2. About the National Level Monitoring (NLM) report

3. The findings of the NLM report

• In 2017-18, the NLM report found that the quality of construction of 87% of the verified works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was satisfactory. However, the report also found that only 139 out of 301 districts had seven registers maintained satisfactorily.
• In 2018-19, the NLM report found that the job cards, an important document that records entitlements received under MGNREGA, were not regularly updated in many districts. The report also found that there were significant delays in payments to workers.
• In 2019-20, the NLM report found that the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) program was facing challenges due to a shortage of construction materials and skilled labour. The report also found that there were delays in the processing of applications and the release of funds.
• The NLM report for 2020-21 found that the coverage of rural development programs had improved significantly in recent years. However, the report also found that there was still a need to improve the quality of implementation of these programs.
• The NLM report for 2021-22 found that the impact of rural development programs on the lives of rural people had been positive overall. However, the report also found that there were still some disparities in the impact of these programs across different regions and social groups.

4. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a social welfare program that guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act was enacted by the Government of India in 2005 and came into force on February 2, 2006.

4.1. Mandate and Goals

• The mandate of MGNREGA is to provide employment and ensure food security for rural households.
• The scheme also aims to strengthen natural resource management, create durable assets, improve rural infrastructure, and promote social equity.
• The goals of MGNREGA are to Reduce rural poverty, Increase employment opportunities, Improve food security, Create durable assets, Improve rural infrastructure and Promote social equity. 

4.2. Core Objectives 

•  The primary goal of MGNREGA is to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• The program aims to reduce poverty and distress by offering employment opportunities, especially during seasons of agricultural unemployment.
• MGNREGA encourages the creation of productive and durable assets such as water conservation structures, rural infrastructure, and land development. These assets not only improve rural livelihoods but also contribute to sustainable development.
• The Act promotes gender equality by ensuring that at least one-third of the beneficiaries are women and that their participation in the workforce is actively encouraged.

4.3. Key Stakeholders 

• Rural households are the primary beneficiaries and participants in the MGNREGA scheme.
• Gram Panchayats play a pivotal role in implementing the program at the grassroots level. They are responsible for planning, execution, and monitoring of MGNREGA projects within their jurisdiction.
• The central government provides the funds and sets the broad guidelines, while the state governments are responsible for the program's effective implementation.
• The DPC is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of MGNREGA activities within a district.
• Rural labourers, both skilled and unskilled, participate in MGNREGA projects and directly benefit from the program.

4.4. Role of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat

• The Gram Sabha is the village assembly consisting of all registered voters in a village. Its role in MGNREGA includes discussing and approving the annual development plan, ensuring transparency in project selection, and conducting social audits to monitor program implementation.
• The Gram Panchayat is responsible for planning, approving, executing, and monitoring MGNREGA projects within its jurisdiction. It also maintains records of employment provided, ensures timely wage payments, and conducts social audits. The Panchayat is accountable for the effective utilization of MGNREGA funds.

4.5. Issues with MGNREGA

•  Delayed wage payments to labourers have been a persistent issue, affecting the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
•  There have been cases of corruption and leakages in the implementation of MGNREGA projects, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
• Administrative inefficiencies, complex procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles have hampered program delivery.
• Some argue that the quality and effectiveness of assets created under MGNREGA projects have been variable and not always aligned with the intended goals.
• Not all eligible rural households are provided 100 days of guaranteed employment, which can limit the program's impact.
• Adequate budget allocation to meet the program's demands and inflation-adjusted wages remains a concern.

5. Conclusion

MGNREGA has made a positive impact on the lives of rural people, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and the creation of durable assets. It remains a crucial tool in India's efforts to promote rural development, reduce poverty, and achieve social equity. Addressing the identified issues will be critical in ensuring the continued success and effectiveness of the program in the years to come.

 

Source: indianexpress

DIGITAL MEDIA ETHICS (AMENDMENT) RULES 2023

1. Context 

Recently, the Bombay High Court reserved its verdict in a batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 (IT Rules). The Rules allow a Fact Check Unit (FCU) of the Union Government to identify and demand the removal of "fake or false or misleading" online content related to the business of the Central Government.

 

2. Background

• In April, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEiTY) promulgated the 2023 IT Rules, amending the Information Technology Rules, 2021, and establishing provisions for the appointment of a fact-checking unit.
• Various entities, including Kunal Kamra, a political satirist, the Editors Guild of India, and the Association of Indian Magazines, filed writ petitions before the Bombay High Court challenging Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the IT Rules, which permits the creation of an FCU.
• The petitioners argue that this provision could lead to government-led online censorship, allowing the government to determine what constitutes the truth online.
• A Bench of the High Court announced that they would pass their ruling on the amendment on December 1.
• The government informed the Court that the FCU would not be operational until the judgment is delivered.

