Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory asking all private television broadcasters to follow guidelines issued by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for advertisements relating to online gaming, fantasy sports etc. The Ministry has advised that the advertisements should not promote any activity prohibited by statute or law. “It has come to the notice of Ministry of I&B that a large number of advertisements on Online Gaming, Fantasy Sports, etc have been appearing on the television. Concerns were expressed that such advertisements appear to be misleading, do not correctly convey to the customers the financial and other risks associated thereof, are not in strict conformity with the Advertising Code laid down under Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019” . ASCI guidelines require that every such gaming advertisement must carry the following disclaimer: ‘This game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk”. Such a disclaimer should occupy at least 20% of the advertisement space. The guidelines also state that gaming advertisements cannot depict users under the age of 18 years as engaged in playing a game of “online gaming for real money winnings” or suggest that such users can play these games. The advertisements should neither suggest that online gaming presents an income generating opportunity as an alternative to employment nor depict a person playing such games is more successful than others. ASCI: The Advertising Standards Council of India, established in 1985. It is a Mumbai based self-regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry in India. It seeks to ensure that advertisements conform to its Code for Self-Regulation. Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. It is mandatory for television networks to follow the advertising code laid down by ASCI.
Checks and Balances System
Checks and Balances System Checks and balances, principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power. Checks and balances are applied primarily in constitutional governments. The system of checks and balances is essential for the proper functioning of three organs of the government. Different organs of the state impose checks and balances on the other. Separation of Power: In India, separation of functions is followed and not of powers and hence, the principle is not abided in its rigidity. In India, strict separation of powers is not followed as it is followed in the U.S. But a system of checks and balance has been embedded so much so that the courts are competent to strike down the unconstitutional amendments made by the legislature. The constitution makers have also meticulously defined the functions of various organs of the state. Legislative and executive, which acts the two facets of people’s will have all the powers including that of finance. Instruments : Executive appoints the judges. Legislatures review the functioning of the executive. Judiciary exercises judicial review over legislative and executive actions. Legislative branch removes the judges. Challenges: Weakened Legislature Scrutiny Judiciary Being Averse to Checks & Balances Judicial Activism Weakened Opposition in India Executive in India is alleged of over-centralisation of power, weakening of public institutions like CIC & RTI and passing laws to strengthen law, order & security of the state but curbs freedom of expression as well like UAPA. Way Forward: The constitution of India makes sure that the discretionary power bestowed upon any organ of the state does not breach the principles of democracy. For instance, the legislature can impeach judges but as per the condition i.e. two third majority. To strengthen the role of the opposition, the institution of shadow cabinet can be formed in India. To Introducing Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA) Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help., JOIN NOW
Redactive Pricing Audit
Redactive Pricing Audit Redaction is the selection or adaptation by removing sensitive information from a document before publication. Under redactive pricing method, CAG withheld full commercial details and blackened the figures on the procurement deal on security concerns cited by Ministry of Defence. Whether the Ministry’s insistence citing security concerns could have been accepted by the CAG can be examined only by the Supreme Court in the light of the constitutional provisions on the CAG’s duties and parliamentary privileges and prerogatives. Significance of Redactive Pricing Auditing : Parliament is constitutionally privileged to know what the executive had done and how and under what conditions procurement was decided. The CAG’s audit is expected to highlight value for money in purchase decisions. But the audit report submitted by the CAG to the President under Article 151 of the Constitution suppressed relevant information. Acceptance of ministry insistence to blackened the price citing security concerns by CAG is a matter of concern The acceptance by CAG can be examined only by the Supreme Court in the light of the constitutional provisions on the CAG’s duties and parliamentary privileges and prerogatives CAG: The CAG is mandated to audit all receipts and expenditures of the three-tier governments in India and report to the legislature judiciously, independently, objectively in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, without fear and favour. In the preface of the audit report, the CAG stated that redactive pricing was unprecedented but had to be accepted due to the Ministry’s insistence citing security concerns. CAG conducts financial compliance and performance audits and submits his reports to the legislature to help people’s representatives in enforcing legislative oversight and public accountability of the executive. Legislative committees such as the Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings