
soldiers.
Recommended sources-
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/china-adopts-new-law-on-
its-land-border-areas-everything-you-need-to-know-
11635077175771.html
https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/new-
border-law-doesn-t-affect-existing-treaties-china-to-india-
121102900062_1.html

Indian Telegraph Right of Way

(Amendment) Rules, 2021

The Indian government on October 21, 2021, notified Indian Telegraph Right
of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021, to incorporate the provisions related
to nominal one-time compensation and uniform procedure for
establishment of overground telegraph line in the Indian Telegraph Right of
Way Rules, 2016. The government has fixed a cap of Rs 1,000 per km as the
amount of one-time compensation for the establishment of an overground
telegraph line.

Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021

Key Highlights

The Amendment Rules ease the documentation process for Right of Way (RoW) application for overground
telegraph line, said the Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications). The earlier RoW
rules covered only underground Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) and mobile towers.

The Amendment Rules state that there will not be any other fee other than the administrative fee and
restoration charges to establish, repair, maintain, shift, transfer, or work the underground and overground
telegraph infrastructure.

The government has fixed a cap of Rs 1,000 per km as the amount of one-time compensation for the
establishment of an overground telegraph line.

Significance
The rules further state that these amendments will aid in easing RoW related
permission procedures for establishing and augmentation of digital communications
infrastructure across the country.

With a robust pan-India digital infrastructure, the digital divide between rural-urban
and rich-poor in the country will be bridged, stated the Communications Ministry.

The Amendment Rules notification stated further that financial inclusion and e-
Governance will be strengthened. The information and communication needs of citizens
and the ease of doing business will be fulfilled. The notification added that the dream
of India’s transition into a digitally empowered economy and society can be
realized.

With the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2021, in place now,
the clarity for laying overhead Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) will also be available that
will go a long way in establishing necessary infrastructure for the rollout of
5G projects in India.
The Amendment Rules as a part of the Gati Shakti National Master Plan stipulates
that necessary infrastructure is to be built at the lowest logistical costs, stated Cellular
Operators Association of India.

What is RoW?
The Right of Way (RoW) in the telecommunications sector is referred to as
the legal framework for setting up telecom towers, laying optical fibre
cables (OFC), improving coordination among companies, and settling
disputes.

Recommended sources-
https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Government-notifies-Indian-
Telegraph-Right-of-Way-(Amendment)-Rules%2C-2021&id=428466
https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/
indian-telegraph-right-of-way-amendment-rules-2021-row-
permission-procedure-for-installation-of-digital-infrastructure-
eased/87216965

Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth

Bharat Yojana

PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana: Prime Minister Narendra

Modi launched 'PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
& Release of Operational Guidelines' on October 25, 2021. Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister had earlier inaugurated nine medical colleges in
Siddharthnagar. PM Modi will also inaugurate various development
projects worth more than Rs 5200 crore for Varanasi.

What is Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana?

Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana will be one of the
largest pan-India schemes that will focus on strengthening healthcare
infrastructure across the country. It will be launched in addition to the
National Health Mission.
Key Objective
•The key objective of PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PMASBY)
will be to fill critical gaps in public health infrastructure, especially in
primary care and critical care facilities in both urban and rural areas.

•The scheme will provide support to set up 17,788 rural Health and
Wellness Centres in 10 high focus states. Besides this, 11,024 urban
Health and Wellness Centres will be established in all the States.

Under the scheme, critical care services will be made available in all the
districts of the country with over 5 lakh population through exclusive
critical care hospital blocks. The remaining districts will be covered
through referral services.

•Further, the scheme aims to build an IT-enabled disease surveillance

system through the development of a network of surveillance laboratories
at block, district, regional and national levels in all Metropolitan areas.

•The existing Integrated Health Information Portal will also be expanded

to all states and union territories to connect all public health labs.

•The scheme also aims at the operationalisation of 17 new Public Health

Units and the strengthening of 33 existing Public Health Units at Points of
Entry. This is aimed at effectively detecting, investigating, preventing,
and combating Public Health Emergencies and Disease Outbreaks.

•The scheme will also work towards building up a trained frontline health
workforce to respond to any public health emergency.

Significance
This will enable people to have full access to a wide range of diagnostic
services in the Public Healthcare system through a network of laboratories
across the country.

Integrated Public Health Labs will be set up across all the districts.

How many institutions will be set up under PMASBY?

Under PMASBY, the following institutions will be set up:
A National Institution for One Health
4 New National Institutes for Virology
A Regional Research Platform for WHO South-East Asia Region
9 Biosafety Level III laboratories
5 New Regional National Centre for Disease Control
Recommended sources-
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/government-
amends-indian-telegraph-right-of-way-rules-2021/
article37127149.ece
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1765755A