3. About the Amendment

• The amendment introduces significant changes to Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the IT Rules, 2021, outlining the responsibilities of intermediaries.
• It places the onus on intermediaries to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent users from sharing content identified as fake, false, or misleading by a fact-checking unit of the Central government.
• Failure to comply with this rule puts intermediaries at risk of losing the safe harbour protection provided under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which exempts intermediaries from liability for third-party information hosted by them.

4. Court's Observations

• The Bombay High Court raised concerns regarding the lack of necessary safeguards in the amended Rules.
• It noted that the Rules do not appear to protect fair criticism of the government, such as parody and satire.
• The ambiguity surrounding the term "any business of the Central government" was highlighted, as it was unclear whether political speeches preceding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would fall under its purview.
• The Court also questioned the sudden need for an FCU, as the Press Information Bureau (PIB) had been effectively fact-checking for years.
• The Court expressed concerns about undefined terms in the Rules, such as "fake," "false," and "misleading," and their subjective nature.
• The Court criticized the lack of provisions in the Rules allowing aggrieved intermediaries to justify or defend the flagged content, which it considered a violation of the principles of natural justice.
• It also pointed out that users whose posts have been removed or accounts suspended by intermediaries following FCU flags were left without recourse or remedy.

5. Conclusion

The outcome of this legal battle, which questions the constitutionality of the IT Rules, is eagerly awaited, as it may have significant implications for online content regulation and freedom of expression in India. The Bombay High Court is set to deliver its verdict on December 1.

 

For Prelims: The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 (IT Rules), Bombay High Court,  Ministry of Electronics and IT, IT Act, 2000, Press Information Bureau,    For Mains:  1. Discuss the implications of the Digital Media Ethics (Amendment) Rules, 2023 for the following: (250 Words) (a). Online content regulation (b). Freedom of expression (c). The role of intermediaries (d). The future of the internet in India.

 

Source: The Hindu

HABITAT RIGHTS

 

 

1. Context

A total of 19 Baiga villages with a population of 6,483 people (2,085 families) have been given the habitat rights. These villages/para/tola of Gaurela block received the rights in a special event organised by the district administration of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM)

2.What is a habitat?

A habitat is a specific environment or place where a particular species or community of organisms lives and thrives.

It encompasses the physical and biological conditions that provide everything an organism needs to survive, including food, water, shelter, and the right environmental conditions. Habitats can vary widely and can be as small as a rock crevice, a tree hollow, or a pond, or as large as a forest, a desert, or an ocean.

Habitats can be classified into various types based on their characteristics and the kinds of organisms that inhabit them. Some common habitat types include:

1. Terrestrial Habitats: These are land-based habitats and include forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and mountains.

2. Aquatic Habitats: These are water-based habitats and include oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes.

3. Marine Habitats: Specifically, these are habitats within the world's oceans, including coastal zones, coral reefs, and the deep sea.

4. Freshwater Habitats: These are habitats found in bodies of fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

5. Urban Habitats: Human-made environments, including cities and towns, can also be considered habitats for various species adapted to urban life.

3. What are Habitat Rights?

• Habitat rights recognition provides the community concerned rights over their customary territory of habitation, socio-cultural practices, economic and livelihood means, intellectual knowledge of biodiversity and ecology, traditional knowledge of use of natural resources, as well as protection and conservation of their natural and cultural heritage.
• Habitat rights safeguard and promote traditional livelihood and ecological knowledge passed down through generations.
• They also help converge different government schemes and initiatives from various departments to empower PVTG communities to develop their habitats.
• Habitat rights are given to PVTGs under section 3(1) (e) [rights including community tenures of habitat and habitation for primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities] of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 also known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• According to Section 2(h) of FRA, “Habitat includes the area comprising the customary habitat and such other habitats in reserved forests and protected forests of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities and other forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes.”
• Forest Rights have legal protection under the Forest Conservation Act, the Land Acquisition law of 2013, and even the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities. Act. Grant of habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act provide an additional layer of legal protection

4. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are a specific category of indigenous communities in India.
• These groups are among the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in the country, often residing in remote and geographically isolated regions.
• The Indian government has recognized the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by these tribal communities and has implemented various policies and programs to protect their rights, improve their socio-economic conditions, and preserve their distinct cultural heritage.