examine the CAG’s selected reports. The CAG’s audit is expected to highlight value for money in any purchase decisions of the government. An audit by CAG is expected to analyse the facts and comparative pricing charts to highlight the financial propriety and prudence of the procurement decision. Performance Audit & Purchase Audit done by SAI India: The vision of Supreme Audit Institution of India (SAI) India represents what we aspire to become: We strive to be a global leader and initiator of national and international best practices in public sector auditing and accounting and recognised for independent, credible, balanced and timely reporting on public finance and governance. Read Bad Bank Audits done by SAI India can be classified into Compliance Audit Financial Audit Performance Audit. Challenges: Complex audit Pivotal to procurement Not transparent Conclusion: The CAG’s audit is expected to highlight value for money in purchase decisions. A performance audit is done to establish whether the procurement activity was executed keeping in mind economy, efficiency, effectiveness, ethics and equity. Only a thorough pricing audit can bring out the credibility and integrity of a purchase decision, thereby achieving a Supreme Audit Institution of India (SAI’s) constitutionally mandated responsibilities Read La Nina effect Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC)
Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Agricultural markets in India are mainly regulated by state Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) laws. Objective : To ensuring fair trade between buyers and sellers for effective price discovery of farmers’ produce. Regulate the trade of farmers’ produce by providing licenses to buyers, commission agents, and private markets, Levy market fees or any other charges on such trade, and Provide necessary infrastructure within their markets to facilitate the trade. Issues identified by the Committee : Most APMCs have a limited number of traders operating, which leads to cartelization and reduces competition, and Undue deductions in the form of commission charges and market fees. Traders, commission agents, and other functionaries organise themselves into associations, which do not allow easy entry of new persons into market yards, stifling competition. The Acts are highly restrictive in promotion of multiple channels of marketing (such as more buyers, private markets, direct sale to businesses and retail consumers, and online transactions) and competition in the system. Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee – Key Issues and Analysis: Availability of buyers for farmers’ produce and infrastructure: The Trade and Commerce Ordinance provides buyers the freedom to buy farmers’ produce outside the APMC markets without having any license or paying any fees to APMCs. The Contract Farming Ordinance provides a framework for buyers and farmers to enter into a contract (before a crop season starts) which guarantees farmers a minimum price and buyers an assured supply. The third Ordinance amends the Essential Commodities Act to provide that stock limits for agricultural produce can be imposed only when retail prices increase sharply and exempts value chain participants and exporters from any stock limit. The three Ordinances aim to increase the availability of buyers for farmers’ produce, by allowing them to trade freely without any license or stock limit, so that an increase in competition among them results in better prices for farmers. While the Ordinances aim to liberalise trade and increase the number of buyers, this may not be sufficient to attract more buyers. in 2006, Bihar repealed its APMC Act with a similar objective to attract private investment in the sector and gave charge of the markets to the concerned sub-divisional officers in that area. This resulted in a lack of required marketing infrastructure as the existing infrastructure eroded over time due to poor upkeep. In unregulated markets, farmers faced issues such as high transaction charges and lack of information on prices and arrival of produce. The Standing Committee on Agriculture (2018-19) recommended that the central government should create marketing infrastructure in states which do not have APMC markets (i.e. Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, and certain union territories). Gramin Agriculture Markets: Most farmers lack access to government procurement facilities and APMC markets. Small and marginal farmers (who hold 86% of the agricultural landholdings in the country) face various issues in selling their produce in APMC markets such as inadequate marketable surplus, long-distance to the nearest APMC markets, and lack of transportation facilities. The average area served by an APMC market is 496 sq. km., much higher than the 80 sq. km. recommended by the National Commission on Farmers (Chair: Dr. M. S. Swaminathan) in 2006. The Standing Committee (2018-19) noted that Gramin Haats (small rural markets) can emerge as a viable alternative for agricultural marketing if they are provided with adequate infrastructure facilities. It recommended that the Gramin Agricultural Markets scheme (which aims to improve infrastructure and civic facilities in 22,000 Gramin Haats across the country) should be made a fully funded central scheme and scaled to ensure presence of a Haat in each panchayat of the country. The central government has proposed development of basic infrastructure in Gramin Haats through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and of marketing infrastructure through the Agri-Market Infrastructure Fund. The Fund will be set up by NABARD to provide Rs 1,000 crore to states at a concessional interest rate for development of marketing infrastructure in Gramin Haats. The central government has informed that this bill allows intra-state and inter-state trade of farmers’ produce beyond the physical premises of APMC markets and other markets notified under the state APMC Acts. The Centre has said that this bill will also permit the “electronic trading of scheduled farmers’ produce (agricultural produce regulated under any state APMC Act) in the specified trade area”. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Xenobots