• According to the ministry of tribal affairs, tribal communities who are technologically backward, who have stagnant or declining population growth, extremely low level of literacy, and a subsistence level of economy are declared as PVTG. PVTGs have low health indices and largely reside in isolated, remote, and difficult areas in small and scattered hamlets/habitats.
• The ministry has identified 75 PVGTs in 18 states and one Union Territory. In 2019, the MoTA started a scheme for their protection and improvement in terms of social indicators like livelihood, health, nutrition and education to decrease their vulnerability.
• Out of 75 PVTG in India, only three have habitat rights. The Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh was the first, followed by the Kamar tribe and now the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh
• There are seven PVTGs in Chhattisgarh, who live in 17 of the state’s 33 districts. These are Kamar, Baiga, Pahadi Korba, Abujhmadiya, Birhor, Pando and Bhujia.
• The total population of PVTG tribes in Chhattisgarh as per the 2015-2016 survey is 2.50 lakh while the population of tribals in Chhattisgarh as per the 2011 census is 78.22 lakh

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (UPSC CSE 2019) 1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct? A.1, 2 and 3 B.2, 3 and 4 C.1, 2 and 4 D.1, 3 and 4 Answer (C)

 

Source: indianexpress

ADITYA L1

 

1. Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday (October 8, 2023) announced that it had carried out a Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM) for its spacecraft Aditya L1, to ensure it reaches its destination at the Sun Earth Lagrangian point 1.

Image Source: URSC

2. About Aditya L1

• Aditya L1 shall be the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. 
• The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system at a distance of about 1.5 million km from the Earth. 
• A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses. 
• As the spacecraft will be directly placed in between the Sun and the earth, It will also provide crucial information in understanding the impact of solar activities on near-Earth space weather.

3. Objectives

• Understanding Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration. 
• Understanding initiation of Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), flares and near-earth space weather. 
• Coupling and Dynamics of the Solar Atmosphere. 
• Solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy.

4. Uniqueness

• First time spatially resolved solar disk in the NUV band. 
• CME dynamics close to the disk ( ̴1.05 Run) and thereby providing information on the acceleration regime of CME which is not observed consistently. 
• On-board intelligence to detect CMEs and Flares for optimized observations and data volume.

4. Importance of studying the sun

• Every planet, including Earth and the exoplanets beyond the Solar System, evolves and this evolution is governed by its parent star. 
• The solar weather and environment, which is determined by the processes taking place inside and around the sun, affect the weather of the entire system. 
• Variations in this weather can change the orbits of satellites or shorten their lives, interfere with or damage onboard electronics, and cause power blackouts and other disturbances on Earth.
• Knowledge of solar events is key to understanding space weather.

5. Importance for India

• Alongside another mission to the Moon, being planned for next year, and the first human space flight scheduled for 2022, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also preparing to send its first scientific expedition to study the Sun.
• Named Aditya-L1, the mission, expected to be launched early next year, will observe the Sun from a close distance, and try to obtain information about its atmosphere and magnetic field.

6. About Lagrange Point

• In simple words, the Lagrange point is an orbit type in the space between 2 bodies like the Sun and Earth, where the gravitational force of both the planets is balanced. 
• And anything at these points is in a state of equilibrium.
• And for this reason, if you place any satellite or spacecraft at these points, you need very little fuel consumption to move this because the body is free from any repulsion and attraction force.
• That’s why you can also call it parking points of space.

7. Lagrange points of Earth and Sun:

Lagrange Points	Distance from the Earth	Stability	Specifications
L1	1.5 million km	Unstable	This Offers uninterrupted views of the Sun.
L2	1.5 million km	Unstable	The ideal location to study deep space.
L3	301.4 million km	Unstable	This is the Farthest lagrange point from the earth.
L4	—	Stable	60° ahead of earth, Where earth was 2 months ago
L5	—	Stable	60° behind of earth, Where earth will being 2 months time

 

 

 

For Prelims: Lagrange Point, Sun Interiors, Aditya L1 Mission, PSLV, GSLV For Mains:1.Discuss the objectives and significance of the Aditya L1 mission. How does it contribute to our understanding of the Sun-Earth relationship and space weather? 2.Explain the technological challenges associated with sending a spacecraft to the Lagrange point L1 and orbiting the Sun. What are the benefits of placing a satellite at the L1 point?

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Aditya L1 is a -----  (ISRO IPCR Assistant Mechanical 2016) A. Long-range Missile B. Spacecraft Project C. Rocket to the moon D.Light Combat Aircraft   Answer (B)

 

 

Source: indianexpress

GOAN CASHEW

 

1. Context

Goan cashew (kernel) got the geographical indication (GI) tag

 

2. Goan Cashew

Goan cashew, also known as Goan feni or cashew feni, is a popular alcoholic beverage produced in the coastal state of Goa in India. It is made from cashew apples, which are the fruits of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). Goa is one of the major cashew-producing regions in India, and Goan cashew is a specialty product known for its unique flavor and potency

Here's how Goan cashew is typically made:

Cashew apples are harvested when they ripen. The cashew nut, which is the primary seed of the cashew tree, is encased in a hard shell attached to the bottom of the cashew apple.

The cashew nut is removed from the cashew apple. It is separated from the fruit, and the nut is then roasted or processed for consumption separately.

The cashew apples are crushed to extract their juice, which is then fermented in large earthen pots.

This fermentation process can take several days and is crucial for the development of flavor and alcohol content.

 

3. What does the GI tag mean for the cashew industry in Goa?

Cashew manufacturers and processors in Goa said they hoped the GI tag would help consumers differentiate between authentic Goan cashews and cashews sourced from outside the state, which are often marketed as ‘Goan cashews’

The application for the GI tag for the Goan cashew — derived from the Portuguese name ‘caju’ or ‘kaju’ in Konkani — was filed by the Goa Cashew Manufacturers’ Association (GCMA), with the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management, Government of Goa, acting as facilitator

4. What is a GI tag?

A GI tag, or Geographical Indication tag, is a form of intellectual property protection granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. The purpose of a GI tag is to protect the interests of producers and promote the unique qualities of products associated with a particular region

Here are some key points about GI tags:

• A GI tag is used to identify products that are closely linked to a specific geographic area. It serves as a certification that the product originates from that region.
• Products with a GI tag are often recognized for their quality, authenticity, and reputation. The unique characteristics of the product are associated with the natural and human factors of the region, such as climate, soil, traditional knowledge, and craftsmanship.
• The registration of a GI provides legal protection to the product's name and reputation. It prevents others from using the name to market products that do not originate from the designated region.
•  A GI tag can lead to economic benefits for the producers and the region. It can help increase the market value of the product, stimulate local economies, and preserve traditional practices.

5. Other GI tag Products in India

India has a rich cultural and culinary heritage, and as a result, it is home to a wide range of products that have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These GI-tagged products are known for their unique qualities and are often deeply rooted in traditional knowledge and practices. Here are some examples of GI-tagged products in India:

Darjeeling Tea: Darjeeling tea, grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is one of the most famous GI-tagged products in India. It is known for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and unique terroir.

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees: Kanchipuram silk sarees, also known as Kanchi silk sarees, are traditional silk sarees woven in the Kanchipuram region of Tamil Nadu. They are renowned for their rich texture and intricate designs.

Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is primarily grown in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India and parts of Pakistan. It is prized for its long grains, delicate aroma, and unique flavor.

Alphonso Mangoes: Alphonso mangoes, also known as Hapus, are grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and certain parts of Goa. They are considered one of the best mango varieties in the world, known for their sweetness and flavor.

Banarasi Silk Sarees: Banarasi silk sarees, produced in Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh, are famous for their intricate brocade work and are often worn on special occasions and weddings.

Champaran Bananas: Grown in the Champaran region of Bihar, these bananas have a distinct taste and aroma, making them unique among banana varieties.

Nagpur Oranges: Nagpur oranges, grown in the Nagpur region of Maharashtra, are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They have a GI tag to protect their origin.

Kullu Shawls: Kullu shawls are woven in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. They are characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Goa Feni: As mentioned earlier, Goan feni is made from cashew apples in Goa and has a GI tag.

Madhubani Paintings: Madhubani paintings, also known as Mithila paintings, are traditional folk art created by women in the Mithila region of Bihar. They depict various themes and are characterized by intricate designs and bright colors.

Channapatna Toys: Channapatna toys are wooden toys and dolls made in the town of Channapatna in Karnataka. They are known for their unique lacquer finish and traditional craftsmanship.

6. Way forward

Cashew was native to northeast Brazil in Latin America and was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570). At the time of its introduction on Indian coasts, cashew was known mainly as a crop for afforestation and soil conservation. Historical records cited by the GCMA in its GI application state that Christian missionaries imported high yielding varieties from Latin American countries and cultivated them extensively in Goa

 

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? (UPSC CSE 2015) 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below A.1 only B.2 and 3 only C.1 and 3 only D.1, 2 and 3 Answer (C) 2.Match the following Geographical Indication tags with their places in Telangana: (TSPSC Group 4 2018) G.I. Tag Place  A. Silver Filigree   1. Warangal  B. Scroll painting   2. Pochampally  C. Ikat 3. Nirmal D. Dhurries   4. Karimnagar    5. Cheriyal a)A-4, B-5, C-2, D-1 b)A-5, B-2, C-4, D-1 c)A-3, B-5, C-4, D-2 d)A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4 Answer (a)

 

Source: indianexpress