Xenobots Scientists in the United States have created the world’s first “living machines” — tiny robots built from the cells of the African clawed frog, that can move around on their own. They have named the millimetre-wide robots “xenobots” — after the species of aquatic frog found across sub-Saharan Africa from Nigeria and Sudan to South Africa, Xenopus laevis. “Scientists have repurposed living cells scraped from frog embryos and assembled them into entirely new life-forms.” The xenobots “can move toward a target, perhaps pick up a payload (like a medicine that needs to be carried to a specific place inside a patient) — and heal themselves after being cut”. Significance of Xenobots : While these “reconfigurable biomachines” could vastly improve human, animal and environmental health, They can also repair themselves after being damaged Some speculate they could be used to clean our polluted oceans by collecting microplastics. Similarly, they may be used to enter confined or dangerous areas to scavenge toxins or radioactive materials. Xenobots designed with carefully shaped “pouches” might be able to carry drugs into human bodies. Future versions may be built from a patient’s own cells to repair tissue or target cancers. Being biodegradable, xenobots would have an edge on technologies made of plastic or metal. Challenge: They raise legal and ethical concerns. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Jal Abhyaranya Program
Jal Abhyaranya Program Mountain natural springs are the main fresh water sources which serve nearly 40 millions of people across the Himalayas.The water problems of hill towns like Shimla are a direct result of drying of springs. According to one estimate, almost all 58,000 inhabited villages in IHR are dependent on the natural water springs or small streams originated from springs, of which at least half of the springs are drying up or have witnessed decline in water discharge resulting in acute water shortages across thousands of Himalayan villages and hill towns. GBPIHED through its various partners is taking lead in maintaining the Geo Database of spring inventory & developing demonstrative models of Gram Jal Abhyaranya in at least one village of selected districts of 12 IHR States that also include majorily the aspirational districts identified by NITI Ayog. This will help the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi in taking lead in launching a massive drive for Himalayan spring rejuvenation using Village Water Sanctuary (Gram Jal Abhyaranya) approach for rejuvenating at least one drying spring in each of the 58,000 villages with the active support of State Forest Departments and other Ministries and organizations. Envisaged Outcome: Baseline data/information of mountain springs in terms of i.e. seasonal, dry-up and perennial spring and springs characteristics in inhabited villages of all 12 Himalayan States. Operational field demonstration models in each Aspirational Districts in all 12 IHR states for field training and capacity building and creation of 1200 para- hydrogeologists. Revival/Rejuvenation of dry up spring(s) in water stress area of Himalayan State using the Technology and Community based approaches through state agencies. State specific policy documents on conservation and management options for monitoring, protection, enhancement and restoration strategies for Springs. Aspirational District for IHR: Kupwara (Jammu Kashmir), Chamba (Himachal Pradesh), Champawat/Almora* (Uttarakhand), Darjeeling* (West Bengal), West Sikkim (Sikkim); Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh), Dima Hasao* (Assam), Kiphire (Nagaland), Chandel (Manipur), Mamit (Mizoram), Dhalai (Tripura), Ribhoi (Meghalaya). Spring Rejuvenation: Though the task of revival of Himalayan springs is gigantic, it can be achieved through a systematically coordinated, combined national, state and local level initiatives involving all possible stakeholders and partners including governments, community and people at large. Read UPSC CSE Prelims 2022 Detailed Answer Key Studies conducted by RM&DD, Government of Sikkim have showed that revival of springs is possible by taking up artificial ground water recharge works in the recharge area (springshed) of the aquifer. Based on the experiments, an eight-step action plan was designed which provides a step-by-step procedure for reviving Himalayan springs. These eight steps are as follows: Comprehensive mapping of springs and springsheds. Setting up of a data monitoring system. Understanding socio-economic and governance systems of springs. Hydrogeological mapping. Creating a conceptual hydrogeological layout of the springshed. Classification of spring type, identifying mountain aquifer and demarcating recharge area. Developing springshed management and governance protocols and Impact assessment. Challenges: Community participation is key for long term sustainability of the program. Only supply side interventions are executed which may increase the water discharge for a short term but does not solve for water security in the long term. The convergence of schemes, efforts and funds remains a challenge. The knowledge remains in the hands of the experts and is not adequately transferred to the local community making the community dependent on the govt/experts. Availability of dedicated water resource personnel at the Panchayat or the village level will significantly improve the long term efficacy of the interventions. The existing programmes should have adequate funding for HR and capacity building of all the stakeholders in the programme. The programmes do not have adequate emphasis on the data collection. In absence of data, it is difficult to measure the impact of the interventions and learn from what worked and what did not work and learn from those experiences. Way Forward: Participation: To consciously and actively engage the community during the entire programme by reducing the threshold to participation and make the interactions smooth and seamless. Long Term Assets: The programme should leave long term assets (institutional and physical) across the ecosystem that would last beyond the program. Leverage local knowledge: The design should leverage both science and local knowledge. No results Telegram Name *Email *Mobile Number *PlaceRegister Now Our Programs Books Recent Posts Daily News Analysis for UPSC | Civils360 IAS | Malayalam | October 1 2024 “Mastering UPSC Public Administration Optional: Join O ur Telegram Channel for Expert Guidance” Free Public Administration Optional Answer Writing for UPSC Mains Graphene for UPSC Prelims UPSC IAS Prelims 2023 Detailed Answer Key – Civils360 Download KnotBook App Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
MicroDot Technology
MicroDot Technology “The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification GSR 521(E) … amending Central Motor Vehicle Rules, allowing motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies to be affixed with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read physically with a microscope and identified with an ultraviolet light source,” . Microdot technology involves spraying the body and parts of the vehicle or any other machine with microscopic dots, which give a unique identification. Microdots are a globally proven technology to ensure originality in spare parts of machines and components, including in the automobile sector. The government has envisaged that with microdots becoming a permanent feature in vehicles, identifying them would become easier in case they are stolen. Use of this technology will help check the theft of vehicles and also the use of fake spare parts. “The microdots and adhesive will become permanent fixtures/affixation which cannot be removed without damaging the asset, that is the vehicle itself,”. The notification says that the microdots, if affixed, will have to comply with AIS 155 requirements. Each microdot carries this identification which is registered to the owner, but is not visible to the naked eye Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Fasal Rahat Yojana
Fasal Rahat Yojana The Jharkhand government has earmarked Rs 2,000 crore for loan waiver to farmers in the state. The government is also set to replace PM Kisan Bima Yojna with the state’s own Fasal Rahat Yojna and has earmarked Rs 100 crore for this scheme. Both these initiatives are set to come into effect by the end of this month, as per details that emerged after the fourth day of the review meetings of various departments conducted by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The biggest challenge remains in implementing the loan waiver. During the Assembly Question and Answer session in March, in a response to a question on loans of farmers, the government had agreed that the farmers owed Rs 7,000 crore to the banks. During the review of the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Co-operative, the Chief Minister was informed that a state-level committee has been formed under the Agriculture Minister. “Crop loanee data have been submitted. Various banks have been asked to complete Aadhaar enabling of crop loanee. So far six lakhs Aadhaar cards have been enabled out of 12 lakh loan accounts,”. adding that the department is building a web portal for the purpose. Read Also Exchange Traded Funds The replacement of the PM Fasal Bima Yojna awaits Cabinet approval. During the review process, it emerged that under the central scheme where Rs 6,000 is paid to farmers annually in three installments, Rs 1,557 crore have been released to 32 lakh registered farmers. In addition, it emerged that 13.47 lakhs Kisan credit cards have been issued. “Deputy Commissioners have been asked to cover all PM KISAN beneficiaries under the credit card scheme,.” A review meeting was held on Monday for the Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, Minority and Backward Class Welfare Department. In one upcoming scheme, the government will select a few students every year for higher education in the United Kingdom and financial assistance will be provided, it was decided. “The institute will be paid directly. Rs 28.83 crore was spent in 2019-20 on the Birsa Awas Yojna for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups where money is being given to them for constructing a house. The SC, ST, minority and backward classes welfare department also presented that Rs 105.8 crore have been spent on distributing cycles to students in 2019-20. “A total of 29.59 lakh students were each given Rs 3500 directly into their account. In 2019-20, the department spent Rs 244.44 crore under the state’s Prematric Scholarship Scheme. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Bannerghatta National Park
Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park is a unique region of ecological importance as it’s situated on the northern terminal point of Mysuru Elephant Reserve. The Park plays a major role in conservation of rich floral, faunal diversity , sequester carbon and sustains regional hydrology. To protect and conserve Wildlife and Environment through Sustainable and Scientific management of zoo. The main objective of the zoo is ex- situ conservation and augment the depleting population of the endangered species. At present over 2300 animals belonging to 103 species are being protected in naturalistic environment and provided with veterinary care at the Park. To Inspire, Inform, Enhance Scientific literacy of citizens to support national effort of Conservation of rich Biodiversity on Earth. Objectives: To compliment and strengthen the national efforts in ex-situ conservation and strength the conservation of the rich Bio-Diversity of the country, particularly the fauna. Supporting the conservation of endangered species by giving species, which have no chance of survival in wild, a last chance of survival through coordinated breeding under ex-situ condition and raise stocks for rehabilitating them in wild as and when it is appropriate and desirable To inspire amongst zoo visitors empathy for wild animals, an understanding and awareness about the need for conservation of natural resources and for maintaining the ecological balance. Providing opportunities for scientific studies, Research and documentation on conservation and creation of database for sharing between authorities involved in In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation. Bring awareness to the public on conservation and propagation of wildlife by conducting regular awareness and education campaigns and programs Providing dedicated facilities for the rescued and orphaned wild animals by providing appropriate housing, clinical and management facilities in off-the display area To serve as gene pool and germplasm reserve for future biological research on wild animals and to extend facilities for studies on behaviour and breeding of different animals. To create awareness about nature and wildlife conservation to the visiting tourists. To sustain the founder population and also to augment the depleting populations of endangered species in the wild. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Kra Canal
Kra Canal The Kra Canal project, a proposal 120-kilometer mega canal cutting through the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand could have been a crucial strategic asset for China, allowing the Chinese navy to move freely and quickly between its newly constructed bases in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. The project was China’s response to putting an end to the Malacca dilemma by bypassing the Strait of Malacca, a narrow chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Key Highlights of Kra Canal: Kra Canal project, if constructed, would allow China to bypass the Strait of Malacca Purchase of two Chinese submarines worth USD 724 million delayed China losing key allies in Indo-Pacific Region China’s Malacca dilemma continues to haunt it after Thailand announced it will scrap the Kra Canal project that Beijing wanted to build to bypass the Strait of Malacca. The Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits, a strategic chokepoint, after the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh. This comes as a double blow to China amid a standoff with India. The Thai government has also delayed the purchase of two Chinese submarines worth USD 724 million after facing intense pressure from its arch-rival Pheu Thai Party and the public. Thailand no longer wants the Kra Canal as it is turned out to be infeasible both economically and politically. According to a report in the Foreign Policy, there were concerns that the canal would undermine the independence of poor Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference China-Indo –pacific Apart from the cancellation of the canal, the Royal Thai Navy told the parliament’s budget committee to slash the submarine procurement funding to zero for this fiscal year with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who also holds the post of Defence Minister, telling the Navy to postpone the agreement until the fiscal year 2022. Thailand was planning to purchase two Yuan-class S26T submarines for 22.5 billion baht (USD 720 million) over seven years. These new developments might force China to introspect why it is losing key allies in the Indo-Pacific and why aggression, intimidation and coercion rarely work in bilateral relations. Benefits: The Kra canal is its financial viability : The route through the Kra canal will only result in a saving of 10 hours for merchant traffic, as compared to the Malacca Strait, the cost of fuel saved is likely to be only around $25,000, a fraction of the transit cost of over $500,000. The savings in distance and time expected for the merchant marine: the total distance saved by routing maritime traffic through Kra Canal instead of transiting through the Malacca Strait is less than 500 kilometres. The distance is translated into actual transit time of merchant ships, the resultant saving in time is well under 10 hours. Challenges: The geo-strategic significance of the project, the assessment mentions that Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, has the South China Sea (SCS) to the East and Andaman Sea to the West. There are presently three major Straits in the region: Malacca, Sunda and Lombok. The preponderance of maritime trade passes through Malacca Strait, which is the busiest in the world,” the assessment reads. “The proposed Kra canal, if constructed, would bifurcate Thailand’s Kra isthmus and directly connect the SCS and Andaman Sea, bypassing Malacca.” This project is likely to cause major environmental issues for Thailand, and would also negatively affect marine ecology and tourist sites (over 20 per cent of Thailand’s GDP is based on tourism). This project is likely to cause major environmental issues for Thailand, and would also negatively affect marine ecology and tourist sites (over 20 per cent of Thailand’s GDP is based on tourism). India should capitalise on the opportunity – bundled with its own set of challenges – that the Kra Canal offers and offer transhipment ports to vessels bound for either Malacca or Kra Canal. As of now, ships wait for their turn at Sri Lankan ports, earning Colombo precious foreign exchange as well as leverage. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
